a big change for the littlest Norris

Up until now little Mr O has had the best early learning centre in the universe. He's done two mornings per week since he was just over 2 years old in the loving, stimulating, supportive and affirming care of Marieke and Melissa. For a long time he refered to the preschool as 'Melissa's house' such was his uninstitutionalised state. The centre was 200 metres from our house - and about 30 metres from his big bros school. It was announced late last week that the centre has to close. The main reason for the closure is the shortage of qualified early childhood educators on the Coast. They have spent thousands advertising nationally, the pressure on our wonderful head teacher was ridiculous (if she ever needed a sick day, the centre wasn't allowed to open). So, decisions made, conclusions communicated. I started out mostly gutted for me - preschool was one of the things that was really working for us! then I was gutted for Oscar - how unfair! complete change of all that has been 'his' work, completely out of his control, and he LOVES those women, it's HIS workplace. Now, having seen him waltz into an unfamiliar preschool claim a lump of yellw play dough and introduce himself to a band of 3 year old colleagues, now I am mostly angry on behalf of the staff who put so much of themselves into that centre. They rock, they really are flash.
And here is his curiousness with the todays back yard find the

biggest spiny stick insect yet:

I haven't completely forgotten about the 'grisly demise' chapter of the George Ashcroft writing, but for some reason I am putting it off.