Visiting Virginia

Last week Carver and I loaded up the car and headed 7 hours away to visit with Lyle and his family, waiting anxiously for sweet little Anna Kate to make her debut.

I had a lot of anxiety leading up to the day we were to leave. Carver has a lot of experience with road trips, but I rarely have to make these long ones by myself with him. Pre-baby I made a lot of road trips-- most by myself. I listened to audio books and had the girls for company. I like road trips. I like to take my time, make a lot of stops, eat unhealthy snacks, etc. In the past these long trips were always a good time to just be alone, not on a huge time schedule, plenty of time to drive and think-- always on the way to visit friends or family.

Baby Carver has changed my outlook on traveling. Long road trips are, well, long... The hours just drag and drag. Instead of audio books I listened to a CD of nursery rhymes, over and over and over...Instead of snacking I handed Carver his snacks, one puff at a time as he called for more after every one (which made me wish I had taken the time to teach Carver the sign for "more." I would much rather glance in the rearview mirror to see that than listen to that same sound he makes repeatedly when he wants something. I can't describe it but after a few hours it becomes the most annoying sound imaginable). I have to brag a little though. Carver is a champion car traveler. He was great! He spent a number of hours just staring out the window, he snacked, played with toys and even took some short naps. I think I was more miserable than him.

The few days we spent in Lynchburg were both fun and exhausting. (How do you people with multiple kids manage life??) Carver had a stupendous time playing with his cousins, exploring their house, and loving on Jake.



He even learned to climb stairs. We need to work a little on how to safely descend stairs.


The only downside to the week was that Carver decided that he did not want to sleep in his pack n' play but rather wanted to sleep in bed with me-- a first for him. Neither one of us got much sleep.

I always love spending time with my nieces and nephews (all of them). Lyle's kids are so much fun, each with a unique and endearing personality. I miss them.

Bailey is exceptionally smart, helpful, and sensitive. She loves princess things and loves all of her Disney nightgowns.

Will is hilarious. He asks a million questions and has a way of wording things that is completely unique to him. He is affectionate and loved playing with Carver.



Here is a conversation Will and I had a few days ago:

Setting: On the living room floor, changing Carver's diaper. Will walks over to watch.

Will: "Carver has a really small wee wee."

Me: "Well, that's because he is a baby and he is small all over."

Will: "So one day his wee wee will be big like Daddy's?"

Me: "....Well....um....this is awkward."

Don't worry I did the mature thing and refrained from putting my fingers in my ears and saying "la la la la" so as not to hear any more references to my brother's boy parts....


Oh the joys of conversations with kids.

Tommy is one of the most polite and agreeable little boys I have ever been around. He is talking a lot these days (often Bailey or Will had to translate for me. Tommy could tell me an entire story and I wouldn't catch a word and then I would ask the others and they would repeat it, word for word. Amazing). He is incredibly easy and sweet. He loved putting Carver's pacifier back in his (Carver's) mouth...even when Carver didn't really want it.


One of my favorite memories of the week was putting the big kids to bed each night. We read books and then prayed. Listening to them pray for their mom to "get Anna Kate out" was beyond precious. They are amazing kids.

I am so thankful I made it to VA before Holly went into labor and I loved playing with their kids but, I admit, I about wept in relief when my mom and dad arrived. I need some practice before I can confidently take care of that many kids alone. But, we survived and had fun-- what else matters?

And the absolute best part of the week? The arrival of this precious girl.


Anna Kate was born on March 11th at 11:58 p.m. 8. 14 lbs and 22 inches long. She is beautiful and Holly (darn her) looked fabulous the morning after giving birth. I am beyond thrilled that I was there to see her when she was just a few hours old. Lyle has a beautiful family and it makes my heart smile to see them all together.