The ups and downs of a week

So last week was crazy. It all started with my Grandpa Butikofer passing away last Sunday. I am really sad and I will miss him very much. We knew that it was coming. For the last six month they have been telling us that he has just a few weeks to live so I feel that for the most part we were prepared. Even still, I felt really bad when my Mom called and said that it had finally happened. I know that he was miserable and totally ready to go, but it is always harder on the people that are left behind. My Mom was an orphan and she was adopted by Rachel and Moe (my grandpa and grandma). Rachel past away a long time ago and now with her Dad passing away she must feel a little like an orphan again. It makes me sad. I can't imagine losing my parents. I can't even go a day without talking to them on the phone. At least she has all of us to support her and surprisingly I think that her and Anita's (step-grandma) relationship has grown through all of this.

The funeral was a success....I mean as much as one can be. I was shocked by how many people attended. Most old fogies like him have just a few friends that participate in their passing. We did what we could to bring down the age average, but I still think that it was lingering around 70 or so. The funniest thing was the entourage of Butikofer brothers. My grandpa had seven brothers and they all looked quite the same....small differences.....but close enough that you may be caught doing a double take. I am hoping that will comfort my Mom and those close to my Grandpa, it helps seeing just a little of him still around.

So the crowds were great and truly appreciated by most of those in attendance....that is all except for Dacquiri who was scheduled to sing at the funeral. We practiced in advance and we both felt comfortable with our part (her singing and me playing the piano). Once we got there, she had a change of heart. She was really nervous and we practically had to drag her up to the podium. Once she got up there....she did an amazing job and was the highlight of the funeral. (Of course she didn't have much competition....the "How Great Though Art" singers cried through the whole song, the speaker before us was talking about Rachel dying and accidently kept saying my Mom's name in her place...hehehe, and I hit the wrong note on my insy tinsy piano solo)

James had a big role in the funeral. He was a Pall Bearer and my Grandpa was no delicate flower. Carrying a good sized man and a hefty coffin in a suit is no small task. (I am carrying a 1 pound baby in my tummy and was complaining the whole time...ha)

So this post is listed has the up and downs of a week and I have definitely covered the downs. So now for the ups :) We had our ultrasound on Wednesday and we found out the sex of our little baby. I have lost a grandparent, but my parents will soon fill that role for our baby....it is crazy how the whole circle of life stuff works. I couldn't be happier with the results of the ultrasound. I went out and bought a little outfit right away and I already have plans for the new nursery. My Mom, Aunt Sharon, and Grandma Argyle are also shopping and on the lookout for stuff for our little one who is sure to be spoiled beyond compare......but who cares.....baby girls are supposed to be spoiled.