Jun.11, 2008 WedFirst Day in Day CareAfter several discussions with YMCA, I received a call from them while Jack, my 11 month old son, and I were at the early year center yesterday morning. I was told that there was a LINC program that had a vacancy for my baby and me. Oh, finally we made it!Last night, before I kissed him good night, I told Jack that we would attend LINC class and that he would go to day care in the same building. He seemed to understand even although he couldn’t speak. It was an important step for me and Jack as we had never parted from each other since he was born, not even for one minute. I couldn’t sleep until late in the evening. In the dream I heard Jack’s crying all night.I woke up early in the morning. After I had packed our bags, I fed Jack. Jack was so cooperative and ate well. We left home at 8:00 as scheduled. We got to the LINC center on time. We were led into the Child Minding Room. After filling in some forms, I took Jack to infant corner. We met Sutha, a middle- aged lady who works in this corner. Sutha greeted Jack in a friendly way, and then she put Jack on her laps. Jack looked around and had no significant reaction. It was an unfamiliar place for him. I waited 5 minutes, 10 minutes, but Jack didn’t cry. I planned to head to my class. After I had handed over my diaper bag and formula container to Sutha, I said good-bye to Jack and Sutha. I was in the classroom, but my heart kept flying to the infant room. 5 minutes, 10 minutes, suddenly I heard a baby crying. It was not Jack. I was sure. But after the baby cried for more than 30 minutes, I felt unsure whether it was from Jack. I tried to persuade myself that it wasn’t Jack. But finally I couldn’t help rushing into the infant room. IT WAS NOT Jack crying. Jack was playing on the mat with Sutha. I was so happy to see that. When he saw me, he smiled and raised his hands for a hug. I was so impressed as it was his first time to be away from mom. What a good boy! I kissed him and hugged him for 2 to 3 minutes. Then put him back on the mat. I came back to my classroom happily. Now I can concentrate on my lessons. During recess, I visited Jack again. He went to sleep after having 200 ml of formula. It was part of his routine. Sutha told me about Jack’s performance during my absence. It was really a good start. I hope tomorrow Jack will continue as he did today. Then both of us will go further and further together.
