My mom got into Munich last Friday. By now she's pushed through the jet lag* and is now on to making sure that my apartment rivals any of the world's top hospitals in cleanliness.
The dogs could not be happier to have her around. She gives them more treats than me, doesn't humiliate them by waddling on walks like I do of late, and generally makes the place more lively and homey. We couldn't be happier or more appreciative either; we'd given up on domestic perfection in December and then resigned ourselves to acceptance of domestic chaos about two weeks ago.
It is fun and difficult to see her adjust to life here. She's my mom, and so I want to spare her from any discomfort, awkwardness and otherwise difficulty that comes from moving alone to a new city in a foreign country. On the other hand, I know that after all of the baby and household help, she's got many adventures ahead of her during her three month stay.
Mom has gotten a head start on her adventures by renting an apartment in the heart of Munich in a neighborhood far, far hipper than where we live. So far, she's conquered her local grocery store and a take-out restaurant that serves Oriental Chicken salad. Not exactly master of her domain, but you've got to walk before you run and for being two days into German life, I'd say knowing where you can get a tasty dinner is solid progress. I decided to spice things up even more by staging an elaborate ruse on her first day here by losing my wallet, having a minor meltdown over this fact, and then having the day saved by miraculously tracking the wallet down to a drugstore I'd stopped at earlier that afternoon. She may tell you that I am merely forgetful, but that was pure showmanship, baby.
She's at her home-away-from-home right now, resting in her itty-bitty bachelorette pad. Which is a good thing, because tomorrow, she conquers the subway line transfer.
(*photo of Mom taking the Day 1 powernap with Sugar at her side for moral support)
Hooray for grandmas! I am so happy you will have a helper for when the baby comes... hope she has a great visit!
ReplyDeleteI didn't see your mom there until I read that she was. Although I could tell she'd been there by the way your floors shine and all is incredibly neat. My mom has that affect on my home too, it just happens almost by itself. I am thankful for it, I love it actually, but my children will not experience this kind of intervention from me in years to come I'm afraid. Enjoy it Rakel and put your feet up!:)
ReplyDeleteShe is a wonder, truly. Mom has the additional battle of two small dogs who love a good mess. Her efforts are valiant, but their will is strong.
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