The Juice is worth the Squeeze: Recap

So one of the last things that happened in my two plus month of not blogging was my mom's visit.
*Next blog will be on the drama that is trying to buy a short sale house*

First let me say originally they planned for my mom to come out in mid August because I would have just given birth and how nice it would be to have my mom here to visit, help clean and cook etc. Well obviously so early in a pregnancy it was only vaguely mentioned. After the miscarriage it wasn't mention for months. But as my mom's retirement drew closer she said she had told my father for her retirement - she didn't want some extravagant vacation (they went on an adventure to Yosemite after my dad retired)...she just wanted to see her babies. And my dad said she was coming to visit for 10 days. Ummm WHAT? I love my mom but that's tons of time! I nicely planted seed of thought that it was too long - and she needed to see my brother too. So it was finally decided she'd arrive Aug. 8th and spend five days with me and on the sixth day I would drive her down to my brothers to spend four days with his clan before heading home (my dad drove up to my brothers so I could spend 20 hours with him - and he could drive her home.)

First ever Mom and Me selfie at Polish Thanksgiving

First let me tell you of the "stab twist" moment that happened with my dad. My dad has been one of my biggest supporters when it came to me being an infertility advocate. And when I share articles, petitions, or friend's trying to get their adoption profile shared - he's the first (and often only one) to do so. But when it comes to loss - well he seems to not use his brain. At all. As I said, when I first learned I was PG he was going to come up (after a few days from my mom flying in) to meet his grandchild. Once months past and plans changed, he informed me he wouldn't be coming up here with my mom. Because "If you had a kid, it would be worth it." Stab. Twist. Now, I understand because of my dad's health and weight he can't fly (He's too embarrassed to admit that he's too big to fit in one seat anymore) and because of his bad knees, COPD, and emphysema that he can't drive long distances anymore - but hell they are both retired! You're telling me they couldn't take two or even three days to drive the 12 hours to my house since he can't do it in one day anymore? Oh - he could if I had a kid...but since I'm now living childless yeah no. He'll settle for 20 hours of seeing me at my brother's with his three grandchildren. But I digress. I'm trying to move past this pain.

On day one, I took my mom to see the house we're trying to buy through short sale (will update on this next blog). The next day was Polish Thanksgiving at my In Laws. Sunday was brunch and her visiting with her best friend from when they lived here for five hours. Monday I had to work til 3 - then we went for a walk down by the river. Tuesday we went to downtown Chicago to visit Millenium Park and the Art Institute.

Mom at the "bean" in Millennium Park

Wednesday we drove the 4 hours to my brothers. It was a nice visit. And since I talk to my parents 3-5 times a week I feel very connected...but dude I was happy to have my house back to just us two after that. I agree with that comedian that said family visits should last 3-4 days...because like fish left out too long it starts to rot and stink up the house. There is such a thing as too much togetherness when you're used to no visitors.

This is my favorite painting at Chicago's Art Institute. It may not be as well known as others, but Gustave Calliebonte's "Paris Street Rainy Day" has always spoken to me.