My friend, my saving grace!

If you're alone, I'll be your shadow. If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow. If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile. But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me. ~Author Unknown

This blog entry is dedicated to Christy!

Christy and I met when I was teaching her daughter, Katie in preschool. I remember the great conversations we had in the classroom before school started and even after I started class while the kids were playing. We just clicked.

And it was fate that she was willing to watch Maddy when I went back to school after maternity leave. And last spring, she was willing to take on Peyton, too. I know that the days can be trying with both of them (in diapers, into everything) and Christy does it with ease, a real natural.

So here's to Christy, who watches and takes care of our children like they are her own. By doing what you love to do, you allow me to continue doing what I love to do. It's a perfect fit!

It is a hard decision to go back to work after having kids. But for my sanity I needed to. I needed to so that I can continue to make a difference in the lives of children. And, because I want my children, especially Maddy, to see that she can do whatever she wants to do when she grows up! She can be a caretaker for others, be a mommy, have a career, or all of it.

Too often, working mothers are looked down upon for leaving their children and not "raising them". But when you are lucky enough to have a "Christy" you can work and you can have a village raising your child. There is no other person who I would rather have taking care of our kids, nurturing them and teaching them.

Thank you Christy! And I promise that my offer to take you to brunch at the Wrigley Mansion isn't to fire you. It's to let you know how much you are appreciated and loved. It's also to have time with just you, no kids, so that we can continue those great conversations we had while Katie was in my class.

PS Don't feel like this ropes you in to watching our kids until they are 18!