Sitting here with my two little birds snuggled around me, I realize I truly have the best job in the world. Being a nanny is easily the most rewarding aspect of my life and I don’t know where I would be without the Milazzo family. It’s only been two years since I first met the Milazzos, but it feels as if I’ve known them forever. I feel as much a piece of their family as I do my actual family. They have changed my life for the better without ever realizing the impact they were having on me.

Griffin and Xavier are the loves of my life. Being four and six years old, respectively, they’re typical boys: Legos, pretend, and competitions all day long. Although they can be a handful at times, I wouldn’t trade my time with them for anything. Every time I come home from college, I can be sure I’ll be welcomed with open arms and excited smiles; usually being tackled before I can even make it five feet through their door. The two of them never fail to grab my hands and drag me around the house, showing me everything new that has happened in the months since I’ve been away.

Griffin and Xavier are always able to make me smile. Whether it’s the excitement they express when building a new masher or cuddling into me while we read books, I am reminded how lucky I am to be a part of their lives. Children are so pure and don’t hide anything; not many jobs allow you to constantly be thrown into the unfiltered life of a child.

Being a nanny also throws you into, essentially, a trial run at being a parent. You’re held completely responsible for the well-being of the children and entrusted that you won’t screw up. It teaches you how big a commitment children are and helps you become prepared for just about anything anyone, not just children, could possibly throw at you.

Nannying allows me to channel my inner-child and just let loose. I surprise myself constantly with how I use my imagination when I am with the boys. Being required to play pretend with them is a challenge, but once I look within to the little girl inside, I shock my myself at what I can think up.

But as much as I love these boys, I love their parents just as much. Matt and Darcie welcomed me into their family with open arms. I know trusting a stranger with their children can be insanely difficult, but they never doubted me for a minute. I always look forward to coming over and catching up with the two of them every chance I get.

I’ve gotten to see Griffin and Xavier grow and evolve into two wonderful boys over these past two years and I cannot wait to see where they are years from now. Thank you Milazzo family for opening my eyes and heart to the best job in the world.