15 weeks down.

Since you've been gone...

Charlotte: We started this week off with the arrival of your Dad and Mom... and it was such a fantastic week. Your little Char Char bear, hasn't gotten attention like that since my parents were here... and boy was she loving it. She had breakfast dates with Papa "D" and they even went to Build and Grow together, doll playtime with Grammie... and just all around was able to talk off their ears. She adores them, without a doubt. On the day they arrived, she was already asking them what day they were leaving, so she could "prepare" herself, and understand how many days she had with them. She played HARD while they were here. Up bright and early each morning, and didn't always go to bed at our normal time. It's always so tough to keep up a routine when we have visitors... we just wanted to go exploring with them, and not miss a minute with them. She did alright though... each time her behavior seems to get better... a little more mature.

Marley: It didn't take long for your little Marley bird to remember who your parents are... she pretty much went right to them as soon as she saw them. And from that point on, she clung to their sides... especially your father's. It didn't take long until she had him wrapped around her finger. She batted her eye lashes at him, giving him "the eye" and pretty much made him puddle. She's got that way with people... she's the cutest little thing. She's been learning new words. This week she learned, "cup cup" (for cupcake) when Charlotte and Grammie made Valentine's day cupcakes, as well as a handful of others. She's definitely trying to tell you something... but a lot of times it still sounds like jibberish. I'm fairly certain clear sentences are just around the corner for her though. She is FINALLY over that wretched cough that was a result of the flu... it was so terrible, she'd find herself in fits, and then throwing up her breakfast over it... or whatever else she had just eaten. But, it's been a day or two since I last heard her cough, so that's looking up.

Finn: I was curious to see how he'd be around your parents... but Finnster totally loved on your parents... both of them. Though, I'm pretty sure he has heart eyes for your Mama that look a lot like the ones he gives me. He LOVED listening to your Dad... as soon as he'd talk, Finn would look over in his direction. Being held and sung to, definitely kept him occupied. He spent a lot of time outside with us, because it was so beautiful this week... we even had a day, where it was a high of 76! He's been loving stroller rides... just enjoys watching everything, and taking in the views. He's definitely a nature lover. If he's fussy inside... bring him outside, and he immediately calms down. The sweetest sight this week, was seeing him fall asleep in your Mom's arms. It just melted my heart.

Me: Oh this week went by too quickly. It always does when there's visitors... but I really felt like I blinked and they arrived, and then I blinked and they left. It was the sweetest of times... truly love your parents. They loved on me and the littles, and having an extra 2 sets of hands, was awesome. I had a break from holding the babies... and at times, found myself missing them, because I'm SO used to having them in my arms. When we were out exploring, I didn't have to push the stroller, which made my arms feel awkward. A good kind of awkward. It was definitely practice for when you come home... letting go of things, and allowing others to help. It was so wonderful having adults around to interact with daily, and converse with. It just gets me more and more excited to have you home...

Story of the Week: When we were preparing for your parents' arrival... we washed the sheets, and made the bed. Leave it to your daughter, to go ahead and "try" out the bed before they arrive (like a modern day Goldilocks).  I was vacuuming, and saw that she was in the guest room. I asked her what she was doing in the bed, and she said, "I'm making sure their bed is nice and comfy for them. I think I tooted too." And she popped her head under the sheets, and when she came back up, she said, "Yup, I definitely tooted." .... she is SO your daughter.