A Love Beyond the Chaos

Cahpter 26: The Babysitting Chronicles

**The Babysitting Brigade**

Mikha and I had just found out we were expecting our third child, and as exciting as it was, it also meant more frequent doctor visits and occasional breaks from our busy parenting routine. Our friends—Jhoanna, Stacey, Maloi, Colet, Sheena, and Gwen—had each graciously volunteered to babysit Ellie and Max during my check-ups. Each visit became a unique adventure, filled with laughter, fun, and some unforgettable moments.

**Jhoanna's Storybook Adventure**

Jhoanna was the first on the babysitting roster. She arrived at our house with a large bag filled with children's books and crafts. Ellie and Max were immediately drawn to the colorful assortment of books she had brought.

"Alright, kiddos," Jhoanna said with a bright smile, "today we're going on a storybook adventure. Who wants to hear a story?"

Ellie, her eyes wide with excitement, jumped up. "I do! I want the one about the dragon who saved the princess!"

Jhoanna nodded enthusiastically. "Perfect choice! Let's get started."

As Jhoanna read, she used different voices for the characters, making the story come to life. Max was fascinated, but halfway through, he began to fidget and eventually announced:

"Miss Jhoanna, why did the dragon eat the princess's cake?"

Jhoanna paused, looking puzzled. "Um, I don't think the dragon ate the cake. Why do you ask?"

Max replied seriously, "Because he was hungry!"

Jhoanna chuckled and continued the story, adding in her own impromptu explanation about dragons loving cake. Ellie was thoroughly entertained, and Jhoanna's storytelling skills had clearly made the day special.

**Stacey's Snack Time and Dance Party**

Next up was Stacey, who arrived armed with an impressive array of snacks and an infectious energy. As soon as she walked in, Ellie and Max swarmed her, eager to see what treats she had brought.

"Miss Stacey, what snacks did you bring?" Ellie asked, her eyes sparkling.

Stacey grinned and laid out a spread of fruit slices, cookies, and cheese sticks. "I brought everything you could possibly want. And guess what? We're having a snack party!"

Max immediately reached for a cookie. "Cookie! Cookie!"

Stacey handed him a cookie with a wink. "You can have a cookie, but only if you eat some fruit first. Deal?"

Ellie, ever the negotiator, piped up. "How about we have a dance party after snacks?"

Stacey laughed. "Dance party it is! But only if we dance to your favorite songs."

After they finished their snacks, Stacey turned on some upbeat music and led the kids in a dance party. The living room quickly turned into a mini disco, with Ellie and Max busting out their best dance moves. Stacey joined in, performing exaggerated dance moves that had the kids in fits of laughter.

During a particularly wild dance move, Ellie shouted, "Miss Stacey, you're dancing like a tornado!"

Stacey, spinning around, laughed. "I guess that makes me a very fancy tornado then!"

**Maloi's Pirate Adventure and Pizza Party**

Maloi was next on the babysitting list. As always, he brought his signature enthusiasm and a bag full of props. When he arrived, Ellie and Max were waiting eagerly.

"Ahoy, mateys!" Maloi greeted them, brandishing a toy pirate sword. "Today, we're going on a treasure hunt!"

Ellie's eyes lit up. "Pirates! Are we finding real treasure?"