Mommy Daycare

As if I weren't strectched thin enough, I decided several weeks ago to start an in-home daycare to try to bring in a little extra money while still being able to stay home with the girls. Camryn was very excited to hear we were going to have a "school" in our home and wanted to know if I was going to wear "teacher clothes." I'm not really sure what she meant by that, but I informed her I would just wear my regular clothes.

I knew the whole idea was crazy and honestly was scared to death despite trying to convince myself this would help me get more organized in my time management, housekeeping, discipline, meal planning, etc. So, we moved Matt's office out to the RV to create a preschool room where our office was. We even tried putting both girls in one room so that we'd have all the toys in the other, but that only lasted about a week...

Somehow two moms have entrusted me with the care of their children, and yesterday "La Maternelle" Daycare and Preschool opened its doors. By 11 AM, one child had peed on the floor and one had pooped in his pants, and I was ready to call it quits. But the second half of the day went better and I woke up and did it all over again today without any major adventures. At this point I'm taking it one day at a time. I'm not entirely sure I'll still be in business this time next week, but then who is sure of that these days?

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Note: In France, “La Maternelle” refers to what we in the US would call “preschool,” a state-sponsored public school for 2-6 year-olds where they learn ABCs, 123s, motor skills, etc. to get ready for elementary school. But the word “maternelle” also means what it looks like it might, “maternal, all that is motherly…” I thought the double meaning was appropriate for my in-home daycare/preschool where I provide care for children in a family style, loving home environment, but also provide age-appropriate structure and learning opportunities.

Special Treat

I got home at 9 PM tonight from a class and Matt had put the kids to bed, which was a "special treat" for me, as Camryn loves to say. (Lately, a special treat is anything that we normally say no to, but that she wants to be allowed to do as an exception to the rule...have her pacifier outside of bed, candy before breakfast, a movie at naptime...she's really quite the negotiator!)

So Matt had already read the stories, sung the songs, tickled the backs, etc. I'd be willing to bet Camryn's teeth weren't brushed, but I can only ask for so much from the poor guy! He told me Kate had screamed for about 20 minutes before suddenly stopping and falling asleep about 15 minutes earlier. Knowing she's not a big fan of Baby Formula and much prefers Mommy's Milk, I decided to check on her before pumping.

Her room was semi-dark and shadowy, but I could still make out her shape in the bed. However, her shape looked strange. I couldn't figure out where her legs were! I leaned into the crib and touched her back and that is when I realized that the kid had fallen asleep folded in half from a sitting position! She would have made any yoga teacher proud and if she's anything like her mom, she'll never be that flexible again, but it scared me to death! I quickly picked her up and laid her down on her back, resting my hand on her chest for a few moments to be sure she was breathing. I also found her empty bottle in her bed, which, as any mom knows, is a no-no on so many levels. "Bad Daddy!" But seriously, he had fed them, took them to the park, and gotten them to sleep, and all I had to do was clean up the kitchen, so I couldn't complain. It truly was a "special treat" to have a little break from the Mommy Routine and I know I am blessed to have a wonderful husband.

Now everyone in the house, incuding Myka the dog, is snoring in their beds, and I should probably go do the same.

Is it Wake Up Morning?

Lately Camryn wakes up every morning precisely at 7, sweetly saying, "Mommy, is it wake up morning? Can you get me some juice? Can we go in the other room and watch TV." Though it's a sweeter alarm clock than I've ever had, I can't reach over and press snooze and she won't accept "five more minutes" as an answer. Matt and I have a tendency to stay up way too late, so depending on what's going on that day, we may both still be in bed at that time and we trade off on who gets morning duty. Kate has been waking up at 6 to nurse and then going back to sleep until about 9, which is good, but not really in keeping with the "Babywise" schedule. I'm still pretty sleep deprived so grateful to catch a few extra minutes wherever I can! I've had a cold this week hat's still not quite gone and I'm praying no one else catches it. Kate just woke up from her nap. Gotta go.

Slow Start

So, as you can see, I'm having a bit of a slow start on this blogging thing. Today Camryn, 2 1/2, informed me that the bottom of her feet "tickle too much." She is such a funny little girl! Wish I could figure out how to upload a picture or something. I'm going to have to get some help from Matt!

Testing 1, 2, 3...

Just trying this out...