The GP Kids (well, some of them anyway)

I had about a million roommates in college (ok, 10), but I lived with Shelley and Tara for 2 1/2 years. Along with Shannon and Stacie, we made up the GP girls. Doug and Greg also qualify as GP girls because they ate at our apartment a lot, but we won't go there right now. Anyway, among the 7 GP "girls" and our spouses, we now have 16 children with Kate on the way. Unfortunately, we don't see each other as often as we like, but today Tara and Shelley brought their kids to our house for lunch and a playdate, and then we went over to a local farm/pumpkin patch for the afternoon. The kids had a ball - hayride, corn maze, tricycle race track, spooky house, sandboxes, playground, etc. The only thing they weren't interested in was the petting zoo, and none of the mommies were complaining about that.

Two of the kids were under 2, so I got to have a little reminder of what it is like to have a child that age again. I had forgotten (blocked out) several things. First, they put stuff in their mouths. Not sure how I forgot this one, since my kids were experts at finding things to squirrel away in the cheeks. Second, they need their naps. Toddlers get very grumpy when grown-ups forget naptime, but these two kids handled it like pros. They only complained a little bit. Third, they are precious!!! Spending the day with them only made me more anxious to bring Kate home. This is such an awesome age. They are constantly learning new things, and I am entertained just watching them. Tara and Shel, your kids are amazing! Thanks for coming over!

PS - We really missed the rest of you!

Preparations

There isn't much time left to get ready for our departure/her arrival, so last weekend we shipped off the kids to the grandparents' house, and I "nested". I may be paper-pregnant, but I am having some of the same symptoms as any other pregnant woman. I spent most of my time working in Kate's room.

I just love redoing closets, so I have been dying to tackle this one for a long time. We pulled out all of the old shelving (which was only 1 shelf), painted, and hung new shelves. Then I got everything washed, organized, and put away. I think it looks pretty good even if I do say so myself. And her little clothes are so cute!!! We only have 6 more days (wow), and there is still so much to be done. Packing is only the tip of the iceberg. It makes me tired just thinking about it.

This post has rambled on for long enough, but I wanted to thank those of you who have volunteered to pray for us while we are gone. I will make a list of the ones who have signed up so far, but there are still many days available, so let us know if you want to be one of our warriors.