Oldest Chicken and Baby Pea welcomed a new little one. She came into the world on Monday, starting the week just right. GrandBear 5, yep, five–we’re a prolific bunch– joins GrandBears 1 and 3.
This Mémé got to stay with 1 and 3 while Mom and Dad went to the hospital. Forgotten what it’s like to spend days and nights with toddlers? Generally, I’m not the one on call 24/7.
“Oh no. There’s no spitting.”
“We don’t hit.”
“Yes, run. Go potty.”
“Are you awake already?” It’s 5 a.m.
On the phone with a client when GrandBear 1 screeches, “Mémé, it’s the cycling truck!”
“Sorry,” I tell the client. “Gotta go. The recycling truck is here.” We pad out to the front stoop, pajama-clad, to watch the truck magically pick up cans and dump them over, fascinated by each attempt. We count as the rig meanders the cul-de-sac and clap at each successful dump. The “beep-beep” when we wave at them, sends us yelling down the sidewalk. We must call Mama at the hospital to tell her.
Previously, there was an intro to Paw Patrol, a favorite of GrandBear 2. I was abreast of Skye and her helicopter skills. By week’s end, I am an expert on Chase, Rocky, and the rest of the gang. Did you know they each have their own special talents, and one has only three legs? The things we learn late in life.
A deep dive reveals that Paw Patrol was just an idea sold to cartoonists, and the idea guy made a fortune. Can I interest you in a little reporter cat cartoon, guys? Stay tuned.
I forgot the exhaustion, the constant chatter, the chasing, the feeding, the changing, the spilling, and that I once labeled my own offspring, “The Loud Family.”
I am transported back to when I was surrounded by three tiny urchins of my own making, a husband who traveled all the time, a dog, two cats, a garden, Minnesota winter and a tight budget. Where is that energy? In those days, I got up before my little ones so I could do hair and makeup, played endless rounds of Ring-Around-The-Rosie, danced to I Just Can’t Wait to be King, and dug holes in the back yard. We played a nightly game–dirtiest bath had the best day.
Where is that girl? Have I gotten lazy, old or a bit of both? I want my body to work like that again. Is the answer playing more pickleball?
I tell Middle Chicken and Baby Pea I recognize their exhaustion, devotion, and endless work. I remind them that I’m here to help. But I’m going home to lift some weights, walk around the block a time or two, and have a dirty martini. I did set a 2025 goal to get my hind end off the couch.
Now I know why. Pfft.
The Duchess Diaries 
Hi Linda. This is Jackie previously Brown from Dellwood. Be fun to get a hold of you if you get this. Been trying for some time but never seems to get through to you. My email is jacquelynseguin@gmail.com Seguin is my maiden name. Hope to hear from you. Enjoyed remembering how you used to call your family the loud family!
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