Oma and Opa

We just got back from Alabama from visiting my grandparents, Oma and Opa.  We haven't seen them in a while and Oma is not doing so well.  The past few weeks we have been getting updates from my Aunt Lynn and each time she talked to my mom she said things were getting worse.  Needless to say, I wanted to see them, but I was really nervous and anxious about what to expect.  Oma has what they think is the beginning stages of dementia.

When we got to Alabama...my aunt Lynn informed us that Oma was doing so much better.  She told us that she just knew we were going to say that she was lying.  On Sunday morning we went to their house and saw Opa for a little bit and then we went up to the hospital.  Oma looked great (as great as you can look laying in a hospital bed).  She knew who we all were and was even cracking jokes.  It was so good to see her and she was SOOO excited to see Cade and Addi.  She couldn't get over her bow!  We took a few pictures and visited for a while.  I finally got to get my four generations picture!!  Overall it was a great visit.  They ended up moving her from the hospital to a rehabilitation place.  Oma needs to work on getting her strength back so that she can walk again and then go home.  This is going to be tough for her, but she really needs to do it so that she can be where she wants to be--at home, in her chair, watching the birds in her backyard.

Four Generations

Oma wanted to hold Addi on the way down to the car

Opa and his buddy

I absolutely love this picture!

We also got to see my cousin Kenny and his girlfriend.  He is such a kid at heart, let's just say that Cade had a ball with him!  It was great!

I have to say it was an emotional trip...both good and bad.  Of course it was hard to see my Oma in that condition, but it was so nice to just sit and talk with her like old times (we used to take a trip to Starbucks, just her and I, when she would come to visit, and talk).  I think the hardest thing for me was watching my Opa with her.  I can't explain how strong his love is for her!  You could just look at the two of them and see it.  It was hard because I know that he knows that his time with her is slowly coming to an end.  He is being so strong for Oma, his kids, and his grand kids.  They have been married for 57 years and have never left each other's side.  I can only hope that one day people look at Darrell and I and see what I see with the two of them.

Me and my Opa

Stuff

So, we've been really busy since the last blog (what else is new).  I figured I would just tell about several things to bring us up-to-date.

Cade has finished his soccer for the fall season and he absolutely loved it.  He is already asking when he gets to start again.  I think the sign up for the spring is in February, hopefully he won't keep asking until then.  Two weeks ago Cade scored his first goal and he was super excited!  After his last game, the team had a end of season party at Cici's.  The got a small plaque from the YMCA and their coach got them all trophies.  He loved every bit of it.  He made some good friends and is looking forward to playing with them again in the spring.




He loves playing goalie!



Good game, guys!



Nice stash and teeth!


Addi is growing like a weed and is doing more and more things everyday.  She reaches for everything that is put in front of her and she rolls all over the place.  We started baby food this past Monday and she loves it.  She is continuing to babble and laugh and she is so sweet!  Yesterday she showed the first signs of getting a little fussy when she is not familiar with someone.  She wouldn't take her bottle from our friend Kim (any time you put a bottle in front of her she's going to eat).  Then I got her and she started chowing down.  I have to admit, I kind of liked it!


I love this new jumper!

So, these green beans actually aren't that bad.

Mom, seriously...what's with all the pictures?

Playing cars!!

Everything else is going well.  I turned 31 on November 2nd and had a great day.  We went to dinner with the Meijer's and had a blast.  We always have a blast with them!!