Where to even begin....
Two summers ago, I used Care.com to try to find a summer nanny position. The opportunities were endless and somehow I stumbled upon one in particular. As it turned out, you actually used to live across the street from me, way back when you were a baby. Fast forward to six years later, and I was meeting you (and your parents) when I was home on break. I didn't realize that meeting you would be so nerve-wracking! You and I both were so shy and you would barely look at me those first few minutes. It is so hard to believe how far we have come since then!
The first day watching you was exhausting to say the least! I had created a list of stuff to do all summer with you and I am pretty sure we hit every single one of them that first day! We went to the park, had friends over, got ice cream, and even went to my house to kill some time! As the days went on we eventually settled into a routine and you became more of the younger sister that I never had.
Who is who?
Besides looking a lot like me (which is sorta creepy haha), I have learned a lot about you, and sadly you have picked up quite a few bad habits from me!
It didn't take long for you to pick up my sass. Only then did I realize how much my attitude and actions affect you. It's still crazy for me to think that you look up to me, literally and figuratively. I will never forget that first time your mom told me that you were my "mini me." My first thought was "oh god! That is bad!" I was constantly wondering if your mom implied it in a negative way, but then she laughed it off (and I was re-hired, so think I am in the clear! haha).
After the many breakfasts and lunches I have made or we have made together, there are still things I won't forget. Like that first day, when we made rainbow scrabbled eggs. Sorry Dr. Seuss, we were too cool for green eggs! Despite the gazillions of meals, I still don't understand how you dislike cheese or how you are always craving peanut butter toast!
The famous rainbow scrambled eggs.
I still think its hilarious how short your attention span is! Along those lines, I know I will always get a headache when you switch between five different channels trying to find something you like. I know that Life is your favorite board game and that playing Ninja will always brighten your mood! I think I have now watched "Despicable Me" at least 40 times, since it is your favorite movie. Although I may technically be a grown-up, I am so thankful to have an excuse to go see all the Disney movies in theaters! (P.S. Get ready for "Finding Dory" this summer!) You make a perfect little date and we always make a whole day of it!
Going to the zoo is something I will always enjoy, but with you it is something else. You are so into seeing all the animals. You freak out over the snakes, but then also laugh at the fact that your dad is scared of them. You always hold your breath when we are in the orangutan viewing (and I am with you on that one)! Even though I know people are totally judging us and wondering how I could possibly have a daughter at my age (especially that time Alex came with us), the zoo is still one of my favorites!
It's actually crazy how I have been able to witness you growing up. It makes me feel extremely old, so please stop haha! I will never forget having to pull your first tooth out. I think I am still permanently scarred from that one! Watching you learn how to swim and then go off the diving board is crazy! Wasn't it just yesterday that that was me? Even watching you at the pool as you meet new people and starting to have your own group of friends makes me reminisce.
I can only hope that I am doing a decent job at being a role model for you. And I just want you to know how much you have impacted my life! Thank you for always making me laugh with your mad face and for making my job so much fun. I am so, so, so, so grateful that I will be able to be your nanny for at least one more summer. And I can't wait for all the fun adventures, days at the pool, trips to the library, and whatever else is yet to come!
Love,
Marisa
