If you know where Alice goes to school you can see her on their school website. She's on the Events / Visitors page and the School Life / Charity page.
If you want the link then email me! Once this blog is private I'll post the links directly.
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
MY DANCING QUEEN
At Alice's school (just like at mine) they use stickers to reinforce good behaviours. Stickers are a great incentive . . . but badges are better! I got to school this afternoon and the senior (I presume) teacher was very keen for Alice to show me her achievement - a BADGE, for listening and working really hard in Dance class! She was pleased with herself (but not hugely), I heaped on the praise and she earned a lollipop (huge treat) too - hence the smile.(It should also be noted that the photo draught on the blog has probably ended - I bought a new, grown up camera today! I took nearly 300 photos in the first 90 minutes home, Alice is happier as it has a more effective no flash mode!)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
NIGHT AND DAY WITH ALICE
I hardly slept last night.
I've resolved to try and get to bed earlier (as I have a guarenteed alarm clock!)
Last night I managed to turn the light off just after 11pm, that's early these days, I fell asleep fairly easily but then woke just over an hour later. I'd forgotten to make a phonecall earlier in the evening and found myself wide awake remembering at a time when it was impossible to act on it. I tried lying quietly, I watched a little TV, tried lying quietly again, after several hours I got up and made a PE bag for Alice (whole 'nother post!), eventually I went back to bed, nearly 5 hours after I'd woken, which made for a sore head and a grumpy me! I turned off the early alarm and slept til 7:30, Alice didn't make any noise til I got up, but that's fairly standard.
Breakfast was a challenge, I was grumpy and Alice was off-form. She started to eat and then refused her usual 2 W*eetabix and ended up eating 3 fruit pouches instead. I thought that she felt a bit warm but she didn't complain. She was slightly tearful going into nursery - which is highly unusual for her new school.
When I collected her she complained that she was feeling cold (despite wearing tights, normal uniform, hoodie and fleecy coat), she wasn't keen to talk and when we called in at my school she didn't want to interact at all. We came home and she want to curl up with Mummy and a blanket on the sofa - a nice cuddle but not usual, by 6pm 1 cheek was rosy and she definitely had a temperature and despite choosing her supper she only ate a few bites.
I think that my baby is poorly.
I've resolved to try and get to bed earlier (as I have a guarenteed alarm clock!)
Last night I managed to turn the light off just after 11pm, that's early these days, I fell asleep fairly easily but then woke just over an hour later. I'd forgotten to make a phonecall earlier in the evening and found myself wide awake remembering at a time when it was impossible to act on it. I tried lying quietly, I watched a little TV, tried lying quietly again, after several hours I got up and made a PE bag for Alice (whole 'nother post!), eventually I went back to bed, nearly 5 hours after I'd woken, which made for a sore head and a grumpy me! I turned off the early alarm and slept til 7:30, Alice didn't make any noise til I got up, but that's fairly standard.
Breakfast was a challenge, I was grumpy and Alice was off-form. She started to eat and then refused her usual 2 W*eetabix and ended up eating 3 fruit pouches instead. I thought that she felt a bit warm but she didn't complain. She was slightly tearful going into nursery - which is highly unusual for her new school.
When I collected her she complained that she was feeling cold (despite wearing tights, normal uniform, hoodie and fleecy coat), she wasn't keen to talk and when we called in at my school she didn't want to interact at all. We came home and she want to curl up with Mummy and a blanket on the sofa - a nice cuddle but not usual, by 6pm 1 cheek was rosy and she definitely had a temperature and despite choosing her supper she only ate a few bites.
I think that my baby is poorly.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
THERE'S NO DOUBT . . . BUT WHY?
There's no doubt that Alice is happy in her new nursery (which we call school as opposed to the old nursery that we called by name). It's evident every time that she goes that she's happier now as she goes in so willingly and I have to find her to ask for a kiss!
Last night we were having a snuggle on my bed before Alice's bedtime, it was obvious that she was in a 'chatty' mood. I took the opportunity to ask about her new school and why she preferred school to the old nursery.
Her first response amazed me, 'The dinners!'
(At her new school she has to have a packed lunch - hot meals aren't provided until she goes into Reception. I've spent MANY hours worrying about Alice having a packed lunch, searching for a bag and boxes that she can open and what to put in them that she can eat easily and that she likes enough to eat without prompting!)
After this revelation I continued to ask about other aspects of school and she agreed that it was better than nursery in every way - but I suspect the 'chatty' mood was gone and she was just agreeing for an easy life!
Last night we were having a snuggle on my bed before Alice's bedtime, it was obvious that she was in a 'chatty' mood. I took the opportunity to ask about her new school and why she preferred school to the old nursery.
Her first response amazed me, 'The dinners!'
(At her new school she has to have a packed lunch - hot meals aren't provided until she goes into Reception. I've spent MANY hours worrying about Alice having a packed lunch, searching for a bag and boxes that she can open and what to put in them that she can eat easily and that she likes enough to eat without prompting!)
After this revelation I continued to ask about other aspects of school and she agreed that it was better than nursery in every way - but I suspect the 'chatty' mood was gone and she was just agreeing for an easy life!
Monday, September 07, 2009
THE END OF THE WEEK
. . . for work at least! It's only one day a week but it's exhausting.
I'm working with a new colleague but with the same children in a new room. I never sleep the night before a new term and last night proved the point, so I was groggy before it started, but luckily that didn't set the tone for the day, it was good and now I'm relieved.
I'm working with a new colleague but with the same children in a new room. I never sleep the night before a new term and last night proved the point, so I was groggy before it started, but luckily that didn't set the tone for the day, it was good and now I'm relieved.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
REMEMBERING
We sang 'Happy Birthday Grandpa', he would be 65 today, it's the 8th birthday we've remembered without him.We went to A's birthday party today, it got me planning Alice's party as it will be at the same place. I came home and had a trial run at Alice's cake. I wasn't sure about the capacity of the shaped cake tin. When it was (eventually) cooked and Alice had gone to bed, I had another practice - icing it! Then I couldn't resist putting 3 candles down the middle and remembered Grandpa as I blew them out for him. The result of the cake test was fine, as usual the finer details are the bits that I need more practice at and I probably need to find a different way to do them.
Also remembering 25 years ago - was the day I started boarding school. That day is etched on my memory, most of all the devastation of being left there - I was well prepared for what was going to happen but I hadn't thought through actually being left there! We had a welcome tea with our tutor in the main dining hall, I remember Mum's horror when another parent (a famous rockstar's ex-wife) produced the embroidery silk and asked what it was for, Mum had spent many evening using the silk to embroider my initials on every piece of sports kit (and many more naming everything!) I can remember feeling very lost and following a girl from my form, she was tall and had blondish, curly hair - so she was easy to spot in a busy corridor!!
Friday, September 04, 2009
THE END OF DAY ONE
. . . I got there 20 minutes early and got one of the last parking spaces! I decided to stay in the car and wait for a while, but within minutes lots of people seemed to be heading towards the school, so I did too. I didn't want to wait within sight of Nursery, in case Alice saw me before home time, but I soon realised that the door must already be open. Alice was crying . . . I quickly realised that it was the other Alice!! My Alice came to the door with all her belongings but in someone else's clothes - she'd had an accident - they'd changed everything except her vest, odd, as her vest and polo were the same length. I think I'm going to leave a change of outfit in a bag at school.
I gave her a Sn*ck Tr*p of cheesy biscuits for the journey home and gave her a present for having such a good first day, a CD of Be*uty and the Be*st, she was delighted and we listened all the way home - Alice didn't stop smiling, except for when she was munching! I asked her if she wanted to go back, 'No!', I asked her if she wanted to go home and go back another day, 'Yes!'
A successful day, no tears and she ate all but a couple of bites of her sandwich. Alice is exhausted, I am too, but most of all I'm relieved!!
I gave her a Sn*ck Tr*p of cheesy biscuits for the journey home and gave her a present for having such a good first day, a CD of Be*uty and the Be*st, she was delighted and we listened all the way home - Alice didn't stop smiling, except for when she was munching! I asked her if she wanted to go back, 'No!', I asked her if she wanted to go home and go back another day, 'Yes!'
A successful day, no tears and she ate all but a couple of bites of her sandwich. Alice is exhausted, I am too, but most of all I'm relieved!!
FIRST DAY
Yesterday Alice kept saying that she wasn't going to school today, luckily by this morning she wasn't objecting! We were up before the alarm.
We left slightly ahead of my plans and it took about 20 minutes to get there without hold ups. She was excited to see the castle on the way and we also waved to her old nursery. The car park was heaving, we parked at the furthest end from school and then walked along the lane - Alice was hanging back slightly and quiet but not upset. By the time we reached the Nursery door she was ahead of me and actually pushed to get through the door! We found her peg and then she was straight into playing - she sat down and took another child's discarded playdough and was ready to get busy and give me a kiss goodbye. As for me - my eyes brimmed but I didn't cry. I hope that she's OK but I hid a panda in her school bag (just in case and it made me feel better!)
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
MIXED EMOTIONS
Sad. Sad that the weather is already autumnal, despite not really having much warm or sunny weather this summer. Sad that the summer holidays are over. Sad that Alice was still asleep when I left for work this morning. Sad that I got to spend less than 2 hours with my baby today.
Worried. Worried about Alice's new beginnings this week, worried how she'll cope, if she'll cry, how she'll manage a packed lunch. Worried about new situations. Worried about Little Sis, will it happen, will she have to wait long for us to hold her? Always worried.
Wondering. Wondering how this term will progress. Wondering how Alice will adapt. Wondering about Little Sis.
Relieved. Relieved that the first day of term is over. Relieved that introductions are complete. Relieved that plans have been made.
Grateful. Grateful to have someone so special that every moment apart is a moment missed. Grateful to hear, 'I love my Mummy!' and small feet running towards me (unprompted) as I close the front door coming home. Grateful for squeezy hugs and sloppy kisses. Grateful to have found such a welcoming environment for Alice's education. Grateful for my 4 legged friends love and devotion (and for keeping my feet warm!) Grateful to have a job in tough times. Grateful to have the opportunity to adopt again.
Worried. Worried about Alice's new beginnings this week, worried how she'll cope, if she'll cry, how she'll manage a packed lunch. Worried about new situations. Worried about Little Sis, will it happen, will she have to wait long for us to hold her? Always worried.
Wondering. Wondering how this term will progress. Wondering how Alice will adapt. Wondering about Little Sis.
Relieved. Relieved that the first day of term is over. Relieved that introductions are complete. Relieved that plans have been made.
Grateful. Grateful to have someone so special that every moment apart is a moment missed. Grateful to hear, 'I love my Mummy!' and small feet running towards me (unprompted) as I close the front door coming home. Grateful for squeezy hugs and sloppy kisses. Grateful to have found such a welcoming environment for Alice's education. Grateful for my 4 legged friends love and devotion (and for keeping my feet warm!) Grateful to have a job in tough times. Grateful to have the opportunity to adopt again.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
VISITING ALICE'S SCHOOL
It was tricky finding a way in, everyone was busy and the front door always seems to be locked! We eventually went in through nursery - it was just like a classroom of mine in the holidays, in fact the whole school felt very familiar - the teachers were in a meeting while the support staff were backing display boards and sorting classrooms out, very familiar!
The school secretary is in charge of uniform sales, she greeted Alice by name and was very polite but welcoming. Alice IS quite distinctive so I thought maybe she was an easy face to remember, but the secretary did the same for the other 5 or 6 children we saw (all of whom are new pupils this term!)
I came away feeling content. I'm a worry-bug so having got the uniform was a relief (even better now it's named and ironed and ready for Friday), but overwhelmingly I felt reassured by the friendly and calm atmosphere - it really feels like a place that will nurture and care for my baby.
The school secretary is in charge of uniform sales, she greeted Alice by name and was very polite but welcoming. Alice IS quite distinctive so I thought maybe she was an easy face to remember, but the secretary did the same for the other 5 or 6 children we saw (all of whom are new pupils this term!)
I came away feeling content. I'm a worry-bug so having got the uniform was a relief (even better now it's named and ironed and ready for Friday), but overwhelmingly I felt reassured by the friendly and calm atmosphere - it really feels like a place that will nurture and care for my baby.
PRACTISING
. . . for school. Alice will go for 2 full days a week and so she has to have a packed lunch. We've been practising - unzipping the bag, unpacking the lunch, taking lids off, eating, repacking etc. For a first try it didn't go too badly, we'll try again tomorrow. Hopefully she won't get it all over her and everyone else on Friday!!
(Photos from a few days ago - as usual Alice was more intereseted in food than the camera. In the second photo she was playing peek-a-boo with her lunch bag!)
EFFECTIVE DAY
Some days I get many things done, other days when I'm just as busy I don't get much achieved.
By 11am I'd taxed the car, driven to Alice's new nursery/school, paid this term's bill and bought a huge pile of uniform. By 1pm (a mere 2 hours later!) I'd got home, sewn in all the nametapes and cooked lunch!
I had a lovely catchup with a special friend this afternoon, but I didn't get much else done, well you can't expect too much in just one day!
By 11am I'd taxed the car, driven to Alice's new nursery/school, paid this term's bill and bought a huge pile of uniform. By 1pm (a mere 2 hours later!) I'd got home, sewn in all the nametapes and cooked lunch!
I had a lovely catchup with a special friend this afternoon, but I didn't get much else done, well you can't expect too much in just one day!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
PACKED LUNCHES
Alice starts her new nursery this week. Hopefully this is the first and last change as her new school teaches to 18 years old!!
They have a strange system, the children who do a whole day in nursery obviously have to have lunch, while the rest of the school have to have school provided meals, the nursery children have to have packed lunches! Alice will be attending for 2 full days a week.
I've bough Alice all the necessary bits - an insulated bag, new drinks bottles, new sandwich containers, but I'm still worried about what to put into them. She doesn't like sandwiches and whilst she eats well it's usually with me at her side prompting her to carry on. I know she's fine on cheese, berries and other fruit and yoghurt but I'd like a few other ideas on what to include?
Is anyone else in the same situation? Any ideas?
Also any ideas for encouraging them to repack everything I send - I anticipating losing lots of boxes and spoons!
They have a strange system, the children who do a whole day in nursery obviously have to have lunch, while the rest of the school have to have school provided meals, the nursery children have to have packed lunches! Alice will be attending for 2 full days a week.
I've bough Alice all the necessary bits - an insulated bag, new drinks bottles, new sandwich containers, but I'm still worried about what to put into them. She doesn't like sandwiches and whilst she eats well it's usually with me at her side prompting her to carry on. I know she's fine on cheese, berries and other fruit and yoghurt but I'd like a few other ideas on what to include?
Is anyone else in the same situation? Any ideas?
Also any ideas for encouraging them to repack everything I send - I anticipating losing lots of boxes and spoons!
Saturday, May 09, 2009
SCHOOL
Alice and I went to an open day for her school this morning. She'll start in their nursery in the Autumn. Before the visit I'd had doubts that she'd be ready in the Autumn - the nursery staff were in no doubt that she's ready now (not that they take children in until they're 3!) I know all about Alice but I'm keen not to make assumptions about her capabilities or project unrealistic expectations on to her. I find it difficult to gauge how Alice is compared to other children her age and I don't want to be a competitive parent, however it was comforting to hear the nursery teachers' assessment that her speech, level of confidence and maturity are all ahead of her chronological age and already at a level that's suitable for nursery.
And what did Alice think? She immediately settled into rocking dolls and playing with a wooden castle. THEN she found the tadpoles, my nature girl was obsessed! We went to look at an art exhibition and on our way back we had to have one last visit to the tadpoles - to say goodbye! On the way home and ever since, when questioned, Alice remembers the tadpoles and wants to go back and see them! (No surprise really as the rabbit at her daycare nursery is one of the main attractions/distractions).
So now we have the summer to hone her potty training, self dressing, managing and eating packed lunches and get ready for Big Girls' (and Boys') Nursery!! (Before today I was worried about it, I'm really glad that we went - I knew that it was the school that I wanted Alice to go to, but now I've had an opportunity to see it again and talk to the nursery staff I'm really excited about it and Alice seems to be too!)
And what did Alice think? She immediately settled into rocking dolls and playing with a wooden castle. THEN she found the tadpoles, my nature girl was obsessed! We went to look at an art exhibition and on our way back we had to have one last visit to the tadpoles - to say goodbye! On the way home and ever since, when questioned, Alice remembers the tadpoles and wants to go back and see them! (No surprise really as the rabbit at her daycare nursery is one of the main attractions/distractions).
So now we have the summer to hone her potty training, self dressing, managing and eating packed lunches and get ready for Big Girls' (and Boys') Nursery!! (Before today I was worried about it, I'm really glad that we went - I knew that it was the school that I wanted Alice to go to, but now I've had an opportunity to see it again and talk to the nursery staff I'm really excited about it and Alice seems to be too!)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
BEEN BUSY!
Thursday, Mummy Day - Alice went to nursery and I went to Coventry, my Dad arrived just after I got home. The whole day was crazy busy.
Friday, work and then a night out with some of the staff. We went on a g*ost tour of L*ancaiach Fawr - I was expecting it to be a bawdier version of the daytime tour, it wasn't, it was full on expectant grockles listening for very creak and very open to the power of suggestion! Unfortunately D felt poorly and had to leave before we got to the upstairs. L and I (both extremely sceptical) both heard something unexplainable - it was a fun evening.
Friday, work and then a night out with some of the staff. We went on a g*ost tour of L*ancaiach Fawr - I was expecting it to be a bawdier version of the daytime tour, it wasn't, it was full on expectant grockles listening for very creak and very open to the power of suggestion! Unfortunately D felt poorly and had to leave before we got to the upstairs. L and I (both extremely sceptical) both heard something unexplainable - it was a fun evening.
Friday, September 05, 2008
HARD DAY AND MILESTONES
First day back at work.
I woke 20 minutes before the alarm and so I was up before 6.30am - that's very early for me!! I crept downstairs and got things going, moping up some organisational bits for work, making my packed lunch, sorting out and tidying up. Just after 7am Alice started to squirm, I stayed downstairs and she was settled again within 2 minutes.
I went back upstairs, had a leisurely shower (quite a novelty) and got dressed. Alice slept so I went downstairs for breakfast. I twiddled my thumbs for a while until M came round to look after Alice. Alice began to wake just as I was leaving - at that point I decided to let M get her up as I thought that handing her over just as she woke would be harder on her, but not cuddling her, not telling her that Mummy was going to work, not waving goodbye, not knowing how she'd be without seeing me - was all VERY hard for me.
I try to leave home things at home when I'm working, that was harder than usual today. I don't normally ring, but today I had to know that she was OK. Of course she was fine! She was obviously pleased to see me when I got home and we had a lovely evening. She had a bubble bath tonight and had wonderful fun picking up the bubbles and blowing them away.
She's changing daily, particularly her speech and singing. She's showing more and more enjoyment of songs and singing and will increasingly join in with the words (especially the last word of the line and the verse!) Tonight she sang 'Happy Birthday to Grandpa' and gave his photo a kiss. Today, as everyday, I remember him and tell Alice about him and Granny - she finds their photos and blows kisses. Granny and Grandpa would love her so much and would be so happy to hear her sing and feel her cuddles.
Over the summer Alice outgrew her sleeping bags, even though I had the next size I hung back using them. Tonight Alice tried one of the new ones - cuddly pink jersey, it looked and felt very comfy. Once she was wearing it she lay back on the changing table and pretended to sleep - but got the giggles when Mummy snored for her!! Precious times.
We had lots of kisses and cuddles this evening - to make up for this morning. She knew 'Mummy work' (I had told her last night - which made this morning a little easier), tonight as we cuddled in front of the cot she told me 'Mummy work,' so the cuddles continued a little longer while I repeated several times that I had worked today but not tomorrow and that tomorrow was a Mummy and Alice Home Day. She's very happy at home with M and I enjoy the change of pace and feel refreshed at the time apart, but equally I hate leaving her and being apart from her, even though it's good for both of us!
I woke 20 minutes before the alarm and so I was up before 6.30am - that's very early for me!! I crept downstairs and got things going, moping up some organisational bits for work, making my packed lunch, sorting out and tidying up. Just after 7am Alice started to squirm, I stayed downstairs and she was settled again within 2 minutes.
I went back upstairs, had a leisurely shower (quite a novelty) and got dressed. Alice slept so I went downstairs for breakfast. I twiddled my thumbs for a while until M came round to look after Alice. Alice began to wake just as I was leaving - at that point I decided to let M get her up as I thought that handing her over just as she woke would be harder on her, but not cuddling her, not telling her that Mummy was going to work, not waving goodbye, not knowing how she'd be without seeing me - was all VERY hard for me.
I try to leave home things at home when I'm working, that was harder than usual today. I don't normally ring, but today I had to know that she was OK. Of course she was fine! She was obviously pleased to see me when I got home and we had a lovely evening. She had a bubble bath tonight and had wonderful fun picking up the bubbles and blowing them away.
She's changing daily, particularly her speech and singing. She's showing more and more enjoyment of songs and singing and will increasingly join in with the words (especially the last word of the line and the verse!) Tonight she sang 'Happy Birthday to Grandpa' and gave his photo a kiss. Today, as everyday, I remember him and tell Alice about him and Granny - she finds their photos and blows kisses. Granny and Grandpa would love her so much and would be so happy to hear her sing and feel her cuddles.
Over the summer Alice outgrew her sleeping bags, even though I had the next size I hung back using them. Tonight Alice tried one of the new ones - cuddly pink jersey, it looked and felt very comfy. Once she was wearing it she lay back on the changing table and pretended to sleep - but got the giggles when Mummy snored for her!! Precious times.
We had lots of kisses and cuddles this evening - to make up for this morning. She knew 'Mummy work' (I had told her last night - which made this morning a little easier), tonight as we cuddled in front of the cot she told me 'Mummy work,' so the cuddles continued a little longer while I repeated several times that I had worked today but not tomorrow and that tomorrow was a Mummy and Alice Home Day. She's very happy at home with M and I enjoy the change of pace and feel refreshed at the time apart, but equally I hate leaving her and being apart from her, even though it's good for both of us!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
WORK
I'm back at work. I started the week after half term (first week of June), for now I'm just working 1 day per week. Some people have laughed about it only being 1 day a week. I'm a single parent and with the bonding and attachment issues that can be associated with adoption I hadn't left Alice very often. Returning to work was a big step for me - the first time that I've had to leave Alice and haven't been able to control when I return. It went well - she's delighted to see M when it's a work day but she is also pleased to see me when I get home - the ideal situation.
Last week I worked an extra morning, I also took Alice to school for their fete yesterday.
This week I have a funeral on Friday, so I'm working tomorrow instead, I'm also doing an extra half-day. So in the 5 days from last Thursday I will have been in school for 4 days. For now that's too much, I'm tired (I've still got a day to do tomorrow) and I haven't spent enough time with Alice. I'm actually relieved that it's too much as I've worried that I was not challenging myself enough.
Last week I worked an extra morning, I also took Alice to school for their fete yesterday.
This week I have a funeral on Friday, so I'm working tomorrow instead, I'm also doing an extra half-day. So in the 5 days from last Thursday I will have been in school for 4 days. For now that's too much, I'm tired (I've still got a day to do tomorrow) and I haven't spent enough time with Alice. I'm actually relieved that it's too much as I've worried that I was not challenging myself enough.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
RETURNING TO WORK
I've been very lucky to have had over 11 months off work. I'm going back to work just one day per week for a while.
My first day back was on Friday. I didn't sleep well the night before.
Alice screeched with joy when our next door neighbour M walked in to look after her. I went to work knowing she was happy at home. I had a very good day, it was good to be back at work and feel like a grown up again. It was refreshing to talk to children who showed they understood what I said (I'm a teacher, my class are 8 & 9)!
Work was good. Coming home was great, until I found the house empty - they were in the garden, Alice had the good grace to screech loudly at my return and give me a kiss - she'd had fun without me but was pleased to see me. She'd played hard all day - mostly in the garden, lots of time on the swing, a little bit of water play and also they got the sand table up and running - I think Alice tasted quite a bit as well as smashing the shapes that were made!
Overall it was a refreshing day with good outcomes for both of us, what a relief!!
Unfortunately I had dreadful dreams on Friday - all about losing Alice at the shops or forgetting to take her with me as I moved between shops, no doubt all to do with leaving her for the first full day of work. I've left her before, I'd spent time in work before officially returning, but Friday was the first day when I couldn't have come home when I felt like it. Although I wasn't looking forward to time away from her, it's actually quite refreshing but I don't like handing control of Alice to others - it's not about trust it's about missing time with her.
My first day back was on Friday. I didn't sleep well the night before.
Alice screeched with joy when our next door neighbour M walked in to look after her. I went to work knowing she was happy at home. I had a very good day, it was good to be back at work and feel like a grown up again. It was refreshing to talk to children who showed they understood what I said (I'm a teacher, my class are 8 & 9)!
Work was good. Coming home was great, until I found the house empty - they were in the garden, Alice had the good grace to screech loudly at my return and give me a kiss - she'd had fun without me but was pleased to see me. She'd played hard all day - mostly in the garden, lots of time on the swing, a little bit of water play and also they got the sand table up and running - I think Alice tasted quite a bit as well as smashing the shapes that were made!
Overall it was a refreshing day with good outcomes for both of us, what a relief!!
Unfortunately I had dreadful dreams on Friday - all about losing Alice at the shops or forgetting to take her with me as I moved between shops, no doubt all to do with leaving her for the first full day of work. I've left her before, I'd spent time in work before officially returning, but Friday was the first day when I couldn't have come home when I felt like it. Although I wasn't looking forward to time away from her, it's actually quite refreshing but I don't like handing control of Alice to others - it's not about trust it's about missing time with her.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
TODAY'S NEWS!
I went back to work! For a pre-return-to-work-visit!
I spent the afternoon back at school. I was really nervous - mostly about leaving Alice but also a little about going back to work as there is a new headteacher.
Alice was almost fine - she developed a 'gunky' eye whilst I was away - I checked with the GP's surgery and we are seeing a doc tomorrow morning. In the meantime I'm bathing it with salty water - any other useful tips my bloggy readers??
School was great - the children instantly wanted to know where 'Baby Alice' was, but they were also pleased to see me. It was lovely to be back and I realised that I'd missed it. It was good to find out that it doesn't really change. I spent the afternoon smiling but also thought about Her Majesty very often!!
I'm LOOKING FORWARD to going back in on Friday (didn't think I'd be 'saying' that yet!) and I start properly after half-term - no details published yet as I'm not sure everyone who should knows the details at the moment.
I spent the afternoon back at school. I was really nervous - mostly about leaving Alice but also a little about going back to work as there is a new headteacher.
Alice was almost fine - she developed a 'gunky' eye whilst I was away - I checked with the GP's surgery and we are seeing a doc tomorrow morning. In the meantime I'm bathing it with salty water - any other useful tips my bloggy readers??
School was great - the children instantly wanted to know where 'Baby Alice' was, but they were also pleased to see me. It was lovely to be back and I realised that I'd missed it. It was good to find out that it doesn't really change. I spent the afternoon smiling but also thought about Her Majesty very often!!
I'm LOOKING FORWARD to going back in on Friday (didn't think I'd be 'saying' that yet!) and I start properly after half-term - no details published yet as I'm not sure everyone who should knows the details at the moment.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
STRIKE!
Today 1 of the British Teaching Unions (the NUT) were on strike. I belong to the NUT. They were striking about a pay increase that is less than the rate of inflation - so effectively a pay cut.
I'm on Adoption Leave, so I didn't have to make the decision about striking, or not. But it was interesting to observe that even though I'm not in school, the strike did affect me - the roads were noticably quieter this morning and our music group was only about half the usual size - as many families stayed away as they had more children at home than on a usual Thursday.
Locally the strike had an effect - some schools shut, others just shut affected classes, some ran creches and a few weren't affected.
I'm on Adoption Leave, so I didn't have to make the decision about striking, or not. But it was interesting to observe that even though I'm not in school, the strike did affect me - the roads were noticably quieter this morning and our music group was only about half the usual size - as many families stayed away as they had more children at home than on a usual Thursday.
Locally the strike had an effect - some schools shut, others just shut affected classes, some ran creches and a few weren't affected.
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