If you’ve ever met a Pittsburgher, you’ve likely noticed their distinct accent. Or at the very least, their use of some words that aren’t used by people who live elsewhere— yinz, slippy and dahntahn to name a few. I’ve tried hard over the years to stop speaking “Pittsburghese,” but you never really lose it. And even if you do, you most certainly always get a warm fuzzy feeling when you hear others speaking it. Perhaps that’s why a very Pittsburgh sign outside the home of Jarmon’s aunt brought a big smile to my face this morning.
Not only that, but after Aunt Patti Ann realized that I got a kick out of her sign she also gave me a magnet featuring some Pittsburghese that she bought in the Strip District. I plan to hang it in Chicago with pride. (Perhaps I can hang it in the kitchen so it’s nearby when Arabella wears her Pittsburghese bib purchased by another aunt?)
We had a lovely visit with Jarmon’s aunt and uncle this morning. It was my first time at their home— and their first time meeting Arabella. Arabella got a special treat when Aunt Patti Ann put You Tube— and consequently, Baby Shark— on her large TV. Arabella was glued to the screen. It was neat to see her so interested in something. Once we got tired of hearing Baby Shark-esque songs, we enjoyed some snacks and had a really nice and long overdue visit.
When we got back to Mt Pleasant, it was time to pack up for the trip home. We managed to get everything in our suitcases— including half of the formula supply I bought on sale. These were large cans so it was no small feat. I also had to fix our gate check bag for Arabella’s car seat which got destroyed on the trip out. I strung string through it then put buttons on either end so they wouldn’t slip back through. I got one more use out of it, so I’m happy. If I get another after this, even better. You can’t expect much more for the ten bucks I paid on Amazon.
Before we left there was one final introduction that had to be made— Arabella had to meet Obo. Obo is the stuffed clown I adored as a child that still resides at my parent’s home. Arabella wasn’t quite as taken by Obo as I was— honestly, she seemed a little scared of him— but she did give him a hug. I didn’t let the meet and greet go on too long because Obo is old and fragile from many years of love.
We all piled in the car and headed to the airport. Because the parkway was down to one lane, we detoured through Greenfield and it took a little longer than usual. When people joke that there are four seasons in PA— Fall, Winter, Spring and Construction— they aren’t kidding. An hour trip easily took us an hour and a half. DD and MJ dropped us off and we made our way to the gate. We grabbed some crappy overpriced burritos for dinner and said goodbye to Pittsburgh.
This was Arabella’s fourth flight— and while she and Baxter were both great on the plane, Arabella apparently wanted to make her presence back in Chicago known. As people were getting off the plane she threw her biggest tantrum to date. A screaming fit. Intense, blood curdling wails. She was yelling so hysterically there wasn’t even sound coming out at one point. People in the airport were turning to stare— likely a mix of annoyance, pity and wondering what we were doing (or not doing?) to our sweet child to make her so unhappy. The admiration showered upon us in Pittsburgh when people saw us casually strolling through the airport with a baby and a dog was long gone. We were left with no choice but to laugh. And laugh we did. (Notice there are no photos from this point forward, ha!)
When we finally got to baggage claim, Arabella’s fit had ended but her bassinet wasn’t there. We finally found it, but the extra time added some trying minutes to our trip.
We walked outside to get a cab and— wow! When we left Pittsburgh it felt like fall. Chicago, however, is in the midst of a heat wave. It is also in the midst of a taxi shortage. After an SUV driver tried to con us into paying double to skip the very long line, we eventually got a cab and made our way home. A week in my parent’s very warm suburban home makes our city house– with its leather furniture and hardwood floors– feel especially cold tonight. But alas, we are home after a great week and our hearts are full.
(And for anyone left wondering– the Dock-A-Tot cover Arabella spit up on before we left 10 days ago was caked with formula and waiting for me as expected upon our arrival home.)
Trina Orlando 