Hi Catcha!
I just watched the BIGBANG music video. Love the music although I have no idea what they are saying. Very fun dance music though. I don't think I would show the kids that video....hahaha! ;-)
This last 24 hours has been a crazy one! We have elected a new President that we do not like but maybe we will get the change in our government that we are looking for....we will see!
I am glad you are loving Columbus and Dublin. It really is a great place and there is so much to do. We love to ski! Ava has taken ski lessons and this year we plan to have Violet take ski lessons too. It is so much fun. I started skiing when I was your age. I picked it up very quickly and have enjoyed it very much. The ski slopes around our home are small and a good place to learn. We also like to take ski trips to the big mountains around that are a little further away, some in driving distance 5-7 hours away and some by air plane.
I think your timing for arrival in February is fine. I do think you are the right person for us so I will find someone to help me until you can come.
What is important to me is having an au pair that takes time to understand the children, someone who enjoys their sweetness but can handle their frustrations. Someone that can help them grow to be a good, smart, loving person. Someone that gets excited about playing, painting or doing crafts. Someone who knows that happieness comes from within and knows how to enjoy life. As well as someone who understands no matter where you go, life is what you make of it. These are attributes of a positive role model for my children.
As far as day to day duties, I just want someone that helps me keep my house in order and my kids safe, happy and healthy. And I want us all to enjoy doing it together. I am not going to lie, some days I feel like a cleaning lady because Henry may throw his food or make a mess but work must be balanced with quality time doing things we enjoy and having fun.
This year, I am not as concerned about my au pair working 40-45 hours a week as much as I would just like to focus on accomplishing our goals. If that means it only takes 30 hours one week, then so be it! I will also never ask you to work more than you are supposed to. I follow the rules very strickly and honor your time for yourself. I look forward to a great partnership with you.
To answer your other questions, Violet is allergic to Diary and Eggs. She has been eating small amounts of dairy, like cheese and doing fine. However, the egg allergy is more severe. She can be around it, she just can't eat it. We have cakes and cookies with no egg that she enjoys.
Let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you can understand what I am saying! ;-) Talk to you soon!