American Mum: Grandpa & Gigi's First Week

Although I wish my parents could have been here for Cora's birth, it worked out fine that she was born a week before they arrived. That gave us time to adjust to having a new baby at home, and it gave my parents two whole weeks to enjoy with Cora. Plus, we didn't have to play the waiting game when they arrived, and I was feeling really good by then so we were able to get out and do some exploring. Boy did we stay busy!

Cora's cord fell off after only 5 days. That seemed fast to me. She had her first real bath the night before Grandpa and Gigi arrived. She was not crazy about having all of her clothes off, but once she got settled in the warm water, she was calm and seemed to enjoy it.

Cora's first bath

Dylan and Amelia were counting down the days until Grandpa and Gigi arrived. They made a big sign to welcome them. Of course, Grandpa and Gigi were thrilled to see the kids and meet little Cora Madeline. They came with lots of gifts and goodies in their suitcases too! They brought some of the kids' favorite snacks that we cannot get here in the U.K.: Cheez-its, Goldfish, fruit snacks, Kraft Mac & Cheese and Crystal Light lemonade packets. They also brought a bunch of Amelia's newborn baby clothes for Cora as well as several gifts for Cora from family members. I LOVED all of the monogrammed things from my Aunt Terri and my cousin, Lindsay. They do an amazing job!

Grandpa Hefley & Cora

Gigi Hefley & Cora

Jet lag kicked in so Grandpa and Cora napped

FRIDAY: After napping and getting the big kids from their schools, we went out to a pub for dinner. This was Cora's first outing! She was a perfect angel while we enjoyed fish and chips.

Cora in her car seat at the pub with Grandpa & Gigi

SATURDAY: We went into town...downtown Chippenham. After nursing the baby in the car, my mom, Cora and I did a little shopping. Eric, my dad and the kids went to the park. Each Saturday, vendors set up tables and tents in the streets downtown. They sell everything from fresh flowers and vegetables to clothing and purses. It was interesting just walking through and doing some people-watching. We were amazed at how crowded the streets and shops were. Although, they always seem so busy, even during the week. It makes me wonder why these people are not at work.

Dylan & Grandpa at the park

Amelia & Grandpa at the park

SUNDAY: We tried to get some family pictures. Boy, it is like pulling teeth with a 5 and 3 year old. Amelia finally agreed after I curled her hair and gave her lip gloss to wear. Oh, and we did bribe them with M&M's too. I wish it was not so difficult to get good pictures, but it's worth the hard work if you ask me. These are keepers!

Gigi and 2 of her 3 granddaughters

MONDAY: Boy was it nice to have help in the mornings getting all 3 kids fed and ready for the day. It was great to be able to leave Cora at home while I dropped off Dylan and Amelia at school. I don't know where the day went, but it went quickly.

TUESDAY: We went into Bath. My parents were amazed at all of the houses on the hill as you approach the city. Again, there were SO many people out by the shops. We did a little bit of shopping and enjoyed some lunch there.

The houses on the hill as you are driving into Bath

Cora asleep in her stroller in front of Bath Abbey

Our birthday wishes for Nana

WEDNESDAY: Ok, the days are running together now and I can't remember exactly what we did each day, but we certainly stayed busy. If we were not out and about, or running to the market, we kept busy at home with endless laundry, baking cookies and plenty of playing. The weather was in the low 50's most days. Our afternoons and evenings were full of riding bikes, kicking the ball outside and taking walks. Inside, Gigi and Grandpa got their fill of doing puzzles, playing with cars and playing board games.

Cora's adorable ladybug outfit from Uncle Dan, Aunt Becca and Lily

THURSDAY: Grandpa and Gigi got to join Dylan for a special lunch at his school. They all three bought school lunches. This was Dylan's first time purchasing a school lunch. He had a jacket potato (baked potato). He said he liked it, but after having it again the next day, he said he wanted to bring PBJ from home each day. Grandpa and Gigi got to stay and go on the playground with Dylan. They were able to meet his teachers, other mums and several of his friends.

Relaxing time. I love how Amelia holds Cora using the Boppy pillow.

Snuggle time with Daddy

FRIDAY: We visited a VERY old village today. Lacock Village dates back to the 1200's. Several movies have been filmed here including Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter. They still have several shops, pubs, a tea room and a school. We did not go into the Abbey, but just walking through the village was a neat experience.