Relativity

We knew that it would be really hard to see family regularly once we moved to Dallas. Thankfully, Jeff's new job provides amazing travel benefits that our families have been able to take advantage of, which makes it relatively easy for our relatives to visit. When Ben was born, Jeff's parents were already in the waiting room at the hospital. It was so nice to have family there and to not feel so far across the country from our friends and family.

Happy new Grandparents!

They stayed with us for those first few days after we went home from the hospital. Grandma Barb made tons of food - when she wasn't cuddling with the little guy. She also wanted to make sure he was learning right from the start.


I had to get a picture of this when I looked over and saw Barb inside the playmat reading to Ben...and I thought I was the only one this obsessed with him.

Let's just say she couldn't keep her hands off of him.

Our next visitors were Grandpa Dave and my sister, Aunt Steph. My dad wasted no time singing to and dancing with Mr. Ben. If you've never had the pleasure, please ask him to sing a few verses of "Roly Poly, Daddy's Little Fatty" the next time you see him. Ben loved it.

Grandpa Dave with a very content baby Ben

My family visited right after I posted about the spiders, lizards and dillos in and around our house. My dad had the pleasure of killing what seemed like upwards of 200 fruit flies during his 48-hour visit. Disgusting and annoying, but we were incredibly grateful for his stealth abilities. I was worried the only thing he would remember from his trip was the number of fruit flies attacking our faces and food. I apologize if you've had to hear about the "damn fruit flies." You'll be happy to know we've cleared our house of them (a new pest has entered our fortress....which may or may not be documented in a future post; I want people to continue to visit, so I have to weigh the risk of divulging).

Aunt Steph came armed with recipes and grocery lists, and stuffed our faces and stomachs full of ribs, meat loaf, chicken, pasta and what seemed like a new dessert for every lunch and dinner. It was amazing, but didn't help with my prego weight loss. Unfortunately for me, my sister opened Jeff's eyes to many of my mom's recipes, and now the pressure is on to start cooking more. Dang.

She also cuddled (and when I say "cuddled," I really mean "attacked") Ben every second she could pry him out of my arms.

Aunt Steph loves her some Benjaroo

She helped us figure out how to take Ben for his first stroller ride (I was nervous pervous) and got me out of the house without the babe to take a trip to Target. I think she OD'd on the Olympics thanks to me, but I hear she got to watch a lot of Bravo shows for the very first time.

Aunt Steph was also Ben's very first babysitter. After twisting her arm, she agreed to watch Ben so Jeff and I could go out to Capital Grille to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary. I looked ridic in my attempt to wear a pre-prego dress, but after one Stoli Doli and one large glass of Malbec, I didn't care.

CG for the Anny

Jeff's sister, Aunt Colleen, then visited for a weekend and was able to snuggle with Ben all she wanted.

Aunt Leen loving on Ben 

 She also brought him some of his very first graphic tees. I love this one.

The Novota clan came back for Labor Day weekend, which was also Uncle Paul's first time meeting the little guy.

We ate, we drank and Ben was never left to hang out by himself. He was definitely spoiled with attention that weekend.

Like mother like daughter

My brother, Uncle Matt, is next on the list of relatives to visit. I have no doubt that Matt will take every chance during his quick visit to instill in Ben a love for the Hoosiers and to teach him how to pour a proper Captain.

 Ben is a lucky little guy, with relatively normal relatives.

M