Babysitters

Tess is now spending time with a babysitter three mornings a week. On Monday and Tuesday mornings, she joins a woman, her son, and a little girl for 3 1/2 hours. The woman's name is Sandra, and she is a stay-at-home mom and nanny. The kids are about a year older than Tess, and I think it's a great experience for Tess to have the play time with other kids.

I was worried about the transition, but having the other children made it much easier! Whenever Tess would ask for me or start to cry, the other children would rush to her side to comfort her. On the second day, Tess didn't want to leave when I came to pick her up. She played for another half hour while I visited with Sandra. When we left, Sandra and the kids left the building shortly after we did. When Tess saw them on the sidewalk, she was so excited! She ran toward them and then turned around to follow them when they went running past her.

On Thursday morning, Tess spends the morning with Yulyia, her babysitter from last year. They go to the park, eat lunch, and then pick up Zachary, Yulyia's son, from preschool. She then gets to spend another hour playing with Zachary, who she also loves.

I'm using the time to write, catch up on chores I don't want to do with a child in tow, and just for my own sanity. Part of me feels strange sending Tess away three times a week. I kind of miss her. And another part of me loves this new fall schedule and the time and space it grants me.