Monday 18 October 2010

Week 12: MummyHalved

Very rudely, my parents have buggered off and left me. Yes, that’s right people, this week I am Mummyhalved. I am not sure that holidaying was in the grandparent contract. Let me see... Bringing bacon sarnies to the hospital while the labour is under way - check. Making endless cups of tea and meals and stacking and unstacking the dishwasher for at least a month after mummy and baby return home from the hospital - check. Doing any general DIY that has been required for the last three years that we have never got around to - check. Night feeds - check. Walking for miles trying to get the baby to sleep - check. Changing pooey nappies - check. Going off on holiday and leaving mummy to look after her 7 month old child all by her poor old self - nope, definitely not in the contract.

I have always been a very independant individual. I chose my own outfits from about the age of 2 (which accounts for the orange nylon shorts and the penchant for hats), I cooked for myself from about the age of 12 (pasta with peanut butter and sausages anyone?) and went off to uni at the age of 17 (a uni that was 5000 miles away from The Mothership). As an only child (oh yes, don’t worry, there will be a blog post coming up on that little gem) I guess it was always in my nature. So really, this should be a breeze.

Something strange happened when I got preggers though - my phone bills are testament to this. It is as if, by creating a new generation, somehow the family has been knit tighter together - I have always been close to my parents, but I never thought I would want them to move in next door. Now, I am thinking of converting the garage. I lean on them for everything - advice on weaning, teething, routines, whether CK needs a hat in this cold weather, the consistancy of those nappies I mentioned earlier, and the list goes on.

What amazes me is that they not only put up with this, but that they seem to enjoy it. I know they want to spend as much time as possible with their grandchild, but indulging my DIY demands, and cleaning my toilet is possibly a little extreme. Not to mention the phone calls discussing bowel movements in great detail (not just CK’s, anyone’s really, I’m not picky).

So lets raise a toast to grandparent far and wide - whatever you’re tipple (mine’s a nice cup of Horlicks). If you’re lucky enough to have some good ‘uns like me then drink to their health. If you have not been thus blessed you may like to propose a slightly different toast and I will support you with that every step of the way. I’ll just say this to my mum and dad; Cheers folks... and COME HOME SOON!

10 comments:

  1. I am totally with you on this one! We lived in London but as soon as I was pregnant I knew I wanted, no needed to be close to my parents...They are amazing and have a fantastic relationship with all 3 of my kids.....

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  2. And with 3 you will need an extra pair of hands or two!!

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  3. Your mum sounds fab. My Mother in Law lives at the top of the garden and tells me she is good with kids over 11. (My husband isn't so sure, but shhh)

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  4. What a lovely blog! I could sit and read it all day, if I didn't have kids...I'm afraid my mum is a bit like poorparenting's m-in-law - good with older kids - oh and they have to be girls!

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  5. poorparenting - she sounds really really helpful! Let's hope she turns out to be BRILLIANT when they are 11+ to make up for lost time!

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  6. Enjoyed that post!! My parents are amazing with our children, in fact when my husband was offered a job on the other side of the world my first thought was of my parents. We did end up moving, and the best news is my mum will be here in a few weeks. YESSSS!!!!

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  7. Absolutely love your blog and can relate to this post.
    I wouldn't have gotten through the baby/economic/growing up blues if it wasn't for my parents and was equally at a loss the first time they went away!
    One thing to look forward to is the souvenirs though!
    I have been trying to leave a comment for the last two days from my iPhone during my work commute as never get a chance to turn the laptop on once I get in! (Hence me leaving my comment at 00.30!

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  8. Enjoyed your post - your parents sound just like ours!! Parents are such a brill support system in our lives and bring such a meaning to every family - lucky are we to have them in our lives - such unconditional love!!

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  9. Great post, my little'un has got 2 sets of brill grandparents but unfortunately in a different country to us....however my parents will be living pretty much next door to us from next March, woo hoo!

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  10. Wow, you've suddenly gone viral - look what a sidebar photo of a Glamorous Granny can do!
    P.S. There's a spare key on hand for my flat once she's finished cleaning yours...

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