Merry Christmas 2010

Dear Family & Friends!

Welcome to our family blog. We're so glad you were able to visit our blog. 2010 has been a busy year for our family. Hosting this blog is a way to keep in touch with family and friends that we are not able to see all the time. We hope that you have a wonderful and joy filled Christmas season.

Now on for the updates...

Augustine is the joy of our lives. He is such a wonderful addition to our family. He came into the world on November 30, 2009. It's amazing to think back on this year and how different it was. Because of this little addition, we've gone non-stop the ENTIRE year. It's amazing how fast babies grow into toddlers. Many parts of 2010 are a blur with sleepless nights, breastfeeding, modern cloth diapers, baby-proofing a home and making sure we remember what just happened. We took photos throughout the year and used our FLIP video camera to record those special moments.

During the day, Augustine plays with his friends at St. Albert's Child Care, which is only about 5 minutes from my office on the Iowa Western campus. The teachers love him. Every day when we pick him up, they tell us how good of an eater Augustine is. And we really know what they are talking about, which is such a blessing. He eats everything he can get his hands on. His favorites are bananas, frozen peas, spaghetti, and butternut squash. Augustine is now a full-time walker and almost a runner. We love to chase him around most days. Daddy and Augustine enjoy their nightly "wrestling". It normally involved daddy chasing Augustine while Augustine laughs at daddy. Oh the joy to watch your son grow up. He is really taking on a personality all his own.

Please check out the blog to see some of the great moments we have shared because of Augustine.

Andy is currently teaching automotive technology for his 8th year for Omaha Public Schools. The Automotive Technology program received its Recertification through ASE & NATEF. Andy is really enjoying fatherhood! Even with long nights and even longer days, he is ecstatic to spend time and help his "lil' buddy." With his great teacher schedule, Andy was able be the best Mr. Mom there ever was over the summer with Augustine. They enjoyed their daddy-son bonding time with daily walks and naps together. As you know, Andy will always be a Mopar guy. Therefore, when it was time to start exploring our options of a new family vehicle we chose a Chrysler Town & Country minivan. Yes, you read that right. We have officially enter this stage of parenthood. It has been a great addition to our automotive family along with the Andy's Dodge Dakota, my Chevy Cavalier, and the beloved project car, a 1978 Trans Am. But honestly, it really is Augustine's minivan. As we switch off who is driving, Augustine is who gets to drive the van. At least that is what Andy tells himself when he is sporting around in the gold minivan around Omaha.

Trip to the Zoo - Andy carrying Augustine in the Ergo Baby

I enjoyed the first few months of 2010 inside with the warmth of our home due to maternity leave with Augustine. Although, I was sad to return back to work at the end of February and it's been non-stop ever since at Iowa Western. This summer was the third year I organized, planned, and directed New Student Orientation. It's by far one of my favorite parts of my job at IWCC. In addition to orientation, I still work with other retention initiatives for the college to help students succeed. With my passion for orientation, I was able to attend the National Orientation Directors Association Annual Conference which was conveniently held in St. Louis this November. Augustine, of course, traveled along to hang out with Oma & Papa Bruce (my parents). It was a wonderful conference and I'm looking forward to attending it again in the future.

In addition to IWCC, this fall I started an internship with the FertilityCare Center of Omaha at the Pope Paul VI Institute. One night a week, I teach FertilityCare of the Creighton Model System to client-couples. It is very rewarding work to see couples unlocking and better understanding their fertility. This internship will last throughout 2011.

This summer, we had our first official family vacation to Florida. We met Oma, Papa Bruce and Aunt Em in Tampa/Clearwater/St. Pete area for a fun filled and relaxing week on the beach while watching World Cup Soccer. We all had a wonderful time in the water and on the sand. The best part was that Augustine did NOT try to eat the sand. Mommy was worried with his track record of things in mouth. It was a great trip had by all as we miss it dearly on cold snowy winter days.

With that new minivan, we've been able to take several trips throughout the year to St. Louis to visit family and friends. It seems were always on the road. Augustine was just upgraded to a new car seat in November. He is becoming such a good rider. However, we much prefer traveling by plane. We are ranking up those Southwest Rapid Rewards faster than ever. My parents have also been traveling to visit more now that Augustine is here. They can always find an excuse to visit the "perfect" grandchild.

Since Andy's parents live close by they are always willing and able to babysit Augustine. Last spring semester, Andy's mom Barb, was able to babysit one day a week. Now she really misses the quality time with Augustine. Barb is now teaching Health Occupation class at the Career Center. Yes, mother and son are teaching at the same school. Barb is enjoying her new teaching experience. Andy's step-dad retired in September after 30 years. He is enjoying this new found lease of sleeping in and playing with his grandchildren more.

With the joy of a new addition to our family, there has also been some sadness. My Great Uncle Bob passed away the beginning of March from a presumed heart attack. Ironically enough, it was the week we purchased the minivan. Uncle Bob had a passion for automobile and the Lord knew we needed to be safe on those long trips to St. Louis and back. It was just in time. In June, my Grandma Steffen entered the Kingdom of Heaven. She was a beautiful woman and is greatly missed by all who loved her. It was just her time. I am so grateful that these special people in my life were able to meet my son and now watch over him from above.

Thanks for visiting our family blog. Please visits us throughout the year for updated on our family.

We hope you have a blessed Christmas season and a great 2011.

Love & Many Blessings,

Abi, Andy & Augustine