Fayette-Mom: Grandma's here!

“Grandma’s here!”

Like trumpets announcing the cavalry, these two words may just be the best music to a new parent’s ear.

I’ll never forget my mom driving the two hours to my house at a moment’s notice so that I could take a nap. Bleary-eyed and unshowered, I handed over my newborn and slept the best hour and a half of my life.

As my children have gotten older, the need for a visit from Grandma may not be as urgent, but the joy is just as great. Now, it’s my kids who greet my mom at the door, throwing their arms around her and threatening to never let go.

I’m always telling Mom how grateful I am for her help, but she’s quick to correct me every time. She says grandchildren are the best gift because she gets to have all the fun with them without all of the worry. She plays with them for hours on end, not caring about the cooking, the laundry or the messes made. They get her undivided attention, something she says Moms simply can’t do, given all our responsibilities.

I hear that.

The only bad part about visits from Grandma? The tears my kids cry when she leaves. It’s always an adjustment after Mom is gone and the world (seemingly) stops revolving around their every desire. I guess you could say Grandma spoils them. But really, is that so bad? I’m thrilled that they have such a positive relationship with her, and if that means a little extra poutiness, I can be understanding.

After all, when her car leaves the driveway, there’s nobody pouting more than me.