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Tuesday 19 May 2015

My Different Life

My life changed last November when my first Grandchild was born; changed for the better of course. Little Savannah took over our lives and our hearts and I spent a lot of time at my daughter's place helping her cope with all the new demands on her time.

Now there has been another change because my daughter has gone back to work as a primary school teacher and I have Savannah at my place during the week. It is only for this year and next year we will have a new routine.

It's been a month now and I feel very lucky to be able spend so much time with Savannah and feel lucky that she is getting to know and trust me so well too.

Savannah 5 months
She looks happy enough in the above photo but the first couple of days that she was here was a different story. She wanted her Mum and she didn't know me or my house very well and she was very demanding.

First day
Look at that scared little face! If someone had taken a photo of me you would have seen a similar expression on my face. One of the only things that kept her happy was walking around outside. I was completely exhausted and my hands and arms ached from carrying her. I didn't know if I would be able to cope with her for a year.

Everyone I spoke to said that it will get easier and by the next week things had settled down and we got into a routine with me feeding, singing and dancing to amuse her.

She started eating solids and at first she sat on the kitchen bench to eat.

First foods
Then I got wise and realised I would have to go shopping for some baby items to make things easier.

One of the first things I bought was a highchair.

She loves her food.

We have a routine where I hang out the washing every morning and I put her into some warm clothes and a pusher and she watches me.

Putting out the washing
As well as starting food she has learnt to roll over.

Rolling over
I realised that she got bored easily and so I have bought a few toys to help us get through the day.

Driving
Bouncing
Yesterday we had another first because she sat by herself without falling over for at least 15 minutes.
Sitting for the first time- 6 months old
I am hoping that things will get easier now because she never liked laying down much.

So my life has changed dramatically but don't worry my blog will not be filled with baby photos. I am actually still getting some sewing done.

Savannah sleeps for at least two hours everyday and I always have some hand sewing waiting on the couch for sleep time. My weekends are free and I get as much sewing done as I can then.

I am still working on my seasons quilt.

Autumn Leaves
Fuchsia's for summer
I know why women have babies when they are young, everything is so much harder and slower when you are older!

Bye for now,
Linda

10 comments:

marg miller said...

The bond you develope in the next year will never be broken and is such a gift. I know because I cared for my two grandchildren for a few years and we are so deeply attached. Enjoy every minute and rest when you can because they do tire one out!
Marg Miller

Linda Steele said...

Thanks for the encouragement Marg. Some days are easier than others, but I know I am very lucky to have this opportunity.

Robbie said...

I agree with Margaret...the bond that develops is unbelievable! I do give you credit for 5 days a week! WHEW! I have been 'staying' at my grand kids house every Wednesday since Oct. '99!!! There are now 2 grand kids (15 & 11) but I wouldn't trade the bond I have with those kids! Especially with my grand daughter! Enjoy!

Michele Hill said...

She is beautiful Linda and so glad things are "settling" down a little for you all. You will always have a very special bond with her because of this time. Big hugs from over the border xx

Linda Steele said...

Thanks for telling me about your experience Robbie, it sounds as if it will be all worthwhile

Linda Steele said...

Lovely to hear from you Michele, I think I am more relaxed than I was when I had my own children because I was always trying to get housework done etc. Now I know that I can do it all when she goes home.

crazynewbie said...

Lovely photos Linda. Making these memories is so much fun, and very tiring. Enjoy every minute. It's important to have your sewing time too. I love to read your blog, and to learn from your wonderful descriptions. Thank you.
Claire

Linda Steele said...

Thanks Claire, I am sewing in my spare time and I think I appreciate the time even more now. But the free days go so quickly!

Carli The Quilter said...

Don't you have the sweetest distraction in Savannah! As usual gorgeous stiching of crazy quilts.

Linda Steele said...

Thanks Caroline, she is a sweet girl, the time has gone so quickly and it's hard to believe that she is now 12 months old