Paying Tribute

During the 4 weeks after Brayden's birth, we had visitors.. family, namely, to come and help out. And let me just say their help, love, support and service was 100% needed and appreciated. Because I had called my Mom when my water broke, she was on alert and made arrangments to fly to San Antonio that night. I'm so lucky to have the supportive parents that I do. I know that they would do absolutely anything for me and my family. When my Mom walked into the hospital room that night, I felt so much relief! There's something about having a baby (maybe it's just me) that just makes you want and need your mommy. She was able to stay until the morning of Christmas Eve. She had to fly home to be with my dad and meg for Christmas, of course, and then we were even more lucky to have her come back 10 days later. She took turns with Brent staying at the hospital and our 2nd night there, Bray was still in the NICU. So she was wheeling me in there every two hours in the middle of the night to feed him along with washing the pumping supplies in between. She took care of Brooke and kept her happy and provided a great deal of emotional support to me during many emotional breakdowns in the hospital and at home. (I don't keep my emotions in tact post baby very well!) It's hard to even describe and adequately thank her for all she did for us during this time but it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it! When we got home from the hospital, there was SO MUCH TO DO. Nothing was ready, remember? There were piles of stuff that she organized, we washed loads and loads of baby clothes, organized them and put them away... things were in chaos at our house and she pulled everything together. Among all of that she left us on Christmas Eve with a clean house (from top to bottom), laundry done, and a stocked fridge full of food and treats fit for the holidays. I felt so so grateful. Thank you, MOM. And thank you DAD for letting her and arranging for her to come out twice. The 2nd time she came out was no different. She took care of Brooke all day long, held Bray when I needed to sleep, made us all of our meals, made a ton of freezer meals and muffins to freeze for breakfast, all while keeping the mood light and airy (I'm emotional remember? More on this later...). I hope to be half of the Mother that my Mom is to Brooke when she has a baby. Because I was always either sleeping or nursing and the visitors were always helping and working, I didn't take a lot of pictures while they were all here but I did take some.

I love this of Brayden and Mom and can't believe how jaundice he looks.

This is out of order... After my Mom left the 2nd time, my sis, Meag came out for 5 days. She was able to do this because of waiting to go on her mission. And because we couldn't make it for her farewell, we were so happy to see her and spend that time. Before my Mom went home, she said, "don't expect Meag to be like me." Meaning to keep my expectations low for how much Meagan would help.. hahaha. But she well exceeded my expectations. The time that she was here happened to be a really difficult time for me physically and Meag stepped up to the plate doing pretty much everything my Momma does so I guess she proved my Mom wrong! Sorry, Mom. Yay, Meag! She's on her mission now... been in the MTC for 2 weeks!


Brooke, Meagan, Brayden - January 2011


Love this of Brooke and my Mom. Such a fun picture to always have and remember that time with. Brooke loved getting pampered and having her hair done just like Grammie Lou's.


A few days after Christmas and before my Mom came back, Brent's parents came into town. The morning after they arrived, Vicki went straight to work taking down and putting away all of our Christmas decor, and Kirt kept Brooke completely occupied from sun up until sun down. This is quite a feat if you know our little Brookie. :) It was so so so nice to not have to worry about Brooke or keeping things clean. They kept us fed, and kept the house clean and stayed with the kids twice so Brent and I could get some time away. And some people may shy away from their mother in law doing their laundry but mine just happens to do it very well and claims she loves doing it. I don't know if I believe her (who loves doing laundry?) but I'll take it!

Kirt, Vicki, Brooke, and Brayden - December 2010

"Papa Soli" playing on the floor with Brooke. I love this picture and will always remember that he spent hours every day keeping her entertained like this.

Thank you, dear family for everything you did to help us out. We love all of you.