Enrolled my first kid yesterday!! Whoo-hoo!

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Congrats!

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Almost done getting my tax things together!!

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My new enrollment started. He's 3, and only here on Thur and Fri which are my slower days so now it rounds out all the days of the week without filling my last FT spot.

Plus, mom got state assistance for his full hours, which means they will be paying me $1 more per hour, plus my 10% bonus for my 4 stars. In March, hopefully it will be 25% if I get my 5 stars. Plus, I'll get to continue/finish my 3 months required paper timesheets and then switch to filling out attendance online.

Either way, $50+ per day, for a child that fits in nicely, plus extra benefit. :-)

He also moved from and unlicensed, illegal, non structured daycare where he sat and watch the school agers play video games, no naps. No tv/games here. He'll be reaching his potential here.

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I think dh's schooling will be paid for 100% (at least Spring semester!) . That is a huge relief to not have to pay a couple thousand a semester since his job pays squat and I really am not comfortable taking on more kiddos on a full time basis!

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All DCKS gone an hour before close! On Friday!

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Dcb who is 3.5 has been VERY resistant to potty training. I had a mini conference with his parents last week and pushed the issue. dcb is bright and I basically said that they are being played at home and dcb COULD be trained. Dcm said that they waited too long to start PTing (SHE said it, not me so I wasn't the bad guy!) even though I told them a YEAR AGO that dcb was showing signs of interest/readiness. I stopped trying when he would get to zero accidents friday and then come back and have NO success Monday.

I bought dcb a couple of small trucks, some playdoh and stamps and put them out Monday. I showed dcb his treasures, and then we talked about earning his prizes...no accidents all day=pick one. Dcb had NO accidents Mon-Thurs.

Thurs I asked his parents to stay for a minute and had dcb sit with us since he is such a grown up. We showed dcm that dcb had earned 4 stickers and 4 prizes, and that if he gets his last prize, he would like to try to wear big boy underwear Monday. Dcp's were FLOORED. Dcm went out with dcb that night and he came in SO EXCITED to tell me all about his new undies. They had him wear underwear last night and he had no accidents, even overnight! Dcm said they are having a stay home weekend and dcb will be earning MORE prizes because---THEY THREW AWAY HIS DIAPERS!


FINALLY! I don't usually potty train kids, but this was getting ridiculous!

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I was closed today in observation of Dr. King...I was able to rest and leisurely work on updating my Parent Handbook...it was nice to relax, but I am ready for Picture Day tomorrow!

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yay! Just got the deposit and paperwork for a child filling my last FT spot! I am essentially full! For the first time ever.

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We had no accidents today from any of our 5(!) potty training children. Woo hoo!

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Its 75 degrees outside! Love it!

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What a perfect awesome day in daycare world. We went on a spur of the moment field trip to the Domes this morning then to lunch. The kids had a great time, all went smoothly with great timing. Came home, they took super naps, I got some business paperwork done (end of year employee tax stuff, etc.) while the assistant worked on miscellaneous organizing, etc. Kiddos got up and had snack, we went for a walk in the nice weather and then they got picked up. I have never had a better daycare day. I am sure my extremely low level of pain helped.

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I have an interview tonight for an infant. Hopefully, they will not be a no call/no show like my last two interviews.

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Good luck!

I would give them a call about an hour prior to the interview and confirm the time with them.

I require ALL interviewees to call me within 60 minutes of the scheduled time to confirm with me they are still coming.

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I'm not sure this is the right thread for this, but I would just like to freeze my dck's at this moment in time. The group works very well together with their current ages and stages of development, current schedules, even the current weather and moods. Parents are happy, kids are happy and I'm happy. I vow to enjoy it while it lasts because if anything is for sure, it's that all of this will change. It's so great when the stars all line up and it all works

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We FINALLY got outside today!!!

And we will get outside again this afternoon!!!

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That's fantastic, enjoy!


I had 4 2yo's potty training today, (aside from 1 having issues) I had 2 accidents! 2! I was so impressed that we had a mini party and blew bubbles and played with balloons before lunch. My kids were SO HAPPY to tell parents that they got to blow bubbles inside because they went potty.

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We were almost twins today! I had four 2's potty training today too. One more accident then you, but everyone is doing fantastic. I love your idea of a potty party!

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My interview ACTUALLY SHOWED UP! And the baby is adorable, the parents are great, and they are starting Monday Not only that, but I have another little girl starting in a few weeks. So that means.....could it be....I'm full! I feel pretty awesome right now

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Whoo Hooo!!!

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After having issues with picky eating at lunch, I finally bit the bullet and took away AM snack. It was totally unnecessary and more out of habit then hunger. All the kids who were here all morning ate everything on their plates for lunch. No one said they didn't like this or that. And they asked for seconds on green beans.
It is GOOD to know what real hunger feels like.

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Good for you!!!

I have had no food issues sense taking AM snack away last summer. Not one of them has starved to death but have ate so much better and eating great food choices.

I rarely hear they don't like something because they are hungry and eager to eat.

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I'm full-ish!!!!

6 kids enrolled-8, 8, 4, 2.5, 16 months, 10 months

Schedule wise it's a little crazy but that's ok.

Mondays = 3 kids
Tuesdays = 4 kids
Wednesdays = 5 kids
Thursdays = 6 kids
Fridays = 5 kids

Yay!

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Two DCG's (both 2) walked into each other today. Neither was hurt, but one is super sensitive and cried, so the other had to too. While I was comforting them both, DCB (who is one of our more rambunctious, sometimes aggressive, boys) came over and patted them both on the back saying, "It's ok, it's ok." It was the cutest thing!

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A little boy that I watch LOVES to give me hugs throughout the day

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One of the little boys that I care for is a bruiser, great kid, but a bull in a china shop. BUT today another child got hurt (through no fault of the boys ) and he went over to pat the child and kept asking "you K?" So sweet

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I was closed yesterday due to be snowed in at my parents. Today I only have my 5 year old son and 1 daycare boy. Told his mom to bring his snow stuff since we normally don't get outside due to me having an infant and being 36 weeks pregnant. Today we are going to have a fun no normal day stuff. We're watching a movie this morning and playing some games and then this afternoon we're going to spend the time outside until pick up. We just got about a foot of nice new fluffy snow and I can't wait to let the boys go out and play in it!!!!

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I scored some awesome deals on some toys today!

a dollhouse, a castle, a boat, a bus, various small toys and on top of that I got a new kid sized table and a small bookshelf. Very excited about my purchases!

Now to just get some kids back in here to enjoy them

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I turned on the TV for the first time today for 2 not so content children with colds. Babies are sleeping. Today is good, but lets hope they don't expect the same tomorrow.

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I have two very happy one year old boys playing. My numbers have been down and the kids have been sick these past couple of weeks. It has been a bit since these two boys played together and they just love each other.
Also, the sun is shining and I get to pick my daughter up in 45 minutes from school. AND it is an early pick up day so the little ones will be going home at a little after 3. What a lovely Friday!

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This morning one of my families dropped off dcb with a BIG box of cardboard blocks for Sprouts, just like the ones we have. It DOUBLED our building supply and the kids had such a blast making a massive structure this morning. Love freebies

I also have an interview tonight for another full time infant which would be GREAT. Fingers crossed it goes well

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This morning, DCM of one of my kids came in and told me that DCG had something important to tell me. DCG tells me, I love you Ms. Teacher and I think you should make more money. She then gives me a penny and a big hug. I freely admit I teared up.

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I had a good chat with one of the mamas who hung out for a few this morning. I really enjoy those early morning chats.

Got a call for an old client who will be coming back next week.

got some ideas and inspiration for the toddler from some good books.

snuggled and laid on the floor, and made up stories for most of homeschooling time, ha.

a nice hot bath after work

everyone got picked up by 4.

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After getting a discouraging note back from licensing agency (wasn't really as bad as I thought when I first opened it, but when seeing it was from the licensing agency I got my hopes up that it was info on what to do next regarding orientation and such, when it actually ended up being a note telling me what was wrong with my packet ) ... all the correct information is now faxed into my licensing unit and everything should be processed shortly!

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We adopted a boy at age 3, who is now 14. So glad we did. But it is lots of work.

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Overheard while DCG and DD were playing a board game today: (both 3)

DD: Knock knock
DCG: Who's there
DD: Interrupting cow
DCG: Interrupting cow who?
DD: MOO!
DCG: Moo who?
DD: Interrupting cow moo!

::Both explode into giggles::

I love catching kids in random exchanges! They are so different when they think they're not being watched!

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The kids went back to school after 3 very hectic snow days . I have 2 very quiet kiddos here and a few hundred extra dollars to spend this weekend due to the extra hours yay!!

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I'm just happy today

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Thank you for the "almost" day off "Local Job Fair" 4 out of 6 kids gone to Grandma's...

I just hope their employers don't figure out why so many called out today or this may become an extended "vacation" for us all.....

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I don't have to do any school pick-ups today. SA dcb is being picked up from school by his grandma. Grandson is being picked up by his aunt who already picked up her dd with a tummy ache. Grandson's teacher called from their field trip to say he was complaining about having an earache. Eldest granddaughter is walking to Star Buck's afterschool to wait for her mom.

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That's awsome! I had to do the same thing. It is a great feeling to tell the parents that their kids ate all their lunch today.

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Sometimes you just gotta take a step back, and truly take in what's in front of you. I had a corporate job and it sucked... I calculated pension's for a living...all those formula's, cranky retiree's! I get paid less, but I have some quality time with my children, and get paid extra in I love you's. This has been my day thus far;

1. Drove my 'corvette' to the gas station to be filled up - got the works at the 'car wash' and vroooommmed all over the house.
2. Made pizza out of the toddlers (they LOVE this!) Roll them on the floor and pretend to put toppings on them, cheese and pretend bake them, pretend eat them. Basically tickle them senseless.
2. I played 3 games of sequence Jr. (I even won a round)
3. Played some who wants to be a millionaire
4. We had a few rounds of freeze dance, and everyone participated!!

Seriously, cleaning, craziness aside. It's a damn fun job =P

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so smooth. definitely worth staying up all night getting the playroom ready for March stuff.

The kids stayed in one corner of the playroom all morning they were so engaged they didn't even begin to discover all the goodies I had for them. It's gonna be a lovely month.

I agree, KDC, damn fun.

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Spring is almost here and I *finally* have my almost 3 yo putting on his boots by himself!

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at interview said their daughter was potty trained...they provided pull-ups and flushable wipes... Was she pt....NOPE.

At pu yesterday i requested diapers and wipes because she kept leaking through her pull-up and pants a couple times a day. They don't hold anything, they are not meant to be used as a diaper.

Fast forward to today... They brought me diapers and wipes with no question!!!! Yippie. I hope this family stays good.

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DCB, who we've been having major issues wish lately, was almost a different kid this week. He listened, cleaned up well, did great on the potty, was very polite. We had some issues this afternoon, but it was the exception this week. Made sure to tell him how fantastic his behavior was frequently- hopefully he will be just as great after the weekend.

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I took Friday off for a doctor appointment and all of my dc families were fine with it. The doctor referred me to a specialist, the specialist's office called that afternoon saying I could get in Monday. I had to call all of my dc families again, and once again they were all fine with me taking Monday off. Supportive, even! Thank goodness for my awesome, understanding families .

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I'm finally full with 8 kids for the first time ever!!! My newest one started last week and is fitting in VERY well!!!

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My 2 hardest DCKs both got picked up early today (and one was 90mins late this morning)!!! At 12:30 I was down to only 2 kids! Whooo Hoooo!

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I had a parent come in and give me a hug telling me that they appreciate me. She also thanked me for being a positive influence on their child and gave me a gift card to Zaxby's for lunch. I appreciated the gift because I forgot my lunch, but what was much more important to me was the thanks and gratitude.

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We had a couple of call-offs, and a few children leaving early, so instead of the usual 7-8 we have at 3pm, we were down to 5. And by 4:15, I was down to 2! Nice easy day.

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My sub came today so I could go to my kids school program. That put me in a much better mood which has made the rest of the day nicer

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I was totally kid free by 3:15

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We had our annual Easter Egg Hunt today (Saturday). It is free for any of our toddlers and preschoolers. We had about 12 children, and they had a blast. After the hunt, we have some snacks. It's a quick, fun afternoon- the kids love it, and it is nice to see some of the parents who wouldn't usually meet be able to talk to each other.

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The simplest things can make a kid happy. I had 4-3 yr olds eating lunch in my class today (I'm the 4s teacher). Today's lunch was fish sticks and there was ketchup if they wanted it. Well, one of my kids picked up the ketchup and began to put some on her plate. The 3 yr olds that were visiting and were scandalized by this. They wanted ketchup but were afraid to ask. I told them they are allowed to get their own ketchup because they are big enough and responsible enough to do it without making a mess. I wish you guys could have seen the joy on their faces when they heard that. They ate about 10 fish sticks each just to put ketchup on them. When they went back to their room, I overheard 1 DCB ask his teacher if she would put on daily sheet that he poured his own ketchup because is now a big boy.

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My problem mother just gave notice!!!!! yippie!!!!
Her child is adorable and fun but man mom is a pita. I'm sooooooooo super happy they are leaving....

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I got my license today!!!!!!!

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Congratulations!!!!

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I'm soooooo excited!!

So I have credit cards that give you rewards ... you know the ones. They have dumb rewards that you never actually use. Well I logged in to my bank website and my bank credit card said I had like 11,000 points and I sarcastically thought "Wow, maybe I'll get a pen or a keychain" . Out if curiosity I looked at what I could get for my points. Turns out that I get $1 for each 100 points for Amazon. I turned ALL of my points in and got a credit for $113!!!

I went to Amazon and ordered some large Ziploc bags and some much needed science stuff for my daycare!!! Now I'm SUPER SUPER excited!!! I really didn't have much before. Here's what I got (besides the ziploc bags):

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MV- I have everything but the magnet set, and I LOVE it all!

The bucket scales are played with soooo often here that I am considering getting another set or two. The kids spent a good part of yesterday afternoon trying to make them even with colored rice in a tub, and then dumped that all out and did it with one side rice, one side rocks. So fun!

Congratulations! My credit card gives rewards, but it's paid off so I don't touch it.

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Awesome, if theyre a hit at your house they'll be a hit at mine too .
I've had these items in my Amazon Daycare Wishlist for so long and now I finally got to buy some of the stuff from my list!!! I'm super excited for the scale too, the kids here love sand play and since the weather is warming up in my area I can't wait for them to play with it with water too .

The only reason why I think I have so many points is because we put all of our wedding stuff on my card (deposits, payments, catering etc.) and then a lot of it got paid off right away by transferring the funds. I'm soooo glad I did this now ... whoohoo!!

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Finally having a really nice day, it's actually starting to feel like Spring. So nice to be outside and enjoy it!

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1st day transitioning DCG (16mos) to nap mat instead of pnp was a total success!! No running around, crying, getting up & down... nothing! She laid down and went off to sleep! Now hoping for a good nap and easy wake up!

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Yesterday I had an interview with a parent who was looking for part-time care (2-3 days a week from what she described) for her four-year-old son and nine-month-old daughter..and this Thursday I start caring for them!

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Had an interview scheduled for tonight and they showed up!!!! Little boy was a doll! They'll let me know next week, but I'm all for it, good vibes!

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Cool Mema!!

Sending you tons of good luck and keeping my fingers crossed for you!!

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It was so nice outside today, 74 and sunny- such a nice change from the constant rain we've been having. We spent almost all day playing outside and went for a walk. We were only inside for meals, potty/diapers, and nap.

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I'm in NY too and it was a glorious day! I love when we can be outside that much!

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Not child-care related, but I do cake decorating on the side (specializing in cupcakes, cake pops, and other goodies), and one of my returning customers (and long-time friend of my family) contacted me about a cupcake order for mid-June..she's throwing a frog-themed baby shower for a friend and is needing enough frog-themed cupcakes to feed around 40 people. This will probably be my largest and most expensive order to date, especially since most likely I will be using fondant and gum paste to make the frogs, lilypads, and water lilies to go on top of the cupcakes, but I am super-excited about this

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Zoo field trip a success! I had 2 more decided last minute to change plans so DCK could come but even with the extra kids it was flawless! No rain, accidents, or injury! Plus everyone was passed out within 7 minutes of being on the road home (45min drive) and they each laid down and slept we got home! AND All DCKs were picked up within 45 minutes of us getting home (all still sleeping at p/u!)! DCK free by 3:45!!!

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Today when we were watching a TV serial and laughing over a funny scene my younger one looked at us and started laughing as if she could understand everything that's being shown.

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I am so thankful of my years of high school and 2 semesters of college Spanish. New DCG speaks fluent Spanish- luckily she is also fluent in English too because I am not that fluent in Spanish, and my co-worker knows none. It is nice to be able to respond to her when she says something in Spanish though.

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I have all boys in care besides my two babies. The boys have been really excited to see each other lately. When they put up bins of toys, they use teamwork. They made this up as a fun way to work together and pick up. Each of the 5 boys grabs a section of the toy bin and they all slowly carry it into the toy room and put it away. All the while singing... teamwork,teamwork,etc. Very cute!

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I was just checking reviews on our center, I check occasionally because we have had angry former staff/parents make false reviews before (not often, but you don't want them there at all). I came across the most awesome review from one of our current DCD's, and am now grinning ear to ear. It is so nice to see something like that.

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When DCM was leaving with DCB yesterday, she said, "Happy Mother's Day. I know y'all don't have any kids of your own, but these are all your babies," gesturing to the kids in the room. It really meant a lot to know we are appreciated like that.

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That was VERY sweet of her. How nice

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I just got a text from one of my infant boy's mom who said that he had started clapping for the first time this evening while they were blowing bubbles. She asked if I had seen it before or if it were new and commented how cute it was. I started working with him on clapping today and he loved it but wouldn't do it unassisted. The fact that he retained that experience and did it on his own just brought tears to my eyes. Its those small accomplishments from the kids you care for that make this job worth doing. <3 it

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I finished my first week of daycare, and even got paid!

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I took my son to his kindergarten screening, and he did very well. To quote the teacher who did his screening, "he is so ready for kindergarten"

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Gotta make you feel good

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My baby girl making her first steps!!

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My dcm/first drop off always says hello & talks to my youngest son. It makes him feel so special. She asks him how he is doing, chats with him for a bit and tells him "Have a GREAT DAY!" Today when she picked up, my son said to her "Have a great....NIGHT Miss dcm!" and then while she was still in earshot "She's so nice to me. I like her!" and dcm was beaming. It's so thoughtful that she talks to him while I am talking to dcb.

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Well, I am glad you had that smile today. Hopefully it made up for everything else

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With all the negative parent stories we've been having lately, I figured we would all use a good one:

to DCD today! DCB spiked a temp toward the end of the day (we were pretty sure he would because he was a little warm-99.5- before nap) and we called DCD to come pick him up. He doesn't have a car so I am not sure if he got a ride or took the bus (or was already on his way, it was kinda near pick up) but was there to pick up within 20 mins! And called for a taxi instead of taking sick DCB on the bus!

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All the kids nap at the same time!!! Maybe my infant will wake up early but everyone else is scheduled for a 2:30 wake up call...LOL

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I got my picky eater to eat his veggies today. I mixed them in with his Mac and Cheese but he didn't even notice.

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I tried to do that with a tiny, hardly visible piece of ground beef once with my picky son and as soon as the meat touched his tongue, he gagged until he threw up! Decided not to try it again, at least for him! Glad it worked better for you though!

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My DCB went through that a couple of months ago with the veggies. Horrible time....really. Today I got him to taste the veggies first (which he had refused until today). They were mixed veggies of corn, squash, zucchini and carrots. He did like the corn so the rest I diced REAL small & mixed in his macaroni and cheese. I am hoping that by trying the veggies he may get to like them on their own soon :-)

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To make a long story short. I am having some back pain and cannot lift the kiddos onto the the changing table. So I have a mat on the floor that I'm using. The 2dcgs are "helping" me by getting the diapers out of their "buckets". I am thankful for their helpful hearts today.

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How fast they grow!

My little dcbaby, the youngest I've ever started, was 6 weeks when I first watched her. She's 13 weeks now, just turned 3 months yesterday. She's been smiling more and cooing more, and today has been happy on the floor/play pen more than usual. She almost rolling over, and she's starting to arch her back and scootch around.

Hey! You're not allowed to do that yet! You're still my little ball of squish and sweetness!

But hey, this is what happens when you have a baby who gets LOTS of time to be free to move in her own way, and doesn't get parked in baby stuff all the time.

But, but, but...you're still so small and squishy...

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The sun came out and it finally stopped raining! We've been stuck inside for days and the kids have been going stir crazy (us too)!

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Prequel: We spent the week reviewing manners and discussed how using them tells people we care about them.

DCM walked DCB to the door. My hands were full with a clipboard and a bag of clean, out grown clothes to return to them. DCM notices me struggle with the knob and holds open the door for me..

DCB shouts "Mom!!! You love ****, too!! I am so proud of you!"

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Five o'clock came. That was good.

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It was nice and warm today- but not unbearably hot- so we were able to play in the water twice. An hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon. So much extra work for us, but the kids had a blast. I bet they went to bed well for their parents tonight.

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Today was the first day w/o the kid I just termed, who had become a problem. So peaceful. I should've done it sooner.

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everyone was picked up early today!!! Vacation time!!!

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Here too! Almost 20 minutes of extra time on my vacation day

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Today will mark my 3rd new enrollment so far for the month!!!!


yay me!

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Went to the park this morning and got a HUGE hug from a little boy I use to watch ! He saw us coming and ran over yelling my name! (His family left as they needed longer hours)

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