The new baby appears to really like them, which certainly takes away the worry for us. As the grandparent, you can't trust just anybody with such an important job.
Here's the deal: We get the young couple to do most of the difficult work, like feeding the baby, changing nappies and lulling him to sleep. He even lives in their house, so that makes things a lot simpler.
We arrive for the good times, such as when the grandson-who looks very handsome-is available to lie in our arms, arching his tiny back and glancing up at the world as if to comprehend its wonder, all while gesturing towards us with his starfish hands.
Why, you may ask, would a young couple be willing to do all the hard work, while the grandparents enjoy the good times? It's a fair question. When we arrive, the young couple has usually been up all night, dark circles under their eyes, a shuffling quality to their gait.
The grandchild, though, is full of beans. We, the grandparents, take turns rocking him, making eyes at him and telling him he is the most gorgeous child in the world. He wriggles in our arms.
An hour or two later, just when things are about to turn fractious, we hand him back to the young couple and disappear down the front steps.
"See you in a few days," we'll say.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BOOKS
Books review
STUDIO - Off Lamington Road by Gieve Patel
Oil on Canvas, 54 x 88 in
NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF MEDICINE
FOODS THAT FIGHT DEMENTIA
TO HELL AND BACK
The Darvaza crater in Turkmenistan is known as the Gates of Hell. I stood on its edge - and lived to tell the tale
THE SNAKE CHARMERS
Invasive Burmese pythons are squeezing the life out of Florida's vast Everglades. An unlikely sisterhood is taking them on
Sisterhood to Last a Lifetime
These college pals teach a master class in how to maintain a friendship for 50-plus years
...TO DIE ON A HOCKEY RINK
ONE MINUTE I WAS PLAYING IN MY BEER LEAGUE, THE NEXT I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL
Just Sit Tight
Broken, battered and trapped in a ravine for days, I desperate driver wonders, \"Will anyone find me?\"
Allow Me to Mansplain...
If there's one thing we know, it's this: We're a nation of know-it-alls
THE BITTER TRUTH ABOUT SUGAR (AND SUGAR SUBSTITUTES!)
It's no secret that we have a serious addiction. Here's how to cut back on the sweet stuff, once and for all.