T, the new nanny, has been with us for two weeks now. This has coincided with two incredibly busy weeks at work, and I cannot tell you what a relief it is to know that she is going to arrive at 8:15 on the dot every morning.
Although Gatito accepted her right away, he has been extra clingy with me, crying heart-breaking tears when I have to leave. (Annoyingly, he pays me no mind when I come back!) It was clear that he hadn’t really bonded until maybe yesterday, but of course I expected it to take some time. The first time they went to story time, I had warned T that he might be clingy (as he is with me at music class on Sundays) and that she should let him be. But it turned out that he didn’t care at all that first week, easily leaving her to play in the center of the circle. This week, though, she reported that he clung to her, and when another baby started to climb on her, Gatito pushed him out of the way! I think this is a good sign, because it means he feels attached.
It is great to know that Gatito is out and about every day, taking walks, going to the library, and visiting the children’s museum. That has a couple of unexpected side effects, though: One is that I am completely jealous, because I want to be the one doing those things with him. (Which reminds me that around this time last year, I considered taking a year off from work before I realized that he’d actually need me even more when he was one than he did when he was four months, which is completely true.) The other unexpected thing is that sometimes, if I get a break from work in the day and want to see him, he’s not there! But the truth is I have been in the office almost every day the past couple of weeks anyway. (See above re: things are hectic.)
There have been some small things, like a ceramic dish was broken when Gatito tossed it down from the high chair and, while I don’t care about the dish, I want to bang my head against the wall wondering why she thought it was a good idea to give a breakable plate to a one-year-old. There are other little things, but I’m trying to focus on only commenting on the really problematic/dangerous ones, so that I’m not pick pick picking at everything. No one is going to do things exactly the way I would, and so part of the adjustment I referred to is mine, too.
So, to sum up: She arrives on time, does fun activities with Gatito, and I am adjusting. And I’m working my ass off at the office. Is it really only Wednesday?
Ah. If is isn’t one thing it’s another, no? With that I mean, life continually presents us with problems. So you’re right to focus on the positive things she’s doing, keep checking back on it, and reevaluate as needed.
Here lies another issue I wish I could magically snap my fingers and *fix* for my friend
Hang in, hang on.
Yes, it is only Wednesday. When will it be over?
No, it cannot be Wednesday. It must be at least late Thursday. Gawd.
So glad things are working out for you. Wednesday, Monday, Saturday, it doesn’t really matter to me. I feel sleep deprived no mater what day it is. I can’t tell you how often I think of you and your sleeping baby when I am getting up at 2 and 4 and maybe 6 because The Alien MUST HAVE THE BOOB.
Anyway … yay you guys for getting things all worked out.
I am so glad it’s working out well. Gatito is the Man About Town!
It sounds good! And yes, I know. There are many little things that I wish that J did differently or that she does that I wouldn’t do; however, you have to focus on the big things and think it’s actually good that the little ones get exposed to some small differences in routine.
Wow, that sounds like a terrific adjustment period!
And the jealousy never stops. Cass went ice skating with his babysitter last week – I’m heart-broken I didn’t get to take him (and I don’t skate!)
Glad all is well. Why are you so busy now? New projects?
Whatever we do it seems we always second-guess ourselves. I’m glad he’s taking to T and don’t be surprised if the clingy-ness comes and goes. EJ has weeks when I can’t even get him to say goodbye to me when I leave (he just doesn’t care) and then he’ll go through a stretch when you’d think I was leaving him with a pack of wolves…
Sounds like all is going well. I can only imagine the jealousy. Unfortunately I don’t think that will get any better. Good to hear that for the most part T is working out.
My new nanny, J, has been with us for three weeks and had 4 days sick already. I hope that helps you appreciate T!