D-Day

The "D" meaning "Daycare," of course. After six weeks of doting grandmothers, Schuyler attended her first day of daycare last Monday. (The picture with Linda was taken right before we left that morning.) Dropping her off was hard, but not horrific. However, when I picked her up, some woman that I did not know was holding my crying baby. As we drove home in the pouring rain, I was consumed with doubts about my decision to return to work. And then, I truely believe that God spoke to me in one of "His Mysterious Ways." (I used to really love reading that part of my grandma's Readers Digest.) As we pulled into our neighborhood, a perfect rainbow came into view. It was God's way of assuring me that everything was going to be just fine. I know that I am making the right decision for myself and our family.

I know it's been a long time since our last post. We have been very busy since Memorial Day. Todd's Mom was here to take care of Schuyler. She did an amazing job. Schuyler loved having Grandma Linda around to find her "sugars." (That's a spot for kisses just under little girl's chin.)

Schuyler was three months old on June 7. To commerate that day, the four of us took little girl on her first shopping trip. We hit some outlets near the coast. Changing a diaper in a Ralph Lauren dressing room was certainly a new experience! We almost didn't make the trip because Schuyler was sick the weekend before with some sort of cold or infection. She had a slight temp of 100.2, but it went down pretty rapidly and we never had to take her to the doctor or give her any medicine.

Aunt Jennifer and Grandpa Larry were here last weekend to see Schuyler and accompany Linda home. It was the first time that Jen had met Schuyler. The birthday buddies were pretty smitten with each other. The six of us rented a a big SUV on Saturday and drove over to western Connecticut to sight-see and visit a couple of wineries. Litchfield County is very pretty, but the wineries do no compare to our wineries in Missouri. I'll take my place overlooking the Missouri River with a glass of Les Bourgeous' finest any day.

Schuyler, who we think is probably around 12 pounds now, is doing fabulous. She is "talking" to us more and more and very responsive. The daycare providers told me that she is "very observant" for a baby her age. One also told me that she is probaby one of the best babies they have ever had. I, of course, wished to know more, but I didn't press. ("If you had to rank the babies from best to worst, where she would fall and why?" It seemed inappropriate.) She really is a very easy and content little girl. Todd and I are so lucky to have such a happy baby girl!

She is also now a little more independent. As of June 7, she is sleeping alone in her nursery instead of next to our bed in her basket. The transition was easy (for her) and so far so good. That first night sure was lonely for Mom, though! The newfound realization that she has hands and can use them did come in handy. She has never shown much interest in a pacifier, but she really does like sucking on her hands right before she falls asleepl