We are eternally grateful to Grandma and Grandpa Reder for the help they gave us during Tyler's arrival! They took great care of Cassidy and Gavin during the 4-day hospital stay, shuttling them here there for school and kiddie activities. After we came home, they helped us get settled and kept the older kids occupied while also getting to know little Tyler! Dad eventually made his way back to FL, and mom stayed on another 2 weeks to help me transition to life as a stay-at-home mom of 3. Erik needed to return to work, and I was still recovering from surgery and the exhaustion of newborn days...I don't know that the kids would have ever gotten out the door for school without Grandma Reder here to help! She was ready to greet them each morning at 7am, fed them breakfast, got them dressed, braided Cassidy's hair, packed lunches...not sure how she did it all before 8am but I am very appreciative! Meanwhile, I was able to nurse Tyler whenever he needed and didn't have to worry about logistics of each day. It was a bit scary once mom returned to Florida to face that first Monday on my own! But we have adjusted and the house is running as smoothly as can be expected. It's a happy chaos most days, but we are grateful for every second! We sure miss Grandma and Grandpa, but are looking forward to our Christmastime get-together in just 7 short weeks.
Here are some photos from their wonderful visit...
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| Bedtime books with Grandma |
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| Gavin loved to try on Grandma's glasses throughout their visit |
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| Making Halloween scarecrows at the local nursery/garden shop |
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| Painting pumpkins! |
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| Tyler's first night home |
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| Family dinnertime |
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| Tyler loved cuddling with Grandma...love this adorable newborn smushy face! |
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| Grandpa and Tyler took catnaps together |
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| Little Tyler bonds with Grandma |
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| The Hardings came for a visit too - we had a blast with them! |
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| We took Grandma to the lovely Botanic Gardens nearby |
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| We had some fun girltime...Cassidy's first mani/pedi! |
