We Are Family

Matt and I were born into two wonderful and loving families: Kopishkes and the Southers. I am not sure where we would be today if it weren't for these two groups of people. They have played such an important role in our lives as children, adolescents, and now adults. Without their love and support throughout the years I am sure we wouldn't be as successful and happy as we are now. We are thrilled that Tanner and Abigail will grow up spending time and learning from all of them.

Grammy Kopishke cooked dinner for Matt and me every night while I was on bed rest for the last few weeks of my pregnancy. She sewed quilts, knitted sweaters and hats, and bought Osh Kosh overalls in every size for Tanner and Abigail before and after they were born. She is our go to baby sitter and is yet to say no when we call on her.

Grandpa Kopishke drove me to my weekly ultrasound appointments while I was on bed rest and waited with me when I had blood work done or had to lay still for a Non Stress Test. Since he is home during the day I can count on him to come up and watch the babies if I need to run to the store or get my hair cut. If I am away at bedtime he and Grammy come up to help Daddy with baths and bedtime bottles.

Aunt Heidi created a "Bed Rest Bag O' Fun" filled with books, Sodoku, magazines, and jigsaw puzzles to keep me entertained toward the end of my pregnancy. She helped plan all of my baby showers and is the "royal" cake baker/decorator to The Twinkies. She buys Tanner and Abigail the cutest clothes and keeps them well stocked with "My Auntie" paraphernalia.

GUT (Great Uncle Tom) and GAG (Great Aunt Gail) come and visit as often as possible. When they are in Maine, they invite us over for dinner and enjoy watching and playing with Tanner and Abigail. They are continually amazed by how much they change every time they see them.

Nanny helped plan my baby shower and came to see Tanner and Abigail (and me) the day they were born. Since she has retired from teaching she has come to Liberty to help out (and hang out) with The Twinkies. She sings and dances with Tanner and Abigail and buys them (LOTS) of clothes from her favorite stores: Mardens, TJ Maxx, and Sam's Club.

Papa (and Nanny) began buying cases of diapers from Sam's Club the moment they found out we were expecting. Every time they drove through Bangor on their way to visit Gram in Camden they would stop at Sam's Club. When Papa is around I can count on him to play with, feed, or change (diapers or clothing) any baby. He is ALL IN, ALL THE TIME! Papa appears to be the "Baby Whisperer" at times with his unmatched ability to soothe any screaming child.

G.G. (Great Grandma) lives in Camden and Tanner and Abigail visit her as often as possible. She frequently contributes to their college funds and has helped us out a few times over the past year when money has been tight due to our single income status. She loves keeping up with Tanner and Abigail on Facebook and often comments with stories about my father growing up or how she did things when she was a new mom.

Aunt Bethany is my go to when I have questions about what the hell I am doing. Since she has older children I know I can count on her to give me a straight answer about anything. In return she calls on me when she needs advice about caring for her youngest daughter, Emily. Now that she is living in Maine again, we see her a lot more than we would if she were still living in Tennessee. We are both so happy that our children will grow up knowing each other and spending time with one another.

Uncle Jim, Tanner, and Abigail have lived in Maine for about the same amount of time. They are experiencing things for the first time simultaniously...snow storms, "Souther Family" holidays, school vacations, ice fishing...ok, maybe not ice fishing yet. Tanner and Abigail enjoy spending time with Uncle Jim and listening to Nanny sing his theme song, "Jimmy Had a Nickle".

Christina, Elizabeth, and Emily are Tanner and Abigail's first cousins. We see them at least once a month now that they are living in Caribou. I hope someday they all realize how lucky they are to have each other so close. Visiting them in Caribou or having them stay with us in Liberty is a guaranteed good time, one that I am glad will happen more often then not.

Family is a "must have" for any new parents. They can offer you so much love and support when you are raising a child. Matt and I would not have made it through the first two months with Tanner and Abigail if our families (and friends) hadn't stepped up and helped us out. We know that we can count on them to be there through our ups and downs as parents and we are so blessed to have them as a part of our lives and the lives of our children.