Friday, January 30, 2009

Toon Room/Preschool/Library

TOON ROOM
I did something I never thought I would do! I sat in the TOON ROOM at John's Incredible Pizza. Now if you know me, you will know that it would be much too stimulating for me in this room. (it was)  If you have never been to this fine establishment (I love their fresh salad and Alfredo pizza) they have different themed rooms in which to dine.

Skating Teen room with a big screen with lots of NOISY what some would call music playing.
Toon Room with big screen playing cartoons - Also very noisy
Cabin Room - very cool cabin theme with soft rock playing
Sports Room - This one is also cool if it isn't too busy or during playoff or something.

We tried it and I survived! Barely. I kept thinking to myself...It has begun...Me going places I would not normally go for the enjoyment of my child. It cracked me up to because at one point a baby cried out and Madison whined a little and signed "Cry" and I thought to myself "Yea, you would like it better in the quiet Cabin room too huh?" Then we could play "name that tune" like the good ol days before Tawny ran off to the Ding to be a STAR in a Simpson Production! HAHAHA.

Madison seemed so grown up. She ate from her own plate and fed herself, peas, pineapple, mandarin oranges, cottage cheese (from Mom's spoon), garbanzo beans (a no go), peaches, pasta, and of course a bite of mommy's alfredo pizza. She kept asking about the "Bear" as we saw the character walking around when we first got there. She wasn't too sure about him until he gave Dad a high five, then he was okay.  After dinner we went to check out the amusement park type area with games and lights...(another place I am not particularly fond of).  Having never been there with a baby before, I hadn't realized they had an "under 36 inches only" play area with some Little Tykes climbing toys and it is right next to the car roller coaster. It was fun to see her crawling around and asking for 'help' down the slide and she got so very excited watching the cars going around.  It was cute when it was over she put both hands up in the air (Her way of saying "Hey what happened?") and then she signed "All Done" and then Daddy said "yep" and she signed and said "More".   I have taken her to the park alone before but this was extra special fun because Daddy was there to experience her belly laughs and fun with us.

PRESCHOOL
I got Madison on a wait list for Preschool.  She can start when she is 2 in October if there is room.  They will know in April if she has a guaranteed spot.  It is the Modesto Montessori School and I was impressed with the facility.  I have a coworker who's child attends and we talked about it and then I visited and decided that was the place for her to start her education. There is a three hour or a six hour program and for those who need day care as well they have an all day session.  We will probably opt for the three hour session but it is nice to know there is a back up in case on occasion she needs to stay after lunch.

Even as I type this I can't believe that I am talking about school for Madison.  We toured the 2 year old room and it was amazing. The kids had just come in from playing outside and they were all lined up getting ready to hang up their coats and wash their hands.  Classical music was playing in the background and Madison signed "music" when she heard it.  It was so clean and well organized and the children were well behaved and seemingly happy.  No one was screaming or running. Not what one thinks of when they think of a group of 2 year olds.  Very cool. I sure hope we get a spot.

LIBRARY
After Baby Signing class was over Mom started to take Madison to Kindermusik classes once a week.  They are over now and Mom was looking for something else to do with Madison, that Madison might enjoy and get something out of. I out that they do a toddler 20 minute reading time at our local library twice a week and then there is playtime after. Mom took her twice this week and really enjoyed it.  Madison had a great time and played with the other kids and got in line for her hand stamps at the end.  Very cute, I hope to go one day.  

Being an older Mom without friends with little ones, and being a full time working Mom, it is difficult to find ways to connect with other Moms and more importantly have Madison connect with other kids.  My Mom is such a good sport going and doing all these things with Madison right along side all the young pup Moms.  I wish it could be me, but if it can't be me, then I am so very thankful that it can be my Mom.

I am so very blessed in my life, sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming.  Maybe that is why Madison pinches me sometimes!






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