Bye Bye Ray Ray

We had the incredibly hard task of saying goodbye to Mrs. Ray Ray a couple of weeks ago.  Rachel or "Ray Ray" as Grady calls her was with our family from the day I went back to work after maternity leave in December up until the moment she left town for new adventures that await her in North Dakota.  We miss her dearly already.

When we first started looking for a nanny, I was perhaps a little insecure knowing that I work long hours and knowing that whomever we chose for Grady would see him much more than I would.  It seems silly and just so insecure, but I worried that Grady wouldn't know me as his mom.  That all changed when we met Rachel and I threw my insecurities out the window like the bad habit that they were.  I was no longer insecure I was just excited for Grady that he got to spend his days with such a warm, loving, energetic and sweet second mother.   Rachel was just that, a second mother to our Grady for over a year of his life. She loved him like he was hers and he loved her just the same.  They were two peas in a pod for the time we had Rachel as she navigated each day (and each tantrum) with patience and grace that I admire so much.  To hear him squeal "Ray Ray" each morning when she came to the door was the cutest thing ever.  She taught Grady boy so much and did so with such joy.  She made it possible for me to go back to work in those early baby days and every day since because I knew Grady was in such wonderful hands.  Simply put, she was an angel and we will never forget her.  After bawling like someone had run over my puppy for a few days straight, I finally came to my senses and realized the gifts Rachel gave us will live on in the smart spunky little boy that she helped raise.  We love you Ray Ray and we are so thankful that you chose our family to share your love with.

After a short search we did find a new nanny who seems smitten with Mr. Grady already.  Mrs. Kayla is also wonderful and will be great for Grady, but our dear sweet Ray Ray will always hold a special place in our heart.