Help!

Meeting Grandma and Grandpa

It's been a little over a week since we got to meet sweet Jonah!  We are so thankful for all the visitors and helpers we've had as we make this transition into new roles.  First, Jonah met a few Iowa City friends...but I didn't take any pictures :(  Thanks for coming to say hello, Thompsons and Baumhovers!!
And soon after, Grandma and Grandpa Strutt arrived to welcome their newest grandson.  The next day, we also got a surprise visit from Uncle Bob!  He was in Cedar Rapids making a delivery for Backpocket and made the trip down to see us in the hospital.  No pictures of Uncle Bob, either :(  He didn't even get to hold Jonah because he (Uncle Bob) was filthy!  Apparently delivering beer is dirty business.  We're excited he'll be moving to Iowa City this summer - so there will surely be more picture opportunities :)

After a rough first night at home (in which Brandon and I exchanged many what-are-we-doing?? moments of frustration and exhaustion), we called in reinforcements - and Grandma Strutt made the drive over from Des Moines (again!) to lend a hand.  My mom is sort of a night-owl by nature, so she gladly offered to take the boy during the wee hours and snuggle him while we crawled back into bed for some desperately needed sleep.  During the daytime, she also pitched in with dishes, meal prep and general helpfulness.  Thanks, Mom!!

We also had visits from more Iowa City friends...and I again forgot to take any pictures :(  Thanks for stopping by Eyos and DeLongs!

When the weekend hit, it was Brandon's parents' turn.  Grandpa Rob and Grandma Sue made the drive over from Michigan to meet their first grandchild!  Jonah kept us all entertained with his bold fashion choices and stellar finger-tip-to-nose concentration.  We were glad for more arms to hold Jonah, keep up with dishes, run to the store and generally just give us a break.  We don't get back to Michigan as often as we'd like, so it was nice to have a little bit of Michigan come to us.  This boy sure is loved!

My sister drove over from Denver alone (she's crazy!) with her two boys (3 and 6) and spent the day with us on Tuesday.  Did I mention she's 7 months pregnant?!  I told you she was crazy.  But we loved having her here.  It was fun to have all the cousins together, although I think the older boys were going a little crazy in our apartment.  Well, Josh was loving the Nerf basketball hoop - seriously, it kept the boy entertained for hours.  Daniel kept asking to go to the basement (we live in a third-floor apartment).  I think in his world, everyone keeps all the good toys in the basement :) 

By the way, check out Daniel's crazy mop - we love it!!  So cute.  

They were troopers, though, and it was nice to have my sister around to keep me company on Brandon's first day back to work.  Grandma came, too!  These boys will be big brothers in May, so they loved practicing holding the baby.  And my sister-in-law is expecting in May, as well.  Lots of cousins for Jonah to play with!!  So glad you made the effort, Katie.  Hope you made it back okay today.

And of course, we can't forget our favorite helper: Daddy!  Sadly, Brandon had to go back to work this week.  During his week off, he took on all the least desirable duties: diaper changes, booger sucker, and crying baby soother.  We sure miss having him around.  Partly because he is a rock star burper, but mostly because we love him!!  So glad when five o'clock rolls around.  And thankful for the weekend!!

And that's how our week went - how was your week?