Babysitting my daughter!

The first time

I listened intently to the instructions. It seemed so easy!

"Don't forget to use the bib, and muslins. Oh and she likes her toy ermintrude. Heat the milk for 5 minutes and sterilize the bottles after you use them."
Piece of cake. We said goodbye.

The screaming started shortly after and I quickly realised that I was out of my depth. It wasn't time for milk, so I guessed that she was tired. We tried listening to some relaxing music, singing songs but nothing worked. I whizzed her round the room in her rocker and it seemed to make a positive difference, for a while....

I ran a bath and tested the temperature. It was a little warm, but well within the scale on the thermometer. Thought I had cracked it, but her face started to screw up and go quite red; like a tomato. More crying and this time it was so load that my eardrums hurt! The bath idea was a really bad one, so I lifted her out of the baby bath, dried her, and put a fresh nappy on. It was really upsetting and I did start to question my abilities is as a parent.

I just couldn't phone and ruin Mum's first night out in four months, so I persevered and carried my daughter around on my shoulder for a while. What I didn't realise was that she was too low, and her head was buried in my shoulder; she was finding it hard to breathe. Eventually, I realised what was happening and raised her slightly. She fell asleep within five seconds, and I realised that she had been tired. I felt really stupid for not picking up on this earlier but at least she was in bed and happy.

I was a nervous wreck though, and it left me wondering how mothers go through this every day.

Babysitting for the second time

I was a bit wiser on this occasion and I thought I'd visit my Dad in case I needed backup. He was overjoyed and we took the baby for a walk. She fell asleep instantly, and that meant we had some time for ourselves. When she woke up, we had everything ready. I think is all about being organised beforehand, and obviously having experience of your own child.