Will and Kerri Visit!

There are many, many great things about babies. I love that they come with adorable reflexes: smiling in their sleep, sleeping in a fencing position, startling at the tiniest sneeze, rooting, etc. I love how soft their heads feel, especially when you're burping them, and their head brushes against your cheek. Babies are awesome, and one of the most awesome parts about them is that when you have one, you get a lot of visitors!

Eric, Josie, Jimmy, and I were lucky enough to get a visit from my sister-in-law, Kerri and her youngest son, Will. (For those playing at home, and are on my side of the family, Eric's oldest brother, Garrett, is married to Kerri and they live in Kansas City, have three kids, and they have a blog too, which you can find in our sidebar.) I had a great time hanging out with Kerri and she was nice enough to do a few loads of laundry, pick up a meal or two, take me out to Target, and hold and soothe a fussy gassy baby (apparently Mu Shu Chicken and Jimmy are not yet a match made in heaven!)

Josie was especially thrilled with our guests, and she relished playing with someone pretty close to her own size:

She also enjoyed dining with Will:

Bathing with Will:

And just hanging out with her good buddy and cousin, Will (oh, and Daddy, too):

Will also spent some quality time with his newest cousin, our own baby Jimmy! Will was very enthusiastic about spending time with Jimmy-- and often would run up to Kerri and extend his arms and say "baby?" as if to say, "Okay, mom, my turn to hold him!" And, eventually, when he was seated on the couch and supported by lots of pillows, Will did get a chance to hold Jimmy.

Jimmy slept through most of the excitement of Will and Kerri's visit (save the reaction to Mu Shu Chicken!) but I don't mind his sleepiness. It reminds me that he's still so small. He doesn't even know how to smile yet, that's how little itty bitty he is. But I promise you, he does wake up sometimes. Check this out, his eyes are actually open!!

Thanks Will and Kerri for a great time and all the help! We can't wait to visit with you guys again soon!