Sick Again

OK, so not only is Bradyn working on cold #3 in 7 weeks, but now she has pink eye. The runny nose started Wednesday afternoon but her eyes also started running on Friday. Yesterday they were pretty much a mess of goo, so we took her to a walk-in clinic and lo and behold.... pink eye. She doesn't seem to be in any pain or bothered too much by it, but getting those drops in her eyes sure is a challenge, especially when trying to do it myself. Any helpful hints?

Her First Art Project

On Friday when I picked Bradyn up from daycare, I was so excited to see that she had done a finger painting. (I was crushed when they said I should wait until this week to take it home, because it was still wet.) It's so funny how such a simple little picture can make you beam with pride. I had seen some other paintings on the wall of her daycare and kept wondering when our little Bradybug would have something to bring home. I think I'm going to have to find a frame....

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh

Is this not the cutest pouty face you have ever seen?

Believe it or not, seconds later Bradyn was sporting the biggest smile you could ever imagine. For once, my bad camera timing caught a great shot instead of one with her eyes closed.

She Stood On Her Own!

I couldn't believe my eyes! Tonight when Bradyn and I were in the kitchen (she was standing there, supporting herself on the kitchen garbage can with one hand), I offered her a drink of water from her sippy cup. She grabbed it with both hands and was standing on her own for a good 10 seconds while she was drinking! I don't think she even knew she did it. It was so cute to see her standing there with such a wide stance for support. Of course she wouldn't do it again so I could get it on film, but she really did do it. Maybe there is hope that she'll walk in the MS walk this year.

Bradyn's other big accomplishment is that she has now mastered the art of pointing at things and asking "Dat?". I've heard stories about how annoying it is when kids get to the "Why?" phase, but while the "What's That?" phase is really cute right now, I can see how it might get old pretty quickly.

Did I mention I think tooth #11 is coming through?

So Far, So Good

Bradyn just finished her first full week of daycare and I'd have to say that all in all, it went pretty darned well. I'm told that her naps are pretty much like clockwork (right after lunch) and that she doesn't even cry. Who knew she'd ever settle into a nap routine? Her teachers are also very impressed with her dexterity and ability to feed herself. In fact, I think I even heard the phrase 'a real little lady' used when describing the way she eats her sandwiches.

Bradyn's sharing skills, however, can apparently use some work. I heard the word 'stubborn' used a number of times this week. (MY kid stubborn? I can't imagine!) The other morning I actually witnessed Bradyn gently using her shoulder to push a little boy to the side to get him away from the Leap Frog keyboard. I have to admit, I giggled to myself and was impressed with her technique. The ladies have assured me that this 'phase' is absolutely normal and that she'll get through it, so I can stop with the "What did I do wrong?" guilt.

Bradyn also had her first injury this week, but for a good reason. When I picked Bradyn up on Tuesday, I noticed a lump under her left eye. Apparently she decided that she wanted to walk like some of the other kids so she let go and took a little step.... and promptly fell on her face. I have noticed that she's getting braver and letting go of one support before having a grip on the next, but I have yet to see her attempt a step on her own. She's walking along the walls a lot more though, and she's always grabbing onto my legs (just like in this picture), so I wouldn't be surprised if she's off and running soon.

Despite her stubbornness, the ladies say they enjoy caring for Bradyn and that she is a wonderful little girl. They're also doing a great job of boosting my ego by constantly telling me what a good mom I am. I sure like this place..... :-)

Her First Day At Daycare

It's official - after 2 unfortunate false starts and a month at home with Grandma Jane (thank you!!!), Bradyn is now enrolled in daycare. We had 2 brief test runs last week and today she was there for the entire day. She loves it! The 'teachers' at her 'school' assured me that Bradyn had a wonderful time playing with and exploring all the toys, that she gets along well with the other children and that she is a joy to have there. What a relief. Although she was a little subdued this morning, Bradyn was all smiles when I picked her up and was 'full of beans' all night, until she crashed at bedtime.

Believe it or not, there were no tears this morning from Bradyn or me. I think that could be for a few reasons:

1 - I've been back at work for a month now and Bradyn and I are getting used to being apart (not because we want to, because we have to)

2 - Bradyn is a social butterfly and absolutely loves to be around other people

3 - I feel it in my heart and in my gut that Bradyn was meant to be there

Having said all this, let's hope I haven't jinxed things and that tomorrow goes just as well. (Now, if I can just manage to not hit the snooze button twice and shave another 10 minutes off of our morning routine tomorrow, I may just get to work on time.)