Sonechka got married two years ago. My parents and I chipped in to buy a one-bedroom apartment for the newlyweds. We did the renovation, and they moved into their own place. Within a year, they delighted us with the news of pregnancy. During the ultrasound, it became clear that they were expecting twins.
They pondered how to manage in a one-bedroom apartment with a small kitchen, without an elevator, on the third floor, and with strollers. They wondered where to fit two cribs and where the newlyweds would sleep. Moreover, Sonechka’s husband often went on business trips. Handling one child would be doable, but with two, it seemed challenging. So, they asked if they could stay with us for some time
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Our apartment is four-bedroom, with a freight elevator, and a clinic nearby. It doesn’t require much effort to get in. A housekeeper comes to clean several times a week. Of course, my husband and I were not thrilled, but it was more convenient for them. We couldn’t refuse. We thought we could handle it.
However, Sonechka’s babies were not calm. They didn’t have enough breast milk, and not all formula worked for them. The babies cried constantly, waking each other up at night. During the day, the parents helped, and in the evenings, we took turns soothing them. There was no peace in the building. Our husbands had grown used to it and could sleep peacefully amidst the babies’ cries.
But I couldn’t ignore it; I heard everything and rushed to help. I wasn’t getting enough sleep, and it was affecting the quality of my work. I’m the head of an entire department, and I can’t afford to make mistakes. I needed to send a letter to a client, but I forgot to press the send button. The email never reached its destination. I don’t know what to do.
Maybe we should hire two nannies and have them move in. But Sonechka doesn’t want that. Her husband suggested that we move into their one-bedroom unit. It seems like a solution, but it’s incredibly inconvenient for work. Is it too much to ask? I don’t want to interfere with my daughter and her family, but we’re not young anymore.
