Papa Norm

Originally, my plan was to do a Valentine's Day post, but as most of you know by now, Valentine's Day ended up being a very different day then we originally planned.  Pete's Dad, Norm, passed away Valentine's Day morning after a 15-month battle with a brain tumor.  He was diagnosed on Thanksgiving Day of 2009 and passed away Valentine's Day 2011.  I've come to look at it in this way - one day is about thanks, the other about love.  We are so thankful for him and for the time we had with him.  We love him so much and are so grateful for the love he gave and showed us in return.  Watching Norm go through this taught all of us so many lessons - lessons of bravery, kindness, gratitude, love - the list could go on.  This past week and a half has been difficult, but we have been so supported by friends and family.  We are truly blessed.

This is one of my favorite pictures of all time - Norm and a sleepy Sofie last year on Easter.  I treasured it from the moment I took it and treasure it even more now.

It seems weird to post pictures after this entry, but I know Norm would be happy to see pictures of the girls and of the "goings on" in our life. So ... here are a few on the things we have been doing over the past few weeks:

Lucy and I made Valentine's Day cookies. I decorated most of them, but Lucy had fun decorating some with Amy while we were at work.

We have had some beautiful sunshine over the last few weeks.  Here are few pics of the girls enjoying the yard.

I absolutely love this picture of Pete and the girls walking to the Science Factory.  I printed it out, framed it, and gave it to Pete for Valentine's Day.  It makes me happy every time I look at it.  Pete is such a wonderful daddy.  I am so blessed by him in so many ways.  We celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary on February 19th - the same day as Norm's service.  Ironically, the service was held at the Stockpot restaurant - the same place where Pete and I re-met at our 10 year reunion.  Life is a circle.

Lucy started swim lessons last week.  I was so worried that she wouldn't do well being in a class by herself, but it turns out I had nothing to worry about.  She absolutely LOVES swimming - I think maybe even more than Bounce.

 

Tuesday we move on to March - I can hardly believe it.  Our last month as a family of four - Baby Girl #3 will be here at the end of April if all goes well.  Hard to believe - I don't think if I prepare every day between now and then I will be ready.