Dear mom and dad,

I'm having a great time in the country. Besides for the rain. Oh it rained ALL day. We sat on the porch and watched it come down dripping, in buckets, slow and steady. But it wouldn't let up. It was kind of dreary, yet somehow beautiful at the same time. I wanted to walk to the lake but I didn't have rain boots. So we ate and read and slept and had a shabbos party and tried to pass the time.

I watched little girls riding bikes in the pouring rain with their hair stuck to their faces and I thought how cute but also where are their mothers.

And the BUGS. They were everywhere. Daddy long legs, ants, big bugs and small. They invade our space. Or are we invading their space?

The mosquitoes were relentless. I tried not to scratch but boy did those things itch.

All in all I had a great time. I got to hold a 3 week old baby. She is so tiny! It's weird to think that 3 weeks ago she wasn't even here. She has tiny little fingers and she weighs nothing. I was a little nervous that I was holding her the wrong way but I was reassured when her mother let the older kids hold her. I mean I can't be any worse than a 11 year old right?

I have a recollection of someone jumping up and down on my bed as I tried to sleep. Some kid licked my phone. They fought, they cried, they touched my stuff. To say I love these kids is an understatement. But when their Bubby came to take over I gladly gave over the reigns and said good riddance. A kiss on the head and I was out of there.

I always wonder if the way I treat kids I babysit will reflect the type of mother I will be. Will I be so strict about not standing atop the monkey bars that they will hate me? Is it normal that everyone let's their little kids run wild but I have to know where they are at all times? Or that I force them to sit down and eat a snack? Or take a nap? Or scrub their faces clean even when they are squirming in protest?

Is it okay to be more strict with the kids you babysit than their mother is with them?

I worry cuz I want to be a good mother and I don't want my kids to hate me.

Anyway I had a great time and it was nice to meet the newest addition to the family.

On my way back now. Looking forward to some R&R from my vacation. Yup you read that right.

Hope to have a good week.

All the best,

Altie.

P.S. I made it to my new month with 2 minutes to spare. Mostly because my phone didn't have reception in the country and also cuz I forgot my charger so it died. Feel free to call for a 2 minute conversation ;)