one for the kiddos

My most recent nanny gig just ended, and while I'm embracing the extra free time with my whole heart, I'm also missing these kiddos (and maybe the weekly paycheck...?).

Whilst holding a huge Molly Moon's ice cream cone, Henry lovingly told me, "You're going to be a great mom." I'm sure that statement was 90% brought on by the ice cream, and much less brought on by my parenting skills. Which are stellar, by the way.

Because Eva was in school longer, I spent the majority of my time with Henry. We clocked a lot of hours at the library, where he would "read" to me. Sometimes we would play construction (top right). Other times (aka most times) he would pose as a Sounders player and tell me that since I live in Seattle now, I should be a "Sounders cheerleader." 

Eva: "Honestly, who decided what's a weed and what's a flower?" My little philosopher at heart.

And that picture of Henry with the Diva Espresso cup sums up my methods of employment. If only I had thought to have him reading an Alaska Airlines magazine...missed opportunity, I guess.

I will most miss the dance parties. Henry was really into Ratatat, and sometimes Michael Jackson. That kid can car dance like a champ, meaning he did a great 'shoulder scrunch.'

baby penguins

I guess "nanny bloggers" aren't quite as trendy as "mommy bloggers" right now, but I'm not ready to commit to having my own children yet, so this will have to suffice...

Kiddos are on Spring break right now, which means eight hours of being entertained by yours truly. We made it to the zoo yesterday.

Baby penguins are thhhhee cuuhhhhtest creatures God has made. Fact.

Seconds before, I swear this gorilla baby was totally in the down-dog yoga position, with his hands on the top of that log in front of him...butt in the air. Incredible.

Ma faaaaavvorite

This is Miss Eva—Henry's older sister. I rarely blog about her, but it's nothing personal. She's a lovely girl—I just spend less time with her because she's in school longer. I swear. 

Great Eva moment: Yesterday I heard them physically fighting over some branch they had found in the backyard, and then I realize EVA IS HOLDING A KNIFE. I momentarily lost it and demanded that everyone freeze and the knife be set down. 

Lo and behold, this is the comment I receive: "Maddie, it's not a daannnnngerous knife. It's a whittling knife. Haven't you ever whittled before?"

No, actually, I haven't. And I didn't really think that you—at age 8—would own such a knife either. Forgive my stupidity.

called out by a 5-year-old

I bought a pair of black, reversible yoga pants this month that I highly recommend to anyone who wants to get away with wearing the same pants for at least four days in a row. They are ridiculously comfortable, fit perfectly, and should totally become standard uniform for anyone working as a nanny or barista. And whaddaya know...I'm both. Guess what else? I found them at Target because that's where people with unpaid internships shop when what they really want is to spend entire paychecks at Lululemon.

BUT...just when I thought I was getting away with wearing the same outfit roughly four out of seven days a week, this conversation had to go and happen:

Henry: Why do you always wear those pants?

Me: Ummm, do you not like them?

Henry: Oh, I like them a lot, you just wear them every time you come to my house.

Me: Yah, well they're my favorite pants. Do you know what kind they are?

Henry: Blackies.

Yep, called out by a five-year-old.
I'm trying to not care too much about his fashion opinions considering I caught him wearing this outfit yesterday...

...And he regularly walks around the house with a gorilla mask on.

(play)-date with mr. handsome

 Yesterday started out with a little of this.

I figure I might as well eat like a 5-year-old if I'm going to hang out with one all day.

And then when I showed up at school to pick him up, his teacher said, 

"You're going home with quite the handsome boy today..."

Turned around and saw this little number:

Walked to the car holding my hand and everything.

Of all days to be wearing my wanna-be-Lululemon-but-really-from-Target lounge pants and a hoodie. 

I was no match for him.

But he still went on a play-date with me anyway.

To the toy store.

We bought glow-in-the-dark pirate stickers.

Best date I've had all year. And yes, I mean that.

Not to change the subject, and by that I mean I'm going to completely change it...does anyone follow the tumblr TO MY WIFE? Hilariously romantic notes from a husband to his wife. Albeit succinct, they still get the point across. I loved the one from today:

TEAMWORK: 

Working out party exit strategies before going to said parties is true love.

 

Amen.

employment part 1: Henry

I know. Kind of weird to put a male name after the word employment. But I wanted to fill in all who were asking about my current job situation...

Henry is five years old. 

He is into LEGOs. 

He's even more into PLAYMOBIL.

(Why are all kids' toy brands in all caps?)

And boy does this kid know how to play dress up.

Superman. Little bunny. The cutest.

Maybe it's because I never had a brother, but I was super impressed by this LEGO camper.

Henry and I get to hang out all day. 

We read a lot of books. 

Sometimes we even go to the library.

One time we Razor scooter-ed around Green Lake, 

pausing mid-way for a snack break of course. 

And of course, we frequent local toy stores...just to look.

And then at the end of the day, I get to clean up after these little feet.

☺