WHAT WE DIDN T EXPECT

Transcription

1 Recommendation for Janine Rhecker for Au Pair of the Year 2015 WHAT WE DIDN T EXPECT When Janine Rhecker joined our family from Germany to help care for our 7 and 4 year old boys, we expected a young, happy and capable girl who would help with meals, dressing, playing with them, and driving. This recommendation essay for au pair of the year 2015 is not about all the expectations she met and surpassed, but about the contributions she made to our family that we didn't know we even needed.

2 Before she arrived we knew we had found someone special. Janine s desire to learn about the boys interests and send surprises via made us all excited for her arrival. We received photos of her doing things that the boys loved, a photo of her in front of the Lego store and she made amazing videos for each of the boys for their birthdays. She arrived with a huge smile and the most thoughtful gifts.

3 Our boys are very picky eaters. Janine helped to ensure that they were being exposed to healthy foods through her creative cooking. Every morning the boys each had a customized bowl of fruit. Imagine their names written in strawberries or fruit faces with mohawks made of pineapples. Every day was different and incredibly creative. She bakes cakes and muffins with crushed fruit, uses natural sweeteners in baked goods and makes homemade pizzas with fresh ingredients.

4 As a working mom, I have what feels like 10,000 things running through my head every moment. Janine knows how to help me without being asked. In the morning the kids loves when I make him homemade French toast. I come down at 7:00 to find the bowl, bread, milk, eggs, fork, pan and cooking spray waiting for me on the counter. Swimming today, no problem, bags were re-packed when we returned from swim class last week. Someone spills, and as I reach for a towel, she is already on the floor cleaning it up. Halloween costume too long, no problem, Janine can sew. And she takes pride in reorganizing my pantry, playroom and more. No, she wasn't asked, just wants to help. And when I do ask, 100% of the time she says of course with a smile.

5 Janine looks at every challenge as an opportunity. Within one month of Janine's arrival, our four year old (who was behind on self help skills) was putting on his shoes, dressing himself, clearing his plate at meals, and brushing his teeth. He had trouble writing his name, so she practiced with him. My seven year old started homework this year and was resistant to it. No problem. Janine took it upon herself to work with him and to help him develop good habits that will last a lifetime.

6 She not only brings joy to our family, but tries to help everyone around her. When a new au pair arrives, Janine is the first to offer to show them around. If a friend feels home sick, Janine cancels plans and brings them treats. If it s a friend s birthday, she will bake them the most elaborate cake. And she leaves little surprises for us all the time. She is also setting up a facebook page for Au Pairs to connect before their arrival and during their stay in America.

7 We are a Jewish American family and Janine was raised German Catholic. She has a strong desire to learn about our culture and share about hers. She cooks us authentic German meals. She celebrated her first Thanksgiving dinner with us. On Chanukah, we hosted friends and she spent 2 hours helping me by carefully frying 60+ latkas. She joined us every night to light the candles and made 8 homemade gifts for EACH of the children (snow globes, hand painted piggy banks, hand sewn felt ipad covers). We are very much looking forward to our first Christmas dinner, which Janine is carefully planning. We have never had a Christmas tree but wanted to get one for her. She spent that first afternoon making homemade tree decorations with the boys.

8 Before Janine s arrival I had shared that our children can be difficult, specifically our older son who tended to be an anxious and slightly hyperactive child. I am happy to report that on a recent visit to his doctor, the doctor said he sees major improvements. His teacher said his classroom behavior is now very focused. He is for the first time participating in team sports and working at grade level or above in all subjects. In short, he is a much happier and more confident child. The teacher mentioned He talks about Janine all the time. He really likes her. And when the kids do something that would upset 99% of 19 year olds (and most adults too), Janine doesn t get upset. She hugs them, tells them she loves them and helps to teach them the right way. There is no value you can put on that. Unconditional love!!! In short, Janine is mature, talented and capable beyond her years in all ways. We cannot imagine that there is a better au pair anywhere in America!