One of the unexpected joys of parenthood has been seeing how much joy our little man brings to his grandparents and how happy they make him!

When we were expecting Kanyon, everyone wanted to know what we were having. Chris and I didn't find out the gender, so we said "we don't know, we're going to be surprised!" One person did know what we were having... they told me, you're having a "grandparent magnet!"

So true!

Now we've got another "grandparent magnet" on the way as most of you know (although you won't believe how many people see me in person and say "you ARE pregnant!") and we have had fun watching the wonders of this bond between Kanyon and his grandparents grow. We know baby #2 will get the same love and attention as soon as he/she arrives!

The magnetic pull of Mr. Kanyon is so strong that this month alone, we've had not one but three grandparents take up residence in Eau Claire to be with him more!

A little background: my mom lives in Minnesota, my dad and stepmom live in South Dakota and Chris' parents live in Missouri. They've been making the long trek to see their only grandchild (Chris and I are it for kids for them) since he was born. They all just love him and have been doing their best to see him often.

This Spring, both Chris' parents and my mom talked about wanting more. My mom said she just couldn't take being away from Kanyon any longer and she wanted to permanently move here! She's closing on a house tomorrow actually! She will look for a job soon and is so excited to see Kanyon more and hold the baby to her heart's content this fall. Chris' parents decided to rent a place where they will stay when they come from Missouri. They're not here permanently but are planning longer visits and so Kanyon will have toy boxes in 3 homes now! Lucky boy!

Whew! What a busy month! I am really happy to have a support system so close. It will be an adjustment as neither Chris or I have lived in the same town (I haven't lived in the same state as my parents since the 90's) as our parents in a long time, but with a little one, we see just how important and how cool it is to have them close if they can be. I've got visions of Kanyon and baby going to grandma's after school to have cookies and lately I daydream of having a date with my hubby! I miss movies!

One of my favorite parts of my parenting experience so far has been to watch Kanyon light up our parents' faces and to see him get excited when they pull in the driveway. He knows their cars now and as soon as they show up he's jumping with joy!

I had no idea how special that feeling would be. I'm always so excited to see them interact with him and him bond with them. Kanyon has been asking for "Grammy and Papa" (Chris' parents) ever since they left Sunday night. It's so cute. For days after my mom leaves, he goes to the guest room and calls out her name (which sounds more like momma than grandma right now). My dad and stepmom will likely be here next month and we'll have the same fun as their last visit.

I think the timing with the extra grandparent love will be perfect for Kanyon. I know my world will be consumed with baby #2 soon and it will be really important that Kanyon gets extra attention since he's used to the world revolving around him. I've also read it's key to a child's development to have trusted bonds with adults aside from their parents and this will be wonderful.

So here's to more giggles with grandparents! I'm excited to see Kanyon continue to develop the awesome bond he's got going. I'm so thankful he and baby-to-be have five amazing grandparents to love them! We are blessed!

(For pictures, click on the big picture above and it will turn into a slide show)