This week I started a new little one. He is two months old and he is DEMANDING! He's the kind of baby that always drifts off when you feed him. Then when you lay him down he wakes up and starts crying. You pick him up and his eyes roll in the back of his head. You lay him down and "Waaaa!" So not really colicky per say, but demanding for sure. I've finally figure out that instead of feeding him in my arms, if I put him in his crib and feed him I don't have to move him a,nd he stays asleep......most of the time. It's not uncommon to think you've got him down and then he wake up and discovers you are not holding him and.....well you get my drift.
The kids have spent a lot of this week holding their ears. They're not quite used to having a little screaming baby around, but they do adore him none the less. Let's face it, there are 4 other children that have to be fed and two of them have to be changed. Then there is preschool time, craft time, toddler time, and story time. The toddlers are very hands on at the moment as they are always getting into squabbles and are learning very slowly that good friends don't steal toys from one another, hit, or push.. I can't hold a baby the entire day. Some screaming has to take place so I can take care of everyone's needs. I thought about using a carrier, but it is just so hot and humid that I think we would both die; I am moving around so much during the day that I am typically burning up most of the day without carrying a baby, especially when I cook and clean. Thank the sweet Lord Kadyn LOVES babies. She has helped me out a lot with this little guy singing to him, dancing for him, even holding his bottle so I can fix lunch and snacks.
It's been a very stressful week to say the least. And to top it all off, all three of the kiddos I watch are in broken families. That has added quite a bit of drama to my week. It affects their kids and it in turn affects me. Many of the behaviors I battle are brought into my home because they are learned from other homes. I can't help but think God must be bringing me these families for a reason. I feel we have become a safe place for these children. I prayed when we moved to our home that God would use our family and our home to bless others. I guess he is answering that prayer. I adore these mothers and admire them for their courage and strength. I pray for them and their families and my heart aches for what they have to go through. It makes me realize that even though this is stressful, I am glad to serve them.
Let's just say that I end my week completely spent. Jeff has to work all night tonight and all day both Saturday and Sunday, so I won't get much of a break, but I must say watching the girls is a breeze compared to what I do on most days. I am so thankful I have the kids I do. They are soooooo easy compared to most kids I see. I am really, REALLY blessed. Most days I am so appreciative of the opportunity to do what I do because it allows me to stay at home with my children and it gives them exposure to other children which I feel is really important for their social development. For the longest time we have found a good rhythm that has worked really well for everyone. The addition of this new demanding fellow has been tough. I'm doubtful it will be for long though as the mother may be moving soon to a new town so I will be looking for another shortly.
So you may be wondering. Why the addition of another child when it adds so much stress to my day? Let's just say, I have goals and in order to achieve them, we need a little more income. I am convinced that in time we will find a new rhythm that works well for us. And with a little patience and guidance, children outgrow their difficult phases. Exhausting....absolutely, but if it helps me get to my goal, it will be worth it and every stressful day molds me into a better mother, wife, and overall person. I feel like I have had to learn more patience now than I have my ENTIRE life. As I have said in another post, God is sustaining me. I can feel his presence everyday helping me. Without that, I think I would go insane on some days. I'm not entirely sure we will reach my goal, and this could all be in vain, but I will never know if I don't try.
So anyways.....it feels good to talk about it. When you spend the entire day with five little buggers pulling you in a thousand different directions and no adult to talk too you have to find a different way to release. This post just helped me do just that. Thanks for reading. I feel much better. Now if I can just make it until 8:00. I have a date with a Grey's Anatomy rerun and half a tub of Ben and Jerrys double fudge brownie icecream. Ahhhhhh! Sweet release!
P.S. I am SO over my sugar hiatus
Showing posts with label daycare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label daycare. Show all posts
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Hands on education
This week has been kind of fun for crafts/preschool time at our house. One day, out of the blue, I decided to take a detour from our nutrition lessons and do something just for fun. I looked up a "how to" on making a paper boat. I had the kids color and decorate a sheet of paper, then I folded into the boat shape and added tin foil to the bottom to make it a little more waterproof. I can't just do a craft without there being a little learning involved, so we all went to the sink and did a little experiment with different objects. They guessed whether they would float or sink. Then I really threw them for a loop when I put a glass cup in the water. It floated when I put it in the sink rightside up. It sank when I turned it sideways. It was a cool lesson on how air can make heavy objects float. Then the grand finale was getting to see if our boats would float down our creek.
Once Kadyn got over her fear of water bugs, they had fun. The boats did pretty well until water got on the inside of the boats. It was a little downhill from there, but they still enjoyed themselves in the creek which, by the way, had very COLD water.
The following day we went forward with our nutrition lesson. We were going to learn about the bread/grain food group. I searched and searched for a craft that involved bread/grains, but it was difficult. Then I ran into the idea of making a teddy bear out of dough. I had seen the activity once in a the magazine Family Fun and forgotten all about it. I'm pretty sure one of my readers also did this with her little one too. Anyhoo....I controlled the really messy parts just to make sure I didn't regret the activity all together. The kids got to dump in some of the ingredients, watch me kneed the dough and form the big parts, and then they got to make the limbs and put on some of the raisins. Later we ate it for a snack with some apple butter as dipping sauce. They thought it was quite tasty. It was fun and different from our normal paper crafts (which we resumed today when we made the 5 food groups mobile). Anyhow, just wanted to share. Sometimes when my little creative wheel gets to going, life can be very amusing.
Once Kadyn got over her fear of water bugs, they had fun. The boats did pretty well until water got on the inside of the boats. It was a little downhill from there, but they still enjoyed themselves in the creek which, by the way, had very COLD water.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
A Little Stressor
I am grateful for my job. It has kept us afloat financially (an answer to prayer). It has provided socialization for my little ones. Best of all, it has allowed me to stay at home with my kiddos. Most days are good. However, if you will bear with me for a moment, I need to let off a little steam. The one thing that stresses me out the most about my job, isn't the kids, it's the parents. Don't get me wrong, I have great parents to work with. I feel fortunate because I know they appreciate me and they always pay on time. So what do you wonder if my big beef?
I am a very scheduled person. I believe sticking to a schedule really gives kids a sense of security and often times eliminates melt downs and other battles. I'm not to the T on my schedule, but generally we try to eat and nap around the same time each day; our craft times and story times can vary a little more. The kids know what is coming and when it's coming, and so they don't have to fuss to get my attention and tell me what they need. I guess a schedule is really meant to anticipate their needs before it gets to that point where it's too late, if that makes any sense. Anyhow, both work with are in the entertainment biz. Their hours are not your typical 9-5.
I never know when the oldest child is going to show up. There will be times he shows up in the middle of lunch, sometimes after lunch, sometimes first thing in the morning. He gets picked up, for the most part, at the same time everyday, but sometimes that even changes. Mondays are a day off for his father, so sometimes he keeps him the entire day, sometimes not. Sometimes they give me advance warning of these things, sometimes they don't, and sometimes they wait until last minute to tell me of these things. It DRIVES ME BONKERS! Planning meals, snacks, crafts, all of that depends on whether he is here or not. There have been many times we have been sitting down eating and I have to get up in the middle of lunch and make another plate in a hurry. I could go on, but I digress.
The youngest child can sometimes be dropped off at various times and picked up at various times, but for the most part, her schedule seems pretty consistent. Days that she is here an entire day are smooth! I have her on a schedule on those days and it works great for all of us. However, on days her father picks her up I never know when to expect him. He has never once picked her up when he says he's going to. This can make it difficult for me to decide if I should move on with our normal schedule or not as I don't want him showing up in the middle of her snack. Doesn't seem fair to sit her down, let her get all messy and into her snack and then take her out and clean her up before she's done because Dad showed up. Today she was dropped off right after lunch (not her usual time) and she fell asleep in the car on the way over (it was nap time). That meant she didn't get the full nap in and could really use some more sleep. You all know where this is going Mamas. Did she fight going down? Absolutely. Did it stress me out....absolutely!
Anyhow, this is an area I really need to work on. I feel bad that I can't just go with the flow more. I know how fortunate I am that I have these children, who really are good kids, and have good parents. I realize that the parents don't have typical hours and they are just trying to be with their children as much as possible on their time off. I need to just accept that there are going to be days that don't run as smoothly because somebody showed up at a difficult time or didn't get picked up on time, etc. I need to accept that even though I make a plan, it doesn't always mean that I'm going to be able to stick to it. I feel guilty that I let it upset me this much. I guess God's going to have to work with me on this.
I am a very scheduled person. I believe sticking to a schedule really gives kids a sense of security and often times eliminates melt downs and other battles. I'm not to the T on my schedule, but generally we try to eat and nap around the same time each day; our craft times and story times can vary a little more. The kids know what is coming and when it's coming, and so they don't have to fuss to get my attention and tell me what they need. I guess a schedule is really meant to anticipate their needs before it gets to that point where it's too late, if that makes any sense. Anyhow, both work with are in the entertainment biz. Their hours are not your typical 9-5.
I never know when the oldest child is going to show up. There will be times he shows up in the middle of lunch, sometimes after lunch, sometimes first thing in the morning. He gets picked up, for the most part, at the same time everyday, but sometimes that even changes. Mondays are a day off for his father, so sometimes he keeps him the entire day, sometimes not. Sometimes they give me advance warning of these things, sometimes they don't, and sometimes they wait until last minute to tell me of these things. It DRIVES ME BONKERS! Planning meals, snacks, crafts, all of that depends on whether he is here or not. There have been many times we have been sitting down eating and I have to get up in the middle of lunch and make another plate in a hurry. I could go on, but I digress.
The youngest child can sometimes be dropped off at various times and picked up at various times, but for the most part, her schedule seems pretty consistent. Days that she is here an entire day are smooth! I have her on a schedule on those days and it works great for all of us. However, on days her father picks her up I never know when to expect him. He has never once picked her up when he says he's going to. This can make it difficult for me to decide if I should move on with our normal schedule or not as I don't want him showing up in the middle of her snack. Doesn't seem fair to sit her down, let her get all messy and into her snack and then take her out and clean her up before she's done because Dad showed up. Today she was dropped off right after lunch (not her usual time) and she fell asleep in the car on the way over (it was nap time). That meant she didn't get the full nap in and could really use some more sleep. You all know where this is going Mamas. Did she fight going down? Absolutely. Did it stress me out....absolutely!
Anyhow, this is an area I really need to work on. I feel bad that I can't just go with the flow more. I know how fortunate I am that I have these children, who really are good kids, and have good parents. I realize that the parents don't have typical hours and they are just trying to be with their children as much as possible on their time off. I need to just accept that there are going to be days that don't run as smoothly because somebody showed up at a difficult time or didn't get picked up on time, etc. I need to accept that even though I make a plan, it doesn't always mean that I'm going to be able to stick to it. I feel guilty that I let it upset me this much. I guess God's going to have to work with me on this.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Starting a new day
Today I will be starting a new little one. We are all excited because it will be the first girl I have ever babysat. She is younger than I had hoped to find. She is 7 months old. However, Kadyn and the other little boy I babysit are 9 months apart in age and play together beautifully. I figure in time, it will be the same case for Brennan and this little one. It sounds like her schedule is very close to Brennan's schedule which will make things 10 times easier for me. Her mother performs in 3 different shows down here. I know this sounds ridiculous, but it almost made me feel as though I was babysitting a famous person's kid. Laugh if you must:)
Anyhow, she won't be here for the full 10 hours each day, but long enough to be considered full time. We are all excited to add a little more estrogen to the house. I wonder how Brennan will react. I guess we'll find out in an hour and a half from now.
I am still trying to fill 2 more spots. The calls for these openings have been far and few in between. I have posted an ad in Craig's list. I have put up a sign at the entrance to our subdivision. I have notified the church of the openings in case anyone asks for a referral, and I will be sending flyers to all the moms of the PM MOPS group. Jeff was kind enough to set up a website for me. I felt this was a must to up the level of professionalism, and it would help me advertise a little bit better. If you are curious you can check it out at www.tinytoes.us. He did a fantastic job, although he thinks his work is amateur. I think it's perfect! We still have to add two testimonials, but after that it will be complete. I think I have one more sign to post, and then we can just sit back and wait to see what God brings our way.
Last week was a trying week. I really REALLY needed to fill the the little guy's spot who left us this week. I barely got any calls. I was clinging to prayer and scriptures about God's provision and purpose in my life. I commited one to memory. I tried to lay it in his hands and know he would provide somehow and quit worrying. It was hard. Just when it seemed we were going to start this week minus one child, I got a call from the 7 month old's mother. We met Sunday night and plans were made to start today. My Mom has always commented how God likes to do things last minute. I suppose this is to force us to cling to him and commune with him. I suppose he got exactly what he wanted because that's exactly what he did and.....he came through for me like he always does time and time again.
So...here's to a new start with a new child. Thank you sweet Jesus for new beginnings and provisions. I pray that we will a blessing to her and her family as I know they will be to us as well.
Anyhow, she won't be here for the full 10 hours each day, but long enough to be considered full time. We are all excited to add a little more estrogen to the house. I wonder how Brennan will react. I guess we'll find out in an hour and a half from now.
I am still trying to fill 2 more spots. The calls for these openings have been far and few in between. I have posted an ad in Craig's list. I have put up a sign at the entrance to our subdivision. I have notified the church of the openings in case anyone asks for a referral, and I will be sending flyers to all the moms of the PM MOPS group. Jeff was kind enough to set up a website for me. I felt this was a must to up the level of professionalism, and it would help me advertise a little bit better. If you are curious you can check it out at www.tinytoes.us. He did a fantastic job, although he thinks his work is amateur. I think it's perfect! We still have to add two testimonials, but after that it will be complete. I think I have one more sign to post, and then we can just sit back and wait to see what God brings our way.
Last week was a trying week. I really REALLY needed to fill the the little guy's spot who left us this week. I barely got any calls. I was clinging to prayer and scriptures about God's provision and purpose in my life. I commited one to memory. I tried to lay it in his hands and know he would provide somehow and quit worrying. It was hard. Just when it seemed we were going to start this week minus one child, I got a call from the 7 month old's mother. We met Sunday night and plans were made to start today. My Mom has always commented how God likes to do things last minute. I suppose this is to force us to cling to him and commune with him. I suppose he got exactly what he wanted because that's exactly what he did and.....he came through for me like he always does time and time again.
So...here's to a new start with a new child. Thank you sweet Jesus for new beginnings and provisions. I pray that we will a blessing to her and her family as I know they will be to us as well.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The search begins again.
Today I received words that Brennan's buddy will be with us for only two more weeks; for reasons that were no fault of my own (mostly logistical in nature). I felt relieved and panicked all at the same time. It has become very obvious that my passions for doing what I do really involve the preschool aged child. Although, I love that Brennan has a pal her own age. I could tell she really enjoys being around the little guy. Therefore, his replacement is really in God's hands. God knows I love being able to teach. Preschoolers are the perfect age for learning in a more structured manner. I really hope and pray that he finds more children ages 2-5 for me to care for and work with. Since I will be advertising to find a replacement for the one year old, I figured I mine as well open up the other two spots I wanted to open. Spring is just around the corner and Jeff needs one more good weekend to finish up the drywall project in the basement and then we will have more space to play and have fun.
The panic that swept over me after today's news was that thought of, "Oh my what if we don't find a replacement? We need that income." I get so frustrated with myself for thinking such things. God has provided for us always. We have never been without. Why would he stop now? I hate that I always fall victim to Satan's attacks with doubt, insecurity, and lack of faith. I have given this over to God and am hoping in return he provides me the peace and security I seem to be missing today. We will be OK. I am hoping that this door is being closed because an even better one is about to open. That thought did cross my mind right away when I was told my little guy would be leaving in two weeks.
So here's to new opportunities. It will be interesting to see how God plays this one out.
The panic that swept over me after today's news was that thought of, "Oh my what if we don't find a replacement? We need that income." I get so frustrated with myself for thinking such things. God has provided for us always. We have never been without. Why would he stop now? I hate that I always fall victim to Satan's attacks with doubt, insecurity, and lack of faith. I have given this over to God and am hoping in return he provides me the peace and security I seem to be missing today. We will be OK. I am hoping that this door is being closed because an even better one is about to open. That thought did cross my mind right away when I was told my little guy would be leaving in two weeks.
So here's to new opportunities. It will be interesting to see how God plays this one out.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wish come true.
With a little help from God, my wish came true. Both boys are staying at home today. It is snowing like crazy right now, and we live at the bottom of a very steep hill. Our street has yet to be plowed. I am not charging the parents for today even though it was their choice not to bring the boys because I felt bad that it is due to our hill. This snow couldn't have come at a more perfect time. Everyone needs to just stay at home and rest. Sometimes answers to prayers come in such unexpected ways. I find it hard to believe that God sent the snow just for me, but I've caught myself pondering it.
Anyhow, the girls came back from the doctor with meds. Each was prescribed a different antibiotic. Brennan was also given a breathing treatment since the nurse practitioner heard a little bit of wheezing in her chest. She also turned out to have an ear infection. This explains A LOT! No wonder she was miserable. Glad I took them in. Brennan fell asleep in the van and maybe got 15 minutes of sleep. Therefore, she refused to take a nap. I was bracing myself for another cranky, clingy day. It was actually quite the opposite. For the first time (in I don't know how long) she was happy, content, and just delightful.
On the contrary, Brennan slept awful last night. She didn't cough at all, so I'm guessing it was the ear, the lack of a nap, or teething that was preventing her from resting well. I ended up sleeping with her on my chest on the couch after the third time having to get up with her. Consequently, I'm exhausted.
Hoping today brings some normalcy, some healing, and some rest. I'm looking forward to having a houseful of happy, healthy children come Monday morning. I'm looking forward to being healthy myself. A change is a coming. I can feel it:)
Anyhow, the girls came back from the doctor with meds. Each was prescribed a different antibiotic. Brennan was also given a breathing treatment since the nurse practitioner heard a little bit of wheezing in her chest. She also turned out to have an ear infection. This explains A LOT! No wonder she was miserable. Glad I took them in. Brennan fell asleep in the van and maybe got 15 minutes of sleep. Therefore, she refused to take a nap. I was bracing myself for another cranky, clingy day. It was actually quite the opposite. For the first time (in I don't know how long) she was happy, content, and just delightful.
On the contrary, Brennan slept awful last night. She didn't cough at all, so I'm guessing it was the ear, the lack of a nap, or teething that was preventing her from resting well. I ended up sleeping with her on my chest on the couch after the third time having to get up with her. Consequently, I'm exhausted.
Hoping today brings some normalcy, some healing, and some rest. I'm looking forward to having a houseful of happy, healthy children come Monday morning. I'm looking forward to being healthy myself. A change is a coming. I can feel it:)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Just go home and get better
Yesterday was a trying time at daycare. It's hard enough taking of one sick child let alone 5 sick children all while being sick yourself. Thankfully, one of the parents had enough smarts to keep her son home today. My house was a living germ yesterday. I was covered in snot, coughed on, and sneezed on. Kids were fighting more than normal. Preschool time was a flop, as little Sean just glazed over when I tried to work with him on numbers 1-3. Both boys have confirmed cases of croup. Little Kie especially isn't doing well. He's so tired, but having trouble sleeping. He has NO appetite, and he just wants his mom. I can't really blame him. Given his condition, I'd want my mom too.
I'm pretty sure my girls have croup too, but I really don't feel they need to go to the doc. The drugs that they can give them only treat the symptoms; it is a virus that really just has to run it's course. Other than that, the course of treatment is humidifiers and lots of fluids. Apparently, croup mostly acts up at night. Some kids will wake coughing and can't stop and often times have trouble breathing. My girls have had pretty restful nights of sleep with occasional coughs. Therefore, I didn't feel it necessary to take them in yet, and they are pretty happy most of the day. When they wake and start coughing, it just sounds awful but they have never had trouble breathing and if they do, I will get them in ASAP. I feel like I want to cough for them; you can just hear the mucus in there trying to get out. It is nasty stuff. They have never had croup before so this is new territory for me.
Anyhow, for those who've been through it before with your own kids, you understand my pain. I really just wish everyone would keep their kids home until they felt better. However, for one of the parents, it just isn't an option. She is a single mom of two and out of sick days. So for now, we are praying for healing and hoping God comes through quickly. I don't wish this on anyone.
UPDATE: Scheduled an appt. with the doc at 11:00 today. Jeff will have to take them in. Another mom told me horror stories of croup. This mommy doesn't want to be one of those horror stories.
I'm pretty sure my girls have croup too, but I really don't feel they need to go to the doc. The drugs that they can give them only treat the symptoms; it is a virus that really just has to run it's course. Other than that, the course of treatment is humidifiers and lots of fluids. Apparently, croup mostly acts up at night. Some kids will wake coughing and can't stop and often times have trouble breathing. My girls have had pretty restful nights of sleep with occasional coughs. Therefore, I didn't feel it necessary to take them in yet, and they are pretty happy most of the day. When they wake and start coughing, it just sounds awful but they have never had trouble breathing and if they do, I will get them in ASAP. I feel like I want to cough for them; you can just hear the mucus in there trying to get out. It is nasty stuff. They have never had croup before so this is new territory for me.
Anyhow, for those who've been through it before with your own kids, you understand my pain. I really just wish everyone would keep their kids home until they felt better. However, for one of the parents, it just isn't an option. She is a single mom of two and out of sick days. So for now, we are praying for healing and hoping God comes through quickly. I don't wish this on anyone.
UPDATE: Scheduled an appt. with the doc at 11:00 today. Jeff will have to take them in. Another mom told me horror stories of croup. This mommy doesn't want to be one of those horror stories.
Friday, January 22, 2010
A full week...almost
Well I have completed almost a full week of daycare now minus one day off for a puking daughter. I feel really good about daycare. I feel relieved that the girls don't seem short changed by my divided attention. In fact, they are really enjoying the new company. Kadyn especially has enjoyed having another playmate. She has, however, tried her hand a few times at being a tattle tail. We had to have a discussion about that. Brennan lights up when she sees Kie, but when she's had her fill, she's back to following me around and whining until I pick her up or play with her, so not much has changed there really. Today she had her feelings hurt when Kie grabbed a fist full of hair and pulled very hard. Thus, I started teaching the babies the sign language for "I'm sorry." She must have forgotten the episode very quickly because she smooched him twice and laid her head on his shoulder later that afternoon. The girl is a lover, what can I say.
I can say that this time running the daycare has fulfilled me in a whole new way. I really didn't get to do much preschool learnings activities last time because of the age of the kids. However, this time I am going full force with it. My brain has come alive with new and exciting ways to teach counting, addition, subtraction, ABC's, colors, writing, you name it. When I see a challenge I am intrigued and excited to find a new and constructive way to teach that concept better. Sean as I mentioned before is really a blank slate at the moment. He is a very physical boy. He doesn't have the focus and attention span that Kadyn does or did at that age, so I have been trying to think up ways to make his learning more active. I'm excited to see if my ideas work. I guess all this is to say, I'm getting to fulfill my teaching itch through this, and it has been rewarding. And to top it all off, I am able to incorporate my faith into it all without the slightest bit of doubt that I am overstepping my boundaries; this was a issue I did have to deal with while teaching in the public schools. There is nothing more rewarding to me than share knowledge with a child. To see a child go from knowing nothing about some things to learning about them and then seeing their world in a whole new exciting way. I swear I can literally see the little light bulbs above there heads light up when they "get" something. It's a look that's written all over their face that just shouts, "Oh my gosh, I really get it. I did that. I get it. It makes sense." That imparting of knowledge makes me feel purposed and accomplished.
I've very excited about teaching Kie preschool when he gets to that age. That kid has a huge attention span for a one year old. He loves learning. I do flashcards with him that have come with the reading video that his mother has requested I use with him daily. He LOVES them. He cries when I put them away. His face lights up when he hears the music of the reading video play. He plays with such determination to figure things out. He's playful and completely content as long as all his needs are met. Such an easy, delightful child. Today I knew we were forming a bond when he crawled over to me while his mother and I were talking and tried to get me to pick him up.
Aside from some napping issues I had earlier the only other real challenge for me has been some minor discipline issues with Sean. We are working through it and he has been really sweet when we find resolution, throwing his arms around me and giving me a big tight hug. If I'm not careful, I may grow a small attachment to these boys. They are pretty cute.
So all in all, I end this week hopeful and optimistic that this time it will be different. This time I may grow to love doing this. I know there are going to be days that are not too peachy, but as long as my girls are happy and fulfilled, I can do this.
I can say that this time running the daycare has fulfilled me in a whole new way. I really didn't get to do much preschool learnings activities last time because of the age of the kids. However, this time I am going full force with it. My brain has come alive with new and exciting ways to teach counting, addition, subtraction, ABC's, colors, writing, you name it. When I see a challenge I am intrigued and excited to find a new and constructive way to teach that concept better. Sean as I mentioned before is really a blank slate at the moment. He is a very physical boy. He doesn't have the focus and attention span that Kadyn does or did at that age, so I have been trying to think up ways to make his learning more active. I'm excited to see if my ideas work. I guess all this is to say, I'm getting to fulfill my teaching itch through this, and it has been rewarding. And to top it all off, I am able to incorporate my faith into it all without the slightest bit of doubt that I am overstepping my boundaries; this was a issue I did have to deal with while teaching in the public schools. There is nothing more rewarding to me than share knowledge with a child. To see a child go from knowing nothing about some things to learning about them and then seeing their world in a whole new exciting way. I swear I can literally see the little light bulbs above there heads light up when they "get" something. It's a look that's written all over their face that just shouts, "Oh my gosh, I really get it. I did that. I get it. It makes sense." That imparting of knowledge makes me feel purposed and accomplished.
I've very excited about teaching Kie preschool when he gets to that age. That kid has a huge attention span for a one year old. He loves learning. I do flashcards with him that have come with the reading video that his mother has requested I use with him daily. He LOVES them. He cries when I put them away. His face lights up when he hears the music of the reading video play. He plays with such determination to figure things out. He's playful and completely content as long as all his needs are met. Such an easy, delightful child. Today I knew we were forming a bond when he crawled over to me while his mother and I were talking and tried to get me to pick him up.
Aside from some napping issues I had earlier the only other real challenge for me has been some minor discipline issues with Sean. We are working through it and he has been really sweet when we find resolution, throwing his arms around me and giving me a big tight hug. If I'm not careful, I may grow a small attachment to these boys. They are pretty cute.
So all in all, I end this week hopeful and optimistic that this time it will be different. This time I may grow to love doing this. I know there are going to be days that are not too peachy, but as long as my girls are happy and fulfilled, I can do this.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
First day success
Well, I completed my first full day of daycare yesterday and I feel very good about it. The boys are wonderful! Kadyn ADORES her new buddy Sean who will turn three in a few weeks. Brennan thinks that it's pretty wonderful that Kie crawls too, although he does walk occasionally on his own so it may not last long. It was very rewarding to me to see those reactions. Brennan did get jealous one time, as I suspected but that was mostly because her teeth were starting to bother her and I couldn't pick her up because I was in the middle of a diaper change.
There will be a couple of things that are very challenging. The first is that both babies need to be rocked and cuddled for about 10 minutes before their naps. I can't have other kids in the room with me or they get too distracted and won't go down. Yesterday I asked Kadyn to kind of keep an eye on little Kie while I got Brennan down. Luckily Brennan was down when it was Kie's turn to go down so I didn't have to worry about her. Kadyn was willing to help me out and she did a fairly decent job of checking on him and playing with him. However, she's 3 years old. I'm not sure that's the best fool proof plan. So....today I shall put on the reading video during that time. Kie's mother has bought that "Your Baby Can Read" program and has asked me to show her son that video every day. He loves it and completely zones out to it. I think that would be the smartest thing at this point. I'm really excited about the reading program and want to get both girls involved too so we will have to watch it more than once so Brennan gets a chance to see it too. The recommended viewing time for the video is twice a day anyways.
The older boy is a little bit challenging in the potty training department. He doesn't always want to try for me and isn't shy about just saying flat out, "No." But I was able to talk him down most of the time and managed to get him to go two times. Also, Kadyn is quite a bit ahead of him in her schooling and rightly so since he is almost a full year younger. After assessing him yesterday it appears I may have to start from scratch (colors, counting 1-10 etc.), so I will need to prepare two different lesson plans for preschool time. Oh well. It may be a challenge but I'm up for it and love teaching so this doesn't bother me too much.
Overall, it was a very positive experience for everyone yesterday. It was fun seeing Sean and Kadyn running all over the place holding hands, hugging, snuggling together, playing hide and seek, playing doctor, playing princess and prince, fighting the mean dragon (aka the vacuum), being the 'good guys', being the 'bad guys', doing crafts together, reading stories together, learning about God's creation together, having high jumping contests on the trampoline, and cooking some mean meals in the play kitchen. They were two peas in a pod from the very get go. It tickled me to death that Brennan crawled right over my lap to get to Kie when we were reading stories so she could rest her head on his shoulder to show him affection and followed him everywhere just to see what he was doing. By the end of the day it became clear to me that although I didn't get the little girls I wished to watch, it really didn't matter. In the end, what mattered is that the kids I got were good and that my girls enjoyed being with them. Once again, God knows what he's doing much better than I do. Thanks God.
There will be a couple of things that are very challenging. The first is that both babies need to be rocked and cuddled for about 10 minutes before their naps. I can't have other kids in the room with me or they get too distracted and won't go down. Yesterday I asked Kadyn to kind of keep an eye on little Kie while I got Brennan down. Luckily Brennan was down when it was Kie's turn to go down so I didn't have to worry about her. Kadyn was willing to help me out and she did a fairly decent job of checking on him and playing with him. However, she's 3 years old. I'm not sure that's the best fool proof plan. So....today I shall put on the reading video during that time. Kie's mother has bought that "Your Baby Can Read" program and has asked me to show her son that video every day. He loves it and completely zones out to it. I think that would be the smartest thing at this point. I'm really excited about the reading program and want to get both girls involved too so we will have to watch it more than once so Brennan gets a chance to see it too. The recommended viewing time for the video is twice a day anyways.
The older boy is a little bit challenging in the potty training department. He doesn't always want to try for me and isn't shy about just saying flat out, "No." But I was able to talk him down most of the time and managed to get him to go two times. Also, Kadyn is quite a bit ahead of him in her schooling and rightly so since he is almost a full year younger. After assessing him yesterday it appears I may have to start from scratch (colors, counting 1-10 etc.), so I will need to prepare two different lesson plans for preschool time. Oh well. It may be a challenge but I'm up for it and love teaching so this doesn't bother me too much.
Overall, it was a very positive experience for everyone yesterday. It was fun seeing Sean and Kadyn running all over the place holding hands, hugging, snuggling together, playing hide and seek, playing doctor, playing princess and prince, fighting the mean dragon (aka the vacuum), being the 'good guys', being the 'bad guys', doing crafts together, reading stories together, learning about God's creation together, having high jumping contests on the trampoline, and cooking some mean meals in the play kitchen. They were two peas in a pod from the very get go. It tickled me to death that Brennan crawled right over my lap to get to Kie when we were reading stories so she could rest her head on his shoulder to show him affection and followed him everywhere just to see what he was doing. By the end of the day it became clear to me that although I didn't get the little girls I wished to watch, it really didn't matter. In the end, what mattered is that the kids I got were good and that my girls enjoyed being with them. Once again, God knows what he's doing much better than I do. Thanks God.
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