Today marked the end of a chapter as Ryan and Molly finished their last day at Rachel Olson’s house for daycare. Rachel was an instrumental player in my ability to work after staying home to be the primary care giver for our first baby. Peter and I trust that God would help all of our “pieces” come together if this process were to be successful. We shared a prayer request in our Adult Bible Fellowship class at First Evangelical Free Church, Minneapolis about our childcare search. Rachel came to our side offering affordable, quality and trustworthy child care all with a servant heart and a willing attitude. We are forever grateful for her and her family for opening the door of their home to care for our kids.
When Ryan, 16 months, started his time at Rachel’s house in March of 2006 he still had a Nuk and was rocked to sleep at nap time, wore diapers and said only a smattering of phrases. Ryan, 3 1/2, ended at Rachel’s house in May of 2008 with a intricate knowledge about how to sneak out nap time, wore size 4T undies as a potty trained ‘big kid’ and could say anything he wanted and often did with a good chunk of his language modeled after Rachel’s almost 5 year old daughter, Laura. Though he only spent two days a week in her home for 2 1/2 years it seems as though he was blessed for a lifetime with Bible lessons, tender discipline and many good adventures indoors and out.
When Molly, 10 weeks, started her time at Rachel’s house in September of 2007 she was a tiny wiggly worm with interests in crying from reflux, moving her legs around in the bouncy seat and fighting being swaddled in soft blankets. Molly, 11 months, ended her time at Rachel’s house babbling and screeching to communicate her intense opinions both happy and sad, walking-climbing-running with her legs anywhere she thought she should be able to travel and falling asleep with her head in Rachel’s arm sweetly trusting her nap time routine. Though she spend less than a year at Rachel’s house it was powerful for me to hand over my 10 week old so readily with every bone in my body trusting her care. Molly was doted on by Laura and Ryan as they ran around her and she longed to keep up with their speed. She had a friend in Rachel’s youngest daughter Helen as they both clamored after the same toys, competed for Rachel’s attention and learned to crawl together.
Rachel provided a warm, constructive and fun household that focused on interesting things to discover. Now as she prepares to add yet another Olson girl to the family (due August 2008) we say a goodbye to this great chapter in our life. Thank you to Rachel for this memorable routine and gift of love during this time in our life. I won’t be surprised if I end up driving to her house from habit alone! We will see each other often at church and play dates to continue a friendship rooted with a great deal of trust and common experience.
On to the Summer….
The kids will be going to the home of Angie Hansen, mother of 4, one day a week and the other day we are having a high schooler come to our home to watch the kids until she goes back to school in the fall.
