Pray for My New Nanny

A good friend of mine is heading out of the country this week to do contract work in the Middle East so we got together tonight to say good-bye. We headed down to the waterfront to enjoy the water and grab some Mexican food. The weather was perfect and although Almi was super, duper, wild out of control energetic we still somehow managed to have a great time. Barely.

I love DC weather this time of year. Hot, humid days means the nights are perfect. No need for a jacket (though I never leave home without one because of air conditioning) and soft, warm breezes. It was a gorgeous evening and it should have been lovely and relaxing but my kiddo makes most evenings anything but. Tonight was no different. Almi loves the water so we walked down to the dock to look at the boats before dinner. She enjoyed looking at them but she was very disappointed that we couldn't go on one. If we have time I may try to rent a paddle boat and take her out on the Potomac before we leave. She would really love that, but it would make me nervous the entire time. You see, Almi is a thrill seeking, curious, independent-minded, obstinate child. Don't get me wrong, these can be great characteristics when channeled the right way, but telling her not to do something is the sure fire way to peek her interest and have her do it. These personality characteristics are amazing, frustrating, awe-inspiring, annoying and downright terrifying sometimes. You have to watch this child like a hawk every, single moment because she wants to know what everything tastes like, she wants to experience everything and she has absolutely no fear. Her new thing is to give me a seconds notice before she jumps off of something into my arms. Luckily I have caught her each time. I have great reflexes and I'm strong. Tonight I grabbed her off an elevator before the door shut behind her, I snatched her before she ran into the street and my friend grabbed the candy she found on the street out of her hand before she deposited it into her mouth.

Walking down the dock seemed like a good idea. It was quite a long stretch and I knew she needed to expend some energy. It wasn't until we got down there, though, that I realized only one side had a fence. The other side was a sudden drop several feet down to the dark, murky water. As you can imagine, she wanted nothing more than to get close to the edge. Nearly gave me a heart attack as you can imagine.

Thankfully, we made it up the dock and back unscathed. We were happy to be seated at the best outdoor table available for our Mexican dinner and quite frankly we deserved it. She really scares me! I can manage her and I know her teachers here can, too, but I gotta tell you it keeps me up at night worrying if her new nanny will be as quick on her feet. She came highly recommended and she used to work for a family with five kids so I imagine she can handle one but it's hard since I have never met her. Ordinarily I wouldn't hire someone to care for my child sight unseen (obviously!) but in this situation I could only do what was recommended: hire your nanny before you arrive. This way you have someone there from day one. My nanny will be live-in at first as well. Frankly, it would be next to impossible to try to hire someone when I get there, because I start work five days after I arrive. I need time to settle in and get acclimated and rest before starting a new job. I don't have time to interview people, hire and get to know them. Having her there from day one is really the only way for them to get to each other and for me and Almi to gain some comfort level with her before I have to leave them alone. She came very highly recommended. Her current employers say she is kind and trustworthy and a great cook. And she has worked with several families with children. All of them were pleased. Sounds good. I just hope she can also run fast and has eyes in the back of her head!!!!


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P.S. I got all your comments on the post about my new blog, I just haven't published them yet. Thank you!!!