Aya

For 4 years now I've been waiting for the day when Addison would be finished with daycare and my pocketbook could feel some relief. At times it seemed like it would never happen. And yet here we are. Tomorrow at this time, my daughter will be a kindergartner.

WOW. Just saying it brings tears to my eyes.

When Addison was born we decided that she would attend the daycare that my Aunt was the director of. It made sense because we knew she'd be well taken care of being the bosses niece. But it was 30 minutes out of my way. She started in September and by December I was burnt out from making that trip every day (she went three days a week) that she went.

So we pulled her out and sent her to my friend Michelle's house. Michelle was already at home with her son Jacob and she is wonderful with kids so it was an easy switch. Addison thrived with Michelle and Jacob. We enjoyed our time there.

When Michelle was 30 weeks pregnant with her second she was hospitalized for preterm labor. Addison neededd a new place to go. She was 15 months old and I was scared. Aside from those three months as an infant, she'd always been in someone's home. The three days with Michelle and two days with my parents.

We found our current center and Addison started at 15 months old and we've been so happy ever since. If only it could have cost a bit less, but I guess you get what you pay for. She started in toddler 4 at 15 months, so small that she couldn't see over the little table they had for the kids to eat at. They had to put her in a high chair next to the table.

She blossomed at daycare. No joke. Her vocabulary exploded and she made friends. She's been with the same kids since she started there.

And the teachers....I can't say enough about all of the teachers Addison has had. Not one have we felt even a little off about. Miss Colleen, Miss Sarah, Miss Amanda, Miss Michelle, Miss Mamie, Miss Ebony, Miss Lara, Miss Maureen, Miss Nicole, Miss Jeanne, Miss Sunita and Miss Rosalie. Each one just amazing.

I'm really sad about this transition. This place has been our home base for 4 years. It's home, it's comfort and its a special place.

I received my bill for next month today. It's half of what it was because now it only has Judah on it. I've been waiting for four years for this moment and yet it is so bittersweet.

THANK YOU TO TCATP. We love you and thank you for 4 great years.

sniff, sniff