Ok, so having comitted myself to being generally more kind towards my fellow man, I was more than happy when husband declared we were babysitting our 2 nephews and niece recently, to ensure that their mum and dad could have a well earned night off (the first in years.)
Aged 5 months, 2 and a half and 11 it was to be an interesting experience. As my brother in law said, "No kids to 3 kids in one easy step."
How hard could it be? I look after 50 kids everyday. And these are family.
Our 11 year old niece was absolutely no bother. Took herself off to bed without any drama. Suprisingly, our oldest nephew decided he would go to bed too.
But the baby woke up and had other ideas.
Getting up every 2 hours is a novel experience for a person such as myself who can wallow, happily and soundly, for 10 hours a night.
The first few hours were torture. Not because they were difficult - they were not - but because I was terrified of the enormity of the responsibility I felt for these gorgeous, little people.
The second best moment for me was at 4.40am playing in the early morning light, in our conservatory with the baby. I won't ever forget it. Magical.
But the best moment, was when I saw mum and dad. They had had, an undisturbed night's sleep and looked well rested. And happy. And they were delighted to see their children again.
And that made me feel great. (As did the nap that I had to take in the middle of the afternoon!)
Not so much a random act of kindness. More a planned one. But well worth it.
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