Nannies Night Out RECAP!

What can I say but...this is the start to a beautiful future!!

Saturday night, 12 amazing Nannies came together at Redtree Gallery in Oakley on honor of National Nanny Recognition Week ! 

Coming into the Night, there were 4 goals... 

1.    Connect, chat and get to know each other as professionals in the Nanny Industry.

2.    To honor our local nannies and recognize each other for the important role that we play in the lives of children.

3.    To receive and share resources about our industry.

4.    To decide what will be the main focuses and goals of the group in the future

We shared a lovely dinner! Everyone chatted away getting to know each other, connecting immediately. I shared a little about me and how CincyNanny came about. I also spotlighted some of my personal hopes for the group, opening up for ideas. After I shared everyone filled out a 2 page survey in response to those ideas...which will be used to focus on the things OUR city wants instead of what we may have copied from another city. Each community should have it's own personality and CincyNanny is finding out who we are. 

Once we got the "business" taken care of, we got to know each of the Nannies a little better. We had Giveaways based on "Who drive the most miles to work", "Who has been Nannying the longest", and etc. Giveaways were donated from local employers, INA and NANC. Thanks again to all the sponsors and to Wendy at Redtree Gallery. 

Nannies also filled out cards with a little more about themselves - how long they have nannied, where in the city they work, the ages of the kids etc. Also on the card "Two Truths and a Lie". Each Nanny took a turn in the hot seat [which conveniently was red!].  The group tried to guess if this Nanny REALLY wanted 16 kids, or if that Nanny previously worked for a celebrity. After the silly game we learned one thing that each Nanny had accomplished this year or a goal they have for the year coming up. Finally the Nanny was given a red rose in front of her peers and applauded for the role she has played in the lives of children. Each Nanny had her moment to be recognized and honored. 

At the close of the evening, Nannies were exchanging contact information, planning play dates, CPR classes,  and expressing their hope to connect again really soon. Some of us continued the night at a local restaurant with drinks and desserts. 

All around the night was a huge success! Over 50 Nannies contacted for this event, many who hope to be involved in future events. The future is good. If you haven't already join us. We would love to meet you!

Keep in eye on the CincyNanny Website - - future dates to uploaded very soon! 

The Dream of CincyNanny...

I shared this with the Nannies at our Nannies Night Out, Sept. 26th. I thought this may be helpful to also post on the blog. 

I’d like to tell you a little about me and how this group came about.

I am 31, married and live in Batavia. I have just recently gotten a clearer view of my purpose and vision.

Like many of you I am sure, I had my first babysitting job at a young age. When I cared for a baby girl, Blair a couple of Saturdays a month when I was 12. My mom suggested that I take a “Red Cross Babysitting Course” before starting my part-time job – and I received a bear pin and card that stated “Red Cross Certified Babysitter”. I am sure that little burst of pride encouraged me some, but it was the love for kids that came out in that first job. They job continued for several year, another baby girl and now a Summer everyday job, and by the time I was 15, I was already experiencing my passion.

I continued with many babysitting jobs, then part-time nanny jobs while I was in college, then my first full-tme nanny job of 2 years for the Wilsons. From there I stepped out of the Nanny field and worked at church in the Youth Ministry focusing on grades 6-12., all the while always caring for younger children on the side. While working in youth ministry, I was able to use my giifts of administration and found a passion for mentoring and leading others where I had gone. One of my main jobs was communicating to a team of 40-50 high school and adult leaders and encouraging them in the volunteer role. I learned about creating websites and forums and found I also have a love for technology….if you haven’t heard me talk about my Mac computer or my iphone, you will! I remained at the church 7 years until some major changes began to happen which ended up in pastors resigning and the church merging with a larger church. I knew that it was my time to go. My first thought was to find a job in the administration field, but feeling emotional drained from all the church drama, I thought I would enjoy myself for a little while. AAH, a nanny job! My job with the Wilson’s was always my favorite job memory. I remained their weekend/vacation nanny and loved them like my own. I thought, that is what I will do, I will take a Nanny job for a year or two, before I have to jump back into the work force.

In August of 2007, I interviewed with about 6 families and 1 childcare center as a head teacher before I found a family with 9 month old triplet boys. They were looking for someone with my experience and values to care for their boys. I accepted the job. Friends and family around me would get WIDE eyes when I told them how I was looking for a “break” from all the previous stress - as I decided to spend 10 hours each day, home with 9month old babies. But, you Nannies will understand, there was something in me bringing me back to my love. I cannot tell you how caring for these boys healing my spiritual scars and brought so much joy back to my life. I felt like I was restoring the years I had lost. I was energized even while being exhausted.  We have experienced a lot together over the last years and now the boys are going to be 3 in December! They started 1-day a week preschool a couple of weeks ago and are challenges are now toddler focused – potty training is my next feat. - - 3 boys!

Last year while doing some research on pay raises for Nannies, I stumbled upon the International Nanny Association website. This is where I first heard the term “Professional Nanny” or “Career Nanny”.  I began to explore their site and resources and realized there must be some kind of “Nanny World” out there.  They even had a conference in the spring.

In April of this year, 3 weeks before the conference I got back on the site and thought I need to go. My employer helped me pay for a portion of the conference and my affiliation with INA and I was off. Not really sure why I was going, but I was intrigued with this Professional Nanny world out there.

Let me tell I was blown away with the Nannies and professionals in the industry I met. Nannies that have written books, started agencies and businesses, and the very own “Travel Nanny” who told me all about her next International month long “Job”. WOW! So many of them like me – loving my job, loving my kids, and wanting to help other in our industry. So many of them way ahead of me leading on me on to the future I want to have.I brought so much back from the 4 day weekend. I gained about 25 friends I am in contact with on facebook, blogs and email. But, most of all I brought home a desire to have THAT in Cincinnati. I knew that I had about 4 Nanny friends (all who are not here tonight :)) and that there must be more of us….wondering where we all are and how to find each other.

From there I began to dream about the community that we could build together and how that would indeed enrich the lives of the children we care for, not to mention our own.

 So here we are National Nanny Recognition Week – Cincinnati’s Own! I am hoping that this is the beginning of a Professional Community, and I need your input along with the other Nannies in our city. I was able to contact of 50 Nannies and I will be following up with them with all the information we have here tonight.

 

High5 Friday: Celebrating the "Nanny of the Year"

Every Year International Nanny Association honors a Nanny with the award "Nanny of the Year". This week we are going to take a look at the bios of 4 previous winners and the current, 2009 NOTY. We honor our leaders in the industry during this National Nanny Recognition Week. With permission, all 5 Bios have been copied from the INA website. Enjoy the legacy these Professional Nannies are leaving on the hearts of Children and their peers. 

High5 Friday: Celebrating the "Nanny of the Year"

5. NOTY 1991 - Glenda Propst 

In 1992, Glenda worked with the late Harriette Grant, Eva Harkness (now Dr. Eva Harkness, Ph.D) to form the National Association of Nannies.

After 8 years with her first family (the one that nominated her for NOTY) she left, and in 1993 she went back to work as a Child Care Center Director. Completely miser able, after 4 months she decided to go back to the nanny profession. Ironically she found her next nanny job through a parent in the center. She was hired for that job in September of 1993, and started working in December of 1993. She is now approaching her 14 th year with that family and has been honored to help raise 2 wonderful, beautiful and bright children. Her charges are now 9 and 14 and although she only works for them 2 days a week, her employer recently told her that she wants her to be there for as long as she wants to stay.

The children in her first family are now 37, 35, 23 and 20. She still sees the youngest ones fairly regularly, talks to another on the internet and was privileged to have the two youngest participate in her 1996 wedding. In 1995, at the age of 42, Glenda finally got it right and met a wonderful man. They were married in June of 1996. Glenda says that he is the best thing that ever happened to her and that he loves the children she nannies for. Her charges don't have family in St. Louis, so Glenda and her husband have become their "St. Louis family." Glenda and her husband both love attending birthday parties and school activities, being a part of childhood milestones and hosting lots of overnight and weekend visits.

How receiving the NOTY award has impacted her career: Glenda says that receiving the NOTY award was the most wonderful day in her life- that is, until her wedding day. Receiving the award gave her the confidence, self esteem and validation she needed to carry her through the tough times she encountered the next 2 years of her life.

2009 Update: Glenda is still working part time for the same family and celebrated 15 great years with them in December 2008. She considers it such a privilege to be able to start with a newborn baby and stay until the job is finished. "So many nannies do not have that opportunity and it is one of the highlights of my nanny career" says Glenda. Still married to Terry, they stay very busy as part owners of the local airport. Glenda feels fortunate to have a husband that has always supported her professional activities. "My work in INA and NAN helped prepare me and give me the confidence I needed to jump on many of the opportunities that have come my way over the years. My life has truly been enriched by being involved in the nanny profession on a national level. I've met so many amazing people along the way."

Words of wisdom: Communicate, Communicate, Communicate! Know what you want, know what you need, stand up for yourself, but also try to be supportive of your employers. Don't present a problem without offering a solution and always be ready to meet in the middle.

4. NOTY 1997 - Kellie Geres

Since receiving the award, Kellie has lived and worked near Atlanta, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. She has spent the past 10 years working with divorced families as a nanny/household manager. In 1998, Kellie joined the INA Board of Directors and has since worked on several committees. She also has served as Vice President, Treasurer and as conference chair for many years. Kellie also worked part time in an agency in Atlanta, facilitating placements with families and nannies, training nannies and providing general office management. She found that experience, where she could see both sides of the placement process, to be valuable. One of Kellie's greatest accomplishments was writing and obtaining a grant for $56,000 from AT&T. This grant provided all day training to daycare workers for AT&T employees in the metro-Atlanta area.

How receiving the NOTY award has impacted her career: "It was an honor to be recognized by my peers and industry professionals for the work that I love to do and my dedication to my profession" says Kellie. "Receiving NOTY allowed me to really seek out jobs that would treat me as the true professional that I am and to be recognized and appreciated for the professionalism and ethics I bring with me to the job." The children in Kellie's care also recognize the importance of being a NOTY and are quick to correct anyone who mistakes her for a baby-sitter. "They take pride in the fact that their nanny is a NOTY." A highlight in my term of NOTY was being invited to Nashville to meet with local nannies and assist them in starting a local nanny group for nannies in their area. In the fall of '97 (Louise Woodward)?? was sentenced, and as a result I was sought out by the media for comments.

2009 Update: 2009 Update: In July 2004, Kellie moved to the Washington, DC area, where she has been with a family for six years. Kellie is currently the President of ADCAN - Association of DC Area Nannies (www.dcareanannies.com), is co-moderator of Nanny Island (www.nannyisland.com), authors several blogs including All Things Nanny (www.allthingsnanny.com), Nanny Groups (www.nannygroups.com), NNRW (www.nnrw.org), and is part of the development team of Regarding Nannies (www.regardingnannies.com). Kellie also holds membership in INA, NANC and APN. 

Words of wisdom: Be involved in local nanny groups and national organizations. Nanny groups are an essential part of a nanny career offering networking, friendship, education and resources. If there isn't a nanny group in your area, consider starting one.

3. NOTY 2004 - Michelle LaRowe

For the past 10 years, Michelle has been a career nanny who specializes in caring for twins. She has been with her current family since her charges were 10 days old. They recently celebrated their fifth birthday. Although she holds a bachelor of science degree in chemisry, Michelle says that she truly knows what it means to find what you love to do and then find out how to earn a living doing it. According to Michelle, there is no other job that is more satisfying and rewarding then working with children as their nanny.

Michelle is an active member of the nanny community on the local, national and international level. In 2001, she founded Boston Area Nannies Incorporated, a local non profit educational organization dedicated to improving the quality of in home childcare. Michelle holds membership in the National Association of Nannies as well as serves on the Board of Directors of the International Nanny Association. Michelle chairs the INA Cookbook Committee and co-chairs the INA Nanny Mentor Program. She has also passed the INA Nanny Credential Exam.

One of Michelles' greatest accomplishments of this past year was organizing Back to Basics, Boston's first nanny conference day. There were 130 attendees from 9 states present. This was a free educational event for the nanny community supported by over 13 industry businesses. The most rewarding part of the day for Michelle was that "For the first time, some of these woman realized that 'hey, I am not just a babysitter, I am a nanny!'"

In her spare time, Michelle enjoys traveling domestically for snowmobile excursions, playing on a basketball league and keeping current with her Creative Memories scrapbooks.

2009 Update: After receiving the NOTY award, Michelle was featured in several newspaper and magazine articles and she appeared on several different television programs. As a result, she was contacted to write a parenting book, and has since authored Nanny to the Rescue! Nanny to the Rescue Again! and Working Mom's 411. Her fourth book will be out in 2010. Michelle also wrote a chapter in the Experts' Guide to the Baby Years and she regularly contributes articles to several magazines, including TWINS Magazine.

Michelle continued working with the boys she cared for since 1999 until they relocated across the country in December of 2006. She still talks to them often and has had the opportunity to visit them in their new home.

In 2007, Michelle got married, relocated to Cape Cod and in July 2008, Michelle and her husband Jeff welcomed their first baby, Abigail into the world. "Being a nanny for so long has certainly prepared me for all the ups and downs motherhood has to offer" says Michelle. "Abigail is amazing and although everyone kept telling me I'd do things so differently with my own, I haven't experienced that yet."

Michelle recently became an employee of the International Nanny Association and enjoys manning the office from home. You can learn more about what Michelle is up to at www.michellelarowe.com.

2. NOTY 2007 - Christy Ochs

Christy Ochs is not your typical nanny. She is the mother of four who took an unusual path to becoming a nanny, a professional caregiver who is a genuine advocate for children, and she represents a positive role model for the in-home child care industry and the International Nanny Association (INA). On May 18, INA awarded Christy its highest honor, The 2007 Nanny of the Year (NOTY) Award during its 22nd Annual Conference held in Alexandria, Virginia. 

When Christy turned 42, she decided her child rearing days were not easily left behind—even though she had already reared four children, one with downs syndrome, and two step children. “I chose to be a nanny because the idea of doing for the parents what I would have loved to have had done for me as a young parent was very appealing.  I loved the idea of not only providing a secure and loving environment for their children, but also taking some of the daily pressure off of their shoulders by doing their laundry, straightening up the house and helping the children with their school assignment.”

Christy is now working with her third family and cares for three-year-old Hawk who attended the conference with his mother. During the award ceremony, he presented flowers to Christy.  “My boss, Jill, nominated me for the NOTY. I was so honored and touched to have been nominated, especially by my employer.  Lot’s of people go through their entire working lives without feeling appreciated. I can't tell you how much this nomination meant to me. Every time my little charges say "I love you Nana!" I feel like Nanny of the Year.”

What does it take to be INA’s Nanny of the Year?  Officially, it takes at least five years of professional nanny experience; an education in the field of child care; a nomination from a nanny recruiting agency or employer; and several references. Unofficially, it takes a lot of love and patience.

Christy is the founder/moderator of the Denver Area Nanny Association. She has been a member of INA since 2001, and is also a member of NANC (National Association of Nanny Credentialing) and Nanny Support Group Leaders.   She was inspired to start the Denver Area Nanny Association in 2003 after attending her first INA conference. Now with 28 local members, the group arranges play dates, nanny dinners and coffee gatherings, and organizes and participates in CPR/First Aid training for nannies.

2009 Update: Since receiving the NOTY award, Christy has enjoyed working with the same family that nominated her. She has now been with that family for 6 years and her charges are now ages 6, 4 and 2. In January of 2008, the family moved into a new house and Christy was able to reduce her hours to 30 per week so that she could help out with her new grandbaby.

Christy continues to play an active role in her local nanny support group, Denver Area Nanny Association. Last spring she asked one of the other nannies in the group to take over leadership. "The new moderator is doing a super job and we have such a wonderful group of Nannies here in Colorado!" said Christy.

1. Current NOTY 2009 - MaryAnn X. Meddish 

Being a nanny means that I am able to immerse myself in what I love. I love working with children, and I have been blessed with the ability to follow my passions, enjoy my loves, and use my skills in my career. I want to know that I make a difference in others' lives and being able to make children's lives fun and interesting, while also gearing their environment and activities to develop their skills and interests, thrill me. What other job in the world allows you to arrive at work to smiles and squeals of delight, play and receive hugs and kisses all day, and be sadly missed at the end of the day?

I am an excellent nanny who has always strived to do my very best. For years, I have looked to my mentors and seen areas in my own life that I would like to grow and develop. I have worked hard to become the person I am and to reach my personal goals. The thought of being considered a leader use to scare me, but then a wise friend told me, "You have the ability to use your knowledge to mentor others and to help the next generation of nannies reach their goals to be their very best, and that is what you should do." That is my current goal. I want to give back to the nanny community that has helped me become the person I am today

Are you up to the challenge in the future? Read about the process and what it takes here. 

CincyNanny featured on All Things Nanny Blog

CincyNanny featured on the "All Things Nanny" Blog, today. 

Lots of great links for Nannies, including some other blogs to follow. I am checking them out and following some new ones right now. You should too! 

Honoring our Local Nannies!

To kick off National Nanny Recognition Week, I would like to simply honor some of our local nannies. Thank you for each day you love on children, support families and undeniably make an impact on this world. Your job is important and significant. You are appreciated. 

1. Ashley Abrams
   
2. Rob Ayers
3. Lindsay Caton
   
4. Jessica Chaudier
   
5. Cathyann Dempsy
   
6. Samantha Denton
7. Noel Fenton
   
8. Heather Frazier
   
9. Natalie Hager
   
10. Keisha Harp
    
11. Elizabeth Harten
    
12. Judy Hershey
13. Julie Hess
    
14. Lindsay Hobble
15. Jennifer Hornschmeier
    
16. Jami Hyslope
    
17. Mary Rose Jacobi
    
18. Rana Jones
    
19. Lindsey Kanis
    
20. Dessarae Kilgore-Rucker  
    
21. Ronda Laney 
    
22. Rebecca Ledger
    
23. Laura Liske
    
24. Sharon Literall
    
25. Rebecca Lutsch
    
26. Kristina M. 
27. Tyler Macleroy
    
28. Andrea Masters
    
29. Heather McKinley
30. Amy Lynn Miller
    
31. Alissa Murphy
    
32. Shea Norris
    
33. Amanda Pond
    
34. Kandice Powell
    
35. Theresa Ramsey
    
36. Greta Schraer
37. Megan Seitz
    
38. Brianna Shaffer
    
39. Alexandria Smith
40. Megan Smith
    
41. Megan Stenger
    
42. Brit Styer
43. Asha Welles
    
44. Tara Wheeler
45. Elizabeth Witt 
    
46. Tara Zimmerman
47. Michelle
    
48. Tasha
    
49. Angie
    
50. Mimi
    

High5 Friday: Benefits of being in a Nanny Community

Our NNNRW Dinner is only one week away, and I cannot help but think of the opportunities we have for the Professional Nanny Industry in our city. This week's High5 focuses on the benefits Nannies and Families will have as we gather in community.

High5 Friday: Benefits of being in a Nanny Community

5. Resources & Education
By gathering as a group will bring local and national resources that others may be able to use. From CPR & First Aid training, to National Retreats and Conferences, there are many opportunities we can experience as a group or individually. As we develop a list of resources and opportunities, they will be posted on our site to share with all who seek.

4. Social Understanding
Most people do not realize that our profession has challenges and frustrations, but "A Nanny knows what a Nanny knows". Who better than to ask "Is this OK?", "What should I do?" and "I'm thinking about...". A Nanny Community will be our "water cooler" or break room. Our place to encourage, inspire, lead and follow each other. To learn from each other's mistakes and challenged to reach higher goals.

3. Happy Kids & Happy Nannies!
While there are many "Mommy Playdates", ones with other Nannies are hard to find, at least thus far in our city). By meeting a group of Nannies, we will be able to find neighboring families who are close in age. Group fieldtrips will also be a fun time! Instead of isloation, have many options to share your workday with other adults and kids!

2. Affiliation
Being involved in something bigger than yourself looks wonderful on a resume. By telling a future employer or a current one that you are involved looks professional and may be that what sets you apart. It also opens you up to personal references in this industry. Affiliation will be available on the cincynanny.com website in the future.

1. Developing a Professional Standard
With a goal of educating the city - moms, businesses, etc. - we can enforce a standard of the Professional Nanny. We are not simply baby-sitters, like many may think. By developing an expectation of all Nannies that are affiliated with us, we can live out a higher standard to our employers, peers, and all who are observing. What a responisbility we have.

If you haven't RSVP-ed for our Nannies Night Out - Sept. 26th, please email gretaschraer(at)mac(dot)com. More information at cincynanny.com!

CincyNanny Makes National Nanny News!

Hey everyone! 

Each Monday this month www.regardingnannies.com is featuring a Nanny Community on their blog, in honor of National Nanny Recognition Week, Sept. 20-26, 2009! This week it features us!! We follow two great groups - ADCAN (Association of DC Area Nannies) and The Nanny Alliance of NJ & NY! Stop by and check it out. It is an honor to be associated with these seasoned groups! 

Click HERE to read the article! 

INA Lobbying Efforts need your help to increase Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

Below, please find an important email from INA....

Pasted from the INA Blog. More Information at INA's website. 

INA Lobbying Efforts need your help to increase Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

Dear INA Members:

We are extremely pleased to report that INA's ongoing lobbying effort to increase the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) has resulted in three bills in Congress in support of our position! The bills, H.R. 460 and H.R. 1500 in the House and S. 210 in the Senate, all seek to raise the amount of childcare expenses eligible for the credit as well as the percentage of those expenses eligible for the credit. This is excellent news! 

As you may know, currently the CDCTC provides a minimum credit to working families of 20% of the first $3,000 spent on childcare for each of the family's first two children per year. The CDCTC has not been increased in years, and thus it does not even begin to cover a family's childcare costs.

The bills in Congress now would raise the amount of eligible expenses to $6,000 per child with a credit of anywhere from 35% to 50%. Obviously, this would be a significant improvement and provide much needed relief for working families trying to pay for the costs of childcare.

Here's what we need you to do now: Contact your member of Congress and two U.S. Senators. Tell them you support H.R. 460, H.R. 1500 and S. 210 and urge them to vote for these bills.

This lobbying effort went from nothing to getting three bills introduced in Congress. We have done a terrific job, but there is still more to do. Contact your representatives, and let them know you support H.R. 460, H.R. 1500 and S. 210 to increase the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit today!

If you have questions about INA's lobbying effort, please contact INA Governmental Affairs Chair Bob King of Legally Nanny at 714-336-8864 or info@legallynanny.com. Thanks again for all your support, and keep up the fight!

Click here to find out how to contact your officials. 


~~~SAMPLE LETTER~~~

Dear Congressman [Name]:

As a resident of your district and a voter, I wanted to contact you to support H.R. 460, H.R. 1500, and S. 210 to increase the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC). 

Currently the CDCTC provides a minimum credit to working families of 20% of the first $3,000 spent on childcare for each of the family's first two children per year. The CDCTC has not been increased in years, and thus it does not even begin to cover a family's childcare costs.

H.R. 460, H.R. 1500, and S. 210 would raise the amount of eligible expenses to $6,000 per child with a credit of anywhere from 35% to 50%. Obviously, this would be a significant improvement and provide much needed relief for working families trying to pay for the costs of childcare.

I urge you to support these worthwhile bills to lower taxes for families and enable them to work and provide quality childcare for their children. Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,

INA Member Name

High5 Friday: Best of Summer '09

Well, it's official! School has begun. Which means "Summer" is over, at least in my mind. I thought I would highlight my "Best Of" for my own memories and hopefully you will get a laugh or two as well. If you are looking for resources or other helpful tips....you will not find them this week. But, if you love kids - and you must if you are reading along - I think that you will enjoy. 

High5: Best of Summer '09

5. We have Water-lovers!

So the boys have always loved baths, but it wasn't until this summer that I found out they were part fish. Though I can't swim with them alone yet (I'm too out-numbered), I have seen the videos and heard the stories of achievement each Monday when I came back to work. Mom found "Puddle Jumpers" which are like life jackets that allow the boys to float on their backs. That is how it started...then swimming, heads under water, being thrown in the pool, until eventually all three were jumping off the diving board and swimming to the ladder in the deep end to repeat the feat. H was even doing his version of a dive. While I didn't get to join them in the pool, we did have our own adventures. There is a lake close-by that we got to explore. Boy did they love to be in the water WITH the boats! The toddler water park was also endless fun. Purple lips and sagging diapers could not stop them! And, who doesn't love the little plastic kiddie pools? Washing cars and choo-choos was fun. Hours of dumping, pouring, spraying. One day I got sprayed with the cold hose and I screamed so loud I'm sure the whole cul-de-sac of neighbors heard! I will not forget the summer of water.

4 . N and his Poo. 

Yes, now you are reading aren't you.  Well let me  first tell you about N... He is Baby C - sweet, musical, friendly, sneaky, easy-going and  definitely the "baby" of the three. He can charm the hardest heart. Just ask ALL the adults in the waiting room at Children's hospital last week. Back scratches all around, followed by grins and hugs. The boy can work it, and he knows it! We went through a couple week period where at nap time he'd say from his crib, "Ge-uh, Ge-uh... I wet" .... and repeat it 20 times! When that didn't save him from nap time,  he'd up the anti... "Ge-uh, I poopy!!" (repeat). Good effort N. Really, I was impressed! This had become the usual and I would let him go on with his "story-telling" until one day N says "I'm poopy!" accompanied with a fearful cry.... any good Nanny can tell. "Oh Crap!" I ran up the stairs and sure enough that is what I found. N, pull-up off and two fists full of poo! This only solidified that I am not a fan of pull-ups! Poor guy, he's freaked out and doesn't know how to get out of this one. So, what can I do?I pick him up , carried him to the bathroom sink. I exchange the the mess from his hands to mine then in the toilet and flush [It's amazing the things I can overcome - including a gag reflex!] Quick sink shower, change sheets, and back to bed. It could have been worse! ALOT WORSE. Someday I will teach him the Story of "The Boy that Cried Wolf!" Needless to say, he's never cried "Poop" again! 

Honorable mentions from N...

• "I Liiiiiike it, ice cream."  (after a UDF milkshake) 
  
• "I Liiiiiike cawpee" (as we drive by Starbucks)
  
• "I liiiiike it, __________ "(fill in any food at any time) 
  
•  Mixing up his new teachers name  - Mrs." Krogers" (real name is Mrs. Grogan).
• "I want _______  please, Ge-uh" insert ANY & EVERY word. Broken record. 
• N: "Where'd Doug go?" Me: He's at work. N: "Bummer..... bummer..... bummer".  
• "A-marrow, A-marrow, I luv you, A-marrow...eh only a day away". 

3. T and his Sand

So you know the phrase "I ate ____  as a kid" (fill in whatever it was that ate)... well for T is it SAND. A little background on T. This boy is inTELLigent! Seriously. He is determined, careful, precise, particular. He is loving and has always been our "little man". He has a "blankie" that will end the world if ever lost,  loves his milk, and wants to touch every button on earth. His first phrase was "lights on. lights off". Amazed by him we let him flip the switches as he would say the his phrase over and over. And he as NOT stopped since. He also likes his food crunchy. He will eat a chicken nugget all the way around the outside and hand me the middle, "all done". Very often you will find him with both hands over his ears, not because he is trying to ignore you, but because he wants to hear the muffled echo of chewing or voices. So one day at our local park T comes walking to me with a confused and yet thoughtful face. As he gets closer I can see sand particles around his mouth. I ask him to open his mouth where I find about 2 tablespoons of sand. I do a few CPR finger sweep all the while  giving my usual lecture of "we don't eat anything that is NOT food". (It clicks in my head - so that is what he was doing laying down in the sand). I clean his mouth with a wipe, swig of water...but it was pretty impossible to get it all out. I hear the horrible sound of gritting as he runs back to play. I think "well, that will teach him....he'll never do that again." But twice more over the course of the summer he went back again. The third time I saw it about to happen and gave a warning, followed by a timeout. It hasn't happened since, but I wouldn't be surprised if it did.  T will explore his world. No buttons or crunchy things are safe.

T's honorable mentions... 

• T: Coming up the steps talking to himself...."Hmm, let's go see my Greta." 
  
• T: "Oh no! it was an accident. Sorreeeee!" after he violently THREW his chocolate milk at the wall. 
  
• T: "I found Greta's seatbelt" (as he points to my bra strap)
  
• T: "Bye Car wash! What's next? Chick-fa-lake?"
  
• T: "I hold onto my Greta?" 
  
• T:"1,2,3,4.......18,19,20"
• T:"a,b,c,d.......next time won't you sing with me". He even gets the LMNO! (*4 letters. Not 1. )

2. H and his Truck 

[Warning. Cursing to follow.] H and his trucks. Ahhhh.... (exhale).  It all started with the "mailman truck". He would point out every one as we drove down busy streets. He loved them so much that I would drive the the back of the Post Office to show him where "they live". This was important because earlier in the spring we had found where the school buses live. He never had a problem saying "mailman truck" correctly. But now, he replaces an "F" for the "Tr". So yeah, you see where I am going....but, let me tell you about H. He is Baby A and he fits into the birth order hypothesis. Totally lives up to big brother, care-taker over his brothers. He was the first to walk, crawl, conquer steps, etc. He walked and fell and walked and fell....again with gusto. Everything he does is full on. He's loud, really loud. Powerful. Confident. Driven. He is as sweet as can be and does have rare calm moments. Early Intervention (practical, occupational & speech therapists) nick-named him "Bruiser" before he was 9 months old! He is thick with muscle but has the heart of a teddy bear. OK, so take into account his personality when you read his common truck phrases:   "Ooooh, BIG f*ck".... "Dumpy f*ck"...."Big f*ck coming! Vroom".  As we drive down the highway he'll plead with the trucks to honk, pumping his little arm. And usually they don't. "Big f*ck no honk-honk....". Then turning his eyes and head downward, he says,"I sad".  We are trying not to make a big deal of it, but respond to him with a crisp " tr" in our "truck". I'll never forget the zoo class when we toured the animals talked about the sounds that they make. Lucky for us there was construction there that day... and H got to share with the class, proudly, the sounds the trucks made and what he calls them.  I'm sure that he'll grow out of it some day, Mom is hoping it's before their Fire Truck Birthday Party -  already booked at the Fire Museum. 

H's honorable mentions...

• H: in the cart at Krogers "I read list?" (now holding the grocery list) "Ummmmm, milk?"
• H: "Ga-uh, ME cawpee time? Juice? ME cawpee time?" (translation: he wanted to sit down and have coffee like I do, with his juice)
• H: "Bye Ga-uh, see ewe ater" Me: "Where am I going?" H: "Ga-uh to work (big grin). Me: "Where do I work?" H: "Krogers!" (as he laughs)
• H: "Where'd the moon go?" T: "In the clouds?" H: "It's popped".
• H: In a firm voice, "Ga- uh, sit down. 2 minutes. Numbers go beep, beep" (I guess I got a timeout and have to wait for the timer)
  
• H: While singing a jump in the air song H says "I no touch the house!?" (2 ft tall vs. 30 ft ceiling)  
  
• H:"Ga-uh, water? Too Hot, BRRR. Too Hot."
  

1. Big Boys and Big Toys 

There are a lot of things I will remember about this summer, but I think the biggest is that the boys became kids. They have achieved and grown so much! I think I realized it first one day at our favorite park Lunken Playground. One our first trip back to this park since last summer, I was strategizing in my head how to keep them on the younger jungle jims because I knew they couldn't handle the bigger ones yet. Until....we got there and they COULD. Oh and they more than handled them... they conquered the kid-sized jungle jims. Ladders, rock walls 3 times their size, and other things I don't even know the name of! I think it knocked the wind out of me a little. THEY ARE NOT BABIES ANYMORE. From there, there were so many more things that we learned. Holding hands in the parking lot rather than bringing our Choo-choo wagon with us every time. (I created a method to hold each of the three boy's hands. Can I get a patent? I think it's genius!) Taking trips to my new house - which is NOT baby-proofed and has a huge, tempting TV just begging to be broken. Run, Jump, & Play (blow-up climbers) was also conquered and destroyed. Easy! Potty training (not yet completed). Boys are sharing, taking turns, and playing together and with other kids at the parks. And last but not least, while watching Super Why all 3 boys & I did our teamwork skill.  "Put your arm in." ....."Super readers to the rescue!" ... and these are just my favorites.

[Footnote] My honorable mentions... 

•  The 3-in-1 triplet hand-hold. Patent in progress
  
•  New record: 5 diapers in 15 minutes
  
•  Saved N from being trampled  by a group of preschoolers/lion cubs. 
  
•  Started a this blog. 
  
• Taught HTN some killer disco moves.
•  Coined the phrase: "Work hard. Play hard. Do both, be a Nanny" 
  

Our New Logo!

I am so excited to finally share our new logo! 

Drum roll please....DA Dunna DAAA!

Special thanks go to the amazing, talented, Justin Cain. He is a local artist and graphics designer available to make your dreams a reality. Let me know if you would like his contact info. He truly is a legend in progress. 

National Nanny Recognition Week - Nannies Night Out - Sept. 26!

Nannies Night Out!

Sponsored by CincyNanny 

In honor of National Nanny Recgonition Week

Sat., Sept. 26th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Redtree Gallery/Coffee Shop in Oakley

• Connect with Professional in Cincinnati!
  
• Enjoy a complimentary dinner.
  
• Laid back, fun, evening. Casual dress. 
  
• Giveaways and Recognition. 
  
• Help decide the future of our Community (play dates, forum, education, etc.) 
  
• We have reserved the whole Gallery.
  
• Coffee bar will be open for drink purchases. 
  

 All must RSVP by Weds., Sept. 23!

gretaschraer(at)mac(dot)com

All Full, Part-time, and Night Nannies, as well as, Infant Specialist from our community are invited. Please feel free to pass on the information and invitation. By the way, leave kidlets, their parents and significant others at home. This evening is for YOU!

Located at Redtree Gallery

www.redtreegallery.net 

Located in the heart of Oakley

3210 Madison Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45209

For more information visit www.cincynanny.com

High5 Friday: NNRW, Details to Know!

National Nanny Recognition Week (NNRW) is quickly approaching! This will be my first year celebrating, not because I am new to being a Nanny, but because I just knew nothing about it. I am gathering that unless you are linked into one of the national organizations, like INA, APN, or NANC, this is new to you as well. So I thought that with September beginning, this would be a good time to highlight some of the basics of our week! 

High5: NNRW, Details to Know! 

5. When is it?  The Week of Sept. 20-26, 2009 

All over the U.S. groups of Nannies will be gathering to celebrate together. Some Nanny groups will reach out to the community is a special way, while others will simply celebrate with each other. CincyNanny will meet on Sat., Sept. 26th, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Redtree Gallery in Oakley. There will be a complimentary dinner, resources, and community with other Professional Nannies. For more information and to RSVP, visit www.cincynanny.com or see the above blog. 

4. Who Started it?

NNRW was started by the Association for Professional Nannies. APN is an organization for nannies who have made a conscious choice to be "Career Nannies". Their mission is "to promote and achieve professionalism in the nanny industry, education in areas related to childhood development, and expertise in our chosen field".

3. It's about..... Honoring Our Community

Many groups will take this as an opportunity to give back to the communities they work in and for. Examples are: hosting a carnival or book drive, cleaning up a local park, volunteering for a charity or hospital.  [CincyNanny is a brand new community of Nannies, but I am sure that we will be doing some of this next year.]

2. It's about..... Honoring the Nanny Industry

We have so many professional associations  that we can honor with our affiliation. They provide for us a standard to work and live by. Send them a note of appreciation. Join them, by becoming a member. Read over their Codes of Ethics and decide if that is the standard you hold for yourself. Honor other industry professionals as well, such as agencies, support groups, and educational providers. With out these industry professionals we would not be where are.          

1. And of course, it's about..... Honoring Nannies

The week is specifically about honoring professional Nannies for all they do. As a Nanny we surely can get in on the appreciation: send a card or yellow rose to a Nanny that you know,  take them out to dinner or invite them to your groups' event. If you are a local Nanny please RSVP and join us at our event on Sept. 26th. 

If you are an employer and are looking for ideas for you Nanny, I have copied a list from APN's website to give you some further ideas! 

Ways to show appreciation to your Nanny...

• Encourage your children to say "Thank You"
• Tell your friends good things about her knowing that she will hear them back
• Share your days off
• Tell her when she does something great
• Give her a card or framed photo of and by the children
• Investments
• Membership fees to a local nanny support group or national professional organization
• A gift of conference fees with paid professional days to attend events will increase her sense of pride. 
• Tuition (or paid time off) for college courses or CPR training 
• A special dinner in or out, perhaps including on with some of her friends
• A raise or bonus
• An IRA
• A gift basket 
• Gift certificates
• Movie tickets
• Manicure/Pedicure
• A massage
• Birthday off
• Hotel stays
• Frequents flyer miles
• Gym membership

Please tell your Nanny thank you and share your appreciation. 

I'm not their Mother, but they are Mine.

I went to lunch with a good friend of mine, today. It was one of those three hour lunches where you feel like you are constantly talking and yet still have so much to say. I used to work closely with Jeannine when I was an Assistant to Youth Pastor (Jr . & Sr. High Students) at a large church here in Cincinnati. Jeannine has two sons, one just graduated college and the other has just left the house for his freshman year. She told me how she didn't expect to feel this "empty nest thing" again; she thought she should be used to it after 4 years of one son leaving.  I watched her well up with tears of compassion, pride, and some loss toward her boys. I thought to myself, "Wow! She is a good mom. She has great kids. I want to be like her." She has indeed been a mentor to me over the last ten years, through example and friendship. She is in the phase of life where she is letting go as her boys become independent - on their own - becoming men. 

I am not in her phase. Or am I? 

Later on in our conversation, I was talking to her about my job, passions, cincynanny, and the dreams in my head. She had lots of questions about my work and how I handle the boys. What they are learning and doing. She was enthralled with our goals for the boys. (This is part of my yearly contract/bonus - S.M.A.R.T Goals - our family team (parents, grandparents, nanny) work together toward their age-appropriate milestones. As I explained the ins and outs and what they were achieving, she only had more questions. This whole last year, we have been helping the boys prepare for preschool the best we knew how. [Too bad potty training hasn't fully taken yet, but we are working on it.] And now it's D-day. Preschool starts next week. We meet the teachers tomorrow. And something hit me... this time the tears of compassion, pride, and some loss welled up in MY eyes. It was a total surprise. I suddenly connected with Jeannine on what she must be feeling. Except these weren't my sons. I joked with her, "this shouldn't happen". Her reply was "you obviously care about them very much". 

The attachment I have to ALL the kids I have cared for is unexplainable.  

C and I always sang 'The Little Mermaid' together. I cannot watch the movie without thinking about sweeping the kitchen floor and singing into the broom handle. 

M was shy boy in a family with two older sisters. Both girls were overly affectionate with me and he felt a little uncomfortable with it. I would stay with them for a week at a time as their parents traveled we would have a lot of "tucking in". Prayers, hugs and kisses were the norm with the girls, but as for M and me - we created a "toe kiss". This was our inside thing, where we'd bump toes and say "toe kiss".

 

J is my cousin by marriage and the youngest of his family. Because of his place he gets picked on a lot and yet handles it with grace. We connected my first meeting with the Schraer family, as I was initiated by taking my fair share of the "picking". I had to go around and name each of the 26 Schraers, by name, while everyone waited for me to mess up. J sat next to me, seeming to be my only ally in the room. He has since been my buddy, greeting me with his "Hi Greta" and super-squeeze. 

With B and B (twin girls) we had a a silly sound ("Hhuh") that we would make as we stuck our top teeth out over our bottom. I don't really remember where it came from, but that they found it hilarious. They would always run up to me instead of saying "Hi", they'd say "Hhuh". 

P is with me every time I drive by a Fish Hatchery in town. When he was 3, we would drive the same route on the way to a play group each Wednesday and say "Hi Fishies!" And though he is now a big freshman in high school, I still hear his sweet little voice every time I drive by. I went through the preschool thing with him too. 

As Nannies, we are creating memories with our kids. They are precious, silly, challenging, and lasting. How can we not bond with them? 

I have met a lot of Professional Nannies this last year and for the first time have heard the word "charge" used as a noun, a person. A charge is simply "the person or thing committed to the care of another". I can totally respect that the Nannies are using a terminology in a role as a professional, but I just have not been able to use it myself. For me it's too informal. It's too cold. Every Nanny has a unique identity and purpose with those they care for. Each Nanny-Family relationship is a different dynamic from any other. For me, my ultimate goal as a care-giver with is the perfect balance of authority and love. 

Do you love your kids? 

Do you tell your kids that you love them? 

Is that acceptable?

I guess each Nanny/Family must decide for themselves what is appropriate. As for me, I cannot imagine not being able to squeeze them, kiss them, and tell them I love them. I love to kiss baby cheeks. I love to tickle toddlers. I love to talk to teens about their crushes. And, though it may sound crazy I even love middle-schoolers - I taught Sunday School to 6th-8th graders for 6 years. Though I do not love the kids to the degree that I LOVE my husband, I do love them very much.  And these 3 boys? Oh, yes, I love them. 

So they start pre-school next week and after today, I am afraid that I am going to cry and look like an idiot. After all I did already cry this morning THINKING about it.

I am extremely proud of them. They are such individuals (though they may look the same to you). They live each day to the fullest. They love to learn - see new things, hear new things... if only they would taste new things! They are sweet to people they meet. They share at the park. They have so much joy and amazing sense of humors. Looking back the time with them has passed so quickly. And now, just like Jeannine's sons, they are joining the world as little men. They will go off on their own to fin for themselves...for 2.5 hours, 1 day a week. Exciting and scary. 

So maybe I am like Jeannine. I am not their Mother, but they are mine!