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
