This is Sylvie's new Kai-Lan back pack and lunch box. That's right, our little girl is slowly starting day care this week. We feel very lucky that a friend we have known for many years has her own licensed day care in her home. While I'm not going back to work until the end of May, we wanted to have a slow start to day care and gradually increase her time over the next few months. I also have to write my thesis, and would like to have the first draft completed before returning to work, so I will use this time hanging out at the library typing away. For some unknown reason I'm finding it a little hard to use my "free" time to write at home - I don't know how I will survive without having an afternoon nap when I go back to work. I think I might have to schedule a snooze in for myself and my class!
We had an orientation on Monday where we both hung out and played together with all the toys and other children. Sylvie loves the toy kitchen and all the new toys. Then on Tuesday Sylvie went for a shortened day. I dropped her off and stayed for a bit, but she went off right away to play with the toy kitchen again. I told her good bye and said I would be back after nap time, and she just waved and said "bye-bye".
Apparently Sylvie did very well. Mama on the other hand was at a bit of a loss all day. I'm so used to having my little side kick beside me (or underfoot) I didn't quite know what to do. I met Cory at noon and we went to a downtown restaurant for lunch together. Out of all the restaurants and pub selections we somehow chose Kelly O'Bryan's - a family restaurant. Sigh... I know we didn't make the most wisest use of our alone time when I saw crayons at the front door waiting to be handed out. Next time we will be visiting an establishment we might not otherwise have the chance to with Sylvie.
After lunch I went back to the library for another bit of time and then went to pick Sylvie up. She was happy to see me and wanted to be picked up right away even though she was eating her snack... yey - I'm more popular than cheese! I knew it would happen one day ;)
So Sylvie is now tucked into bed and I'm pondering...worrying...contemplating...our day apart. See, as an adoptive mother I have a few more concerns than the average mom. Sylvie was "great" today. I wish I could just go with it and be good, but instead... I worry.
She didn't cry when I left today (or when I leave her with Daddy either). Does this mean she isn't securely attached to me? Is she just too used to having people come and go to meet her needs? Or, is she securely attached to me and she knows Mama WILL come back, like the other times when I leave her with Daddy? Needless to day, when we got home there was lots of cuddling, hugging and playing together in the bath.
So those are my thoughts after this new "first" for Sylvie and I. I think I will finish my glass of wine, have bubble bath and try to go to sleep leaving my worries for another day.
Awww, I think it's AWESOME that she did so well. It's a concern of any mother, that she's not "needed" by her child, but in the end it's about raising a child who CAN learn to be independent as they grow... that's the main goal of parenthood. So I think you're doing a fabulous job!
ReplyDelete:) :) :)
She knows Mama will be back :)
I get what you say about raising a child who CAN learn to be independent as they grow.
ReplyDeleteMy concern and goal, as an adoptive mother of a child who lived in care with multiple caregivers, is trying to teach Sylvie to BE dependent, specifically on us - her parents.
She already has the independence thing down pat, it is trying to reverse/alter/reduce that strong survival inclination of hers.
And yes, I will be back - she's stuck with me now... mo-ha-ha!
It sounds like she is doing great! It would be awful, if she had a really hard time and May came and you HAD to leave her there without this adjustment period. It seems she prefers you and is glad when you come to get her!
ReplyDeleteOne adjustment after another hey?
My heart goes out to you. I understand your concerns and am starting to have the same worries as you.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean. I hate to say it, but i get the feeling that I will be doing the evalulation for a very long time. Attached or unattached - that IS the question. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the back pack too.
As my Ping whose only been home 6 weeks starts Junior Kindergarden this week I can sooo relate to your thoughts. But the most important question that I need to know is.....Where can I buy that KaiLan BackPack? She has managed to communicate to me that she wants one and I can't find it!!! Email me privately if you can guie me to the right store (-: Berzenji@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Roberta