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Monday, August 29, 2011

Grandpa Albaugh


On Friday August 26th, 2011 my Grandpa Albaugh went to be with the Lord. It still remains difficult to think that he is really gone from this earth. So badly I just want to be able to give him one more hug and to sit and have a nice chat with him. He had one of the world’s sweetest smiles and sense of humor. He loved God and his family more than anything in this world and was truly a walking example of God’s grace.

The night that he passed away I sat and through teary eyes I read through a memory book that was compiled 3 years ago as a gift for Grandpa at Christmas time. It was full of notes from each of my cousins and also photos of years past. Reminded me of how blessed I am. As I read each page I loved hearing all the things each of my cousins wrote about Grandpa and Grandma. We all have so many fond memories of our childhood with them as well as moving into our adult lives. They had a way of making each of us feel special. They impacted all of our lives and I know we are all so incredibly sad to not have them here with us. The days following his passing he became famous on Facebook. I loved reading all of people’s posts about him. So many incredible words spoken about him – you definitely felt the impact he had on everyone’s lives that knew him.

I know that Grandpa is now walking Heaven’s golden streets (probably holding Grandma’s hand) but it is still so difficult to think that I will never again see him walk into church, hug my kiddos, laugh, smile, worship the Lord, read his Bible, and fall asleep in his chair. He is going to be missed so terribly. I know in a few weeks when we have Thomas dedicated to the Lord I will for sure miss looking out into the congregation at church and seeing him there. But I know he will be smiling from above.

The day that Grandpa passed I was talking to Kora (2 ½ years old) about him. When I mentioned Great Grandpa she told me that he was sick and needed medicine, a nap, and some food and he would be all better. You have to love the innocence of a child. If only it was true though… but instead we had to receive the notice that on Friday night at 9:40pm Grandpa took his final breaths.

Love you Grandpa, thank you for all the incredible memories you left us with. I will always shake plastic Easter eggs expecting money in them, miss getting the random gifts that the grab-bag provided at Christmas, miss your amazing grilled cheese sandwiches and popcorn, and think of you whenever I eat ice cream (his absolute favorite thing and also his last meal on earth)…. but most of all I will never forget your smile.

Thomas James - 2 months old!

Thomas James,

You are exactly two months old as of today. These past two months have gone way too quickly. You are changing so incredibly fast that I am afraid to just blink an eye. You are as cute as ever and just the sweetest little baby. Your smile melts my heart every time....I am officially wrapped around your tiny little finger.

You went to the doctor a few days ago for your two month check-up. Of course you had to get shots but you were tough about it. A tiny little cry when they first poked you but then you were over it. They weighed and measured you....you are already 12 lbs and 13oz, yikes! You are definitely healthy!

Here are some things I know as of right now:

-Your sister loves you very much. She calls you "my Thomas" and always needs to keep tabs on where you are and what you are doing.

-You absolutely LOVE bathtime. Pretty sure you would be content to hang out in the tub all day long.

-You like to be swaddled.

-You make the cutest grunty noises and are now starting to laugh and coo...so cute.

-You don't like a wet diaper.

-You usually like to stay awake in the car - you definitely did not take after your daddy with this one!

-You have a strong neck, you like to keep that head held up high and look around.

-You love to be carried around in the baby carrier - especially on Mommy's chest...usually puts you right to sleep.

-You love going on evening walks laying in the jogging stroller right next to your sister. You are famous for falling asleep about halfway through.

Thomas you have changed our lives forever and we absoultely adore you. I love watching you grow and develop and I am so excited to be your Mommy. I know God has big plans for your life and I love that I get a front row seat to watch it all unfold.

Love you my chunky monkey!

Mommy