A Day in the Life of a Nanny II

Hey Friends.

Again, please excuse any maintenance my blog may be undergoing over the next week or so. Nothing too crazy. Just need a little somethin' somethin' different :)

I've recently started watching Beverly Hills Nannies- have you seen it?  It's crazy that I can relate to the women (...and men?) on the show. Not even close to as bad (I have great employers currently!)- but still. It's a crazy life.

Here are some fun photos & a video of a day in the life. :)

Doodles for J. His Mama is having another baby! 

Mid "Noooo". Morning Grumps.

Bubble Lovin!

Water Table!

Watching a Neighbor mow.

Stormy Weather

Have a good weekend?

I did- although it was super busy. 

I spent the entire weekend...with a toddler.

We built a tent, read books inside the tent-while playing with glow sticks. We went to the Hartford Science Center and had a messy ice cream cone. 

It was a good time- but I'm loving being back in my own house with my cuddly fur babes. :)

Next item of business: The Bachelorette!

Best ending, ever?

I was really rooting for Jef towards the end of the show because while it initially took me awhile to picture their two personalities together- He just *seems* so...down to earth, hilarious, and sweet.  

And then to see them together, they just seemed so happy & confident. I really hope the can keep it together.

Storms.

Am I really the only person 'out there' that doesn't like thunder?  I could sit in a puddle amidst the rain, no problem, but thunder? No! Come on! It's loud. It seems unnatural to me. Ha! 

I realize it's one of those most natural things. But the whole like...shaking the ground, making me pee my pants thing...totally doesn't appeal to me.

We're currently under a two-day Thunder Storm watch. Who wants to switch places?!?!

Me. Not enjoying loudness.

Kid's Say

As most of you know, I'm a full-time Nanny. My job can be super challenging-but the rewards are amazing. (And I'm not just saying that...promise!)

One of my favorite rewards? The things that come out of their mouths! ( Meaning, words. :) )They can literally turn a rough day into a thing of the past. 

I thought it would be entertaining and bring a smile if I shared some of my favorite things that they've said. I'm thinking I may share a few of their quotes from time to time. It feels like I'm withholding valuable gushes and giggles. :)

Enjoy!

Me:  "Lets not get mud on my shirt, okay?"

G (age 2.5) :  "Why not?"

Me:  "Because it's a new shirt."

G:  "I'm soooo proud of you, Manda!"

Me:  "Why?"

G:  "Because you got a new shirt!"

           Thanks, G.  I'm pretty proud of myself too. :)

G: "One time, I made a toot and a poop came out. And it was green."

Me: "G, what would you like to drink?"

G: " Juice "

Me: "I couldn't find any. How about some ice water?"

G: " Let ME check."

Me: "But, I just looked and there wasn't any. Why do you want to check?"

G: "Because, *I'm* smart!"

Hm. I wasn't sure if I should be insulted or not...ha! And for the record, he discovered some orange juice. BUT, in my defense. I was searching for his juice boxes. :)

Me: "G, who's your girlfriend at School?"

G: "Clare."

Me: "Oh yeah? Is she pretty?"

G while nodding, "Yes. She's a pot-pie!"

This one was hilarious to me. I've heard "cutie pie"...but "pot pie?" No.

.

Me: "J, who should we build a lego house for?"

J (age 1.5) : "Chick." (As he holds up a plastic chicken leg)

He walks over to the toilet and taps it proudly, "Mama", he says. :)

Me: "Who is mowing their grass right now?"

J: "MiMi!" (Which is what he calls me.)

Me: "MiMi?!?"

J: "Noooo, see-y. see-y." (silly)

Apparently the thought of me mowing is ridiculous! :)

J's parents refer to the dog, Britney, as "Brit-doggy-dog" on occasion. So instead of learning simply "Dog", J calls her "Doggy-Dog".  :)

Hope this brought a smile. Pay attention to what those little people say! It can change the whole day for ya.

A Day in the Life of....The Nanny.

I was home on Christmas break and it was my last Semester of my 2nd year of College. I would be graduating in the Spring with an AA degree and was tentatively planning to head to another School to study....something. I wasn't sure what.
I was laying on my bed, around Midnight, when it came to me.
Kids.  I like em'.
I sat up in bed and immediately pulled out and opened my laptop and typed "Google" so quickly, you'd think my life was depending on this one word. 
I did some research, doubtingly signed up and filled out profile after profile on Childcare Websites- and began my search for the perfect job, as a Nanny.

Being a Nanny is an interesting occupation.
There are few people who actually go into it thinking, "Yes! This is what I'm going to do for the rest of my life!"
I think generally being a Nanny is a "filler" job. A temporary fix for some quick cash. 

For awhile, I felt truly inadequate being a Nanny.  This could have something to do with the responses I typically receive after explaining my occupation.

"Oh....how did you even get into that?"
"So, where are you going to work afterwards?"
"That sounds like a dream job! Playing all day."
"Are you going to go back to School?"

I feel that, especially living on the East Coast, making money- and a good amount of it- is extremely important. 
I wasn't brought up that way. I've always put what makes me happy before schooling or finances. Not in an irresponsible way, of course.  But just in a way that I can feel comfortable. Satisfied.

Being a Nanny is an incredibly important job.  Not only are the Parents counting on you- but especially the Children.  You're helping them learn. Keeping them safe and healthy.  All the while, they're not your own.

It takes much patience. It takes understanding. And putting yourself into a role- that generally comes natural to someone who has actually given birth.

It takes energy and a constant awareness of where the child is, what the child is doing- and being ready at all times to experience a meltdown, a sickness, a stinky diaper....and just in general, the unexpected.

And, it's a completely rewarding job.

The first words, the first steps...playing with them. Helping them develop a schedule. The giggles, the excitement...the wonder they have.  Kids are so pure.  And you can really learn so much from them, truly.

I wanted to share a few pictures that describe a day in the life of me. The Nanny. :)

Until next time, smile at 5 different Children. I bet you'll get some fun responses :)