Blurry Sweet Bliss

Mid-smooth stoneware with mason stained MSS inlaid, stamped and studded with alphabet pasta. The pasta will burn off in the kiln.

We've been experimenting with Mitch Lyon's broomstick technique from his video. I'm concentrating on handbuilt forms this winter.  Good times!

1. The fact that she bawled her first day when I made her LEAVE.
    
2. Peeking in to watch her interact with the other kids for a few moments before I let her see that I've arrived to pick her up.  After two years of having her all to myself its so surreal to watch her effortlessly adjusted, especially when she doesn't know I'm watching.
    
3. These sorts of articles: Study shows benefits from early daycare (CTV News)
    
4. The place she goes to has a kindermusic program and all sorts of other cool activities.  Beats the hell out of singing showtunes at home with me... they even do yoga!  Yoga for toddlers - I've been dying to have the chance to peek in on a session to behold the insantiy...
    
5. Out of nowhere one day, she started singing "Everybody tidy up! Tidy up toys! Cleem mup! CLEEM MUP!!!" and picking up random toys and books strewn about our living room and putting them back where they belonged. 

Not only is she learning new skills, but having her in daycare has helped me realize that as a parent, sometimes I'm blind to her potential to do things for herself - simply because I've gotten into the habit of doing them for her.

Do I miss having that time with her?  Absolutely, but in a weird way - since I've returned to working full time, I find myself much more present during the time we DO have together.

As much as it pains me to admit it, I think its been kinda good for both of us. 

Do I feel guilty for saying that out loud?  Yes I do.

Different scenes a co-worker created using my plastic monkey collection and stuff on my desk.