Wednesday, February 23, 2011

The Nanny Switch

Grace, is leaving us. Grace started watching Luke when he was 3 months old and she made my transition back to work so much easier because of how much I trusted her and relied on her. Our nanny share situation gave Luke a big brother, Tommy (older by 3 days) and I never had any doubts regarding Luke’s care while he was with Grace. She has been so nurturing and diligent in the care for the babies. I worried about how I would find a new caregiver and although we have found a wonderful new nanny, I wonder how she can replace Grace.

When Grace told us she was pregnant several months ago I was so happy for her but also sad that I knew she’d be leaving sooner than we planned. I was naively convinced that she’d work up until her due date (in June) and we’d have her as long as possible. So I guess I was surprised when she said her last day would be March 25. She and her husband purchased a house and it’s too far away for her to watch the babies every day and I know how tired she’s been getting as her pregnancy can be so draining.

She says she still wants to see Luke and Tommy when she can and I hope they know how much she cares for them. It was truly wonderful for a first time mom to have one major worry lessened as I went back to work but felt secure that my baby was being taken care of in a nurturing and safe environment.

We will miss you, Grace.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Eleven Months already???

Dear Luke,
One month away from being a year old already. I can’t believe it. I seriously can’t believe it. I still remember how it felt to hold you as a newborn in the hospital. I’ve been looking through your newborn pictures as I put together the invitation for your first birthday party and I can’t believe how much you’ve changed. Of course you’ve changed – that’s what happens. You are such a sweet, smart beautiful boy. You started taking your first steps while holding someone’s hands while we were visiting your great-grandparents and your great-aunts in Arizona. Your first tooth is finally starting to come in. And you’re beginning to eat more beyond general baby food. Your new favorite food is waffles and toast. You were not a fan of French toast and you still aren’t crazy about pasta. Your favorite toy is still that little telephone on wheels and you monkey, Bob. Although you can be occupied for about 30 minutes playing with a coaster and you love to knock down the blocks your dad builds up. You’re having fun with the little shape sorters and rather than just bang the shapes together to make noise I’ve noticed you trying (with limited success) to put the right shapes in the right holes. You still have a limited vocabulary of mama, dada and baba. But you know who Mama and Dada are. And I swore I heard you say doggy the other day. You and Tommy are such good friends and it’s so cute to see you play together.
When we were in Arizona you insisted on sleeping in bed with me and we won’t make it a habit but it was wonderful to have you snuggled with us in bed. You have habitually not been much of a snuggler from about 6 months on but ever since we got back from AZ you’ve been giving me better and longer hugs and I love it. You give the best little fishface kisses too!
You have had Grace as your nanny since you were three months old and it is so sad to write that she will be leaving us soon and by the time I write you your one year letter, she will probably be gone. She is pregnant and going to have her own little baby soon. She would be lucky to have a little boy as good natured as you are.

Being your mom keeps getting better and better. I think every phase you’re in is the best and then the next one is even better!

Love,
Mama