Visitors

The thing that always struck me about new parents that I have met along the way is they really all seem to have it together. It always seemed like they knew what they were doing and the only help I could be is to offer a meal or a kind word.

I was wrong.

The medium/longer-term visitors we have seen so far -- Kristal's parents, Rachael and Steve Greer and, coming up this weekend, Clint and Jen Guier, have helped us get through this.

We learn about five lessons per day on how to make things better for us and for Gabriella. When we learn the lessons, we don't pay for it nearly as much with people around. Lessons like overfeeding, having her sleep too long during the day, swaddle or not to swaddle, changing her versus putting her to sleep, etc. If you make the wrong call, it means less sleep. But if there is someone else around to hold her, change her, etc., it's a gift.

Anyway, I now know that I could and should have spent more time with the new parents I've been around. I could have learned a lot more (for sure) but I could have also helped a lot. Just like I do often with my baby's noises, when I was around those new parents, I misread the situation.

So, come on over. Spend a little bit of time. Just wash your hands and don't come over sick. If you get Ella sick, it reminds me of a favorite line from Tombstone :o)



I'm kidding of course. Cool movie.

Additionally, the online visitation is also appreciated. It is such an encouragement to hear from everyone -- especially when groggily trudging to the kitchen to wash out some bottles in the middle of the night. It's just great to read that others are out there thinking of us.