Farewell Nathalie

In March 2011, Maisy was 9 months old. In May 2014, she is now 3 years 11 months old. During those 3+ years she had one caregiver: Nathalie.

Maisy holding a photo of herself with Nathalie.

When Nathalie started working with our family, I hoped she would be with us for a year or maybe a little more if we were lucky. She was an undergraduate at San Francisco State University who was always forthcoming about her plan to return home to Orange County where her very close-knit family lives. Well, we were lucky!

The inefficiencies of the State University system forced Nathalie to take an extra year to earn her degree, and after she graduated, she decided to stay in San Francisco for a year to work full-time as a nanny. Happily, right around that time our friends were looking for a nanny for their infant twins and Nathalie was a great fit for their family, too. And so, our relationship with Nathalie continued.

Nathalie with some of the children she has cared for.
L-R: Chase, Talie, Nathalie, Maisy, August, Logan
(Not pictured are twins Nate and Owen)

This Spring Nathalie learned she had been accepted to a graduate program near her home and decided to return a few months before school begins. Her last day with us was May 16. 

It's hard to describe Maisy's relationship with Nathalie. Maisy and Nathalie love each other, and Nathalie has been such a positive and important part of Maisy's early childhood. She has done so much with Maisy, from special projects and outings, to simple everyday things like reading, coloring, and engaging in imaginative play. Nathalie is a lovely person, and was a wonderful caregiver and friend for Maisy.

You may have noticed that Maisy loves to wear her footy pajamas. She often changes into them as soon as she comes home from school or whatever outing we've been on. Nathalie planned a special last day with Maisy, and even bought her own footy pajamas to wear! Needless to say, Maisy thought it was pretty cool. 

Maisy looking through the photo book that Nathalie made for her.

We're grateful to have been a part of Nathalie's time in San Francisco. I know we will stay in touch with each other, and I can't wait to see what she accomplishes in her life! We miss you, Nathalie.