Spectrummy Mummy

We are on holiday (vacation) with my parents.  When we lived in Europe, we did this a few times.  When Pudding was a toddler, she loved the extra attention, and we loved the extra sets of hands.  When we went to Spain with them, she would creep into their room in the mornings to spend time with her beloved Nanny and Bob.  She would hold their hands to swing, and sit on their laps, and soak up all the grandparent love that could be squeezed into two weeks.

Not any more.

We collected my parents from the airport, and she screamed.  The whole ride back she sobbed, clinging on to my hand.  The gift of a new Upsy-Daisy brought some grudging hugs, but for the most part she keeps her distance.  Is she mad at them for not being around for a year?  Is this just a transition?  Will she get used to them again in time?  She clings to me.  Even at night, sleeping beside me is not enough.  She would melt into me if she could.  I get the overflow, wishing I could turn it in the direction of those who have to remain at a distance.

In stark contrast, Cubby is adoring time with his Nanny and Bob.  It has been over a year since he saw them, but he is overjoyed to be with them.  Watching them interact is like a glimpse of the past.  The easy affection that my girl used to show to her loved ones is gone, her brother has it in spades.  A reminder.  A contrast.  A tiny stab to the heart.

It has been a couple of days, of course.  There is still time to win her over, if she can be won.  Time will be our friend.  Time to squeeze in a year’s worth of grandparental love, even if it has to come on her terms.