Adventures in Babysitting

Recently, Mr. Something and I volunteered to babysit our beautiful two-year old grand-daughter, Annslee Mae, on Tuesdays.

Recalling pre-babysitting conversations that included romantic notions such as ..."a time for bonding", "memories that will last a lifetime" and something along the lines of ... "it will be fun", came rushing back.

What were we thinking?

At 0700, the little darling arrives.

Between 0705-0715, you can put money on the fact that any object not bolted down and within toddler-reach will be systematically removed.

0715-0730, the high-pitched and familiar refrain "PUPPY!!!!" is launched, followed by a frantic race to our living room window, where our old dog, Duke, cringes as he is spotted in his backyard.

Note: Should Mr. Something or I not be quick enough to take Little Miss outside to experience all things Duke, we are soon made very aware of her displeasure.

Next, with a mad dash to the TV set, she fervently points and squeals "MOUSE!!!". Thank you Disney Junior for offering tons of Mickey's Clubhouse episodes 'On Demand' but one more round of  "Hot Diggety Dog" will surely push us over the edge.

Grand-parenting.

It's all about keeping the Little Angel safe, fed, clean and happy. 

Nutrition?  

No time to sit. Everything we feed her has got to be portable or she doesn't eat.

Cleanliness? 

What can you do?

Happiness? 

Our attempt to create a "melt-down-free-zone" with a toddler has been futile but we continue to try our best. 

Safety?

Safety doesn't show up on our pie chart because it encompasses 100% of our time with her. 

It deserves a pie chart of its own. 

I did try out a new word on her, yesterday ..."No." 

It worked.
Who knew?

During the initial "honey-moon phase" of babysitting, we were both participating equally throughout her day.

We have since wised-up.

Resorting to taking '"shifts" has helped - a lot. Mr. Something is 'on' from 0700-1000. I take over at 1000. We then pack up Annslee Mae for her 1130 Kindermusic class, (a toddler dance and music class) where we pray her ass will be sufficiently worn out for a well-deserved afternoon nap.

We have yet to be so lucky.

When we get back from Kindermusic, the last half of the day goes pretty much like the first.

By 5pm, Mr. Something and I can be seen lurking at the front window, anticipating the arrival of "MOMMY!". Who I continue to gain more respect for every day.