My Prize

Knowing that my family would be descending upon our home this past weekend was the carrot I needed to get through my first week flying solo.  All of the sleep deprivation and tantrums that I powered through were well worth my big prize.  I recall now why I relished in my sick days growing up, because there is nothing quite like getting loved on by Mom and Dad; and Kris (and her kiddos) just make everything so much more fun.

Within half an hour on Saturday evening, we multiplied from our little family of four to five adults and five children (and two very noisy dogs.)  To say that our humble abode was busting at the seams would be putting it mildly.  In all of the madness, though, was so much love.  It sometimes feels as though it takes divine intervention to get so many of us in the same place at once (we were still missing Jamie and JP :(); how I wish it didn't have to be that way.

We kept the agenda simple on Sunday with church and lots of playtime at home.  Mom and Dad dove in, head first, to their one full day spent with their five grandbabies.   They played a hilarious game of hide and seek, Dad and Andy built a wooden toy car together, Mom and the kids made some play dough and did a jello science experiment for snack.  While Mom prepared a feast for dinner, the rest of us got a kick out of watching the kiddos play together; they are pretty much like a litter of puppy dogs, climbing all over one another, and giggling non-stop.  They will do nearly anything to get a rise out of eachother.  Kris and I couldn't help but chuckle when we later found ourselves attempting to discipline the older three, while simultaneously nursing our younger two.  Andy, Claire and Emmy took full advantage of our immobility; each time one was sent to time out (or "tie-me-out" as Emmy calls it), the other two would promptly join them in solidarity.  So, they just continued their play, sitting side-by-side in tie-me-out, and there was very little we could do about it.  Stinkers.

After Kris and the kids left Monday morning, Mom and Dad got to work stocking my pantry and fridge, preparing all of our meals, repairing and cleaning my house, and covering Emmy duty.  What an incredible gift it was not only to have their wonderful company, and my load decreased to little more than feeding and cuddling Hannah, but to be set up for success as I work towards proficiency at juggling the needs of my newly expanded family.  I am so grateful; and missing them terribly already.

Jacob Ryan, nearly 4 months old, Hannah, two and a half weeks old.  Hannah has some catching up to do!

Five little monkeys sitting on the couch!

They were not pleased to have their play time interrupted for a picture.

Mimi and Papa reading bedtime stories!

Enjoying the (almost) 60 degree winter weather!

Mimi cooking play dough with Andy, Claire and Emmy.

Emmy might be a politician some day because she LOVES to kiss the babies.  Poor Jacob's startle reflex was tested with her show of affection.

Jacob paying it forward'.

Jacob and Hannah breaking in our new play mat from Aunt Clare and Uncle Harry!

One of several photos that I stole from Kris' camera.  She's a far better photographer than me. :)

Is that a smile?!?!

Emmy, the baby kisser, back at work!

Papa "colorin' pitures" with the girls.

This broke my heart: Emmy climbed into Kris' car and sat on the seat between Andy and Clairey's carseats as they prepared to leave.  She, tearfully, surrendered after we bribed her with a treat.  Saying goodbye just keeps getting harder and harder on all of us, big and small. :(

A place that I, too, have found great comfort over the years...Leaning on Papa.