Ode to the Grandmas

Where do I even begin?
How can I possibly thank them?
What would we have done without them?
I can't begin to imagine!

Once the induction date was set, we frantically make travel arrangements for, first, my mom - Grammy, and then CPV's mom - Mimi. Both were unbelievably gracious about the short notice and leaving town during holiday preparations ... all to come here to be at our beck-and-call ... while sleeping on an air mattress on the floor in the nursery (because NHV's big girl room was once the guest room that is no more).  Oh, and during both weeks, we had the coldest temperatures on record here in the NW.  Aside from a newborn and their two year old granddaughter, we really didn't have much to offer!

My mom arrived that day after Charlotte was born. She arrived to find her new grandbaby still in the NICU. Chad picked her up from the airport and dropped her off at the hospital to spend the afternoon and evening with me. She brought gifts. We chatted and watched talk shows. We walked to the NICU every hour to check on my tiny baby. We cried just looking at her.

I was discharged that night, but had to leave Charlotte in the NICU ... much heartbreak. Instead of cuddling a newborn, Grammy's main responsibility was to occupy, entertain, distract Natalie while CPV and I made multiple trips to the hospital ... for four days.

Natalie had a great time, and I didn't have to worry about her - not even for a minute. I could focus all my energy on resting and visiting Charlotte. What a relief!

My mom left the following Thursday ... amidst lots and lots of tears.  Thankfully, Chad's mom arrived that very same day and took over where Grammy left off ... it was a seamless transition.  Again, Natalie was thoroughly entertained with countless story readings and games of hide-and-seek.

Just as my mom had, Mimi took care of Natalie's morning routine while Charlotte and I slept away the morning - trying to catch up on the sleep we didn't get the night before.  And Mimi made sure I was resting and hydrated.  What a blessing!

I can't imagine how we would've made it through those first two weeks without the help of Grammy and Mimi.  We are so grateful that they were both willing and able to drop everything and fly to our rescue.

We love you, Grammy and Mimi!