Saying Goodbye to Annette...

May 2012

Annette will be one of the hardest parts about leaving Dallas.  She has been with us since you were 3 months old.  She has been a part of our family and our lives and we love her so much.  You love her so much and she loves you so so so much.   When I told her we were moving, she cried and so did I.  She was very sad the last month and it was very difficult.  I don't know what we would have done without Annette!   I never called Annette our nanny.  She was just Annette, she was our equal and she was a part of our family.  She helped with you, with the dogs, with the house, and she babysat.  You also played with her kids, Erik and Jackie, for the last 4 years.  She brought them regularly when she would babysit and we loved when she brought them - you loved it too.  The last time I saw her, it was very emotional and we cried.  It is not easy to find someone like Annette.

Day 1 and 2 of Move - Dallas to NYC to CT

May 24, 2012

Today, the movers came to our house in Dallas and started packing.  You went to school and Annette and Erik picked you up and took you to the zoo all day.  It seemed easier for you not to be in the house.  Daddy and I were not sure how you were going to react.  We have been preparing you, but it is still shocking for a 4 year old boy to see his house and items being shoved into boxes.  I was worried about my baby, but thank God kids are resilient and forward thinking.  We should all be so lucky, but you are not when you are a grown up - ha!  Grown ups drag things out (avoid that if possible when you are an adult).  You walked in after the zoo and said, "This is our big empty house!  BORING.  This house is empty and boring.  There is nothing in it."  I was worried because I know that was your way of letting your frustrations out, however after that, you seemed to be ok.  The movers were all so nice to you and made you a fort with the moving boxes and you had fun.    We have explained to you that this was going to be a big, fun adventure.

My love, letting go, moving on, and saying goodbye will always be a part of your life.  It's not always easy.  Sometimes it's for the best and sometimes it just happens.  These events in  your life will make you stronger,  they will build character and they will make you who you are.  These events cannot be avoided and are a part of life. When change comes, look for the adventure, look for the lesson, and look ahead.  Know that as long as you have love and you love in return, you will be ok wherever you are.

We love you sweet boy, Mamma

Hudson and Erik. (above and below)  You love Erik, Annette's son.  he is 14 and he has tons of energy and loves to play with you.  We will miss him and Annette so much!

Huge moving truck                               Guest bedroom where I tried to rest.

The movers made you a fort.

Melissa and Jack (above) - some of our oldest friends.   We had a play date with them almost every week.

Our empty house. (above and below)

You and Daddy in our empty garage (above).

Mamma and Hudson in our backyard (above) - only the tricycle left.  You never rode that much.

Mamma is about 7.5 pregnant!  I am a trooper.  Moving during pregnant not easy. 

Hudson- the tree above is on the side of our house in Dallas.  You started climbing it when you were 2 - we use to lift you up.  Of course, you get up there on your own now.  It may look small, but it is not easy to get up there.  You are a climber and a very good one at that.  You climb everything, things other kids your age do not climb.  You climbed that tree so many times.  

Annette's Birthday!

August 18, 2011

Today is Annette's birthday. When she opened the door, you sang her Happy Birthday and danced. It was so cute! You gave hr a big hug and kiss. We got her cupcakes. We sang her happy birthday and you helped her blow out the candles. It was sweet! She loved it. You couldn't wait to get a cupcake in your hand.

We are fortunate to have Annette. She is a part of the family. She loves you so much Hudson and she has known you wince you were 3 months old. We love you Annette! Feliz cumpleanos!

xoxoxo Mamma

January 23, 2011 Jackie...

I wanted to share this picture with you. This is Jackie, Annette's daughter. She is 15 and you love her. When Annette comes to babysit, she brings Jackie, or her son, Erik. You love to play with them and we are very happy when Annette brings them. They are very sweet, well-mannered children and they love you. Annette loves you so much and you love her. We are very blessed to have Annette. I think you have a crush on Jackie. When you first met her awhile ago, we would ask you who your girlfriend was and you would say, "Jackie."