Dear second family,

Thank you so much for letting me take care of your children. Babysitting is fun because you get to experience the small joys of parenthood, but can return the kids as soon as the parents return. I kid, of course. (Mostly).

What makes me so incredibly happy is that I get to watch your kids grow up like they're my own younger siblings. I remember the days when they were little, and the days they were not so little. I remember when they were babies in the crib, or when they would cry my name, but not be able to pronounce it right, which created a lifetime of nicknames. I remember their first days of school and hearing all about their new friends. I worry when they fall and scrape their knees, I'm so proud of them when they create something they're happy with and I know the theme songs to the shows they love to watch. I understand their secret gibberish languages. I know their favorite foods and where you hide the snacks. During their nap time, I get to nap too. I feel like one of the family.

Their imaginations are wild. It makes me feel like a kid again. Some days, they're wiser than I will ever be. They say things that I would never think to ask and come up with their own ideas. They're small geniuses, and I love to imagine the wonderful things they'll accomplish one day. I'm already so proud of them, and I know you are, too. You are raising them so beautifully.

I love the tight hugs and the bright smiles they provide. I love the inside jokes and silly faces we make. I love learning the names of their beloved stuffed animals or suddenly being able to know the names of all the Transformers because you just can't properly play Transformers without knowing their names. Sometimes, for those rough days, they make it all worth while to know I get to be a part of their lives and watch them grow up.

More importantly, thank you for you.

You make me soup and coffee when I'm sad and tired. You invite me to family events where I feel so welcomed and so loved. You're like super cool aunts and uncles, or even a second set of parents to me. You say, "Make yourself at home," but I don't even have to because you already do that for me.

Thank you.

I love you.

-Your babysitter