The day had come...the 3 Grieshaber Girls were setting off with baby Henry and baby Liam to visit our parents who are currently residing in Hutchinson, KS. The day before Lauren (my little sister) and I were to depart to Lexington to spend the night at my older sister Amber's house (so the next morning we could all get up and jump in the car and head west), I get word that Lauren's husband was experiencing car problems and wouldn't start. So in order to get it all worked out, I offered to drive to Columbus (the half way point between our houses) to meet them and drive them to Cinci. So we did this on a Monday evening, and didn't return until midnight. After feeding Liam and pumping, I didn't get to bed until 1am. Lauren and I were both totally exhausted. The following morning, I had an 8am appointment to get my windshield "repaired" which ended up needing to be replaced, and this errand ended up taking a full 4 hours out of my fully packed prep day. This was all going on during the day in which I set aside to do all the last minute packing and cleaning before our big adventure. To add to it, my husband was pouting because I wasn't going to have time to cook this huge 8 pound pork butt...so I cooked it (which took a good 8 hours in the oven) in addition to 3 loads of laundry, errands out around town, and cleaning. Nonetheless, after making dinner, cleaning up from dinner, making additional food for my husband while I was away and cleaning up after that, Lauren and I didn't get on the road until 9:30pm to head to Lexington. Once in Lex, we had to unpack all of our bags, feed babies, and try to get some great sleep before our big adventure. Again, sleep was not something that I got alot of...5:30 came reallllllllly early. Once we were all up, it was crazy! Amber flew into our room with news that her best friend was going into labor, we were all trying to get showers and feed babies and pack the car...it was mayhem. Finally, we were all loaded up in the car at 7:30am and ready to head out. As soon as we were in the car, Amber called one of her friends at work to get the status of her friend who was in labor, and her friend put us on speaker phone while Amber's friend was in the operating room during her C-section. It was the wildest thing to feel that we were right there! Her friend did not know the sex of the baby, so it was so great to hear her excitement that she had a girl! I am not sure if it was the lack of sleep mixed with stress, or true emotion (I'm going with the latter) but I was so emotional and was crying like a baby! It was difficult to drive with teary eyes! And yes, I was the one who opted for the first leg of driving...which ended up being a stupid, stupid idea!
So after 2 explosive blow-outs from Liam, 4 outfit changes, 4 destroyed burp cloths, 3 soiled bibs, 2 layers of car seat lining removed, and 1 lost pacifier, all from my little man Liam, we arrived in "Hutch" all jacked up on Starbucks and sleep deprivation. My Mom had the house looking and smelling great and was so excited to see the silver Maxima pull up in her driveway carrying all of her precious cargo. We walked in to a beautiful house, full with the aromas of dinner on the stove, waiting just for us! My Dad had to work late, so we beat him to the house, but as soon as we were finishing our tour of their new digs, he walked in and immediately claimed baby-holding-duty. My tired eyes were failing me, and before I knew it, I was passed out in the luscious, comfy, feather bed in my room with Liam beside me in his boppy pillow. We were both exhausted.
The visit with the parents was exactly as I had imagined. We had lunch at one of their favorite joints, saw all the cute parts of the town, dropped in at my Dad's office to show off the babies and meet his secretaries and co-workers, had numerous feasts, and lots of giggles. We found ourselves poolside many days, enjoying the 90 degree weather to it's fullest. We took a walk around their small, quaint neighborhood, played XBOX kinect, cooed at the babies, and ate some more. Mom, Lauren and I all enjoyed Mother's Day together on Sunday...we went to brunch at the Country Club, then hung by the pool, and enjoyed Ken's pizza in the evening. It was so wonderful! My awesome sister Amber got us the best presents ever: family tree necklaces that have the birthstones of our husbands, ourselves, and our babies on them. They were amazingly special. Each necklace was different, as they individually represented our personal family tree. Amber always just comes up with the coolest gifts!
Unfortunately, the day had come that we had to pack our bags back up and head back east. Packing was an amazing task, since burp cloths, diapers, laundry, bottles, and toys were scattered all over their gorgeous house. After getting some shut-eye, I got both baby and body ready for the long trek home. After having a terrible drive out to Kansas, I was prepared for the worst. We said our goodbyes, hugged our parents, packed the car, and drove off... It was the first time I wasn't emotional from leaving them, but I think it was because I was so excited to get home to my hubby. Liam surprised us all by being on his best behavior and not being so fussy. I was so happy! I didn't think I could have done another grueling drive like that again. After driving all day, we finally arrived home in Cincinnati at midnight. Lauren and Henry stayed with us that night, and I don't think Lauren and I could even get to our beds before we passed out. Winston was more than excited to see his little man, and I will never forget the moment in bed that we all reconnected.
I can now say that I saw Mom and Dad's new digs, saw what Hutch had to offer, and loved every minute. I would have been upset if I did not get to see their new place while on maternity leave. Winston and I are planning another trip out there in September with Liam, so we shall see how that trip goes! All I know is that I am one lucky girl who has the cutest son, most loving husband, and sweet, caring sisters. Life is good. Especially when you stay in the sunlight. :)
Jess
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