To Grandmother's House We Go

Thank goodness for my parents.  People keep asking me how I'm doing and I reply honestly that I feel I'm doing better than expected--in fact, pretty great!  Perhaps it's because I had such low expectations, but I was so worried that I would fall apart being a new mom.  I think a big part to my success is due to the incredible support I've received from friends and family.

Claudy had a GENIUS idea while we were in the hospital; I don't know why we never thought of it during the entire pregnancy.  Claudy commutes quite a bit to work.  However, he works about 15 minutes from my parents house.  I had wondered how much I'd be able to get help from my mom as there is no where for her to stay at our apartment and being basically an hour away didn't make it so I could just run over there or vice versa.

But, if Claudy was already going that way--what was 15 more minutes?  And that way--I wouldn't be alone without help  Either Claudy would be home, or I'd be with my parents.  So, just about any time Claudy works (I'm now weaning myself and trying to only go every other time) I go with Claudy.  It gives us great time to chat as we commute.  Honestly--it's so great to spend so much time with Claudy.  Before, we would only see each other about an hour a day.  Now it's heaven seeing him so much!  Then, I drop him off and finish the drive to my parents.  I feed Carter, and then hand him off.  I don't even have to burp him or change his diaper.  I head straight to bed and my parents love on Carter while I get some shut eye.  My Dad then does my wash while I sleep.  I awake to a delicious meal my mother has made, folded and fresh laundry, I eat, feed Carter and hit the road.  My mom even packs a dinner for Claudy!  Then I pick Claudy up, we enjoy the commute home together and I'm so refreshed!

I only wish Claudy had somewhere to go to nap and rest.  Poor guy is doing finales and working.  No rest for him! 

It's perfect!  Carter gets spoiled, I get some rest, wash and some delicious food.  It's also been soo good for me because it forces me to get dressed and be ready by the afternoon.  It forces me to practice driving with Carter in the car (started when he was four days old--I was WHITE KNUCKLING the steering wheel) and to practice just getting outside of the apartment.  It gives me adult conversation and it's great to spend time with my parents and for Carter to be held and loved by his awesome grandparents.  It's a win-win (at least from my point of view, guess you'd have to ask my parents :)

Basically, it's been wonderful.  I know it's work for my parents, but I sure do appreciate it.  

I have been so spoiled and I recognize it. 

I have such thoughtful, giving parents.  They are good examples of how I can serve Carter.