I always enter every new endeavor I take on with a great deal of optimism, knowing I can tackle pretty much anything I set my mind to. That being said…entering into an agreement with my step-son, Josh that I would take care of his new little one full-time has proven to be a bigger challenge than I expected! (That’s the HONEST part LOL!!)
Phew! I can’t say when the last time was that I was so happy to see Friday come! Once again I have a greater appreciation for young mommies and all that they do when they have small children. Although there is much controversy surrounding the debate for “stay at home” mommies versus those that work outside the home – I will leave that discussion for another blog.
What about stay at home GRAND mommies? Since I began taking care of grandsons two years ago (first Ethan, who’s now in Kindergarten & baby brother, Kash who was 7 months old when I began)..the only “interruption” was having to tend to my bedfast MIL’s needs every 3 hours. We had a pretty good system and the boys were very understanding. Since last September though Kash has had me all to himself! (Granny passed away, Ethan started kindergarten). Kash and I are very close and have had lots of fun times!!
Now, after this first week of taking care of newest grandson, Jackson…
Kash is asking, “who is this new little boy that has kidnapped my Maw Maw?” They are cousins (is that right?) purely by marriage …Kash being my grandson by my oldest daughter, and Jackson being my grandson by my youngest step-son and they are both so precious! But, OMG! what a week it has been!!
It’s all about them, but this blog is all about ME! I had no idea how exhausted or stressed I would be! I was quite shocked at my stress level. I don’t “do” stress anymore. I handle stress in most cases quite well. I was thankful this week for a semi-retired Paw Paw!!
Isn’t that the cutest shot you have ever seen? Paw Paw was a redhead (he says “Strawberry Blonde”) growing up. Jackson is carrying that gene forward! I would also add that Paw Paw didn’t want me to take this picture, but I couldn’t resist.
Demands on my time cause me stress! I had two little ones wanting all my time this week. Kash just didn’t understand why Jackson couldn’t go play in the backyard with us!! He was introduced to “Baby Jackson” (as he calls him) just this week!! I know we as a “little family” will get acclimated and things will be come less stressful and more routine. It is just going to take some time. But, I am struggling with a lot of guilt when I can’t take Kash to the playground at the park, because Paw Paw isn’t home to help me with Jackson. (We might (weather permitting) get the double stroller out next week.) Ever true to form, Kash still wants to be my helper, by holding Jackson, feeding him, loving on him etc;
So yesterday I began to engage my brain. I had to put the numbers to it! I was trying to figure out why I was so stressed!!?? Then, I remembered feeling very overwhelmed and stressed when I brought my youngest daughter home from the hospital (my third child). She and her sister were almost exactly the same age apart as Kash and Jackson. Their older brother (my first born) was 10. I was feeling the same way. I was feeling like I was neglecting one for the needs of the other. And I was feeling like I just didn’t have enough energy to give 100% to both! I was 28 yrs. old back then – and now I’m 63!! Well, no wonder!! Now I know why we have our children when we are young!
Kash and I still managed to make it to the park one day this week…
He’s such a big boy! But, we drove rather than walk to the playground while Paw Paw stayed home with Jackson to try and beat the rain that was threatening us. We’ve also noticed maybe a little bit of regression in Kash since Jackson’s arrival. He had a few “accidents” this week and he preferred a diaper over “big boy” panties. That was a bit frustrating to say the least.
Long story – short, some of you may remember that last June I began a “Saturday social” once a month where some of my sisters and I get together here at my home to quilt etc; Well, today was supposed to be that day. Unfortunately, I had to cancel for the very first time. I was just too wore out! We also had a death in the family and therefore in addition to Easter Choir practice today, we have a viewing of a cousin to go to.
If you read my last blog – you will recall me telling you a little about little “business”. Well, I also put the numbers to what I told you previously – I’ve sold 6 baby quilts since the first of the year and 82 cord covers.
If you need some, just let me know. 12 ft cotton cord covers sell for just $6.50 plus $3.00 shipping. You choose color.
Have a great weekend, friends!
dancingthruyears 