Making Time

In a real perfect world, this is what I should do as a nighttime routine:  First make sure the kitchen is clean, the dishwasher either full or emptied, the cupboards clear of stuff, and the dogs let out one last time for a potty break, lights turned off, doors locked, teeth brushed, nighttime pills are taken, help my husband with his drugs, CPAP machine, prayers, lights off.

Now, this is really boring I admit.  In the past, I have had a lot more fun with the bedtime routine.  I am lucky enough to have all my grandchildren living very close to me.  This has allowed me to spend quality time with each and every one of them.  To start with when the two oldest boys, Brad and Nate, with just little guys I would help out a lot of nights by giving baths, and ended up reading and laying with each one of them to help them go to sleep.  I think I did this as much for myself as for them.  I did a routine that wasn’t at night, but during the day while Nate was in preschool at the YMCA.  It was hard for him to settle down.  I would go during my noon hour, dress him after swimming, eat lunch with him, and lie on his rug with him, rubbing his back until he fell asleep.  Then I would sneak off to work for the remainder of the day.  He loves to mention when I was sneaking off when he said, “Grandma I cried for you.”  Oh my heartstrings!!!!!

Then the princess, Jessica, was born.  She would come stay overnight with me on many occasions and we would read books, and just plain snuggle until she fell asleep.  I couldn’t get enough of this routine.

Several years later, we got Luka and Kadon.  This routine was different.  I took off Fridays in order to give me a Grandma day.  The boys would stay overnight on Thursday, and the next day we would have all to ourselves. We would play all morning, go to the park, and on some occasions in the winter go to the McDonald’s play yard.  These were so special to me.  On one occasion just to show you how good a babysitter I am, I fell asleep under a tree at the park.  A man woke me up and asked if it was okay. To help the boys who were calling for me.  (Did I mention that being an older person does catch up with you when you are busy with little ones!!!!)  This was embarrassing.

Then it happened.  We got our Jalapeño Princess, Aubrey.  The best part of my week was when I would come home on a Thursday and see that little pink snow suit hanging by the back door.  This meant that I could have her for that night, and the next day, and when she got a little older she would stay for several days.   Now, she is a teenager and I miss those times desperately.  We still make a date to stay overnight and our choice of entertainment, among things like binging on popcorn, treats, cheese, and crackers (you get the idea), we are watching episodes of “Breaking Bad”.  Yeah, good grandma, I am right?

I wouldn’t change these times with the kids for anything.  They will forever be planted in my heart.  Yes, I am one lucky grandma.

Perhaps the rituals will continue with great-grandchildren.  One never knows!

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