Just Zoe And Mama

This fall, we're starting a new routine. Zoe continues to attend preschool two mornings per week, and now Vincent is going to "school" two mornings per week at a different location. This means Tuesday morning it's just Vince and Mama. Wednesday morning is just Zoe and Mama. Thursday morning is just Mama and the vacuum cleaner. 

I do have misgivings about sending our small children to other people when I could have them at home with me all the time. Mommy guilt, much? 

However, thing one: Zoe and Vincent, when together all the time, cannot cease meddling in one another's business. It's maddening for all parties. This won't end the inevitable sibling interactions (which can also be positive, of course), but this schedule gives everyone a break for a few hours. 

Thing two: Zoe and Vincent love school. Different toys and activities and stories and kids and snacks and routines and stimulation...they truly love it. Zoe informs me she wants to be at school all day, everyday. When we drop Zoe off, Vincent marches in like he owns the place and settles right into whatever activity catches his eye. He would be delighted to stay, and they would be happy to have him...if he was potty trained.

Potty training does not seem to be imminent, so I found a place for Vincent that does diapers. It's an in-home daycare run by a teacher with small children. She has an assistant. Their program is Montessori influenced. It is warm and peaceful and fun and seems just right for our little guy right now. They do yoga and play instruments and build structures and finger paint and mess around at the water table. I've left him there three times now. He cheerfully waves me out the door. When I come to pick him up, he pretends he doesn't see me. When I break the news that it's time to leave, he emphatically says "Me want stay!"  

This week was my first Wednesday morning alone with Zoe. We went to the beach, dropped by the coffee shop for a cookie, planted flowers, then had a picnic lunch at home.  It was wonderful to be able to give all of my attention to Zoe, and she soaked it up.