Oma's Solo Babysitting Adventure

Josh and I were extremely fortunate to be able to go to the Dominican Republic with a couple of friends.  Mom was gracious enough to come watch the kiddos while we were gone.  So I asked her if she would like to do a guest spot on my blog.  She agreed.  This is what follows!

 

Dropping in for a long weekend or even having the Nelson's visit for a week at our home in Iowa does not prepare a 62 year old Grandma to fly solo with the 4 grandchildren, cat and dog for 5 days. I had to fly out 2 days early to be trained - oh yeah, I needed every bit of training I could get.

You would think raising two children of my own that I would remember how to change a diaper (especially a messy one - gag). You gotta be quick! Otherwise it can lead to disaster.

Bath time should be a fun time right? Well when you have to bend over the tub with a bad back, and kneel on that hard ceramic tile....not so much. The hardest part is moving quickly before you get a face full of water from the splashing.

Speaking of water....the two older boys have a bathroom all of their own. (I remember one bath per household?) Anyway, one night I went down to get them into bed after their showers, and the bathroom floor was a swimming pool. Water everywhere - when asked who might have been the culprit, two sets of very innocents eyes said "I didn't do it!". So being fair and equitable, I made them both clean it up and take the towels to the dryer. The boys in general were really good, and helpful. Sarah has a list of their daily chores, and boy do they get their stuff done. Not sure why I didn't think of that 30 years ago. But with 4 kids, guess you have to have some organization to it all.

Wow, how much "stuff" can you take to bed at night? I mean it just isn't your favorite blanket anymore. It's at least 4 books, flashlight, 3 stuffed animals, a plastic scary looking crab, toys, water bottles - and you have to remember each child has a certain routine with lights that are left on, and those that you have to go back after an hour and either turn off or dim. The pillows have to be arranged exactly the same, doors either closed or ajar. Unfortunately, I had to make lists for each kid.

The lists. OK, sorry, my TV turns on with one remote. Again I had an entire page of notes on how to put a movie into the DVD player. AND it took 3 remotes to do it. Can you believe that. Worse thing is - James and Bram know how to do it without ANY notes. And then there is the Nintendo and Wii thing. How do they expect you to keep all this electronic stuff straight ?? But I can bake cookies...and I did make 2 batches in 5 days. Along with 15 meals and 40 snack requests. Phone lists, grocery lists, bedtime lists, emergency phone number lists, medication lists, take out and delivery list, it goes on and on.

With the schedule of the boys going to school by 7:30 am on 3 of the 5 days I thought it wise to get up early enough to take a shower and be dressed before breakfast time. I just didn't feel safe enough taking a shower with a 16 month and 3 year old left to fend for themselves while I took a shower - I know Sarah can do this with ease, Me not so much. SO to get this accomplished I was up at 5:15 AM. I thought I was retired! But, Scarlett fooled me, she was up at 5:00 AM ready to start her day. I convinced her to play grandma and lay in my bed all covered up and watch TV. Enabling me to take the coveted morning shower in peace. I deftly put her to bed later the next night.

Pets are wonderful. I love my pets, always have. Love Sarah's dog Lucy and cat Anna. However, do I have to sleep with them? I mean those two needed to lay right up tight and personal to me at night. All night, every night. Not wanting to "rock the boat" I thought surely they will move away during the night - but no, Lucy especially was there all night. And she likes to get up in the middle of the night and circle around and plop down again. I didn't think a 40 pound dog could shake the bed so much. The cat loved me, I felt thankful that she loved me and that it wasn't the horror story of the Nelson's first cat - Tiger. Tiger only liked Josh. And it scared me to death, I wouldn't be in the same room with the cat - ever!

 

Sarah and Josh are very blessed to have 4 lovely children. They are all so fun and have different personalities. I really do not have a favorite (or do I). I always bring gifts when I come - this time I crammed two - not one - soccer balls in my carry on. Whatever you have to do. The boys loved them of course. I did some sewing for the girls - the normal gifty things, but did bring Scarlett a Snow white dress and crown - she is big into Snow White. She was so excited with it, had to wear it for 24 hours straight. She said "Grandma, you are the Best". I am thinking I am such a wonderful grandma......it was short lived. When I scolded her for coloring on the ottoman (completely covering it I might add)

She promptly told me that I was "NOT the Best anymore."

As Sarah would say...I laughed so hard a little bit of pee came out.........in my case not so unusual.