Just Another Day…

Tag: Andrew

  • Super Nanny Maria, One Door Closes & Another Opens

    It was just over a year ago that we were, on very short notice, in need of a new Nanny after having one that just didn’t work out after only 2 weeks on the job, and another one before her that quit with no notice. This was one of those times that when you look back, what seemed like a bad situation was really a setup for something better.

    Maria was hired before she even left the interview after spending 2 hours talking and caring for the boys while we asked questions. We could tell just from her interaction with them that she would be a great caretaker for the boys. In no time at all she was in love with them as if they were her own. Even now, just saying “Maria is here!” gets the boys running to the front door looking for her. She has not only been great taking care of the boys, but most days she helps clean the house, do the boys wash and makes us dinner. What’s not to like!

    So now the boys are almost 2 years old, and we’ve realized that hey need more help then we can give them on our own or even with the help of a Nanny. They need more stimulation, more challenges, more interaction with other kids and need to be more engaged in general. We recently found a school (a pre-preschool) that seems to have a great balance of all of these. We knew after our first meeting at the school that this was what they needed. We did one trial day with the boys at the school to see how they liked it, and it was clear that we were doing the right thing.

    So starting next week, the boys will be in school from about 9-5 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. This gives Brenda time to relax and start “nesting” for the new baby, and sometime next year if she chooses to, it gives her a chance to continue her career, something she’s still very passionate about.

    Maria is still weighing out her options and may continue to Nanny or pursue some other opportunities that have come her way recently. One thing is clear, if she continues to Nanny she will not have a difficult time finding a new job, even in this economy. She is second to none, and the only bad part about having her help out is that any other caretaker after her will just not compare.

    So while she’s no longer our Nanny, she will always be a great friend. We love you Maria.

    You can find the rest of the photos on SmugMug.


  • Fire Station Open House

    This past weekend we took the boys to the local Wheaton Fire Station #1 for their annual open house. I have to admit, while the initial idea was to take them, I really looked forward to it as well. I think the last time I was at a Fire House was in 3rd grade when the whole class took a trip. You know, guys and big machinery, trucks or anything that makes a loud noises. It’s hard to not get excited.

    The boys really loved it and we ended the trip with a ride on one of the Fire Trucks. All and all a great way to start the day! The rest of the photos can be found on SmugMug.


  • Weekend Photos from Millennium Park

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    We had an awesome day downtown with the boys. The weather was great, and love him or hate him Mayor Daily sure knows how to create a beautiful public park. There’s always something to do down there, even with our little guys.

    Here are a few photos, and the rest are on SmugMug.

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  • From Cribs to Beds, Overnight

    We had a nice surprise last week when the boys informed us that they now know how to get out of the crib in less then 10 seconds. They were quick to demonstrate it in front of us, by just throwing one leg over the top, pulling themselves over, and dropping down to the floor. Well that’s not very good for mom and dad, knowing that they can get out anytime that they want!

    Their room was not really totally child proof, since we really never let them play in there. We had plenty of things that they could get into – like old fireworks, open paint cans and a case of “easy strike” matches. So, we had to make some changes. All of those things are now in the bottom drawer of their dresser.

    They now have toddler beds (cute little beds from IKEA) that can be adjusted as they get taller. On the surface it wasn’t all that expensive, until you doubled the price for everything since we needed 2 of them.

    How have they done? It’s been a challenge, but they’re getting better. The first several nights they screamed, cried and spent an hour jumping on the beds and sometimes hitting the floor. Now they’re much better. The crying time is less then 15 minutes and for the most part they sleep through the night.

    So now the room is all setup for the two of them plus #3, and their new sibling due to be here in just 12 more weeks. Then the real fun begins.


  • A Typical Morning With The Boys

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