Gavin officially began day care at USC today. Things were a little chaotic inside the day care room when Gavin and his dad arrived. This week has, apparently, seen a number of new arrivals, and one of them (Adam, about 11 months old) was none too happy about his own daddy leaving him behind. Once Adam was under control, the teachers began to help Gavin get settled, and to let Gavin's dad put down all the various things he had to carry in -- bottles, milk, clothes, blankets, diaper covers, and so on.

In the fridge, we made an amusing discovery: there was no tray for Gavin's bottles, but there was one for a boy (we assume) named "Garvin". The teacher assisting us was shocked and annoyed, and quickly made Gavin a new label, but mark my words: in two years' time, Garvin will be the 8th most popular name for boys.

Gavin is too young for the kind of separation anxiety that had Adam in tears. Thank goodness! Dad said goodbye, and his little boy hardly noticed.

When Dad returned for a lunchtime visit four hours later, he found Gavin smiling, even laughing. Gavin seemed happy to see his daddy, of course, but there was no rush of relief in his demeanor. He seemed to be the same old boy as ever, perfectly content in his new hang-out. He had even taken a nice long nap!

What was truly surprising was that Adam -- yes, the same Adam -- was running around with a big smile on his face. Not a hint of the sadness from before. Wow. (Dad'll have to remember that if/when Gavin does develop separation anxiety.)

It was pretty much the same story when it was time to go home, except that this time, the little boy was asleep. The teachers had only good things to say about him, with the exception of his having been a bit too distracted to get much eating done. But we made it home without any fussing, so I guess this Garvin wasn't starvin'.