Can I be irritated about this?

MrsErickson

Sorry in advance if this gets long.

My mom owns a duplex.  She rents out the upstairs to her boyfriends (It's weird calling a man in his mid sixties her "boyfriend") daughter and two kids and boyfriend.  I have met them only twice in the 3 years or so that they have been living there, but I know when DD #1 goes over there she plays with the girls from upstairs.

My mom calls me this past weekend and asks me if I know anyone who would like a babysitting job for the week.  The girl upstairs is having a c-section on Monday (today) and they don't have anyone to take care of their 18 month old.  I said I didn't know anyone but if they were really in a pince I could look after her for a few days.  I know that she and my DD get along well.  I'm guessing that once that offer was on the table they didn't even look for anyone else because she got dropped off at my house bright and early this morning. (BTW, any discussion of money or this being a "job" has somehow been convienently forgotten)

So, fastforward to this afternoon.  The boyfriend (dad to all three kids) calls and says he is coming to pick her up.  Fine.  Then when he gets here he tells me that "I snuck out as soon as the baby was born so I could get home for a nap."  Ok, I know dads get tired too, but then sleep on the uncomfortable sofa in the recovery room like every other dad.

My mom wants me to continue taking her the rest of the week so that the dad can be with his girlfriend and the new baby at the hospital.  I say, if you are just going to at home napping, I don't need to take your kid.  I've already got two of my own!

Am I being a complete *** about this?

MrsErickson

And also, who waits until three days before a scheduled c-section to look for someone to take care of their other child?  You've known about this for at least 8 months right?

Rebekah1021

I'd be irritated. too. Maybe try to make a compromise and say you can only watch her in the morning.

xbrooklyngrl

um no.I think you've helped them out more than enough.

DandR

Yes, i'd be irriated as well.  That's frustrating!

1. If you chose to help any more...it needs to be ON YOUR TERMS...if the father can take time to sleep, then he can at least make it convenient for you when you watch THEIR child......you know what I mean???

2. If your mom is so adamant about you watching this kid, why isn't SHE watching the kid?

 

katie277s

It would be one thing if Dad was at the hospital with mom and new DC, but it sounds like he is going home to sleep while mom is with the baby and the other kids are with you.  If it were me, I would definately be irritated.  Being tired is a part of parenting. 

JOEBunny

My DH will come home to sleep.  My DD will stay with relatives for 3 or 4 days.  DH and I cannot function on no sleep.  I would not have taken a kid I didn't know  in the first place.  It is nice of you.

MrsDB

i'd just be honest and say "well i thought this was a job, not a favor. i don't mind doing a favor for a day, but not for a week."

MrsErickson

When I went into the hospital for DD #2 my older daughter stayed with relatives for 4 days.  I am forever greatful to them.  I know that these two don't really have any relatives in town so I was willing to help them out.  I'm just feeling a little taken advantage of right now.

Oh, and for those who asked, my mom works full time and doesn't have any vacation time left this year.

PiperBride

I guess if you are around and can keep watching her, it's nice of you to keep doing it.  I'm sure you are very nice to the little girl and providing her with good care while her parents are gone.  It's not her fault her parents are flakes - yeah, three days before is not enough notice!