Heartbreaking Goodbye

It is always SO truly, incredibly difficult to say goodbye to our favorite au pairs who have lived with us for a year. They truly become an extension of our family. The kids look up to them and almost treat our au pairs as if they were their older siblings.

We had to say goodbye to Michalina yesterday. She was definitely one of our favorites.

Gabby and Rocco had to say goodbye in the morning, because they both had school.

As Rocco hugged Michalina, he said "I'll see you again someday in Heaven! And, you can meet Matteo there too!"

And well... that just tore me up inside...for so many reasons.

It's fascinating and heartbreaking to me that such a young little man (4 yrs old) understands the concept of a big goodbye and has such solid beliefs. The fact that he connects *the end of time* with seeing and being with his brother in Heaven... and that he is sure everyone who is important to him will get to meet his brother up in Heaven too, when we're all reunited... bone chilling to me. Love this kid.

Our New Au Pair

This is a photo of our new au pair, Sarah, with the kids. She joins us from Germany and has been here since August 14th. She has been such a welcome member of our household... so helpful with cleaning up around the house and doing laundry. Sometimes, I think she has a little bit of me in her in that she can't seem to sit down either! Always likes to be doing something.

The kids have really taken to Sarah quickly too. She plays so nicely with Gabby and Rocco, even when she is not technically "working". She will color and play dolls with Gabby for hours, and Gabby just loves that. And, Rocco seems to becoming quite her little buddy. He always greets her with a "Hi Sarah!" when he first sees her in the morning. He often likes to sit and eat breakfast with her. And, she spends time playing blocks with him and takes him to the park every single day.

It seems to be a very good fit for all. Sarah will be with us until August of 2010.