I looked after my little grandson this week so his parents could enjoy a long awaited overnight break together. Obviously I have some experience with toddlers but although I loved spending time with B it left me wondering why on earth anyone would consider paying for medical help to get pregnant in their 50's.
B's mum often says she has no idea how I managed 7 children - when my youngest was born my eldest was 15 so I had a newborn, littlies and teens to deal with all at the same time. Let me tell you, B is an easy toddler but of course you have to keep your eyes peeled at all times and there's more physical care than there is with older children. Basically now I parent my tribe via Snapchat.
I suppose when I had so many I had extra eyes and helping hands in the form of my children who have always been willing to help me out with their siblings. Not always graciously and sometimes with some form of reward but hey, they did it.
This week B must have realised Grandma was a bit broken (fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis) because he happily came to me once I was on the floor calling him ready to change his nappy or clothes and valiantly tried to stand on one leg while I put his trousers on. Then I watched his parents with their young muscles hoisting him up to dress him and realised the way I did it was new to him. Bless him for trying to help aged Grandma.
I have nothing but admiration for Grandparents who look after their grandchildren weekly. I had to go to bed early after just a couple of days with B and that was with my youngest helping out!
I suppose the benefit is that one on one time without the parents brings a new level of closeness to your grandchildren. I feel I know B better and our relationship seems closer. I loved my bedtime hugs and kisses and was pleased that he seemed to trust me and was happy even though his parents were away.
Of course he asked about them and was delighted when they returned but was equally happy the next day when they popped out for a couple of hours for a friend's birthday leaving me to put him to bed. I didn't even have to feed him chocolate buttons to keep him sweet.