Today began what will surely be a long line of "goodbyes" (hopefully more like "see you laters") that Allie and I will have to do over the next week before we move. Allie's wonderful daycare provider, Julie, had a "going away party/graduation party" for Allie and another little girl who goes there, Ema to celebrate us moving and Ema moving on to kindergarten next year. It was awesome! Julie got a cotton candy machine, and a bouncey house for the kids! She even got Allie and I a present which was so thoughtful! The party was such a sweet gesture and a great get together before we go. Now I don't normally like to get all mushy and sentimental but I'm going too so if you don't like that, stop reading.
Ok, you've been warned!
When I first had Allie and went on maternity leave, I knew I was going to go back to work. There was no doubt about it. I love working, I loved my job, and since it provided our apartment, I had no choice but to go back! Haha. But I kind of slacked on the whole daycare thing and didn't look while I was pregnant and didn't really think about it until I was about 4 weeks into my maternity leave and only had about 6 weeks left. Lucky for us, my friend Jess told us that her daughters daycare provider had an open spot and that we should give her a call because Haley really loved it there and it was in a nice home environment, which I wanted a lot more than a center. So I finally got off my butt and gave Julie a call. We met her a few weeks later and it was one of those moments where you know it just "fits". Allie wasn't able to go full time at first because Julie had too many kids but we liked her so much we knew we could find someone to watch Allie on off days and it would be fine, which it was. And I am so glad and thankful that we found Julie when we did. She has been nothing short of amazing. From the first day, when Allie was only 10 weeks old, I never worried about if she was in good hands or in a good home. She always had a good day and when she started smiling and really making herself known you could just tell she enjoyed being at Julies with the other kids (who adored her which made it that much better). As Allie has gotten bigger and does more developmentally, it's easy to see that she is at ease and truly happy with Julie. She goes to her no problem, and now that she says some words and waves, before we're even out of the car in the morning she's going "bye mama" and waves to me! I'm lucky if I can get a kiss from her once we're inside because she's already at the toys. Now that she's been going to Julies for just over a year, I can't believe how big Allies gotten and how influential Julie has been. I honestly thought Allie would be going there until it was time for Kindergarten because I didn't think we would be moving but everything happens for a reason I like to think. I can only hope and pray that we find someone as amazing as Julie down in Myrtle Beach.
Julie, I don't know if you will read this, but THANK YOU! You are truly one in a million and I can't put into words how much you have meant to Bill and I. Allie is our angel and knowing she has been in such good hands puts us both at ease while we have to work so we can give her everything she deserves. I don't know how you do what you do every day, from the painting and activities, to the meals, to the special surprises on holidays, you are wonderful and Allie adores and loves you. You are always welcome to come visit at any time! For a week with the family, or just for a weekend to get away because you deserve it! Thank you for taking care of our little girl the way you did, we are forever grateful.
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