Big day

Today was a busy day for us.

We met our friends Suzanna and Caroline this afternoon to go walking/shopping and enjoy the nice weather. Caroline is only 10 days older than Riley and Colter. All the babies slept for most of the time, but I'm sure the play dates will get more exciting in the future. I definitely enjoyed catching up with Suzanna.

We got home just in time to see Jeff pulling in the driveway. Jeff and I were excited because Jeff's parents and their family friend, June, were coming over to babysit Riley and Colter. They had also offered to babysit Amy and Michael's son, Bryce, so we could go on a double date. It had been a long time since the four of us had been out together, so we were really grateful.

June gave us the most adorable socks when the babies were born. Here's Riley with her Mary Janes on and Colter with his cowboy boots on.

When our babysitters arrived, Papa Jim had a surprise for Riley and Colter - a little red wagon! It's just like the one my brother, Matt, had when we were growing up. Bryce was kind enough to test it out and make sure it was safe for his younger friends. Thanks, Bryce!

Bryce went to sleep before we left for dinner, but I think Riley and Colter got to snuggle with June and Gram for most of the evening.

We had a great time on our date!

We got home in time to change the babies into their pajamas (these are Jeff's favorites) and put them to bed.

Grandpa visits us

Grandpa arrived yesterday to meet the twins. We were so excited he was able to visit us before going home after a business trip.

We took Riley and Colter on a walk around the neighborhood yesterday. We took the stroller, but Riley decided she would rather be carried. So, Grandpa carried her for about a mile. Spoiled already! These babies are lucky their Grandpa has cared for so many dozens of foster babies. He jumped right in and helped with soothing the babies during their fussy evening moments, middle of the night feedings, and diaper changes.

It was a quick visit and we miss him already. We'll have to make a trip to North Carolina soon.

Thanks, Pat and Greg!

After staying for a week, Pat and Greg left today. They were such a huge help. Pat got up in the night with the babies so that Jeff and I could get some extra sleep. Greg cooked up a storm (seriously!) in the kitchen and filled our refrigerator and freezer with yummy meals: pasta salad to feed an army, Great Grandma's mac and cheese (my favorite!), veggie lasagna, chicken casserole, meatloaf, and more. Boy can he cook!

We're so thankful for all the help we've gotten from family and friends. We'd be insane without you because taking care of two babies takes so much energy. The grown-up to baby ratio was 2:1, and Pat and I still didn't get a shower every day!

Grandma went home today

Today was sad because Grandma had to go back to North Carolina. We know Grandpa, Uncle Shawn, and Aunt Rita miss her a lot. What would we have done without her? She got here on Monday, 2/18/08, while we were still in the hospital. She even spent the night in the hospital so Jeff could get a little sleep and get things ready for us to come home.

Our family took care of foster babies when I was growing up - over 60 newborns stayed with us over the years. Needless to say, Grandma has a way with babies. She loves to snuggle with them and seems to know just what they need. She really helped us transition into parenthood and get more confident caring for these little ones. Plus she looked after me as only a mom can. I am so grateful she was there to send me to bed for a nap, make sure I had something to eat, and calm me when I was feeling anxious. It was wonderful to see her with Riley and Colter. I cried when I dropped her off to go to the airport tonight.

Here's some pictures of her with the twins.