From Tears to Laughter

It's hard to believe that almost a year ago I took my son to daycare for the first time. He was 3.5 months old and obviously had no idea what was going on. I was more nervous than my first day of kindergarten.

I remember the morning drop off going really well. I was so proud of myself for not crying and making it a really smooth transition. I was even excited when the daycare director told me that I had been one of the most put together moms on their child's first day. It meant a lot to me to hear that because when I left I felt like I'd conquered a fear.

Pick up was a whole different story. I got to the end of the hallway where my son's classroom is and I heard him crying. I ran to the door and flung it open. I took my son from the teacher and burst into tears. Needless to say I recapped my morning conversation with the director for his teacher and just couldn't get my act together.

Now I laugh about that day with various teachers in the day care. They didn't know what to expect from me as a mom in the building at that point - probably figuring I'd be one of those nervous moms who called 10 times a day or even stopped by at lunch. But I wasn't.

Turns out I became this easygoing parent - maybe too easy. My drop offs are record breaking at a minute - two tops - with a quick "I love you" and a kiss on the forehead. I called the first day and unless he had a bad night's sleep I haven't called to check in since. And I became a class mom. I decided that being an involved parent would make me feel comfortable and make my first day jitters go away. And it certainly did.

Knowing my son is having an amazing experience makes it even better. He gets excited every morning when we get to day care. He says hi to the security guards, teachers, and everyone that walks by. He loves eating Cheerios with his friends and learning new things.

This week, as we embark on the second year of daycare I'm a much different person walking through those doors. This year, I'll smile knowing what lies ahead rather than frown as we go buy new shoes, clothes, and even a toddler backpack and art smock. I'm excited for his new journey and thrilled that he'll be dragging me down the hall to get there faster.