Loose Ends
Redecorating the guest room for a part-timer
Susan Nienow

Just when I was feeling competent in most areas of my life, now I have a new role to take on: grandmother. Is there a manual for grandmothers? Do I have to like pink? What about singing lullabys? Singing is not one of the first 100 things I do well.

My other half and I are redecorating the guest room. We have the crib. I wasn't excited, but I bought a crib before my son and his wife did. I guess we will have to put the curio cabinet up in the attic to make room for the high chair and the car seat and the swing and…

New rules prevail since I had my children. No crib bumpers. What am I supposed to match the sheets and mobile to? Does the liner for the car seat have to match, too? There aren't any matching granddaughter/ grandmother outfits we have to wear, are there? She's a size 0-3. I am not.

One trip to a baby store with the bewildering array of choices, and I am amazed my children ever grew up. The strollers are complicated enough to require a license to operate. How did I ever raise two children with just an umbrella stroller?

One thing other grandmothers aren't shy about is offering advice. There is nothing like a new granny to attract all of the "experienced" grannies who have been stifling themselves whenever they feel helpful. They have decades of bottled up advice they admit they haven't given to their own grown kids. I'd better practice in front of a mirror saying, "That's great!" without revealing any hidden meanings.

My other half has suggested in the past that I talk with my face, so no eyebrow raising, rolling of eyes, smirking or looking over the top of my glasses. Cooing at the baby is always acceptable. Showing up without notice is a no-no unless we're bearing dinner.

Part of my life is organized by putting the "paperwork" for each organization or activity in individual tote bags. My other half asked me which bag is equipped for diapers, a bottle, colorful plastic keys and wipes? How did I ever raise children without wipes? Do I need my own diaper bag?

It is hard to describe the feelings I have seeing that sweet little mouth and those big blue eyes. In my heart I feel having a grandchild is the ultimate shopping opportunity. Retailers have created whole concrete-floor stores for moms and grandmoms. And the boutiques! A whole world is out there just waiting for a new grandmother.

Already my mind is at work on what kind of collection I can start for this wonder in pink. Music boxes? Mobiles? Monogrammed stuff? My other half suggested stock or a savings account. Where is the shopping? He reminded me that the happy family lives in an apartment the size of a closet. I am learning on my own that this isn't all about me.