Thank You: Part 2

After spending a little more than two weeks in Lake George with Nana and Papa Wuff, we settled in back at home in COH.  With a few complications and Mama's lifting restrictions from surgery NOT lifted, the reinforcements came in for a month.  Enter Nana Honey and Papa Bear McCollum.

For four weeks, Nana Honey had sole lifting duty of all kids in the house.  You would hardly recognize her now that she has such big muscles.

Nana Honey back in Florida enjoying a beverage by the beach

In all seriousness, Nana Honey deserves a gold star for having primary responsibility for 27 pound Ryan for four weeks. 

Lifting in and out of the tub

Lifting in and out of high chairs (and sharing food)

Lifting in and out of carseats at the hotel

Papa Bear and I were assigned other various duties that mostly involved occupying Thomas and not lifting much of anything.  Like buying shin guards and practicing putting them on in 5 minutes or less before 4 year old soccer started last weekend.

And taking trips to the park, where Thomas can run and jump and basically occupy time without us having to run or lift.

Or accompany Thomas in the pool at the hotel.  Swimming became a perennial favorite, especially after the purchase of a floaty device called a Puddle Jumper.

And we have a swimmer!

 We even wrangled a busy, busy dad into the action and stole away to New York City to see the US Open (tennis) on Arthur Ashe Kids Day.

Together with NH & PB, we pulled together a pirate party for Thomas' 4th birthday complete with pirate attitude, some booty, and tattoos.  We celebrated with our family and our neighbors Bob and Margaret.

 Nana Honey and Papa Bear not only helped with the boys, they also served as babysitters so Dad and I could go on a few date nights to a quaint concert in the park and also to a night session of the US Open.

 It may take a village to raise a child, but it took two Villagers and a half-incapacitated mom to manage a freshly minted one year old and an almost four year old.  Thank you so much, Nana Honey and Papa Bear!