Double Trouble
If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be spending multiple weekends wrangling two little ones under the age of three, I probably would have laughed and said, “That’s adorable, but no thanks.” Yet, here I am, stepping up to the challenge, embracing the chaos, and somehow still standing.
My son and daughter-in-law are professional photographers for the Amsoil Championship Snocross National Tour, which means for eight weekends from December to April, they’re off capturing high-speed snowmobile races across the upper mid-west to New York and Canada, while the grandparents divide and conquer childcare duties. Until this season, we each took turns watching our first grandchild, but with the arrival of baby number two, things got a little more... complex. We each took one child for each race weekend.
With some last-minute scheduling changes, it looks like I’ll be the solo grandparent on duty for the remaining three race weekends. This past weekend was my first go at double trouble, and to be honest, I was feeling a little overwhelmed before it even began. Could I handle two little ones, especially now that the baby is mobile and everything she finds goes straight into her mouth? Would I be able to keep up with the energy of a toddler while ensuring the baby was safe and happy?
To set myself up for success, I pulled out some baby items that had been stored away for over a year. The toddler was fascinated by them, and the baby was mesmerized by all the new things to explore. Instant win!
The port-a-crib became playpen magic. When I needed to clean up or take a breather, I used it as a safe space for the baby. At first, she loved it, until she realized she was trapped (cue protests). Meanwhile, the toddler started using it as her own private club, tossing in toys, books, and even herself.
I quickly learned that bathing a baby while keeping an eye on an active toddler requires superhero-level skills. When I bathed the baby, the toddler wanted to help. The baby loved splashing and by the time it was over, the counter was soaked and I had to change my shirt. When it was the toddler’s turn, the baby stood by the tub, trying to climb in. At one point, I was changing one while using my knee to keep the baby from toppling over.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to take the world’s fastest shower, try doing it while both kids are asleep, because you never know when one will wake up crying. Spoiler alert: The baby was up in minutes, and there went my rest time.
Unfortunately, both girls were sick which meant I went through 1.5 boxes of tissues, wiping noses amid protests while also dodging baby coughs like a game of dodgeball.
Three meals and two snacks a day meant my dining room became a battlefield of crumbs, spills, and tiny hands grabbing for everything in sight. The baby, eager to eat solid foods had more on the floor or in her lap than her belly. Meanwhile, the toddler needed constant encouragement to take a single bite because singing and being distracted was far more exciting than eating. As a side note, the toddler needed to help with everything that was prepared in the kitchen as the baby watched from her bouncey-seat.
I lost count of how many times I wiped down the high chair, the table, and the floor. By the end of the weekend, my broom and I were in a committed relationship.
Somewhere between wiping noses, refilling sippy cups, chasing down babies and toddlers, and attempting to keep my sanity intact, I realized something: the exhaustion is real but so is the love.
These long, messy, chaotic weekends is not about perfection. It’s not about keeping everything under control (because let’s be real, that’s impossible). It’s about the tiny, magical moments in between the chaos. The way they look at me with absolute trust, knowing they are safe and loved.
Sure, I was exhausted beyond belief. Sure, I may have gone through an entire box or two of tissues wiping runny noses. Sure, my floor may never fully recover from the food explosions. But I wouldn’t trade the time and love for anything.
They may not remember these weekends, but the love I pour into them now will shape the foundation of our bond forever. That makes it all worth it. Two more race weekends to go. Am I ready? Probably not. But bring it on, Double Trouble, Buzzy’s got this.
XO Sheryl
PS… to all the moms, dads, caretakers, and grandparents out there raising children, you are everyday super-heroes! What you do MATTERS!
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