Callie's first day

So all over Facebook, I have friends posting photos of their babies' first days of school, pre-school... etc.  Well... Callie isn't starting any classes, but I signed up for a 9 week bible study course, "The Power of a Woman's Words" by Sharon Jaynes.  The course is from 9 am to 11 am every Tuesday at the church behind our house, and childcare is provided.  So this morning, as I was busily getting us ready, I stopped just as I asked Callie to grab her "Duck, Duck" so we could leave.  I just looked at my sweet tiny baby... who didn't look like such a baby anymore, and had to grab a photo of our "first day" of doing anything but snuggling on the couch in the mornings watching Sesame Street. 

 

 My Bitty Baby... Ready for her first day of "Bible Study School"
(please notice the key chain on the front of her bag... with a photo of Sneebie... She kept leaning down to look at it and would say "Bubs")

 

 

 

Callie has been in the "prime" of her stranger danger phase, and hasn't spent an entire church service in the nursery since she was probably 11 months old... she simply gets hysterical and no one can soothe her.  So I knew this morning was going to be difficult, but I also know that it's a necessary evil, and that she needs to be ok with staying with other people.  And I know for my own personal faith (even though this particular bible study wasn't my first choice -- so thanks Mother for encouraging me to go through with it anyways)... this will be good for both of us.  Not to mention Callie will be just down the hallway... so I can go peek on her whenever I want to!

 

So we arrived at 8:45... and Callie knew immediately where we were and started fussing and clinging to me like a spider monkey.  The lady at the desk assured me that they could handle the separation anxiety toddler and sent me on my way... after several kisses and "mommy will be back soon".  I went and checked in for the bible study, received my book, got a bowl of fruit and sat down at a table with another new mom (who's husband works for ADM --another Grain company-- here in Salina)... I sat there fidgeting for about 15 minutes... until I gave in and excused myself to check on my poor baby.  I could hear her wimper from down the hallway... and saw her pathetically standing at the gate, with her paci in her mouth and clinging to her Duck Duck and crying.  I couldn't help myself, I had to go to her.  When I got to her, she had her arms wrapped around my neck in a choke hold and simply said "mama".  I apologized to the nursery attendants and was then approached by the "attendant in charge" of the nursery who proceeded to tell me that I should NOT come back to check on Callie and that if they have a problem they will come to me.  That I was only making the situation worse... etc.  She basically made me feel like a terrible mother... so, I then hugged and kissed my sweet baby (choking back tears of course... I still don't appreciate being scolded)... and told Callie I would be back soon.  I told the lady I was sorry and went to the bathroom where I pulled myself together.

I'm still angry at that lady... as I walked away I could hear her say to someone else "poor mommy"... UGHHH... as if that lady had it all figured out with her very first child... I'm sure I'll get over it... but still, as a mental note, I never want to be the "know it all" to strangers older woman.  And truly, if it hadn't been in a church nursery, I may have just pulled Callie out and left.  I'm attempting to find God's purpose in all of this... if anyone has any leads... I'd appreciate hearing them.

Anyhow... long story short... Callie and I both did fine in the end... having those sweet little arms wrapped around my neck again made me... and her too, I'm certain, all better :)


On another note. Phillip and I went to Omaha, Nebraska this past week to celebrate his Grandfather, Marshall Faith's, 45th anniversary with the Scoular company (and to attend a couple of company meetings :) {Congratulations Marshall!!!}. It's rare that I get to see Phillip super dressed up (in a suit and tie)... so it was fun to dress up with him. Here are those photos.

Getting ready for a big meeting!  He's so handsome!

All dressed up for Grandfather's party!  The party was held at the Scoular Building in downtown Omaha... I had never seen it before, but if you ever get a chance to go see it, you absolutely should!

 And last... but certainly not least... my little Who!  I've actually started thinking about Halloween costumes and after seeing this photo... (and thinking she looks just like Cindy Lou Who from Dr. Seuss' the Grinch) that maybe she should be a who from Who-ville!  (A Monkey is the other option ;)



 

Dr. Seuss' Cindy Lou Who