First, I just have to say that I am totally amazed by the power of the Internet. I contacted SitterCity and requested a free membership to review for the blog and posted a job offering. I also looked at the people available in our area and sent a few messages.
I emailed back and forth quite a bit yesterday morning with one potential hire and I ran a background check/reference check on her. Yesterday evening, Mike and I met this young woman, interviewed her, and ultimately offered her the position. Her name is Katie and she seems absolutely perfect. Something about all of it just feels right. (Those of you who know me in real life know how I am with my ‘feelings’).
She is a year younger than me, has had two previous nanny positions, has worked at two daycares, has a degree in Early Childhood Education, has her CNA, and is currently going back to school at the college I will be teaching at to receive her RN. She ultimately wants to be a labor and delivery nurse. She is currently employed at a doctor’s office here in town full-time but is looking for something that will be more flexible with her classes.
She is originally from Geneva, which is where Mike’s mom is from and works. She now lives in Peru with her fiancee and both of them are going back to school for various reasons. She is willing to work the part-time hours I need her for and it seems like she will be very flexible as long as I can work around her classes — which I am more than willing to do. She even offered to work weekend hours if Mike and I would like to go do something on our own. 
She doesn’t seem even a little phased by the idea of taking care of three little ones or the fact that I’ll be in the house working 80% of the time she is here.
She doesn’t seem even a little phased by the idea of taking care of three little ones or the fact that I’ll be in the house working 80% of the time she is here. While I’ll freely admit that I’m disappointed that my little ones won’t be taken care of exclusively by family, the idea that I’ll be footsteps away for most of the time Katie is here makes me feel much more confident about the situation (and literally minutes away when I do have to go to campus to teach). I like the fact that the kids will be in their own home, napping in their own beds, and eating their own food while they are really little.
When the kids are three, they can go to preschool all day at the college I teach at so I’m hopeful that while I won’t be with them every second, I won’t ever be very far away. The local elementary school is two blocks from our house too. If we are still here at that point — I’ll be very close still. And yes, these are the things I worry about…
I feel really good about the situation. I hope that we end up having a good relationship with Katie and the kids love her. Even better, the new responsibilities at my current job will nearly pay her salary each week, so I don’t feel too bad about the financial implications of having a part-time nanny either.
She starts August 17.
Woo hoo!! Glad you found someone you like so quickly! She sounds like a perfect fit!
Good Job!!
Mom
Congrats on finding a nanny! She sounds great.
Great news! I'm so happy that things came together so easily for you.
wishing you luck!
Glad that at least something is happening the way it is supposed to.
Good Luck with Katie–I'm sure she will work out fine
Congratualtions on finding a nanny- it is so important to feel that they are the right person. that is how we felt with Franny, my son's nanny. She is 50 (and very active) and raised three children of her own, plus she has 18 years of nanny experience. The credentials meant a lot but the vibe and your intuition are the most important thing. Good luck acclimating teverything!
It sounds like you stumbled into the perfect situation. Katie sounds like someone fabulous to have working with your kids.
Congrats!
I've gotta say, whenever you mention Peru or Geneva, towns in Illinois are not what come to mind. I'm guessing that they're also pronounced differently?
We love SitterCity too! There is nothing more comforting than knowing your children will be well cared for in your absence. Good job, mama! Cross that one off the list!
Love the internet! Glad you were able to find someone so quick!
We have had the kids home this past year with a nanny, and it has been fabulous, especially when the twins were infants.