My 10-month-old granddaughter has learned to cruise around the furniture in her living room (which is where I usually babysit). She confidently skirts along the front of the couch beneath the window, reaches for the club chair cushion, tentatively steps toward it, clutches the cushion as she makes her way toward the couch on the opposite wall. Once she’s cruised to the end of the second couch, she turns around and retraces her steps.
At my house, we have a raised brick hearth, much larger gaps between our couch, loveseat, and chair, and (most troubling) an elderly Miniature Schnauzer who has lost most of her hearing and is easily startled by the presence of my crawling and cruising granddaughter. I’m terrified that Jersey, our dog, might snap at Blair or that Blair might pull a tuft of Jersey’s hair. Jersey has never been an aggressive dog; but she was recently diagnosed with Canine Cognitive Decline. This means that she sometimes has moments of disorientation. I’m just not sure how she would react if Blair patted her too harshly or tugged on an ear. It’s just too big of a risk to take.
In order to keep the baby and Jersey safe, we purchased a giant play pen which takes up more than half of my living room rug. Even though we fill it with ball pit balls, soft blocks, her favorite little baby doll, Blair still wants out of the play pen…and Jersey wants in the play pen. Blair cruises around the interior perimeter of her enclosure, while Jersey cruises around the exterior perimeter. To keep the peace, I alternately climb into the play pen to build block towers with Blair, and climb out of the play pen to reward Jersey with a treat or roll her favorite ball across the room. I’m like a grandmother jack-in-the-box.
All that to say, I am writing much later tonight than usual. My legs are tired (and so is the rest of me). My son just took Blair home. Jersey is exhausted and has reclaimed her seat beside me on the couch. My husband and mother-in-law are out for a drive. The house is quiet. The play pen is empty; and even though I’m worn out, I wouldn’t trade any of it. These early days with Blair and these fleeting days with Jersey are oh-so-special to me. The tired legs will be ready to go again tomorrow.
11 responses to “The Play Pen”
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I feel your pain! I love “a grandmother jack-in-the-box! Hope you get a good night’s sleep.
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Thanks, Rita! I’m sure I’ll sleep soundly!
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Sharing your time with Blair and Jersey let’s each one know they are special to you. I like the play pen idea. It is a good way to keep each one safe. Tired but happy. A good combination.
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If only Jersey and Blair appreciate the play pen idea! Ha!
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Precious days!
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Thank you! I am enjoying these days for sure. I’m so glad I was able to retire and help babysit her.
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I love the image of the two of them circling from different sides of the playpen! And yes, it’s a time to cherish!
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I also love that perfect wording; “grandmother jack-in-the -box!” And I love the vivid picture you paint of a toddler cruising the furniture, I can’t believe I forgot how exciting that is for them! Finally, there is poignancy in your piece where you love and keep safe both your new grandchild and your elderly , beloved dog. Perfect that you end with the image of the two of you collapsed on the sofa, close together.
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Thanks, Fran! We are the only home on both sides of the family with a pet; so when Blair stays at our house, she is SO interested in Jersey. I wish Jersey was still as playful and friendly as she was when she was younger. I know the two of them would have had some fun encounters. As things stand now, I feel as if I have to be very vigilant.
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Lori,
I feel this exhaustion and have the same worries. My grandson who just turned four will be here for the 4th of July. I’m gearing up to be exhausted and deal w/ dog anxiety. Hope you’re feeling rested this morning!-
I’m so glad you’ll have a special little visitor for the 4th of July! I’ll be thinking of you and hoping the dogs and grandson merge seamlessly! As the only pet owner on both sides of our family, I feel sad that Jersey isn’t still as playful and friendly as she was when she was younger. I know she and Blair could have had some fun back then.
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