Today my family said goodbye to someone who’s been an integral part of our lives. Her name is Maggy, and she’s spent nearly every Friday morning baby-sitting my children for the last 18 months. My kids adore her, and most importantly, I feel completely comfortable leaving my children in her care.

My family has changed so much in the time Maggy has been with us. When she started, we were a family of four. With the addition of baby Siler last September, we’ve expanded to a family of five. If two toddlers and a newborn didn’t scare her off, I don’t know what would. Of course, she’s also been working for a family with triplets since those children were infants. She’s a pro now.

Maggy’s witnessed Mila and Eli grow by leaps and bounds. When she started, they were only 19 months old. She’s watched them as they’ve gone from saying a few words and sentences to talking nonstop. They’ve gone from needing diaper changes to being potty trained (well, most days anyway). They’ve graduated from booster seats to sitting in big chairs at the kitchen table.

She used to look at picture books with them and point to an object and they’d repeat the word. Now, they like to have Maggy, a native of Brazil, read Dr. Seuss books. Can you imagine reading Green Eggs and Ham and Hop on Pop when in English is your second language? What a trooper!

She also knows all the important information that a sitter can only get to know over time, such as where we stash the Goldfish. She knows that Eli likes p

eanut butter and jelly, but Mila only likes peanut butter. She knows Eli has to have his purple car, and Mila has to have her purple elephant to go to sleep. Who knew my twins would have so much in common with Prince? I’m not sure why they are obsessed with purple toys.

I also credit Maggy for helping to save my sanity. Though rewarding, it’s not an easy job to be a stay-at-home mom of three small children. I’ve enjoyed having my Friday morning escape to relax and do something for myself.

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’ve been able to run errands, go shopping and attend yoga classes. I’ve also been able to go to all those routine appointments in peace. I’m sure my eye doctor, dentist, gynecologist and hairdresser are thankful, as well.

Maggy graduated in May, and now has a full-time job. That’s the equivalent of hitting the jackpot in this economy. I can’t blame her for wanting to move on to greener pastures. I’ve warned her that some adults in the business world throw temper tantrums, too. The only difference is you can’t put your boss and coworkers in time out.

We wish Maggy the best as she pursues her career goals. We’ll miss you.

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