Things have a way of working out

While I was pregnant with Champs, I was super stressed about childcare, like many moms-to-be are.  Unlike some (most), I really wanted it finalized by the time I was about 5 months pregnant, which is very unrealistic.  I had 2 nanny's lined up around this time, to be shared with 2 different mom friends, and both later didn't work out for various reasons.  It was at that time that I sent a facebook message to pretty much every girl I knew in Columbia who had kids asking for help in finding a nanny.  And through that I found Pat.  Save some boring details, and I will just tell you that it ended up working out that we were going to share Nanny Pat with Sara & David Ellison and their son, James.

Sara and I were friends and sorority sisters, but honestly didn't spend that much time together or know each other THAT well.  Well, I could not have found a better nanny or a more perfect family to share her with. The past 11 months with Pat - and sharing her with Sara, David and James have been SUCH a blessing!!!!  Though we are ending this era, and moving on to their first pre-schools, I will always treasure Champs' first year with these special friends!!  Though Champs and James didn't get in to the same pre-school this year, I am already looking forward to them being together again next year.  And I know, they will be buddies for many, many years to come! 

And Pat, goodness gracious what would I have done without her!  She made going back to work when he was just 7 weeks old so so much easier.  Her calming voice, her sweet words, her always kind, patient and understanding ways - it's no wonder these boys absolutely adore her.  Like I told her, this is not goodbye, but just moving to different relationship.  I always want her to have a part in his life!!

Here are some of the many many pictures I have of these sweet boys from this past year! 

Thank you Lord for blessing us with Pat and James for our sweet boy's first year!!  These three have had quite some fun together!!  PS - You may notice that Champs has a little issue of falling asleep while in the wagon! :)