Monday 2 March 2015

The Adventures of L-Plate Gran: Not Like Riding A Bike



Don't worry, they said: it'll be just like riding a bike. I didn't have the heart to tell them that bike-riding was not one of my top accomplishments, falling off one rating slightly higher. And there was far less traffic around when I rode it ... and ... oh, I could go on, but you get the general idea.

On Wednesday, I take over the minding of my granddaughter - hereafter referred to as Little G to protect the innocent and in the hope that if she ever reads it in 18 years time, I can deny all knowledge.

I shall be in sole charge of a one year old for two whole days from 7 am while my daughter, hereafter referred to as You must be mad, returns to work. It is 34 years since I looked after a child on my own and I was a lot younger then, and didn't need quite so much makeup to appear in public.

But hey, I have had two days' training. I have 3 pages of notes. Little G is an amiable baby with oceans of goodwill and I have social media to advise and guide me.

 What could possibly go amiss?

To be continued ...   ....

30 comments:

  1. Good luck! I shall be watching for tips. What can go wrong?

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  2. It’s very scary the first time, I was terrified ;-D But you’ll be throwing those L plates away in no time

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  3. TWO whole days? You'll both be fine...won't you? Good luck!

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  4. People..stand by your screens.... I'm relying on you!

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  5. When my granddaughter was about 18 months, she stayed overnight but her mum forgot to leave her favourite pink blanket. She spent all night screaming, 'Pink! Pink!' so make sure mum leaves you with all the essentials!

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  6. thanks Wendy..D has already arrange a cuddly for me to have. as for the baby.....hahaha

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  7. thanks Wendy..D has already arrange a cuddly for me to have. as for the baby.....hahaha

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  8. I look forward to reading of yours and Little G's exploits and I have every confidence that she'll take very good care of you...:)

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  9. You'll be exhausted at the end of the first day - so my tip is that when Little G has a nap, Grandma better take one too!

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    1. This is what I meant when I said I had you lot!

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  10. Make sure you know how to set up and collapse the buggy or pram or pushchair they are all different and many try to bamboozle the best of us.

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    1. You are anticipating next week's post! Hahaha

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  11. You'll be knackered, and she'll eat your brain - so even when she's asleep you struggle to read anything longer than 200 words. But it's worth it - you'll look back on these days as some of the most precious of both yours lives.

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  12. It will be wonderful. Very precious moments that go by too quickly. I looked after one of my granddaughters three days a week and it was a joy. Just make her your priority and you'll have a great time. My daughter loved the sound track to Mamma Mia, by the time we got to the last track she just nodded off. Have fun

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  13. Build up your muscles if you intend to strap a carseat into your car...those things need a serious amount of oomph to fit! Oh, and carry wet wipes everywhere.

    And don't try to do anything else. Enjoy her!

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  14. First off, NEVER, EVER say 'What could possibly go amiss?' ... you're sure to anger the pediatric gods! I look forward to this You're such a funny person. I always enjoy your writing, whether it be long form or short.

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    1. Hap, she is such a funny baby ..I'm sure we're going to have a hilarious time.

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  15. I'm sure I wrote something on this - was it blasphemous, or did blogger eat it?

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    1. It's there..I can see it xxx and you are on my chief consultation list!

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  16. Just remember to take a bag of spares (nappies, clothes, juice, wipes, snacks etc.) when you leave the house! I got caught out a few times! Just popping out of the house becomes a thing of the past!! I've looked after our little man for 2 days a week for the last 2 years, I love it!! Have fun Carol - We're all here if you need us! :) xx

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  17. I cannot wait to hear your exploits Carol! I have not watched my granddaughter in such a regular basis but have had many sleepovers and days out. What can go wrong indeed? You'll soon find out 😂😂

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  18. "I have social media to advise and guide me" - a tad tongue in cheek, je pense??!!

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    1. Totally ..except for the lovely few grandparents I follow and follow back..who have been giving me counsel ...

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  19. Been thinking of you today. I'm sure it went brilliantly.

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  20. As you know Carol I looked after my friend's son from he was a few months old he is now going to school after the summer. Get into a routine for your house, she'll soon get used to it. My charge used to have a sleep in the morning and one in the afternoon. I was shattered when he stopped his naps. If I needed au break he went into his high hair with a snack and watched Mr Tumble or Micky Mouse Funhouse both very educational, he learned signing with Mr Tumble. I put my feet up and had a cuppa. You'll house will be untidy, toys everywhere,dishes in the sink but nothing that can't be cleared up after they've gone home. Most of all enjoy her,I miss my little boy so much although he does come for sleepovers now it's not the same as that constant seeing him.

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    1. Thanks Anne. She is at D's on Wed, and comes over with me on the bus on Thur..for baby rhyme time at the library and a play with the toys here. I know how much you miss Toddler Boy and little one...even though I'm not seeing her today, I already miss her xx Your 'adventures with your 2 have been inspiratonal and I only hope I can do half of what you did when you were minding them.

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  21. You're relying on us lot for guidance? What could possibly go wrong ;)

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