We Love Grandma!

My Mom came to visit last week, and it was AMAZING to have her here!!! I never thought she would make it out here during our four-year stay (she hates to fly, she still has four kids at home and tickets are expensive) so I was holding my breath until she actually got off the plane! Jordan started school again the week before so I was dealing with both girls by myself all day every day for the first time plus we were still getting settled into our new house so I was feeling pretty overwhelmed. Consequently, her timing was perfect!

We didn't really go out and do a lot since it's so hot, but just having her around was a huge blessing. She and Madison had so much fun together, and it was great for me to watch the two of them and learn a few tricks for dealing with a VERY stubborn and opinionated two-year-old (my Mom says she had more than a little bit of practice dealing with me ... I have no idea what she's talking about!). She even got Madison to go on the big girl potty for the first time! She also got plenty of snuggle time with McKinley, culminating in getting her to roll over for the first time on my Mom's last day here! In addition to both girls having a great week with Grandma, I had a FANTASTIC week with her here! I just felt so much more relaxed and the days weren't nearly as long and lonely with her to talk to all the time (not that I don't enjoy Madison's constant chattering during the day, when I usually hear "I need help" about 2,000 times :) ) It was really exactly what I needed. She helped me decorate the new house and was a HUGE help at McKinley's doctor's appointment where my baby girl got three shots and Madison unexpectedly had to have two during what was supposed to just be a weight check for her. I can't imagine what that would've been like by myself. Anyway, I'm SOOOO grateful that she was able to come and I'm already working on convincing her to come back!! My two girls are very lucky to have two awesome women in their lives in Grandma and Nana!

Snuggling and eating peanuts, Madison's new favorite after seeing Grandma eat them :)

My Mom nicknamed McKinley her little jelly bean because she always burrowed into a little jelly bean shape whenever my Mom held her

Big smiles for Grandma!

Playtime!

No doubt about it - Grandmas are magic :)