A date with gratitude

We've met some milestones over the last couple of weeks as my eldest has mastered a pedal bike, finished nursery and started school. Big feelings abound, not least gratitude for the wonderful nursery staff who have helped him grow into such a confident, curious and content child.

I agonised over the decision to use childcare but it has been an incredible experience for my son. His nursery is a wonderful environment with a huge outdoor space to play, forest school specialists and a Montessori ethos that's really helped him thrive. We're going to miss his teachers terribly, they are all fascinating women. I am eternally grateful for the love and care they have shown us all.

To try to convey my thanks, I gifted some books. I went for mostly nature education titles that hopefully offer further inspiration, with a particular focus on butterflies as that's the name of the final class before the kids fly off to school. If you've seen the 'blind date with a book' trend online, you'll see below that I had a crack at it - wrapping each book, including herbal teas, bookmarks, index tabs and a descriptive label. It might look extravagant, but with some canny second-hand / bargain purchasing it cost less than a decent bunch of flowers. Hopefully it will last much longer too as I encouraged them to trade the books with their colleagues.

Fortunately my youngest is still in nursery so I don't have to say a full goodbye just yet. I don't know what I'll do when he leaves, but I'm hoping books will be a balm.