Saying Good-Bye to Nana

My sweet grandmother would have turned 96 today.
Every year, immediately after her birthday she would say 'I'm almost ___' and jump
towards the next year, which always made us laugh.

I kind of stopped abruptly while I was recapping the end of June and decided to write about Nana's last few days with us in a separate post.

Friday afternoon (6/24/16), Leslie, Noah, Zay and Connor and I went to Jackie's house to see Nana. We stopped off at Sonic to get her a vanilla shake because it was pretty much all she would eat. And that is generous. She would take the tiniest bites after tons of encouragement. She just kept saying 'I can't eat that' and closing her mouth.

 

When it was just Jackie and I in her room before we left, we told her that I was pregnant and having another baby. The conversation went like this:
Jackie: Nana, Kelli has some news
Me: I'm having another baby. I'm pregnant.

Nana: I know.

Jackie: Well she just found out so you couldn't have known.
Me: Nana you're going to have a eighth great grand-baby

Nana: I already know that.

 

To be honest I didn't think that we need to tell her because she didn't really know who I was and I didn't want to confuse her anymore, but it was a really special moment for me and I'm so thankful Jackie encouraged me to tell her our news. It was really the last conversation I had with her.

The last time I saw her with her teeth in and that she really truly looked like herself. Sick, but like my Nana.

 

I think its sweet and funny that she said she already knew. She was really good at playing off her confusion, but it was also comforting to me for her to say that.

 

Sunday evening my Dad called and told me that the end was near and he was going to Jackie's house (where Nana lived) and would plan on being there until she passed. The hospice nurse had indicated that it could be within 72 hours days. I decided to go home that evening and be ready to go see Nana the next day.

 

Monday morning Dad sent us this text.

 

I went to work for a few hours and then headed to Jackie's house which is about an hour away.

Nana was totally different than I had seen her on Friday. Her teeth had been removed because she was getting sores on her gums, she wasn't opening her eyes or talking at all. I took a couple pictures with her, but I since she looked so different I don't want to post them here.

 

My cousin James was in town from Houston and all of the grandkids were able to come together Monday evening. We decided to all go in her room and say something to her and then pray together.

It was a very special time and I won't ever forget it. I told her that I loved her and am thankful for the 95 years she had with us - well 32 she had with me ;) and that she had taught us to be a close strong family and would continue to be after she passed.

 

We all had dinner at Jackie's on Monday as her sweet friends and neighbors had brought over a ton of delicious food.

 

 

Tuesday, I did the same thing. I dropped Connor off, went to work for a couple hours and then spent the rest of the day at Jackie's. At this point the nurse indicated that she could last 5 or more days. My cousin James was preparing to head back to Houston Wednesday morning and I think my Dad was considering going home too.

 

Tuesday evening we discussed her wishes for her funeral arrangements, what she would wear and special memories. I sent everyone this picture from Christmas 2015. I think it was the last picture we had all together as a family and I'm thankful Cecil was able to use the tripod to capture it.

 

Wednesday morning, my Dad called as I was getting up and said she had just passed. Her two children, niece, son in law, and grandson were able to be in the room with her as she passed.

I'm extremely thankful for this time that we had with her during her last days. I've never had time like this with any of my other three grandparents and I will treasure these days forever.

I told Dad I'd like to see her and he said 'well, come on.' So, Connor and I got ready and headed back to Jackie's. He hadn't been there the few days before and he was actually well behaved and I think brought a little sunshine to everyone.


I was able to spend a few minutes with Nana alone which I'm very thankful for.

Jackie and Dad were busy making phone calls and decisions. The funeral director from Nana's town of Honey Grove came by and took her in a hearse. I'm forever thankful that I was able to be there for this. My other grandmother was cremated and I always felt like I didn't get a chance to say good-bye.

After James and I got lunch at chick fil a for everyone, Connor and I headed home.

This was one of my favorite pictures of Nana and Connor. I just love how happy she is and how healthy she looks. I made it my profile picture on facebook. ;)

 

On the way home, Connor slept and I had to wake him up when we got to the resale shop.

I wanted to try to find a reasonably priced one time wear outfit for the funeral.
Blue is Nana's favorite color and I happened to find the outfit on the left.
I texted family that evening to make sure they thought it was the best choice.

 

Thursday, I took Connor to school and stayed home from work.

I got my hair fixed at DryBar and got a manicure and pedicure at the mall while Cecil shopped for funeral clothes.

Thursday evening we headed to my parents house to stay the night and Mr. Stinker decided he did not want to sleep in the crib. So it was a long night for me.

Friday morning, July 1st, we buried Nana.

 

The church provided our family with a breakfast before the funeral and lots of friends/family greeted us in the Church dining hall before the service started.

 

The church had tons of beautiful flowers, which I think speaks to how much Nana was loved, and how much her two children are loved. 

And....look at this beautiful organ. This is the McKenzie United Methodist Church in Honey Grove, Texas. I feel like I grew up in this church. It has been the most consistent church in my life and I'm not sure when I will be back, but its a small, beautiful, old church and I love it.

 

Dad and Jackie decided to pick the exact same casket Nana had chosen for her husband (Ampa) in 2003 - which I think is lovely.

The spray on top and to the left of the casket were BEAUTIFUL.
Jackie picked the colors and the florist is her friend from school. He did an amazing job.
But that's the thing - everyone that had a hand in the funeral knew Nana and LOVED Nana.
And I could feel the love.
On the flowers standing up they had ribbons for us Grandchildren with N-A-N-A on them. :)


The services were super sweet. My cousin, James, and my brother, Russell, spoke.
They had both spoken at Ampa's funeral and they did a wonderful job.
Nana's niece read a poem about mothers and the ministers talked about
how joyful, happy, and loving Nana was throughout her not always easy life.
And how she was always smiling.
Always always smiling.
That was mentioned a few times and I had never taken note of it, but now realize she was always smiling.
And my entire life people have said the same about me.
I'd like to think I get it from Nana.

 Nana's one wish was that her grandchildren be her pallbearers.
I was a little nervous because I had never done that before (and I was super sick in the heat),
but it turned out great.

My sweet sweet friend Michelle drove all the way from Austin to come to the funeral in Honey Grove. What a sweet friend.

After the graveside services, we headed back to the church for a huge lunch that the church provided for us. We felt so much love. After eating, we went to Nana's house and spent some time together.
We all took a plant or two home and decided to come back another time to collect her things.

My Nana was such an inspiration to me. Just was the most kind person I've ever known.
And I'm truly blessed and thankful for the long life she was able to share with us.

June 2016 - Three

I started recapping June here and here. I'm going to wrap the month up today.

 

On Friday, Connor and I woke up and hung out at the house. Connor was low on PJs, so he had slept in my brother's old TMNT t-shirt and an old pair of Noah's Superman boxers. It worked. :)

 

Connor and I had a busy morning planned as we coordinated the tree trimmers coming by as well as a structural engineer to measure our home/foundation.

 

Since Connor knew people were outside there was NO WAY he was OK being stuck inside.

We sat on the patio and played for awhile.

But gosh - I hate Texas Summers.

 After the Engineer finished up, we picked Leslie, Noah and Zay up so that we could go to

Obstacle Warrior Kids. When the boys are at our house we often watch American Ninja

Warrior and I had found this spot to take them to. They looooved it!
There are other locations in Frisco and McKinney and I might have been stupid enough to give Noah the idea that we should try to go to all three.
He still brings it up and they just are not convenient to go to. LOL

 

After a couple hours at Ninja Warriors we went to visit Nana at Aunt Jackie's. I am going to recap Nana's last few days in a separate post as it feels more appropriate.

Saturday, we had scheduled our 'second annual' top golf outing with the Russell cousins (my Mom's side of the family).
As you can see from last year - the babies were much smaller and easier to contain.

We took Connor's wagon this year in hopes that he would enjoy sitting in it
quietly and just watching us. hahaha

We first got there and met up with everyone. We put Jack in the wagon with Connor to ride the elevator to the lower level.
Connor was a little unsure about sharing his wagon.
Like completely stressed.
oh boy.

The boys were interested in the balls and golf clubs.

 

We all ate lunch and had a syrup spill and two big water spills.

I know they were happy to see us leave!

I love this picture of Cecil showing Connor how to swing.

The best we could get of the kiddos.

 

 

 

We had fun catching up and enjoying the day together.

Next year I hope we will schedule it earlier in the year when its not super hot,

but then again next year I won't be pregnant. :)

 

I love these fun cousins and hope we keep up this tradition!!!

Sunday we had a little Pei Wei at home and it looks like Connor enjoyed it! :)

Sunday evening, I met up with MariAnne - my high school BFF that now lives in Nepal.
We see each other once a year when she comes home to visit.
It was so nice to catch up and hear about her life.

The rest of the month was spent focusing on Nana and celebrating her life.
I will write about that separately.

June 2016 - Two

As I mentioned in my prior post, June was a FULL month.

I've already shared about Zay's adoption day, our trip to Magnolia, and the first part of the month.

 

Today I'm going to pick up where I left off and blog about the middle part of the month. A couple things to note:

1) I was super sick all month and I didn't take many pictures, and

2) I guess not being able to eat made me want to document Connor eating because almost the only pictures I have are of Connor at mealtime. LOL 

 

 

Saturday we met friends in Southlake for a birthday brunch, checked out our friend's new home, and then headed back to Denton to spend time with Nana and family.

 

My sweet cousin James, was in town from Houston for the weekend. We had a little family meeting about Nana's wishes and then we convinced Jackie to leave the rehab facility and come to dinner with our cousins and us.

Again, we swapped Connor's shirt out to share our news. :)

Emotions were super high because of the situation and everyone was excited for us.

It was nice to be able to share some happy news with our loved ones.

 

Sunday, Cecil's mom came over and we put Connor in his green Big Brother shirt again.

But first - he had to feed Dada an apple.

 

 Cecil's mom was super excited and she is seriously hoping its a girl. :)

 

Leslie, my Mom, Noah and Zay went to visit our Aunt at her new home in Gruene, Texas.

Here is a picture of them in front of the famous Gruene Hall.

 

And then inside - it looks like Noah and Zay had quite the audience.

hahahaha

 

While they were having a fun time enjoying their summers off, we were back at home and Cecil was busy fixing a couple things around the house. Connor was very interested in his drill and basically everything he was doing.

 

I just love when Connor is Cecil's shadow. I know his Daddy is going to teach him so much.

 

I sent Cecil this video from work showing him how I felt.

 

Wednesday Connor enjoyed one of his favorite foods - black beans.

What a mess!

 

Thursday Mom was back in town and wanted to spend some time with Connor so she took Noah and Connor to breakfast. Connor practiced eating whip cream with a fork (haha) while Noah danced and competed for camera time.

 

Friday Connor continued his practice of using a fork.

 

Cecil's mom came over so that Cecil and I could go to the doctor and see our new little baby.

I know there isn't much to see in the sonogram picture, but we did see the heart beat and that's always a comfort. They said everything looked great and we set a tentative C-section date of

January 30th 2017.

 

We went to Texas Roadhouse and Connor fully embraced the rolls.

 

I think this picture is sweet of Connor and his Nana.

 

Since it was Father's Day weekend, we went to my parents house on Saturday.

Turner and Connor 'played' with this memory game before we decided maybe Connor was a little too rough/not ready for it. :)

 

Connor has always refused any kind of hat, but somehow my Mom convinced him to wear these bear ears by showing him in the mirror. After that he was all in.

This made me super hopeful for Halloween. :)

 

We tried to get a cousin (about 18 month old) picture, but you know how that goes....

Turner is smiling, Connor is not.

 

Connor is smiling, Turner is not.

 

This is the best we got. :)

 

Sunday (Father's Day) Cecil's Dad came over and Cecil grilled some hamburgers while Pops pushed Connor in the swing. I stayed inside away from the heat and smell of food. :(

 

Connor really seemed to warm up to his Pops this visit and even sat in his lap during lunch.

I'm sure the iPad didn't hurt the situation. ;)

 

After eating messy beans for lunch, we put Connor in his Big Brother shirt and just let him play.

After an hour of hinting around, we finally just came out and told Pops we were pregnant.

hahaha

 

Connor started doing this 'No Thank You' face when we gave him something new to try.

It made Cecil and I crack up every time.

 

I have to say - this is my favorite.

 

Monday, Connor went to town again with his beans and rice.

I've read that you should encourage kids his age to 'discover' their food.

It sure is messy.

 

Before I went to bed, I snuck in Connor's room to get a picture of the sleeping baby.

He is still on his tummy most the time, but is doing this side sleep more often.

 

Tuesday morning, Connor was looking especially cute so we got a before school picture.

Connor likes to play play play in the bath and after he is all clean will just lay down and splash.

When are booty shots inappropriate? No yet? Ok, great. :)

 

This is a typical weekday morning for Connor. He sits on our bed in his PJs drinking his milk and eating toast/waffle (whatever is in that blue bowl) while watching his iPad.

This gives me at least 10 - 15 minutes to get myself dressed and ready.

Don't you love how I caught the drool about to drop from his chin?

 

After I get ready, I dress him and we head to school/work.

He usually finishes his breakfast and bottle on the way to school.

(Please ignore that booger)

 

 And I'm going to pause the recap for now. I just love Connor's cute age. He is learning lots of new things and just soaking it all in. We had such a fun time telling our family about our newest addition and I definitely think we got our money's worth out of Connor's Big Brother shirt. ;)