ellery's first babysitters

i never thought i would be able to leave ellery with a babysitter before the age of... let's say... 18?? it's hard enough sometimes to lay her down for a nap without missing her (trust me, there are many times where all i wish i could do was lay the girl down for a nap!) really, many many friends & family put the offer out there, but in my mind, i just thought no way i'll be able to leave little e!

but God had other plans... specifically plans for monday nights. since having ellery, i wasn't sure what i'd do about volunteering with young life. i love it. but balancing being a momma & yl, especially just going to club on mondays, seemed like a challenge. but then kyle said he wanted to volunteer too. and my heart was still with serving yl, doing life with those girls, and hanging with the awesome leaders. now with kyle on board, we committed to at least trying, to see how it would go.

we have been blessed by many great friendships since we moved to milwaukee. it's like God hand-picked those we've met so far, each person placed in our lives for a purpose. and as silly as it may sound, He placed some special people in our lives to watch ellery. and not just watch her, but love her, so well. and give her momma & dad peace of mind!

so at the young age of 2 months, e had her first babysitter. ellen, who basically runs young life in tosa though she would never claim all the work she does, said it would be her honor to watch ellery while we went to club. really, she is one of the most genuine, giving and sweet women i know, and her & her husband tom are such amazing examples of Godly parents. we knew ellery was in great hands, and though i pretty much ran to the door when we picked ellery up, i can't tell you the peace kyle & i both felt knowing she was being lovingly cared for by the frens family!

so having survived her first babysitter (ellen said she did so great - took her bottle, snoozed, played a little), k & i felt more confident committing to being leaders again. and then another blessing - katie & jonathan offered to watch ellery at our place on mondays. and let me say, ellery already loves katie. every time e sees her, either when we go to baby yoga or small group, ellery just stares at katie, and puts a big smile on her face! so sweet. and even sweeter, the first night they watched ellery, we came home to find jonathan dancing & singing with ellery in her nursery. melted our hearts.

being a nanny, i always loved being able to be a part of childrens' lives, and getting to know their families too. but now i truly know how important it is to have someone to not just watch your child, but to truly care for them, to love them, to keep them safe. so so blessed to have found friends that do exactly that and more. thank you thank you thank you frens family and katie & jonathan!! ellery loves being with you! and we absolutely love it too :)