I have to tell you about the first time I babysat my grandson, Peter O’Leary. Being a Granny is a very special job indeed, and having been a Mammy before that sure, I was a fountain of knowledge.

It was early days and I knew that Colm and Elaine were anxious to include me in the care of Peter. They also knew that it would cheer me up on difficult days.

So I was thrilled when Colm rang and said “Mom, is there any chance you could mind Peter for two hours while Elaine and I go for a walk to see the heifers?” I was across the lawn in a shot. I cradled up my little grandson with glee. He would need his bottle shortly and then he’d be on his way to bed.

The young couple struck off. I remembered those early days with our little ones when I loved the chance to get into the fresh air and fields and see the heifers or cows. My own mother, Maria and my mother-in-law, Lil, often sent me on my way.

I nestled down in the corner of the couch with Peter. I searched his little face and talked to him about all the wonderful in his life and told him how much I loved him and how I wished with all my might to watch him grow up.

The bottle stood on the kitchen unit. Elaine had left me a bottle of water and a few chocolate snacks. I was so in control of my new job babysitting Peter.

Bottle time

After a while, Peter started to shove the fist into his mouth and Granny was on the ball, and up and over to heat the bottle in readiness for the first whinge. My grandson was up on my shoulder.

Colm and Elaine have a beautiful kitchen with all kinds of mod cons and in particular, a magic boiling water tap. I got my bowl to heat the bottle and reached for the tap. Oh dear. Was it two push downs and a turn to the right or was it left?

I pushed down and turned left and right and up and down and right and left. The baby started to squirm. Right, I decided, this Granny won’t be beaten.

I looked around asking myself “where is the kettle?” Of course, no kettle to be seen. Why would you need a kettle if you have a hot water tap?

Still, I had another option and I started to search in the numerous drawers for a small saucepan to heat the water. Finding one, I headed for the tap again.

The best rule is to keep your own counsel and remember that times and things have changed

Now, Peter was getting anxious and had started to cry. I too was getting a bit flustered as I struggled to partially fill my saucepan. I placed the saucepan on the hob. Peter’s cries were getting impatient.

I stared at the black hob with its downdraught extractor. I glared harder. Where in ainim Dé were the controls? I had to give up.

I sat down with my baby and the bottle. I put the teat into Peter’s mouth and to my delight he started to suck with gusto. His eyes were pink and wet from crying.

I prayed the tell-tale pink would be gone before the parents showed. Nevertheless, my little grandson was smiling back at me to let me know that all was well.

We did our burps and with the last few sucks of the bottle, his eyelids started to flutter and then close. I carried him upstairs to his cot. I laid my precious bundle down and stayed watching him for several moments.

Keep your own counsel

Those early months can be difficult while young parents are finding their feet with parenting and older parents like ourselves are learning new ways of doing things.

The best rule is to keep your own counsel and remember that times and things have changed.

Peter and I have become great friends and that is due to Colm and Elaine being very open to allowing us to be part of Peter’s life. The little boy is almost eight months old. He has the most beautiful of smiles and is crawling and investigating everything.

The story is true, there is no grandchild like your own. The love is real.

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