Meeting New Family...

We did it... we made it... there and back, our first trip to Iowa as a family of three. Not as bad as we had thought... Our pediatrician suggested leaving in the middle of the night on Thursday. Josh thought that sounded like a good idea, I said, don't count me in as an awake passenger, he said even if we left at noon and I had just slept for 14 hours, he wouldn't count on me as an awake passenger.

Sooo.... we pulled into Dubuque at one o'clock on Friday afternoon. Charlie did better than expected. He slept until he regular 7:30 a.m. so we were over half way there by the time he woke up. A few feedings and diaper and stretch time made the trip a good 10 hours but he did great.

Here are a few more highlights...

It was a cold weekend in Iowa so we spent a lot of time in front of the fireplace...

Aunt Monica feeding her first bottle to Charlie

Playing on our playmat

Smiling at Nana

We were able to spend lots of time with the Schultz family. Zach is a childhood friend of Josh and one of the best men from our wedding. His wife Angie and I were pregnant together this summer on our last trip to Iowa over the 4th of July. She delivered Landon on the 23rd of July, he was born at the same time of day as Charlie, was the same weight and just a half of an inch shorter. I am sure these two will become fast life long friends just like their fathers.

Saturday morning we loaded the car back up and headed into town for breakfast at the Habel's house. Charlie met his Great Grandpa Bill, Great Grandma Mary and Great Aunt Kim for the first time. We had a great visit.

That afternoon the rest of the Neumann family came out to Joe and Dawne's for an open house to meet Charlie. Aunt Monica even made the trip home. It was so nice to be with everyone since we were unable to be together for Christmas this year.

We had a few final visitors on Sunday night before we came home. Terry, Emily and Miss Grayce Reiners. Josh's other best man's two year old daughter. It had been over a year since we had last seen her and she has changed so much. She was much more interested in Gus than Charlie this trip but we hope that will change by this summer, I am sure these two will have lots of fun together!