Gabriel Has Started Daycare!

daycare
Originally uploaded by xosunnydaysxo.

Well, finally after a year of waiting, Northwood Academy has finally made room for Gabriel to begin his daycare there.

I know that normally parents are anxious and nervous about this sort of thing, but I suppose that because Gabriel is already accustomed to the teachers and the classroom from childcare services when we attend our Sunday church, I didn't have the slightest bit of anxiety. In fact, I've been quite excited for him.

I have really been fortunate to have both sets of grandparents living nearby to split babysitting duties, and after 2 years, I felt they had done more than their share. Initially as an infant, I really wouldn't have wanted him in daycare anyhow, but now that he's a toddler, I feel that it's important for his social development. Also, I felt it was important for him to have a structured environment where the world didn't revolve around him, and him alone.

Gabriel has taken very quickly to the routine change. He is excited as soon as we near his classroom, and fits right in. The teacher has even commented that he is the most well-adjusted child she has had yet. When I pick him up in the afternoon, he is always playing with the other children and excited to greet me, and show me whatever toys and/or friends he is playing with at that time. His teachers describe him as friendly, affectionate, well-adjusted, eager to participate, and very intelligent. That's my boy!

So, I am very pleased so far with this new change to our routine. I think with the exception of the grandparents missing him, we are all benefititng from this. Of course with daycare, comes the other joys that come with it. Like that fact that I am home today from work with Gabriel who has seem to have caught a bit of a stomach virus. Oh joy! It all comes with the territory, I suppose!!