I have been retired from teaching for 7 years and have been loving my freedom. I quilt til 2 in the morning, read whenever, make trips to my LQS, teach quilting classes, do some volunteer work, etc. You get the picture. Well, a darling little girl came into my life...our first grandchild, and my heart just melted. I am now taking care of her full-time for the next 4 mos. as her mom just went back to work after 3 mos. We've decided on 4 mos. with an option to renew if everyone feels that it is working out. I offered to do this, and feel privileged to be able to, but I can see that I am not getting any quilting done (or much of anything else for that matter!). I want to be able to quilt more but she is not a good sleeper. How many of you watch your grandchildren? How do you manage your time? Are you glad that you are doing it or is it too much for you? I adore this baby and am so glad she is with me and not a babysitter but I guess (in typical revisionist history style) I forgot how much work infants are and that they don't sleep all the time!!!! Anyway, I wouldn't trade this time with her for anything else in the world.

i watched my first granddaughter for 6 weeks and loved every colicky minute of it dd is stay at home mom now didnt get to watch my grandson really missed that bonding time.

14 years ago my grandson was born, and my daughter was a single mom age 23 and whole family lived together. I took care of him when she worked, DH took care of him when I worked, she took care of him the rest of the time. It was a wonderful experience, but I never was able to get anything else done. But they are babies for such a short time, enjoy her now and bond, you will both be better for it. Ours has always been close, but of course he is growing up now and we don't see as much of him, even tho he lives down the street, but I still cherish everyn minute I have with him. Maybe down the road you and your DD can compromise. You have her a few days a week and a sitter or daycare has her a couple of days a week. That way you don't have to give up all of your activities, but can still have her with you.

i'm the emergency babysitter. I love gks but i also have a fulltime job and help care for my elderly mother.I always tell the kids, i'll do anything i can to help you, BUT I raised my kids, you need to raise yours.

We are the back ups for our grandson, DD just went back to work full time in September after being home with him for 3 years, during that time we got to spend a lot more time with them. He is now 5 and loves his school but I do miss seeing him almost every day.

When our first grandchild was born, her mother was a single mom and not responsible. But she did work full time. I worked also, so I took full responsibility for our granddaughter an she lived with us until she was 4 1/2yrs old. Yes, I gave up a lot, hired a womam to watch her when I worked, my DH also helped and I did not get much else done. But she is 28 yrs old now and that bond we have will always be there. By the way, my DD got married and her husband said he would raise our GD as his and he did. It was hard to let her go. You won't regret doing this

LMAO I'm sorry I'm laughing but I'm in the same boat (sorta) I work full time, have the grandbaby Friday till Sunday afternoon, and no time to sew. I was in the boomerang 3.0 and well, didn't get my blocks done on time let alone make it here. I did manage to finish them when I was on vacation but got nothing else done around the how of dust bunnies. I also forgot how much work they are and demanding they can be, I wouldn't trade it in but I'm looking forward to the day that I can do what I want to do again. But on the bright side (since you don't have to think to much and easier to pick back up) is I crocheted a ton of potholders (that is what the family says they are) and taught myself how to knit. Well good luck grandma and enjoy we all know how fast they grow up.

I kept my grandson for 15 months while his mother and father (both in the Army) were deployed to Iraq. I loved it. He was a wonderful three year old, but I didn't get much quilting done. He did go to bed at 8:00, so sometimes, if not exhausted, would do a little sewing. Wouldn't trade that time with him for all the tea in China. We have a special bond - he just turned 6.

Grandkids are old enough not to need a sitter, 23, 20. 18, 14, 12, and 11. That being said we do have a beautiful great granddaughter that is 5 months old. I took care of her while Mom was in school last semester and full time when she got a job. Didn't get much done but that was because all I wanted to do was hold her and rock her. GD said I spoiled her to being rocked to sleep. I do miss her now and said I'd take care of her if she was sick and day care would not take her.

mltquilt

I have had the privelege, (to me, it is) of watching my precious grandbabies since they were born. I gave up my full-time job and went to part-time and now PRN to be able to watch my babies and also for our youngest DD, who is only 15.

With DGD, I was able to sew, cook, and do most anything. She was, and still is, easy to occupy and seldom seemed to get into messes. But DGS is another story!! LOL!! He is into everything! Nothing escapes his bright and inquisitive eyes and mind. I can't get a thing done when he is awake. But that is okay. He is growing up so fast, just like his sister, mommy and auntie did. I treasure all their silly messes. In a few short years, they will become treasured memories to look back on.

I know that there are some wonderful babysitters and daycares out there. But I am so happy to know that my babies and grandbabies were with people who love and adore them. My Mom watched my two DD's while DH and I worked when they were little. And I hope when the time comes for our youngest DD to have a family, that I can also babysit her children.

I love having my 4 month old granddaughter with me. But, I don't want her to stay the night unless dh is home! LOL He just loves sitting and playing with her, I do too, but after raising 3 kids, I am tired!

My dh is a truck driver so he missed out on a lot with our kids. We are only in our early 40's, so it isn't too that we are too old to watch her, but, for me, it is work!

My son works full time, my dil is a stay at home mom. We started watching the baby over night when she was 2 weeks old. The kids said "they needed a break". Ok, but then it was turning into every week-end! That is the only time I get to see dh.

I have had to put my foot down a bit. I will take here when I want to, not when they say. I raised 3 kids witn NO breaks! I was feeling used.

So, I still have time to do what I want and I watch her when I want and not when they say. I like it better this way.

Mine all lived too far away, so I missed out on most of that. We moved closer to DS and kept his 2 a few times, but they were 8 and 11 by then.
I most enjoyed my grandcats, Sam and Lena. They visited quite often and I loved it and them! They are gone now and I still miss them. I have new ones, but they have not been to visit yet. I have my own cat now.

I am doing the bonding time with my first grandchild now. My daughter went back to work after six weeks and now her MIL and I split the week up with the Dad taking a day in the week. I stay at their house (1 1/2 hrs away) from Sun to Tues evening. I am newly retired and consider it a good time to bond. He is 4 mos old now and really trying to do new things. Reminds me of how much I forgot now that his mom is fully grown! Loving every minute of it.

I've had my grandaughter for sleepovers every Wednesday and Saturday since the time she was born. I also had her full time for a few weeks while her mom tried holding down a job and being a single mom at the same time...didn't last long...and that's okay...I want my grandaughter to be raised by mom most of the time! I do LOVE to have her the two to three days a week that I do!

Isn't it wonderful how we all love our grandchildren so much? Sounds like you are all so loving and so happy to have grandchildren in your lives! I'm just grateful that we live nearby and not in another state. I'd hate missing out on all this.

I watch my grands and I love it.The first year is the hardest.All of mine have learned thier colors from fabric. :-D

Its a hard decision ~ With our first I watched her while mom was at work but they also lived with us. I have to say even though she was only 17 she really grew up and when she wasnt working or totally exhausted she took full responsibility of her care. Still didnt get much done though lol Just loved to watch her grow (she was a preemie and only weighed 3lbs!! I didnt care for her until she was off the feeding tube though - too much for me ~~ Dont regret a minute of it. She is 14 now and we have a special bond even though there are 5 others lol..
my other daughter is living with us with her two and she hires a sitter~~of course my health isnt as good as it was 14 years ago. We only watch DGK if no one else is available Things will change a little soon - they will be moving out but she will be going to school to better heself so we will help watch the kids as most of her classes will be in the evenings

I agree - wouldnt have missed bonding time not only with DGD but with DD (we wrent really close until DGD was born!! Maybe a part time basis would be better. You have to do the things you enjoy so you can be refreshed and happy. Since quilting is that happiness for you you need to indulge in that too!!! You deserve it!!!

We live too far away from my DGB's (6 all together) to be watched by this "grammy". When we visit I always take advantage of the babysitting thou. I have one new granddaughter, that was born October 2010, have only seen a couple pictures of her. So really in need of new baby smells and such. Had hope to go visit over the new year, but we had storms between WA and MN, so alot of interstate closings to get there, so stayed home and continued the unpackin'.

and Yes, I hate missing out on so much too.

I kept my children busy with activities, so I could sew throughout the day, and they were in bed by 7pm until they were in school. They were up at 6am, because that was the schedule that their dad had for before time with them before work. And I couldn't get them to go back to bed after work. So they had 2 naps a day, morning and afternoon. Otherwise I would of gotten nothing done.

So now with my grand childre the two boys enjoy their cars, DS's and the outdoors and going with grammy to the "fabric shop", the little 2 year old DGD loves to be right in the middle of things with you, so she is around the sewing machine all the time playin'. A "quilter" in the making I say. She does the same with her mommy.

I have had 3 of my DGSs a lot before they started school, and I LOVED it!! I miss that time now that they are all in school and visits with me have to be fit in around that and other events. I think those times are what has made us so close :D:D:D

My DDs know that I will babysit whenever they need me to, but it is always my option to say no :wink:

My first DGS will be born in March and my husband and I have told our DD that we would baby sit for them - they live about 20 miles from us but we are so looking forward to taking care of this baby - neither one of us have great health but we figure that between the two of us (along with my 90 year old mother who neither looks nor acts like 90) shold be able to take care of him - of course, if he is anything like his mother we may need to call in reinforcements :)

I have my 7 yr old grand son 3 evenings a week and most friday nights ( Sleep over!!!!) After being awake since 3 am, 8:30pm can't come soon enough some days, but I wouldn't trade it for the world! Not only do I have a strong bond with him, it keeps my in close contact with my daughter. They should all be born grandchildren first!

We were blessed with DIL and 1st GD living with us for 18 months. The memories are so special. We did babysit when DIL worked part time in evening once we were home from work, and weekends. Now have 2 GD and they to far (WAY to far) away. I sometimes feel jealous of those that who can their grandbabies all the time.
I don't know if I could do 40 hours a week though.

Watched all 3 of my grandkid --last one goes to school next year. They live just down the road, so they are a BIG part of our lives. When they go to school their world get so much bigger, the "I want to go to Grams" changes, guess we granparents have to let go just like we did with our children. I worshipped the ground my grandmother walked on and have enjoyed playing a part in the early developement if these three. I even went so far as to have 3 little fishes tatooed on my lower leg when I was 62, told the young'uns they would always be with me. Another lady I know had a morning glory in different colors done around her ankle for each of her grandkids, was it ever neat. DD bout croaked when I had it done. Being over 60 is liberating to say the least!

I too am retired and babysit a 2 year old for a friend of mine. She is adorable but very active at this age. She is alot of fun, I'm realizing how much her mother is missing out on each day. I am also supposed to be babysitting her new brother in a few months....that will be a challenge taking care of two. I sometimes think, omg, I am too old for this. But it does keep me young at heart and also it is a needed job to supplement my income since retirement sure doesn't provide much.
Quilting, sewing....a thing of the past during the week, have to do those projects on weekends only. Good luck and bless you. It is tiring, though isn't it?

Yes! I started watching my grandbaby girl, Lily, this past week. I will watch her three days a week, a friend will watch her one day, and her Mommy will stay home on Friday to work from home. And, YES, I haven't quilted in quite some time. I made a list yesterday of quilts I want to make....Oh, I also am a teacher, who wants to sub two days a week if called. When to quilt. I pray each day that I am not called, like today. Lily will be baptised tomorrow and the celebration is here... then on Wed. I head to Tampa for a birthday part for my grandson... one year old. Staying extra days to help watch Maverick while mom and dad prepare to move on base as the house they are in is being put up for sale. Never a dull moment. Would not trade for a million bucks.

Our youngest son and his family live with us to help take care of my husband who has a whole host of health issues. His children are 10 and 4 and they keep us going. I don't know what I would do without them here. They provide help that allows me time to do things I like to do - sew, bridge, canasta, etc. Cherish them while you can.

I had my three grandchildren (ages 6, 5, & 1-1/2) last summer for a total of 5 weeks, in two-week increments. It was So much Fun, but I can't deny that I was exhausted. There's a difference between being 30 with three kids, and being 59! However: the bond between us is Strong - their parents divorced last April and Grandma's House is their favorite home (they tell me). Their parents have since moved in with significant others who have children also - it's a big adjustment for them.

This summer we will have them for six concurrent weeks (our son picks them up at night and returns them in the morning). I will be planning ahead and enrolling them in various classes, teams, and "day camps." I want their summer to be fun and busy. I don't anticipate any sewing time come june. lol...

I was the emergency baby sitter. The "other grandma" was the full time home baby sitter, however she baby sat for one other set of grands also, and lived in the same town. They had to bring the little one 20 miles to me.

I would love to baysit my grandchildren even it it meant giving up my quilting and everything else but distance won't allow it

I love being Grandmom and being able to watch my grandgirls. Oldest is 5 and I have watched her since she was a baby. Our next grandgirl is 24 months and have had her since mom went back to college and she is working full time too. I don't have much free time. Quilting has taken a back seat for now. I stay connected on the site. Thanks all I will be back.

Nice to see all the grandmothers on here ;) Enjoyed reading about your grandchildren - they truly are a blessing. My four live six houses from us and are very much a part of our daily lives. My oldest GD age 10 is showing very promising signs of becoming a quilter...loves her Hello Kitty sewing machine we bought her for Christmas - that girl loves to look through my fabric .... very promising indeed!

I just spent over $25,000 to remodel my home and add an addition in order for my daughter and g baby to come back and live with me. I CAN"S WAIT. The g baby is coming for a week visit the end of the month.

I have loved watching my DGDs while momma worked. I worked as a single mother for several years. It was hard to find good babysitters...and some were not as good as I thought. I missed them when they started going to school, now I get them when school is out. I also watched another little girl from the time she was 6-8wks old until she went to school. She was the first to call us Nana and Papa. She was about 13 before she found out we were not really related. She asked us to sit with the grandparents when she married last summer. I have been able to cultivate an interest in quilting with the three DGDs that I have watched. They are 14, 10, and 2 1/2. The 2 1/2 yo spent the night and just woke up. She came straight in to me and is cuddling in my arms now as i finish typing this with one hand! I am blessed!!

I have three gds and get to keep just one of them on Fridays. She is also the one I got to help deliver. They are the most precious things. I was a full time worker and never got to stay home with our kids and missed so much. NOw my dh and I have a business of our own and I can spend as much time with the gds as I won't. They funny part is that my dh also spends so much time with them that sometimes we fight over them. ENJOY the time for they are little only once.

I love my grandkids, but I work full time. I watch them on the occasional weekend or evening and I've always felt badly that they had to use daycare. When I was raising my kids, I had to work full time, but had my mom or mil to watch my kids...I never had to use daycare.

Posted twice, I don't know how that happened :oops:

Hang in there. It will get better as she gets older. Don't give up this precious time with her! I have 4 grandchildren that I was the "daycare" for. All four of them are bonded to me almost as tight as my skin. It was worth every single hard moment through diaper rashes, viruses etc etc. At one time I had all four under the age of 5. WONDERFUL MEMORIES! First tooth, first step, etc etc. DON'T MISS OUT ON IT! You will regret it later and you can always go back to quilting more than you are getting done now as she becomes a better sleeper etc.

We kept our GD every weekend for 3 years and then her sister came along and we kept both of them from Thursday night through Sunday. Their mother worked in hospital (12 hour shifts) on the weekends. Now the girls are 13 and 10 and don't need us much but I'm so glad to had them then. Our other grandchildren (11 of them) live out of state and we've not been able to bond with them like we did the GD. Now that we're about to retire and travel, have had a hard time giving up the GD. Enjoy them while you can, they grow up way too fast.

I missed out on taking care of the first two grandchildren I was working full time. The third lives in South Carolina but when she was 6 months old she stayed with me for a month. She is 7 now and she tells me about things we did, I find it hard to believe but she does remember. The fouth was born (15 months ago) after I was laid off from work and I have made up for lost time with him. He is definately a grandma's boy, and I take full responsibility for his spoiling. He stays with me as much as possible, and NOTHING get done when he is here. I wouldn't have it any other way.

i get nothing done when babysitting the grandsons. (5 months and 3 years old) i have limited myself and them, to 2 days a week. my DD is happy and so am i, with the arrangement.

i so look forward to thursdays and friday with them, i am able to plan things to do with them..!