March 28, 2024

Moving back home, kind of

After graduating college and getting married, I never planned on moving back into my parents house. Especially not after having two kids and still owning my own house. Because of our recent unwanted guests — that is exactly where we are.

It started out as just a temporary thing, stay for a couple of days until the fleas were gone and go back home. As the situation worsened and we had to get rid of our bed, couch and chair, it seemed like we may not get home as soon as I had anticipated.

Six smoke bombs and completely refinishing our floors later, we had made no progress with the fleas and were looking at my parents’ house as home. The first night was unplanned and unorganized. We slept in my old bedroom while the girls crashed on mats on the floor.

Since my parents don’t have air or heat on the second floor of their 140-year-old house, we pulled the mattress off the bed and made camp in the living room. My oldest daughter’s mattress had been living in the back of my car to stay safe from the pests, so we brought it inside to add to our mess.

Before our unwanted guests arrived, we had already purchased a new mattress to replace my old college mattress, which had been through two kids and a large dog, who liked to take his naps there. When our new mattress arrived we added to the other two and we had quite the sight as well as a playground for the girls.

My parents watched my girls full time for the last two years and now watch them twice a week when my oldest goes to preschool. They have their own parenting style and I wasn’t sure how we would mesh all living under one roof. Thankfully, it has been a smooth ride so far. I guess I learned a lot from my mom because we don’t clash very often on what the girls can and can’t do or on disciplining them.

An added benefit to living under their roof is the food. I have never claimed to be a great cook, let alone a good one. I have a small, consistent menu that is served on rotation at our house and since my husband went on a gluten-free diet, it has shrunk significantly. My parents serve delicious food with sides and even dessert some days. We are feeling pretty spoiled and it will be the biggest thing I miss when we finally get to go home.

Going into our fourth week with my parents, I’m still not sure when we will be going home. The exterminator made his visit over a week ago and said the process to get rid of the fleas would take at least two weeks, if not longer. I am very thankful that my parents are willing to take us in but I will be relieved when we can call our house home again.

Contact Staff Writer Jamee A. Pierson at (641) 792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com.