The week before Christmas Nina’s sitter had to go off work with a hurt back. Something much more serious than my pulled muscle as here it is, 6 weeks later and she is still mending. The good news is she thinks she will be back just as I am leaving France which has worked out very well for timing. When Emily and I first started talking about me retiring and spending more time in France the conversation included that I was not the stay home with your grandchildren sort of grandmother. I have a lot adventure left in me and leaving work would give me more time to make those opportunities happen. Some day there will be more grandchildren, possibly on both sides of the Atlantic, and I want that next generation to adventure with me. I want them to know me as the Naja who takes them hiking and on bike rides, and maybe even bike trips, and on train rides and to the beach etc etc. And I wouldn’t be that person if I devoted my life to chasing and helping raise little ones.
But filling in and helping out is another story. That was a big part of my motivation to spend more time here in the first place; I wanted to be an extra resource to Emily and Co. I had raised my three without any family nearby to step in and help, (put the clothes on the line, make us a meal, babysit when unforeseen situations arose etc), and I wanted it to be different for Emily. Francois’ family is extremely generous in offering to help but they do have 5 other grandchildren and a business to run so not the same as me, lolly gagging about, retired in the French countryside!
So step in and take over the nou nou duties I did. It’s been Nina and Naja for 6 weeks now and I must say, it has been incredible spending all this time one on one. We have formed a bond that isn’t possible when you are playing a supporting role. Mercifully Em works part time, Tue to Friday with workdays that are approximately 9:30 to 3. I don’t know that I would be quite so enthusiastic if I was in this role 5 days a week, all day long. And I was grateful to friend Jenn when she was here for a week after Christmas and was happy to pitch in and help out. A 2 to 1 ratio of adult to toddler seems about right it you ask me, especially when said toddler is a curious little one who is always on the move.
Starting this blog and being a nou nou has challenged me for time. I now set my alarm even earlier so I can write before cycling over to collect Nina. Em works from home so we have to clear out and leave the house in quiet. Nina and I take the car and either come straight to my house, or often go into town to do errands. We park, I get her set up cozy in her stroller (which makes it sound so easy when in reality watching me trying to get her in her “sleeping bag” and buckle her up could probably make a good viral tik tok video) and off we go, to the grocery store, the boulangerie for our croissants (where they now know our order which makes me feel like a local) and wherever else we have errands to do. By the time we get home it’s closing in on nap time (for both of us! And don’t think I am kidding; when she drops off I do the same!), then lunch and before we know it Em is done work and we are driving back to her. And if we haven’t gone to town it’s pretty much the same except we go for a walk to see the cows across the street, the goats next door, the yappy dogs down the road….. there really is no limit to animal entertainment where we live!
It has been fun being this busy in a way that is meaningful to me. I am grateful for the turn of events that has me spending so much time with Nina and feeling fulfilled in another way with writing. I feel my life has so much purpose that getting up before 7am in retirement is welcome. And because the blog learnings have been many I am also usually not at a loss for things to do in the evening, writing and figuring out how to do things up until bedtime.
As I have said many times, don’t think my life here is glamourous. I am not in Paris attending Fashion Week events. Sipping a hot drink on a heated terrace. Leisurely strolling through museums and art galleries. It is simple, and quiet and low key and yet, oh so satisfying. Nina won’t remember this time we are having together but I? I will never forget it and we will never lose the bond this has helped us forge.
Switching gears; if you haven’t watched The Swimmers on NF yet I highly recommend it. Based on a true story it is a poignant story of two teenage refugee sisters who make their way to Germany from Syria. And at the end it shows photos of the real people on whom the movie is based, and updates on their lives, which I always like. Made me appreciate anew how relatively easy my life has been. And the lives of my children.
A Bientot! Xo
PS: Photo of Nina on tiptoes taken when she could hear her father working in the yard and was straining to see him.
Beautiful picture of Nina ❤️. Michelle, I am so happy that Naja and Nina are forming that special bond.
You may not be living the glamorous life in Paris at fashion shows and sipping a hot drink on a terrace. What you are able to do, Naja, is fill your heart with love and making memories which is far more valuable ❤️
Thanks for the NF recommendation 😘
Agree 100% Donna. Time well invested.
Great post. 😊
Thanks Carlene!!
There is something about that photo Michelle. It is really beautiful. I’m so happy you are enjoying this special time you have with Nina.
PS I did not get a welcome email from you. Hope I did subscribe properly.
I will send another one today Joan….. you may have subscribed after I sent the last two…… 🙂
You are so fortunate to have this opportunity with Emily and family; and all of this one on one time with Nina is icing on the cake! Priceless! Love this picture of her!😄
Icing on the cake made me smile. I just finished a piece of carrot cake, of course with cream cheese icing, that I made last night for date night tonight. I am quite embarrassed by how much of it is now missing……
Sweet picture of Nina! So happy for you and Nina getting to spend time alone together! Two lucky girls!
Funny the twists and turns life takes eh Joy? What is the saying- “Man makes plans and God laughs”? This unexpected turn has given me a gift I wasn’t even looking for. 🙂
Those little shoes on tippy toes are priceless! Spending quality time with your granddaughter far outweighs any glam 😊 Nina may not remember these special moments but Naja sure will. The photos will come up in your memories and it will take you right back to those simple days of hanging out with Nina.
💞
It is the tippy toes that get me too Wendy! Her little self straining to see as much as she could!
Did you make that osteo appointment yet??
No 🫣
Love your simple France life. It suits you and I know it fulfills you in so many ways. Being the nuo-nuo was fun, Nina got to have 2 crazy Grammies for a week.
Cherish every minute!!
Lol, we weren’t that crazy were we?? You sure made it more fun and easier! I am in more of a groove now than I was then which helps!
Nina & Naja sounds like a wonderful title of a children’s book series!!! Just sayin😉.
It may take us a while, but eventually hopefully we will all figure out it’s the simplest things that bring us the most joy.
Your reads make me feel wrapped in love.
Thanks sweets ❤️
Thanks Colleen! Yes, at the end of the day it is all just stuff. Life is definitely simpler with less. I am so glad you are feeling the love…… 🙂
It’s funny you should say that about a children’s book as I totally agree! It has such a cute ring to it!
Love this picture of Nina, Michelle. You almost made me cry talking about the bond you have with Nina. But you are wrong if you think she will not remember this time you and she have had together. Once that bond is made you will have a very special place in her heart as she does and always will in yours. 💕
Ah thanks for that Mimi. I hope you’re right and it imprints on Nina so when I rejoin them it isn’t all starting over again.
And the picture, is it not the sweetest? That’s our girl, curious about the world around us!
Such a lovely post. Precious and few as the song says. But you’re wrong about one thing I think , she will remember . Perhaps not every detail but she’ll remember the feeling, and the love. 💖
That’s what I have to believe Jane; and that when I return she quickly remembers that ‘Here is another adult who loves me!’ and we quickly pick up where we left off.
That is an adorable picture of Nina 🥰. Great blog Michelle.
Thanks Dawne, I sure thought it was picture worthy when I caught her in this position!
I whole heartedly agree Michelle with that bond. I went to pick up Aiden from preschool after they had been in Mexico for a week and the teacher opens the door and he shouts Nannnaaaa with a big smile. Melts your heart.
I didn’t have a close bond with my Nannas as we lived away from them so I am making sure I get that with mine ❤
I just know you are a fabulous Nanna Linda, so full of joy and love for your grandchildren as you are for your children.
You are such a wonderful and inspirational Grammy to have ❤️ Emily is very fortunate that is for sure.
Kayla ❤️
You are such a wonderful and inspirational Grammy to have ❤️ Emily is very fortunate that is for sure.
Kayla
Just love that picture of Nina on her tippy toes. As usual great read, take care my friend.
Gosh this blog moved me Michelle. I love your dedication and it’s incredible how clearly we can picture your there. Your words describe the scenery and events so well. You can make me laugh, be calm and tear up all at the same time. Nina is blessed. ❤️