nine-to-five nanny

Today Win and I went for a run and on our way home we went to the park to kick some balls around and blow a few bubbles. As we approached the play area I noticed a birthday party going on in the covered picnic area. First thought, "Oh, great. There are a billion kids here. I hope Win doesn't get sick." Second thing I noticed was that most of the moms were Hispanic. As I got closer I noticed most of  the children were white. (This is not uncommon, a lot of the "moms" I see at the park are nannies, this just happened to be a large nanny gathering because it was a birthday party and they all know each other.)

I started speaking with one of the moms (a biological mom) of two of the kids there and she told me that most of the ladies there were nannies. I had already figured that. As we continued talking she said that one of the little girls was having a birthday party. I thought that's sweet, but I also thought, that's strange that it is on a weekday with the nanny. Where are her parents? The lady told me that the girl's mom was going to "try to stop by" because she works. Huh?

Now, I understand people have to work, but I felt so sad for that little girl. And she was a little girl. The oldest child there was probably 3. Then it made me think how sad it is that the parents weren't there for that occasion and it made me wonder what kind of an impact it makes on children to not have a mom or dad to share special, fun times and momentous events. Let's be honest, there are a lot of those on a daily basis with young children. You don't want to miss those things. Ever. Why didn't they just throw the party on a weekend when they could be there?

I realize everyone has very different situations and views of parenting, but I came away thinking how grateful I am to be able to stay at home and raise Win. I am sure those nannies do a wonderful job loving, caring for and teaching those children day in and day out, but I am grateful that I get to be the one to love, care for and teach Win every day. It is exhausting at times and sometimes I wish I had the freedom to do what I want, when I want, but I waited a long time to be a mom and I want to help shape my child. I don't want someone else to do that. I know it takes a village to raise a child, but I want to be the chief. (Co-chief I guess. Kent is a pretty awesome partner and makes it possible for me to be a stay at home mom.)

What I'm trying to say is that I'm not a nine-to-five nanny and I'm grateful for that. I don't mind a babysitter here and there, in fact we need to get out more, and I relish nap time, but I'm grateful to be the principal care taker for Win and our future children. I may not make it to every soccer game or piano recital in the future, but I'm going to try my best to be there for my children around the clock. It's my job and it's a great one.

Besides, who wouldn't want to hang out with this little guy all day?

Love him.