It’s the first day back at day care for Athan. We have been *reminding* him about going back to day care since we came back from our trip. The boy just ignored us or he would show us his big “NO” face. We knew there would be trouble and protest when the day arrived. And so, we were right.
Early this morning, as we prepared the boys for their day care, packing their bags and reminding them to play nice with the other kids …. Mr A has already started his protest. He sat on the floor, kicked his legs and kept crying out that he won’t go! His crying was really pitiful and for a moment, I just wanted to keep him at home. However, the husband reminded me to be strong because if I gave in to his demands, he would do it again next week when I go back to work and then I would really be in trouble. I agreed. We kept reassuring him that he would be fine and I would fetch him in a short while. Nothing worked. We did feel very sorry for the boy for it has been a long while since he last went to his day care. But we also know that we have to go through this challenge. And so he went.
Robin dropped him off. I was told that Mr A struggled real bad and cried real badly. 🙁 Poor fellow. Robin even stayed around the neighbourhood for a while to check on the boy before he left. After a while, he rang the carers and found out that the boy has settled. Thank God.
When I picked him up later in the day, he was fine. He was happy as usual. The initial separation anxiety was very strong. The carers did tell me that Athan took longer to settle and so they suggested us to bring him in earlier next week so that he can settle earlier and get into the routine earlier (He went in late today). I am thankful to the carers for being patient and understanding towards Athan. Hopefully the boy can settle better next week.
I have also started Athan with his toilet training again — slowly. Well, I did not plan to, but the other day his nappy was too full and he wet the couch! When he told me he has peed on the couch, I was angry, but I also knew it was not his fault because I should have changed his nappy earlier. Anyhow, at that moment, I decided to give toilet training another go. I removed his nappy and left him half naked roaming in the house. 🙂 I reminded him to let me know when he need to pee. He did. It seemed like he knew when he need to pee and was able to tell me when his nappy was off. And so the training continued today after dinner. This time, I put on a pair of underpants for him. Within minutes, the boy peed in his pants! Oh well, we tried again. He was much better. Let’s see how he progress in the next few days. Have to persevere. 🙂
Athan is still very chatty. He simply loves to talk and and ask questions. The other day while I was preparing dinner, he just stood aside and watched me and asked me heaps of questions. I could not remember what we talked about, but Robin told me later he overheard our conversation and found it very cute. And today, on the way home from day care, we saw a puppy in a car next to ours. Athan immediately told me he wanted a dog too! After a few questions, I found out that he wanted a black little puppy. He also wanted the puppy to sit on his lap and lick him! He even said he would share his bed and biscuits with the dog! The whole journey home was about the puppy. How cute. No, we are not buying a puppy at this stage. Maybe when the boys are older.
A new routine awaits Athan in this new year. For starters, he will be going to a 3-yr-old kindy class once a week when term starts next month. I have told him all about it and he sounded excited enough. Not sure if he really knew what I was talking about though …. well, at least he did not say no! That’s a good start. 🙂
To end this post, I just want to share a photo of Athan and me:
 Athan and me. Photo taken in Singapore near Christmas time.