Heading back to school

Today is a Monday, and I write this post knowing that it has been a long time since I have been on here to update on life. Hailey has been keeping me busy along with the hustle and bustle of a new school year starting. My year has started off well and the transition for Hailey and I has been a fairly easy one. At first I struggled to leave her side, and felt that I was inferior for leaving her. After all, a mom is meant to be with her children. But as I leave her each day I realize how important these days away from me are for her.

First off she gets to spend one day each week with Daddy, and they have labeled their days together "daddy daughter date days". They both love every minute of their days together and I think it is incredibly special for Hailey. Not all fathers get the opportunity to have one on one time with their children away from Mom for an entire day and Kyle is enjoying it. Hailey gleams from ear to ear when she is with her Daddy and definitely became a daddy's girl already.

Two of her days are spent with Grandma, who is another huge influence in her life. She lights up when she hears Grandma's voice and they have fun silly games they play. I wish I could video the look on Hailey's face when grandma simply says "I see somebody!" It is the sweetest thing and you suddenly feel a sense of calm knowing she cares so deeply for her grandma already. When she is not there Grandpa is asking when he gets to see his girl.

A parent from my class last year watches Hailey the other two days. It has been a transition but Hailey is starting to feel comfortable at her house. We went from 20 minute naps there to 2 1/2 hours last week! Carie and her have a special bond already. The best part about this arrangement is that two days a week Hailey comes with me to school and is brought back to me when school is dismissed. I get to talk to her all the way to school. Lynda (my partner in crime at school) LOVES seeing Hailey a couple days a week too. When teachers find out she is there, we get many visitors in our classroom to say hi before we leave to go home.

Hailey is one of the happiest babies I know and I thank God everyday for her free spirit and ability to make anybody smile. She is sitting up entirely on her own and has been for over a month now. She is starting to scoot around but has not figured out how to move forward and crawl. In the last few days she has started trying to wave at people too. I promise to more diligent about posting here now that life is calming down. Pictures to come!

I still can't believe my baby girl turns 7 months this week!!!