I finally spoke with the director at NikkiZ’s old daycare. She told me that this was the first week the roll sheets were printed without NikkiZ’s name on it. One of the parents and the teachers both told the director she had to put it back on because they were all hoping she’d be back. That story right there made me feel better about my decision. They missed my baby. They were hoping she’d be back. As well they should be - how could you not love this face?
And thank you all for your reassurance. How dumb is it that I never even attributed my unease to a “mother’s intuition” like so many of you did. That “gut feeling” they tell you to trust - I just blew it off. Thank you for pointing out that I’m an idiot and of course I did the right thing. You were even able to do it in a way that did not require the words “idiot” or “moron” or “fool” - for which I am also grateful.
I’m hugging you all right now. Maybe not in body, but in spirit. And you should be grateful for that because I did not shower this morning.
Good for you for doing what you knew was the best thing for your sweet baby girl.
Of course you did the right thing. And they missed your baby! That shows how much they care for the children there. She will be much happier next week, and so will you! Hugs to you both!
It absolutely sounds like you did the right thing! How can anyone sit RIGHT NEXT to a screaming baby and not do anything about it? The woman’s lucky you didn’t knock her on her ass. Hell, she’s lucky I don’t knock her on her ass and I don’t even know you, but you dealt with it like a proper grown up, anyway.
If NikkiZ is happier and better tended to, and you feel better having her at the other place? Then by all means stop trying to justify it, ’cause that’s all you need.
Isn’t it amazing how clear everything looks - after the fact? Way to go Mom with sticking to your gut and knowing when to yell (loudly) UNCLE … enough!!! Good luck with the car ride…and if you have a tape player in your car I have a box of kids tapes to mail to you !!!
Oh Zoot honey!! I’m so proud of you for not grabbing that dazed woman by the collar and shaking her back into reality!!! I can imagine how hard it was for you to control your fury.
You’re so creative and clever you’ll figure out how to get through that car ride. 20 minutes in the car beats a miserable day for NikkiZ and for you. You’re the mommy! You don’t have to justify yourself to anyone!
Period!
YAY! for good daycare!!
Oh no, sweetie, you totally did the right thing. When I read that post, I, too, got that awful kicked in the gut feeling. Your gut is so right on with your daughter. No more justification needed! Whew. I hope you can sleep better now.
I am so glad to hear this. Your story broke my heart!
“Because I’m the mom, that’s why!” was always a good enough reason for my mother
miss zoot, you did the right thing. As a fellow work-outside-the-home-mom, with all the accompanying guilt, I can relate. the day care issues are the worst part of being a working mom. We finally have it all worked out now but it was a long four years until we did. Go with your gut, always. It won’t fail you. Your husband will always mean well, but they didn’t not carry the baby inside them for nine months (10 months!) - you did. You are connected in a way no other two people are. Just as you are a great mom to your son, you are to your daughter. And, bonus, you rock as a blogger, friend, and wife.
I just discovered your blog via your last entry about your daughter at the horrible daycare place. It sounds like one of my worst nightmares! We’re actually looking for a babysitter for my daughter, just one day a week. But it’s kind of freaking me out. I will definitely listen to my intuition and make sure I feel good in my gut about where my daughter spends her time (away from me). Good luck!
I look forward to reading your blog in the future. I hope you’ll check mine out, too: Working Moms Against Guilt at http://wmag.blogspot.com/
I had the same problem (the car ride one). Now we play car games. At first it was just singing songs but now that my girl is almost four, it has evolved into elaborate conversations. My girl will talk to Snow White, Dora, Wonder Pets, etc. I am the imaginary people. It can be a pain but it gets her through the ride.