Our evenings are changing....
We no longer really read to Kate, but she reads her bedtime stories to us.
I LOVE IT!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
September 7, 2010
Evalie Says...
Our evenings are changing....
We no longer really read to Kate, but she reads her bedtime stories to us.
I LOVE IT!
Our evenings are changing....
We no longer really read to Kate, but she reads her bedtime stories to us.
I LOVE IT!
Monday, September 6, 2010
September 6, 2010
Evalie Says...
I guess I need to start in the future and explain why this post of September 6th is happening in mid October. I am reminded of my sixth grade year and my diary. You see after my brother, Chad, passed away, I wrote only a few words..." My brother died and that is all I want to say."...
I guess I want to write the same today....
My Aunt Annie died.
My heart is broken once again by the pain of death. One would assume after having so much loss in my life, my heart will heal faster. The thing is that every time that someone near me dies, my heart aches so much more for those who have gone before me. For the ones that have molded me into who I am. The ones that I would do anything to spend one more minute with. The ones I miss every day....
So what happened...
You see, my Uncle Paul had text me while I was up at my sisters' houses for Labor Day Weekend to meet Kennedy. I had text him back and forth, but he basically just wanted me to check in with him when I got back to town. I knew deep down in my heart that something was wrong. I knew that her chemo wasn't going well, and I found myself very nervous when he text. When I got back to town that evening, I was informed that she was in the hospital due to some mild complications from her chemo. She had broken out into hives. Uncle Paul made it sounds like things were okay. I decided to stay away from the hospital because I had a cold, and I knew that germs were the last thing she needed.
On Tuesday, I talked with her on the phone in the evening, but she didn't sounds too great. She seemed to be out of it and heavily medicated. It felt like I was talking to my mother. It really shook me up to think of her in the same condition as mom. I began to get nervous because Paul mentioned that she had multiple infections now. I told Paul that I would touch base with them after work the next day, and I tried to pray that things were going to be okay. In all reality I was so scared. If something happened to Annie, I would no longer have that go-to mother figure in my life. All I ready would have left would be my sisters (who I must mention are my mother and now my Annie in disguise).
And then Wednesday hit like a storm! She was moved into ICU and not only did she have infections but now had a staph infection. I went straight to the hospital after work to spend time with Paul in the waiting room. Things didn't look good for us. My cousin, Molly, was flown in from Tennessee. All I could do is just be there. All of the cousin in the following days gathered together along with my dad and my Uncle Tom. Through the next few days things seemed to remain stable, but there didn't seem to be any sort of improvement in her condition. One function would improve while the other would decrease. The infections kept taking it out of her.
On Saturday, she came a little responsive. She smiled at me, which was amazing. She kinda shook her head when I said to her, "It's Evalie, your favorite niece." It made my day! But in the end, things didn't go our way.
On Monday after noon, it was decided to let her go. Her kidneys had failed and there was nothing left for us to do to save her....to keep her here with us.
It was a long few hours as we made her comfortable and said our good-byes. It was one of the hardest things I have ever experiences in my life, and I'm no stranger to death. I will never forget that moment holding Paul and Molly in that hospital room, making those phone calls, and returning home from the hospital to my own family. Those memories are forever etched inside me along with so many other ones of letting go of my loved ones.
So needless to say on September 6th my life become knocked off course. My 356 project took a hit. I took pictures here and there, but there isn't a picture for every day. Even now, I find myself having a hard time taking a picture when my mind seems too preoccupied with so much more. So, I don't have a picture for every day, and I can't post a picture for each day the past month and a half. But, what I can do is post what I have and hope to jump back on the wagon.
I want to do it for Annie, she always liked my pictures and stories.
I guess I need to start in the future and explain why this post of September 6th is happening in mid October. I am reminded of my sixth grade year and my diary. You see after my brother, Chad, passed away, I wrote only a few words..." My brother died and that is all I want to say."...
I guess I want to write the same today....
My Aunt Annie died.
My heart is broken once again by the pain of death. One would assume after having so much loss in my life, my heart will heal faster. The thing is that every time that someone near me dies, my heart aches so much more for those who have gone before me. For the ones that have molded me into who I am. The ones that I would do anything to spend one more minute with. The ones I miss every day....
So what happened...
You see, my Uncle Paul had text me while I was up at my sisters' houses for Labor Day Weekend to meet Kennedy. I had text him back and forth, but he basically just wanted me to check in with him when I got back to town. I knew deep down in my heart that something was wrong. I knew that her chemo wasn't going well, and I found myself very nervous when he text. When I got back to town that evening, I was informed that she was in the hospital due to some mild complications from her chemo. She had broken out into hives. Uncle Paul made it sounds like things were okay. I decided to stay away from the hospital because I had a cold, and I knew that germs were the last thing she needed.
On Tuesday, I talked with her on the phone in the evening, but she didn't sounds too great. She seemed to be out of it and heavily medicated. It felt like I was talking to my mother. It really shook me up to think of her in the same condition as mom. I began to get nervous because Paul mentioned that she had multiple infections now. I told Paul that I would touch base with them after work the next day, and I tried to pray that things were going to be okay. In all reality I was so scared. If something happened to Annie, I would no longer have that go-to mother figure in my life. All I ready would have left would be my sisters (who I must mention are my mother and now my Annie in disguise).
And then Wednesday hit like a storm! She was moved into ICU and not only did she have infections but now had a staph infection. I went straight to the hospital after work to spend time with Paul in the waiting room. Things didn't look good for us. My cousin, Molly, was flown in from Tennessee. All I could do is just be there. All of the cousin in the following days gathered together along with my dad and my Uncle Tom. Through the next few days things seemed to remain stable, but there didn't seem to be any sort of improvement in her condition. One function would improve while the other would decrease. The infections kept taking it out of her.
On Saturday, she came a little responsive. She smiled at me, which was amazing. She kinda shook her head when I said to her, "It's Evalie, your favorite niece." It made my day! But in the end, things didn't go our way.
On Monday after noon, it was decided to let her go. Her kidneys had failed and there was nothing left for us to do to save her....to keep her here with us.
It was a long few hours as we made her comfortable and said our good-byes. It was one of the hardest things I have ever experiences in my life, and I'm no stranger to death. I will never forget that moment holding Paul and Molly in that hospital room, making those phone calls, and returning home from the hospital to my own family. Those memories are forever etched inside me along with so many other ones of letting go of my loved ones.
So needless to say on September 6th my life become knocked off course. My 356 project took a hit. I took pictures here and there, but there isn't a picture for every day. Even now, I find myself having a hard time taking a picture when my mind seems too preoccupied with so much more. So, I don't have a picture for every day, and I can't post a picture for each day the past month and a half. But, what I can do is post what I have and hope to jump back on the wagon.
I want to do it for Annie, she always liked my pictures and stories.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
September 4, 2010
Evalie Says...
While Josh attended a Twin's game with his brother, Drew. Kate and I were able to enjoy a nice relaxing day with my sister, Justina. Oh, and there was some time with little miss Kennedy!
While Josh attended a Twin's game with his brother, Drew. Kate and I were able to enjoy a nice relaxing day with my sister, Justina. Oh, and there was some time with little miss Kennedy!
Friday, September 3, 2010
September 3, 2010
Evalie Says...
Today we left to drive to St. Paul to visit my lovely sisters and their beautiful children. Most importantly, we wanted to meet our newest niece Kennedy Lin.
Today we left to drive to St. Paul to visit my lovely sisters and their beautiful children. Most importantly, we wanted to meet our newest niece Kennedy Lin.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
September 2, 1010
September 1, 2010
Evalie Says...
This evening down at the park letting Kate play and Shiner run, Kate made a friend that was also playing at the park. She was only 19 months, but kept following Kate anywhere she went on the park equipment. It was pretty cute when the little girl went with her mother to the bushes to look at the flowers and the roles changed. Kate suddenly wanted to do what she was doing. It was adorable because Kate was sure eating up the attention from the little girl.
While down looking at the flowers she decided to pick three: one for me, one for Josh, and one for herself. By the time we got home, she had taken the ones she gave to Josh and I away from us. She had decided that all three of them should go to Lisa, our neighbor. We had to go and wait for her to come home from the gym to give them to her.
This evening down at the park letting Kate play and Shiner run, Kate made a friend that was also playing at the park. She was only 19 months, but kept following Kate anywhere she went on the park equipment. It was pretty cute when the little girl went with her mother to the bushes to look at the flowers and the roles changed. Kate suddenly wanted to do what she was doing. It was adorable because Kate was sure eating up the attention from the little girl.
While down looking at the flowers she decided to pick three: one for me, one for Josh, and one for herself. By the time we got home, she had taken the ones she gave to Josh and I away from us. She had decided that all three of them should go to Lisa, our neighbor. We had to go and wait for her to come home from the gym to give them to her.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
August 31, 2010
Evalie Says...
This evening when I told Kate we needed to get our picture for the day, she asked if she could take the picture. I told her she could but asked what she wanted to take a picture of. Right away she said, "Can I take a picture of you and daddy?"
Not to shabby, huh? I was afraid it would be of our legs or our heads would be cut off.
This evening when I told Kate we needed to get our picture for the day, she asked if she could take the picture. I told her she could but asked what she wanted to take a picture of. Right away she said, "Can I take a picture of you and daddy?"
Not to shabby, huh? I was afraid it would be of our legs or our heads would be cut off.
Monday, August 30, 2010
August 30, 2010
Evalie Says...
We have been doing some coloring in our house. The Dora posters were bought with full intention of having Kate color them. As you can see, they have become pretty popular with Josh and myself....
We have been doing some coloring in our house. The Dora posters were bought with full intention of having Kate color them. As you can see, they have become pretty popular with Josh and myself....
Sunday, August 29, 2010
August 29, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
August 28, 2010
Evalie Says...
Today we spent some of the day playing in our playroom where either I or Josh played with Kate while the other picked up the house a bit. We were having some friends over for a BBQ in the evening, and our house had become a bit of a disaster after one week of school. While playing in the toyroom, Kate showed off her amazing people drawing skills. If you will notice, we are now into drawing a body along with our heads! Maybe arms and legs will come next...
I felt like such a dope after all our friends left because I never took a picture of all the fun we had. I felt like I was on cloud nine during the party. It is so much fun to be surrounded by friends and company.
Kate also had such a blast playing with her friends, Charlie and Cael. She informed me that, "Charlie is fun." We might have to have them over again real soon!
Today we spent some of the day playing in our playroom where either I or Josh played with Kate while the other picked up the house a bit. We were having some friends over for a BBQ in the evening, and our house had become a bit of a disaster after one week of school. While playing in the toyroom, Kate showed off her amazing people drawing skills. If you will notice, we are now into drawing a body along with our heads! Maybe arms and legs will come next...
I felt like such a dope after all our friends left because I never took a picture of all the fun we had. I felt like I was on cloud nine during the party. It is so much fun to be surrounded by friends and company.
Kate also had such a blast playing with her friends, Charlie and Cael. She informed me that, "Charlie is fun." We might have to have them over again real soon!
Friday, August 27, 2010
August 27, 2010
Evalie Says...
This evening Josh and I went out for a few drinks to celebrate our good friends, Fred and Judy's 30th wedding anniversary. We met Fred and Judy when we moved to town. They are very good friends of my Aunt Ann and Uncle Paul, and they also attend our church. Fred and Judy have always been a bit of a role model for me when it comes to marriage, and it was wonderful to be able to celebrate with them.
This evening Josh and I went out for a few drinks to celebrate our good friends, Fred and Judy's 30th wedding anniversary. We met Fred and Judy when we moved to town. They are very good friends of my Aunt Ann and Uncle Paul, and they also attend our church. Fred and Judy have always been a bit of a role model for me when it comes to marriage, and it was wonderful to be able to celebrate with them.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
August 26, 2010
Evalie Says...
This year Josh decided that he was going to participate in a fantasy football league. This is new territory for Josh and for myself. I'm not sure what we (um, I) have gotten ourselves in for! Tonight was the big night of the "draft" (who knew they had a draft for this thing?!?). Josh informed me that he was heading upstairs to the office to participate in the draft. Girls were not allowed!!
Anyone up for a bachelor / bachelorette fantasy league??
This year Josh decided that he was going to participate in a fantasy football league. This is new territory for Josh and for myself. I'm not sure what we (um, I) have gotten ourselves in for! Tonight was the big night of the "draft" (who knew they had a draft for this thing?!?). Josh informed me that he was heading upstairs to the office to participate in the draft. Girls were not allowed!!
Anyone up for a bachelor / bachelorette fantasy league??
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
August 25, 2010
Evalie Says...
Kate has fallen in love with magic shows which I have no idea where she learned about them. Perhaps it comes from her magic sticks and wands or even a cartoon, but this evening she performed a little magic show for Josh and I. She used a stick from the yard as her magic wand. It was one of the funnest things I have ever witnessed in my life! We were playing out in the front yard and she had Josh and I sit down on the hill. There she proceeded to ask for me to come up to be her assistant and do some magic with her. She pulled a bunny out of her hat and made him disappear. Of course, there were lots of bows! I love her imagination these days.
Kate has fallen in love with magic shows which I have no idea where she learned about them. Perhaps it comes from her magic sticks and wands or even a cartoon, but this evening she performed a little magic show for Josh and I. She used a stick from the yard as her magic wand. It was one of the funnest things I have ever witnessed in my life! We were playing out in the front yard and she had Josh and I sit down on the hill. There she proceeded to ask for me to come up to be her assistant and do some magic with her. She pulled a bunny out of her hat and made him disappear. Of course, there were lots of bows! I love her imagination these days.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
August 24, 2010
Evalie Says...
This evening I couldn't find my daughter! She went missing in her toy room. Can you spot her?
This evening I couldn't find my daughter! She went missing in her toy room. Can you spot her?
Monday, August 23, 2010
August 23, 2010
Evalie Say...
Tonight our picture of the day is not a picture I took, but a picture that my sister sent me. You see my new beautiful niece was born today.
Tonight our picture of the day is not a picture I took, but a picture that my sister sent me. You see my new beautiful niece was born today.
Kennedy Lin Rousseau
Sunday, August 22, 2010
August 22, 2010
Evalie Says...
Today Josh participated in the 1/2 Ironman distance triathlon at Palo. He participated in it last year, and he wanted to do the same. Last year it rained and then became very hot. This year there was a delay due to fog and again become more very very hot!! Saying it was warmer than last year is an understatement. Josh did a fantastic job on the swim, but something in the bike went wrong for him. His right leg started giving his problems during the last five miles of the bike, and he said that he was peddling with only the other leg. Last year was pretty hard on him as he ended up walking much of the half-marathon. We (he) made a decision during the transition from the bike to the run that he shouldn't hurt his leg any further and should not finish the race. It was hard to see the disappointment in his face, but he and I both knew we were making the right choice. He seems to be a little embarrassed, but I don't think he has anything to be embarrassed about. I think he is amazing!
Running to the start of the swim...
Playing in the grass during the fog delay...
Playing in the sand while waiting for daddy to swim...
Waiting to swim...
And we are off!
Go Josh!
Waiting for Josh to swim in...
Looking Good and full of smiles..
Today Josh participated in the 1/2 Ironman distance triathlon at Palo. He participated in it last year, and he wanted to do the same. Last year it rained and then became very hot. This year there was a delay due to fog and again become more very very hot!! Saying it was warmer than last year is an understatement. Josh did a fantastic job on the swim, but something in the bike went wrong for him. His right leg started giving his problems during the last five miles of the bike, and he said that he was peddling with only the other leg. Last year was pretty hard on him as he ended up walking much of the half-marathon. We (he) made a decision during the transition from the bike to the run that he shouldn't hurt his leg any further and should not finish the race. It was hard to see the disappointment in his face, but he and I both knew we were making the right choice. He seems to be a little embarrassed, but I don't think he has anything to be embarrassed about. I think he is amazing!
Running to the start of the swim...
Playing in the grass during the fog delay...
Playing in the sand while waiting for daddy to swim...
Waiting to swim...
And we are off!
Go Josh!
Waiting for Josh to swim in...
Looking Good and full of smiles..I didn't get any pictures of him on the bike. I promise for better pictures at the next one in Waterloo.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Saturday, August 21
Evalie Says...
Today we went shopping at the outlet mall near our house. Kate asked if she could have a toy, so we went into the Toys R Us outlet after she had been well-behaved. In the store, there were these cute stuffed animal toys of the characters from Toy Story 3. I had showed them to Kate, and she feel in love with them. She sat there on the floor of the store playing with all of them and having them talk to each other. It was so cute!
Josh and I chuckled at her for a bit and let her play. Then Josh got down on his knees to talk to her about getting two of them to take home. She quickly grabbed them all up if fear that he was going to take them away. After a while of convincing, we decided that we would get Woody and Jesse.
They are her new "friends". She took them everywhere we went today, and I am afraid they might come everywhere we go. As she feel asleep last night, she needed her "friends" to sleep with her.
Watch out teddy, you might have been replaced. Although, she did introduce Woody and Jesse to teddy tonight when they went to bed. When Josh went in to check on her, she had Woody and Jesse tucked under her arms.
Today we went shopping at the outlet mall near our house. Kate asked if she could have a toy, so we went into the Toys R Us outlet after she had been well-behaved. In the store, there were these cute stuffed animal toys of the characters from Toy Story 3. I had showed them to Kate, and she feel in love with them. She sat there on the floor of the store playing with all of them and having them talk to each other. It was so cute!
Josh and I chuckled at her for a bit and let her play. Then Josh got down on his knees to talk to her about getting two of them to take home. She quickly grabbed them all up if fear that he was going to take them away. After a while of convincing, we decided that we would get Woody and Jesse.
They are her new "friends". She took them everywhere we went today, and I am afraid they might come everywhere we go. As she feel asleep last night, she needed her "friends" to sleep with her.
Watch out teddy, you might have been replaced. Although, she did introduce Woody and Jesse to teddy tonight when they went to bed. When Josh went in to check on her, she had Woody and Jesse tucked under her arms.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Friday, August 20
Evalie Says...
My daughter today didn't sit at the table to eat her breakfast while Josh and I got ready for work. Instead took her toast and positioned herself on the couch to watch cartoons under the blankets.
I felt her pain, it was so hard to get up and moving this Friday morning.
Good thing it is Saturday tomorrow. With our luck, she won't sleep in!
My daughter today didn't sit at the table to eat her breakfast while Josh and I got ready for work. Instead took her toast and positioned herself on the couch to watch cartoons under the blankets.
I felt her pain, it was so hard to get up and moving this Friday morning.
Good thing it is Saturday tomorrow. With our luck, she won't sleep in!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thursday, August 19
Evalie Says...
Tonight Josh and I are completely worn out from the first full week of both being working parents again. Kate is complete back to her 'school' schedule, and we are two tired parents. We are looking forward to relaxing this weekend. Okay I take that back, I'm not sure how much relaxation is going to take place when Josh has his big triathlon of the year on Sunday.
Even though we were pretty exhausted, we still had a great game of hide-in-seek out in the front yard.
Tonight Josh and I are completely worn out from the first full week of both being working parents again. Kate is complete back to her 'school' schedule, and we are two tired parents. We are looking forward to relaxing this weekend. Okay I take that back, I'm not sure how much relaxation is going to take place when Josh has his big triathlon of the year on Sunday.
Even though we were pretty exhausted, we still had a great game of hide-in-seek out in the front yard.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)