After checking into our chic hotel, I joined the other arrivals at Guappo’s for a Mexican dinner. I found a large group of boisterous Nannies, sucking down Daiquiris and Margaritas paired with chips and salsa, back in our private room. I was welcomed by a woman with a huge smile and politically themed hat, Sue Downey (My twitter friend!) I then saw some familiar faces, my INA Nanny friends, that have been like pen pals through Facebook, from the last conference. As we ate Enchiladas and such we introduced ourselves – sharing excitement and travel stories. I realized Nannies had traveled as far as Seattle to participate and others only 5 minutes. ADCAN, the Association of DC area Nannies, was very present and very involved with the preparation, carpooling, tour guiding, etc.  After dinner we headed over to the hotel bar. Nannies met, chatted, had a drink (Scooby Snacks?), played wii, and I was fortunate to get some blog torturing from one of the Regarding Nannies.  

As we sat in the lobby/bar, Nannies came in and through – including the Alexandria School from Solon, Ohio. This state accredited program offering brought their whole current class, girls fresh out of high school, to experience the professional conference. If that wasn’t amazing enough they also paid their way.

One by one we slowly drifted off to our hotel rooms. Can I just stop here and tell you about my amazing king pillow – cloud – heaven that I got to sleep in? Before I was married, I’d slept in a queen bed alone since I was elementary school. So the bed, partnered with wi-fi and wide screen TV that was practically in bed with me, left me very happy!

Day 1. Up and at ’em..Breakfast at the 4-H campus at 7:00. (ugh!) Then we head to the group “Welcome”. I see smiley Sue again, now training us to chant “Nannypalooza – Red, White & YOU”. 

Each year Nannypalooza has a unique theme. Moving from Philadelphia, where it had been for the last 3 years, to DC it took on a patriotic feeling – thus the stars and stripes on the felt hat standing high atop the NANC Vice-President Sue’s head. The conference veterans jump into the fun as the newbies look a little doe-eyed. Sue began the conference by asking us the question “Are you excited, existing, or exhausted?” She challenged us…”No matter where we are, Nannypalooza is for you! To play, challenge ourselves, listen to and learn new ideas/techniques.” Then we were on our way, each with our own red Nannypalooza “Goody Bag” (thanks to all the agencies, support groups, online support groups, and even individuals who donated gifts and resources to the each Nanny). 

Over the course of the 2 two days, I was able to attend 7 different sessions. I would love to tell you extensively about all that I have brought home, but that would be pages and pages of notes, ideas, thoughts, plans… well, you get the idea. So I will share my top 2 sessions, and check back in the coming weeks for more!

On Day 1, I thoroughly enjoyed the Infant Massage/Dunstan Baby Language workshop presented by Cynthia Lazarow, Certified Educator of Infant Massage USA. Though this is an extensive topic for an hour and a half workshop, she was able to give us so much information and resources to take us further. She taught us about the sensory capabilities of the babies in the womb, for example did you know that Movement/Touch is the earliest developed sense – beginning at 7 weeks gestation? She also explained the benefits and basics of Infant Massage and the Babies “6 Ways of Being” or “Baby States”.  What I will remember most was watching the DVD  training on the Dunstan Baby Language. You may have seen this on Oprah or YouTube. She claims there are 6 baby words and that they each mean something different. If you can train yourself to hear them, you can respond to the baby’s needs quickly and therefore prevent further stress and frustration for the baby. I cannot wait to get his DVD and watch in the CincyNanny group. Adorable, hilarious, and incredibly educational!

On of my favorite parts of the trip was I got to reconnect with my triplet nanny friend, Nikki. We meet at INA and strangely had a lot more than our triplets in common. It was so good to see her again and catch up on her new BBB triplets (just like me). 

After the end of the workshops on Saturday, I had to hurry back and get ready for out DC Trolley Tour. This was my first time to DC, so I was really excited to see the sites. I love cities and traveling and ever since my trip to NYC, I have loved the subways! I was super excited to head down the never-ending escalator to the underground trains. The group of us had a great time, and our guide, Michelle kept us all safe! 

We took the Metro to Union Station, then guided through the city. The buildings were amazing and the history rich. From The Capitol to Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, Washington Monument, a distant glimpse of the White House and the Arlington Cemetery. It was a brief view but powerful at the same time. I enjoyed standing in the exact spot that Martin Luther King, Jr. stood as he gave his “I have a dream” speech. In the dark night, I looked out over the reflection pond remembering that people were standing in the water to hear him. Now, just the reflection of the Washington Monument. 

Day 2. We got to start a little later. Another of my favorite workshops was “Diffusing Sibling Rivalry” taught by Lynne Ticknor. She is a Certified Parent Educator with the Parent Encouragement Program (PEP). She showed us that we are not to try to eliminate sibling rivalry as it is important for children to learn from their first social relationships. Children are just trying to belong, feel unique and important, and they learn valuable life skills through it (examples are: negotiation, compromise, generosity, communication, etc). She gave us lessons on being a coach with different “cards” to pull from our pockets (methods). I really enjoyed hearing her options for toddlers, since that is my daily environment. The best part of this workshop was the role playing. One set of “siblings” really got into it, and the Nanny was instructed to “Bear it” or do nothing. Fake fists were flying! 

As the Sunday came to a close, Nannies were slowly taking off. Business cards were passed around, hugs were shared with brand new friends. Facebook requests are dinging away and encouragement from all to see each other again next year. Each will take home their own favorite memories and resources. All will take with them a sense of pride… THEY know who I am. THEY know what I do. THEY get it. The community of understanding and self-respect established at these events is priceless! Make the decision right now to better yourself and your career by attending a Professional Nanny Conference. You will not be sorry.