h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I have just dropped in to your space and read your journal with interest and a great deal of sympathy!

I am a Granny now, but have three very young grandchildren, courtesy of two lovely daughters and their husbands. Both couples have been through the mill with their offspring, and, although I have a concern for what the babies are going through - my main concern is both my daughters. Exhaustion reigned for both couples, my youngest daughter, (tall, slim, elegant normally) looked gaunt and at least 20 years older. My eldest, a more rotund cuddly figure, looked puffy and very tearful, and both of the men looked jaded and 10 years older.

But it did pass, there is light at the end of the tunnel, it's just hard to believe. But whatever else you think - you are not a bad mother. Both you and Eris are learning together, you to be a mother and she to be a daughter - let's face it, she doesn't know what she's doing either, so you will have to learn together.

This is a very sensitive time for you, and if, in your view, I have been insensitive then please forgive me and unsubscribe to this conversation, and I will disappear into the ether.

But if you want an extra Granny to talk to then I am always here, although usually at night because I am a night shift worker.

Take care, for Eris

Universal Granny

Hello

I'm just going round in circles at the minute... Some days good, others bad, but we muddle through The sleep is the main issue, if I were getting some I'd cope better

Thanks for your kind words and feel free to pootle through any time you like

Kaz and Eris

"Pootle" - I haven't heard that word for ages - wasn't that the name of one of the Flumps, or am I showing my age?!

I understand about the sleep - when I had finished having my own children I used to foster tiny babies waiting for adoption (25 of them in all - but not at the same time!). Most of them were only a few days old when I took them on, and so still having two night feeds with the associated interrupted sleep - I DO understand!

It's a shame you're not closer, I would have been able to give you intermittent babysitting sessions, as I do with my daughters, with the express purpose of them being able to take themselves off to bed and catch up whilst I amuse youngster.

Thanks for the offer of pootling, I will take you up on that every now and then, but please feel free to drop in to my space and have a chat/rant/sob/stress whenever you feel like it.

Take care,

Universal Granny

Hello Kaz

Just dropped by to see how things are with the baby now? Are you getting any more sleep than before?

Let me know how you are getting on, in the meantime

Take care Universal Granny

Hello Kaz

I've been doing a bit of lurking myself. Not been too well lately, not the 'flu, something age related I think, not sure. But I couldn't help dropping in to your space to see how you and Eris are doing, and I find she is crawling and pulling herself up on things (and people)!!!

Time goes by so quickly, doesn't it? Sleep still a problem for you (and Eris), though, it would appear. I am sorry about that. You are probably right about the teeth, it must be awful for the little mites having tooth (gum?) ache for so long and not really understanding why.

My very youngest grandson (now 19 months) went through a phase when he was 16/17 months of acting as though his cot was on fire when they tried to put him down. Screaming and crying fit to bust. Even if they rocked him off to sleep first and then put him down, he was awake immediately and screaming. That took a while to sort out, so I was on babysitting duties during the day to let my daughter catch up on her sleep a bit.

Well, I am feeling a bit weak and willing now, so will sign off, but I hope you and your lovely family have a great Christmas and a New Year full of sunshine.

Take care Universal Granny

Lots of and s from this manic house full to you and yours. All the best for Christmas and the new year

More when I'm not being sprogged

Hi Kaz (and Eris!)

I have just read through your past few journals and was surprised as to how out of date I was regarding Eris. Cruising? Shoe size? Teeth? Wow! Then it occurred to me that if I had done the sensible thing and added you to my friends list (which I have now) I would have known about these things before

I hope you are both well and happy. Things got a bit bogged down for me before Christmas, but I seem to be coping better now. All 3 grandchildren are growing fast (eldest has just started school, middle one has just started playschool, youngest one has just started "terrible twos"!!)

Ah well, w**k is calling, so had better go back and see what's what!

Take care Universal Granny