Katie-Babe

Today is the last day that our wonderful, loving, and fun nanny Katie will be with our family.  She is basically all that Jack has known other than family as a care-giver and has been a member of our family (truly) for 2 1/2 years, since Jack was 19 months old and she is truly all that Emma has known since birth!  I am having a hard time even writing this without tears streaming down my face, as she has been such a huge part of Jack’s learning process, every day fun, and has taught him SOOOO much.  She has been a blessing to our family and someone we have been able to count on to love our kiddos every single day.

She and Jack hit it off from the first day in September 2009 and I truly believe that they are soul-mates in a lot of ways.  Emma is also in love with Katie, but especially is infatuated with her husband Pete…she will seriously need to have regularly scheduled cuddle time with her Peke-Man.

We will miss her bright smile bouncing into our home every day (she is much more of a morning person – or at least acts like it) than we are and the kids love it and also her calming disposition.  I will have to work on that! 

Katie never once hesitated to take the kids somewhere for a field trip, fun outing, or to the park; which I appreciate so much.  She truly embraces the great culture that we have by living in Chicago – my kids have probably been to many, many more museums, exhibits, parks, etc. than most 4 and 2 year olds and I really, really want to continue that once I am home.  Yes, it is very hard work and I’m sure very frustrating at times, but she made it work and we love her for it.

So…in honor of our Katie-Babe’s (Jack’s nickname for her") last day (full-time, she will definitely still be a big part of their lives), here is a “Top Ten” memories that Katie might have with her little mooshers, Buddy and Buggy:

10.  My kids “regularity” with #2 – Katie is amazed that they poop at the same time every day and how regular they are.

9.  The “Poop on the Wall” incident

8.  Jack’s amazing love of “Katie Projects” – she started art projects with him at 19 months and he truly loves them.  Emma…not so much yet…I will keep these creative and beautiful art projects forever!

7.  Bagel-Fridays at Chicago Bagel Authority and the “Sam Sunrise”

6.  Emmy’s yogurt-covered snuggles and undying love for Peke

5.  Fun field trips on the train to the Big Library, Field Museum to see Sue, the Zoo for popcorn and photo-booth photos, Whole Foods, Noodles & Co, among others

4.  “Katie Parties” – she made every holiday special with costumes, special treats, gifts, and more fun.  WAY better than any Preschool – “Katie School” ROCKS!

3.  “The Wedding” – Jack made the cutest ring bearer for the cutest couple and was up until 11pm trying to steal the show on the dance floor to “OMG”.

2.  “Bird, Bird, Bird is the the Word.”

1.  Hundreds of Hugs, Kisses, Tears, Laughs and Memories

We love you SOOO much, Katie and Scott and I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for our greatest gifts – our children – and the joy and love that you show them every day.