Happy New Year!

Well, here we are at the beginning of 2009, saying good bye to what was arguably the busiest year of our lives and preparing for an even busier one. New Years has always been a good time to take stock of the past year, this list is far from all inclusive, but here we go.

We started the year joking when Sarah's dad had a stocking for both a little boy and a little girl last Christmas, then as we planned a trip to Las Vegas for Sarah's 30th birthday we found out we were pregnant. Not long after we found out we were expecting, we found out our closest and best friends were also expecting, just a few days from us. February also had a quick trip down to sunny Florida for some R&R to escape the grey Illinois weather. The spring passed very quickly with mostly doctor visits, baby showers, nursery preparation and a little remodeling. June started with Jeff heading to the Philippines for a week while Sarah and her mom finished some remodeling and decorating around the house. The summer was quiet but wound down with a weekend trip near Wisconsin Dells with the groomsmen from the wedding and all of their families - a great start to a nice tradition.

Then on November 3rd, we were blessed with Reagan Elizabeth, a little princess who has already changed and completed our lives in many ways. It is nearly impossible to quantify the hours Sarah and I look at her and share smiles at her little mannerisms, all the while giggling that we created this wonderful person. Thanksgiving and Christmas were filled with family gatherings, where our arrival was preceded by lots of questions about when Sarah and Jeff would arrive...as it turns out, everyone was way more excited to see Reagan than either of us - we were simply the method of transportation.

So, as we close out 2008, we realize how blessed we are with an amazing new baby, an incredible family and close friends. We hope you and your families find 2009 to be safe, prosperous and joyous.

Love,
Sarah and Jeff