I was at maximum stress organising a relocation between 2 countries in 2 weeks, when my nanny suddenly decided she didn't want to come with us back to Australia (her native country, so not as exciting).
Cue hyper-ventilating stress-related panic attack and doubt about inflicting a new country, home and nanny on DD. Anyway, after much soul searching I felt that a year living on Bondi beach would be a great opportunity for DD before she has to settle into school.
So, with 4 weeks before I had to be in Australia [cue more stress attacks and vastly increased wine consumption] I set about finding a nanny. Having been stung for £4,000 by the last nanny agency I didn't want to use one, so registered on greataupair.com. I managed to get a short list of several nannies already in Bondi, so knowing the area inside out and meaning I don't have to pay any airfares.
I've just finished interviewing and have found a 20 year old, with 4 years sole care toddler experience, who is arty, musical & sporty (played squash for under 19 Aus team), a non-drinker (which makes up for my pinot habit), who is studying for a law degree in her spare time, has a car & licence, current police safety check, already lives where I'm moving to, has safely dealt with an A&E emergency with a 2 year old, allocates a new theme to each week for the children and loves taking them swimming, to baby gym, to the beach, museums, and will move down to part time once I've found a 2 day nursery place for DD AND her references checked out. The mother said she was devastated when she left and that she was the best childcarer she'd ever had, with a natural affinity with children. She said she can be completely trusted, never has to have anything spelt out and is great at taking the initiative.
AND because it's Australia I don't have to pay ridiculous London wages.
I am so happy. How perfect does she sound?!
Now all I've got to do is stress about doing the flight on my own with a 2 year old.