This past week has been filled with several different kinds of tears. But it was centralized around my love for my Grandpa Matthews. His health had been getting worse and worse these past few weeks. He had been having a series of "micro-strokes" that were taking a toll on his brain. He began to struggle standing up and sitting down. He seemed to be living in the past a lot of the time. I was fortunate enough to get to see him for a few hours last week. Lydia loved him! He would wave at her and she would smile so big and giggle at him. She loved her great grandpa!
Yesterday, Grandpa passed away. It was a shock to all of us regardless of how he's been doing. We all thought he had another year left in him. However, I feel so blessed that I got to see him before he moved on. He was such an amazing man. He always gave me so much love and support through everything I did. When I was in my lowest low, he was there for me and often called to see how I was doing. He shared in my joys with me. He was always a great example of faith, patience, love, dedication and strength. I know that he has lived his life worthy to gain Eternal Life. We will all be together again. I am so grateful for the example he has set and count myself lucky to have been his granddaughter. So, Grandpa, we'll miss you for now. But we'll see you again someday. We love you!
Lydia has developed a wonderful new trick of laughing lately! It's slowly becoming more frequent and we were finally able to catch it on video! Hooray! We have tried so many times and she just became so focused on the camera that she stopped laughing. But, finally, here it is! Such a cute baby!
Sorry, I've added so many posts in one day, but I've had a lot of catching up to do! So, there are a couple more new posts for y'all to read. Continue below.
Oh dear!!! I say this every month, but I can't believe she's 4 months already! She's growing so big and learning so much! I knew time went by quickly before having a child, but life just seems too short now that I have one! I wish things would slow down a bit. I try to enjoy and savor every moment possible. Yet there just aren't enough of them to savor! I love watching her smile and doing my darndest to get her to giggle. So, here's her 4 month letter.
Hey Precious Girl,
You are learning and growing everyday. I just can't seem to get enough of you! Your smiles make me melt and your laughs make me laugh. Your spirit is so sweet and innocent. I love having you in my life. I can't imagine living without you now! My life is suddenly so much better than it ever was! It's not because we have more money or my life was so horrible before. But you simply make me so happy.
Here's just a few of the things that you have learned this month:
*You laughed for the first time a few days ago! I was blowing raspberries on your tummy and tickling you with my hair and you let out your first real laughs! It was so exciting! We've gotten you to laugh a little bit each day since then, but I'm excited for you to start doing this more and more.
*You are such a happy baby now! All I have to do is talk to you and smile and you grin right back. It just makes me melt! You seem to adore us!
*You are holding on to your toys now! Mostly just the flatter plastic ones or the cloth ones. You love your little butterfly that flashes lights at you and talks. You are starting to learn how to use your thumb (it doesn't have to be constantly folded down).
*You are becoming more content at laying on a blanket or sitting in your bumbo seat. In fact, the other night you fussed until Daddy finally put you in your bumbo seat. You seemed to just want your own time.
*You are such a little talker now! You love the sound of your voice and are constantly wanting to share it with us!
*You love hanging your tongue out of your mouth! It seems to constantly be on a show!
*You have gone swimming for the first time this last week! You sat in your floating tube and were so chill as we dragged you around the pool.
*You are slowly starting to take naps during the day! We will definitely improve this. But, it's starting to come together.
*You are discovering your feet! When possible, you love holding onto them.
*Oh, and you are starting to grab onto more things put infront of you. Especially my hair, daddy's chest hair, my breakfast, or whatever else we happen to be holding.
*You can sit in your high chair now to play with your toys while we eat.
We love you so much, Lydia! You are a true blessing in our lives! I am excited to continue watching you grow and learn more things. You are helping me recognize how wonderful life really is. Your Heavenly Father really loves you! I am only beginning to understand what that must feel like! Keep appreciating each moment sweet angel!
