The Mean Guy

Graham had his first day of daycare on Tuesday. I got big brother to school, loaded up the baby again and drove around the corner to hand him off to the nice young gal in Room 1, and pulled up to work with five minutes to spare. After patting myself on the back for getting my circus on the road in time with only a few minimal hiccups, I promptly focused on the job and felt confident that both my boys were just fine. I was super excited to see them both when the day was done, and I stopped for G2 first.

"He had a hard day," she told me, and then handed me his report card.

It said this:

Bit a friend :( Screamed through naps and was very mean to the other kids.

And then she assured me it was probably just first day jitters.

I was mostly confused. I'm no child psychologist, but can a baby who is barely mobile be purposely malicious? I guess it's possible, but I've never known Graham to be anything but sweet. I apologized for his behavior and went on my merry way.

On Wednesday, Graham had a great day with me. After a few weeks of exceptional neediness for reasons I cannot and will not ever understand (babies...I just can't catch their wavelength), I was thrilled that he seemed much happier and had fewer tears to shed. So, I had high hopes for Thursday. Dylan was coming back to town for just the day, so I had him check on The Mean Guy when he landed in case a half-day would suit everyone better. When Dylan called, they told him that G2 was doing much better. Still not napping...but doing better. So he ended up staying for the whole day, which worked out good because in all my genius I didn't leave a car seat for the truck anyway.

Overall it was a really good week. The prep work to get us set for our day is a lot, our mornings are early, and our nights are a scramble. I even had to wake up Graham on Thursday so we could leave on time. Once or twice I've even thought, What have I done?? But then I remember that the alternative is doing the same thing I do every other day, and I'm glad for the change of focus, pace and environment a couple times a week. I feel good and productive. Gavin loves school, and once Graham gets the hang of daycare, I'm sure he'll agree that taking two solid naps in an actual crib and playing and exploring beats spending upwards of 2 hours in my hot car and being dragged around on errands. It's a long day for the boys...perhaps too long of a day...but they can handle it a couple times a week. Not too long ago, I probably would not have been okay with the craziness. My current self, though, sees how it is worthwhile. I essentially created my own schedule, and it's not really the most helpful schedule for the pharmacy, but if they will let me continue to work, then I'll keep showing up with a smile on my face.

Sunday football

What is this??? I haven't seen this guy sleep during daytime hours in months!

Back at it. This was a winning gift, for sure.

How could anyone ever call this sweet face mean?

We've had a couple of days of nice enough weather to be outside. Hooray for that!

Graham's daycare has a 3-day minimum, so he'll be going back for a few hours today while Gavin and I take care of some things around town. I decided to give him a morning nap in his crib so he could have every chance at a good half-day. I think he'll get the hang of things soon. Dylan took off on a day trip, and then we will have a one-day intermission from his travels before the next big trip, so we are looking forward to our Saturday. Happy Friday! It's one of the greatest days of the week!