Visit

We had closure with Gramps by attending his rosary, funeral and burial the last two days. His burial really gave the final note with the gun salute, folding and presenting the flag - since he was a veteran of WWII. Now to change gears, we are excited to have a visit from Nana. The kids love Nana visits because they get spoiled with presents and another person here during the day to show off to. One side effect of having Nana stay with us is a clean house. I have never been a clean/organized person when it comes to my living space and then I married someone who is even worse about it than I am. But, I'm guaranteed assistance in cleaning our space when Nana visits. For about a week before she comes we straighten, vacuum, dust, scrub floors & walls. This visit, though, it's been condensed into fewer hours since we've been busy with other things (see above). I think we're ready and the kids are ready for a visit from Nana!

Goodbye Gramps

Gramps passed away yesterday in the evening. He was very peaceful, from what I heard. I think it's the way most of us want to pass away after spending over 90 years on this earth - peacefully in our sleep. We had spent most of the day at the assisted living facility with family. He passed away very soon after we (Josh, the kids and I) had left. My mom thought he was waiting for the kids to leave before he went. He did love those great-grandkids. He even picked Krista up in church the week before to hold her. His face always lit up when he saw them at church. He will be sadly missed, but he is in a better place now. I just know he's up in heaven playing a mean game of cards and eating cherry pie.

Happy Sad News

I have some Happy news - Gabriel said "mama" the other day when he was playing on the floor. He's not yet at the age to actually associate it with me, but it's a start. He is also starting to reach for people when he wants to be picked up (which is all the time).

I have some Sad news - Gramps Kopf (Great-Grandpa to Krista & Gabriel) had a fall the other night, a pretty major TIA this time. It doesn't look like he's going to pull through this time. Fr. Walsh went out to the nursing home and performed the last rite on him last night. We spent a few hours there this morning with the rest of the Kopf crew this morning. So, please keep him in your prayers during this time. Here's a pic of Gramps holding Krista & Alex at Christmastime:

Krista's Check-Up

Krista, Gabriel and I just got home from Krista's 30mos Dr.'s appointment. "She is perfect," says the Doctor. Here are her current stats:

Height: 37.5" (in the 75-90%)
Weight: 27.4lbs (in the 25-50%)

No infections or problems or current concerns. She did not have to get any shots at this visit. Her next well-child appointment won't be until her 3 year check.

Next month, we have Gabriel's 9mos appointment to look forward to and some upcoming flu vaccines...

Birthday

Today I am 28 years old. So far I have been given many nice Happy Birthday wishes, including a "Happy Birtday, Mommy" from Krista. Josh took me to have donuts this morning before he had to go to work, yum! I've received some nice gifts from family that I appreciate, thanks!

More than that, though, a birthday is a good time to reflect on the year and how things are going. This past year a new member was added to my family - a very loud, roly-poly boy that I couldn't love more. My daughter is becoming a very sweet and compassionate person (with a few toddler/selfish/tantrum moments thrown in). Josh and I are as strong as ever as a couple. We are financially sound, no excess, but not hurting either. Overall, it's been a good year. I can only hope that the years to come match the fun and challenges that this one brought. Happy Birthday to me!