Jessica Johnson, Auckland

This is a long overdue nomination for Jessica Johnson, who is coming to the end of her stay with us.  As I was returning to work earlier than planned, my husband and I decided an Au Pair was the way to go so our daughter could be at home with her routines.  From the moment Jess arrived in our home, (well maybe about 5 minutes after arriving as our then 9-month old was, and still is, a shy wee thing with strangers),  she has fitted in to our family ways and routines.  Our daughter loves her and is completely comfortable with her.  Jess has seen many milestones, given she arrived when Millar was only 9-months old.  There was not a lot of rest though as by 10 months she was walking so Jess spent many hours bent in half, holding her hands as she learned to walk on her own.  Since then she has been teaching her many words, body parts, and encouraging her with her learning (and there is much to learn!). 

Our daughter, being a real outdoors girl now, Jess will spend hours outside, wandering up to the letter box, and having every aircraft pointed out to her, and every piece of gravel inspected.  She has amazing patience and compassion for children.   She is full of ideas for fun things to do, and the number of block towers she has built only to have smashed down…

Jess fits in with our family routine seamlessly.  She has so much initiative, from her arrival she has slotted in and picked up on how we do things (and let’s be honest, we are all somewhat set in our ways!!).  Whilst she is employed for 30 hours, that doesn’t stop her from doing extra.  She is always offering assistance, or entertaining Millar while I get dinner or getting dinner while I entertain Millar.  With a husband who is away regularly for work, Jess is that extra pair of hands, not only looking after her whilst I am at work, but right through to putting Millar to bed and tidying up the house.  She is also great company in the evenings – a good TV buddy!  My husband and I have even had the odd night out.

Jess is a sensible, caring, gentle person whose true love of children really shows.  We are extremely lucky to have had Jess this year and there will be a true gap when she goes, as we will really see all the wee things that just get done without even being asked.  And Millar will lose her ‘big sister’ who is always ready to play with her from the moment she gets up, till bedtime. Jess’s monthly stories about Millar are fabulous, and which will be fondly looked back on as Millar grows.  

Jessica Johnson