Amazing grandmothers & William's first weeks

When we moved to Minnesota we moved away from our families/ support system.  Since being here I have become much better at asking for help and seeking out support in other forms.  I have grown to love it here and am proud to be living in this state for many reasons.  The hard part is when there is a crisis or a major life event when you really just want your family nearby.  We had been talking to our moms throughout the pregnancy (even before actually) about them coming out to stay and help us with the transition.  Luckily they were both able to come out and help- it would have been impossible to imagine without them.

Tony's mom, Deb was planning to arrive the day before my scheduled Cesarian to stay with the girls for a week while we were in the hospital then my mom would arrive a week later and stay for 2 more weeks.  Luckily Deb was able to change her flight and come in sooner when William decided to show up.  That first week was rough and my hospital stay shorter than with the girls.  Tony was home for a few days after we got home but it was amazingly helpful to have Deb at the house too.  My mom came in time for Tony to go back to work and I would have been a disaster without her.  It's humbling to be in your thirties and a "grown up" in many ways but still need your mom- and be dependent and needy.  I'm so lucky to have a mom who comes to my aid and loves me even when I get super grouchy.

William with Gramma Deb

I somehow didn't get any shots of him actually in the shirt and now he's outgrown it, but the girls decorated a shirt for the baby (didn't know if it would be a boy or girl) to wear home from the hospital.  Here's Emma showing it off before we packed it in my hospital bag.

The bonus of having a baby in the summer that I hadn't realized before was being able to just go outside without 10 minutes of bundling.  What a treat! 

First family of five walk around the block.

Hanging out in the backyard.

Since Tony took time off he got to spend time with all of us including some quality time with the girls- here's a little snippet of Tball time in the backyard.

Since there were other adults around, I was able to just hang with my little guy and rest.  He is a very calm baby so far and loves to just snuggle any chance he gets.

Time with his sisters.

Making pizza with Gramma Deb

Sidenote: This awesome blanket was made by Gramma Bon for Tony when he was a baby :)

Meeting Poppa for lunch

Time with Nana and Grampa

Fair with Nana and Grampa

Baaaaaaa 

Who loves ice cream?

All in all a great start.  That said, it's been a lot.  I've been pushing to try to make things as "normal" as possible for the girls to help them transition, but it's hard to find the right balance.  We are getting there but it takes time.  School starts for the girls and I next week and we will see what that brings.