Seven Week Itch

We are seven weeks in as a family of four.  We are doing it!  Really doing it!  But let's be honest, we are truly a family of 5.  Without Gra Gra (my mom) being here, we wouldn't be doing any of it with as many smiles.  It has been the biggest blessing to have my mom by my side as we doubled our load of babies.  I think raising children truly takes a village.  While our village may be more of a small tribe, it makes life for everyone so much sweeter.  Pete can be on a business trip with a little lighter heart knowing Gra Gra is here with me.  Palmer doesn't blink an eye when I have to tend to Tripp Martin because he has her ready for a game of "hide and I'll tell you where I'm hiding so you can find me" at any moment.  And I don't have to struggle through lonely days as I have my best friend here to go through this whirlwind with me.  Can I get an Amen?

So what exactly has our tribe been up to over the past 7 weeks?  Making new friends - there's a total of 3 boys that are Palmer's age we've met so far in our 'hood and a gaggle of kids from unborn to elementary school.  That has been magical.  Trying to start some sort of routine in north GA - i.e. Gymboree, play dates, farm tours,  and other toddler inspired activities.  Enjoying our friends who have been overly supportive since we've moved here.  The meals, the wine, the camaraderie...we couldn't have asked for a warmer welcome.  And f it wasn't for the ability to whip out my iPhone and snap a picture every now and again, I might not be able to tell you what has occurred.  I thought baby brain was bad with one, but number two truly has sucked the sense right out of my head.  Here's what my electronic devices tell me has transpired.

We have to start with this miracle...

who is growing at warp speed.  

The second doesn't grow at a snails pace like the first.  The first is like a chia pet, you just sit and stare at them all day because it's just the two of you alone for 8 hours a day.  The second is more a part of the scenery of the day.  Is that terrible to say?  I don't mean it to sound like he's superfluous, more that he is a tiny little accoutrement in our life.  Eat, sleep, poop... standard newbie who requires minimal effort...until say, oh about...1:30 am :)

And then there's Palmer Doyle.  And all our family that has loved on him since we've moved.
He didn't leave his cousin Demerese's side the week she stayed.

We've had visitor's galore over the past few weeks we've been in our new home.  Pete's parents (also known as The Other Gra Gra and Chief), my Dad and Carolyn (Papa - said with a french accent - as in Pah-pah),  Demerese, Uncle Matt and Aunt Colleen.  He's old enough now to remember everyone and actually play with them.  It has been so fun to watch him bond with his family.  Now if only I could get him to notice Tripp...

Food Truck Thursday downtown.  Score 1 for Alpharetta!

He lives a life of leisure when he's not meeting new friends.

And no matter how many family members he meets, Da-da is still the apple of his eye.

Trying to foster his artistic side...he's a natural at squiggly lines

Something about watching him sit like a big boy and
take direction from a teacher took my breath.

And now my heart's other great desire.  Decorating our home.

Filling that pantry was way too enjoyable.

The beginnings of family room.  We actually have tv now. Only took..say 3 weeks to get DirecTV working.  PAINFUL.

Light fixtures are starting to come in.  Cannot wait to put together this dining room.

The Keeping Room fixture.  Perfeection. 

Breakfast Area light - backordered until October.  I have been the backorder queen.

This fabulous rug was supposed to be backordered until December.  But lo and behold one became available and I snatched her up.  I've been dreaming of her on this floor before this house even had a floor.  Now to pull the rest of the room together....

How about His...

...

...and Her... 

...closets.  Life changing.

The decorating is just getting started.  There is so much left to do.  But that's the beauty of it.  If it were all done, I wouldn't get to obsess and scour all of Atlanta and the internet for beautiful goods to fill our home.  The process is therapeutic.