Babysitting

It’s Solveig’s birthday and we’ve offered to babysit Lili so they can go out for a meal together. It seems ridiculous that this is really the first time we’ve done this - but for the time they went out for coffee together ages ago when Lili was having longer naps. We have offered, honestly! 

While Lili’s very sociable and used to being in our company, she does tend to check that either mummy or daddy is still around, and there’s a panic if she can’t see them - so we’re not sure how this is going to go. 

They decide on an early evening meal so we are in charge between 4.45 and 7.00. I’d have thought they’d have preferred to go out once Lili’s settled in bed, but it’s their choice - and it does mean we can entertain her rather than just watch the baby monitor! 

Yes, there’s a bit of a panic when they leave, but it’s soon forgotten and we have her to ourselves - reading, playing chase, playing Peep-Po etc. Then it’s time for Lili’s tea - which has been prepared and is ready and waiting. She’s a joy to feed, though it’s undeniably messy. Tonight it’s chopped up omelette, grated cheese, and a mixture of cucumber, plain yoghurt and a savoury concoction which smells wonderful - and tastes good too! The latter is spooned into her mouth - although she sometimes grabs the spoon from me; the cheese and omelette serve as finger foods! 

We’re delighted that she eats almost all of it and drinks two full cups of water; she even accepts  the post food clean-up cloth without her usual cries! We’re feeling pretty smug! 

Then there’s a rather unpleasant nappy change - a two-person job as she’s such a wriggler. 

Mummy and daddy return to a happy baby and a much relieved Nana and Taid! There’s a brief period of play when we see Lili walking independently at last. A day short of nine months, she’s very pleased with herself as she takes a few faltering steps between our outstretched arms. There’ll be no stopping her now! 

We decide not to stay the night - there’s so much we need to do at home. And I realise that I’ve not taken any photographs - so here’s one that G took of me giving Lili her tea. And as an extra, there’s a Lili selfie - she got hold of my phone!