Happy 3rd Birthday, Jesper! And Visit from Ratzlaff Grandparents

My parents visited from Charlotte from April 1-7. It was wonderful to introduce them to Oscar and watch them play with Jesper. They also got to celebrate Jesper's 3rd birthday with us and witness Oscar's first smiles.

We got to see Duane and Darlene and my cousin Cari and her little boy Ezra on Wednesday. They brought lunch, met Oscar, and Ezra and Jesper played for a little while. It was so nice to catch up with them, and I'm hoping we can meet up with Cari on another Wednesday during my maternity leave for a play date.

My dad took Jesper to the Mall of America on Thursday and walked around for several hours. They had a great time. My dad said that they stopped at benches around the mall to talk every once in a while, and Papa Ron carried Jesper occasionally so he could hear what he had to say. "He was talking the entire time." They also went on a few rides at Nickelodeon Universe.

My dad and Josh also took Jesper to Sea Life at the Mall of America on Saturday morning.

My parents were dreading the Minnesota weather and mother nature reminded them why they moved to Charlotte with a snowstorm that delivered 6 inches of snow Thursday - Friday. However, my dad made the most of it and got to snow blow the driveway on Friday. "It's kind of fun," he said....probably because it's the only time he has done it this year and it was nearly 35 degrees.

My mom got in lots of snuggles with Oscar. She held him for many of his naps and helped with lots of diaper changes. She had the privilege of being the first person to get Oscar to smile. She was also wonderful about helping out with dishes, laundry, and many other chores around the house.

We celebrated Jesper's 3rd birthday on Saturday by going out to breakfast at IHOP. Jesper ate six (!) pancakes for breakfast and answered a birthday questionnaire. I'd like to ask him these same questions every year to see how his answers change. :)

Birthday Questionnaire

Selfie with my 3-year-old

Later that day, Nissa and Grace came over and we had cake and opened presents. Jesper really loved the balloons and cake and had a blast playing T-ball in the driveway with Josh and Papa Ron.

On Sunday, we went to the Minnesota Children's Museum. It was so fun!! We had never been and I was a little worried that Jesper would be too small to fully enjoy it, but they do a great job of catering to children of all ages - 3, 7, 35, or 60. :) His favorite part - no surprise  here - was the marble run inside the Works exhibit. Oscar was very cooperative and slept the entire time in the stroller.

Jesper ran into a friend from school, Charlie, and they played together in a couple of the rooms

I can't believe my first baby is 3 years old already! He is my silly, smart, tough, cautious, and gentle little boy and I can't wait to see what the next year brings. It is so fun to watch him grow and experience the world through his eyes.

It was wonderful to have my parents visit. We really appreciated all their help with fixing things around the house, household chores, and most of all, the extra time and attention that they gave our precious little boys! We are looking forward to heading to Charlotte to see them again later this year.