First Week of School

Jason started at day care this week. Steve dropped him off (not only did I have to be at school before the center opened, but I don't think I could have left him anyway). When I called the first chance I got during the day, Steve said he seemed pretty good. The teachers were all taking care of screaming babies, so Steve just left him sitting on the floor in this big foam U-seat with some toys (see picture at right). He looks pretty unsure and overwhelmed to me, but at least he's not screaming.

As soon as I got out of work, Steve met me at home and we immediately drove over to get him. When we got there, he was being held by one of his teachers, but he wasn't crying and smiled when he saw us... aaaaaaahh, makes my heart melt every time!

So far, the only thing that's a little frustrating is the fact that his teachers are over-feeding him. I'm trying to avoid my son looking like all the other over chunky kids at daycare, but I guess I prefer him getting too much than not enough. Otherwise, I LOVE his teachers and feel as good as I can about having to leave him all day. They do plenty of tummy time with him (good luck to them) and talk and sing to him (sometimes in Spanish!). All in all, I think this is a great place for all of us and that is a huge relief! One week down!

What a 4th Month!

Well, it's been almost a month since I updated this (sorry), and I start back to work on Monday (ugh!), so I thought I better post something before then. Besides, Jason is starting to do so much more and I have some pictures and videos to show as evidence.

The first great change is that he can roll over from tummy to back... for the most part. Sometimes, he forgets and gets frustrated and screams, but usually he doesn't have any trouble. Now, rolling from back to tummy doesn't even seem to be a thought in his mind. Why should it when he can't stand being on his tummy? There's no incentive. Maybe if he gets frustrated enough that he can't move where he wants, he'll figure out how to roll on his tummy and crawl. Wait, am I actually inviting that?!?! There are two videos that follow; one has better quality video, but the rolling over part looks a little cheated. The second one has a much better roll, but the quality isn't as good.

More than rolling, Jason loves standing, and better yet, if he can walk while standing, he's a happy boy. Besides walking on the floor, tabletops, and counters, he also walks up people. My dad says I used to do this as a baby. My dad also mentioned that I walked on my own at 9 1/2 months. Uh oh....

We've pulled out two new pieces for Jason to play with - the exersaucer and the doorway baby jumper. He's not too sure about the jumper yet, but the exersaucer seems to be very good for gnawing and drooling on so that works. Plus, there are some buttons that play songs when Jason hits them accidentally, which always surprises him and makes him jump, which then makes us laugh.

So, as I said, I start back to teaching next week. Jason doesn't start at his childcare center until the following week, but I'm anxious about the whole transition. I feel really good about the center, but it's hard for me when I'm going from the summer, where I see him all day long, to the school year, where it's just a few hours in the afternoon and evening before he goes to bed. He won't even be awake before I have to leave for school! I know it will get more comfortable, but it's going to be hard on me in the beginning.