Mother's Day Out and Gymboree

The girls started a Mother's Day Out program this week. Matt and I decided to do this so the girls can get used to the daycare setting and Laura would have a little time to run errands during the week. (This was incentive for her to stay here too). So on Tuesday we met their teachers and saw their room. I am very happy with them. They are only going on Wednesdays because my sister babysits my next door neighbors little girl on tuesday and thursday.

I have to admit I was a little nervous but they apparently did very well. There are only 4 kids in the class total, so I am sure they just played hard all day. Hannah took an hour nap there and Leah tried, but ended up talking the entire time. :)

Today I took them to a Gymboree class, which was great! go to www.gymboreeclasses.com. Basically Gymboree is a fun class that has multiple levels based on age group and interest. They focus on what they should be working on at that age (gross and fine motor skills, etc) and do fun activities to enhance them. Also the whole place is filled with ramps and tunnels and balls and toys that are perfect for little explorers. They are in a level 3 class (10-16 months) and there was only one other little girl there today with her dad. The teacher was very good at getting their attention and most importantly KEEPING their attention. Leah was enthralled from the moment the teacher started singing the "hello song". (They have songs for everything). It was a very exciting hour. I would really like to join them there. Basically for both girls it would be $100 a month, which is cheaper than an extra day in MDO, but the only class I can attend with them would most likely be on Thursdays. I have to have my sister with my to do this class (or any other helper) since it has to be one adult to one kid. And she has our neighbor on Thursdays. They have a 3 year old class at the exact same time, so I may talk to my neighbor and see if she would be interested in her daughter doing this.

On top of the weekly class, which is easily made up if we had to miss (aka I had to work), they have a few slots of just "playtime" where I could take them by myself and they could explore the equipment. Grandparents, friends, etc can come during these times too. So I think it would be really fun. I am going to take them there tomorrow night to try this out before I make a decision on joining.

Basically they are getting to an age where staying at home is not going to be as fun as it once was. They are into everything and we need a little excitement during the day!

If you are in the Birmingham area or there is a Gymboree near you, I would say check it out for your infant/toddler/preschooler. They offer free classes so you can see what it is all about!