Heartbreak

So. Our nanny took a job in Boston.

Kate's gone and it's incredibly deflating to have Lei walking around the house every morning peeping "Keet. Keet. Keet." I have neither the patience nor inclination to explain the situation. It's just too sad.

I work from home, which is super annoying to be sure, but I was lucky enough to hear talking, reading, singing, laughing and other good noises from the other rooms of the house. I had no problem getting my work done becuase Kate did everything the way I would do it. She probably even peed with the door open when I wasn't around just to keep an eyeball on Lei AT ALL TIMES.

Dammit Keet. Boston? Really?

We were so super-spoiled. Kate paid 100% attention to Leighton from the moment she arrived (we would watch Kate cross the street and wait for her to come up the elevator and clap like goofballs when she walked in) until she left for the day - too pooped to party anymore.

Not to impugn the work of Lei's new buddies. Two new incredibly lovely gals have just started this week, and Lei is thrilled to full clapping potential. She's enamored with her new friends. In fact, Lei would have an full-blown conniption fit if she thought anyone was paid for time spent with her. She's just a bit melancholy in light of her Kate-deficit.

And her behavior is an obvious side-effect of the new situation.  Whiny-yorkie-chasing-fork-throwing-mama-slapping-craboose sums it up pretty well. That, and the fact that five new teeth are scheduled to arrive at once. But the Kate switcheroo is readily apparent.

I thought I was the only one in this house with a  negative physical response to change. Alas, no.

I have a nanny preference for in-the-twenties caregivers who don't really want to mind beeblets for a living. Somehow I feel that the transience and solid interest in other things makes for a great role model. And, no one gets tooooooo attached because they move on. Freshly wounded, I'm not sure what to do once summer ends and I need to find a more permanent solution - one that does not involve offering to pay Kate more than that museum in Boston. (Please read "museum" with inflection as if the structure and prevailing business is allegedly a museum or other legitimate organization and not some sham created simply to strip us of our Kate).

Working moms, what do you do for childcare? And, how do you handle the heartbreak of all of it ... leaving the kiddo crying at daycare, losing your beloved nanny, loving your job, hating your job ... all of it.

I'm a little lost today.

Kate, we miss you very much, but we're so happy for you and we can't wait to visit you in Boston. Lei is already learning it on the map.

Comments

[Nicole]

Hi Jen. I just stumbled upon your blog and it's so refreshing to find someone who is having similar experiences with our children. My daughter is 25 months. I am a working mom and it is very difficult for me to leave my daughter at school every day. She's been in daycare since she was 12 weeks old. However, there is a positive side. I see how much my daughter learns and enjoys the relationships with the wonderful people at her school.

I'm really enjoying your blog. Hope to hear more from you soon!!

[Jen Freeman]

Thanks so much, Suzanne! I have so much going on right now, my writing is a bit sporadic. But, I plan to get back into the full swing in august. I will be sure to let everyone know what's been going on.

I truly appreciate the support. Enjoy the Fuss!

Jen

[Suzanne]

I am a grandma I babysit my daughter's children for her while she works. She has three sons--6, 4, and 2. I really don't have any advice for you. I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your blog and am going to read your blogs faithfully every day. I am really enjoying the little grandsons. It will be time to move on, here pretty quick, but until then I enjoy.