A Good Man

So much has happened since I last updated my blog- a new food, a new word, a new tooth, and sadly, a great loss. On May 16, 2010, my grandpa passed away. Since then, sleep has eluded me and my days have been filled with tears. Abigail has been a savior though, she makes me smile. I guess each day gets easier. And yes, I KNOW, he is in a better place and he is no longer in pain. I just don't need EVERY person I talk to to keep telling me that.

Abigail met her great-grandpa Art just a few weeks ago. I took her over to meet him and grandma when they returned from Port A. I am still kicking myself for not taking a picture.

Here is the picture I have in my head of that day.

Abigail and I arrive around 6 and Grandma is over at the neighbor's having coffee. It is just Grandpa, Abigail, and I. Grandpa walks down the hallway and greets us with a big hug. He sits down in his chair and I sit next to him with Abigail on my lap. She STARES at him intently for a moment and cracks a HUGE toothless smile. HE LOVES IT. Then, she reaches up and grabs his finger and holds on.

I can still see the grin on his face-- He. Was. Tickled.

We talked about all sorts of things. He held her before Grandma came home. He was a little worried about holding her because he doesn't feel his hands so well. He was so alive and so happy.

I will remember him that way. I will tell Abigail about all the wonderful things he did and how much a part of my life he was-- at all my sports games, birthdays... ANY important event of my life. I will show her the pictures. I will share his story. But, more than anything-- I WILL MISS HIM. Rest in Peace Grandpa. I love you.

Splish Splash She's Takin' A Bath!

Abigail absolutely loves bathtime, which in turn makes it really fun for Derek and I as well. I am glad that she enjoys the water since we spend a lot of time around water in the summer. She now has a floaty bathing suit for my parents' swimming pool and a full life jacket for our pontoon boat. Derek just put the boat in the water this week after a little makeover. We named it "TOONS" OF FUN. ha.

Anyway, on of my favorite things to do while Abbi is in her tub is fill up a cup and slowly pour the water out. She is absolutely fascinated. You can see her brain working, trying to figure out how to grab the stream of water. When she does connect hand to water she tries to hold on tight, which never works obviously. Not to get too cheese-ball-yyyy, but that innocent, inquisitive expression will forever be filed in my memory. She is so beautifully curious and so genuinely happy. It is the little things I guess. :)