It is hard to put into words just how amazing Alana is. Before she even steps foot in your house, she puts you at ease by providing endless reassurance that no matter how little you know about being parents, by the end of your time with her, you will feel prepared to take it all on before she moves on to her next family. And family it is, Alana cares for each child as if they were her own, and has the most genuine love for what she does.  She is able to adapt to each family and child, and in the midst of what is often a very hectic time, has the ability to remain calm and be the voice of reason for all. Alana not only supported our daughter in the first 2 weeks of her life, but supported us as well.  She provided helpful suggestions for breastfeeding, which was a challenge for me in the beginning, and was a source of support while I found my way.  Alana was beyond patient with my endless hormone induced indecisiveness, sleep-deprived mood swings, and beyond all, was someone I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. It is an interesting dynamic to welcome a “stranger” into your home during one of the most vulnerable times in your life, however, at no point did she feel like a “stranger” as Alana walks into your life and immediately becomes family.  On the day she left to join another family, I cried for an hour after she did as I felt like a ray of sunshine walked out the door.  When I finally checked my cell phone, I already had a message from Alana reassuring me that it would be okay. And she was right – thanks to Alana, we have a happy baby who sleeps 12 hours a night and eats like a champ.  We wholeheartedly believe that this is because of Alana.  We have kept in touch along the way, with Alana checking in every now and then, and us the same, as we still reach out to her for guidance or to share our daughter’s most recent milestone.  Should we have another baby, we would without pause welcome Alana back into our home as we cannot imagine coming home from the hospital without her!