Grandma and Grandpa Darrington to the Rescue

Usually I really love to have my mom stay with us right away when I have a baby but this time circumstances were different.  My parents (and sister) had been helping pack, watching kids, and playing host/hostess for our family reunion and they were tired.  Dead tired.  When John and Susan called and offered to come early and help us get ready for the move, we were thrilled (and so were my parents). 

It was such a hard week for Marcus and I.  We had a new baby and kids that were trying to adjust to that.  Even though Will was only three by two weeks it felt like he was five.  Our other kids were so close that we weren't used to a baby and their "schedule" or lack of.  Paige was a fussy baby.  Not like Reagan but still very fussy.  She required a lot of holding and bouncing.  My instructions from my Dr. were to come home and take it easy.  "Don't do the dishes" were his advice.  Little did he know.

Fortunately bodies are smart and mine wouldn't let me do much.  I overdid one day and that solved the problem for awhile.  While I was extremely grateful for the help (and knew we needed it) it was very humbling and terribly difficult to sit and watch others work so hard all day.  I smiled and tried to stay positive but emotionally was not handling the situation well.  I have never seen my in-laws work so hard.  They worked from the time they woke up until late at night.  Dripping sweat during the days.  John took multiple loads to our storage unit.  Susan cleaned my entire kitchen top to bottom and finished packing.  The two nights before they left, Susan took Paige for the night (except for feedings). 

My respect and love for these two grew immensely through this experience.  We were so grateful for their help and for their love for our children.  I don't think we would have made it without them. 

The kids wanted to take a "sleeping" picture.  So funny and cute!