Grandma and Papa say Good-Bye to SF

For a little over the past year, we have had the great fortune to have my parents care for Annmarie while Jamie and I go to work. We are so thankful that my parents were able to do this for us. They uprooted their relaxed, quiet, retired lives in Arizona and braved the city streets of San Francisco. Moved into a small studio apartment and lived like they were in college, all for their sweet granddaughter.

My parents by no means are city people. So all the frustrations of dealing with parking, climbing two flights of stairs to get to our loft, the “weirdo’s” of SF, shopping in a city, traffic, etc, etc, is really not their cup of tea. But aside from all of that, they were here to see Annmarie learn to sit, crawl, walk and become who she is today.

Over the past year, my parents and I have had our differences, just as any semi-controlling daughter and parents would have. We argued what to feed her, how to put her to sleep, by no means were they ever going to let Annmarie “cry it out”. But we maintained a balance. And when Annmarie went to one nap a day, I stayed home from work and showed them how it was to be done – period. My parents also had their differences between them, on a few occasions I would hear my Mom say, “If your Dad was around this much with you kids, I think I would have gone crazy”.

So even though we all had some differences, above all that Annmarie was given the best care possible by her adoring grandparents. It made my transition back to the work force that much more bearable and provided me with a much needed peace of mind. My parents also helped out with things around our home, so when we would be out of dish soap, they would be sure to replace it. They also cooked us countless dinners. So Annmarie was not the only one who got spoiled.

But alas the time has come for my parents to return to the unbearably sweltering hot sunny state of Arizona. We have arranged a nanny share for Annmarie with another family in our neighborhood that have a little boy that is 4 months younger than Annmarie. We are feeling good about the arrangement, the nanny has been working for the other family for a while now and their boy is very fond of the nanny. We were able to see this first hand. I think it will be good for Annmarie to have a playmate, while still receiving that one on one attention. And my parents can be just grandparents vs. grandparent and caregiver. That way when I come home form work and find out that they have given Annmarie treats of juice and gelato from Whole Foods, they won’t see my eyes rolling back into my head.

Again, we are so grateful and thankful that my parents turned their lives upside down to do this for us. I know the bonds Annmarie and my parents have created are strong. And it will be sad for all of us to see them leave. I know they will be back often and once it cools down we will make a trip to AZ. Thanks again Mom and Dad!