A Salute to Family

You know, the older I get, the more I realize how wonderful it is to have family close by. As a kid I wanted my independence and wanted only to get away from them. Now, with kids of my own, I feel more of a bond and need to be around family. Aaron's parents and my parents only live within 15 minutes of our house. It's really nice to be able to help each other out, or just call each other up spontaneously to do things together.

It has been great with the birth of our kids because our families have been there to experience it with us. They have both been of equal help and are so nice to switch off on helping with the bigger kids. My parents and brother and sister helped out with Aaris during my hospital stay when Titus was born, and Aaron's mom and dad helped out this time with Skylyn's birth. My dad has had to miss out the most because with Aaris he had health problems and with Skylyn he had work problems. My brother and sister have both been able to be here for all three births. My mom has been my second coach with all three deliveries. This time Aaron's mom, Vicki, brought lunch to the hospital but had just left when the sudden delivery of Skylyn occurred. She did get back right after her birth and before she even got weighed. Albert was right behind her with Aaris and Titus in tow. Anyway, all of this to say that I have been excited and honored to have my families with me through some of the most miraculous times in my life. Those that are with me all the time maybe don't here "Thank you" as much as they should, so hear is a salute to my wonderful families:

Aaron's parents : Albert (Poppy) and Vicki (Mamaw)

Poppy

My parents: Scott (Papaw) and Donna (Mimi)

Papaw

My brother: Uncle Jeremy

My sister: Aunt Hattie