The Bird Flies the Coop

After 9 months of waiting, it's finally here! I wasn't pregnant, so it's not what you think...kindergarten has finally begun!

Now back home in Mtl, kindergarten begins at age 5 and is that wonderful year we spent playing all day long, oblivious to all the 'learning and sitting' coming ahead in elementary school. Here, kindergarten begins at 3 years old and lasts for 3 years, and every child has a right to a spot. If you are looking for a childcare solution for a younger toddler, good luck!

Now all sarcasm aside, for children under 3, there is krippe. It is quite difficult to find a spot in this type of nursery and based on my mere experience, and lack of any German background or language, for the following reasons:
1- there are too many babies around (every woman my age has 3!) and not enough krippe
2- the bavarian government encourages moms to stay home for the 3year period (if you were employed when becoming pregnant, your position is legally held for you for that period).

The waiting list is so long that by the time she would get 'on' it, she would have to leave. A tip some mom gave me, put your name on the list before you are pregnant...I guess I'll know for next time!


After many months of hounding the daycares, I finally managed to find a spot in a private kindergarten (not state run) close to our home. It only runs till 2pm but it was the only one that would take her under 3 years. I must say G. and I were worried at first because it's only in German, but M. has adjusted quite well. Actually, she has extended her German vocabulary to 'nien'(no) 'danke schön'(thank you) and several verses to her favorite songs.



Since I don't speak German and the teachers don't speak English, I manage to communicate using some French, Italian and hand gestures when needed. They realized that I don't read the bulletin board (since I missed out on the first parent teacher meeting), so they try to inform me with little notes for any upcoming events. I was told on Monday that on Wedndesday the children would be celebrating Halloween. I mean I know it was coming but not that soon! And if you could please bring some food, that would be nice!



With only 2 days to come up with an idea, and then make it! I know, I guess I could just go out and buy it, but that's no fun :-) So Tuesday night after putting her to sleep I began cutting up an old sweater , (G. contributed one too, but he doesn't know it)and sewing her an outfit, while I whipped a batch of pumpkin muffins. A mom's job is never done!








M. being chased by her cousin E. the pumpkin.

So everyone asks me, was it worth the wait? Yes, even if it's for 4hours a day (I have to pick her up at 1, she's soo tired that I take her home to nap) I don't get much done, but at least I'm toddler free!