Babysitting

So, obviously I love babysitting. Sadly, I haven't had any opportunities to babysit while up here. (Though I do get to babysit Evan sometimes while I'm down in Edmonds). I was hoping to change this, but not really taking any action yet to find families. I figured volunteering would get me connections, but I haven't made any steps towards that either. This is one of those things that fell into the "I think about" category, instead of the "I do something about". I'm trying to make more and more things fall into the action category.

Anyhoo, today while at work at previous employee came in with her 7 mo old daughter. (The reason she is a previous employee instead of a current employee). It was great to see her and her daughter is adorable. We visited for a little bit, then I had to get back to work and she continued to visit with my boss. (And of course while there were visiting and I was working I was jealous and wishing I could smile at the baby more..)

So, while shes walking out she stepped into my office (which I technically share with my bosses boss, but she wasn't there, so I get to be all cool and have my own office). She said:

"Hey Amy, I actually wanted to ask you something. Would you be interested in babysitting?"

"Yes," I said, without any hesitation and a bit grin starting on my face. "Of course!"

"Oh great! When I was trying to think of a babysitter I thought of you, but I don't actually know your last name (its an informal office) and I don't have your email!"

"Oh! I'll get you that!" I'm still grinning, of course.

"My husband and I like to go dancing on Saturday nights."

"Oh cool!" I start to try and find a paper. That makes it sound more smooth then it was..it was more like this:

"Ok, well let me write my stuff down for you." Looks around. "Hmm...I probably shouldn't use a sticky note. But thats all I have... Hmmm" Looks around some more. "Oh, I probably have something in here! Yea! Paper! That makes sense!"

So I grab the paper and give her my information, very messily because by this time I was shaking with glee. Sounds lame, I know, but ...well you guys know me.

She asks if I have a car, which sadly I don't. She said "oh, well we'll figure something out! We can always just drive you!"

I should have responded with a, "well I can take the bus too", but I didn't think of it til after the fact. I'll mention that when she contacts me.

So then she said goodbye, and with a smile said "We'll definitely be getting in contact with you soon!". She seemed pretty excited that I was excited. :)

Anyhoo, so yea...that news this afternoon plus coffee this morning has made this a very energetic and giddy day! Now I'm going to go and research my butt off her age group, even though I already know lots of it its just really fun to plan/know as much as I can!

I was wondering -- do you think its weird to ask/offer to come over before I babysit and just visit while she is there? That way her daughter can get to know me, and I can learn about her daughter and what makes her happy/what calms her down... Plus I could learn where things are in the house, etc.. I haven't babysat for a new family in years, so I don't know if they would appreciate that or if they would find it an inconvenience. What do you think?