I am feeling a lot of sadness today, mixed with a bit of excitement, mostly for the future.  Today was my last “official” day babysitting for my dear boys, Andrew and Patty.  I have loved them for two years and am now moving on.  It was always my goal to move away from babysitting and become a “full time” photographer, and eventually a mother.  But even as I embark on a bright and busy future, I can’t help but feel a sense of sadness. 

I went through some snapshots that were taken throughout the last two years, and although I would love to share them all - I thought I would throw in just a few.  Oh how they have grown.  

the "train" - really hard to push through the house - but they LOVED it.always sucking that thumb...

what a smile...I won't even tell you how many train tracks I built with Andrew - I still haven't mastered it.he loved to wear this hat - it was his "thing" for a week or so...the peanut butter mustache.I never had so much fun running through the sprinklers.

brothers hug.for a while we were obsessed with painting - he is quite the picasso.

I will miss Patty’s smile – the way he loves to say my name, Pammy - and now Pamella. I will miss the way Andrew always asks me, after everything he says, “was that funny pam?”  “was that funny pam?”   I will miss listening to Andrew and his little friend Julia talk about who they will marry and how many children they plan to have together.  I will miss Patty following me around, laughing, just to laugh, and copying EVERYTHING his brother does.  I will most certainly miss Patty greeting me at the door when I arrive, with a gleaming smile and pure and honest happiness that I am there.  I will miss playing legos, trains, drawing endless amounts of cars for Andrew to color.  I will miss making peanut butter and honey sandwiches, every day.  I will miss everything.  I will miss Mary Coyles.  I will miss listening to them chatter when they are supposed to be sleeping – and I will even miss hearing Andrew’s little footsteps, sneaking out of bed.  I will miss swinging in the hammock with them, playing eye spy… dance parties!  How could I miss dance parties..   I will miss everything - I already do.

Soon I will have my own children to write about – and until that day comes, I will continue to surround myself with children – and, of course, to visit this beautiful family, whom I have spent the last two years with, as often as they will let me.  I hope that they will be a part of my life until, well…  forever.  How do I thank them for inviting me into their lives so graciously?  For sharing such beautiful moments with me – such gorgeous children.  It is a blessing just to know them.  Thank you.

I will leave you with a few shots from our most recent shoot.  Brace yourself, they are gorgeous creatures…

 

please excuse me while I wipe away my tears...

Comments

[Auntie]

Pam - what a beautiful tribute to the Nally boys and family. What a blessing you have been in their lives. Thank you so much for sharing these breathtaking pictures as well!!! You're an amazing photographer, and yes, your subjects are gorgeous:)