Baby-on-the-hipitis

My grandma Jane came to stay with us for a week and every time I turn around she says "Tera why don't you put that baby down?" Then I respond by shrugging my shoulders and continue to keep sweeping, doing laundry, washing dishes, pulling the trashcan to the road, washing Autumn's hands, moping the floor, cooking dinner, reading, talking in the phone, typing etc., all with Baby on the hip. Now I never realized how draining this disease can be because, well, I am almost certain that is how I was raised. We NEVER had baby sitters. My mom would haul us from the Salon to the Grocery Store then all the way to Ft. Worth Texas to her rodeos. AND honestly I don't mind having my kids right by my side to complete my daily tasks and I actually enjoy their company. BUT to get my grandma to stop nagging or suggesting that I put that baby down I went on a experiential treatment plan.

Step 1: Encourage big sister to round up the prairie dogs on Trigger the pony with a rope.

Results: Baby laughing hysterically at his crazy haired cowgirl sister. Mom gets porch swept but is laughing to hard to accomplish much.

Step 2: Place baby on sisters bed with sisters jewelry in sisters room.

Result: Mom gets two shirts folded but has to keep sister from taking HER toys away from baby, nothing much accomplished

Step 3: Just give baby to Grandma.

Result: Dinner done but baby squirming to the floor to find mom and growling at grandma for making him stay.

Step 4: Put the baby in water.

Result: Soaking wet mom but happy baby.

Step 5: Feed baby peas, applesauce, watermelon, chicken noodle soup, and whatever else he can get his hands on in one sitting.

Result: Messing baby, messing chair, messing floor, and I still did not get to eat my dinner.

Step 6: While cleaning put the baby in the sink for a good eye level view.

Result: Wet baby, wet floor, wet counter, flour on the floor but dishes put successfully away, except all the ones thrown on floor.

Step 7: Butter grandma up by giving her a pedicure and manicure and then she won't even notice that you have a baby.

Result: Grandma does notice the baby and insists you put him on her lap so you can get the polish on the toes not the baby.

Now all this is in good fun because I actually wish she could stay. She has helped me so much. After every meal she washes the dishes and while I cook she entertains Autumn. Then when I serve her a meal she makes comments like "This is like heaven and wow that is the best bread I have ever eaten!" Grandma Jane loves to tell stories and remembers very well for being 89 years young.

And about the Baby-on-the-hipitis I am pleading Guilty. I figure they are only babies for a short time and it only takes about 1 year for them to figure out they want to do it all by themselves, everything all by themselves.

WE LOVE YOU GRANDMA.