End of an Era

Today was Tyler's last day at Katie and Ellie's.


In January, 2005, I dropped him off there for the first time and he has spent the better part of each week, month, and year there until today.

I still can recall the day that I went and interviewed them. I was pregnant and very worried about finding a home that I would feel comfortable leaving my son with. I knew they were the ones after visiting for a short period of time just by hearing them talk, watching them with the kids, and seeing all that they had to offer in such a small space. I knew that Tyler would be well taken care of, have lots of fun, and possibly learn something while he was there.

Of course, this ease that I found while I was pregnant was replaced with anxiety as my return to work became imminent. In the week before I returned to work, I visited to drop off Tyler's paperwork. I cried the whole way home. After all, was I making the right decision?

Needless to say, we were right on all accounts. Tyler went in each morning with a smile, left each day with a smile, and played his little heart out. I truly feel like Katie and Ellie loved having Tyler around, even when we were having one of "those mornings" and he was in one of "those moods". They took care of him, no questions asked!


I had no idea what gift to give someone who has done so much for your child. I really wanted to show them how much we appreciated the last five plus years. After some thought, I came up with a stepping stone and Tyler helped decorate:
The inside of the card read "Thank you for having a hand in making our son who he is today." I also gave them a gift card to spend on themselves. Tyler's request that morning was to take a picture with Katie and Ellie. I, of course, was happy to oblige and very surprised to learn that they, as well, had packed their cameras!

The only good part of Tyler's leaving Katie and Ellie's? It open a spot for his brother to start in the fall! Until then, much thanks to them!