Sunday, January 4, 2015

Playing House in Real Life

Library of Congress: Snowy afternoon in Vermont, 1940.

I spend every waking moment caring for two of my grandbabies. Their every smile is my joy.  Their falls and spills are my opportunity to comfort and encourage them.  They brighten a room with their adorable presence.

When the infant cries, the toddler comforts her.  I love to see how much they love and care about each other.  I love to sit in the big chair, in the nursery corner, and read piles of books with them.  They mostly point to pictures and repeat some of my words.  They are learning.

I prepare bottles for baby, and simple lunches and snacks for the toddler.  I dress them in their blanket sleepers after baths, and dress them in their nicest clothes for an outing.  We are home, here at the Estate, for most of the time and it is a peaceful, happy place to be.

Sometimes there is crankiness or willful moments of temper, but we soothe them with our patient understanding and kindness.  I have many helpers here.

I love that someone else makes my lunch, or brings me tea so I can "Play house" with the babies.  I love that I have others to do some of my chores so I am free to sing lullabies and rock in the old chair with a baby.

I also love to do some of the cleaning while holding a baby.  One morning I had to vacuum the downstairs carpet, and the toddler got his toy push mower and "vacuumed" along with me.  I tell him we are "cleaning the mess."  He thinks this is part of our daily routine and is entertained.

Many of us had dolls when we were little girls.  We would have doll blankets and clothes and little beds.  We would keep our rooms neat and care for our "babies."  We did this so lovingly and patiently.  This is what it feels like, now, as I get to care for these precious children.  Yet, when I notice myself getting overtired or overwhelmed, I pick up one of the cherubs and kiss a chubby cheek and tell the baby what wonderful fun we are going to have in the nursery, and we go and play as if we have all the time in the world.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

A Wonderful Place to be - Grandmother's Nursery.

Excellent advice from Colonial Days - To Earn and not to Spend

Peaceful, Old Fashioned Living - Retirement Planning for the Poor.

 

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Mrs. White's nostalgic book for Mothers:


"Old Fashioned Motherhood
: Baby and Child Care Advice from a New England Housewife." 

62 pages, paperback. 


 

 

 

 






13 comments:

Unknown said...

How blessed your grandchildren are to have such a loving and patient grandmother. I pray that you all grow closer to God and to each other as each day passes.

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

What a privilege. So happy for you.
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

Linda said...

Mrs White, This does sound like a dream come true. I have one grandchild. When he visits I give him all the attention and love I can.I want him to remember Grandmum loves him always.

So glad to see you posting again.
Blessings,
Linda

Unknown said...

What a wonderful opportunity you have to spend so much time with your grandchildren. Our two little dears live a couple of hours away but we do our best to see them as much as we can. We just love being grandparents and their recognition of us is just the best thing. Thanks for sharing at Good Morning mondays. Blessings

Laura in AZ said...

Hi Mrs. White,

I love coming to your blog to find posts like this one.
I can't wait to be a "Bubbe".

Enjoy your time with you grandchildren!

living from glory to glory said...

Hello, I just think this was very special and a lovely picture of a Mothers heart! I believe what you are imparting is what we were created for!
Playing house in real life!
Blessings to you!
Happy New Year, Roxy

JES said...

Thank you for sharing your peaceful moments at the estate with us on the Art of Home-Making Mondays. I am always relaxed after my visits here.

Deanna said...

Hello Mrs. White. The babies grow so quickly. I am now the after school childcare provider for grand-daughter. When I started babysitting, she was a toddler. Swish. Here I am 7 years down the road. Through the years, I was extremely busy with her that my other responsibilities were placed on hold. The grandchildren bring great joy. Blessings to you and may you have a wonderful new year,
d

Mrs. M said...

What a blessing for your grandchildren that you care for them in such a loving, gentle way. I am looking so forward to the day when I have little one's to care for again.

Blessings in Christ,
Mrs.M

Unknown said...

What wonderful memories you are making for your grandchildren! And how soon they will enjoy "Playing house" because of the pleasant scene you made!

Debbie said...

We just found out a week ago that we will be grandparents in September!

I hear it's a great job :)

Rachel and Family said...

I just love reading your blog! This post makes me smile :) You are demonstrating such love for those babies!

Anonymous said...

I am so glad that I just found your blog.

Beautiful words you write.

Sue