So, my first ever babysitting experience included a baby boy, 2/3 year old boy and a 5/6 year old girl. It happened around 9th grade and that mom was extremely trusting. I couldn't tell you why because I was clueless. It was quite an adventure. The 5/6 year old was a maniac. She left the front door open then hid to pretend she ran away so I'd freak out...which I did. She was utterly entertained. I was utterly annoyed... We went to the park which was interesting because the 5/6 girl tried to convince me that she was allowed to hold the baby. I repeat, I was clueless. Since then, I've gotten a Human Development class under my belt, tons of research, because I am the type of person who will read "tips for new moms" while being the farthest from pregnant I could be. I also met a lovely lady, (for another post) named Carmen and her sister asked me to babysit. I was kind of terrified because I didn't know if her daughter would like me or if I could entertain her for a grueling, wait for it...4 hours. But I arrived and she napped for about 1 1/2 hours. Then her grandma went down to wake her up before she left and I heard the sweetest voice come from downstairs. It had been so long since I had heard a two year old talk. It was almost musical. She stood for a few seconds staring at me then ran over and instantly loved me, showed me all of her toys and made me a glorious dinner of plastic spaghetti which she blew on to cool off for me. :) (PRECIOUS)
She is utterly amazing. I spent the whole time coloring "puppies" aka scribbly lines, playing with "bilo" aka water, and feeding her shredded cheese, her fave. Carmen came by with her husband Jeff and suddenly the calm adorable 2 year old I had enjoyed turned into a cranky rowdy brat. I was relieved that she didn't show ME that side. I think she's way more calm around me. I'm not sure why. Literally the Sunday after this stress relieving experience I was scheduled to work in the nursery of my church, for the first time. I was even more nervous. There were about 8 more kids expected than my past experience, so I didn't know how I'd be able to handle it. Thankfully Sarah (Siders House Rules) put me in charge for the crawlers/babies. Aka one wild crawler and one baby. I was eternally grateful for this. I understand babies and I understand two year old kids but anyone in between are alien-like to me. It was Quite a workout with just those two though. The crawler, named Liam was the fastest crawler I've ever seen and the baby decided that she was going to play a game of Hot Lava without telling me. I only figured it out after several attempts of sitting her down on the ground followed by bursts of crying. So she stayed latched to my hip, (poor weak wrists!) the entire time. Liam attempted to escape the little kid area every chance he got. I got to get an excellent leg and arm workout bending down and picking him up to distract him with music, almost 20 times. I felt it the next week (out. of. shape. = me) But let me be clear, I am NOT complaining. The complete opposite. It was an amazing, eye-opening experience and I loved that I got to experience it. I finally got to see my best side. Being in a position to keep another person's kid safe is a lovely challenge and I enjoyed every moment of it. Recently at a community meal at our church I got to hold a baby so his mom could eat and have some baby free meal time. I loved it so much. He fell asleep in my arms and I felt that it was one of happiest moments. The best in me comes out when I'm caring for small children :) <3 <3 <3
She is utterly amazing. I spent the whole time coloring "puppies" aka scribbly lines, playing with "bilo" aka water, and feeding her shredded cheese, her fave. Carmen came by with her husband Jeff and suddenly the calm adorable 2 year old I had enjoyed turned into a cranky rowdy brat. I was relieved that she didn't show ME that side. I think she's way more calm around me. I'm not sure why. Literally the Sunday after this stress relieving experience I was scheduled to work in the nursery of my church, for the first time. I was even more nervous. There were about 8 more kids expected than my past experience, so I didn't know how I'd be able to handle it. Thankfully Sarah (Siders House Rules) put me in charge for the crawlers/babies. Aka one wild crawler and one baby. I was eternally grateful for this. I understand babies and I understand two year old kids but anyone in between are alien-like to me. It was Quite a workout with just those two though. The crawler, named Liam was the fastest crawler I've ever seen and the baby decided that she was going to play a game of Hot Lava without telling me. I only figured it out after several attempts of sitting her down on the ground followed by bursts of crying. So she stayed latched to my hip, (poor weak wrists!) the entire time. Liam attempted to escape the little kid area every chance he got. I got to get an excellent leg and arm workout bending down and picking him up to distract him with music, almost 20 times. I felt it the next week (out. of. shape. = me) But let me be clear, I am NOT complaining. The complete opposite. It was an amazing, eye-opening experience and I loved that I got to experience it. I finally got to see my best side. Being in a position to keep another person's kid safe is a lovely challenge and I enjoyed every moment of it. Recently at a community meal at our church I got to hold a baby so his mom could eat and have some baby free meal time. I loved it so much. He fell asleep in my arms and I felt that it was one of happiest moments. The best in me comes out when I'm caring for small children :) <3 <3 <3