My notice board if full of fridge magnets that make me
smile. My favourite has got to be
"We child proofed the house but they still keep getting in!"
Well in August last year I was just coming to terms with having
an empty nest.
I finally had a guest room! We had even bought bunk beds for
the occasional sleepover.
That was the day I knew my empty nest days were over and my
Moana Months had begun.
So it was that from August 2017 to March 2018 I had the privilege
of watching a toddler grow and learn, but this time through the eyes of a
grandmother.
Now don't get me wrong my daughter was around and was in
charge of Oliver, but for me it was lovely to just watch and mentally record
all those things that as a parent of 3 young children and a full time working
teacher I had been too busy to enjoy.
My Moana months have taught me things about being a parent that
I wish I had known before I became a grandparent. More than anything they have
made me realise how important it is to enjoy, remember and share the magical
moments that a toddler can provide. They have given me an acute awareness of
time and how quickly it can pass.
Seven months as a parent seemed like an age, whereas my
seven ‘Moana Months’ as a retired
grandparent have passed in the blink of an eye.
I have spent time actually watching childrens TV, reading books and playing Moana on repeat. These became much more enjoyable than
washing, ironing and cleaning.
I have loved my early morning cuddles and the smell of
talcum powder after a bubble bath.
For some reason it didn't matter that my carpet was full of
yogurt and strawberries and my windows were smeared with the remains of a
cheese sandwich. The strings on granddad's guitar have taken a bashing and I have learned to enjoy a G&T minus the ice and the lemon!
During My Moana
Months I seem to have gained a patience and a tolerance that I definitely
lacked as a young mum and simple things have made me smile.
I have danced to the sound of the doorbell and gasped in
delight as the microwave pinged. I have
taught Alexa to play Old Macdonald has a
farm and sung along to the soundtrack of Moana whilst giggling at a chicken called Heihei and a guy covered in tattoos!!
I have learned to sign with Mr Tumble, travelled the world
with Andy and laughed out loud at the Twirley Woos!
It seems that in my seven "Moana months" I have also subconsciously recreated those good old days
that I remember as a child.
We have made bubbles with fairy liquid and built a den with
a clothes horse and some sheets. We made music with a bottle filled with
pebbles, and had hours of fun with a bowl full of water and some pegs.
Oliver is 2 years old this week. My Moana Months are now
over and its been a blast. Oliver and Emma have moved on. The tepee has
disappeared and my guest room is restored. I was beginning to feel a little sad
then I remembered the terrible twos and toilet training so now I will look
forward to regular visits and the occasional sleepover safe in the knowledge
that the tepee will not be returning anytime soon
