some things get better with age

I took Ruby to the YMCA this morning.  They have a wonderful child-minding class where parents drop off their kids for only $3 per hour while they work out.  She was there about a year ago too, but our success rate wasn't very high.  The very first time she went I was amazed... she didn't know I was gone and didn't acknowledge me when I came back.  At the time she was just under one.  Basically, they only accept kids that can walk and I was anxious to get back to the gym so as soon as she was standing by herself (and walking a little bit) we were there.  As I said, our success rate wasn't great and every other time after that first lucky day started in tears and a broken heart for me.  How could I enjoy my workout when I knew Ruby was crying in a room full of snotty strangers?  (yes - today, as like last year, the very first kid I laid eyes on had green snot oozing out of her nose and down to her mouth.  It was so gross, but I'm determined to let it slide because I need this.  enough said.)    

Today, she was excited all the way there and walked right in and looked around.  Her back was to me so I snuck out quietly (that's a lesson I learned last year - get out while the gettin's good!)  When I returned an hour later, Ruby was standing at a table sharing her fish crackers with a little girl named Reece, playing cars and dancing to the music.  She quickly held up the craft she made.  You could tell she was so proud.  It was hard to catch her for a photo opp when we got home, but here it is: 

Bat on a stick.

So, in the end, I'm glad I decided to wait a year until she was ready for YMCA daycare.  We both had a great time today and look forward to going back tomorrow!  The year away was good for Ruby but quite the opposite for me.  If I intend to get better with age I'll need to hit the gym a lot more than I have these past several months.  It felt so good to be running without a stroller.  It felt even better to sit in silence and stretch for 15 whole minutes.  And, it was absolutely wonderful to have 1 entire hour all by myself.   I didn't say a word to anyone and nobody pooped (as far as I know!) 

YMCA!!!  Thank you!!
(I hope Ruby doesn't get sick.  Fingers crossed).
(I didn't talk to anyone but I did smile.  I'm nice.)