MISS EMMY

When I was 8+ months pregnant with JP, A and I began the hunt for childcare. We toured daycare centers and home daycares. We signed up for a center two blocks from our home and paid our deposit. It was stressful. As the first few weeks of JP's life passed by, A and I just didn't feel right about the daycare center choice. One night I logged on to the classified page at my work and saw a posting from Miss Emmy: Stay at home mom wanting to care for and love one family in my home. Call for more details. And so I did.

For the last 2.5 years, Miss Emmy has helped raise my kids. She's taken JP and AA in as her own and provided them with endless attention. Her own three girls have been the big sisters for my kids. Miss Emmy has watched my babes learn to sit and crawl and walk; she's witnessed first teeth and potty training; she's listened to their first words. Miss Emmy has way more patience than I will ever be able to muster ... nearly every day she's bundled up all of the kids and ventured out for preschool dropoffs, or Target runs, or storyhour at the library or playtime at indoor gym. Furthermore, Miss Emmy has been an amazing support to me ... she's a mom with experience and always seems to know the right answer to my parenting questions. She picks up on the first signs of a runny nose or fever and keeps me well informed.

But, now is the time. Yesterday was our last official day at Miss Emmy's (though I'm certain we will still visit often) and next week JP and AA will start attending a brand new daycare center two blocks from my work. A few months back, A and I decided to initiate the change. For many reasons ... including a more structured environment; no TV; built in preschool curriculum; boys for JP to play with; major convenience of childcare location; age of our kids ... it just seemed right. Yet, we will never forget the role Miss Emmy played in our lives during these early foundation years!