In memory of Pops

I wanted to let you know the sad news that Popa (Jason's grandfather) passed away yesterday.

Most of you know that Popa was an influential part of our lives, especially Jason's. He regarded him as a Father, mentor, loved one, friend and ultimately the one person that was there for him at all times, day or night. He would answer the phone in the middle of a meeting to talk to Jason, no matter where he was or what he was doing, he was there for us. Jason grew up going to his house every summer and striving to be so much like his Grandfather. When Jason would win an award at work or when he got a promotion he was quick to call Pops and let him know. So much of Jason's positive, ambitious, hard working and caring attitude is from his Grandfather. I can thank him for making such a wonderful man and husband. I am so lucky.

Popa looked at life with an optimistic attitude. The grass was always greener on HIS side and he was always happy to share that outlook with everyone that stepped into his life. His family came first in every situation, no matter what was going on. He wanted everyone to enjoy the finer things in life and the simple pleasures. He would say "don't worry about me... worry about yourself". "Eat slow... enjoy the moment." "Stop and smell the roses." He would always stop to smell the roses. Some of you may laugh when Jason does simple things like stop to smell the flowers or take a pause to let everyone know around him what a wonderful day it is and how we should cherish it, but that's what makes an amazing person. He got that from his Grandfather.

He was here for the biggest moments of our lives. On our wedding day, Jason walked to the song "unforgettable" as recommended by Popa. He took us to Maine as part of our Honeymoon and showed me where his loving memories were with his wife. We also went to Italy with him where he showed us a world we would have never experienced. We sipped wine in Tuscany with Pops on the lawn and spoke of our lifes ambitions and he encouraged us to always strive to be the best people we can. He came out here for my graduation day and always told me how proud he was of me. He made me a better woman and wife.

The strong marriage that Jason and I have has been blessed and influenced by Popa. He showed us that marriage is about love, support and it takes work to have a great marriage but in the end family is what makes the world turn. More recently he was here for our 5 year Anniversary. He celebrated it with us, while meeting his great-grandaughter, Lyla, for the first time. He said a speech at dinner and let us know how proud he was of Jason and I. The fact is, I am so proud that I could be a part of his life for 7 years.

He was a Father and Grandfather to Jason, a Grandfather to me, and Lyla's Great Popa.

Please say your prayers for him, and for Jason and his family.
We are all so blessed to have had such a loving, un-selfish, caring, amazing man in our lives.
Squeeze those you love today.
Much Love & God Bless,
Angela

Choo Choo!

Today was Lyla's first fall outing. We headed to Remlinger Farms with the Whitworths. What a wonderful day filled with fun!! Lyla's favorite ride was definitely the train... choo choo! It was the last ride of the day and she settled into her Dad's lap and just watched the scenery with glee. She was so content that I decided maybe we need a train in our house? Is that possible? My favorite picture is of Jason, Lyla and I in the school bus. It's just perfect. Angela smiling....Jason smiling....and Lyla letting us know that she was done posing for the camera in these ridiculous cut out prints.

The day started with Starbucks coffee and Grace took on the canoes right away. Shortly after we went to the petting zoo, not so scary haunted house (note to self, do not bring strollers through the not so scary house...) and then it was lunch. The afternoon ended with Grace's first roller coaster, Lyla's first ride in an Antique car then off on the train. We had so much fun and this is what family is about. Love, laughter, adventure, and memories. Choo choooo!

Kick Kick Kick

Kicking, Gooing and smiling are Lyla's favorite things to do these days. She's lost interest in sleep, she only likes to do that if she's extremely tired and she'll do whatever it takes to stay awake and have fun! I love watching all of her expressions. The gooing is my favorite but a hard one to catch on tape. Every time I bring out the camera... she just stares and stops her constant chatting. Might she be a bit camera shy? I think so!

I was just noticing the other day that she's growing so fast! Her head and fingers look so much bigger to me. Time is flying by and I want to make sure I am here for every new milestone. Lucky me, on Sunday night while sitting on the couch for a little "tummy time" she rolled over. She was calm and proud, and I thought maybe she only rolled because I was leaning on the couch and gave her a hill to roll down. I quickly turned her over and put her back in the original position. With her Auntie Diana there we cheered her on. "Go Lyla Go!" "Rolllll over, rooooolllll over!". Then she did it again! I screamed with glee and picked her up to go tell Jason. Well I think my scream may have startled her a bit because she hasn't rolled since and she was quite shocked by my outburst. At least I was there! Yipeeee!

I'm back at work and it's been quite nice to see all of my patients again. I enjoy my job and am lucky to have such a flexible workplace. I am even able to come home and breastfeed at lunch if I have time. I couldn't imagine a better situation. Lyla is always happy to see me (or maybe it's just the breastfeeding she's happy about).

Jason and I are getting ready for Fall and our pumpkin decorations are up. Lyla has her costume and she's really excited for Trick or Treating! Or so I'd like to think.

Much Love to all of you (anyone???) that reads this.
Angela

Stinkin Cute!

Loving Lyla

I love her.....
nose with the perfect pointed tip
soft blond hair
long piano fingers
toes that have strength
sleepy red eyes that she rolls into the back of her head
no neck that disappears
crooked smile when she's barely falling asleep
new found yell that is so "girlie"
grunts before she falls asleep
drool bubbles
smile
ears like her Daddy's
shy smile when I come home from work
ability to make me melt
I just love her.

Goo!

Lyla has her own language. It's the "goo goo" language. We have whole conversations with the goo goo and it goes pretty well. It typically starts with her smiling at me (which melts my heart) then a bit of bubbly drool comes out of her mouth, soon after that she lets out her drawn out "ggggoooooooo" and I say "goo goo goo" and she smiles quite large, turns her head side to side and says "goo!". We can go on for hours. It amuses me and somehow my ten hour days at home fly by with just the word goo coming out of my mouth. The fact is, I love it, and I love her! GOOOO!

Family

I just love having my own family and Lyla loves her grandparents! She met her first horse, Kat! Oh the joy, I'm sure she had no idea what the big brown thing that smelled funny was. She also probably had no idea why I dressed her up in a bear outfit that her Uncle Raf gave her..... someday she'll understand. I love her so much. My little Lyla.