When Hammond was born, Jamie and I made the decision (because there was opportunity) for me to stay home. It is SUCH a gift, but it's not always easy. However, we also decided not to put him in any sort of day program (which, depending on where you are and who your friends are, may or may not sound normal). So, aside from the gym and a Bible study I do once a week, we spend most of our days together! Until now…
With little sister joining the chaos, we decided maybe it was worth a try for this fall. Not to mention that Hammond is a social kid. If he's given the opportunity, he wants to be with friends. All the time.
After asking to go to school repeatedly, I decided to try out a VBS this summer that his friend, Conrad, was going to.
Here he is! Day 1. SO excited!
That week went really, really well, and he had a blast. 5 days was definitely too much for him (although, if he could, he probably would have told me otherwise), but it was such a success that we decided to try out a program this fall.
After much procrastination, I finally signed him up for the PMO at our YMCA (I have a post coming dedicated solely to that place…we LOVE it!) for two days a week.
Day 1
Day 2 (with the support of baby sister)
And here he is being walked into the building after
drop off! Does he not look like such a big boy?!
picnic at the playground after his 2nd day
So far, it's pretty good! The program we're doing is such a baby step into school for him, which is perfect for where we are right now. It's not a formal program, and some kids only sign up weekly. But, he is enjoying his time with new friends, play time, and crafts. I mean, he loves it! And I'm actually getting a few things accomplished in a day! And getting to spend a little more one-on-one time with sweet Delle.
For me, I think there will always be tension with how much time our kids spend away from the influence of our home. And I'm ok with that. But, this is certainly a fun new season for the little man, and for mom. :)