Sledding, Part 2

Isaac and Great Grandma Jackie

Jessie's Baby Shower: Family

Isaac, me, (Great) Grandma Mamie, and Aunt Beth

Isaac, Grandma, Aunt Beth and Aunt Lori

Little Man, which is Grandpa's nickname for Isaac, at the Little Man shower

The Gabrielse family

The Herlaches

The Amensons

My mom, Isaac and me with Jess

The party planners, Amanda, me and Missy, with Jessie

Jess and her cute baby bump

Aunt Meagan and Isaac

Missy, Aunt Beth and Jess

Amanda, Miss, Aunt Beth and Jess

What we didn't know during the baby shower was that these hours would be some of the last waking hours of my aunt's life. My Aunt Beth battled stage IV thymic cancer for fourteen years. She was the toughest woman I know, making the most of her life in spite of the cancer. She's had many good years amidst the bad, making them very much worthwhile I know she'd say. I feel thankful for many things that happened this week before and after these photos were taken. Thankful for the night before the shower that I spent with Missy and Aunt Beth, baking and sorting through old photos and just talking. Thankful to see her happy here at the shower and playing with Isaac. Thankful that I was there with Jess, Cas and Miss when they were told their mother and only living parent had only days left. Thankful my flight was canceled and I could stay to support my cousins, who for my entire childhood were a second family to me. Thankful Aunt Beth held on a few days while her children said goodbye. Thankful I could say goodbye. 

I know Jess has a long, tough road of healing ahead, but I hope she can be comforted in knowing that her mom is at peace now and watching her and that sweet little baby of hers every day. We will all miss my aunt dearly. She was beautiful inside and out. 

Jessie's Little Man Baby Shower: The Details

Today Missy, Amanda and I hosted Jessie's baby shower together. Missy decided on a "Little Man" theme, which was an adorable idea. What fun we had with the decorations!

Day with Gam

The day consisted of average things: cousins playing together, lunch at Kroll's, errands with the kids in tow. But, my, how an average day can be so fulfilling when you're spending it with family. This is something I miss dearly living in Colorado, 1000 miles away. Of course, we would love for Isaac to grow up with his family close by, and I also can't help but think how much easier certain things would be if we lived closer. Now, who can I convince to move out to Colorado?

Sledding, Part 1

This little sweetie can brighten any gray day!

After sledding, while driving to Gam's house, Brielle said, out of the blue, "I'm so glad you're here; I missed you so much!" If that doesn't just make me want to stay here forever. . . 

Morning Play

Good morning! Brielle and Isaac are back at it, playing with Duplos and dollies. It is a rare treat for me to watch Isaac play with his cousins. I love how he looks up to big kids, mimicking their every move.

First Stop, Papa's House

We made it before the storm! A flight and a 3-hour drive to Abrams before any sign of snow.  Phew.

Although we got to Papa Mike's house pretty late, Isaac awoke to greet everyone awaiting our arrival.

And good thing, too. Cousin Brielle was ready to play!

Isaac Takes On DIA

At first, Isaac wasn't so happy about the two hours it took to get our tickets and through airport security.  I can't say Mama was much happier.

But then we got on the train to Gate C and Isaac's attitude changed completely. He loved the train! In the photo below, Isaac is focusing intently on the rumble and rocking caused by the train. Every time we stopped at a gate, he'd sign for more and clap in anticipation of the next ride. 

And he was even more stoked to get his own seat on the airplane. (Thanks, Southwest Airlines, for your choose-your-own-seat policy. And thanks, passengers, for not wanting to sit next to a baby.)

Fortunately for me, we had a very friendly woman sitting next to us; she was basically a fill-in for Ben. Isaac loved her attention (of course!).

This was by far Isaac's best flight. He laughed and flirted and had the passengers and flight attendants playing into his charming ways the entire flight. As we were de-boarding, one passenger commented that if this is my first child, I should stop now. You can only be so lucky once. Ha!

Homemade Gifts for Baby G.

My cousin Jessie is due to have her first baby April 9th and her sister, sister-in-law and I are hosting a baby shower this coming weekend. As a gift for the little man, I ordered some cute fabric from Carousel Designs and tried my hand at making a few things. I started with two burp clothes since they are relatively easy to sew and then made a bib. I used some super-absorbent batting in them, so I'm hoping they work well. I think they turned out really cute, especially for this being my first attempt.