OP, you probably hadn't heard much from your mom, re: the babysitting specifics for your exam day, because she was focused on setting up this very nice surprise.

Why the grousing about how it's another day in your apparently tough life? Why the kidnapping comment? Beyond this one thing, does your mom have some history of always trying to "take over" your child and keep your daughter with her to excess?

If there's no such larger background and this vent is really just about a sweet gesture--why the griping and lack of gratitude that your mom is alive, interested in your child and healthy enough to take care of your child for you when needed?

Spend some time on this site and you'll find many a post about moms and MILs who are utterly disinterested in grandchildren, or toxically over-involved and pushy, or who are hale and hearty but won't ever babysit. Those posts could help put this into perspective for you.

My own mom didn't have a bedroom to spare just for my daughter when DD was little, but was very excited to put a toddler bed in the guest bedroom so daughter didn't have to sleep with me when we visited -- and more importantly, so daughter could feel she had her own special space at grandmother's place. I'd give anything to have my late mom back with us, thinking about my child and enjoying her.

My mother did this at her house. It's a tiny little room in an old house. My mom painted it pink, painted the dresser I had as a kid, put up pictures and old toys on the dresser.
I almost started bawling when I saw it, it was so quaint and cute and made me realize even more how into my DD my folks are.

My mother has a bedroom set up for my child. I think its awesome and so does my child.

My mom set up a space in her family room. But, it is bazar as my kids never spend the night and rarely (every few months) go over to her house.

I don't know what that bothers you. My parents have a room for DS at their apt. Other visitors could stay in it, theoretically, but it has a twin bed and toy chest and has "kid" décor. I feel certain they are not going to kidnap him.

Anonymous wrote:I'm so sorry, OP. It's so, so much easier to have no mother at all. No pesky gifts, treats, or babysitting. Everybody is always saying how much they envy me.

Also, get a clue.

I'm right there with you, pp. Instead of complaining about a lovely gesture, I'm explaining to my children how their grandmother really would have loved them if she were alive.

I'm so sorry, OP. It's so, so much easier to have no mother at all. No pesky gifts, treats, or babysitting. Everybody is always saying how much they envy me.

Also, get a clue.

Time for coffee, Lorelai!

My parents did this. The Girls love having their own room at their grandparents. I don't think there's a better way to make someone feel like they belong or are always welcome.

What a wonderful gift!

I think that sounds amazing and incredibly sweet. Is there something you're not telling us?

I bet your daughter will be excited! What a wonderful grandma

Anonymous wrote:My mother is watching DD tomorrow at her house for a few hours while I have to take an exam. I asked her about a week ago if she was available, and haven't really heard from her since other than normal stuff.

I just found out that she has turned my brother's old bedroom into a bedroom for DD. More than a play room, it is almost like she set up a complete bedroom like DD lives there, complete with new furniture and toys.

If this wasn't my mother I would think she was going to kidnap DD and try to pass her off as her own. Sigh... another day in my life.

Wow, your life sounds pretty good.

I don't understand. She didn't tell you that she could look after your daughter but she has a room for her?

My mother is watching DD tomorrow at her house for a few hours while I have to take an exam. I asked her about a week ago if she was available, and haven't really heard from her since other than normal stuff.

I just found out that she has turned my brother's old bedroom into a bedroom for DD. More than a play room, it is almost like she set up a complete bedroom like DD lives there, complete with new furniture and toys.

If this wasn't my mother I would think she was going to kidnap DD and try to pass her off as her own. Sigh... another day in my life.