Three Little Boys

Tomorrow concludes by three almost four years with a family I have grown to call my own, and with that a tribute is formed.

We call Tuesday my 'Faux- last day' because we all know that I will really never have a last day with my favorite little critters. But regardless tomorrow will bring an eerie feeling of what a new reality and move will bring. I have called the household that holds my three sweet little souls my second home for most of my college career and regardless of any college memory I will look back on my littles and be so beyond thankful for the opportunity, the experience, and the love felt within those walls. 

Starting the job I met Bo all little and cute and a petite mom with a pop of baby in her tummy which would mean I would fall hard for little monkey Asch-man. And not short after, and after not thinking my heart had more love to love on another baby boy, another little would come, and Preston made three!

The title of being a nanny seemed odd to some and was quite confused by others on what it really meant, and while I sometimes thought it was a silly title I believed that I truly did make a decent nanny. While starting the job loving children and wanting to continue to work with kiddos, and make some money while doing it was my main priority, I happily accepted the job. What I received was so much more than I ever anticipated, and what I recieved from a family other than my own,I never could have imagined.

I fell hard and I have put so much of myself into those kids lives these past several years that despite any course work or school load I always had the best intentions and always came bright eyed and bushy tailed to love and make those boys feel proud of the little men they are becoming. Its hard for me, actually very hard for me, to put into words the work that I have done throughout the years. It has been challenging, rewarding, loving, caring, kind, frustrating, funny, teaching, adorable, messy, crazy, loud,  yet despite any situation I was faced with I always came out with a smile and I always, always felt love.

It always amazed me while taking care of the boys, espically the babies, how much they depend on someone to love and be there to care for them and how helpless and depenedent babies actually are. But those boys loved me and they relied on me through everything and they still do. I have watched on numerous accounts them interact with their parents and need from them what every child needs from their parents. And while my heart has melted watching those interactions, I watched as three boys began to rely and need some of the same, yet very different things from me. I was the one who will laugh when they are naughty (on occasion) or do something they shouldn't be, I will be the one to say 'no thanks' when they're attempting to do something they KNOW is wrong... I'm the one who gets creative, dances around the house, asks for hugs with cars in my hands, bakes goodies that are no good for anyone, takes on challenges because I know the outcome will be one not to miss. I became creative I started to see a side of myself that at twenty-two I never thought I would be in the position to see -- I saw myself becoming maternal, protective, and constantly wanting to put the kiddos best interest far beyond my own. I was living in years of college where I started to lose sight of who I was and what I wanted -- however each day I spent with those boys they reminded exactly why I was at Western and most importantly why I am going into what I am going into. 

Bo-Bo the sweet, little, innoccent biggest brother. I will NEVER forget my first day on the job shadowing the other girl who was leaving. Let's put it this way a virus that infected his intestines. Enough said, my first day was messy and smelly. That day I learned how vulnerable littles were and how much these kiddos needed support and love throughout their days. Bo had the personality that anyone would love, he was active, loving, and a little snuggle bug.  As he has grown into the little man he is today he in a gentle-hearted, loving, demanding, yet he shows so much intelligence and curiosity for the world around him. I could write a novel over the conversations we have had at bed time or the quiet times we have shared during nap times. The kid is  genious and I LOVE that he keeps me on my toes. Bo will always be a solid reminder of why I chose early childhood education to call my future profession. He teaches me each and every day more and more about the world. And keeps me wanting to make myself a better educator and person.

Asch Monkey stole my heart the minute he made his debut into this world. Still one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen, Ascher captured my heart.  I will always love how free spirited, rebellious and determined that little man is. I love his snuggle nature, and his hard headed, stubbornness too. I love his out of the corner eye look and his own little language that I actually understand and get. Asch has taught me so much, the words I can't get down today, but my heart feels it. What I can say is I always made sure I told him I was proud of him. He's a determined little man and has so much love to give. I also admire the way he looks up to Bo and how their relationship as brothers has grown over the past several months. It is beautiful.

And then there is sweet baby Preston. Or as Bo referred to him before he came to be himself 'Baby Watermelon.'  I will never forget the day that I found out that Preston would be arriving in about six months, it was bath time and I was trying to multi-task and fold laundry while supervising the kiddos in the bathtub. As I was folding I came across a maternity and almost simultaneously Bo informed me that "mommy has a baby in her belly" that night revealed that Preston would arrive in June. Little did I know that five days after returning from Africa that Preston would make his debut and captivate my heart and become my little buddy. Presto is hard to put into words, he's more of a feeling, the world is a happier place because he is in it and he isn't even a year old. He has shown me that there is good in every day, you can wake up with a smile on your face, and is a true example of a beautiful, funny, little character, happy baby boy. He has shown me the heart has SO much room for love, actually all three boys have shown me the capacity for love is endless.

Each day I walked thru their door I was reminded that the day was young, new and had any potential you wanted to make it. That is a gift so few feel, but so many need.I have felt something I have thought I would as a college-aged student. I am so honored, so blessed with who the family has accepted me to be. I am so thankful for the tears that I have shed on their couch with guidance throughout it all. I have been spoiled, loved, cherished, and I have felt appreciated for the time, dedication,and love I have put into my job as a nanny. 

As I have always told them  "You is kind, you is smart, you is important" and as always  "I am proud of you." I am proud of every moment that had made each one of my favorite little boys who they are, so unique, so individual so them. So perfectly them. The moments I have shared throughout the years I will always keep in a special place in my heart, they will NEVER be replaced, but they will move on with me as I carry on. 

Tonight as I pack I am thankful for my three favorite little boys. Thankful. Blessed. Loved. 

When Life Hands you Lemons

Oh my long lost blog, how I've missed writing! 

However, it does make me so happy to see that my last post was my favorite love story captured in our engagement! And speaking of which we are happily in love, and busy planning and enjoying engagement bliss!

On top of all of the love I also finished up my course work for my program --- Halleluiah! Now all I have left is student teaching for a year! YIPPEE!! I also spent a week and a half in Florida with three little boys I love (make that four once Brad arrived!) --- that whole adventure deserves a post but for now a picture will do ( to come later)! I'm in love hard with those kiddos -- very blessed and thankful for the job.



Yes there is more details to sprinkle between the headlines of my life but for now I will relish in my latest life adventure. 

I am moving! 

After interview, after interview, etc. I finally was offered a job and i accepted! I will be moving to Brad's neck of the woods next week and starting my job the day after Memorial Day. With three beautiful little girls! I am so lucky and the job just fell into my hands! 

I have been searching for a new yoga studio, I have been googling farmers markets, and I have been packing up the past four years, two in this apartment to start a new adventure. It will be a change but a good one, that will allow for more growth, more time to spend planning that wedding!!

I am in a happy transition time right now one filled with love, chaos, and anxiety over how all will go! Cheers to new adventures! Happy Saturday! I'll be back with more details soon!