Tomorrow will be a sad day for this household. It’s our last day with our beloved nanny, Miss Heather. Our nanny life cycle is coming to an end with the twins in preschool and the girls in elementary school. It is a day that I’ve dreaded since the day I hired her!
Heather joined our family when I was pregnant with my twins. You may recall my early blogs about finding the perfect nanny. After a visit to my OB/GYN and two kids under four in tow and a very high potential for bed rest, my doctor and friend gave me a huge wake-up call and advised me to get my things in order. We decided to hire a nanny for a year to get us through the tough times of four kids under four with no family within an 8-hour radius. So we searched high and low and just when I was about to give up, Miss Heather called us. It was a call that changed our lives.
At first, having a nanny seemed like such a guilty luxury because my twins weren’t even here yet. But I truly believe that Heather helped me keep these babies in until 38 weeks. Before the twins came, she immediately took over the household while I did lots of fun things with the girls. I knew their worlds were about to be turned upside down and wanted to do as much as I could with them before I was M.I.A. for an indefinite time. Heather did our grocery shopping, cooked, cleaned, organized, you name it, she did it. A month after her arrival, I started to get really tired. I mean super-duper tired where I could hardly walk upstairs without getting marathon winded. That’s when I really appreciated having someone there to help me through it all. Once the twins were born, Heather was at the hospital with bells on. She dressed up the girls in their “I’m a big sister” shirts (Randy would have TOTALLY forgotten that very important detail!) and showed up at the hospital with balloons, books, food and gifts. She greeted me when we came home from the hospital and scooped up one baby while I took the other. She even coordinated our twin storks! We were a team, in perfect synch. Then a few days after we came home, the inevitable happened and the boys had to go back to the hospital for jaundice. So Heather stayed with me there all day while Randy took care of the girls and his mom (they were all sick with the flu so everyone was pretty much no help in these early days, including Randy who was sent home from the hospital with a 104 fever the day the boys were born). Heather was my rock in those early days. She boiled all four zillion bottles daily with a smile on her face. She adapted to our family’s routine and fit in perfectly.
Over the past three years, Heather has become such an integral part of our family. When our door alarm dings, my twins immediately shout out “Miss Heather’s home!” and it is the cutest thing ever! She has helped raise this crazy crew and I am forever thankful. Having a nanny is one of my most wonderful experiences in the early days of raising my children. Putting them all in day care was not an option for us. Mine were all so close together so it was more economical to hire someone to come to our home. Recently this necessity turned into a luxury so I knew it was time for Heather to move on. I cried for days (which totally cracks me up because I would be such a softie in the “real” work force!). But I feel so good now because Heather has found another wonderful family and will help raise another brand-new baby, something she is just so good at.
We will miss her for sure but we are comforted knowing “Miss Heather” is right around the corner:-)
11 comments
I had no idea nannnys did all that (cooked, cleaned, organized). I just thought they were strictly a caregiver for your child.
Does Heather have any friends who are nannies looking for work? I’d love a “Heather” in our life as we get ready to welcome baby #2 any day now!
I have been trying to find a nanny just like Miss Heather, unfortunately mine haven’t worked out nearly as well. If Miss Heather has any frineds please let us know!
Hi Jen-We will be moving to Charlotte and trying to determine childcare- I have a 3 1/2 year old who hopefully will be in preschool 3 days a week and a 1 year old. What is the range for a nanny in Charlotte, if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks
Yes, it’s a rarity I think that a nanny would do all of this. That’s why I cherish her so:-) But think about how much down time your caregiver would have with a newborn and toddler who naps. You should discuss expectations up front – for example, while the children are napping, the nanny will be expected to prepare dinner for the children. We had her organize our closets in the early days because there was a lot of down time. As long as you present these roles in your interview process, you should be all set. Heather does not have any nanny friends unfortunately – we’ve been asked that question often. I am convinced she was my little angel sent down from heaven when my twins were born! As for pay range, I think the going rate in center city (Dilworth, Myers Park, Eastover, Foxcroft, SouthPark, Cotswold, etc) and South Charlotte is at least $12/hour and up. Most good nannies will ask for an hourly rate, not based on the number of children. Now I have friends up in Huntersville who say that their hourly rate is significantly less. I’m thinking no more than $10. So it depends on where you live. I would ask your neighbors and friends what they are paying and that will give you a good idea.
Would you recommend any websites or places to find dependable nannies?
I just rec’d a bunch of resources from friends when I was gathering info. for a friend in a dire situation this past week: These were some of the ones mentioned and highly praised:nannies4hire.comAdkins-whitley@privateplacementsinc.comand also Absolute Best Care
We also recently said “good bye” to our nanny of six years when I decided to stay at home with our three children. I miss her dearly. She was definitely more than a caregiver and helped me organize kids clothes between seasons, shuttled them back and forth from preschool and activities, did laundry, ran errands, cleaned their rooms and fed and bathed them each night. We found our nanny through Private Placements and she found a new home through Absolute Best Care. She started at $10.50 an hour and had worked her way up to $15 an hour (3 kids and 6 years later). Also, a great nanny payroll service is http://www.breedlove.com. She still babysits for us about once a month—the kids are always so excited to see her!
Such a heartwarming tribute to a lovely lady who took care of my grandchildren as well as my daughter and son-in-law. I was there on many a day and saw what a wonderful person she was and knowing my grandchildren will have many nice memories—swimming, parks, picnics etc. Say goodbye from us and wish her well in her future endeavors. Love, Mom & Dad
Since you started Charlotte Smarty Pants, I have often gone to your site to read all the helpful information for young mothers. Today, was a special day to read about our daughter, Heather. I have to share with you, what Heather does as a Nanny has been her calling since the age of 13. Her “first” nanny job was for a couple with two children and a new baby. They offered her a job on weekends etc. Of course my question to them was “you know she is only 13?” They obviously sensed something very special in Heather’s abilities–she was with this famiy for six years.We know our daughter loves all of you, and through her we have gotten to meet you and your family and to follow the children’s development over the years. Your children are very special to Heather and I know they will always be a part of her life.Bonnie Bullock, Miss Heather’s mom
You can also try Olive You Nanny Charlotte…they are great. They will come to your home, really get to know you and your family and interview every nanny in person before they would send them to you. They really work hard to match you with the best nanny for your family. http://www.oliveyounanny.com. jackie@oliveyounanny.com