Finally...

After 6 months of being home with my newest addition, Adalyn, I made a change and took her on Monday and Wednesday to our nanny's house...ALL DAY! Yep, I trust my nanny second to my mom, but I still called her probably 3 to 4 times to check in. I took her to Aunt Faye's (yes, she's 70-something, but prefers to be called "Aunt" instead of "Grandma") for several reasons...

1. I have a great job. And, I hold a management position. I've been with my company for almost 8 years and have worked hard to be where I am. I love it, and as a government contractor, it is job security when the economy is where it is now. Side note: my talented husband is self-employed in the building/remodeling business (www.atlantainnovations.com). Enough said.

2. My firstborn, Ava, is SMART. She is only 2 and can carry on FULL conversations. She knows 4 types of sharks, 3 types of whales, etc., etc. She can look at any word...and, although she doesn't know how to "read it", she says all the letters...capitalized or un-capitalized...she knows both. Example: My magazine, FITNESS, was sitting on the coffee table last night. Ava says "Mommy...this says F-I-T-N-E-S-S". I follow by saying "Yes, Ava. That says FITNESS"...fitness means exercise".

Saying that...I have to give my nanny MUCH credit. She actually teaches Ava (and two or three others) by flashcards, etc. and offers rewards by stickers, etc. I cannot say how PROUD I am of Ava for her eagerness to learn and wanted Adalyn to be a part of this as soon as possible.

3. Adalyn has a history of waking up through the night. After trying several things and watching many trends, I've noticed that she gets her best sleep after leaving events (birthday parties, etc.) because she constantly watches people. So...again, she likes to watch other kids (especially Ava) and this can be acheived at Aunt Faye's.

Progress report...
I have sent Adalyn to Aunt Faye's on Monday and Wednesday. She'll go again tomorrow. ALL DAY. I'm proud to report that Adalyn has slept through the night since Monday night and even fell asleep in the car ride home from Aunt Faye's on both days!!! I went back to the office on Monday and Wednesday. I love the adult conversation and everyday career challenges that I face. I'm grateful to be home with Adalyn today, but am also excited about tomorrow...for me and for Adalyn.