One Year

Today is one year since Dad left this earth to be with our Heavenly Father.  One Year - wow.  It doesn't seem that long.  To say I miss him would be an understatement.  There is just such a special bond between a girl and her daddy.

I long for our talks.  He was always such a good listener and would not tell you what to do but help you work through to the solution.  He always gave such wise counsel.  He was also such an encourager.  No one ever left a conversation with Dad where they didn't feel better about themselves.

I ache for the fact that Cali won't remember him and that the twins will never know a Grandpa.  He was so good with Cali!  From the beginning he took such joy in her and would get on the floor to play.  

But I also rejoice that he is with Christ and feels no pain and is free from cancer.  I take comfort in the fact that I will see him again.  I find peace that he is with family and friends enjoying God's glory for eternity.

It has been a hard year for all of us - mom especially.  But today we will have a gathering to celebrate Dad's life, share stories and find comfort in the fact that he is with the Lord.

Thank you all for your encouragement and love during this time.  I hope that if you knew Dad you can have a smile on your face today as you remember him.

Life and Science Museum

Nick had a youth event today so Cali and I headed to Durham for some fun!

We started at the Durham Farmer's Market.  We picked up some fresh veggies, a Gluten free brownie for me and a cupcake for Cali.

Then we went to the Durham Life and Science Museum.  Super fun!  We were able to see a ton of animals, walk around, climb things, get in things and even play with butterflies.  Cali had a blast and when we got home she said, "I'm sad.  I miss my butterflies."  I told her we would go back to see them!

Cali reviewed the map and decided we needed to go to the butterfly garden

The butterflies were her favorite!  Cali was a little concerned when one decided to land on her shirt though.  After taking a few pics I gently encouraged it to play with another child.

Next came the bear exhibit.  There were 2 black bears for us to watch.  Cali got a kick out of watching them swim in their pond.

Cali "The Bear" Jordan - The sound effect for this face is priceless!

Cali even played on the "bumpy" dinosaur.

The museum was a hit!  I highly recommend it and plan to take Cali back.  We spend almost 3 hours there and didn't get to see everything.  

28 Weeks

We have hit the third trimester!  The scary part is we are 10 weeks or less away from going from a family of 3 to a family of 5!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 28 Weeks

Size of baby: The twins are 14.5 inches long and just over two pounds each

Maternity Clothes: Maternity clothes and Nick's clothes

Gender: One boy, one girl!

Movement: The babies move all the time!  It is crazy that you can see them moving from the outside!

Sleep: Sleeping is getting uncomfortable.  Some nights are better than others.   I also try to take a nap everyday but sometimes I just lay down for a while. 

What I miss: Seeing my feet, flexibility, energy and sleep.

Cravings: Chocolate, carbs and sweet potato fries

Symptoms: My belly is getting big!

Best Moment this week: Celebrating Nick's birthday.  I couldn't imagine this adventure with anyone else!

Indiana Trip

Cali, Mom and I took a long weekend trip to Indiana to see family.  My great-aunt passed away at 96 years old.  The funeral gave us a good opportunity to make the trip and see lots of family.  We decided to fly up instead of take a 11 hour drive each way.  Cali did amazing!

Eating her sucker during takeoff

Great Aunt Janice, Cali and Great Uncle Clyde

Cali and Great Grandpa Pete

The dog she is holding Grandpa "bought" her with his bingo winning tickets.  He was very excited that he could get her something.

Dave, Beth, Wade, Aunt Louanne, Me, Cali and Nana

Louanne is mom's sister and these are three of her five kids. 

Victor, Beth, Cali and Me

It was good to be in Indiana, see lots of family, introduce Cali to everyone and spend time with mom.
Since I won't be traveling for a while this was my last big trip for a while.