A few summers ago at the Nirvana things were a bit different. Holly had just two boys to wrangle. She had a three year old and a baby. These were tough times because the three year old had no interest in baby things and the baby was a baby.



Holly has a smile on her face because she very smartly sat down with her regular babysitter (babysitter #1) before college dismissed to schedule some summer hours of peace. Well, not really peace, more like a mommy-and-me swimming class with the three year old for which she had to pre-pay.

Holly was at the window watching for babysitter #1:



Holly was still at the window watching for babysitter #1 one hour after babysitter #1 was supposed to arrive and 20 minutes after the pre-paid swimming lessons had started.

Babysitter #1 never showed up that day.

Babysitter #1 never showed up any other day of that entire summer.

Holly was dumped by babysitter #1.

Enter babysitter #2.



Babysitter #2 was very sweet and showed up on day one. Babysitter #2 was there a little early so that Holly could run some errands before swimming lessons.

Babysitter #2 called Holly on her cell phone 15 minutes after Holly left to tell her that her son was bleeding. A lot.

Holly called 911.

Holly turned the car around.

Holly met the ambulance at her home (Holly may have exceeded the speed limit on the way home...shhhhh).



The EMT's assured Holly that her son had just bumped his lip and although there was a lot of blood, there was very little injury.

Holly thanked the EMTs.

Babysitter #2 thanked Holly for the work opportunity, but related that it might be a little "too stressful for her".

Babysitter #2 dumped Holly.

Enter babysitter #3.



Quite honestly Holly can't even remember what happened with babysitter #3. But shortly after she started, she quit.

Babysitter #3 dumped Holly.

Holly dumped the pre-paid swimming lessons.

Holly was pretty much in the dumps.

And then the phone rang...



It was Holly's dentist!



Holly responded as any rational person would...

well, maybe not any person...

well, maybe just like Holly would...



Yes, Holly started crying.

And then Holly started unloading on the poor person from the dentist's office.



Yes, Holly actually said, "And if I could find a sitter I certainly wouldn't waste it on a trip to the dentist".

Oh no she didn't!

Oh yes she did.

After Holly said it, she regretted it...

Until 30 minutes later...

the phone rang.



It was Holly's dentist!



Yes, Holly's dentist found her a babysitter.

Enter babysitter #4.



Babysitter #4 arrived right on time for the first time so that Holly could go to the dentist.

The end.

Except, for the record babysitter #4 regularly worked for Holly's family over the next 3 years and is considered a part of the family...in fact, it is likely that she is reading this now.

Hi Katie, thanks for not dumping Holly.

78 comments:

Anonymous said...

Holly,

Were you always this adorable, or did you fall into a vat of radioactive adorability? Seriously, that post is ridiculously cute. The story, the drawings, the asides, the brown banana.

Best. Mommy Blogger. Ever.

The Mom Jen said...

That's love on your dentist's part! How completely sweet and it's bonus that she is still around 3 years later and a "family member!" ;)

Jennifer S said...

Yay for Babysitter #4, and for the dentist!

Um, I may or may not have cried like that once or twice before, under similar circumstances.

Marinka said...

Love this post! I wonder if you'd mentioned to your dentist that you can't come for an appointment because you're short of money, if he'd send you huge bags of it. Because he really sounds like that sort of guy. I may need to make an appointment. If only I had something designer to wear.

Fawn said...

How did I ever get invited to a blogger get together with someone as funny as you? I am not worthy.

the planet of janet said...

as much as i love (and dream about) holly's animated life posts, i would be remiss if i didn't point out that holly is clearly a young whippersnapper.

otherwise, she surely would have known that the rotary phone numbers go in the OTHER direction.

Valarie Lea said...

Boy, they really wanted you to get your teeth cleaned. :)

Kalynne Pudner said...

Hooray for Katie! And for your dentist who is, I concede, better than my dentist, who not only fails to provide excellent babysitting help, but can't even seem to make a filling that stays inside the appropriate tooth.

Also, hooray for a copycat post idea. We tried to find babysitting help when there were eight under nine...

Anonymous said...

Best dentist/babysitter story ever written. And you don't get a chance to say that alot in life.

awesome

Anonymous said...

I love Miss Katie because she saved Miss Holly's teeth - and let's face it... I'm a little tooth obsessed.

((hug)) You have been through so much for these boys.

Kellan said...

I just love your animated life - it is so funny and so clever!!!

Anonymous said...

THAT is precisely why I don't hire babysitter's or go to the dentist. Too much trouble and heartache.

jill jill bo bill said...

Rotary phones are out?! Shit, I am always the last to know everything!!

Hysterical post!

Your teeth must have been really bad!

Beth Cotell said...

Wow! That is pretty impressive...your dentist getting you a sitter I mean. Although the fact that three sitters dumped you in one summer is pretty impressive too!

Jenni said...

Your illustrations are stunning, Miss Holly!

And your dentist is probably better than mine...but really aren't they all evil pain-mongers?

Manic Mommy said...

Really, you'd think that it would be the OB that would provide that kind of service.

And also? I totally thought this was going to be a post about nitrous.

Laski said...

My sides are still hurting. And the artwork. Amazing.

The story. Hilarious.

You. Awesome.

spinning in our own direction said...

Ha .. poor Holly .. but remeber I still have you bea. not only do I not have a regualr babysitter b/c everyone is always too busy the second time we call them BUT....

MY OWN MOTHER will not keep my kids for more than 2-3 hours and then only if she has not seen them in a week and as you know she calls at least 3 times durring those 2-3 hours to ask when we are coming home..

So I win...

Louise said...

Wow! Amazing! I was SURE you couldn't top my dentist because when I went it Chicklet (a.k.a. The Beast), she cried the entire 40 minutes I got my teeth cleaned. That would be each time between 1 year and 2-1/2 years. Another person in the office held and comforte her the whole time and told me that it was NOTHING. That she was SWEET. That they LOVED holding her.

But they never found me a babysitter. In fact, every. single. time. I go to the dentist, it is with kids in tow. Thankfully it's better now, but those early days are horrendous.

Unknown said...

Ok. You're right. Your dentist is better than mine.

amelia bedelia said...

You're right! You're dentist is awesome. Mine just pulls my teeth and gripes at me because I don't floss!

Misty said...

Your dentist does rock... That's awesome. Sometimes it pays to fall apart to the least likely of people.
And sometimes it probably doesn't.
Boy was Holly lucky!

Jason, as himself said...

Great story, great technical graphics.

Milly said...

Really funny and I enjoyed the drawings too.
Very good.

Roger Miller said...

You know our dentist hooked us up with our fist good babysitter as well.

Okay, that's not really true, but it's the best I have at this late hour.

By the way, I think Babysitter #3 stole your outfit...

Nanny Goats In Panties said...

This story rocks! it's got drama! It's got intrigue! It's got blood! And it's got a happy ending. Yay for Holly!

Mozi Esme said...

Does Katie travel? It's been well over a year since my last visit to the dentist.

frog ponds rock... said...

Yay for Katie...

one, two, three...

Vodka Mom said...

first of all, you have WAY TOO MUCH TIME on your hands. Secondly, I'm glad of it. That was GREAT!!!!

Miss Lisa said...

You are so lucky--I just get toothpaste and a toothbrush I never use (I'm a Sonicare girl).
Happy you got a sitter!

Eternal Sunshine said...

I love these - I can't get enough!

That was awfully sweet of your dentist's office! That woman TOTALLY understood where you were coming from...

Oh and LOL@ Janet - I thought the same thing!!

Courtney said...

How nice to find a reliable babysitter who didn't dump you. You made me feel better because we went through 4 babysitters in 6 months and I though maybe my kids were the devil and I didn't realize it or I was expecting WAY too much. Glad to hear it isn't just me these things happen to.

Madge said...

seriously/ your dentist found you a baby-sitter? crazy. my boys went to the dentist yesterday and we were in and out in 34 minutes, no lie. i have the second best dentist in the world.

Rebecca said...

I love the illustrations to go with! And yes, finding a good babysitter is hard... but then again it should be when you trust them with the most precious people in the world ;-)


BTW - I came her via Jenn :)

jenn said...

You are too funny!!!!

I featured you as part of my TT this week, so people, like frigga, may come visit!

Angie @ KEEP BELIEVING said...

Oh yeah? Well my Dentist has TV's in every one of their over 25 examining rooms. And they over X-ray you! AND they have a uber cheesy mural of fish and the ocean and EVEN MERMAIDS painted all over their ceiling. AND they have a two story waterfall with those ludicrous mechanical swimming fish in the bottom pool. And the kids love it...

KEEP BELIEVING

Anonymous said...

Man. You have all the fun. My dentist only finds cavities and refuses to give me laughing gas anymore. Apparently, it's just for the kids.

Dana Clover said...

LOl I love it!

Anonymous said...

Oooooh. Shiny teeth AND shiny kids. Swimming lessons are overrated anyway ;)

Plus...we're giving away free stuff!

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

Holly's dentist is certainly a full-service operation!

EatPlayLove said...

If katie decides to further her studies at the University of Colorado, can you email me her number. Thanks.

EatPlayLove said...

have you seen what cabbage is up to on my blog? you might just want to have a laugh texasholly.

Danielle said...

I use my brown bananas as a microphone when I sing "I'm a Maniac"....never thought of using it as a phone!

Seriously...cute post...love your animated life!

Unknown said...

Thank you Holly, for sharing your awesome babysitter with your brother and his wife!

Life in the Crazy Lane said...

That's so funny! I, too, have cried on the phone to random strangers in moments of stress. I never got a babysitter out of the deal ...

Brittany said...

You DO have the best dentist ever! I mean,mine just sighs deeply while my boys try to rip the suction hose from his hands and try and suction eachother's eyeballs out!

Angie's Spot said...

I was just telling someone the other night about how much I love your animated posts. This is HILARIOUS! So glad that you found a reliable sitter. And what a GREAT dentist office!

Anonymous said...

That's great... I liked the phone not a brown banana...

JCK said...

That is the BEST dentist story I've ever heard. And of course, the drawings, no one does better. Ever.

Sometimes you have to try a few babysitters, cry and then it works...

Threeundertwo said...

Where are you getting all these cute babysitters with tank tops and mini skirts?

Clearly I need the number for your dentist.

Suzie said...

You are so funny I laughed till I cried. You made my day

Anonymous said...

You have an awesome blog!! Love the drawings...

Ron Davison said...

So, Holly, here's another thousand dollar idea for you. Why not something like eHarmony or bDating or whatever online services they have for matching up couples, but apply it to baby sitters and families? Questions about your attitude towards chaos or tolerance for paste eating could help to screen out babysitters; questions like, have you ever told your child no and does your child have more food allergies than magic cards might help to screen out families. And speaking of that, I wonder if your dentist also sets up couples. I can see the ad now. "We will find you a sitter, a guy to sheetrock your basement, or even a spouse. We won't just leave you smiling - we'll make sure that smile looks good. Holly's Dental Nirvana - where nobody cries because the nitrous oxide tanks are right here in the waiting room."

Teri said...

I just stumbled upon your blog. I am hooked! So funny!

Petra a.k.a The Wise (*Young*) Mommy said...

Awesome! Your dentist IS better than mine. Mine just makes me bleed and have foam face all day!

Krystal said...

Lol. Yay for stick people story and the "phone, not a brown banana" made me laugh

Elizabeth said...

I LOVE that your Dentist found you a babysitter! I'm glad that even as a new mom, I wasn't an over-reactor...due to numerous nieces and nephews in my life! Those mouth cuts can be really nasty, and my #1 daughter ALWAYS cut her lip!
Once she even BIT THROUGH :(
Nice drawings! E

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh! I love your blog! I love this story. I love you. And I don't even know you : ). Maybe it was the rotary phone! Who knows!

Anonymous said...

My brother is my dentist. He's never found me a babysitter. But he gave me a really cute niece and nephew.

That I babysit on occasion.

Maybe I need a new dentist.

Nora said...

This is how my blog posts go, in my head. Love it!

foolery said...

Whoa. It's a good thing you weren't complaining to the phone lady about not getting laid. Or maybe it's a bad thing?

I have a rotary cell phone -- what of it?

Also? Muchas gracias por la Stumble, Miss Holly -- what a nice surprise! I'm returning the favor because this made me laugh out loud.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry but you're like the best artist that I know. Your dentist is getting you babysitters because he/she wants an invite to your gallery showing!

Scary Mommy said...

The only thing my dentist has ever found me is a cavity. The bastard. I do love your illustrated entries- they always crack me up!!!

Lizz @ Yes, and So is My Heart said...

Oh, I loved that. I was dumped by a babysitter this summer. Fortunately, number two is still sticking with us.

Petra a.k.a The Wise (*Young*) Mommy said...

I gave you an award! If you would like to pick it up, feel free to hop on over to my blog! You're awesome, thanks for being you!

Jyl @ MommyGossip said...

I saw you over on Petra's site (thewiseyoungmommy.blogspot.com). Congratulations on being nominated for an award.

I love this post. Not only because I can relate after working my way through, count them, seven nannies over the years. But... also because I know what it is like to find those extraordinary, Mary Poppins of all Mary Poppins people, that make the biggest difference in yours and your kid's lives and truly become a part of your family.

And... if you lived close to me, I'd dump my dentist for yours. That is some seriously amazing customer service! WOW!

Back to the award: Enjoy the post party and all the celebrities. ;)

Anonymous said...

Wow, what other problems can this Dentist solve? That is truly amazing and a great sorry. Sorry about the first 3 but sounds like you have a winner in #4! :) Much love, xoxo-pm

Jyl @ MommyGossip said...

Thanks for stopping by my site! When I post today, I plan on adding stick figure drawing thanks to your inspiration. I will give you a big shout out, so stop by later or tomorrow to check out my work of art and your name in lights, well maybe just in words, but a girl can always imagine her name in lights, right?

Anonymous said...

Holly's dentist is a GOD! I thought my dentist was awesome, cause he tells me I am awesome and tells other parents that I am awesome. But he didn't find me a babysitter. I am going to call him and give him a piece of my mind.

Hi Katie! Wanna come to the land of sunshine and rainbows? Here in Australia you can have your own unicorn. Just don't tell Holly K?

Amy said...

My Google feed reader suggested that I might like you blog, and here I am, cracking up at your dentist finding you a babysitter story. Oh, and I'm also a little bit jealous... can I borrow your dentist and/or babysitter? :)

Natalie said...

this was great! i haven't needed babysitters much and am so thankful that my kids are old enough to not need them anymore. very happy about that!

Shauna said...

I dont think I have been fired by sitters yet. Pretty darn amazing! You crack me up btw.

Suzie said...

I hope you ha da great Labor Day

LuckyMe said...

I love your drawings. You should compile and publish them. Do you draw with markers and scan? Charming!!

Nicole Brady said...

Holly - I was sad but uninstalled my comment box. The comments were going to the right place, but friends told me that they could only post if they were using IE and not if they were using Firefox or anything else. If you finally found a way to make this work, please email me because I would love to reinstall it!
Nicole

Anonymous said...

HAHA! Yes, babysitter #4 loves Holly's family! (and she thanks them for paying her way through college!)

Anonymous said...

Hi, Holly,
Babysitter #4 is my daughter. When they (my first 3 kids) were all little I would have loved a babysitter like her as I sat in the bathroom with the door closed (the only solitary place in the house)with 3 kids under 3 1/2 calling my name, well mommy, and crying. My name is no longer "mommy". That name has gone through many renditions over the past 25 years, some not so great and some completely adorable. The good news is they still call me.
I am so happy Babysitter #4 had the opportunity to know and love your family.
She is very lovable and very organized!
KT's MOM

Anonymous said...

The website idea about matching nannies with families is great. Here's another idea of matching dentists with families: http://localdentist4less.com

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