[ShannonMVT]

I have been looking around for a Mother's Day Out program that is only one day a week. Unfortunately, we do not have family living close by us and so often times I need to do things like appointments and I don't have anyone to watch Matthew. I think I will wind up doing fertility treatments again and to be honest, I also just want a little "me" time even if I spend it getting the house clean, cooking or running errands!

So I found one church that has a one day a week program, from 9:00 to 2:00(most are two or three days) and they told me I could go on the wait list. I toured there today and met the director and it turns out Matthew's birthdate makes him able to go in a younger or older group and if he goes older, they can have him start attending NOW. So yikes, this mommy wasn't mentally ready for NOW! The director was really nice and said I can call anytime to ask how he's doing and that I can hang around as much as I want (and peek in the window) but that they do ask that I leave him at the door once he gets there (which I understand as they said it makes it easier to not have mommy leaving the room and getting the other kids upset because they want their mommies). The day he'd be going is a lighter day and so there'd be 8 kids and 2 teachers. He'd be with the 18 months-2 year olds and she said they are pretty calm kids so she thinks he'd be okay even though he'd be one of the youngest. I think that will work out great because most of the babies/toddlers in my mom's group are younger than Matthew and he really likes older kids so I think the age group will work out well for him.

I think Matthew will do just fine. He doesn't seem to have much separation anxiety and he is very social and gets along with most people. The only hitch may be getting him to nap on a mat for naptime but hopefully he'll adjust if he sees all the other kids doing it.

It's ME who is anxious about it. He has been my sidekick for over 2 years (I'm counting the time he was inside me as well) and because he was so dependent on me for nursing and naps (he isn't so much anymore) I am usually only away from him for a couple hours at a time. It really does make me anxious when I'm away from him, even when I know he is fine. I know it's just something that I will get through and I feel like I probably just need to bite the bullet.

And part of me is saying oh HOW can he be old enough to be away from me and have his own little cubby with his name on it for his things. My BABY!

I also feel a little guilty that he is only this little once and I should be with him and spending as much time with him as possible and that it's selfish of me to want time away from him.

So many conflicting emotions! He could be going as early as next Wednesday if I go do the paperwork and get his nap mat and all that stuff ready.

[LisanAndy]

Aww I completely understand your feelings ((HUGS)) Could you just try it and see how it goes? Maybe after a few times you'll see he really loves it and you won't feel bad

[Resi]

I say give it a try and I bet you will both love it! I understand not feeling ready to be a way from him but it's one day for 5 hours. If you think he will do fine then I think you will be okay once you see him having a good time with the other kids. I bet the nap will fall into place after he has been there a few times.

I'd love a weekly 5 hour day to myself! I know a mother's day would not work for Oliver because it would be awful to him. He is very shy and tells me no library story time if I ask him to go. But luckly I have my mom who can watch him from time to time. I love my time to myself but I do always feel like I need to rush back because I'm so use to being with him 24/7.

Let us know how it goes.

[~*sierra*~]

having some personal time isn't selfish! i feel like i will probably be the same way.
i say give it a shot and see how it works out! the church sounds like a great place for him to make friends and hang out

[Mars]