Friday, May 16, 2008

Foto Friday

I don't know that I've ever quite clearly explained our babysitting gig, a labour of love that will go on for months or years. Right now, we're committed for the remainder of this year, and we'll reassess then. So far, it's going well despite illnesses on everybody's part. While I have been recovering well for over a week, Cuppa is still under it, so I have been doing more hands-on baby care. Hence, for the second day in a row, we had a onesie incident.


On a typical day, Cuppa and I will get up at six o'clock and head over to the kids' house shortly thereafter. We both port our laptops every day. It may seem silly because there are computers in the house, but it's nice to have access to your own, and that's what notebook computers are all about anyway. The thing is The Bonnie Wee One often wants to be involved. She likes to look at pictures and videos of herself, and I have also found some cute YouTube clips for her such as a hippo singing The Lion Sleeps tonight.


Even setting the machine up can be problematic. Every morning I crawl under the able to hook up the power. Yesterday, she crawled under there with me, and it took awhile before she would let me out again. Needles to say, both Cuppa and I find it hard to get a lot done while we're on the job. We might start out to do something, but the kid may have other ideas.


Yesterday, we went for a little drive and ended up at a park where we stopped to feed Nikki Dee a little lunch.


Although you can't see them in these photos, the black flies have come out to play, so we didn't stay too long. But here are two closer shots of the kid having lunch.



And here's the view from the other direction. The park is on the Mississippi River in Eastern Ontario (not the Mighty Mississippi — just the little, unmighty one).



On a normal day, we'll cook supper for us and the kids, so we sometimes don't leave until after seven o'clock. It makes for a long day, but it's a good and worthwhile thing for us to be doing.

Time to get back on the job. Cuppa has been occupying the child while I wrote this blog, and it's my turn to shoulder some of the workload.

12 comments:

Pam said...

I've been going over your pictures and posts of the "Bonnie Wee One." She is adorable, and growing so fast. Lots of personality, too. And she's lucky to have such devoted and fun grandparents, your moments with her are so very special. I specially like the picture of you two under the desk.

Anonymous said...

What a blessing for "The Kids" and the "Bonnie Wee One" to have Grandma and Grandpa so involved. Definitely a win/win situation.

JunieRose2005 said...

AC,

For several years we took care of 3 of our grandkids-(and the 4th as much as possible during holidays and school breaks.) The one grandson lived far away (Miami) and the others were here in our town! Our duties included taking and picking up from schools (and sometimes 3 different schools)
However, in our case the kids were brought here to our place. I was in charge of our granddaughter from about age 1 month.
Needless to say, I had most of the 'hands on' duties.


But in our case, the kids were brought to our place...couldn't have worked otherwise.

It's greatly missed when you're no longer needed!

Enjoy!


Junie

Amanda said...

I know the work you are doing with the little one is greatly appreciated. I rely on my parents to look after my kids so i can go to work 3 days a week. I couldn't manage without them.
Your doing a gret job.
Can i ask, are black flies just like our Scottish Midges???

Hope you have a nice night,
Amanda

Anonymous said...

First of all, you have to keep doing it because I love to follow your adventures. :o)
I think children spending good, quality time with their grandparents is a gift. I mentioned to Cuppa the other day in a comment that I believe my children have had life enhancing experiences with their grandparents. My mum, who had had a brain hemorrhage the June before my son was born got better so much quicker knowing that she had my boy to look after and my girl 5 years later.
Grandparents give an extra 'something' to a grandchilds life that instils values that are so important.
I'm the same as AManda, I couldn't have managed without my parents.
My daughter's (who is 12)best friend is her grandma, my hubbies mum. Those two are inseperable and I think it is brilliant.

Donna said...

We've been grandparenting for 13yrs now...but now that Crystal and the kids live with us, it's non stop...Now Crys thinks she's met "the one"...so we're really doing double time during the courtship...we'll see how that goes. If it Were to turn serious...we'd miss them like crazy...But...what can you do. Life Has to Grow...we're just so grateful for the laughter we hear...happy sugar sitting Ac....

Ginnie said...

You are building memories that you and Smudge will never forget. It's fun to ride along with you. (Also much easier from afar!)

oshee said...

I have leaned on my husband's parents in the past for child care help. It was always given happily..if sometimes a bit wearily. The bonds my children have with their grandparents is a priceless thing and and I was afforded a sweet peace and calmness knowing they were being cared for by the best possible caregivers beside their parents.

You are giving a wonderful gift to all involved.

dabrah said...

I agree, you're in a win/win situation, and what a lovely time you must all be having.

megz_mum said...

Having your blog will be a lovely record of this wonderful time, especially for the little one!

Woman in a Window said...

The kids are obviously thriving in your care!

Janet said...

The Bonnie Wee One is bonnie indeed, and your unmighty Mississippi is certainly much cleaner and prettier than the one on our end. How the mighty have fallen. . .