Thanks, Mom!

This past two weeks have been filled with love; love of Leah coming into our life, love of Caitlin for giving us Leah, and of course the love of our family, friends, neighbors, ward members and co-workers. We are fortunate to have Sarah's family nearby. I have amazing in-laws. I hear so many people speak of how much they despise their in-laws and I simply can not relate their experiences to my in-laws. Everyone knows I like my space. I am not always happy to make the trek south to visit Sarah's family, but this has nothing to do with them. It is me being my quirky self. Their love and support in our lives is priceless.

Being a guy that likes his space, I have never really been bothered that my family is eight hours away. I speak to them weekly and I have an amazing relationship with both of my brothers, my Mother and my Father (though my Father can't hear me much on the phone anymore). While I have always appreciated the personal space, with Leah's arrival I found myself wanting them closer. They have showered us with gifts, thoughts, phone calls, texts, prayers, thoughts, etc. We have definitely felt their love, but I simply wish they could be here to see how precious Leah is and feel her calming spirit.
My Mother was able to come for a visit for a week and that proved to be awesome. Typically, we have things scheduled every minute of the day when she comes; visits with friends and family, eating out, site seeing, etc. This trip my Mum spent her entire trip, holding Leah, changing Leah, feeding Leah and loving Leah. I felt bad that we had not properly entertained her, but in her own words, "This is exactly what I wanted." She spoiled her with gifts and kisses. She spoiled us by staying up with her three different nights so we could catch up on sleep. She spoiled me by changing Leah's diapers at times that it may have been me doing the dirty deed. Thank you Mom for everything. I wish you lived closer.