Adventures in Babysitting

Today, Thursday August 21st, was Sophie's last day helping us out. I cried a little when she left. She has changed our lives in so many ways I cannot even tell you. But I'll try. Sophie was one of Cillian's first words. Cillian calls her "OE" and it is so cute. Sophie was the first person outside of family with whom I have ever left the boys. Ever. In 5 years, this summer was the first time in my life as a Mom I left either of the boys with someone other than my parents, Doug's parents, my aunt Coleen, Erica or my brother.

 

This was a big step for me.

 

Also, the reason behind hiring Sophie was so James could have a regular summer and didn't have to come to every therapy and doctor's visit again. Sophie was with us 9-5 on M and TH and 9-1 on T and W. On every day she was with us, I took Cillian to therapy and she took James to swimming. Then we would all eat lunch together and I would put Cillian to nap and then Sophie would leave on her short days. But on her long days, she would take James all sorts of places - the playground, the pool, the beach (OH THE BEACH!), the duck pond, Wagner's farm, Homer's for lunch and then ice cream - all sorts of adventures. And I would clean, prep dinner, deal with workmen - we're still finishing up work around the house so this summer we've had electricians, plumbers, and fireplace related folks - fireman to stone masons to stone and marble guys. And in all honesty, I would update the blog! (ha!) or take a shower or on many days, be on the phone figuring out doctors appointments, surgery times etc.

 

Sophie spent her birthday with James while Doug and I were at the hospital with Cillian for his surgery. It was her birthday. She showed up and we had balloons and flowers and DG stuff for her. And then we had to leave but we wanted to at least let her know how much we appreciated her and all she did for us.

 

Not only did I love her but Cillian and James were head over heals for Sophie, OE, Soph-a-loaf. Sophie and James got super close and James felt very special when Sophie took him out to lunch to meet her twin brother John. It was a very big deal for James. James tells me that he and Bo are twins. I just didn't know that Bo was in my belly when James was.

Sophie and James listened to just their special music every day on the way to swimming. But then James had songs in his head and I learned what songs they were listening to and it made me laugh. For those of you young and hip enough to understand these references; congratulations.

James told me, "Mom, you're so classic."
And then another time, I heard James singing to himself, "I'm so fancy ... but you already kno-oh." And then (this was the best) "Who dat? I-Z-Z-Y"
Yeah, that's classic :)
It made me smile and remember being 19 and loving music like this.
I kind of still like music like this.
Sophie made James a mix-cd of their songs and gave it to him on her last day.
How cute is that? 

 

In a letter I wrote to her at the end of the summer, I asked her to come back next summer if she'll have us. I hope she does! Here's our Sophie!