Nana & Papa in Norway - Summer 2014

6 weeks ago we arrived home from the hospital, newly a family of 3. Arthur and I were both overjoyed and overwhelmed with our recent promotion to parenthood. That same day my parents arrived in Norway. Nana Liza and Papa Kent were jet-lagged but ecstatic to meet their new grandson.

I was cautiously excited about the idea of my parents living with us for most of the summer. While I was really looking forward to having extra help around the house with a newborn, I worried that we might have a little too much family togetherness time. To put it briefly, I was afraid we would get really tired of each other.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

The time my parents spent here has been nothing short of perfect. I am incredibly thankful for my mom doing all the laundry, cleaning, and most of the cooking. I appreciate my dad for working hours in the yard growing precious peppers and okra, and cleaning up our messy kitchen. I love them for never complaining about their miniature shower (no room for a sneeze!), or the high prices, or the fact that my hips are still so bad we didn’t get out of the house for much else than doctor’s appointments.

However, it was the support, and love, and encouragement that meant the most to me. My parents were constantly saying what a great job we were doing, how healthy and happy Xander is. And when I got worried about things, I had them there to tell me that everything was OK. I love them for giving us space when we needed it and always being in a good mood and seeing the bright side of things! Thanks to them, Arthur and I have had little else to worry about besides taking care of, and loving on our son. What an incredible gift that has been.

Seeing my son love on his grandparents has been wonderful to watch. He loves his Papa Kent’s deep voice and scratchy kisses. He adores dancing with his Nana Liza and falls into a deep sleep in her arms. In return, they have filled him up with so much love and tenderness! He is a lucky boy to have such incredible grandparents.

It’s true that you can’t fully appreciate your own parents until you have children of your own. I can’t help but think about my parents as I lay awake in the early morning hours, patting my son back to sleep. I am overcome with an enormous amount of gratitude for my parents in a way I could only truly experience by becoming a parent myself.

Dropping them off at the airport was heartbreaking. Perhaps Xander sensed our gloomy mood and cried the whole way (or maybe it was just because he hadn't pooped in 24 hrs!) Either way, quite a few tears were shed while saying goodbye. We will see them soon though when we take Xander to visit Texas for the first time. He will be reunited with his Nana and Papa and get to meet the rest of his amazing family that is SO EXCITED to meet him. Bring on October! I’m ready for you to be here!