Valentines

Baby's first Valentine's Day! 

And I didn't do squat.

Which isn't like me as I LOVE Valentine's Day.  It's one of my favorite holidays. 

I guess I just lost my mojo this round.  I'll have to make it up next year.  Thank goodness for school!  The kids had parties where they exchanged Valentines and did fun activities.

But I failed as a mom to make this occasion special. 

So until next year....Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Hanging Out in MN

My dad finally met Ainsley!

He took to her right away.

 I'm so thankful that he's still around after nearly losing him two years ago.

And  here's my grandma Ruth meeting her great-grandaughter.  Let's see...she has Marat, Madina, Treyton, Galina, Carter, Noah, Brielle, Cali, and now Ainsley.  That makes 9 great-grandkids! 

 She loves babies.

 My sister was my hero when she brought over some baby things including the swing in the background.  Can you say lifesaver?  Amy is a hottie, isn't she?  And she's so fun!

 My dad really enjoyed Ainsley.  He'll even admit he's grown into a softie.

 Handsome pair, doncha think?

 Ainsley Joy enjoying all the attention.

 My doctor's office sent us this darling baby swaddling bag for her to sleep in.  She (and therefore I) loves it!  It magically makes her fall alseep...usually.

 At first I thought it was so generous of my doctor.  But after getting medical bill after medical bill totally $2500 that we owe them out of pocket, I'm beginning to second think the generousity factor in all this.  Amazing how much Obamacare has increased our medical bills.  The other three kids cost us $150 out of pocket.  With the change we suffer.  Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now. 

 Here's my mom with Ainsley.  She loved giving her hugs and kisses.  Ainsley even smelled like my mom after a while!

This is my parent's 8th grandchild.

 Just me and my girl!

 Here are Amy's kids Cali and Carter.

 Cali holding Ainsley.  Not too sure about it.  Ainsley not too sure either.

 Grandma Ruth singing her tunes to Cali.

 And what would a trip to Minnesota be without a stop at the Mall of America?

Oh so fun!

Grandma's 90th Birthday

My parents were so generous to fly Ainsley and me out to Minnesota to celebrate my grandma's 90th birthday.

Here are four generations!

This is Steph and Wally.  Wally is my grandma's nephew, my mom's cousin.  I consider them my aunt and uncle even though they aren't technically.  Wonderful people!

Here are John, Mary, Grandma, Alice, and Kenny.  Alice is my dad's sister and Mary is her daughter.   

I don't think I've seen cousin Mary since Bryce and I got married. Growing up, many people said we were very much alike in looks and disposition. That's good because I really like Mary!

Here are Wally and Steph's two daughters.  Since they are considered my aunt and uncle, their kids have always been considered my cousins even though they are not...technically.  Melissa has two kids and Rebecca has three.

Marat had some sort of hockey thing this day but here are my parents with Madina, June, and my brother Brent. 

The Thielen siblings!  Me, Brent, and Amy.

Another picture of my "cousins" Rebecca, Melissa, and my sister Amy.  That sweet baby is Melissa's Megan.

My dad and his sister Alice.  Hard to believe she's 15 years older than he is!

And my sister Amy who I still call Lou.  Don't know why, it's just how we roll.

Here's my dearest cousin Jennifer.  We were such good buddies growing up despite the fact that she is a Wisconsinite and I was a Minnesotan.  We could play for hours on end.  It was such a treat to see her again!  We hardly ever get to anymore.  I just love her!

Here's Grandma Ruth with her two daughters, my mom Kay and my aunt Karel.  I hadn't seen Karel in a long time either. (Jennifer, above, is her daughter.) I think it was shortly after Galina was born.  So good to see  her again!

Me getting to enjoy some time alone with Ainsley.

Here's one of my grandma's sisters, Tootie.  She's such a love.  It wasn't until I was in high school that I learned her real name was actually Beatrice.  The nickname Tootie fits her so well.

Thank yo so much Madre and Father for allowing me to share this special time with you.  What a gift!