My job has been a blessing for me. When my first charge, a little two week old baby was placed in my arms, something inside of me turned on for the first time…it was so strong and so powerful and had been just waiting to be released.  It was vulnerability.  It was an innate understanding that in order to care for this infant properly and wholly, I must open myself up completely and allow myself to fall madly in love with this little person.  To bond with her, to know her and for her to know me.

Now, I sit here and think of the four children I’ve cared for long-term, remembering the beautiful moments and how these little ones have changed me.  Through them I’ve learned a little more about true love: what it means, and what it is to be loved unconditionally, completely and honestly. I have many roles that I proudly take on: Sister, Auntie, Best Friend, Teacher, and Caregiver.  I’m more of an introverted personality, but when taking care of children I’ve found that they bring out only the best in me. The silly me, the maternal me; the natural me; the outgoing me…through them and with them I experience new discoveries each day.

What I love most and always want remember:

~babes taking morning naps on my chest and waking up with a smile when they see my face.

~folding clothes with baby in the bouncy chair cooing and babbling at me as I work.

~the first time they raise their little arms to you to be held.

~the little belly laughs that sound like anything from an old chain smoker to a full-on animal growl!

~the first time she grabbed an object; the first time he rolled over; the first time they sat without assistance; the first time they crawled; the first time they walked; their first words.

~their first kisses (usually open mouth slobber action with sound effects)

~the first time they said my name and the first time they said, “I love you”

~the moments when you’re holding an infant and they stare up at you, almost to show you that they recognize you and love you.

~when they have their first taste of food: the look of horror shortly followed by an interest in this new yummy substance.

~endless dance parties, turning the music on full blast and cracking the kids up with my signature running man, roger rabbit, break dancing, and rodeo moves.

~their first art masterpiece.

~their first time in a pool

~their first dance recitals

~the tiny pitter patter of running feet towards the door while screaming my name as I’m arriving.

~Kisses and hugs goodbye as I’m leaving for the day

~little ones telling me they don’t miss me because, one said, “Mari, I see you in my dreams.  You come over and we play and you tell me how much you love me and I don’t miss you anymore, cuz you’re in my dreams!!!”

I am so lucky to be able to see, live, and love in this world through their eyes.