A sweet surprise

Last night Keith and I took the kids to surprise my mother - in- law with a visit. She had double knee replacement the end of July. She and my father-in-law made the trip to Grand Rapids the day Kirsten was born only to find out she was in the NICU and they weren't allowed to hold her. I knew it was killing my mother-in-law not being able to make it back to Grand Rapids and hold her grand daughter. And looking at the calendar I didn't see may opportunities in the near future to be able to make it happen. So I called Keith at work and asked him if he thought he would be out on time and wanted to make the trip to Owosso to surprise his mom with a little visit. Keith agreed it would be a great surprise and sent his dad a text to make sure they would be home and to keep the surprise for us. He said they would be home so I had the kids packed and ready to go as soon as Keith got home.
        Let's just say when we arrived and Keith's mom realized we were there and she was able to finally hold Kirsten for the first time - it was well worth the hour and 1/2 drive. Cohen immediately wanted Grandpa to push him on the tree swing so Keith's mom and I sat and talked while she held Kirsten. It felt so good to see Kirsten in her arms! Family is sooo important to us and we feel truly blessed to have such wonderful family!!
          So we stayed and socialized for a few hours, got the kids in their pj's and made the trip back home. All three kids (and Keith) only made it about 20 min before they were all fast asleep - a good sign of a great night!

I think Grandma was happy

Sleeping beauty

Grandpa finally got to hold Kirsten too

Daddy readying Kendall a story before we left

Well it felt good to be able to surprise my mother-in-law and to get out of the house since I haven't left the house in DAYS!! But I am feeling much better and really starting to feel like myself again :) With much love from the zoo

Just a Lazy Sunday

Well we have been having a lazy Sunday around here. Keith had  to work at the church and I am still trying to take it easy (kinda funny to say with 3 kids to care for). But we are managing. I am just SOOO ready to start feeling like myself and being able to do everything I want to. The kids are adjusting well to having a new little one in the house. Cohen needs to know where Kirsten is at all times and is already very protective when it comes to her safety - and by safety I mean Kendall :) Kendall LOVES her baby sister and is still learning that Kirsten is not one of her baby dolls. I love to see them interact with her and love on her.

Already over a week old!!

Sisters

Kisses

Aunt Stacy stopped by to see the girls

Daddy and his girl

We love her toes

It may only be 70 degrees out but that doesn't stop our little fish from enjoying his pool.

 

So overall it was a pretty good weekend and I am looking forward to feeling better as the week goes. With love from the zoo

Daddy time

Today was a gorgeous day in MI!!! Mid 70's with lots of sun. But once again having to be on rest did not allow me to be able to get out and enjoy it but Keith decided to take full advantage and took Cohen and Kendall to the zoo! I was very proud of him and his determination to be a great dad and handle both kids with out me :) I had a hard time not hopping in the van and joining them but Keith promised he would take tons of pictures for me so I would feel like I was there. So I will share them with you also :)

We are SOOOO excited to spend the day with Daddy

Which animal should we pet first?

Goofy kids

Hello Mr. Goat

We love the Trains

Daddy Time

Lions

We had a great day with Daddy

Meanwhile, I was back at home. My grandfather called and asked if he and my grandmother could come see Kirsten. I figured I could handle that so I invited them over while I knew the other kids would be gone so they could enjoy a quiet visit with Kirsten and I. My grandmother suffers from Alzheimers and I knew she wouldn't know who I was but she LOVES babies. And sure enough she wanted to hold Kirsten almost immediately.

Pretty Girl all ready to meet her Great Grandparents

Grandma Great

Great Grandparents

So as much as I hated missing out on a day at the zoo with the whole family, everyone seemed to have a good day and I am feeling better and better with time :) So thanks again for all the prayers! With love from the zoo

Bed rest cuddles

The positive of bed rest - uninterrupted time with Kirsten and lots of pictures taken :) Here are just a few.

Sleeping Beauty

Love those baby blues

Fresh and Clean after a bath

Sweet dreams my angel

with love from the zoo....or from the bed :)