IT'S BAAAACK!

Yes, the baby countdown widget is back! I was a bit disheartened when it showed up saying 133 days or whatever, but hey - that's almost 1/2 way there, right? (I'm pregnant - don't make me do the math)
In other baby news, Bella is getting sooo big. She goes from a sitting position to standing with no help from people or things. She is very excited to have learned this. She is babbling more and more and discovering her voice. She takes 2-3 steps here and there. She LOVES to be chased. She loves to wear necklaces. She holds and lovingly pats her baby doll and her panda bear as she smiles and laughs. She is a true joy.

TOTALLY RANDOM THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

How in the WORLD did Pandora get from my FIRST choice song, Speechless by Lady Gaga, to The BEACH BOYS????? Sometimes, I question the "intuitiveness" of modern technology.

Rest in Peace

Bernie can rest now. He died on Monday morning at 2:00 a.m. with family by his side. He gave his wife a "kiss on the cheek" as he took his last breath. So thoughtful till the end. We will miss you.

"My Sweet Dad"

Greg's father is dieing. It's difficult to see those words in black and white. But it's reality. He went into the hospital in late December to have surgery to remove cancer. In the process, he suffered a stroke. But he still had his speech and other functions so we were cautiously optimistic about his chances of survival. Throughout the next couple of months, there was rehab, physical therapy, moving to a nursing home, going back to the ER various times, going BACK in the hospital and then a few days later going BACK to the nursing home. It's been a roller coaster, to say the least. A couple of weeks ago, or maybe it was just last week - I've lost track - we were told that the cancer was not gone and had, in fact, spread to the liver. Not only had it spread to the liver, but the counts were so high, the machine could not calculate the massive amount of cancer. With his fragile health, there is no way his body can handle cancer treatments of any kind.


As of yesterday, he is in a hospice facility. It's really "nice" if you can describe such things that way. We saw him today. They say it might be the last time we see him. But he seemed so good! It's hard to believe that his body is failing when his mind is so much in tact.


He is such a sweet man. I got to tell him that today, through tears. I told him that MY dad has a lot of really good qualities, but that Bernie is my sweet dad. He's always thinking of others. For instance, today the hospice chaplain came in and introduced himself. He asked Bernie if he needed anything. Clear as day, Bernie replied, "No, but what can we do for YOU?" And he meant it. Sincerely. The chaplain was taken aback. I don't think he's used to people asking HIM that. But that's how Bernie is. And that's his legacy. I love you, Bernie.

PLEASE INDULGE ME

My wonderful sis-in-law got some great snaps at Bella's party so I HAVE to share them with you. :-)

PICS FROM THE BIG DAY

Gwamma and Bella having a great time at Red Robin!

Bella had a coaster up to her ear like a phone. Plus, her hair was all matted from the earlier cake and frosting!

Wow. Intense much??

"Well, I'm sorry but where's my food?"

"Okay, I have a balloon. All better now."

It was a beautiful day for a swing.

Pretty in green.

She was KIND of into her cake, but not really. It was a very dainty affair.

Big Girl!

In her party dress. With her phone??

The night before the party, we had a game night with Chrissy and Sanchez. Just like the good ol' days! I beat them at Yahtzee. Just like the good ol' days!

The cute couple celebrated 5 years today!

Scalpal!

We had a great time at Cannon Beach! We picked up Hez from the airport on Wednesday, and went directly to the beach. We were only going to stay 1 night, but we had such a great time, we decided 2 nights would be PERFECT.

BELLA'S ONE!!

Happy birthday, Isabella! You are a blessing to so many! We love you.