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closing another chapter

May 28, 2009 | me me me, nanny stuff

Yesterday I was at the nanny job and I’m sitting with the little girl (who will be two come July) on the couch. She has a book in one hand and her little pink blanket in the other. She asks me to cover her and I do. Then she looks up at me, puts part of the little blanket on me so I’m partly covered too and says “cover you!”. Cuddles in a little closer and says, “Love you, Jamie”.

(except it sounds more like “luh you, Shamie” because she can’t quite get those J’s right.)

I told her, “love you too, baby” and we read our book.

Except I was a little teary, I’m not going to lie. I’ve been with this family for almost three years and it’s all starting to come to an end. I was around with the little one who told me this came home from the hospital. I was there a month and a half ago when her baby brother came home from the hospital. I started when the oldest was almost a year old. I taught him new words and how to count in Spanish. I was there when he refused to say my name for the longest time (and once even called me “Jesus”). When it comes down to it, I’ve gained another family.

I know the job is frustrating at times. I worked the longest hours. I’ve lost my patience. I often felt I couldn’t stand to look at another chicken nugget if my life depended on it. And if I had to give another time out, I just might scream. As I’ve said many times before, I love the kids more than anything but it’s just time for me to move on. I just can’t do it anymore. I don’t want to. I want something more.

But then moments happen like when a two year old shares her favorite blankey and I would do it all over in a heartbeat.

I’ll miss my babies but they are family now and it’s definitely not the end of family.

I’ll be there always.

It’s just time to close the nanny chapter of my life.

26 Comments so far
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It’s nice that you’ll be able to keep in touch…

Aww. Ending a chapter can be difficult at times, but it can be easier when you know that you’re loved…even if it’s a two year that does the reminding.

Awe Jamie this is so sweet. You even made ME tear up a little (at work, how embarrassing). I hope your new chapter is even better

Aw, that is so sad! But you’re definitely doing the right thing for your heart, and that’s all you can do. Good luck moving forward! Have you found your next stepping stone yet? =)

How wonderful for the family that they had someone who cares so much taking care of their little ones.

The new chapter will be a good one. It’s great when you’re able to stay in touch with the family after its all said and done. Good luck.

Aww, well good luck Jamie. I’m sure the family appreciates you more than you realize!

Aw, what a sweet post. You’ll never forget them, and no matter how young they are, they’ll remember you. Trust me.

How sweet is that little girl! I babysat a little girl for a year and she was 2ish when I started to take care of her. I know nannies are around more often, but I took was heartbroken when I had to move on and move out of state. She still calls me “my Sara!”

It must be super hard for you. Make sure to keep in touch with them. It’ll hurt a little less each day

Oh, dude. Working with kids is so hard for so many reasons, one of which being it’s impossible for it to just be a “job.” Kids are such delightful, annoying, difficult, incredible little humans that have no problems emotionally connecting with you on a level you don’t get in any other kind of work. Hugs to you as you move on.

I could live off of chicken nuggets.

Fact.

Sometimes the end of one era and the start of the next can be bittersweet, but you’re who you are now because of these last few years – and you’re right. You’re not losing family.

It’s so hard to give nannying up. I haven’t done it yet

Any extended family like that is hard to leave behind when you’ve become so attached. And hopefully, the parents realized your love for those kids and don’t make it difficult when you finally leave the nanny gig.

Closing a chapter is always bittersweet, its good that you will be able to stay in touch though.

aw that is precious. i love little kids so much.

Those kids are so lucky to have you in their lives, and it’s wonderful that you’ll still be there for them. Can’t wait to hear about what’s ahead!

Aw. It’s so hard to make life changes sometimes, even when you know it’s for the best.

Awww it’s okay. I’m sure leaving them will be tough but imagine the great things to come!

HOw cute! I’ve been away for a while so I don’t know the answer to this….What are you going to be doing? Can you link me to the entry if you’ve already written about it?

Aw, that’s so sweet! When you’re a nanny for kids, they definitely become a part of your life. And how great that you could be a part of theirs!

That’s really nice to ear from such a cute baby, makes all the work babysitting worth the exhausted feeling. I usually babysit my brothers or little cousins. This makes me less annoyed.

what a sweet post. I’m sure it’s hard to say goodbye to someone you have taken care of and who has become family. but like other commenters have said, you can keep in touch.

that’s nice you’ll still be in touch with the family. i wish the nannies i had kept in touch with us although i did just find 1 on facebook recently.

I totally understand those little moments. They make you want to change your direction sometimes. That’s why I’m a teacher. I hate it 79.8% of the time but that 20.2% keeps me in it. Good for you for going to the next phase.

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