Mema & Pepa

On Sunday night Quinn and I pulled an all-nighter. At one point in my life I thought those were super exhilarating, but alas I've gotten old and staying up all night is more like torture now--torture at the hands of the most adorable newborn around. I walked out of my bedroom on Monday morning to find Talmage already off to school with James, Everett finishing up his oatmeal breakfast, and my parents packing their suit cases so they could return to their home. Yes, after taking care of us for a month it was finally time for my mom to leave (and my dad too, who had spent the last week here with us)--and the tears that instantly welled in my eyes let me know what kind of day it was going to be, a no-mascara one for sure. I couldn't talk about their flight, let alone look in my mom's direction, without bursting into tears. I'll be the first to admit that the sleep deprivation added to my desperation at the thought of them leaving, then again I am the worst goodbye-er ever so maybe I would have been hysterical regardless. But with parents as cool as mine, how could I not be?

I have had the best transition into life with three kids and it has absolutely everything to do with my mom. She allowed me to focus on Quinn and heal from surgery while she took care of everything else, and I mean EVERYTHING! She's cooked, cleaned, done school-runs and become the soccer (grand) mom. She's gone on field trips, and practiced piano. She's done laundry, taken temperatures, gone to doctors appointments and playgroups. But most importantly she's just been my friend during the emotional, hormonal, stressful and exhausting post-partum period. My relationship with my mom is one of the reasons I was so excited to have a daughter. I love her so much, and boy am I grateful.

By the time my dad came into town I was able to move a little better, and we basically spent a week eating our way around New York City. I can assure you that there is no one in the world who is more fun to eat with than my dad. We had a blast! He also resumed his role as a tease, and was sure to bug the heck out of the boys (don't be fooled, they begged for more!)

Thank you Mom and Dad for sacrificing so much for our family. The little Wigs of NYC are beyond grateful!

And now, the Mema and Pepa photo dump:

 

The MET rooftop exhibit.

 

All day, every day: me nursing and Ev begging to play on Mema's phone.

Ev LOVES matching with people. Here he is being twinners with Pepa and Mema.

More Mema at the MET.

Pepa and Quinny-girl.

At the Natural History Museum.

Mema cuddling our girl.

Levain bakery cookies, yes please!

Afternoon lovin!

Grimaldi's pizza and walking the Brooklyn Bridge.

Quinn's first carousel ride at Jane's Carousel.

Jack-o-lanterns drawn and carved by Pepa and James (with help from the littles).

Last meals in NYC :(

Miss Quinn in her Halloween best!

The boys helping hail a cab. We love you guys, see you soon!