Seasons greetings, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah:
Some of you might have thought that Web address at the bottom of our holiday card was just an ad. But really, it wasn't.
We just decided to put a holiday letter/message on the blog, instead of sending one out through the mail. Also, we figure that some of you might want to catch up on our lives here if you haven't been following along already.
So, here's a recap of 2008:
There were a few months before Austin was born. But it's hard to remember those seemingly quiet days.
Austin came into this world on April 19 at 8 pounds, 7 ounces. I had to be induced, so my parents had enough time to drive out for his birth.
Like everyone told us, life hasn't been the same since.
We were lucky to have help right away. As the first grandchild on both sides, the grandparents and aunts were eager to meet the baby. So, we had a parade of visitors all summer.
My mother was able to help us for two weeks after Austin's birth. The same day she left, Michael's mother, who likes to go by Noni, and sister, Aunt Alison, arrived. More visitors came later: Aunt Laura, Aunt Karen, my cousin Gina. The great grandparents -- my maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather -- also came by during their vacations. My parents ended up coming several times.
Michael was fortunate to be able to take off a month at first and then two weeks later for paternity leave. So, there was a lot of time for family bonding.
Austin has already taken two plane trips. We visited Michael's friends and family in Chicago in September. In October, we all went to Tucson to see my relatives.
I ended up taking almost six months off for maternity leave -- one month before birth and five months after. I can't say my days were terribly exciting. I made it a goal to get out of the house at least once a day, but that usually meant a walk to the market, the mall or just around the block. Still, it was wonderful to have so much quality time with Austin.
The Register allowed me to cut my work week down to 30 hours when I returned in September. I've been writing about two small cities and recently, I started writing about the economy's impact on north Orange County.
Michael's job took some twists and turns this year, but for the better. When the sports department made some changes over the summer, Michael got to switch to cover USC. It's a good fit with Michael's extensive football background.
Our work schedules work out well for childcare because we have staggered schedules. We have a wonderful nanny, Ana, who comes to the house 15 hours a week.
As parents, we've been amazed to watch Austin's continual growth, changes and new skills.
At first, we were so excited when his eyes could follow his mobile or turn toward our voices. Now, he's crawling, pulling himself up to standing, clapping and waving when we ask him to say, "Hi." He giggles when we make sniffing, kissing or animal sounds. He says "ba-ba" and "ma-ma," although he doesn't know what they mean yet. Austin is a very curious boy, picking up and examining anything he can get his hands on -- junk mail, cans, stuffed animals, books.
We're looking forward to Austin's first holiday season. He's already enjoying Christmas lights and decorations. We plan to celebrate the holidays both here and in Tucson. At home, we're going to have a little Hanukkah celebration for the three of us. Then, we'll spend Christmas in Tucson with my family.
We wish you all the best of times, peace and love.
