We're having a boy!

On Wednesday January 23rd, 2008 we found out that Karen is expecting a baby boy! We went in believing it was a boy because of the doctors previous predictions and our belief was realized as we saw the makings of a man:) Our little man wiggled, stretched, and pulled off one of the most amazing bicyle kicks I have ever seen...ok that last part isn't true but he was moving around.

He weighed in at 10 oz and the nurse said all of his organs were looking great and that his momma was looking good too. I told the nurse I knew his momma was looking good a LONG time ago; yeah the very first time I saw her! What a looker! We are excited to be welcoming in a son into our home soon and thank all of you for your support.

Happy New Year from the Great Northwest!

We hope all of you reading this had a very Merry Christmas and will enjoy a most Happy New Year! We certainly enjoyed our Christmas time together with our families. Karen was able to spend time with her sisters Camille and Carol who were in from out of town and that was a lot of fun for her. Carol did a beautiful job of trimming and highlighting Karen's hair (As is evident in the picture). We celebrated Karen's birthday on the 20th with some cheesecake and games over at her parent's house.

Tyler was in town after completing his first full semester at BYU. Speaking of BYU my dad & mom, Tyler and I watched their bowl game against UCLA at the Satko's house with a few other fans. We were pleased with the outcome but came away feeling lucky. Thank goodness for big boys with big hands! Tyler and I were able to play several days worth of basketball and when we were on the same team we were a force to be reckoned with! Tyler, I would play on your team any day; you da man!

We were able to spend Christmas Eve with my family and we took my parents Christmas program over to the DeSpain's home. It was neat to feel of the true meaning of Christmas and spend it with family and friends. One of our favorite parts of the program happened when Bill (who has difficulty with speech) started singing along with a recording of the Hallelujah Chorus. We started off Christmas morning by trying to get a hold of Austin who is serving a mission in Argentina. After an hour or so we were able to connect and speak to the lad. What a cool guy and great missionary! Christmas night we had a delectable dinner prepared by Mike and Nina that we ate with several of Karen's siblings, their spouses and kids. We exchanged gifts and played some board games. All in all our Christmas was a treat.

On New Year's Eve Karen and I went up to Bonney Lake to scope out a Quadrant Home community we had seen signs for whilst coming home from church on Sunday. We spoke with a representative who took us on a tour of the model homes. Karen and I came away from that development impressed by what we saw and in agreement that we should look into purchasing a home there seriously. We talked over the decision together and let the idea sit for a few days. We decided this was the place we wanted to purchase our first home! We went back on Saturday and signed the purchase and sale papers; we will be first time homeowners around June. This summer will be remembered as the summer of change. A new baby (Due June 16th) and moving into a first home. Karen and I are grateful for all the support we have received and continue to receive from family and friends. Have a wonderful year and keep in touch.

Love,

Karen and Erik