On 'What IS a Nanny'

We are the Kleenex that doesn't come in a box.

We are the jungle gym when it's cold and rainy outside.

We are the wet nap when your fingers are sticky and dirty.

We are the teacher before you're allowed to go to school and later after you arrive home.

We are the chauffeur when you have appointments and extracurricular activities.

We are the ones who hold you when you cry, cause mom can't be home to do it.

We are the ones who catch all
your colds since you are too young or can't quite comprehend the idea of covering your mouth when you cough.

We are the vomit bucket holders, the baby potty cleaners, and the bum wipers.

We are the friend to play with when everyone else is busy.

We are your role models and the ones you hope to be like when you grow up.

We're the ones you want to marry before you understand what that really means.

We are magicians who invent games when your bored and cranky.

We are the bed when you fall asleep in the car and have to be carried in.

We are your biggest champion and the one who knows you best, next to mom and dad.

We are your world, until you turn 3 and want to do it all on your own.

On Identical Twins

So in case you're new here or just didn't catch on...there are 3 C babies, two boys and a girl. The boys just happen to be identical twins. However, since the first month I worked here they have not looked anything alike. They certainly have similar features, there is no doubt about that, but the way they use their faces--their smiles, their grimaces--each boy is subtly different. These minute differences make it very difficult to explain when people ask,

'How do you tell them apart?'

I just do. When I look at their faces, they are my RBC and DLC. They do not look alike anymore. Their faces are distinctive, yet is hard to put my finger on how. R's face is fuller, more square, with eyes that tilt slightly downwards at the corners. D's face is more narrow and oval shaped. Their noses differ too. D's almost turns up while R's is more flat in a way. But this is what it looks like to me, you might not agree.

In general I think if you look at them you can tell they are different. It is just about taking the time to find out which name goes with what face. I imagine it like meeting a bunch of kids at a playgroup for the first time. It takes a while to identify with certainty which boy was Max and which Jakey after you have barely seen their faces before they run off to play.

I have discovered that no identical twins look the same to me any more. Mary-Kate and Ashley each have delicate differences that make them less than perfectly identical. Zach and Cody? No problem. Teach me what name goes with what face and I'm golden.

This is not to say that I don't mix them up. In the heat of the moment I do accidentally say the wrong name. Especially if they have their backs to me and I've forgotten who is where. (A common occurrence since they NEVER sit still.) No worries though, they have no problem telling you if you make a mistake.

We used to mark their big toes with green and blue nail polish to be sure we knew their identities. It was a crutch that lasted well past their first birthdays. Their grandparents and teachers STILL ask 'SO....Who's who?' Its a bit disappointing. I think it's VERY important for the important people in their lives to know these boys for the distinct little people that they are. I try to avoid clarifying identities anymore. Maybe if people are forced to look they'll notice all the differences that are so obvious to me.

On Getting Ready (...With Triplets)

People often ask me how long it takes me to get the Triplets ready to go anywhere outside of the house. Obviously there are many variables that factor in my answer. Have they had a bath? Are they dressed? Does anyone have to pee? Depending on the status of these and other issues it can take up to an hour or more to get them all ready and out the door, but let's look at a more simple experience. (Ha! As if ANYTHING is simple with those three!)

I told them today that we would go for a walk after lunch. As I begin to clear the table, I send APC who has finished her lunch, to go potty and find a pair of socks to wear. Like a good girl she heads to the bathroom and I soon hear the loud grating noise as she drags the step stool to the toilet. By this time, RBC has finished. I send him to put on shoes and wait for his turn in the bathroom. Within 10 seconds I hear APC screaming bloody murder as he has skipped shoes and gone right to waiting for the potty. He is standing too close to the little lady who needs privacy to do her business. I leave the handful of dishes to go break up the scuffle, admonishing APC for screaming instead of talking to her brother, and reminding RBC that other people enjoy privacy on the potty like he does.

Having wiped APC and sent her in search of socks, RBC takes his place in the bathroom and promptly requests HIS privacy. I head back to DLC who is finishing go-gurt at the table. I help him get the last drops out and send him on the same mission as his siblings --potty and shoes.

I pick up the dishes and turn to walk to the sink when APC begs for my attention. She has to show me the pretty socks she picked out.

'Those ARE pretty socks A,' I say. 'Now please sit down and put them on.'

I get one dish rinsed and put in the dishwasher before she asks,

'Is this the right foot, Norie?'

'Yes, A, socks don't matter which foot you put them on, just shoes.'

As I finish my sentence, there is more screaming from the bathroom. Of course DLC didn't think to go to one of the 2 other bathrooms in the house. He headed straight to bother R who is attempting to pull up his pants while standing precariously on the step stool and spouting off the tenets of privacy to his intrusive brother.

I break up the scuffle, have a brief fight with DLC about using another potty, remind APC and RBC to get their shoes on and rush back to the dining room to finish cleaning up. RBC meets me in the kitchen.

'Is this the right foot, Norie?' He asks.

'No, honey, you've got them on backwards.'

I turn to the sink.

'Is this the right foot?' The princess inquires.

'No, baby, try again.'

Both children switch feet and ask again. We go through the cycle all over with an affirmation that 'Yes,' they indeed have both shoes on the right feet.

I leave in search of DLC. To my surprise I find him coming down the stairs buck naked. He has used the restroom and readied himself for bath time. (Which is an event for later in the day.) There is a brief bout of tears as I ask him to get redressed because we are going for a walk.

He retrieves his clothes and there are more crocodile tears as I refuse to put his shoes on for him. (A skill he has mastered, but likes to avoid.) I eventually convince him to do it while *I* use the potty and get my shoes. As I mentioned in my 'On Privacy' post, I have none and we continue to have the 'is this the right foot?' conversation through the door as I try to relieve my overfull bladder. (Cause seriously, when else did I have time to pee today?)

By this point RBC and APC are staring out the front door waiting to go out. There is commotion as DLC tries to weasel his way between them to see as well. I referee that fight and assure them that we'll leave as soon as I put the food and dishes away where Bailey can't reach them. (If you read my 'On Pets' post you'd understand why...)

As I'm working, quickly as possible, I hear the tell tale sign that the kids are playing with the front door handle. I stop to remind them that they are not permitted to open the door without an adult present. I work. I stop to remind them again, and a third time. This results in a time out for RBC and DLC follows suit with the same pattern of warnings and consequences.

By this time I have at least gotten the food put away and the table cleared. The dishes will have to wait for nap. (That's assuming they ACTUALLY nap today)

I collect the boys to talk about why they had time outs,

'Because we tried to open the door'

And why it's dangerous.

'Because we could get lost or pinch us in the door.'

All the while tying my shoes and fielding questions from A about when we will finally go.

To be honest, I can't even tell you how long all this took. 30 min? Perhaps more? I've given up trying to count. In general, I try to let them get ready alone, but if we are on a schedule, I would help more and we could probably cut the time in half. (Though there would be tears and fights since THEN they'd want to do it themselves. What can I say? They're three and they like to do the opposite of whatever I suggest.)

So this is what it's like for me to do a simple thing like take a walk in the neighborhood. It's the repetition that kills me. As if it's not frustrating enough to tell one toddler the same thing over and over, imagine that times three! It was even worse when we were wrestling winter coats and boots. Sheesh! I'm exhausted just writing about it.

So yes, it takes a while for us to be ready to do anything. However, it's better for my sanity though if I don't try to time it.

On Interviews, Question 2

Most of my nanny positions began with friends. People I knew in real life BEFORE I became their nanny. In these situations the interview appointment is often moot, but for the occasions that I have actually interviewed for a position, there are questions that seem to be the norm. I thought you might be interested in reading my answers and possibly what I think about the questions.

What do you like most about being a Nanny?

There are many things I love about my job. Every day I get to play with toys, imagine, pretend, be silly, and in general avoid acting like an adult. And who can deny that I'm a love junky? The hugs, kisses, snuggles, and general affection often make my world a better place. However, when I look intently at the episodes that bring me the most joy, I am always brought back to points where I have helped my charges to learn something. It could be a life skill--dressing themselves, setting the table, brushing their hair--or something educational like counting, number/letter recognition, or how things work. Whatever the skill, I find the biggest sense of accomplishment when I see that light of knowledge in their eyes. I love the smiles, the sense of pride they acquire, and above all the realization that I am helping to prepare them for a happy and productive life.

I think this question can be very telling and informative for parents searching for a nanny. Obviously no one wants to hire someone who thinks the best part of watching children is when they are asleep. (Though I must admit that nap time IS a very important time of day for nannies who spend hours pretending they have as much energy as little people less than 1/3 their age.) ;-)

This has always been the first thing that came to mind when I was asked what is my favorite part of being a nanny. There is no doubt in my mind that the daily instruction I give is an incredibly important part of moulding these little minds. I take this job very seriously and I find it terribly rewarding.

Stay tuned for the next installment of "Questions to Ask A Prospective Nanny!" I will be addressing the opposite of this topic, what I like LEAST about being a nanny. That will surely prove interesting.

On Sibling Love

APC and DLC had a weight check up at the doctor's office. That left me home with RBC. He was silly all morning. Enjoying the one-on-one attention. It was obvious he missed his brother and sister though. The moment they came home and sat down on the carpet to play with us he said,

"I was staying home all day and i missed you"

He proceeded to give them both kisses and hugs, to which they responded with whines and not-so-gentle nudges to leave them alone. Turns out they weren't missing HIM so much.

It's really interesting to experience each of the triplets by themselves and it's nice to see that even if they spend much of their time together fighting over toys and annoying one another, that they do notice when the other two aren't around.

On Music

Recently, a friend of mine relayed this story to me. He and his daughter were driving in the car. He had some not exactly kid friendly music playing on the stereo. Soon enough Baby Girl requested, "can you put on some more music? Not this music." Confidently solidifying her point she added, "This is yucky music." Although this story amuses, it also illustrates the point of this post perfectly. It is incredibly difficult to find music that will entertain both parent/nanny and child.


Throughout my experience as a nanny, this story has repeated itself in many incarnations. Most frequently I have seen where the parents give no notice to the music they play in the car and I later hear the children repeating lyrics that are generally inappropriate. For example, J's favorite song as a toddler was M I A's "Galang" At first it was amusing to hear him sing along to this catchy tune. However, as the lyrics became more familiar, the drug references were obvious and soon we had to fib a bit and say the "Galang" disc was broken. EVENTUALLY he stopped asking for it.


This was not to bed outdone by the two girls of the yellow brick house. One day as we were out on an adventure, I was surprised to hear them both behind me singing, "Like this, like this, like this..." from Mim's song of the same title.


Much like my "On Parroting" post, it is obvious they are listening and taking the words in, though they may not be aware of the meanings. (At least we hope not!)
So how do we avoid this pitfall? No man (ie. parent/nanny) can musically live off of "The Wiggles" oeuvre and discs of other childrens' songs like "This Old Man" alone. Thankfully for me, there are discs like "No!" and "Here Come The ABCs" by one of my favorite bands, They Might Be Giants. 

I find this music, produced by musicians I know and respect, much more tolerable than the random arrangement of "Old MacDonald" found on any number of CDs geared at youngsters.


Being a classically trained musician, I also enjoy any of the four "Beethoven's Wig" discs that take classical works and add historically related lyrics to make them interesting and funny. I sure could have used these during my music history "drop-the-needle" tests!

Music with the C family is a bit tough when older brother H is around. He often enjoys pop hits that may prove inappropriate for his younger siblings. (The current favorite is the relatively inocuous "Dynomite." It is not uncommon for me to hear little APC singing Taio Cruz's lyrics in her sweet little voice. Obviously it is risky to set the dial to many regular radio stations while in the car. We often resort to Radio Disney, though it's not my favorite.

I suppose what I want to accomplish with this post is a reminder to parents and caregivers: they are listening. Even though the music seems like background noise to you, they are ingesting it and learning from it, good or bad. We can't always prevent them from acquiring a colorful vocabulary, so my advice is to be aware and attempt to find things that the whole family can enjoy. It may be a pain, but you can rest easy knowing that your child won't be the one reciting Eminem lyrics at school.

On The Teratoid Threes

It isn't uncommon to hear the misplaced fear in new parents voices as they mention the dreaded 'terrible twos.' It makes sense that children would experience a greater need for independence and freedom to make more of their own choices at this age. This of course can lead to defiance and many frustrating arguments, for both parents and children alike. Sadly, the most natural outlet for a child's frustration is characterized by the two most dreaded words in the parental/caregiver vocabulary--temper tantrum. However, this 'terrible twos' distinction is misleading. We often avoid mentioning that it only gets worse by age three.

The teratoid threes as I like to call them, literally meaning "resembling a monster," can be even more frightful than the previous year. Children are more mobile, willful, and constantly struggling to determine/hold onto  their place in the world--both in their home life as well as the world outside. Every conversation seems to be met with a question, "why, Norie," or a defiant "No, I don't want to...(insert anything under the sun here.)" Even if I am offering their favorite snack or activity, the triplets choose the exact opposite just for the sake of making their own choice. Heaven forbid I put my foot down. It's then that they deteriorate into tears, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. Characterized by faces such as this:

Though this picture is amusing now, at the time I admit, I was a bit frustrated. Yes, even nanny.nora gets frustrated. 

Thankfully, our 365 monstrous days of the teratoid threes pass and we negotiate these struggles day to day picking our battles and using methods of distraction to keep the peace.

I find it interesting how little talk there is of the "frightening fours." Thankfully, I have another 327 days to prepare for those. ;-)
  

On First Meetings

Children are often wary of new people. It is not uncommon for even the most outgoing children to hide behind their parents' legs when the new babysitter/nanny arrives. It's hard not to take it personally, but I have found that the best method to winning over a new charge is a polite hello and then basically ignoring them until they make the first move. I engage the parents and ask questions about the household, finding topics that may encourage the child to speak to me. Above all I don't pressure them. When you force the issue they are even more likely to bury their heads and cry.

This works for infants as well. When they are comfortable in their parents arms, smile and say hello, possibly taking their hand or stroking their cheek. Above all avoid getting in their face, startling them, or trying too soon to hold them. You can't rush their adjustment period and taking things slow can really help.

This is why I often plan to come early or at a time when the parents will be home in order to get to know the children. This small gesture can make all the difference when the parents leave us for the first time.

These strategies don't always prevent the tears, but we'll save my tricks for calming children for another post.

On Books: "Pinkalicious"

Pink just happens to be nanny.nora's favorite color, so when a friend introduced me to this book where the main character shares my rosey obsession, I was thrilled.

The basis is simple. Girl eats excessive amounts of pink cupcakes and wakes up in the morning to find she has turned a lovely shade of pink. At first she is delighted, but after an additional cupcake turns her red, she decides to take the Doctor's advice to get back to her normal color.

Sadly, this is where the book loses my allegiance. The prescription for de-coloring this little girl is to eat lots of green veggies. This in it self would not be a problem, except that the author puts a negative spin on eating vegetables, using words like "yuck" and "ick" to describe the experience.

Over all this book is entertaining and inventive even with the less desirable view of all edible greens. (My second favorite color, by the way.)

I believe with the right attitude and an open dialogue about the themes in this book, "Pinkalicious" can entertain ever the most anti-pink person.

There's even a surprise at the end! I won't spoil it her. You'll just have to read to find out. ;-)

On Omnipotence

As a nanny you are required to know everything: where the extra diapers are, where the kids are, and according to the kids, where every last tiny toy in the house is.

Not a day goes by that I don't hear, 

But NORIE, where IS the...?

(Imagine a tiny, whiny voice and fill in the blank.)

This "need to know" often extends past the children to the parents. As an integral member of the household it is often left to me to have the whereabouts of important school and medical papers in mind. However, with 3 adults in house and six hands sorting through all the things that come in and out, this can get a little tricky. 

Above all a nanny must be organized and attentive.  If something slides under the couch or falls behind a the book case, I am paid to notice. 

Case in point: APC acquired the book "Pinkalicious" for Chanukah. (More on this title soon, stay tuned!) Somehow, within a few days it had disappeared. Every adult searched. Multiple times. Finally, I suggested an unlikely hiding place. There is a tiny space under the large bookshelf in the living room. I have saved books from disappearing into this space before. Perhaps it slid under there? Dad (GMC) was kind enough to tilt the heavy shelf so I could poke underneath. To our surprise, out slid "Pinkalicious." (Along with a few other titles.) This discovery might not have been made had I not been in tune with the smallest detail of the Cs home. 

Beyond skills of organization and attention to detail, I come back to the idea of communication. The reason the house runs as smoothly as it does is this simple technique. I may be forced to be omnipotent, but I couldn't succeed in this task without constant communication with the parents. 

As you can imagine, I make lots of lists. 

On games: "Shape-O"

Another easy project that has yielded much fun and laughter is my simplified version of "Bingo." We use shapes and small objects around the house as markers. (Today APC chose Barbie shoes and the boys small wooden blocks.) The best part is when someone achieves 3 in a row and gets to yell, "Shape-O!!!" I mean, what game isn't fun with an exclamation when you win? The parts are easy and self explanatory to make.

The card






The call squares



Happy "Shape-O" players



Not only does every one enjoy getting a little loud, but they practice their shapes to boot.

This game is easily modified and can be used to practice numbers and letters as well. What variations can you all come up with? I hope you'll share!

On Appreciation

If you don't like potty talk, you may want to skip this post. They always said I had a potty mouth... ;-)

RBC just pooped on the potty. (Told you there'd be potty talk! Don't say I didn't warn you.) As I was wiping him he says unprompted:

"Thanks for wiping my bum all the time, Norie."

How cute is that?!? I mean really. I'll be the first to say this is generally a thankless job, but when a 3 year old somehow recognizes the fact that helping him is worth appreciation, well, that just makes my day.

I'll leave the rest of my potty talk for another post on potty training. Right now I want to revel in the fact that I'm helping to raise not only polite but appreciative children.

On Best Friends

My best friend L just had her second child. Congrats lady! Just before his birth we had the chance to catch up (since she sadly lives really far away from me.) During that conversation I received one of the greatest compliments a nanny could ever hope to achieve.

"I told [my husband], the only way I'd consider going back to work full time is if we could afford to fly you out here, set you up to live, and have you be our nanny."

"Of course he asked, 'Are you serious?'"

"And I told him, 'Yes! She's the only one I'd trust with my children!'"

I do not take compliments such as these lightly. I know that the choice to leave your children in someone else's care is extremely difficult. I'm honored to be held in such high esteem.

I really wish this could happen though! I would love to be able to see my bestie more than once every 5 years.

On Anniversary Presents

I received a little surprise when H got home from school today. It seems he had picked me out a couple of anniversary gifts. He was very excited and had to show me how he had taken great care to make sure the stones and metals matched. (A skill that he and I have been perfecting when he picks out his clothes in the morning.)

On Anniversaries

It's official! I have been working for the Cs for two years now. I started when the triplets turned one and they are now thriving three year olds. It has been an amazing and exhausting ride. We have all learned and grown. 

Sometimes things are crazy.

(As shown below)

 But in general we get along great and have lots of fun. 

And sometimes we get good pictures of it. 

Thank you C family for a wonderful two years. I look forward to many more!

*These pictures (aside from the snowman one) were graciously provided by my sister-in-law.  Her work with children is absolutely AMAZING. She is testing the waters at starting her own photography business. Leave her some comment love so she'll know just how successful she actually already is!*

On Prerogative

This is my blog, so I can be sad if I want to.

Feb. 28, 2011

12:03 pm

My first gray hair

All I can think is:

"Always the nanny..."

I know it's unorthodox, but I'd like to buy a consonant, Pat.
How much for 3 'M's?

*sigh*

On Privacy

I have none...

n.n: "Ok, guys play here for a min. Norie, has to go potty."

Thankfully the Cs have an area that is childproofed enough for me to leave them briefly. However, privacy is a rare commodity.

A: "Wait for me, Norie! I'll keep you company."

Honestly, I love my job, but one daily struggle is the fact that I am always "on." There is always someone who needs me, my help, my comfort. My needs often take a back seat to the little ones I choose to assume responsibility for. Even at nap time I am vigilant, listening for the smallest rustle and anticipating problems. A nanny's job is non-stop. There are no bathroom breaks. No uninterrupted 15 min respites from work. My lunch break is not my own. My time in general is dictated by the needs of others. In general, I'm ok with that. But somedays, I'd like to take a pee in peace.

On (Popular) Movies

The first movie the C family triplets ever saw in the movie theater was: 

Toy Story III.

 P and G were on their 10 year anniversary vacation and I ventured to take all four children with a little help from their Aunt and Uncle. They were entranced. They were so still that their snacks sat uneaten in their laps. The only words spoken were by R whenever the screen would go blank between scenes. "What happened, norie?" He would ask. And the next time, "is it broken?" This would happen throughout the film and I just had to laugh. The only time they got a little antsy was toward the middle when the climax occurred and it got really loud. Other than that they sat slack jawed and happy.

I can't remember my first movie in the theater. I don't believe I was 2 years old though. I believe many of my first movies were viewed at the Drive-In cuddled up in the back of my parents station wagon. What a contrast to today's youth. They are bombarded with technology the moment they enter the world. I'm not judging, just marveling.

I know the C kids will see many movies in their lifetimes. Who knows how films will be available when they are my age. I feel honored that I got to share this silly milestone. I like movies. The darkness. The popcorn. Losing myself in the lights and the action. This movie, though the 3rd in the series, was great for children and parents alike, even if you haven't seen the 2 that come before. I dare say I cried at the end. (Not that the kids noticed!) Thankfully there are movies out there that families can enjoy together, cause Barney just doesn't cut it for me.

On Other Blogs With Great Ideas: Episode 3, 10 Things Kids Need

Just for the heck of it I googled: "Things Kids Need." I suppose in the back of my mind I was looking for new blog fodder. However, what I found not only validated my approach as a nanny, but gave me some good reminders how to continue to be the best nanny.nora I can be. Please visit the Child, Youth, and Family website to read this post in its entirety. It won't take long, but it's worth it. Do it for me, or better yet, for that little person who is the apple of your eye.

http://www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-parents/the-ten-things-kids-need-most.html

The 10 Things Kids Need Most:

• 1.  Meeting their everyday needs
• 2.  Feel safe and secure
• 3.  Love and hugs
• 4.  Plenty of praise
• 5   Smiles
• 6.  Talking
• 7.  Listening
• 8.  Learn new things
• 9.  Take care of their feelings
• 10. Rewards and special treats

On (Valentine's Day) Books (Belated)

This is Marylou.

Marylou is a poet, a slug, and she's desperately in love with another slug named Herbie.

Slugs in love is a sweet book that chronicles the poetic love affair brewing between two garden slugs. 

The rhymes are simple but clever and sometimes borrow from popular literature that both kids and parents are familiar with.

At first Herbie doesn't know who Marylou is. All slugs are brownish and like tomatoes, of course, but by the end they finally meet and, as expected, live happily ever after. 

On Birthdays (JCD Edition)

It's hard to believe the boy who once was this sweet faced cherub:

Is now turning seven and losing another tooth.

JCD was one of the first charges I was with full time. I worked with him from the time he was about 9 months old to two years old. (Thankfully, since he's my nephew, I still see him. Just never enough.) I got to watch as he discovered his favorite foods, learned to toddle about, and began his love affair with reading and learning. He is now an energetic young man who is intellectually ahead of his peers while still enjoying less academic pursuits like Pokemon and computer games. I am constantly amazed by his intelligence and skills. I like to believe, regardless of what the studies say, that all those hours we spent reading the Baby Einstein flash cards

he adored as a tot, had something to do with it. Mostly though, I think it was interacting with him, talking to him, taking the time to show and explain things to him, as well as, above all, avoiding baby talk that helped give him the foundations for the academic skills he is developing today.

So if I can stay on my soap box for just a moment, please speak to your children directly. Teach them new words. Don't underestimate their intelligence by speaking baby talk. Explain things and watch the excitement as they begin to understand. J is living proof that this technique works.

Happy 7th Birthday J! Tata loves you and is VERY proud of you.

On Caffeine

Some days I feel like this:

And some days, I just think I need more coffee.

On Birthdays (APC Edition)

There was a little girl, 

                     Who had a little curl,

Right in the middle of her forehead.

            When she was good,

            She was very good indeed,

But when she was bad she was horrid.

~ HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW

What can I say about APC? The baby of four, she is the most easy going of the triplets. Her mother often jokes how easy it would be were she an only child. A is willing and able to follow most directions without complaint, however she is smart and stubborn. She was the last to walk and perform most of the major milestones, but I honestly believe it is her choice to do it this way. I think she's smart enough to know that if she doesn't learn we'll still do it for her. She wanted to get walking "right" before she finally let go. She didn't want to fall. While getting dressed, she still begs for help because it's easier than doing it herself. She's no dummy! If you saw my post about her writing her name, you'd have to agree. She is sweet and lovable, but has a shrill shriek that could raise the dead. She loves to sing and I dare say she has great talent for it. A is slightly addicted to the television set and would sit there all day if she could, I think. She adores Dora the explorer as well as Ni Hao Kai-lan, but really any show she will veg out to. Her favorite color is pink...and purple. (She will tell you just that if asked.) :-) She is terribly attached to her stuffed cat, "meow," and can't even fathom sleeping without it. She is currently obsessed with all things princess, though Minnie-Mouse was the winner for a while. Lately she has been the most shy when we go out, attaching herself to my side, always cautious and wanting to hold my hand. In general, the boys push her around, but I think that's mostly because she's so blasé about the world. She'd rather find something else to do rather than fight. (However, like I said, she shrieks, so watch out if you try to take something she really wants.) She is mostly easy to please and rarely throws long lasting tantrums. She is well behaved and generally good natured. I dare say she is the most well mannered of the kids, though R is catching on fairly well. I look forward to see how she develops in this family of boys. Her gorgeous curls and winning smile can melt anyone's heart. However, the Longfellow poem above that her mother often recites to her is sometimes true. ;-) 

She is so easy to direct we were able to capture this photo. 

Looks like the picture in the frame when you buy it no? 

So finally we come to the end of our "On Birthdays" celebration. I look forward to comparing the children again next year. Until then, Happy Birthday C-Family Children! You are well loved... 

*These pictures were graciously provided by my sister-in-law. Her work with children is absolutely AMAZING. She is testing the waters at starting her own photography business. Leave her some comment love so she'll know just how successful she actually already is!*

On Birthdays (DLC Edition)

DLC is the middle child of the triplets. (The one on the right in the picture above.) His family given nickname is "Glue." He's attached to Momma C constantly. D is a total parrot and loves to tell everyone the rules (even if he won't follow them himself). He undoubtedly wants whatever toy someone else has until he gets it, then moves onto the new toy the others are playing with. He's never satisfied and seeks to be in the middle of things. D is incredibly persistent. He will follow his brother or sister around endlessly until they give up the toy in question. His favorite color is green and he has a penchant for talking in the third person. 'D's gonna have yogurt for lunch, Norie.' His favorite superhero is Batman and he likes to wear his coat by the hood on his head as a cape to be 'silly Batman.' He is obsessed with all things firefighter and his favorite tv show is 'Fireman Sam.'

His smile is infectious, 

but he can also be serious and pensive. 

 He is the most attached to sucking his thumb and still has to be reminded during the day that, 'We don't suck.' (Like I said, he's persistent.) He often likes to play the 'sleeping game' just so he can sneak a suck in during the long hours before nap time. He's such a trickster! He'll always be my D-illy dally.

*These pictures were graciously provided by my sister-in-law. Her work with children is absolutely AMAZING. She is testing the waters at starting her own photography business. Leave her some comment love so she'll know just how successful she actually already is!*

On Birthdays (HKC Edition)

We interrupt this edition of 'Birthdays - Triplet Style' to mention the birth of another important member of the C family. Today is H's eight birthday. Poor guy, five years old and he was no longer the only child, but a big brother to triplets!

 HKC is a sweetheart. A good helper, when he chooses to be, and generally sweet to his siblings. He is uber ticklish and also likes to have his back, legs, arms, and chin scratched. It's about the only thing that gets him to sit still. This ball of energy is in the science club at school, participates in boy scouts, and played flag football as well as baseball. He's a really fast runner and tremendously good at the frisbee game we made up together last summer. (Explained Here.) His reading abilities have really exploded this year and he adores the 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' books. He's a master at wii, particularly the star wars game and madden football. He somehow has the ability to get pretty much whatever he wants from me, within reason (and if he's good). His favorite color is green and when he's concentrating he does this cute little sucking his tongue/rubbing his nose maneuver that makes me smile. He loves to cuddle, but avoids giving hugs/kisses at the bus stop. He's the only kid I know who could eat cheeseburgers for every meal but rarely touches the French fries. H is kind, athletic, tricky, and turning out to be a real entrepreneur.

Obviously this week is a busy one at the C household. Friday was H's party. Today is the family celebration and on Sunday they will have friends over for a little get together. I suppose it's nice to get all the birthdays out of the way at once. ;-)


Sadly, H was at school when the babies had their photo shoot with Miss Nicole. I am hoping in the summer I will be able to get some with him too. 

On Birthdays (RBC Edition)

Today is the triplets' third birthday. I can't believe how much they've changed since I started two years ago. They walk, they talk, they help me (mostly), and they certainly have developed their own personalities. In honor of my little munchkins, I wanted to write a little bit about each one of them

RBC

R Is the oldest, by mere minutes, but it seems to make a difference. He's completely potty trained with nary an accident throughout the whole process. He can dress himself completely, and has the weird quirk of insisting he does so the moment he wakes up. He dislikes wearing anything but real clothes during the day and is speedy at putting his shoes and coat on. He is quite headstrong and really fights for what he wants. He has been known to favor a time out rather than doing something he doesn't like. He gives the best two armed hugs and loves to have me scratch his back while we watch TV. I have heard him spell his name, but I don't think he recognizes the letters on paper yet. His favorite color is blue and he has the cutest little shy/coy face that melts my heart. (seen here:)

R and I butt heads a lot, but he's always been my buddy, since day 1. He has the habit of loving me one day and the next playing shy and hard to get. I haven't figured out why he does this yet, but it's pretty consistent that if he's all lovey and in my lap one day, he's gonna cry when he sees me walk in the room the next day. He loves to play with trucks and cars, but shows his softer side when he puts the baby dolls to sleep. He loves cherry tomatoes and eating fruits like pears 'big.' He's sweet and energetic. He's my little Roscoe P. Coltrane.

*These pictures were graciously provided by my sister-in-law. Her work with children is absolutely AMAZING. She is testing the waters at starting her own photography business. Leave her some comment love so she'll know just how successful she actually already is!*

On Games: Ladder-bee

The Cs have a fenced in yard. It prevents the dog AND the children from escaping. It also provides a helpful apparatus that H and I used to invent the game we played all last summer, Ladder-bee. A variation on lawn golf, Ladder-bee uses a frisbee instead of a golf ball lariat. The object is to throw your frisbee into one of the horizontal fence poles from a distance of 35(ish) feet. If you hit the top post you receive 3 points, the middle 2 points, and the bottom 1. If it goes over you lose a point and H has to run to the neighbors yard to fetch it. (That's my favorite rule. That kid needs to run of some energy once in a while!) :-) Thankfully we have like 6 frisbees so we have a few throws before he runs to collect them. The winner is the first to 21 and you have to win by 2 points.  Once again, thank you to the gods of random ideas for helping me think this up. I'm sure you could find something in YOUR yard to create a variation. It's not as easy as it sounds, but it's quite fun!

On Impersonations

This is totally random, I know, but if you need a good laugh look here.

http://mollypiper.com/2011/02/my-zoolander-baby/

Seriously, the comparison cracks me up EVERY time.

On Luck

People often wonder how I found my current position with the Cs. I have to admit. It was pure luck. I was  working part time with a few other families when the one utilizing me most had a change in needs. The mother was no longer going to work, so nanny.nora was out of a job. Yes, I still had other families part time and I could still work for this one on an "as needed" basis, but I was looking for something a little more substantial.

I had recently become reacquainted with a friend from college on Facebook. As we caught up on each others lives since matriculation, I mentioned my status as a nanny. As luck would have it, she worked in the same office with Momma C and knew that the family had been left in a lurch by their previous caregiver. My friend passed along my resume, we set up an interview, and it seems they stopped looking the moment they met me.

I admit, this job is more than I was looking for at the time, both time commitment wise AND difficulty wise. That said, I think it has worked out well for all parties. I have found good friends in P and G, all the while learning and growing with their children.

Who knows how my next job will arrive at my doorstep, but I hope my luck never changes.

On Games: Impromptu Twister

What to do with 3 bored children and 1 multicolored rug? Why not play an impromptu game of twister? That's just what we did one day and it was a big hit. Not only were we working on learning non-primary colors (ie. sage green, rust, navy blue, and cream) but we challenged ourselves physically, practiced coordination, and had fun to boot! It started with my randomly calling colors and body parts and ended with the four of us on the floor in fits of giggles.

My job is often overwhelming, stressful, and demanding, but I am thankful for the days that I have random bouts of inspiration that lead us to fun-filled and educational activities. Sometimes the best ideas come from an everyday item to which you never gave a second glance.

On Other Blogs With Great Ideas: Episode 3, The Woombie

http://www.woombie.com/

I found the link to this site on the sidebar of another one of my favorite supermoms' blog. Being intrigued by the name (which somehow reminds me of that SNL short about the 'woomba') I clicked the link and proceeded to struggle with my feelings about the item. On one hand, this simple swaddler takes the difficulty out of achieving the perfect wrap to keep your baby snuggled cozily all the while avoiding the possibility of unwrapping.

I believe in swaddling. I agree that for some children it is comfortable and comforting. However, when I saw this product, I was given pause. I'm really not sure why. I think in essence it boils down to looks. For some reason it appears unnatural. Without the overlapping folds and the loving touch of manually swaddled child, the look is more straight jacket than cozy, womb-like sleeping bag.

That said, I am *not* against the woombie. Heck, I've never even tried one and I'm certainly not the type to dismiss something without thorough investigation. So in essence I'm sharing with you my conflicted feelings. I LOVE the idea. Easier swaddling for the flailing limbs of an over-tired infant sounds great to me, but there is something trounbling too that I can't put my finger on. I'll let you know my final verdict if I ever get to try it. Anyone else out there have thoughts to share on this? I'd love to hear from you!

On Interviews, Question 1

Most of my nanny positions began with friends. People I knew in real life BEFORE I became their nanny. In these situations the interview appointment is often moot, but for the occasions that I have actually interviewed for a position, there are questions that seem to be the norm. I thought you might be interested in reading my answers and possibly what I think about the questions.

Question #1: How long have you been a nanny?
I began babysitting when I was 9 years old. I suppose you could say I was a bit of a "mother's helper." I would watch my cousin's 2 kids (toddler and infant) while she was cleaning, doing laundry, or just generally somewhere else in the house. That being said, I would not have considered myself a nanny until about 8 years ago. It was then that I acquired my CPR certification, child abuse clearances, and had my first background check. Also, I was older -in my twenties. In my opinion, there is a difference between a person who comes and "sits" (often while the children are sleeping) and a Nanny who is with them all day, cooks meals, teaches, and otherwise has a greater impact on a child's life. I believe a nanny has more of a parental role than a babysitter. Often (though not always) s/he has an education or child psychology background. There is a closeness and a bond that I'm not sure all babysitters develop. This isn't true of all babysitting positions, and I admit, I have done A LOT of babysitting in my time, but at it's core I think this is the difference and hence the turning point I underwent from babysitter to nanny. 


Obviously this is an important question to ask. Past experience is often what seals the deal in any job situation. However, I feel it is important that the distinction be made between what I do and what a high school babysitter might do. Thus, when I am asked, I make my beliefs perfectly clear.

On Other Blogs With Great Ideas: Episode 2, The Boon Spoon

In honor of my recent interview for a nanny position with an infant, I just had to blog about this incredibly nifty utensil for feeding little ones. May I present:

The Boon Spoon!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001IJYNMI?tag=22word-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B001IJYNMI&adid=1B96S6RY484X1B36G5WB

Fill it up with baby food, squirt the desired amount onto the spoon, and you're ready to feed. Plus it comes with a cap to make it readily portable.

How I wish at this moment I was able to take that other job and use this crafty little tool. Oh well, there will be other babies to feed in the future. Thought you all should know about it.

I discovered this neat little gadget on another blog I read. This wondermom is currently feeding twins and has two older children. You can see a video of her using it here.

On Slips of the Tongue

Apparently I'm getting a little too comfortable at the Cs house. Momma C was working late, so I was helping G get all four of the kids dinners plated. As he was distributing the feast, in an attempt to be helpful, I headed to the kitchen for the oft requested red condiment that is a great accompaniment to the french fry.

"I'll get the ketchup, sweetie." I said.

I have no recollection of using that term of endearment, but I wouldn't put it past me. G and I had a good laugh about it later, but I can't wait to hear what kind of ribbing I get from P when he tells her!

On Acrostic Poems

H and I were snuggling on the couch recently. He turned to me and said:

"I wish my name was Sam."

Being utterly confused I stuttered, "W-w-why?"

"So it would be shorter when you do those name poems. You know the ones where the first line is your name and the next line starts with the next letter of your name." He replied.

"Oh! An acrostic poem." I supplied, finally understanding his desire to go from a name with 8 letters to a much shorter, completely unrelated moniker.

"So yours would be...N-ora. O....ummm...what would we do for O?" He quieried.

"How about O-rnery?" I laughed.

"Ok, ornery." He said, fumbling slightly over the unfamiliar word.

"N-ora, O-rnery," He tried again.

"R....ummm...R-eally nice. A....Absolutely really nice!" He finished proudly.

I laughed, thanked him, and being my nanny-with-the-mostest self sought to make this a teaching moment.

"Do you know what ornery means?" I said, cocking an eye in his direction.

"No, what?"

"Grumpy."

He jumped up at that. "That's not true!" He shouted.

"We have to change that. Ummmm....O....Awesome!"

So obviously I should be working with him on spelling AND vocab, but I can't say it doesn't make me smile that he thinks I'm more Awesome than Ornery.

On Being In Demand

Not to toot my own horn, but I get a lot of job offers. Some are in passing when I first get to know someone at a playgroup. Many are by word of mouth. Some families are desperate and when I politely decline they ask: "Do you know anyone else?" Sadly, not being part of an agency, I know of no other nannies in the area. Couple this with my frequent inability to say "No," and nanny.nora is incredibly busy. I like it that way, but I also hate not being able to help EVERYONE.

I have received 2 job offers in recent weeks. Both families know that I am not looking to leave the Cs. I made that perfectly clear. But I also have to think about my future. The triplets will eventually be in school full time. The Cs will need me less. I hate to burn any bridges in case I need more work in the future. Sadly though, keeping this option open means less nights and weekends free for nanny.nora. I haven't agreed to anything. They will keep my name on file and I will say yes when I can. For right now, the Cs come first.

It's simultaneously a burden and a blessing to be in demand.

On Books (Boynton Style)

Stomp your feet. Clap your hands. Everybody ready for a barnyard dance?

http://www.sandraboynton.com/sboynton/index.html

One of my favorite children's authors is Sandra Boynton. Undoubtably, the entire Boynton oeuvre amuses, but Barnyard Dance brings home the bacon.

Imagine you're a sqaure dance caller as you read. Then stand up and do the actions with your children. I promise, you won't be disappointed. 

I've tried rapping it, singing it, and even silent charades-style versions. This book never fails to result in giggles for my charges, and more importantly, for me. (A happy nanny is a GOOD nanny.)

When the dance is done? Take a breather and turn to the front to read it again!