A Table for Five

So we are getting used to life as a family of five; it is doable but right now the adults outnumber the children by 1 so we'll see how things go once our wonderful in-law help has departed!

 After leaving the hospital on July 2nd we tried going to our house that was still without power and enduring day 3 of 100 degree temperatures. We quickly realized it wasn't good for baby E to be there without any temperature control.  It was really a blessing that my parents had already gotten a reservation at an extended stay hotel in town in anticipation of E's birth.  So after a brief homecoming and introduction to her home, Ed packed up our pack n play and he, Evelyn and I headed to the hotel to wait out the restoration of power by Appalachian Power(a very unimpressive display of service may I add).  At this point I was an emotional wreck and really didn't want my family to be separated at the time we were supposed to be celebrating, but so it goes sometimes.  Despite the tears, E and I  were able to rest and heal and Ed was able to continue working from the hotel.

B telling Abbie that he has a baby sister

July 4th is typically a big blowout holiday on our street so we came back over to our house to check on the status of the festivities to learn that everything had been cancelled due to the lack of power.  Our entire street was still out and most people had abandoned their homes for ones with power wherever that may be.  Just as I had settled into the rocker in E's nursery for the first time to feed her I heard a hum and the power had been restored!!!  We had been told that Roanoke wouldn't be completely restored until Saturday so I was thrilled we could move back home and start our lives together as a family of five!

Surviving the heat on July 4

Trying to stay cool with Great-Mamaw Counts

This isn't a headlock....its love!

So on July 4th we had our second homecoming; this time to a much cooler house and to C's disappointment watched fireworks on TV vs the on-street display.

All in all the experience is a good memory now and something we will never forget.  I am certain my parents will not; they were champs to suffer through 5 nights in a house without power babysitting a 4 yr old and 2 yr old while scavenging daily for ice and entertainment.

As you can see the kids are having a great time with the grandparents; here are a few shots of the fun and culinary delights we are enjoying!!

Fishing with my grand-dads....C chose school over fishing.  Not a shocker for those that know her!

Enjoying crab caught by Lolo!

Miss E is a good baby, she sleeps and eats well especially at night!  We have been fighting a low level of jaundice for the past 3 weeks which doesn't require photo therapy but we are alternating breast milk with formula to see if we can get her bilirubin level to drop, we pray this takes care of it and prevents our weekly Dr trip and blood test!