Once again, the past few months have brought some changes and transitions in the den. I think we are learning that this is a more common thing than we anticipated since people's lives and circumstances can change pretty quickly. We've said some new hellos and some unexpected goodbyes in the past few months, so let's see if we can get things up to speed for anyone interested.
HELLOS.... Kitten, Pony, and Duck!
(A Mini-Farm in the Den)
Kitten
As mentioned in a previous post, Kitten, also know by her mama as Pickle and Puggle, has returned to the den and comes two days a week. We've enjoyed having her two-year old spirit and excitement in our home again. She is a very diligent and committed fan of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and says "Oh, I'm coming, I'm coming" if she hears the music from the show (not surprising, since her mom used to work for Disney World). She also calls K-bird and Rabbit "lady" when she can't remember their names. My name has suddenly become Karen's House. Otter was very taken to Kitten when she arrived and showered her with lots of hugs and kisses. They became best buds very quickly.
Pony
We had an interview at the end of August for a 14-month old, and he joined our daily crew just a few days later. He is one month older than Wallaby, but also a bit smaller. He even has more hair, but that's what inspired his name. Pony has a small tuft of hair that covers his forehead like a horse. His petite nature, strength, and way that he nods his head back and forth reminds us of a pony. He loves to either climb over, onto, or into things or sit in my lap and cuddle with his pacifier and cow blanket. He and Wallaby have had some adjusting to do in sharing toys with each other and learning how to get along, but I think they are becoming quite used to each other now by the way they greet each other each morning when Pony arrives.
Duck
In March of this year, I completed additional training for infants and toddlers in order to obtain my three under two specialty license for daycare. I had a home visit in July to submit my new license capacity and expected approval within a few weeks. In August, I was referred to a new family with a 9-month old little girl needing part-time care on a daily basis. I had to pull a few strings to figure out the delay in my new license approval, but it came just in time to start care with little Duck just after Labor Day. She received her name because of her cute little cackle when she laughs, so we often call her "Affy Duck" since her real name starts with A!
She stays very busy crawling around, pulling herself up, and playing with toys. She is on the verge of taking her first steps as well, and just turned a year old. Her hair is growing longer in the front than in the back, so she has these cute little curls coming in around her face. I think her three favorite things are her blanket, noodles (oh my, does she love noodles), and playing in the sand. She has laughed with delight each time we've tried out the sandbox.
T-Rex
Do I have your attention now? I know it doesn't quite fit the farm theme here, but we'd like to give an honorable mention to T-Rex who was with us for about a month from August until the end of September. He was with us part-time for awhile and the first time I met him he told me "I'm a T-Rex", so it just seemed to fit. He was almost three and full of energy. He loved to play with trains and built a "Dinosaur Train" out of blocks. It was super creative, so I thought I'd post a picture of his hard work. I think his train is really cool... Although his time here was short, we enjoyed playing and interacting with him.
GOODBYES.... Otter and Panda
We recently celebrated the fact that Otter was with us a full year! However, his mom has transitioned into working from home now. Though we are very, very sad to see him go, we are very, very glad that he can be at home with his awesome mama! We miss him so much already. He knew and understood so much and would have pretty mature and in-depth conversations with us as a two-year old. I know he will be a great communicator when he grows up because his mom communicates with him very effectively.
I will miss how Otter loved to play puzzles on my phone and the way he sucked his fingers by holding his arm in place. Most of all, I will miss his daily routine of shooting cars off the piano table and into a big pile on the floor. He would occupy himself with that activity for 15 minutes or more and create a huge mess to clean up at the end of the day :) In fact, one of his last days here, I asked him to help pick up the cars and he quickly said, "No, I'm too tired." He did help after some coaxing, but it was a little comical coming from a two-year old.
Panda's time here with us was very short. As you know she came under our wing this past summer, but as of mid-October, she is staying home with her mom for awhile while she considers other possibilities for her work situation.
Panda brought a lot of life and energy into our home. She was constantly on the move from one activity to the next. She was great at making messes and good a picking them up as well. She loved playing with puzzles, coloring, stickers and the makeshift fishing game with wooden spoons.
I remember her early days here when she was very shy and had to adjust to being away from home for the first time. She would ask all day long "Mommy, Daddy coming?". Towards the end of her stay here, she was very comfortable with us and didn't have to ask about Mom and Dad anymore. She knew they would come, and she knew how to make the most of her time here.
I will miss her bright eyes and curly, black hair and her helpfulness in letting me know what trouble Ace was into or what the babies were doing. She was very gentle with the little ones and quick to share toys with them. She will be a great leader someday based on her attentiveness and the determination she demonstrates even now at a young age.
Blessings to you, Panda and Otter, as you move on to a new season in your lives. We are so thankful for the time that we had with you in our home!
