I started my new job yesterday and so far I’m liking it a lot. I don’t really know what to say about it because I try not to talk about work on my blog too much. But I’m very happy. It’s good.
And of course, because things always work out like this, it was only last week (after I’d already accepted the new job) that my old job back in Seattle contacted me and asked if I could do a little freelancing project for them. I said yes, thinking, meh, it’ll probably take me two days, no big deal. And holy mother of pearl, this project is HUGE (nobody’s fault, just miscommunication about exactly what was involved) and so basically I’m now working on evenings and weekends in addition to my full-time job. Not cool, although the money sure will be nice when I get it finished.
Also, we’ve decided to change things up a little with the daycare situation. I’ve had some qualms about our in-home daycare situation since the time Nicole (daycare provider) emailed me to tell me that she thought Catie had Sensory Processing Disorder. Something about that was a red flag to me, so I’ve been watching Catie carefully, and here’s what I’ve noticed:
* Catie used to be excited to go to daycare, and now she cries when I tell her that she’s going to Miss Nicole’s house that day.
* Her behavior at Nicole’s house isn’t improving. She’s fine if she’s left to play by herself, but she shuts down & cries when Nicole tries to get her involved in an activity.
* She freaking loves the drop-in daycare down the street that she calls “daycare school,” and the lady who runs the place has told me repeatedly what a sweet, friendly little girl I have.
It’s become pretty clear that the in-home daycare is not the best fit for Catie. I’m not sure what it is, maybe it’s because there aren’t enough kids there (just Nicole’s own 2 kids and another baby who’s about a year old), maybe it’s because Nicole is too rigid and doesn’t really “get” Catie (who I fully admit is a pretty quirky kid), I honestly don’t know what it is. I was originally thinking about trying to get Catie to go to Nicole’s 3 days a week until preschool starts in the fall, but something about that decision just didn’t sit right with me.
So, rather than holding out and waiting for preschool to start, I’ve started looking for a full-time preschool/daycare that would work instead, where she could start now. Last week, my mom and I took Catie with us and toured a few different daycares. I found one that I think will be a really great fit for her. Of the three places we saw, it was the first place where Catie let go of my hand and ran off to play. She really seemed to like it there, and I got an overall good vibe from the place. So, we’ll see. I’m optimistic about it.
Oh, and did I mention that my baby girl is turning 3 tomorrow? I can’t really believe it. More updates on THAT milestone (with pics from her birthday party last weekend) tomorrow.
(oops- I tweeted Happy Birthday a day early)
Awesome that the new job is going so well! I can’t wait to hear all about it! We want to shower Catie with birthday wishes although I still want to play it by ear for when all our collective noses stop flowing with snot before we visit with her/you. The visual? you’re welcome.
So glad that the job is going well. The day-care situation will work it’s self out, I’m sure of it. Sounds like you’ve already found a great place. The thing I’ve learned in working with kids is that when it’s right you’ll just know it.
So happy for you and can’t wait to see birthday party pictures!!! 🙂
Dood, 3?!? Where has the time gone?
Hey I just wanted to let you know that from what I’ve read, Sensory Processing Disorder isn’t on the Autism spectrum. It is common in kids with autism, but kids who have ADHD, dyslexia, are gifted, etc can have sensory processing issues as well. (I’ve been a special ed para for 17 yrs).
My own son has dyspraxia (motor coordination disorder), anxiety, is LD in math, and is gifted…HAS sensory processing difficulties.
I don’t blame you for going all Mamma Bear on your daycare provider. Too many unqualified people make snap diagnoses based on what little knowledge they have, and they are often wrong. I’ve been there many times myself as people have tried to peg my son with ADHD and autism. Jake’s grade 2 teacher even asked if we’d ever thought of Ritalin.
Jake’s behavior at school was also very different then at home-mostly because he would get overstimulated by the HUGE amounts of sensory input. Same with places like the pool, playground, movie theater, etc. He would get hyper/happy and then tantrum whenever it was time to leave (tantrums-1 1/2-2 HOURS long) Anxiety tends to heighten the sensitivity to sensory input as well (at least that’s my experience with Jake).
You should also know that there are varying degrees of sensory sensitivities-my Hubs, who is dyslexic, has them too. Some days he’s okay but sometimes when he’s stressed he’s more sensitive to things. He can’t stand certain types of food, no spicy/strong foods, sock seams, heavily scented products, etc. Jake would be fine some days but if he was coming down with something, hungry, tired, etc he’d be more sensitive to crowds, noise, and bright lights.
It took a lot of looking for me to find a good fit for daycare for Jake too-but the bottom line is you need to go with your gut instinct and what is best for your daughter. 🙂 And you’ve obviously got that down.
If you ever need to talk feel free to look me up! I’d be happy to chat 🙂
Wow, almost three! Glad work is great and a new daycare on the horizon. 😉
It’s such a challenge to pick just the right daycare isn’t it?! I think having a good vibe about a place is key too. I had a bad home daycare experience when my son was little and I should have listened to my instinct, which I instead played off as first-time mom anxiety!
Good luck in your new job!
I can see where a more structured school like environment with more children her age would be great for Catie. My own Miss C loves school and demands to go to “work” at “school” in the morning so she can be with her friends so in all, I love the situation and think you will too! Good luck!
I think Catie’s comfort in her environment is the #1 priority. Whether or not she does have SPD (my Blythe is a very quirky kid who happens to have SPD) she needs to be comfortable when she’s away from you, or neither of you are going to be happy.
I hope you find just the right place, and that things settle down for you soon!
Happy Birthday to Catie!
I’ve just wondered in here from somewhere else, so I don’t know the whole story. But it seems like you think there’s something wrong with SPD? I would have been ecstatic if 6 years ago someone–anyone–knew what SPD was and suggested it as a cause for my child’s “quirky” behaviour. It was finally a speech-language pathologist who recognized the systems (I already knew about it but my family doctor wasn’t interested in hearing about it) and got us connected with OT and other services.
I understand if this is just one more thing with that daycare provider, but the way you phrased it seemed a little intolerant/insulting to those of us who deal with SPD daily (and I’m also thankful for my son as I’ve come to realize that my ‘issues’ also stem from SPD).
First you need to find a day care provider she likes and who likes her. Only then will her true personality and skills shine. Someone without medical training should not be telling you what is wrong with your daughter. Some people deal better with quirky children than others. I think we spend too much time trying to make everyone the same rather than celebrating the quirks.