Every time I walk into our day care with my children, I catch sight of myself in this window. Over the years, it has reflected every stage of motherhood I have seen.
In August 2011, it was the first day for five-month-old Abby. She used to go one half-day a week while I taught my classes. I had a chubby little baby in my arms, and a ladybug backpack on my back. I wasn’t nervous, and I wasn’t upset. I had a good feeling about this day care. I was right.
Over the years, I’ve seen the window reflect a baby on my hip, a toddler on my shoulders, my own unencumbered frame as my toddler walked in herself, my hot, sweaty face as I waddled in pregnant with Pepper, A tiny days-old newborn curled into my neck, a chubby little baby on my hip, a toddler under one arm and a baby under the other, and back again to just me as my girls are carried by their own legs into the place full of people who take care of them while I work.
I feel so fortunate to have found such a wonderful day care for my girls, and quite by fate at that. It was close enough for me to come and breastfeed Pepper in between classes, and to peek in on Abby playing with her friends. Every single time I’ve walked through these doors unexpectedly, I’ve seen nothing but pure love and care and genuine happiness in each of the rooms as I pass by. Pleasant workers and safe, content children. I am going to miss this place a lot.
Even though my girls only go once a week (Abby goes twice), they have still formed little friendships, and attachments to their carers. I have made friends with the other mums, and a comfortable rapport with those who work there. Having worked in child care myself, I know what a demanding but unbelievably rewarding job it is. I never take for granted that these people care for my babies so well, and I like to think I tell them often how grateful I am for the job that they do. But I doubt it’s ever enough!
For all y’all who look after other people’s children for a living, high five to you. For those of you who look after my babies, a high ten. Their lives are richer for having been in your care.
I’m sorry for that time Pepper spewed on you.
That’s beautiful. I still have huge love for the woman who cared for my kids when they were little and I worked, she was like a bonus mum for them.
I love seeing it like that. More people to love my kids!
That’s a huge day! I think our kidlets might go to the same care, I was sure I saw you at the break up party but didn’t want to look like a weirdo! ” I just love your blog!” If it is the same place. They are amazing amazing!!!!! LOVE it.
Haha did I look tired? In that case, yeah it was me!
Are your kids in the same rooms as mine? Everyone there is so rad.
I have Eden I think maybe your youngest might be. We are moving too and they were devo when we told them!! I am devo too. So sad. We live 2minutes away! So sometimes I walk her there & back! Gonna miss that too.
Aren’t we lucky they had such a wonderful start! Pity I won’t get to say hi to you (unless you’re there this afternoon!) x
We had the very best day care when were living in NSW. Every other day care has been measured against that place. Once you find awesome carers in an awesome enviroment its hard to let go.
I’ve also worked in day care & its always a bit sad when your kids grow up or move away. Your not supposed to have favourites but you always do 😉
Haha yep, I totally get that! I’m wondering how much I’ll measure the new day care with this one. I bet it’s wonderful too 🙂
Oh I am just about to enter into daycare world – I think I am more nervous than my one and a half year old. Good to hear happy experiences!
My kids love it! Never had a problem. I hope you get the same 🙂
Such a nice post!
I love our child care…and more importantly, Toddler C loves it.
The look on his face as he runs down that ramp to see which of his friends is at school, already busy playing in the sand pit is just priceless…although I could do without taking home a beach load of sand every day!
Haha oh the sand. many times we’ve been sprung taking a shoe off and flooding our living room with it!
I do love seeing how excited they get when they find their little friends 🙂
I love our kids’ daycare. They’re so good with all of the kids. And so patient!!
They really are a wonderful kind of person, aren’t they?!
We leave ours this Friday. I am really going to miss it, I keep counting down the days but I don’t think Immy even realises what she is leaving.
No Abby doesn’t realise either. I keep talking to her about a new day care and making new friends, but I’m not sure how much of that she really understands. I can’t believe today is our last day! so crazy. Good luck with your transition x
love.
Wah.
Oh my goodness, one of my saddest days when my 4year old moved onto Kindy away from childcare. Lucky we still have our three year old there and I am already excited for our new buns to attend, our kids have loved it so much. Childcare is completely underrated and I see it as my village helping to raise my children. Great post!
BUNS IS HILARIOUS!
Also love the village thing. totally.
Bubs I meant! Not buns!
Loved reading this! Helped me feel a bit better about taking the plunge into the world of daycare in January. Still nervous but less so having read/heard so many positive stories and experiences.
Oh I hope so! We’ve just had a really wonderful experience all round. Not sure if it’s because they started going so early they were just used to it, or if that had nothing to do with it. I’m worried a little bit about their transition to a new one, but they’re adaptable little fellas 🙂
I don’t even know how to put into words how much I love my kids preschool teachers. There’s one in particular – she’s kind and gentle and strong – I feel so lucky/blessed/undeserving (see? No words) that my kids have the honour of being under her care. All the best for finding somewhere new next year! X
I love that they learn so much from such a broad range of people and cultures. I’ve got a good feeling about this new one too 🙂