Leslie

The end of an era has come.  We will not be going to daycare every day and today was our last day. 

The week is over!

This week we didn't have daycare since Leslie went to Mexico for her own spring break adventure. Samantha had preschool and Sofia started with a fever on Tuesday which finally broke early Thursday. Since I'm not currently working, it was an adventure to stay home with Sofia being ill. She did not appreciate having so much mommy time, especially sequestered in our home. I think the combination of not sleeping well from the fever, the constant runny nose, not seeing Leslie and her buds, and Sam being gone led to her extremely loud and long-lasting protests.

Yesterday we hosted a playgroup, which was fun! There were 9 kids running around the house and I personally managed to get a little validation and encouragement from the other moms. I was a bit overwhelmed and as I tried to get Sofie down for a nap, laundry switched, Sam settled down, etc. Once I got Sofie down, I said I was sorry to Sam if I was stressed and her reply put things into perspective to me. Sam looked at me and said, "Someday we'll both learn how to hold it together." It's enlightening when I get things that I say to her and she gives it right back!

Thankfully, Daddy and I got a little break from Nana and Papa as the girls went to their house last night. It is hard to express our gratitude to them as the occasional uninterrupted 7 hours of sleep has a wonderful restorative effect on the human psyche. The birds are singing, the sun is shining and it's a lovely day!



Here is a shot with Nana, Papa, Sam, Daddy, Mommy and Sofia... good times!

Leslie

I remember when I was about 5 months pregnant with Samantha that a dear friend (Rene') took me under her wing to help me prepare for parenthood. She introduced me to a wonderful lady who provided daycare for her kids. Since I trusted Rene' and she had known Leslie for 9+ years, I was very hopeful. We met her and felt safe with the thought of leaving our kid with her. When Sam was 7 weeks old, Leslie started having her part-time. Then there was Sofia who loves Leslie just as much as Samantha does. We are very lucky to have found someone so special to look after our kids!

Here's the gang during the summer of 2005 with "Baby Sammy".

That fall Sam went to Emma Krumbees orchard for the first time.
Then came Sofie... this was the summer of 2008.

Sofia's first time at Emma Krumbee's... she loves Nora!