Full House

Most of my posts are usually written in one afternoon.   For some reason, I was looking at my past posts and noticed this one.  Apparently, I had drafted one and forgot about it.  I had finished it but I didn't publish it.    I think this will tie nicely with the series I have been composing. As I look at this day,  I should have known something was coming my way. 

My son and his family will be coming home by the end of this week.  I haven't seen them since April.  I was planning to fly out and see them.  They wanted to surprise us but they had to tell us before we bought  tickets.


Plane tickets are outrageous and if you change or cancel, the fee is astronomical. I appreciated the heads up and for saving me a bit of money.  I guess the money will still fly out the window but it will go to my angels and not the airlines.

There are so many things  I have to do to prepare for their arrival.  I have to paint their room but with the time and humidity  I will have to hold off until they leave.  My daughter is planning to loan a portable crib.  I have one but I need another for the other baby,  There will be two this time.

Last time, I had all of four my grandchildren.  Now I will have six.  I am over the moon.


I have missed waking up and hearing Zoe's little voice wanting to get out of the crib.  Well, it wasn't her voice it was more of her moving in the crib.  I have bionic ears when she is near.  I would gently open the door and pick her up and take her with me to the family room.  That way the kids could sleep longer, if they'd like.  Pappy would have his turn as well.

I had to go to work on most days in the morning, so Bill enjoyed his one on one time with Zoe.  He is a great pappy.  They were like two peas in a pod.    I guess he will have to add another pea to the pod.

I have to get a ton of food and things.  They plan on staying for the rest of her maternity leave with us.  She has to return to her military duty.   I am hoping that they do stay a month but it will make it that much harder when they leave. I'll cross that awful bridge, when I have to.




 Welcoming Abbie

http://www.clipartheaven.com/show/clipart/travel_&_leisure/vacations/welcome_home-gif.html

The Children's Museum

We went to the children's museum.  It was pouring down rain.   Drenched, we went inside to show Zoe a good time.  The section that is meant for her age is a walk way. 

Zoe happened upon a beaver.  Sean got a hold of him and entertained her.

Zoe also came across the fox, who happened to steal her heart and a kiss.

Zoe loved this table.  She cleaned all the leaves with a spatula that she found.

Zoe watched as I turned the wheel to have the little beaver pop out of his home.  I had him play peek a boo with her.

Nothing better than being in Pappy's arms.

Hard Hat Zoe

Zoe loved this slide.

Zoe enjoyed playing with this.  I forget what it is called.  I know you push things along.

I love this family!

  We had a great rainy day!

Abbie

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=rain+clip+art&hl=en&sa=X&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&rlz=1I7ADFA_en&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=eN02Wu0Xg90hTM:&imgrefurl=http://www.cksinfo.com/nature/weather/rain/index.html&docid=v1tKbRSGokZC9M&w=288&h=293&ei=HvCBTqbkH6Ln0QHYxbCNAQ&zoom=1&biw=1477&bih=778&iact=rc&dur=91&page=1&tbnh=124&tbnw=121&start=0&ndsp=36&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0&tx=50&ty=88

Tough Weekend

Sean and his family left on Friday.  I couldn't believe how fast time flew by.  I don't know how moms do what they do and still keep up with blogs.  If I had time, it was to go to sleep.  The computer was the last thing on my mind.  Even though there were times, when I thought I should be jotting down all the things that were going on in this family. Hopefully, I will remember them.  The weather, family occasions, and food stick out in my mind.

Little milestones were reached.  Liam grew longer and heavier. His appetite grew from 2 oz to 6 oz by the time he left.  Zoe's changes were more internal and I got to see more of her personality.

This is what he look liked at the beginning of August.

Zoe on August 9.

Zoe adores her brother and kissed him often.  She knew how to use the word "No".  Zoe also refused to say the word "please".  It was like she thought it was only for the little people and not for a princess.     We are working on this!

This is them in September. Small changes.

I am so happy to have been a part of this time in their lives.  They have my heart.

These little rascals knocked me out at night.  I dragged to work on weekday mornings.  I couldn't wait for the weekend where I didn't have to rush out the door. I relished staying home and helping with the babies.  I enjoyed being home and be surrounded by happy noise.  Greeting the mornings with the little ones. 

I guess it had to end sometime.  It was quiet coming home from the airport.  The was no little voice humming a little ditty or asking for something to eat.

When we got home, there were no sounds of little pitter pats on the hardwood floors.  I had purposely  savored those sounds that morning.  I knew they would be the last time I would hear them from Zoe for awhile. 

Bill and I decided to go on a sugar bender.  Nothing cures heartache than sugar.  And sugar is what we had! We stopped off at Dunkin Donuts got a dozen donuts and our ice coffees.  We then went to the local corner store and got Swedish fish and ice cream.   We sat down on the couch and watched a mini marathon of Rescue Me.  It helped.

I do miss them.  There is no one waiting for me at home.  Well, there is Lando.  His kisses are messy instead of air kisses.  He barks instead of coos.   He wags his tail or what can be called a tail instead of saying hi like Zoe. 

My faithful friend.  Lando bided his time, while I doted on the grandkids.  Lando is my comfort to an achy heart.  I know he is not going anywhere.  He is a good boy.

Empty Nester Abbie (again)

Missing some zzz's

It has been a whirlwind.  My son and his family have arrive and I am now only able to blog about it.  I normally blog this during the the work week but my time with my little angels has taken up my time at the computer.  It is amazing the difference between visiting grandchildren and living with grandchildren.  They consume the energy and time I took for granted.

Nap times are different between the siblings.   Good thing, Liam doesn't mind the noise of a full house.  The more noise the better. They have taken sleeping with the radio on so Liam can sleep a little longer.
Zoe, on the other hand, she needs to be isolated with minimum noise.  Unless she goes to bed exhausted, she will fight nap time if she can still hear us.

I haven't forgotten the intense prep work for a baby.  Measuring the formula, having a burper at the ready, and changing a boys diaper.  Needing to be ready to dodge the stream of urine.  I have been lucky so far that hasn't happened. Yet!

Sleep, poop, and eat. The life of a baby.  It sounds simple and easy to take care of a newborn.  But the little angel wears me out. People jump when they hear him cry.  It has been awhile since I have heard the cries of a newborn in the house.  I say about 21 years,  Good lord!  After I feed him, he goes to sleep.  As he sleeps, I think he gives off sleeping waves because all of a sudden I am sleepy too.  Do the baby formulas give off sleeping gas? (Yawn)  Just writing about it makes me sleepy. 


I have to buy stock in Pepsi Max.  I have been buying that a lot lately.  Only thing that helps me maintain the energy I need for Zoe.  She is all over the place.  The funniest thing is she growls.  I have learned what the different grunts mean. She wants to be picked up all the time.  Wouldn't be bad, if she didn't weigh so much.  Good work out though!

I can't nap anymore.  Not that I took many, once in awhile. but the option is no longer there. I go to bed and I am out like a light before my head hits the pillow.  I hear baby cries in the middle of the night.  It makes me smile because I am not the one who has to take the night shift.  I am also reminded that they are still here. 


So tired...zzz...  Can there be a good tired?


Night, Night...zzz...

Sleepyhead Abbie


http://www.google.com/search?q=sleepy+clip+art&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&rlz=1I7ADFA_en&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=t8lLTvfyCJTrgQf36ahz&ved=0CDYQsAQ&biw=1477&bih=778

Peruvian Invasion

With the little sleep I got the night before the party, I was dragging.   With my son and his family belongings, I had to clean my house all over again.  They left a trail of damage along the way.  It would not be a problem on a normal day but when I get additional guests whom I haven't seen or haven't seen in over 30 years its a dilemma.

Since the kids came so late and their internal clock off with the change of time zones, they went down for a nap.  All four of them.  It was a good  thing.  I was able to do more  without them being underfoot. 

Liam

I also got a blessing.  My dad called and said he wouldn't be in until 4 because they got a late start.  They were coming from New York.  Everyone else would get a good nap in, I can cook a little more, and straighten up the house.

Zoe

Bill got the drinks, ice, and helped get the bar ready.  Donna Marie showed up after her kids woke up from a nap. It worked out for everyone with the time change.

If things could go wrong, well, they kind of did.  The beer we got was not the best.  Instead of Corona, it was Corona light. Didn't know there was a different.  I am not a beer drinker.  I like vodka so if it is like that, yes there can be a difference. 

We ran out of chicken.  The only thing that my parents can eat.  We ran out of the other food as well.  I couldn't ask anyone to go for a run because either they were drinking or didn't know the area.  I had wished I hadn't had anything to drink because I would have run out. 

Then it started to rain and we sought shelter in my home.  A few stayed behind to help me bring everything inside and keep it from getting wet.

As much as I was looking forward to seeing them, it still felt weird.  I know they are family but there was a little disconnection.  I don't know why I held back.  I should have been a social butterfly and talk with each one like a proper host but I was trying to make sure every thing was tidy, beer in everyone hands and trash thrown out.  At least, that is what I keep telling myself.   I guess I could have put that to the side and let it go but it was different. 

I normally am able to talk to each one and go from room to room .  Keeping an eye on everyone and  laughing and carrying on. I did  this with my little family but I couldn't quite extend it to the others.

I wish I had enough food.  Wish I had enough liquor. I wish I had drank a few more glasses of my libation. Wish I socialize more.  Where's that genie with those wishes?

Bill and Uncle Juanito

I did talk with my uncle. It was great with him but I didn't do it with the rest of them.  I sure regret that.  I only hope I get another chance with the ones that live in New York.  I'll have to work on that. 

My mom and dad were very happy. It meant allot to me to see them content. 

There was one moment that everything was good.   I looked around and everyone was smiling and talking. 

Why do I always put myself in a bystander mode?  Why do I not participate? I want to be a part of it.  I want to feel like I belong.  I am so use to being an outsider that when an opportunity comes up where I am not, I don't know how to act. 

The liquor was starting to run out and I knew it was getting close to them leaving.  Funny how when the liquor dries up people see it as an end to the party.  Lol.

Bill made a few rounds of shots.  It sure livened the party and we heard lots of hoots and hollers. A parting shot so to speak. My parents even had one each.  That was the most hysterical thing I have ever seen. They do not drink outside of beer and with their medical conditions they should not have partaken but they had a good time.  I'll let it go for now.

We ended on a high note.  Shots are always a winner.  Bill, the perfect party partner, saved the day.

Dad, Danny, Donna Marie, Me, Sean

Bill on top and Denis on the bottom

We said our goodbyes and they went on their way. 

Not the perfect Hostess Abbie

The Arrival

I had the most busiest Friday of my life.  I worked a full day and I wanted to give the house a final cleaning.  Sean and his family were coming in late.   I get a call not a half hour after I started the clean sweep.  It is my dad,  "Are you ready?"  I blink and say with hesitation "yeah".  "Good, we will see you tomorrow at noon."  "Great, see you then!"  I think I passed out for a second. 


After I recovered from my initial shock, I go into overdrive.  My dad likes to wait until the last minute to tell me his plans.  I had asked him all week to let me know when he and his family would be arriving.  I was hoping he would have given me a full day notice. 

My Dad and his brother Juanito

I hadn't bought the extra food or beverages for the party.  I know  I had to get the house ready for the extra guests.


Thank goodness for Donna Marie!  She went to the store for me to get the extra party supplies.  I wouldn't have had the time in the morning to do all the needed to be done.

With the lack of sleep and the babies, I honestly didn't think everything would be ready for the party.  Bill went out in the morning to get the liquor.  Boy, did I want to partake as soon as it came into the house.
I cleaned until it was time to pick them up at 1 in the morning.  We left early which was a good thing.  There were road construction and one accident on the way to the airport.  We arrive just in time to meet them at the door.

I squealed with delight as soon as I saw them.

Sean told me Liam did very well on the plane ride.  What an angel!! 

While Zoe not so much, I don't know what to believe.  Look at her smile.  She looks like an angel :)

Bill couldn't wait to get her out of the stroller.

Bill carried her all the way to the car.  He didn't put her down until we had to drive. 

Denis waited for us back at home.  He couldn't wait to see his brother and his family.  

We stayed up for a few hours.  I was so exhausted but I was very happy.  I had a very long day ahead of me. But right before I past out on my pillow, I felt I was in heaven. 

 Abbie

So it begins

I have started to preparing for the most amazing august.  I have the diapers,extra towels, and drinks.  My family is here from Peru.  I will be seeing them very soon.  My daughter will be celebrating her birthday.  My grandson turned five years old.  Or as I would like to say a whole hand full.  I have to baby proof my home. 

Sean and his family will be visiting us.  S wanted to spend the rest of her maternity leave with us.   I am so honored for her to choose to do so. I am looking forward to helping them as much as I have helped my daughter.  Trying to cram in so much in so little time.  I can't wait to get to hold  my Liam.  Hopefully I can contain myself until he and Zoe get here.   I have a lot of love that has been bottled up for them. 

Since they will be here almost a month, I want her to roam without fear of hurting herself or breaking something. I do have a lot of knick knacks.  I won't be with her most of the time. I have to work and my son won't know where there is potential or hidden dangers. This way she will not hear the word no all the time. She will be free to roam.  Peace of mind is what I am going for.

My house is starting to look bare.  It reminds me of when my kids were little and they would rough house and things would break.  So rather than keep yelling at them and waste money, I just stopped buying things and waited until they were older to resume the decorating.

I am exhausted.   It sure looks different.   My mom may not be happy with this impression I will be making.   If I have to decide between the safety of my granddaughter vs the first impression for relatives, my grandchildren will always come first. 


I had to clean my boy's room to make way for all of their belongings.  Denis, my youngest, helped me quite a bit. He helped me dodge anything that would incriminate my son.  I didn't want to shatter my illusions of my perfect angel.  I have heard stories of what young men can have in their rooms.  I didn't want to tempt fate.  Not that I had anything to worry about.  ewww and hmmmm and hahaha

They have plenty of room for their things. All it needs now are  occupants.  I am so looking forward to seeing them. 

Patiently Abbie

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