What Felt Like A Major Life Change

The end of daycare in our home. When one of my daycare Mom's told me they were moving away, I opted to close my home-based daycare and go to work for a local company. There were quite a few adjustments to follow.

First, I've been home with G for a little over two years now. Going back to work outside the home and sending him back to Barb's was tougher than I'd imagined. He absolutely did not want that change and it took a couple of weeks before he settled into the routine and went willingly each morning.

Second, the daycare kids were very much like siblings for G. Losing them in his day-to-day life was awful for him.

Third, for Paul, having G and I home was a comfort. Both on his in-office days and especially on those days he spent on the road. He liked knowing we were home and safe. Additionally, he grew quite attached to our daycare kids. Far from an annoyance, the sound of running feet upstairs was a joy for him as he worked from his downstairs office. He especially enjoyed my infant charge--Asher. Those two were tight.

Fourth, the dog. Always, always in the middle of the kid action. Going from that non-stop activity to quiet days home alone was as tough for him as the separation anxiety that shadowed Paul, G and I.

Finally, my own loss. Daycare was by far the most exhausting job I've ever held. Never had I been so tired at the end of the day. It was also the most rewarding job I've ever had. I love those kids, will always love them. And miss them terribly.

It's months later now (these blog updates are clearly late) and we've settled into a different kind of routine. But everyone of us misses the daycare days a bit.