school daze

over the weekend I was chatting with a mother of a little guy around the same age as lulu.
we were talking about the different toddler programs they were signed up for this fall.
monday-swimming
tuesday-art class (on the other end of the city)
Wednesday- mom and toddler activity group get together
Thursday- music class
Friday- sports camp (for 16-24 month olds)
AND she was due to have another baby in two weeks!
I started thinking...uh, geez, we haven't signed up for anything yet.
Then the mom guilt crept in.
I did put lulu's name on the story-time program for toddlers at our local library,
but unfortunately it's a "lottery" system so who knows if we will be chosen or not?
(so far we haven't been lucky as I've tried three times in a row)..
eerrr...hey kittenpie...can you pull any strings?
kidding.
we have done fun things in the past, last winter we did a music class and mom & baby yoga.
But all summer we just went to all the great parks in the city and had play-dates with friends enjoying all that summer has to offer.
So I was on a mission today.
time to find some fun things for Lulu to do this winter.
so starting Wednesday she is enrolled in another music class.
then at the end of October I signed her up for a toddler "movers & shakers" program.
Hopefully she'll get into the library program, but if not I'll make sure to go on our own at least once or twice a week.
She loves it there, and besides I met a great mom and her daughter there a few weeks ago, and we have been in touch since.
I'm hoping there will be some more blogger mom play dates as well.
while I was making my rounds today I figured I would check out some of the local nursery schools as well.
there are two really great ones that I put our names on. The "wait" list is for NEXT September.
I also went to check out the Montessori school down the street.
It was spotless and I chatted with the director of the school, the only draw back is that it has to be full time (5 days a week)
I kind of thought we could ease lulu in with maybe 2/3 mornings a week.
but at least our name is on the list.
I really hope she gets in. all three would be fantastic choices and I know she would flourish.
Just watching her today with all the kids (who were all at least a full year older than her) I was so proud.
She was so sweet, picking up toys and handing them to other kids.
so I feel much better now, at least we are thinking ahead.
I'm glad I had that chat with that mom.
I don't know if I want to schedule something for everyday of the week, but at least 2-3 days there will be fun things for Lulu to do.
The other days who knows? maybe we'll just stay home and colour and have tea parties.
Or maybe a friend will pop by for a visit.
maybe I'll be taking on a freelance job and grandma and lulu can have fun together.
As much as I want to have Lulu involved in lots of fun and educational programs,
I think it's really important to have down time.
She's still only 16 months.
Okay and truth be told...I need some down time too.