The woman who works our neighbourhood every morning with a big basket of pumpkin leaves, "Chinese," spinach, and tomatoes on her head doesn't like to be photographed. But Scout, who had just bought us some Chinese doesn't mind! (We're on the mop guy's route too, but only once every two weeks or so.) There is also a pot guy and a basket guy who know the kind of stuff we're likely to buy and pay us a visit every few weeks.

About a month ago Matilda started working as a nanny for a friend of ours. It took me nine months to be able to call her our "nanny"-- I winced at what felt like declarations of implications that word held about our economic status and my view, role, and purpose as a stay-at-home mom. But by the time she left, Nanny felt like a title of honor. I didn't realise until she was no longer around just how much I leaned on her for help with our household, my children, and for her cheerful company. We miss her. The kids, especially Finn, really love her, and she really loves them--especially Finn--too.

About a month ago Matilda started working as a nanny for a friend of ours. It took me nine months to be able to call her our "nanny"-- I winced at what felt like declarations of implications that word held about our economic status and my view, role, and purpose as a stay-at-home mom. But by the time she left, Nanny felt like a title of honor. I didn't realise until she was no longer around just how much I leaned on her for help with our household, my children, and for her cheerful company. We miss her. The kids, especially Finn, really love her, and she really loves them--especially Finn--too.