Bye Bye Babies!

Meet Harry and Claire...cutest little Northwest babies ever... out on a fall walk in their rain boots and wool sweaters...zzzzzzzz! These two are always talking, laughing, walking about. and learning new things. They nicknamed me 'Gee (short for Ma-ggie). H and C truly warm my heart!

Meet Grayson...a true "boy's boy" who loves to be outside. He's rough and he's tough...but he also has such a sweet side. His giggle makes me laugh.

Meet his sister Wren...who has a smile that will melt your heart in one second. She also has a true passion for shoes. Their big brother Soren is one intelligent guy who loves creating things and always teaches me something cool when he comes home from school. G, W, and S are a special bunch and I've enjoyed getting to know them in a big way!

GOODBYES have never been easy for me and today I said a sad goodbye. It was my last day nannying for Harry and Claire and next Tuesday will be my last day with Grayson, Wren, and Soren. I've been with both of these families for about 9.5 months. I feel truly blessed to have met each one of these children...each one has touched me in a unique way. Many memories were made. . .from going to the zoo to OMSI (science museum), to long walks outside, playing with toys, running around in the backyard, going to the park, and reading books before nap time. It was also very fun to watch the babies grow and development. For both sets of twins, I had the opportunity to watch them crawl, then walk, begin to talk, and master the art of eating with a spoon. All precious moments that I will never forget. I am truly grateful to both of these families for letting me into their lives and sharing all the joys of "babyhood" and "twinhood" with me. :)

Not only am I saying goodbye to these two wonderful families, but I am saying goodbye to my days as a nanny...which leaves me in a state of disbelief. Over the past 7. 5 years as I have been a student, I've been nannying full-time and part-time for numerous different families in San Diego and Portland. Each family has been different and has taught me something about life, love, and raising kids. My nanny experiences have also shaped my career goals and passions of becoming an OB, NICU, or pediatric nurse. These families have helped make my dream of becoming a nurse possible through all their encouragement and support. I will never be able to thank them all enough for enriching my life!

Being a nanny is a lot more than just a job to me. It truly is something I am proud of and I know it has made me grow as a person; preparing me for a career in nursing and for motherhood some day. There is something so amazing about connecting with a family (kids and parents) and building a special bond with them. I will miss being a nanny very,very much! It is bittersweet though as I now prepare to graduate nursing school and find a job as a nurse. I am very excited about my future career, but I will always remember all the generous, kind, loving, and true families that "nannying" brought my way!