"Lil Sis is starting school too!"

I am ready to go to school Mama!


I want to be like Sissy and wear a backpack...Dora is my favorite!

Nana, I will miss you, but I know this is best for you and me...XOXOX

Today was the "OFFICIAL" Big Day of getting back into the "normal" routine around our house. And, with that being said, there has been a lot of sadness in the air! Sigh..tear..tear, but my heart tells me it is for the best. Yes, I sent my littlest baby to what she refers to as school today too. After much discussion with my wonderful mother, must I say wonderful again, who helps me more than I could ever explain with my girls, Kyle and I decided to put Hannah Claire into a daycare program 1-2 days a week. She has been a drop in a few times when my mother has had appts. or needed to help my aunt out, but she has never had routine days of care there. My wonderful mother retired almost 3 years ago, and when she did, she told me many times that since she no longer had a day job, that she wanted to help me take care of my girls and do whatever she could do to make my life easier. Let me say again, what a wonderful, caring, and thoughtful person she is! And, she has definitely made mine and Kyle's life so much easier by taking care of Hannah Claire 3-4 days a week for us since she decided to leave her day job behind. As a working mother, she has given me so much peace of mind, that I can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am for her. Not even to mention all the extra things she would do while here at the house caring for Hannah Claire such as cooking, cleaning, and helping with laundry. Let me say again, she is WONDERFUL!
However, as Hannah Claire has gotten older and learned to venture into many things, I could see that she was keeping my mom super busy and that mom could do nothing but constantly care for her every need. Not to say that she didn't do that when she was a baby, but having a toddler who is very adventurous and active is a whole different ballgame. My mom is 67 years old and I want to keep her healthy and around as long as God will allow her to stay here. Because, I can't even begin to imagine my life without her. It is not because of everything she does to make my life easier, but I enjoy her friendship, love, and compassion so much, and the fact that no matter how I may fail, she is always there to support me and help me carry on.
So, with all of that being said, I felt that caring for Hannah 3-4 days a week was too much for my mom and that she needed to have more time for herself to be able to enjoy things she likes doing. She loves going out to lunch with her many friends, shopping (which she LOVES to do), gardening, canning, and other hobbies. My mom was a little upset with me in the beginning when I told her my plan, but once she realized how I cared for her health and well being she understood that I am only doing this because I love her and want to keep her healthy as long as I can.

So, this is how the morning went...I took Hannah Claire to daycare around 8:30 and she gave me a squeeze hug and told me bye, bye..mumbled a few more words..then said..school mama. Yes, it was that easy for her! She loves playing with other kids, and now that Big Sis is at school I know she needs that so bad. A part of me wanted her to cry for me and have her beg me to stay, but another part rejoiced that she seemed happy and content to go play baby dolls with other little girls. Daycare was so good for Hallie, and I feel that it has helped her cope with some life changes that she has had to experience. I hope and pray it will benefit Hannah Claire in the same way. My mom has called me several times today to see how she has done. I know it has saddened her heart that she hasn't got to see her today, but when I asked her how her day had been, she proceeded to tell me she had got lots accomplished, and that she had even made lunch plans with an old friend for Thursday. She then proceeded to say, thanks for being such a great daughter and watching out for me. My response...I could never repay you for the wonderful mother you have always been to me and for the amazing nana that you are to my girls! The time you and Hannah Claire get to spend together on Mondays and Wednesdays will be so much more special now. Sigh...tear...tear! This has been one of the hardest decisions that I have ever had to make, but I feel like this is the best for everyone. My mom would never ever tell me that she was tired or overworked, because I know she loves me too much and would never want to disappointment me. She has worked hard all of her life, and I just want to see her get some rest and enjoy it to the fullest. My thoughts have been that maybe now she will have the "Best of Both Worlds," as Hannah Montanna likes to put it...time with her grandbabies, and time for herself too. I am glad that I could see it for myself, and through lots of consideration for both parties, I feel good about it. I do feel blessed that Hannah Claire is able to attend the same center that my mom ran for 27 years, where Hallie attended, and that I am familiar with the staff that work there. Natalie, I am so thankful for you too! Having people that you know will care for your children as if they were their very own is something that makes me feel so grateful for too!