Living in my parents' basement.

Now if that^ doesn't sound like a dream come true, how about I add the subtitle "with my husband and children"?! Just living the dream over here. Try not to be too jealous:)

Ok now in all seriousness. Many nosey...ahem...inquisitive individuals have asked how this living arrangement has been working out for all of us. And since we have been here full time for 10 weeks already, I figured it was time I reflected on our experience thus far. 

And I am happy to report that it is going really well! Seriously, the kids and I are spoiled here. My parents are both retired, which means we all see a lot of each other. The kids LOVE all the attention. And I am absolutely loving all the help. And so far my parents seem genuinely happy to see the kids every morning despite all the noise and mess they perpetually create. Admittedly, they do seem to enjoy saying goodnight to the kids each night and reclaiming peace and quiet in their home as well:)

The perks of having grandparents around are almost too many to list but I will try. 

-My dad takes Isaiah to his bus stop almost every morning and picks him up many afternoons as well. Which translates to me staying in my pjs for much of the morning. It's pretty rough, but I manage:)

-My mom cooks most of the dinners!!! Need I say more?!

-At preschool drop off or pick up time I can leave Hannah at home with a grandparent and only have to haul the preschooler. So easy!

-I have been able to go to three prenatal appointments BY MYSELF. This feels downright luxurious compared to my last two pregnancies when I ALWAYS had an audience of little people....which created some awkward situations.
-Running errands is also infinitely easier now that I can choose how many children I bring along...which most of the time is a big fat ZERO!

-When the girls want to go to the playground Grandpa is almost always willing to take them. Which results in at least 30 minutes of alone time for me!

-My mom actually enjoys baking and therefore indulges Charlotte in her nearly daily requests to bake! (I do not enjoy baking so this is a definite WIN WIN situation).

Ice cream for dinner? Why not!

Oh and one of the best perks so far has been that my kids have learned firsthand how much work it is to have a dog. When my parents were out of town earlier this month we were left in charge of their dog. After just a few days the novelty wore off and it became a chore. An unwelcome chore. So much so that Isaiah no longer wants a dog for his eighth birthday! Woohoo!!! Best news ever!

These first two months have flown by. I am thinking the next seven will too. And then residency will start. Which means we will be moving out of here....to who knows where?! But what I do know is that I will be in for a rude awakening when I have to go back to doing everything kid and house related on my own. Because right now I have it easy. Very easy. Thanks to my mom and dad.