May: Surrounded by support, seen and unseen.

 It's weird to think that JJ is just over two weeks old.  Seems like he's been around much longer.  The girls absolutely love him.  I would have thought Hailey would have been the big sister that helped the most, but oddly enough it's been Emi who wants to be right by JJ's side and help.  She wants to learn how to change diapers and how to hold him and carry him.  

 

This past couple days have shown me just how many people are around us that we can reach out to if we need something.  We don't have grandparents close by to "watch the kiddos."  But Patti Edgel reached out after JJ was born and took the girls for most of two days.  We had people bring us meals.  Many helped or offered help.  

Lezli came into town for a few days. That's covered in a different post.

Joel and I lucked out on Sunday late night to catch the stomach flu at the same time.  In 8 years, we've never been sick at the same time!  Fortunately, we had lots of help even from a distance.  

Dana Lopez helped to pick up donor milk from my chiropractic friend.  Go figure.  People that I meet months and years ago all come together.  Dr. Catania helped with adjustments and we would talk during sessions.  I knew about her twins and that she was a pumping mom.  Because I couldn't eat or drink much, I was worried that my milk supply for JJ would drop and he'd get hangry.  Oh and he did!  Dr. Catania was gracious enough to donate some of her stash.  Dana picked it up and dropped it off.  

Ryan ran to the grocery store to get fluffy white french bread and Gatorade.

Becky Instacarted us more Gatorade and Pedialite.  

As I laid on the couch, JJ snuggled up close, I realized that maybe this is my bodies way of saying slow down.  It's only been two weeks. 

 

MAY Brings Lala

With Joel having found his birth family, the number of family members has more than doubled.  For all of them, this was the first grandchild that was born.  Lezli was the first to be able to make it out.  She came out Sunday, May 9th, Mother's Day.  The girls were excited to go to the airport and pick her up.  

We had to do some rearranging of beds and rooms but we figured out a sleeping situation.  The play room became Lala's room for the week.  

We went swimming.  They painted nails.  Lala got her snuggles in.  The girls got their shopping in.