without a paddle

did i mention my parents stated they would move North as well?

they began their journey on Sunday, opting to drive for 9 hours instead of taking the hour and 10 minute flight. that is something i will never understand. i don't know if it is the cost or a fear of flying. growing up, we rarely flew anywhere. my first airplane ride was to Germany (can't drive there!) when i was in the third grade. we even drove to Mexico (Acapulco, not just across the border) on one or two occasions. Paw Paw does all the driving. neither is a good driver. and el Jefe' reported on Monday that Paw Paw got a speeding ticket.

North is very different from South. it's more than the weather. it's population, elevation, and just the way of life. higher elevation, less population, and fewer established amenities. my parents have a large home in a retirement community. it is upscale, and their tastes are reflected quite differently than ours. lots of brass, oriental rugs, crystal chandeliers ... the middle describes every ceiling fan as something that fell off a Home Depot semi. they use china, and crystal, and real silverware. of course there is a difference due to their age and generation. our realtor, Linda, says there are only two retirement communities up North. there are two within 10 miles of our home in the South, and both are more upscale than the ones available in the North. i think they are going to be disappointed. as of Monday, el Jefe' reported Nonna was ready to come home.

el Jefe' and i attended a prepared childbirth refresher course yesterday evening. Punkin's godmother (Lola) and her 23-year-old daughter Courtney spent the evening with Punkin (notice my parents were conveniently out of town when we needed assistance?). my greatest worry is who is going to watch Punkin while i'm in labor. there is a part of me that thinks, and hopes it goes fast to limit our time apart from Punkin. and Lola and Courtney are on board if it's on a weekend. but they have jobs, and it is a little much to ask of them to miss work.

Paw Paw is 82 and has NEVER changed a diaper. ever. Nonna is 72 and has never changed one of Punkin's diapers. they'll have trouble with the stairs in our house. we worry that they won't or can't keep a constant eye on Punkin. they aren't conditioned to wake up from a nap at the sound of a pin drop. and there is too much for him to destroy at their house.

i learned over 20 years ago to ask for very little from my parents. help, whether physical or financial, comes with far too many strings attached. but now i'm left empty handed, no tools in the tool box for this one.