Tentative sigh of relief

I think we've found a good childcare center for the kids. It's bright, cheerful, and spacious. The director and teachers are engaged and caring. The play area is large and fun. It has the hours I need and is even located in the parking lot of a grocery store - how convenient! And best of all, the kids will be together in one place.

I really think this will be good for L, who was starting to outgrow her current arrangement. She needs more stimulation, more children around her, more to do. She also needs more, ahem, boundaries and limits. She is getting to be a real pistol.

I worry slightly that M will be going backwards academically, after a year at a private preschool with a very small teacher/child ratio. But I have decided that he will be fine. I mean, really, he's 4 years old (almost). He's smart and has smart, modest parents who read to him daily. He already knows his letters and shapes. I have to believe he'll be able to transition just fine into Kindergarten. Of course, maybe we won't even be here next fall!

And he won't be getting a Jewish education anymore, which will now fall on his dad and I (uh-oh). I guess we will have to be more committed to going to Tot Shabbat and celebrating the holidays at home.

I'm hoping the husband agrees with me that this place is right. If not, we have a strong runner up, but it's much more expensive and slightly more inconvenient. So fingers crossed.