Babies, Babies Everywhere!

I have been the most terrible blogger this summer!  I usually try to do at least one per week to keep my family up-to-date on what we have been doing here in FL.  But this summer, I have FAILED!  It all started when we took our humungous summer trip to the midwest.  I was gone for nearly 6 weeks ... didn't have time to post on the trip ... and now I feel overwhelmed.  While I still need to blog about our adventures, I will skip that for now and blog about something I have needed to write about for a while.

This will be the winter of babies!  My sister-in-law, Brenda, is due with her second baby on January 4, 2014.  She is having a BOY!  Isn't that exciting!?!  Two boys to terrorize and run the household.  She will love it!

Brenda's Announcement ... super cute! :)

I am due on February 7, 2014.  That's right ... number three is around the corner.  I, honestly, don't know what we are thinking, but according to my friends who have three ... the third one is a charm.  I have to hold on to this hope ... as Koki can be a mess and half!  We are very excited but very nervous at the same time.  I know that we will enjoy a larger family, and I know that it's what we have always wanted.  But a new baby means starting all over again!  Not sleeping through the night, feeding them, absolutely zero independence, naps, etc.  The great thing about the two we already have is how independent they are ... it's really a breeze most of the time.  It will throw a kink into our travels to visit family ... as five is a tougher way to fly.  But in the end, I think it's all worth it.  That first year goes so fast ... right? ;)

Our announcement that the third is on the way ... a "Hat Trick"!

And lastly, my sister is due on March 4, 2014.  She will find out what she is having within the next 6 to 8 weeks, so I'll let you all know when I find out.  She has a step-son, Zion, who is 13, and a daughter, Madison, who is 4.  They will have a full house, too!  Both of the kids will be great older brother and sister to the new baby.  I think they are both very excited to have another one in the house.

Madison and Zion will be excited to be a big brother (again) and big sister!

What a fun and exciting time for everyone on both sides of my family!  Grandparents are all smiles!

We'll Miss You, Alice (Aslaug) Jarnes Ellstrom ...

Grandma and (most of) her extended family ... the matriarch of them all!

Yesterday, we got some pretty disheartening news that Grandma Ellstrom has gone to sleep with Jesus. It was a pretty rough evening at the Heinrich house.  Billy and I went for a walk and talked about Grandma, her family, and the life we knew her to have lived.  I have only been in Grandma's life for a little while, but I feel blessed and lucky to have known such a caring, loving, giving, talented woman.

She had 9 children ... that, in and of itself, is pretty amazing!  Having only two at the current moment and thinking about that third one joining the party ... I am in awe and admiration of a woman who raised 9 healthy, well-rounded, kind, and caring children.  (If you are lucky enough to know an Ellstrom, you know what I mean.)

She has 18 grandchildren who love her and respect her with all of their hearts.  And why not!?!  She was so kind and thoughtful.  She made mouthwatering, delicious Norwegian dishes.  She never spoke an angry, unkind word.  She was all love and sweetness--everything a grandchild could want in a grandmother.  (And she was pretty good at Mexican Train!)

She has 20 great-grandchildren ... and I am so thankful that Colton and Khloe were able to be a part of her life and she a part of theirs.

What a grandiose family of which to be the matriarch!  There isn't one who could speak ill of such a woman as Alice Ellstrom.  She was loved by so many, and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

See you soon, Grandma!  May the Lord come quickly to take us all home.  

Grandma and Grandpa Ellstrom ... young couple!

Grandma with her girls ... Marlene, Yvonne, and Kathy!

Grandma with all but one of her children.

Grandma with some of her grandkids!

Grandma with some of her great-grandkids!

Christmas time!

The sweet couple, Grandma & Grandpa Ellstrom!

Grandma & Grandpa E with the Heinrich family!