Family Visitation, Round 1

Being the new addition to the family, it was only a matter of time before more members of the family made the trip up to Richmond to meet little Riley. He had spent another long night feeding every two hours or so, and he was ready to meet some more people to bestow hugs, kisses, and "he's so cute" phrases. Saturday marked the first visits for Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Shannan (and Riley's cousin-to-be), Great-Aunts Tracy and Toni, and Second Cousins Sebastian, Corey, and Caitlin. Before they arrived, Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Jenna arrived to spend the day as well. Riley was passed around amongst the three of them, knowing that time with Riley would be precious with more people on their way. Next to arrive was Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Shannan. Riley finished his morning snack and was soon in Uncle Jimmy's arms. This was especially meaningful for us. It was very hard for both of us that Delaney never had a chance to meet Uncle Jimmy in person. Getting pictures of Riley and Jimmy meant a lot, as well as seeing a Marine about to be deployed oversees to protect our country with such uncertainty and hesitation with holding a newborn. Aunt Shannan was next to hold him, and Riley had his first interaction with his new aunt, as well as the little cousin growing inside of her. Nicknamed Atreyu right now, this cousin will be the closest family member in age to Riley. When everyone else arrived, Riley did a wonderful job, albeit asleep, getting passed around the room so that everyone had a chance to hold him. We received some wonderful gifts from the family, and the visit went off very well.

We spent the rest of the day with Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Jenna, and the long day was wearing on Riley. He struggled to sleep and wanted to eat a lot for the rest of the day. Ultimately, after dinner and after saying goodbye to his grandparents and AJ, he fell asleep on Dennis watching a movie. We hope he had some good dreams of today with the family, because tomorrow is going to be more of the same considering that Dennis' family was planning to visit.