Memories with Papa Joe

It’s been a busy couple of weeks around here, some good some bad.

My dad passed away on the 13th after a rough couple of days. He ended up passing in his sleep peacefully, we couldn’t ask for anything more there. Although we knew it was coming I really didn’t think it would happen so soon. After a week in Elkader with our entire family (45 with my brothers/sisters and their kids) we were exhausted. The funeral and services were a nice remembrance of a life well lived, my dad was 78. We tried to look at things as a celebration of his life and that’s what it was. He would have loved that his entire family was together, something that hasn’t happened since our wedding, five years ago in April. Ellie of course loved all of the little cousins around, and the big ones too (since they catered to her every want!). Unfortunately we both ended up with colds. So far no fevers so we are staying clear of the doctor.

Since pictures can tell a story just as well as words, here are pictures of Ellie with her Grandpa Joe over the past two and a half years. He was so proud of her and her accomplishments and it showed. He loved all of his 7 children, 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren so much. Dad would do anything for us and spoiled everyone! We will miss him but never forget the fun memories…


Ellie just home from the hospital with Papa Joe.






I know Papa isn't in this picture but Pedretti's Bakery in Elkader was his legacy. This is Ellie being weighed in the bakery scale, a tradition with all of the kids.




Father's Day 2009




Christmas 2009




Here is Ellie working at the bakery with her apron on. Every person in our family has worked at the bakery at some point. Whether wanting to go cut cookies with Grandpa as a child, forced to do it as a teenager or taking over the business as an adult. This bakery has been passed on to my brother Gary, then to my sister Jane after Gary's passing, now to my nephew Christopher. It's a family tradition that will carry on.


All but one of Papa's great-grandchildren with Ellie last week.
Our memories will last a lifetime.

We love you, Dad.


The good-busy of our couple weeks happened the week before the 13th.
To start the week we got to tour the St. Luke’s Birth Center. It was so nice and it’s great to know we’ll get that nice room the entire time we’re there. Just knowing that I’m going to get to snuggle with my baby right after she is born is going to be amazing. Something so simple that most people take for granted will be the most special for me. Ellie enjoyed the tour, too. She got to see a newborn baby girl in her crib and some really neat fish. The best part for her was knowing that when she visits Baby Sister in our room she will get a new Clifford book! That’s what she’s telling people about the “baby hospital” after seeing the package in the room. ‘A little sister? Eeeh, check out my new book!’ Although at the Gap today she wanted to tell the clerk that she was going to have a baby sister- out of the blue love for the baby to be.

Last week was my 6th month check-up. Baby Girl’s heart rate was 134 and sounding great. She is kicking stronger and more often everyday! I swear she is doing flips in there. I do love my little belly although the little backache that comes with it is not so fun. :) It's all worth it! My total weight gain so far is 14 pounds. That is holding pretty similar to when I was pregnant with Ellie. She weighed 7lbs 6oz when she was born, a nice size. A repeat there would be excellent!

To end the good part of our busy week, Kevin took me to Cirque De Soile for my birthday! Yes, I am the big 3-0 this year, eeek! It was an amazing show and I would recommend it to anyone. The acrobatics and costumes were amazing. Those people have some crazy talents that's for sure!

Until next time,

Heidi