For the past year, I have been babysitting a baby boy a few times a week. His mom and I were pregnant at the same time and became friends soon after having our little ones. I saw him the day he came home from the hospital, I watched him grow, start eating solid foods and start crawling. I watched as crawling and crying turned into walking and talking.

Jane and he acted like siblings, they got along and would play together and then, of course, there were times that they would fight just like siblings do. We would go on adventures together to the water park, to the swimming pool (you can see that post here), we would go on walks and I'd take them to circus school. It was so much fun, and a lot of work, to take the two of them out and about. Jane and he are both blond and the same size. Every time I would take both of them out people would ask if they were twins. They even sound the same and act the same. They were totally two peas in a pod.

I became really close to him from having him all the time. I knew when he was teething, when he was fussy and hungry, I knew if he got hurt he would want to snuggle. I knew his nap time routine and loved playing with him. When both he and Jane were fussing I would carry both of them on either hip and walk around the house singing to them until they calmed down or fell asleep. It was like having a second child. It feels weird now thinking about what my life will be like without him.

Last week was the end of nearly a year of babysitting. It is bittersweet to see them move away as we have become close friends with his family. They live in the same building as us so often his mom and I would get together for coffee or do lunch. I will miss them greatly. But as sad as we are to see them go, we are all the more excited to see them move to a new home and start a new chapter in their life. (and we can't wait to visit!)

So here it is, the start of OUR new chapter.

It's going to be just Jane and me at home now. It feels weird not to have to be home or taking care of another baby. It's much easier to get out and explore with just one child to look after. And, as much as I will miss him, I now have more time to work on my business and book since I won't be chasing two mischievous toddlers around all day. This book I'm working on is my passion. I'm up-all-night writing and I'm constantly thinking about what to include and self-editing in my head. So, I'm very excited to be able to dedicate larger chunks of my day to work on it.

I'm looking forward to this new chapter in our lives. We have all the time in the world to explore and spend time as mom and baby. The other day we took the Skytrain (or as Jane would say the "BIG BUS") downtown and just explored the city and went to lunch together. It was so nice to spend that one on one time with her. Chatting and giggling and learning new words. We're planning a little family road trip down the coast soon, Jane and I will be flying to my parents to visit for a week in December and we'll be heading to the island early next year for some quiet time away from the city to relax and write my book. We have all this freedom to chase our dreams wherever they may take us.

I may start looking for another baby or toddler to care for next year. But for now, I will enjoy the time I get to spend with Jane and take advantage of the freedom we have for this next little while.

I'm looking forward to what this new chapter has in store for us.