2015 A Day in the Life, #18

Full time live-out nanny for three little girls, M(2), K(4), and B(7).

7:15-7:25 Get to work and am greeted by MB and DB who are in the kitchen grabbing breakfast before work. MB goes over the schedule for the day and pours me a cup of coffee. DB leaves for work.

7:25-8:00 MB goes upstairs to wake B while I make breakfast and pack B's lunch for school. B comes downstairs and eats breakfast, I put lunch in B's backpack, quickly french braid her hair, and sit down with her until it is time to leave for school.

8:00-8:15 B leaves with MB to go to school, I give her hugs and kisses and tell her to have a great day.

8:15-9:00 Go upstairs and wake up K and M, get them dressed, and go potty. Take them downstairs to eat breakfast, then pack K's backpack for preschool. Load them up in the car, arrive at K's school, and walk K to her classroom. Give her hugs and kisses and tell her to have a great day.

9:00-10:00 Go to music class with M and talk with the other nannies/moms. M has a great time dancing and playing with all the different instruments. We say goodbye to our friends and head home.

10:00-11:30 Change M's diaper and count all her fingers and toes. She can count to 5 now! I sense her starting to get cranky and put her down for naptime. Give her kisses, rub her back for a few minutes, and she is out. Turn the light out and tip toe downstairs to clean up breakfast dishes and tidy up around the house. Read a book, watch Gossip Girl on Netflix, or call my boyfriend.

11:30-12:00 Wake M up if she isn't up already and load her in the car to go pick sissy up from school. Arrive at K's school and go to her classroom to pick her up. K runs over to us, gives me a huge hug, and shows me the painting she did. I ooh and ahh over it and tell her how pretty it will look on the fridge. We say goodbye to our friends and the teacher then head home for lunch.

12:00-1:30 I make sandwiches for lunch and we pack them up to go have a picnic at the park because it is such a nice day outside. We walk to the park, eat our sandwiches, and play on the playground for a little. We play in the sandbox and K starts to get restless and throws sand out of the sandbox which is a big no no. I tell her that if she does it again, she'll be sitting in time-out. She listens to me and doesn't do it again. She hates time-out. We play for a little longer and I take turns pushing them on the swing. K shows me how well she can do the monkey bars (she can make it all the way across!) and M and I clap.

1:30-3:00 Arrive back home and play with My Little Ponies. The girls get bored with that after 40 minutes or so, so we switch over to coloring pictures for MB. We clean up the My Little Ponies and I throw in a load of laundry while they are coloring. I tell M to name the color of every crayon she picks up, and she gets them all right! I am a proud nanny. :) They start to get hungry for a snack so I give them half an apple and Animal Crackers.

3:00-3:30 We head outside to meet big sister B at the bus stop and go back inside. I fix B a snack and I ask her about her day. She tells me how she got a 100% on her spelling test and I give her a high five and a big hug and kiss. All that studying we did really paid off! I let B, K, and M watch one episode of Jessie before we start homework/ go down for naptime.

3:30-4:15 Go potty/diaper change before naptime (or quiet play) for K and M. I finally get B to sit down and do homework. She knows the longer she fights it, the longer it will take so she's gotten pretty good about sitting down and doing it. After all of it is done, I give her a high five and tell her how proud I am of her. We go upstairs together to get K and M and go downstairs to play with Barbies.

4:15-4:20 K and M fight over the Princess Elsa doll and I tell them we can each have her for 10 minutes and then switch. I give the doll to M first, and K hits M and grabs it out of her hands. M starts to cry and I immediately take the doll, give it to M, and take K by the hand and lead her to the steps. It is time for a time-out.

4:20-4:25 I put K on the bottom step and tell her she is going to sit in time-out for hitting her little sister. She starts to argue with me and throw a tantrum. She knows that the timer doesn't start until she is being quiet in time-out, so it doesn't take long for her to calm down. I set the timer for four minutes and walk away to check on M and B.

4:25-4:30 The timer goes off and I go back over to K. I ask her to tell me why she had to sit in time-out, and she tells me it's because she hit M. I tell her it's also because she wasn't listening when I said we were going to take turns playing with Elsa and that she needs to apologize to me for not listening and then apologize for M for hitting. She apologizes to me and I say thank you and give her a hug/kiss/I love you/etc. I let her off time-out, she goes over to M, says she's sorry, and gives her a big hug.

4:30-5:30 The girls continue to play dress up until dinner is ready.

5:30-6:30 I feed them dinner, then we take baths and put our jammies on. MB and DB come home, I tell them about the day, say goodbye to the girls/ hugs & kisses, I love you's, Please be good x3 then go home.

Send your #dayinthelife to isynblog@gmail.com.

2015 Day in the Life - #17, The Date Night Nanny

I obtained a nice position that is every other week caring for a family that lives not too far from me. I work every other weekend, either a Friday or Saturday night for a "date night".

450-520: Arrival (based on start time), chat with M and DB about the childrens' week, etc.
500 or 530: Lots of cuddles and hugs for D, age 3. She has separation issues due to what she has been through with her biological mother. D, her brother, 2.5, does very well with transitions.
500 or 530-730: Playtime! Coloring, games, playdough. Both children have FAS, and D has sensory issues, so I have to watch things going in his mouth, etc. I try not to use the television as a form of entertainment, even though it is on when I arrive, and I am not sure how to turn it off, as it is a high tech tv. I remember to give Pediasure, as the nutritionist said that they are a bit underweight with FAS, but catching up quickly.
730-800: Get ready for bed and wind down. I brush both children's hair, as requested by MB. D gets her allergy pill, and D gets his nuk. D will cuddle with me and watch Dora, Paw Patrol or the Wiggles. If it's the Wiggles, I start singing and dancing-I seriously will do this to certain songs. D and D both laugh at me and think I am silly. D tells me she loves me, and we sit together, while D has his nuk and rocks back and forth on the couch.
800-815: Story time. I usually bring books with me, and read in D's room, where he gets very fidgety, rolling all over the place. MB said this is typical of him, and part of the SPD. Stories over and hugs, kisses, and I love yous to both. D heads back to her room, where she snuggles with her blanket and her cup is next to her.
815-1100 or 1130: Watch tv, play on IPad, read, or lesson plan prep. I work in a preschool, so I bring work with me, like coloring projects, lesson plans, evaluation folders, etc. to do while kids are asleep. At some point, I may take a short nap, especially if it's a Friday night, as I worked all day and have been up since 5ish that morning.
1100 or 1130: M and DB come home and we chat about the evening and other stuff. They pay me and I go home.

These are biological siblings in the foster system for over a year; M and DB are C and K to them, not Mom and Dad. C and K are planning on adopting both children, and the children's mother knows where they are and who is caring for them, whereas the father is out of the picture. D and D know that C and K aren't Mom and Dad, and refer to them by their first names. D and D also know they are loved by C and K, and that I love them too. I really like this family, and plan on staying with them for as long as possible, as I understand the need for consistency.

Send your submission to isynblog@gmail.com.

2015 Day in the Life, #15 The Nursery School Teacher

I figured this would be fun to post as part of the day in the life series and see which job is more exhausting: being a nanny or teaching 2-3 year olds...lol B is 3, E1 is 3, A is almost 3, W and G are both 3 in July, V is 3 in September, A2 is 3 in November, N1 is three in December, and E2, S, I, and the twins E and N, turned 2 in April.

Nursery school by Herrii Jules Jean Geoffroy

650-655: Arrive to work, put my things away. Tidy up classroom from the night before and look for any notes from staff or parents.
700: Punch in, and get children from opening classroom (usually the infant rooms)depending on the day and who is here that early. This group is my own class of 2-3 year olds, plus children from the 1 year old classroom.
701-730: Greet parents and children. Chat with parents in my room about their child's evening and morning thus far. Give lots of snuggles with rough drop offs. I could end up with 8 kids by 720 depending on who is here, as we have some children in both my room and the 1 year old room on rotating schedules. Keep track of how many I have, as having that mixed age would drop me from a 1:7 to a 1:4 with under age 2. During this time, I quickly do a little cleaning, put away dishes and prep the room if it's my teaching week. I also make a mental list of any projects that need to be done, like deep cleaning, etc.
730: One year old teacher arrives, so it's me and my crew of twos.
730-800: Play with the children at the table, who are playing with table toys. Continue to greet parents as they drop off their children. I have W go potty, as he is wearing underwear, while reminding the twins and S they need to sit in their chairs safely. At 745, my co-teacher arrives. Depending on how many children we have at that time, we may take a few children with us to get milk from the kitchen, supplies from the closet or paint and paper for art. We rotate teaching weeks.
800-830: Breakfast. Most of them do a pretty good job using utensils, however, the twins are still working on this, as their former nanny (my former co-worker) didn't work with them on anything during the six months she worked for the family before walking out on them.
830-900: Dancing, books on the carpet, diapers and group time. B,W and G, plus V and the twins can engage in rough and tumble play, so someone has to be there on the carpet, as G is working through a hitting issue due to spatial and verbal issues, plus Mom is having a baby. Whoever has the lead teaching week is the leader of group time.
900-915: Fine motor skill practice: coloring, using playdough, stringing beads, using scissors, and letter tracing, both with finger and crayons.
915-930: Clean up previous activitiy, prepare for outside. Have A, W and B go potty.
930-1000: Outside time.
1000-1050: Learning centers, art and diapers.
1050-1100: Story or small group activity
1100-1130: Lunch
1130-1145: Nap prep. I have A, W and B go potty before nap.
1145-215: Nap time.
215-230: Diapers and snack prep
230-300: Snack and clean up.
300-315: Story time, review of day
315-330: Prepare for outside. Have A, W and B go potty.
330-400: Outside
400: I'm done
Sometimes I stay after to work on things, other times I leave right away. It's my job, I love it and yes, I am tired!
I work in large preschool in WI, where I have been working for seven years. I love the kids in my class and their parents too.

A Day in the Life 2015, #9

6:30 AM: I make it to work and am bombarded by 6 little arms wrapping around my legs and waist. After a quick greeting, I usher the kids back to the table to finish their cereal. Dad usually has them at the table when I get there and has making his coffee. He gives them all a quick goodbye and is out the door. I turn the t.v. from cartoons to music.

6:45 AM: I remind big sister that she needs to hurry with breakfast so she can brush teeth and do hair. She almost always already dressed so she’s 75% ready for school when I arrive. I put together her lunch, make sure all needed items are in her backpack and zip it up and throw it on the floor - next to the door. I then grab her shoes and jacket and throw it next to her backpack. I grab the little kids’ (twins) shoes and jacket so that they can accompany us to the bus stop.

7:00 AM: Big sister finishes up with her teeth and I start to get her hair brush, spray, and hair ties ready. I create a fun and fancy little do for her hair and ask her to get her shoes and coat on. I also ask the little kids to get ready for the bus stop.

7:15 AM: We walk a few houses down to the stop, greet the parents and other children. The bus quickly arrives and I give big sister a smooch and remind her to have a great day.

7:20 AM: Little kids and I walk home, get inside and they finish up with their breakfast, clean up, and brush teeth. I head upstairs, make everyone’s bed (even Mom and Dad), get together a load of laundry, and straighten up rooms. I throw the twins’ clothes over the railing and into the living room and ask them to get dressed.

7:50 AM I put together little kids’ snacks for school, make sure their backpacks are ready to go, pull out their shoes and jackets again, and throw it all by the door.

8:00 AM Little kids and I load up in the car. I am so happy that we have big kid booster seats now AND they can even strap themselves in. I do a double check to make sure they’re fastened safely and then we are off. I always smile and giggle at their cute little twin conversations. Twin #2 asks if we can play at the park after school and I happily say yes.

8:10 AM We head inside to school (I remind them that we use walking feet), twins hang up their backpacks, and we walk down the hall to their classroom. I sign them in, check their cubbies, and place their snack bags in the container. They usually go in without saying goodbye but I never leave without hugging them and telling them to have a good morning. I then head back to their home.

8:20 AM I’m back at the house and I unload and reload the dishwasher, sweep the kitchen floor, wipe the breakfast table, wipe kitchen counters, and swiffer the kitchen floor. I head back upstairs and fold whatever load Mom has left in the dryer, move clothes from the washer to dryer, and start another load. I lay out jammies for the night, and on Mondays I lay out their soccer clothes.

9:00 AM I pull out the vacuum and vacuum under the breakfast table and in the family room. I straighten the living room. I do a quick walk through on the main floor just to make sure it’s not messy.

9:30 AM If I have some more time, I straighten up the mudroom, pantry, and coat closet. I’ll then sit down for a cup of coffee and some downtime.

9:50 AM I head back to pick up the little kids from school.

10:00 AM I wait in the hallway for the twins and they soon emerge and attack me with the best hugs ever. I remind them that we can play on the playgroup for a little while and their little faces light up with big smiles. We talk a quick potty break and then head outside. We play for about an hour, they usually play with some of their classmates and I keep a watchful eye and chat a little bit with the moms. I am happy to report that all of the moms are so easy to talk to and respect me and my job. Sometimes, they’ll ask if I am available to sit for them on certain dates and if I am, I happily accept the gig.

10:50 AM I give the twins a “we leave in ten minutes” reminder. I gather our things and soon gather the twins and head home.

11:00 AM I turn music on, let the twins freeplay while I fold laundry and put it away.

11:30 AM I start to put together lunch: PB&J, apples, yogurt, and popcorn. I’m more than welcome to eat whatever is at the nanny house so I find something and join the twins for lunch. We talk about their day at school, what they want to do for the rest of the day, etc.

12:00 PM Clean up from lunch, load the dishwasher, wipe the tables and counters (if needed). Twins do more freeplay and I usually put together a craft or activity for us to do together. We’ve been prepping a lot for Kindergarten so I put out some shaving cream, spray it on the table, and let them draw letters and pictures in it. They would do this until the end of time if I let them.

12:45 PM We head outside to play in the backyard. Twin #1 rocks at swinging herself but we are still working on it with Twin #2, so we practice. They also love to head into the near back park of the backyard and find acorns and throw them into the woods.

1:45 PM We head inside and I put together some water and a small snack. I set up ABC Mouse for them on their own iPads and they enjoy their snack and get their gaming on. I use this time to unpack their backpacks, empty snack bags, and set forms on the counter. I run outside and grab the mail and also lay that on the counter.

2:05 PM I give the twins a “ten minute left on iPad” warning and head upstairs switch over the laundry.

2:15 PM Twins put away their iPads and free play for a bit. I’ll either engage with them if they want me to or I’ll have a few minutes of downtime.

2:30 PM I ask the twins to get their shoes and jacket so we can go get big sister from the bus. If we have time, we’ll also do a quick run-through of the house (together) to pick up toys and any messes.

2:40 PM We always head to the bus to get big sister a little early so twins can run and play. Once the bus comes, big sister comes off of the bus. She tells me about her day as we head home.

3:00 PM We head inside, and I ask all kids to put away their shoes and hang their jackets. Each kid picks out a snack and heads to the table. I empty big sisters backpack and lunch bag and lay her homework out on the counter.

3:10 PM Mom usually arrives home around this time. Kids and I greet her, I tell her about the day, and she gives me a few reminders. I give each kid a hug and a kiss and head out the door.

I am a full-time, live-out nanny in Virginia for a 6 year- old big sister and her 4 year old twin siblings. I've been employed by this family for a little over 4 years, they’re a great family to work for and pay very nicely

A Day in the Life 2015, #8

7:15 Enter the kitchen, first one in. Select my coffee pod of choice and drop it in for a nice Colombian dark brew. Look in medicine cabinet, fish around for whatever looks abundant. Settle at a bar-stool and start reading the Daily News.
7:30 The family starts to drift down the steps. I ask each boy,"teeth brushed?" one starts to shake his head the other argues that he'll brush after. I point back upstairs. They look at me and shuffle back upstairs.
7:48 Usually both parents are gone by now. They say good morning. They don't offer any guidance. If there is an appointment or something out of ordinary, it is on the white board over the built in desk. Nothing's there this morning except the drawing of a pepperoni pizza with the caption "please Mom, please".
8:00 Breakfast is being served. Both boys have ADHD. I make one an egg and cheese sandwich on one of the deli bagels we keep stored in the freezer. The other refuses to eat. Finally, he agrees to eat a piece of American cheese and six cherries. It's something. I check their back packs and make sure what needs to come out is out and what needs to go in is in. I give the oldest a cup of coffee to replace the Adderall that I picked from his bottle today. I give him a B12, a multi and his anxiety medicine. The youngest is usually off the rails so I give him his Concerta and Straterra,Don't rage against me now, Mom and Dad don't give it to him consistently either, mostly because they don't think he needs to focus weekends and holidays.
By 8:25 both kids are on the bus. I go upstairs to make their beds and clean their rooms. Monday is sheet day but I am armed with my Febreeze which I spray liberally on their sheets before pulling the covers tight and adoring them with their designer masculine pillows.
It's unavoidable that I'll have to do a wash. I reach in the colored, the whites and the towels, grab what looks like a load and throw it all in a super large with double the soap and triple the fabric softener.
9:00 I am back upstairs on my second cup of coffee reading through the weekend's mail wondering who Aunt April is and why I have never heard of her before. Is she really coming for a visit this summer? What will that be like? The American Express Bill is 22 thousand three hundred and some dollars this month. What's mine on there this month? Anything irregular? The groceries from Trader Joes were mostly for me, they prefer Whole Foods. But I'm a live-in. I skim down the list to the drugstore we use. Oh yes, some of that's mine. I'm always in there for foot powder and athlete's food cream and deodorant and shampoo, so I throw in some hairspray, a fragrance, maybe a box of chocolates, but I'm a live-in. I leave the receipts always in the cookie jar. They've never complained. Magazines though. I notice my magazine habit is out of control and looking at a specific date on the statement remember that I went there only for ice cream to go with birthday cake but ended up spendings seventy dollars. That wans't cool. I vow immediately to do something special to show my appreciation.
11:30 I wake up from a nap I didn't intend to take and have to speed to make my tanning appointment. I get home and realize the clothes from this morning are still in the washer. I pour some more fabric softener in and restart the rinse cycle.
12:45 I realize that I've spent an hour on Facebook and I'm hungry. I go to the refrigerator to get out something to eat. Nothing looks great. I forgot to pull out something for dinner. I decide to run to the market now. What should I make? In five minutes, I'm selecting some stuffed chicken breasts from behind the deli counter. I go to the salad bar and throw together a giant salad. I grab a pint of strawberries. I see some twiced bake potatos in the prepared food case. Nice and fresh. I take five. And some sushi. For lunch. I pay and within 40 minutes it is spread out on the kitchen counter. I'm on my IPAD eating sushi dreading the 3 o clock hour.
2:25 I run to the laundry room and throw the clothes from the washer to the dryer. I come back upstairs and set the table for dinner. I put the chicken breasts in a pan and slop some salad dressing on it. Wrap the potatos in tin foil and put them in another pan. I throw the salad in a big wooden bowl and then handslice strawberries on top of the salad. The strawberries are so sweet, I eat half of them as I slice.
3:10 As the first child comes in the door, I putting wrap across the salad. He asks for a snack. I whip out a donut from the store. He's happy. I'm thrilled. I tell him he can do his homework now or in the car while "X" has soccer. He chooses to do it now. He plops down in front of the TV with his notebook. I remind him he isn't supposed to do his homework in front of the TV.
3:25 As the second child bee bops in the door I am coming around the corner from the laundry room carrying a giant basket of laundry, no doubt with a bead of sweat on my forehead. I sigh heavily and tell him, "Jelly donut and apple on the counter, eat it and get dressed, we can't be late today".
4:05 We're late for soccer again. It wasn't my fault. The younger kid asks to go play on the playground. I okay it and he scoots out the door, "stay where I can see you" I say looking up from my phone. Soccer practice last 90 grueling minutes. No matter how many times I tell X to fill up his water bottle, he doesn't. We always stop at the deli for Gatorade on the way home. A grape Gatorade for one, a watermelon for the other and a monster for me. That will help. I am so hungry. Did I eat? I suggest we stop and stock up on fresh bagels. While in the shop I grab a tuna on whole wheat and toss it in my bag.
6:00 We are back home and I am straightening up the house. I pack up the trash and carry it all the way downstairs. I sweep the kitchen with the electric broom. I refill the dogs water. I refill the Keurig's water container. I bag up the fresh bagels in individual baggies and put them in the freezer. I go through the backpacks and pull out completed work.  I grab the mail from the mailbox and organize it on the counter in to his, hers and junk piles. I put the food in the oven and the salad on the table with dressing. I put a pitcher full of ice water on the table with four glasses.
6:50 Usually she comes home first, but today it is he. He marvels at the smell. "Something smells incredible" he says. I answer "Thanks, I hope you enjoy it, do you need anything else or can I be off...it's been a long day". "Of course, be off. Thanks, see you in the morning" he calls after me as I beat a path down the basement steps to my (well appointed and stocked) nanny dungeon.

Please say only that I am a live- nanny in the US. No salary or other details. It'd be cool if you could disable the comments, I don't need to be razzed for being honest. Even though I left out the part about jamming to Ne-Yo and AfroJack on the way to soccer with the bass on max. 

Day in the Life 2015, #6

8:15am-I arrive at host family's house. Parents are usually clattering around the kitchen getting their lunches together and fill me in on the morning. T's diapers, and ask about today's activities. T is sitting in her high chair eating her rice krispies. Shes awesome at feeding herself with a spoon! This is when I eat my breakfast, a muffin or whatever I bring from home. Parents leave and it's just the two of us. T is soon to be 18 months. She's so sweet and loves cuddles, kisses, and hugs! She has no problem saying "bye! Bye! Bye!" to her parents.

8:20am- Other baby comes and the parent goes over her morning. Unless there's anything that needs discussing (an on coming illness, clarification about an activity or a babysitting request) parent usually quickly. L.J. is a loving and happy child at 16 months. She likes hugs and getting loved on but in her own time :)

8:30am- I clean up T's breakfast, fill snack cups with goldfish and make sure they each have their water cups. I check diapers and then we play. I usually sit on the floor in the living room witand play with the girls. They just go to the play room and bring out what they want to play with. I find this works best because they actually play with what they bring out. When we'd try to play in the playroom they would just pull out all their toys and were quickly bored. Now they bring out their doll stroller, toy shipping chart or duplos. We'll play until they start fighting or throw them (both of which are automatic game overs).

9:00am- If diapers were empty before chances are they've filled them up now. After a quick change I usually watch them play. They come to me for hugs and kisses or need me to referee but they usally just play with each other. I'll sing and make up games but the parents want them to play on their own, too.

9:30am- usually we have a something at the library, toddler class or music class at 10:30. I watch the clock and prepare to leave. I pack the backpack with water cups, diapers, wipes... "hmm the water cups are gone... Oh the girls have them ok I'll let them have them for now." Socks are found, shoes go on. I go out side and put L.J's car seat in my car. The parents installed a large gate on their front porch (so convenient! I love it!) The girls wave bye to me from the top of the steps. They're happy when I come back although they don't have their water cups. *Sigh*

10:00am- I scramble trying to find the water cups... "under the entertainment center? No. In the toy bin? Nope. Dog bowl? Under the couch. Oh yeah the trash can. Yep...here they are." Ok a quick wash and time to go. I then smell poop... Ok a quick inspection, one more change. I look around the house.. Ugh it's a wreck but I'll clean at 4:30pm. "Bye boy! bye Jo-Jo!" I always say good bye to the dog and cat.

10:30am- We arrive at said activitie. As always L.J. is always right in the middle of everything! Doesn't matter what we're doing. She's so social and adventurous. T sticks close by me. She is social as well and is adventurous but just in her own time. She doesn't seem to be scared but likes to stick close for a few minutes. Sits in my lap and looks up at me for reassurance. Before I know it they're both up and playing!

11:30am- after fun with friends I strap two sleepy and hungry toddlers back into their car seats. If it's music class we hang out with one of my nanny friends at the church's park for 20 minutes or so.

11:40am- (they live just minutes from everything) We get home and change diapers. The girls sign and ask "eat? eat? eat?". I prepare lunch while trying to make sure they don't hit each other in their hungry fits.

12:00pm- Finally it's time for lunch. Each girl gets a different lunch. L.J. used to get so mad and would go hungry when she didn't get to have what T was having. She'd just cry and cry but after a few days she realized it was either what was in her lunch box or nothing. L.J. usually has pb&j and cottage cheese (hey she likes it!). T has whatever her parents made the night before. I usually wait to eat. I put the local news on so I can be up to date on the town/world outside this house - parents don't mind.

12:30pm- This is where I wait for poop. Poop needs to happen before they go down for a nap. If not they'll wake up in the middle of their nap, poop, and then that's it for naps. While we wait we play quietly and read books. Usually around 1pm they "go". T goes to hide now and L.J. will just stare at you and make weird faces.

1:00pm- After diaper changes I pick up while the girls play. I usually put them down around 1:15pm. T sleeps in her crib and L.J. sleeps in the next room, they share a wall. Usually T will play and that's perfectly fine but sometimes she'll turn sideways and kick the bars making quite a racket. I pull up the monitor on my phone "T, it's sleepy time". T looks around and repositions herself. L.J. falls alseep quickly and usually without issue. Both girls have video monitors, which I've found I can't live without!

1:30pm- Sometime T is still taking her time settling but she's asleep by 1:40. When they're asleep I usally eat lunch, study or just relax. If we're planning on going somewhere right after nap and plan to be out close to the end of the day I'll do all the chores. Usually it's just clean up what we used or played with. Then I check the backpack and see if I have everything.

3:00pm- If we're not going anywhere I'll let them sleep as long as they need to. L.J. can sleep 2+ hours. T's mom likes her to not sleep past 2 hours. They both sleep 11 or 12 hours a night so they don't need a 3+ hour nap. Usually if we went somewhere in the morning we'll be home for the afternoon. Maybe a walk to the nearby cafe.

3:15-3:30pm- Both girls wake up on their own. We change diapers. T asks "pee pee?" haha. L.J. may need some wake up cuddles but T is happy to go off and continue her day. L.J is again happy to play with T.

4:00pm- The girls give their sign and say "eat? Eat?". I cut up some stawberries, bananas and unwrap a string cheese for each girl. Sometimes if there's really nothing good we'll do nurtigrain bars but that's rare really.

4:30pm- Time to start cleaning. My duties consist of washing the dishes we used- they have a dishwasher but the girl's plates and bowls are few in number so I just wash them and then I just wash my dishes cause why not? I wipe down girls trays and booster seat/high chair. I scrub the counters and make sure there's I no food or crumbs. Then i pick up all the toys, books, games, small duplo pieces, put them away. The girls play well while I perform my tasks but sometimes they just don't get along. When this happens I hand each girl their milk cup, and sit them down in their own space. I tell them in a happy but serious tone (if that makes sense), "this is not time out. I love you very much *kiss and a hug*. Here's your milk cups. Just take some space". They talk and laugh to each other in their toddler language from their little spaces. That's great! Hopefully they'll be ready to play together soon. I bring the girls together and say "let's try playing again". 99% of the time they are back to having a blast. Sometimes T just needs her space and sometimes L.J. gets really clingy. She'll just want me to hold her. That's hard. Sweet but hard when you see them crying and reaching for you. I try to sing little songs and dance but i just have have to get things done. she holds on to my legs na d puts her head between them! Ugh my heart just melts! i just try to be fast but do a good job.

5:00- 5:45- AHHH end of the day. The house is back in shape, girls get one more change so they're fresh and ready for their mom and dad. I think back and man, I was really busy but I did it! L.J.'s mom comes and you'd think a 16 month old would run to her with a big smile and a great big hug!...no she's happy she's there but eh. Let's not get crazy Haha. It's a joke with her mom and me. Her mom loves that L.J. so happy to be there. T's mom gets the goods though.. Hugs and kisses! The moms and I talk about the day, transistion that they're working on or waiting for. Planninh lunch dates for us. We wrap up, say our "see you in the mornings", I leave out the back to take the bag of diapers out and head home around 5:45pm

*Nanny share in North Carolina; 2 toddlers, M-F, 8:15-5:30pm **I love these families and feel so appreciated. I've been with them for a year since the girls were tiny babies. They listen when I have concerns and make be feel like family. I couldn't be happier!*

What's your day like? Email isynblog@gmail.com.