Minnetonka Orchard

We went to the apple orchard today since it was 70 degrees and it seems the forecast is only getting colder! It was a lot of fun! Izzy loved the animals, the pumpkins, and most importantly, being able to run everywhere. We didn't know that during the week it is free admission so that was fun too. Izzy was moving so much and always onto the next thing that we couldn't get her to stay still long enough for pictures or posing. ;)

Yogurt Monster

We are doing anything to get Izzy to eat so we can give her, her medicine. Last night I finally got her to eat a little yogurt, but Miss Independent decided it wasn't fun when mommy fed her and refused to eat more until I let her fees herself. Well....the pictures show you how well that went. :) After the first splat on her face, she got much better!

Talkative and Sick

Miss Izzy has been sick for a few weeks now and has been to the doctors twice. We finally got her test results back and it seems she has Clostridium difficle, basically she has toxins in her stool. She has to be on antibiotic for 10 days and hopefully that will do the trick. We aren't sure how she got this, as it is common in older people in hospitals and nursing homes and/or people who have been on antibiotic. She has done neither. Apparently people can have it and not show symptoms, so we are thinking someone at daycare may have been on antibiotic and not shown symptoms, touched their diaper while being changed, and then touched a toy and Izzy put that toy in her mouth. Who knows really. We are hoping the medicine will make her better and that will be the end to this yucky infection she has had for too long. She is in good spirits for the most part and has had some time at home with mom and dad since Friday. She also had a nasty cough and cold, poor girl. She tried to go to daycare yesterday and threw up all over Deb's mudroom, poor Izzy. She may not feel great, but she is still chatty, she is started to talk more and more. Here are some videos to prove it. If you get this in an email, click here to see the videos.

Cousin Fun

Izzy was lucky enough to have her cousins sleepover this weekend. We had so much fun together! Kiki and George built forts for Izzy, read her bedtime stories, and even got a little crazy with her in her crib (see video). We had to keep up Papa's tradition and went to YoYo Bakery to get some Sunday morning donuts this morning. We took one last ride on Papa's golf cart before the new owners picked it up. 

George with his dirt dessert donut.

Listening to Elmo's Song

The beauties!

Bedtime Stories

 

Mr. Tickle Monster!

 

Having fun at dinner together!

 

Izzy was so tuckered out, she just decided to rest at the back door.

 

Izzy in her fort that they built her, complete with a "pink" carpet!

 

Who doesn't love a Neon Donut? 

 

George in Papa's helmet.

 

Watching a movie together.

 

Drinking some smoothie from a big girl cup!

 

A farewell ride on the Golf Cart!

Crazy Bedtime Video!

Perspective

It has been hard for me to even considering blogging when I am still processing everything that has occurred in the last three weeks. I can't decide how I am doing, I am just getting by. I keep myself busy and try to hold back the tears, as I know my dad would want me to be happy and smile. It isn't always easy, but I manage. The truth is, I am still in denial, I have convinced myself he is on one of his many RV adventures with my mom and we'll be updated shortly on their whereabouts. I am constantly thinking about him and reminding myself of the reality that he is no longer on Earth, but rather watching us from heaven. The smallest of things will remind me of him. 

My perspective on life has completely changed. The things that used to seem important to me or the small things that I used to let ruin my whole day, no longer rule my day or my attitude. We had a flood in our house last week and even that couldn't break me. Pat was wonderful and cleaned it all up, but I didn't even have the energy in me to be upset or let it ruin my day. It wasn't worth it and after all, it could be much worse. I no longer complain about the bad in my day when I get home from work and instead focus my energy on being present with my family and making memories. It is hard to listen to people complain about silly things like, "I didn't get enough sleep last night and traffic was terrible this morning" or "I had the worst day ever...." Their worst day ever doesn't even compare to the day we found out my dad had peacefully gone to Heaven. I know there is never an explanation for why people have to die, but I truly believe part of it is for people to reevaluate their lives, their proprieties, and their perspectives.

Losing someone is never easy, but I think when it is a parent, it is especially hard. They are your role model, your constant, and no matter how old you are, the person you will call for help or when you are unsure of something. I will always be my dad's "Bear, Bear", his little girl, his baby even at 30. Life is unfair, this is something everyone learns at a young age, but life is also good. I am trying to focus any energy I have on being positive about this situation, make the best of a crappy situation. Instead of thinking about what we won't have with my dad and Papa, trying to think about what we were lucky enough to have and realize that not everyone is that lucky.

We were fortunate to have our dad for 66 years. My sisters and I were lucky enough to have him walk us down the aisle at our weddings. My dad was able to see all of us graduate from High School and some from college. He was able to see some of his grandchildren and spoil them rotten during his time with them. He was able to travel with my mom for many years and create many memories for her to remember and cherish for the rest of her life. We each have our own special memories with my dad that we will forever cherish in our hearts and never forget. The endless hours in the car, the scenic route, the stops at McDonald's for coffee when he'd insist you were hungry and in need of something, the trips to various locations, for me Mexico, his hilarious jokes, his caring spirit, his generous character, and much more. 

I have no choice but to keep on, keeping on for our little girl. She doesn't understand why I am sad or not myself, but she can sure help me smile when I need it the most. She'll do silly things that I know would make my dad laugh and smile. There are things she'll do that will make me want to call him up and share with him, but then reality sets in and I remind myself that he is probably watching alongside of me and enjoying the moments with me, even if I can't see him or hear him. Izzy has been a welcomed distraction and she has a way about her that makes me smile, even when it feels like an impossible task. I decided to include a few pictures of Izzy to help brighten your day. She has been a trooper and put up with me being a distracted parent. We went to the park tonight and then Daddy took her to swimming lessons, so she is still being spoiled, not to worry.

 

Miss Nosy looking at the neighbors and saying, "Hi!"

 

Saying "Bye" before swimming lessons.

 

Hanging out at George's soccer game.

 

Helping "organize" stuff at Nana's for her big move.

 

Hanging out at cousin Dan's football game.

 

Cuties!

 

Great game Dan!

 

At least someone got a kick out of all of the fans we had running after the flood.