August 24, 2007

The last day of Smithsonian preschool was last Friday. Andy "graduated" from the program and will be attending public elementary school in our neighborhood this year. Nathan moves up from the infant class to the toddler class.

My work has a back-up daycare option available, so we used it for the first time this past week. We had a woman come to our house and watch the boys while we both went to work. I spoke to her briefly before she came to watch the kids. She had a heavy French accent and was a little challenging to understand. I pictured an overweight white woman from France. When she showed up the watch the boys, I learned she was a Black woman from Cameroon, Africa. She was okay. She watched the boys and I think they were in safe, capable hands, but she definately preferred younger children (she even told me this). She didn't really talk to Andy much or interact with Andy much, instead focused most of her attention on Nathan. We'll use the service again (only $4 per hour; my work pays the remaining $16 per hour), but hopefully the next person they send will be a little more engaging.

Andy went to kindergarten orientation this morning with Gary and Nathan. He will be in a class of 12 kids, including him. There are 8 boys and 4 girls. It seems to be racially diverse and Gary reports that the classroom was full of exciting things for Andy to play with and learn from. It will be nice for Andy to meet some kids in the neighborhood and develop some local friendships. At least 2 other kids in his class will be in the before and after care program with him - so that is great.

Gary's parents come into town later this today for the week. They'll watch Nathan next week, his school is still closed next week, and watch Andy before and after school (Andy starts on Monday!). Next weekend we head up to Philadelphia for cousin Hali's 2nd birthday party. Should be a nice time.

More later as the school year progresses for both boys.

David