The day has come. We've been preparing for this since February..or maybe sooner when Eva was still in the womb! I always knew that Eva would be going to some form of external childcare. However no matter how much you prepare, it's still a massive change in the dynamic of our family and specifically in Eva and my relationship. And although I'm extremely anxious, I am really excited for Eva to begin this next chapter.
We are going from 24/7 care, 10 hour days by ourselves to most of her awake time being spent away from me. It's been an anxious time for me, even if I do consider myself a pretty laid back mum. During Eva's settling in sessions last week I skipped out the door of nursery, ready to enjoy my two hours freedom. In reality once I'd got a coffee, had a wander around town, I was back in the park behind her nursery anxiously checking the time before pick up. At one stage I welled up whilst talking to an old lady with a 9 week old puppy called Coco.. being a mother is very odd sometimes. Emotions hit you at the oddest of times!
Picking Eva's childcare was an extremely daunting task. I knew that I wanted an environment where she could socialise with other children and so a private nanny wasn't the right fit for us. I didn't consider child minders because I wanted her to interact with a wider variety of care workers . So nursery seemed like the perfect fit, especially as they are Ofsted inspected. The nursery we settled on places creativity at the epicenter of their ethos and this is something I loved. They have weekly yoga, dance and music classes. As well as an outstanding from Ofsted. But more importantly I felt instantly at ease with the managers, the staff and the reviews from other parents.
Last week we did five settle sessions, ranging from one hour, building up to three two hour sessions. I think it was really important for her to go consistently for the five days to get her used to the fact it wasn't just another baby class. Eva initially loved it, being super independent and scooting away from me immediately. However by Thursday she knew what was up and cried when I left. However her key worker put my mind at ease completely when I picked her up saying she settled herself, played with the other children and even had a one hour nap! This definitely put my mind at ease and it helped so much that I really trust the room leader.
So I'm really excited for her to start her two days a week, a Monday and Friday. I'm happy that its spread out through the week as she will have time with family in between. Here are some of the reasons why I'm excited for her to start nursery.
Socialising and making friends
I'm not a great one for going to baby groups consistently. Eva was never really interested in them and I found the whole 'happy clappy' stuff quite cringey. Plus most of the women there were rude and refused to interact with anyone who wasn't already in their gang. So for me this is a great way for Eva to make some new friends in a consistent setting. She will also get to interact with the nursery staff in her room which will be great for her communication skills.
Consistent routines
We have a loose routine in this household, wake ups differ each day. Mainly because you never know how the night before will have gone! Most days we are up by 7am but if Eva decides to sleep in to 8.30, I am not turning it down! However once we start nursery it will be an 8am start for her, meaning that there will be more consistency during the day which should lead to better nights, hopefully!!
Baby friendly environment
Although we have baby proofed, there are just some things Eva is constantly drawn to! Wifi box, plugs, coffee table, cups on coffee tables.. So I spend alot of time shooing her away from things. But her nursery has its own soft play room and the baby room is completely padded and perfect for little explorers. I'm hoping that having this freedom will encourage her with her physical milestones.
New play ideas for development
Constantly coming up with new play ideas is exhausting and sometimes I have to rely on that pesky pig Peppa.. When we went for our settle sessions Eva did painting, baby yoga, a dance class, sing alongs! No wonder she came home exhausted. So I think it will help us to know what she likes to do and we can facilitate it at home.
ME TIME!
I used to work quite independently before I had Eva so I would often spend 10 hours by myself working from home or an empty office. And honestly that was such an adjustment when she came along. Suddenly I had someone with me always. And ofcourse I will miss her immensely but it will be lovely sometimes to have five minutes to read an article, listen to a podcast or even use the loo without constantly bringing a 23lb bundle along with me! And I'll be so excited to pick her up, I know it will be the best part of my day.
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