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👵 Cookies, Diapers—and a Bill That Broke My Chill
When my daughter-in-law asked me to babysit for the weekend, I pictured sprinkle-covered cookies, bedtime snuggles, and maybe a heartfelt thank-you. What I got instead? A pink handwritten bill for the water, eggs, and toothpaste I “used” while caring for my grandson.
It all started with a text from Lila while I was refilling the hummingbird feeder.
“Would you mind watching Oliver this weekend? Lucas has a work retreat, and my sister and I are doing a spa trip.”
I hesitated. Lila and I don’t exactly knit together. She’s mentioned “over-involved grandparents” more than once, and her boundaries often feel more like barbed-wire fences. Still, I adore Oliver. His squeals of “Nana!” and sticky hugs could melt any frustration.
“Of course,” I replied.
“Everything you need will be ready! Just enjoy the time.”
Charming. Or so I thought.
🧸 Chaos, Crumbs, and Crusty Pans
When I arrived Friday, the house looked like it had been hit by a toddler twister. Toys everywhere. Dishes stacked like an art installation. A crusty pan sat soaking on the stove as if abandoned mid-meal.
“Nana!” Oliver ran to me, sagging diaper and all, showering me with a kiss that made the mess melt away—for a moment.
Lila breezed by with her suitcase.
“There’s food in the fridge, and his stuff’s in his room. You’ve got this!”
She kissed Oliver’s cheek and was gone before I could say hello.
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“Mommy go bye-bye?” Oliver asked.
“Yep, sweetie. It’s just us this weekend.”
As he settled in with his blocks, I went to make coffee—and quickly realized that Lila’s “everything” meant half an egg carton, sour milk, and no bread. Then I found five diapers. Total. And no wipes.
That was the moment I stopped being irritated and started planning a grocery run.
🍪 Giraffes and Giggles
With Oliver snug in his car seat and a grocery list in hand, I hit the store. $68 later, we had diapers, wipes, snacks, fresh food—and a small stuffed giraffe I couldn’t resist buying after Oliver hugged it like it was his soulmate.
Back at home, we got into a rhythm:
– Park trips with squeals of “Higher, Nana!”
– Cookie baking that involved more eggs on the counter than in the bowl
– Blanket forts and movie nights with Finding Nemo on repeat
After bedtime, I cleaned the disaster zone. Did laundry. Scrubbed dishes. Cooked a casserole for Lila’s return. My feet hurt, but my heart glowed. These were the kind of memories you tuck into your soul.
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💸 The Bill That Lit a Fire
Monday morning, sun warmed the windows—and I noticed a note under a mug. Loopy handwriting. Pink ink.
I expected a “thank you.”
Instead, I read:
- Eggs: $8
- Electricity: $12
- Toilet Paper: $3
- Toothpaste: $4
Total: $40
Please Venmo by Friday. Thanks!!
