Julia, our daycare provider, has been shut down since June 27. Lucy’s last day was the 25th.

That means Lucy has been home for 18 days. Not that I’m counting. Not that I’ve been crossing off the days on my office calendar like a convict counting down until her release date. Not at all.

But yesterday (not that the date was highlighted in pink fluorescent), Shelby, our teenage sitter from across the road, started.

I knew that the first few days — if not weeks — would be difficult. While Shelby spent a few hours here and there with Goosey, she hadn’t spent a significant time in the house learning where things are or how the routine works or where specific toys are or what the heck “Wanna pay Anni-mums?” means (translation = Want to play Animals, what Lucy calls the Sesame Street bongo video game her aunt and uncle gave her).

So a lot of time yesterday was spent showing Shelby around and popping in and out of my chair (along with Eric, from his man cave) solving potty problems and deciphering sentences and finding food.

But this girl, she’s a star. Shelby initiates activities — this morning she showed up with two big bags of bubble accessories — stands up to Lucy (awkward to do when both parents are at home and constantly within hearing distance, dontcha think?), keeps her focused and entertained. I have such great and comforting feelings about her and her future with our family. And her own future, if this is any judge of success.

I made up a little black book of phone numbers, general routine info, inside and outside activity ideas, potty info, snack items. I hope it didn’t appear…controlling or obsessive or helicopter-parent-like. I just thought it’d be helpful to have stuff written down and less overwhelming than us loading her down with it verbally and expecting her to remember.

Luckily, this and next week aren’t laden with a lot of phone calls or quiet-needed interviews. And having Eric at home to step in is a big help.

And it was really nice to have lunch with Lucy, and the time together after she woke up from her nap. If I had to pick, I’d still rather have her, um, not on the premises on the days I need to work, but it’s awfully sweet to have her barrel into my office and fling her arms around me in a spontaneous hug after dealing with some crisis. Seeing her have so much fun with such a great female role model is pretty great, too.

Julia re-opens in 48 54? days — not that I’m counting — but I think we’re gonna be just fine.

Possibly related posts:

1. Sincere apologies to Harry and Tanya FOR ALL THE SCREAMING
2. Shelby love, via magic caregiver dust
3. Back to normal
4. Empty
5. We’ve had better days