Juliette Meets Ma and Pa

The downside to our home birth was that we don't live near any family and one of my favorite things about our hospital births (really the only thing, because since having Juliette at home, I realize just how much hospitals suck!) is all of the family coming to visit and getting to meet the newest addition.

Our first five kids were all born in Arkansas, which is where all of our immediate family lives. No matter where we were living, it always worked out for us to go home to have our babies in the hospital--the same hospital where I was born too!

When we found out Juliette would be joining our little crew, I knew without a doubt I had to have a home birth this time--she could be my last one, after all. (But probably not). Sadly, I knew that meant most, if not all of our family, wouldn't get to meet her until our Christmas visit. (And while it still makes me sad, I am very happy I had her at home. It was an amazing experience!).

I was so thrilled when I found out my parents were planning a visit to come meet her. They came when she was just 16 days old, and stayed with us a week. We all had a wonderful time, despite a stupid tummy bug that struck 2 days into the visit. Gabriella woke up puking, and two seconds later Addie was awake and bolting for the bathroom too. Day 3 was spent resting at home with fingers crossed that nobody else would get it. I loaded everybody up on my homemade elderberry gummies--almost force feeding them to Ma and Pa, as they are an acquired taste for some. Thankfully and miraculously, the bug died before it reached anyone else. (Although Addie was sure she was still not well, coincidentally any time I told her to clean up, or finish her dinner, or when it was bedtime.)

The week went far too quickly, but we filled it with as many memories and newborn cuddles as we could. And for the record, I don't make guests do chores, but these ones enjoy spoiling us. :)

Can you tell who usually has to wash the dishes? 😁