5 minutes

When I am a grandma I want to remember to be there for my kids.  I want to dream that my our kids will stay close by.. That I will be able to visit daily if needed/wanted.

I want to be able to babysit them, daily, nightly, WHENEVER so that my kids can have the lifestyle they chose- if that’s working fulltime, well then I volunteer (this is me planning to be "retired" by then) to watch them daily, all day- because my life will never be too "busy" to help them out.  The financial savings by not having to pay daycare are astronomical now- I cannot imagine in 20 years time.

I want to remember not to be over bearing. In the beginning it’s hard to juggle everything.  I want to be present but a shadow as well– quick visits when baby is new. Cleaning up even if it makes my daughter-in-law or daughter uncomfortable, because it’s helpful.   A quick load of laundry in the dryer, folding, etc.  Sweeping the floors. Delivering a meal in a throw-away container.  Bringing coffee. Always bring coffee.

I will not try to buy my grandkids love. Gifts are a’okay- but not necessary.

I will not call my grandkids "MY" babies, because they aren’t– I didn’t grow them in my belly- I just get to help grow them into super awesome kids and adults.

I will try to play with them- I see how much it lights Cooper up when my mom stops and plays- really plays. Doesn’t chat with me, gets down on her hands and knees and plays cars.  He loves it.

I will not do the third-person-talk-down-about-their-parents things.  "Oh your mommy really didn’t dress you nice today!" "Don’t your parents wipe your nose?" Bullshit.  Just wipe their damn nose already. (This does not happen to me because I am booger freak, FYI)

I will bring diapers and wipes. These gifts are sooo important and a huge savings.. and what’s $10 to me occasionally when I am rich and retired? 😆

I want to offer my love, but not force it.  If my kids are like us they will want to enjoy each other- maybe not venture out daily for visits- I will go to them.  It’s so much easier for ME to travel when I am one person- or two with Brandon then them load up their minivan-hover craft and come visit me/us.

Most importantly, I want to remember how important five minutes is. I want to drop by, just for quick visits.  These short visits now are my saviour. My mom tends to stop by quite often and I always try to use this time not only to visit with her– but to switch the laundry, superficially clean the bathroom, put some laundry away, use the bathroom– ALONE! Prep lunch/supper, empty the dishwasher, TIDY UP! All these things take time away from my kids and that’s the most important thing really- not clean floors, not empty laundry baskets- happy, fulfilled kids. 🙂

The time when grandparents are cherished by their grandkids is short- you are only cool for so long.  I want to relish in that, and hopefully be a stable part of their life later on as well.

love, me.