September 14 ~ 2011 Babysitters

We have a babysitter we love.  And by LOVE I mean WE LOVE HANNAH!! She is just a part of our little family.  Espen loves her so much when she comes in the door, he often runs in and says "Hannah home!".  She has been with us for a year and has seen our crazy Nate, met Anders sister Lene & cousin Martin.  She has met our families & is as flexible as we are.  We can't ask for a better person to help us with Espen when we need her!  And for the record we are NOT replacing Hannah! 

This week I have have spent some time trying to figure out how I can find a someone who can just be a call away if Hannah is busy (or going on a fantastic trip to see her family in Turkey & Greece!).  And it has been a challenging time!  We don't want Espen to cry when we leave him with this person (we've done that).  We want to feel good about being away and feel good when we return.  We know he is a 2 year old and often HARD to handle & challenging.  He throws stuff, hits things, runs off, hides.. is generally a 2 year old!  So we need someone as patient as our Hannah! 

We have been so very very thankful for my friend Kellie (and her sons) because they have watched Espen when I'm in a pinch.  He likes going over there - loves Tucker (even named one of his lovey's TUCKER).  And Kellie is a mom & can handle anything this little 2 year old dishes out!  They even sing Barney songs to him...

But I need a network for the just in case times in life! 

After combing craigslist and speaking to a couple of the potentials on the phone I can tell you that is no way for me to find someone.  I am picky.  I am nervous.  I ask alot of questions.  I am the mom from hell.  I am partial to Hannah!  So craigslist didn't work.  I called a service.  I asked some good questions & was told they would get back to me & they didn't.  So if they get back now, it is to late!  I reached out to my nanny friend... they live to far away & are all busy when I need them... So I am as creative as I can be... I facebooked a friends sister who lives in the same community I do.  I've met her at work when she stopped to see her brother.  She responded & I think I feel pretty good about it.  We are going to meet her this or next week. 

I think the hardest part of living in a new community with out benefit of family or friends is FINDING people you trust.  I certainly trust him with a limited few.  So I'm working on finding a little network I can trust.. so when there is the just in case days or the Hannah won't be here days... or the I need a freaking break days.. I have a go to list!  Stay posted... we'll see how my creativity pays off.  And if you are a new mom in need of a list of questions to ask potential babysitters.. I'm good at this stuff!!