Visitors

Since Emily was born we have had a visitor here with us. Devin's mom, Marianne came for 9 days, then my dad, and then my cousin Amber. We are on our own now, but it was fun to have family here helping us, and celebrating Emily with us as well. It definitely made the transition not so shocking.

Before I touch on each visitor, here a few pictures of Emily :)

Just another cute picture of her sleeping. I swaddle her up with her arms in the blanket, and everytime I come to get her up I find her like this...with her arms out and free. She LOVES using her arms.

Her first bath after the cord fell off. Her belly button looks much better now than it does in this picture...just FYI. She loves the water, and stares at the running faucet the whole time.

~ * ~ GRANDMA TRANTER ~ * ~

Devin's mom came and made our lives so much easier! From cleaning, organizing, cooking, providing emotion and physical support, and teaching me how to be a new mom...this woman did it all! She is amazing! It is overwhelming to think about just how much she did for us while she was here, and oh how we have missed her since she left.

She made us a big turkey dinner the Sunday she was here. DELICIOUS!

The day before she left, she and Devin went into the city to have some fun. They went on an architectural boat tour around the city, and ate at our favorite restuarant with great views.

~ * ~ GRANDPA HOUCK ~ * ~

My sweet dad came in for a day and a night to see his first grandchild. He has had one busy schedule between work, and family affairs, so it was a special treat for him to pop in for a day. He had flown a 16 hour flight back from South Africa, and then got on a flight an hour later to come to Chicago, before having to fly to Pennsylvania to be with his dad. We were lucky to get him. Here's the proud grandpa and his little granddaughter. I loved seeing him with her.

We went for a walk the night he was here to show him the lake and the neighborhood. Emily did a great job in her baby bjorn.

~ * ~ AMBER ~ * ~

My cousin Amber came the day my dad left. She stayed for 3 days, and it was fabulous having her here! For as long as I can remember, I have always been the guest at her house in Utah. This was the first time where she was the guest at mine. Our time together was wonderful, and went by way too fast. We went for long walks every morning (it was so nice having a walking buddy) and talked and talked and talked. We could talk about anything for hours and hours. She also was a big help with Emily, offering me great advice and secrets she has learned from having 3 kids of her own. Come back Amber...we miss you!!

Amber and Emily and Lake Michigan.