Changing Seasons

By: Greta Schraer

Here in the midwest the weather is making news. We have had record-breaking high temperatures after an unseasonably warm winter. I am not complaining at all; I love that it was 83 degrees on the last day of winter. Our world is in set into seasons, and although they may look different dependent on location, there are natural rhythms. There are also life seasons. I once read a book called Seasons of Marriage which allowed me to look at life as a bunch of seasons put together one after another. Some are easy and fun, while others are intense and challenging. Some are fulfilling while others are draining. And, some seasons in life are the set apart as ones that will change the world. All that said, I feel so blessed to be in a new season of life – my most important yet.

Isaac has been in our life for the last 6 months. He is an amazing baby…happy, content, and yet determined. He has been sleeping 12 hours a night since week 8. He is rolling over, eating solids, and is simply happy and healthy. Yes, we are blessed! People have asked “How is having your own different from nannying?” I will tell you that not everything is so different. I want the best for him. I want him to be a good eater, a good sleeper, feel secure, and loved. I want to help equip his development and encourage his language. I spend time researching and learning so that I can provide for his needs, just as I have for all the kids I have cared for. The differences? He is ours forever. He has strengthened our marriage. My husband and I share our love for him and all the experiences. He is our families’ legacy. The responsibility is greater. It is different. (….Oh, and, I can let the dirty dishes sit in the sink all day just because I want to lay on the floor and make him giggle.)

I am in a new season: motherhood. A season to be self-less and available. It’s exciting. It’s hard…. and it is totally worth it. I would say that raising this boy and his possible siblings will be the greatest honor of my life (alongside of my great man). So, I have been slowing down, cutting back at work, volunteering and socializing less, and even writing less. It’s not that I want to lose the things that I enjoy and that make me me, but I want to commit a great deal of my time to just be a mom. I want to be faithful and available to Isaac. I want to teach him how to live and watch his eyes light up when he discovers something. So, I am making more room in my life.

In this season, I am writing less and won’t be a part of the Regarding Nannies Development Team. I hope to drop in here or there with some things that I am loving and learning or even a Nanny 101. I already miss being a part of the team and the community of readers all over the world. What a special thing Glenda, Alice and Kellie have started here. Glenda, you are a like the glue to this team, and you are a mom and mentor to many nannies. Alice, your joy and excitement is contagious, you always have a way to improve and reach new readers. Kellie, you are solid and offer great wisdom and experience to the readers! You are amazing nannies, writers, and women. The impact you are making in this industry is great! Please continue to lead us, train us and connect us to resources that bring life to our charges and  professions. I am honored to have been a part and will still be a huge fan and supporter. I will always be a lover of nannies and the through-line of character I have seen running through each of you. You get kids, you love and challenge kids… and the fact that  we all have in common binds us together. Thank you for all the encouragement and joy that you have brought to this nanny.

I leave you with a few pictures of this season…. Isn’t he adorable?