Learning new things, and remembering the past.

Here's Hailey having her first swing play at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Learning new skills and exploring new experiences is important in life. We are now doing full-time childcare for our grandaughter as our daughter-in-law has returned to work.

I remember leaving my daughter at my mom's when I went back to work full-time. I knew she would be safe and well cared-for, and appreciate Hailey's parents' confidence in us. Having children tends to disrupt women's careers more than men's, and we are happy to support Hailey's mom in this way.

Going back to looking after a baby after so many years is a learning experience. Learning to read her clues regarding nap time and snack time helps us keep Hailey comfortable. Keeping up to date on current best practices in childrearing is important, and her mom and dad are great resources. We own a car seat, a highchair, a cot and two strollers. And a swing. We bought a lot of this gear when our first grandchild was born and continue to build our supply. We'll keep learning and teaching. Enjoying new experiences, and helping Hailey do the same.

I also learn things outside of my grandma role. I study weaving; I belong to two guilds and enjoy learning and building my skills. I am learning about our new community and climate, and how to garden successfully in this area. I have a lot of curiousity about things and can get lost down rabbit holes exploring. Dinner conversations at our home range from music, politics, science, bad jokes, puns, recipe ideas, hopes, dreams and tales from our past. Current events and weather are often discussed. There's always something new to learn and explore.

Sometimes I learn things in terrible circumstances. How to cope with chronic depression. How to clean wounds. How to pronounce and spell Kyiv. Participating in raising a child feels especially important in these challenging times. Building resilience, empathy and respect. Learning how to communicate effectively and how to stand up for what you believe in. Building and strengthening your moral compass. It is easy to feel overwhelmed. My heart hurts for all the families worried about their children, and all the children worried about the world. I remind myself that tomorrow morning Hailey will arrive and I will help her learn and grow. I will keep her safe and do my part to help her world be a better place.