Generous Friends - Part 2

Speaking of support from friends and family, I want to also give a shout out (do people still use this phrase??) - to my babysitting "clients." Last January (2006), when I told my friend Mary Anne that I was going to work on Saturdays at a stationery store (Papitre) to help with adoption expenses, she said I ought to do some babysitting b/c adult babysitters do pretty well - and tax-free! (I was not aware of the latest going rate for babysitters. Not to mention the "experience" I would get -- and needed, since I had not actually babysat for a child since I was 16!) It was a great idea and I have really enjoyed it -- and very much appreciate my friends who hired me (and trusted me :) -- especially my "regulars" Mary Anne & Brian and Lisa & Pete. Also Caroline and Kent, and Vicki, and a few others who have called me when they could and/or their regular babysitter was not available. I've learned a LOT about Mac & cheese and chicken fingers, the joy of stickers and Dora the Explorer, and the power of "treats" (basically, "bribes" :) How you really HAVE to be on time for pick-up at daycare - and it helps if you know how to work the carseat buckles (I only forgot once & had to ask someone... it had been several weeks since I'd done it... I think I've got it now. :) And I think I've even got the diaper thing down -- I put them on backwards just a couple of times - now I know that the picture goes in front! (on most brands). So I think I'm almost an expert now..... yeah, right.

So I really, really appreciate all of you who have helped me in this way... I have VERY much enjoyed getting to know my friends' children even better and I have learned so much. (But I will still be calling you for advice so please don't change your phone numbers!)