Monday, 6th October 2014 – New Nanny
My wife left early in the morning to go interview other possible nannies. The one we had considered earlier did not seem too keen on the job.
In the afternoon, my wife came home and told the current nanny that she is being replaced.
Later, she came back and drove the nanny to the bus stop and afterwards brought home the new nanny.
Tuesday, 7th October
Day one with the new nanny. My wife, of course, gave many instructions on how things are to be done.
Gio woke up at around 10:00 (just like yesterday). He did not seem concerned about this new person.
Eventually, my wife left for work, leaving me at home with Gio and the new nanny.
Wednesday 8th October
Wednesday or Thursday – ‘Technical Difficulties’
The nanny reported that she was unable to operate the TV. She pressed this and that but was unable to get to Gio’s videos.
Gio tried to rescue the situation. He pressed this and that on the TV, (and probably the power switch on the wall) gave the nanny the remote control, waited in vain for his videos to come on screen and finally resorted to playing with his toys.
When my wife came in after work, he immediately gave her the remote.
Friday, 10th October
My wife was out and I told the nanny that I would put Gio to sleep.
When it was about time and I wanted to put Gio to sleep, he protested and fled to the kitchen where the nanny was.
(It was a bit amusing and I found it noteworthy that he considers the new nanny a refuge. I guess that’s a good thing).
“Let me put him on my back and put him to sleep.”
“No, I will put him to sleep,” I told her “and we don’t want him to get used to being carried on the back at night so that he can sleep.”
A while later, she came to the living room where we were and again said she wants to carry Gio on her back and put him to sleep.
“No,” I said. “I will put him to sleep.”
“Ama tungoje Mama.” (Or let’s wait for Mama).
(The nanny normally goes to bed at around 9:30)
“You will wait until she comes back?”
“What time is she coming back?”
“Haijulikani.” (It is not known). “If she comes back at 11 you will wait until 11?”
“She is coming back at 11:00?”
“Mwache nitamlalisha.” (Just leave him I will put him to sleep.)
I was a bit annoyed.
She eventually went to bed. I let Gio play a bit and watch his videos then eventually took him to his room and he slept without much fuss.
Saturday, 11th October
My wife said the nanny reported that the previous night Telo’s dad really insisted on putting the child to sleep – is he able to do that? My wife told her that when she is not there I normally do it.
Sunday, 12th October – Whose Food?
We went to Church and left Gio at the room for children his age. Some parents sit there with their children and there are also some volunteers who look after the children.
After the service, when my wife went back to pick him, he had crumbs on his cheeks.
One or more of the following must have happened:
Gio saw another child being given food and he
– drew near eyeing the food and the caregiver gave him some of the food
– went and leaned forward towards the food until either his mouth was on the food or the caregiver gave him some
– went and simply took the food (this is a bit unlikely but cannot be ruled out).
The Giovanni Chronicles 