Focused

Last week we went to the eye doctor (a family friend) and were told that her eyes were not focusing properly and that she needed corrective lenses. We ordered them that day and got Eva's glasses today. Doesn't she look cute? I have been hyping it up lately. It helps that I have been wearing my glasses lately. When the optician put them on, she got a very serious look on her face and didn't say much. She walked very carefully to the car. Then she kept telling me all the things she could see. The world must look different now.

Side note: We also visited the ENT today to check on her ear tubes. Turns out that the right one had fallen out too. She's fine, no infections since they were put in, so we don't have to go again. Yay! One less doctor to visit.

Blessing Day

Paige was blessed by her father at church today. It's always kind of a relief when that is over and you can look back to say, "Yay, she didn't scream the whole time," or "I'm so glad she didn't blowout on her white dress". I was able to record the blessing on my iphone and will transcribe it soon. It was a beautiful blessing. We are a lucky family to have her with us.

Spring is here!

"In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt." ~Margaret Atwood

Did she know my girls?

Memories

My sister asked all the family members a question on Facebook about their fondest memory of Grandpa. Here are the responses. I write this so it will be forever part of the family history my blogging has become for me and so that future generations can know what a great man he was.

(Christine Telford McDaniel) There are so many. The most recent one was when he came to visit in San Rafael. He and I sat and talked about his time in the service and about how he met Grandma. I wish I had written it all down. Some great family history stuff. We were interrupted by Brendan flooding the bathroom and Grandpa was nice enough to read him story after story while I cleaned up. I swear he read The Little Engine That Could about 5 times.

(Jeremy Telford - cousin) I remember Grandpa taking Chris and I out shooting at a range (This was a long time ago!). I think it was my first time holding a gun and one of the first times going out and doing something with Grandpa without my parents along.

(Tia Stokes - cousin) Grandpa and I share a love of classical music and since Grandma couldn't join him, I got to be his date to the Seattle Opera for many a season. We also share a love of chocolate and I learned a lot about food in general as we spent many hours together in the car. He even taught me how to drive. He's like another father to me. I think he had nicknames for all of us (mine was Chickie) and be remembered all of them! He brought me truffles on my mission and I remember eating them by the light of the fridge at night so I didn't have to share with anyone.

(Jessica Hammer Anderson - cousin) My fondest memory is a recent one. The first time Grandpa saw Avery he cried. I have never seen him with tears in his eyes and in that moment I knew how much he loved me and how proud he was of me. Living so far away for so many years, I never thought that we were super close, but in that moment I realized that we are. Also I always loved it when he calls me Blondie, or Jessie... there are very few people that I feel comfortable with calling me Jessie and he is one of them.

(Amber Telford Walton - my sister) I agree with Christine, that there are so many memories to choose from. I always loved that every time Grandpa came to Cali to see us he would bring me some apples, because they are my favorite. Whenever I think about him I always hear him calling me his Amber Honey! He is one of the most thoughtful men I've ever know. My husband, Aaron commented on liking Grandpa's shoes once when we were up visiting and Grandpa went out and bought Aaron a pair in his size and mailed them to us. I think Grandpa has sent him 3 pairs over the last few years.

(Amanda Fairbanks - my sister) My fondest memory of Grandpa is a recent one, about two years ago he came to visit and went pig hunting with Dad and I. All of the hunting party split up and waited for the pigs to come. Grandpa and I sat together as the sun was rising and talked. I had never sat and talked to him as an adult before. It was the best sunrise I had ever seen and I love that I got to share it with him. He also taught me how to shoot properly, a skill I will treasure forever and have already shared with my children.

(Caren Currier Telford - my mother) I loved the way he told stories. I could listen to him forever. I also love the way he made me feel special when I was pregnant. He always helped me into the car and made sure that I sat in the most comfortable seat. I was blessed to be one of his daughters. He had such a profound effect on my life and he taught me how a father should treat his wife and children.

(Shiloh Winn - my sister) Ry and I have a wonderful memory of he and Grandma visiting us while we were living out in Kentucky. We met in Gatlinburg, TN. It was a rare time when I had them "all to myself" (whenever we visited there were always a lot of people around) and it felt so special to get to know them better.

(Caren Currier Telford - writing for Tina, my 8 year old sister) I loved when he showed Daddy how to make pull-aparts. Now Daddy shows other people how to make them. Grandpa is a good cook! I love him sooo much!

(Christine Telford McDaniel) I also remember when all my siblings and their kids were at our parents' house a few years ago. Grandpa, Aunt Becky and Uncle D were visiting. The house was chaotic with grand kids and family. Grandpa leans over to me, smiles and says, "I started all this."

Remembering Grandpa

My grandfather, Morris Telford, passed away after a long fight with cancer on March 16th. He was a great man and I loved him. I always felt a special connection with him because I look more like the Telford side than my siblings do. Most of my growing up years were spent away from Washington, where he and Grandma and all the cousins lived, but we would visit at least once a year. Now I wish I had visited more.

Apparently he was a bit of a rascal growing up. He joined the Marines at an early age, having lied about his age to get in. He was in the service when WWII was happening. He was every bit the Marine, right down to his haircut. In fact, I have never seen him with a different one. A flat top will forever remind me of him.

Despite being the tough guy that he was, he was also a big teddy bear. He made friends wherever he went and could talk to anyone. He gave the best hugs and was a great listener. He had a nickname for just about everyone; he was one of two people who call me "Chris". I can still hear the way he would say it when he was about to give me advice. He always remembered what treats they liked and would bring them when he visited. He was thoughtful like that. He was also a lot of fun.

Grandpa was also a very hard worker. In fact, he retired several times because he couldn't NOT be working. He loved to cook (in fact, he has a secret smoked salmon recipe that is not allowed to be shared outside the family), adored classical music and had the loudest snore known to man. Grandpa loved his family fiercely. He had 6 sons and 1 daughter and over 20 grandchildren, bringing on several great grandchildren. My oldest two were lucky enough to meet him a few times. He was a big hit. You can read about his latest visit to see us here.

He was there with me during important parts of my life. It was hard to see his health deteriorate so much in his last months. He has always been a fighter and he fought this as well, until he couldn't anymore. I was able to Skype with him about a month before he passed away. I wish I had done it more.

Knowing what I do about our Savior's love and the Plan of Salvation, I am able to be at peace. I know the sadness I feel is the pain of separation, and not a grief made of misery and hopelessness. I am sure he is happy now, not in pain and certainly among those who love him. But he will be sorely missed.

I love you Grandpa.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

From our most mischievous leprechaun

1 Month Stats

Paige weighed 10lbs 5 oz and was 21.5 inches at her last pediatrician appointment (5 weeks). Honestly, I was expecting her to be heavier because she eats so darn often. Her checkup went well and her health is great. She had to get one shot, poor baby.

The February Girls

Eva in the apple dress at 6 weeks

Paige in the apple dress at 6 weeks

P.S. I like Daddy better without the mustache. Yay for no more Mustache March. :)

An oldie

My aunt came across this in my grandparents' things as they were moving and posted it on Facebook. I had never seen this picture before. It is my mother, father and older sister, with me as a baby. Check out the 70s clothes!

My youngest sister saw this online and made the funniest comment, "Dad, did you go bowling and golfing all in one day?"

Leap Year Flashback

Last Leap Year I had one of these:

This Leap Year I have this one:

Apparently Leap Year yields February girl babies at my house. :)

Oh, and the Leap Year before, I got married in February. Yep, Leap Years are good to me.