Big Nursery Girl?!

We all know that Alaina is easy-going,

 

independent,

 

fun-loving and free-spirited,

 

but who whould have guessed that she would go to the nursery on her own?

Last week Alaina turned 18 months, which meant that technically we could leave her in the nursery at church for the hour and a half that Jason, the other kids, and I have our own classes to attend. Neither Ben nor Janae did this, however, until they were almost three . . . and a half.

Today I went with Alaina to the nursery as I'd done most weeks since she was born (we used to attend with Janae). Once she was settled, though, I thought I'd try leaving for a few minutes to see what happened.

I waited outside the room, peeking in through a little window at the top of the door every few seconds.

Finally Jason found me and took me to our Sunday School class. After 10 minutes or so of watching the door (sure someone would be bringing my screaming baby back to me), I left the class to walk down the hall by the nursery.

Alaina was still playing happily.

I repeated this compulsive act several times throughout the next hour, realizing I didn't know what to do when my children functioned without my help. I was much more comfortable when they were screaming and refusing to stay.

Finally, 15 minutes before the end of church, one of the nursery leaders came to the door with Alaina. I couldn't help but smile a little to myself. This was what I'd been waiting for.

But no. Alaina wasn't screaming, crying, or even frowning. She just needed a diaper change.

It's a good thing she's not potty trained yet :)

After the change (which unfortunately included the end of her undershirt and tights for the day) Alaina went back to the nursery and stayed until the end.

What a big girl!