Yesterday marked the end of my employment as nanny to my two nieces. I started taking care of Miss Maddie when she was just about two months old. I was just outside the delivery room door when she was born and a little over two years later, took her to the hospital to meet her new baby sister, Emily.
Four and a half years of Pampers, bottles, pacifiers, sippy cups, car seats, strollers, Follow-the-Leader, sandbox play, splashing in the wading pool, blowing bubbles, walks to the park, collecting rocks, catching grasshoppers and pill bugs, story time at the library, garage sales for toys, visits to the indoor playground, Children's Museum and the Children's Zoo.
Building castles with Legos and wooden blocks. Twirling and dancing together like ballerinas. Hide-n-seek in the house. Forts made with quilts. Singing along to Raffi
and The Backyardigans. Watching Classical Baby, Kipper, and Charlie and Lola while snacking on pretzels and raisins. Cuddly moments on the couch, reading stacks and stacks of books. Puzzles, finger-painting with chocolate pudding, sidewalk chalk art, coloring and sticker fun.And, of course there were a few not-so-good days filled with temper tantrums (theirs and mine), teething, potting training, runny noses and "the throw ups."
These two little girls have brought so much love and laughter to my days. They helped distract me in my worst days of grief. And, they melt my heart every single morning when I walk in their house and hear each of them sing out their name for me, "Auntie!!" "Gigi!!"
As she left for preschool yesterday morning, Miss Maddie gave me the most wonderful hug, whispered softly, "You're the best. I love you" and bounced out the door with her daddy. Memily and I spent a lot of the day cuddling on the couch, and for the first time in many, many months, she fell asleep in my arms. Today is her first day of preschool and I know she'll have fun with all her new friends and teachers. And Miss Maddie will be right down the hall to help her little sister if she gets scared.
I can't help but feel a bit melancholy about this change. I cried the whole way home yesterday. I've spent so much time with these little girls (and their parents), but as I reminded Maddie, I'm only 15 minutes away. Time to start planning some play dates. Uncle Rod has put in a request for some of Miss Maddie's famous chocolate chip cookies!
To Miss Maddie and Emily,
You're the best! I love you both!
Auntie/Gigi
Those girls were lucky to have you!!
ReplyDeleteSTephanie
www.thewrittenword.wordpress.com
Believe me, so were her parents. I know, I'm their mommy. This is a very bittersweet time and I'm sitting here crying while they eat their breakfast. Lesley, you have done so much for our whole family and there are no words to express how much we appreciate and love you. It has been such a blessing to know what loving and capable hands our daughters were in. From the bottom of all our hearts, thank you.
ReplyDeleteLove, Jen
What adorable children! I can understand the bittersweetness of it *hugs* to you, Les!
ReplyDeleteSuch cuteness! What a sweet post Lesley. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteOhmygosh, now I'm crying too. Such a lovely post, Les. What are you going to do with your time now?
ReplyDeleteOh, darn, I'm reaching for the tissues with you and Andi. I'm sure this will be a hard adjustment for all of you, but how lucky those two little girls were to have you around during their early years! What a lovely post and such beautiful pictures of all of you! Hugs to you, Les!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post, Les...like bookfool, it had me reaching for the tissues! You're going to miss them so much, but what wonderful memories you will have. What gorgeous little girls they are!
ReplyDeleteNo wonder you had a few tears yesterday! It is hard to see the babies in our lives grow, even though we're happy for their independence. It looks like you shared glorious moments, and I'm sure they will love you dearly for all of their lives. My own Aunt has a very, very special place in my life; when I was little I used to wish she was my mother because she was so patient.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful little girls. I'm sure you'll always be a special part of their lives.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely little girls. I'm sure it'll be quite an adjustment, but luckily you'll still be able to be a part of their lives. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful trio you all make! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the sweet comments and virtual hugs. Didn't mean to make y'all cry, though!
ReplyDeleteTo answer Andi's question, I'm not surewhat I'll do next. Anyone need a personal chef?
I think I'll be a bum for a few months. We have a 2-week vacation coming up in July (and the unavoidable trial at the end of April), so I hate to get a job only to wind up asking for a bunch of time off. So we'll see. Maybe a Borders Books will come to town in the next 6 months! Meanwhile, I'll get this house clean and organized, putter in the garden, try out new recipes, read, walk, bike, blog, play mahjong with friends, etc., etc. I doubt I'll be very bored.
Wow, what beautiful children. You must be so lucky to have spent such a lovely time with them. I'm getting all emotional myself just thinking about it...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your new-found freedom as well, though!
What cuties!! Definitely lucky to have such a nice aunt!!
ReplyDeleteBoy, Lesley, you brought tears to my eyes. I'm sure there are going to be some sad moments until everyone adjusts to new schedules. You are an awesome person!! I haven't forgotten what a wonderful nanny you were to my little Granddaughter before Maddie.
ReplyDeleteLinda Thomas
Thanks for stopping by my blog, heidijane. I visited yours and left a comment. I enjoyed reading your reviews and will be back.
ReplyDeleteDanielle - They are quite cute, aren't they? I was very lucky to be able to spend so much time with them on a regular basis.
Linda - Awww, thanks. Boy, it seems like a long time ago that I took care of Miss Isabelle! Time flies when you're having fun, right? :)
It;s the strawberry hair. Can't help but think 'cute'
ReplyDeleteNessie - I love Maddie's hair! It's so pretty. Not too red. Almost a coppery shade.
ReplyDelete