By Natalie
When looking for a nanny there’s a lot to consider. I’ve been asked countless times about the process of finding a nanny as well as what to look for in a nanny. As a former nanny to a handful of different families as well as being part of a community of other nannies I have quite a bit of experience to share. I hope you find my perspective helpful and can share this with anyone you may know who is searching for their dream nanny. (more…)
By Natalie
I’m not sure where to begin with this story because it’s such an important one and I want to make sure that I voice it correctly this time. The details of the event were simple. Brandon and I were gardening in our new front yard. Samson laid a few feet in front of us hooked up to his tie out. In the distance I saw an older couple walking their two small dogs. I thought for a split second to step on Samson’s leash or voice to Brandon that maybe he should hang on to him while the couple passed. We’d adopted him only a month prior, before that he’d been a stray. We simply didn’t know his true temperament yet nor his strength. (more…)
By Natalie
How’s your summer? It’s hot and humid around here but none of us are protesting these beautiful rays of sunlight. Our favorite family activity this season has been the splash pad near us. Felicity loves running through the water, pinching her shoulder up to her cheek as a fountain of water gushes up unexpectedly beside her. (more…)
By Natalie
Our baby girl is so grown up. This past weekend we celebrated Felicity’s first year of life. Perhaps it’s all in our heads but ever since her birthday Felicity seems to have changed. Maybe it’s because we don’t look at her as a little baby anymore but as a toddler. (more…)
By Natalie
My Dearest Felicity,
It feels like you’ve always been a part of us.
Tomorrow is your birthday. Before you turn one I want you to know how significant this past year has been. You’ve overcome every hurdle that stands in your way. Rolling, crawling, climbing, walking. We’ve sat alongside you for every milestone cheering you on.
I feel nostalgic for the days that have passed. Worn out from the consistency we have to uphold with you. But I also feel honored to have such a sweet snuggler for a daughter and I hope we can be everything you need us to be even if you might not think it at the moment! (more…)
By Natalie
On Brandon’s first father’s day weekend he spent his entire Saturday building this beauty of a baby gate. Seems appropriate. It sort of happened by coincidence. We were struggling to find a decent gate for our stairwell so as most things go when we can’t find exactly what we’re looking for, Brandon decided to build one. I found a similar mock up here and Brandon agreed to make it! It also sort of flows well with the banister on our front steps. (more…)
By Natalie
My time at the courthouse was particularly uneventful. It felt mostly like being on a very long train ride. I was first summoned to appear in January. I’d asked to be deferred or excused stating that I was a stay at home mom with a baby who was still nursing. They said they offered day care and provided a lactation room. We could have my service deferred if needed. (more…)
By Natalie
Dearest Felicity,
Today we had to say goodbye. We visited the place where you were born and had to walk away just the same. It didn’t make too much of a difference to you but it was bittersweet for me. My heart holds on to things, unable to let them go. Today I’m grieving the loss of this birth center. Walking into the farewell party felt warm, felt like home, surrounded by dozens of women who shared in the same care that I did. Dozens of babies your age and younger crawled and played across the floor. (more…)
By Natalie
After making it through the first few hard months of caring for our infant we decided to keep our goals for the year small, but intentional. A personal goal of mine is to remember people’s names better when I first meet them. Remembering someone’s name always makes them feel noticed and that’s what I strive for. I’ve always been terrible at this and I think I’ve actually been doing better these past few months simply by being mindful. (more…)
By Natalie
She won’t remember these days but I will.
When the sun begins to rise we pop open the blinds, Felicity in my arms. A ritual we do every morning for our houseplants to get some sunlight. Sometimes we squint our eyes and I talk about how bright it is. Sometimes it’s cloudy and I tell her it looks like it’ll rain today.
I set her down in her walker. She presses the music button as I kiss her head. My hand runs through the hair on the back of her head and I think to myself how much I love her. She straightens her legs out, confidently running across the kitchen.