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My last work day was just before Christmas! Since I had arrived at the au pair school on June 23, 2014 my travel month technically started on December 23, 2016. For those who don't know, a part of the au pair program is that you can spend an additional month without working in America after your time is up, Your host family might get a new au pair so the point is that you move out and spend your saved up money to travel and see the rest of the country. You can choose a date within these 30 days to fly back home so you don't have to stay the whole month if you don't have enough money or simply don't feel like it.

 

My host family's new Finnish au pair wouldn't arrive until one week into January, but I would still move out and live with Nick of course! The nanny had already gone on vacation so I was the one who went on walks to put Matteo down for a nap. He's in that age now where he kicks off as soon as he doesn't get what he wants so it's not always easy to convince him, but it went pretty well. The rain was pouring down real bad one day so I had to hide under trees, haha. But I still enjoyed it because it as good exercise (I had quit my gym a few weeks ago) and it was a bit nostalgic since I used to be the one to take Matteo out for his naps when I first started working. On my last day the beautiful sun was shining so I really enjoyed that walk.

 

All of the kids were extra cuddly with me those days, maybe because they knew I was leaving. Amanda sat on my lap while I was folding laundry one night because she loved how warm her pajamas and towels were. That has never happened before. At the same time I was laughing at Daniel who was trying to hide from me and Matteo who was catching books in a fish net but kept bonking them on his head instead, haha! It felt weird taking them to the library, bagel store and allergy clinic one last time but at the same time nice to know I'd be changing my daily routines soon.

 

The host family had macarons for us all and we had a little good bye party in the evening after dinner which was lovely! I got a nice card, my Christmas bonus and also a bottle of their own honey from the bees they had a while ago! Too cool! Nick has used it when cooking several times already and is so excited about using "the real deal" ;) We said our good byes, I went to IKEA real quick to get some of my favorite treats (they were out of all of the Christmas stuff, blaah) and then went back to my room to pack up my moving boxes and wait for Nick. He came late at night after work to help me with my things. He was supposed to drive me home but Lucille said that I could borrow their car during my whole travel month which was so nice! So we put my things in Nick's car and had a moment where we just stood outside the house in the dark. It was bittersweet because I was leaving this place where I had spent SO much time and at the same time I couldn't have been happier that I was moving in with Nick. At the end of the day I am glad I made the decision to only extend with 6 months instead of 12 months. I'm just at that age where I want to settle down and create my own family instead of taking care of someone else's.

 

Making those waffles with Matteo for the millionth time ;)