Georgia: Mass Part II

Dustin and I hit the road Saturday morning (cue Mass Pike by The Get Up Kids) to see Hayley and Georgia. We drove and by that I mean Dustin drove the hour and a half to their neck of Massachusetts. We got off the exit and I had to pee something insane. The problem with small towns is the lack of public bathrooms and I didn't have my You Go Girl with me! I went in a general store, a gas station, and another gas station before finally being able to relieve myself. At that point my bladder was throbbing and I was starting to have a panic attack. A real fun way to start out the day. 

But after that little fiasco we made it to Hayley's and got to meet Georgia, my second cousin, for the first time. She's also the first and possibly only baby to be born on my mom's side of the family out of us four grandkids so she's been all the rage this year. I sound like some elderly person "There hasn't been a baby around these parts in 30 years!". But there hasn't so this is a new and fun experience. Even though Hayley and I lived a couple hours away we grew up together and were always close given that we're just a year apart. Of course getting together these days, states away, during an on going global pandemic has proved to be complicated (to say the least), we've made it work. 

Even though the three of us have been vaxxed up, Georgia can't be yet (at least not for COVID), and since Dustin and I traveled from the COVID capital of the US (here's looking at you Florida) we all thought it in the best interest of the bebe to be as safe as possible while visiting. So when inside, Dustin and I wore our masks. We also drove everywhere in separate cars. We ate meals outside. It was all totally fine and doable. The only part that bummed me out was not being able to hold her. Next time? 

We grabbed lunch at Tandem Bagel wherein I ate a delicious thanksgiving-esque situation of turkey and cranberry. The weather was nice. Still on the warmer side (upper 70s - 80) but practically winter by Florida standards. 

Later in the day we went to a cute orchard and sipped on apple cider slushies, bought apple cider donuts for later, and took scenic photos. The owner's dog is apparently always on site and just brings his ball to you and drops it at your feet. I threw the slobbery thing a few times before he moved on to his next new friend. 

We came back and had Mexican food delivered once GG was in bed. Then watched the Dirty Dancing episode of Movies That Made Us and it really made me want to visit that cute little adult summer camp even more. 

Hayley's husband was away on business (aka had a few races out of state) so she kindly gave Dustin and I their bedroom upstairs. The minute we got into bed, Teenie curled right up in between us, as if to say "Ok, I'm ready for bed too!". It was hilariously cute and honestly made me feel like I was home.

Hayley made us a bomb dot com breakfast of bacon and French toast with fruit. Not only that but we ate it out on her porch where it was a crisp fall 57 degrees. I got to wear a damn sweatshirt! Truly the little things. As we wrapped up breakfast her other cat, Nubbin, escaped (apparently this is an ongoing issue) but of course we felt awful. Dustin was walking slow cat whispering circles around her house trying to lure the little shit back in but of course he was living his best outdoor life. She urged us not to stress it and so we all left for out last little adventure before heading to the airport. We drove up Mount Tom (where the Grinch once called home or so the story goes) to a nice overlook of her city. We took in the view and said our distanced goodbyes.

Who wore it best?

Answer: GG

We flew out of Hartford, CT and thankfully didn't have to go back to Boston. Hail Satan! Our first trip in awhile was a success with only minor issues (callback to the car rental and no bathroom moments). And if you are worried about what happened to Nubbin, see below. 

It's so interesting to watch someone you've known since you were a baby have their own baby 35 years later. It's just different, somehow, than any time my friend's have become parents. We were just kids, weren't we? Aren't we? I guess not, even if I do still feel like I'm 16 some days. Maybe it's just the way I am reconciling with the aging process. And if I'm being honest, it's just another confirmation that I am indeed on my own path and sometimes that can feel a bit lonely. One that I'm proud of but also still very much not the "norm" although us childfree by choice folks have made huge strides. And if I'm being really honest, I also feel a bit of guilt that Georgia won't have that cousin relationship that Hayley and I grew up with and still share. I'm sorry for that because it's a beautiful thing but I will tell you this GG, it's ok to go your own way no matter how hard it can be at times. I'm excited to watch you grow up as I've watched your mom.  

Cheers to your new adventure as a mom, cuz. I love you.