Grateful for the Great

There isn't a day that we do not think of the great people that we have been blessed with in this life. We lost my dear brother a year ago today and we lost Dave's sweet father this past April. We miss them everyday, but certain times seem to heighten and re-open those strong feelings. Dave's father would have celebrated his birthday just two days ago, Thanksgiving day. Memories of jolly Rob flooded our minds throughout the day. Great memories. We miss him dearly, but found it to be very sweet that his birthday fell upon Thanksgiving this year... it was a reminder to focus on our gratitude for the time we got with him--although it was so short, and not so much on how we miss him--although we very much do. We are forever grateful for Rob. He taught us so much. He helped mold Dave into the loving person he is. He taught us of selflessness, kindness, sincerity, endurance, and unconditional love everyday he lived on this earth. We are grateful for the great memories and this great man.

And my dear brother Aaron. I can't help but be reminded of the sharp pain of that phone call I received that my brother had passed away. One year has gone... it feels like he has been gone much longer. Again, we miss him SO much, but can't help but be so grateful that we were chosen to be part of his life. It is truly humbling to me that I was blessed to be his sister. He was the type of person who would drop anything to help me in any capacity he could. He was full of charity. He served and loved. He was large in stature, but soft and gentle inside. A caring man. He was fun-- full of adventure, afraid of nothing. We are grateful for the great memories and this great man.

Grateful for the great.

The Susie Burrito

Tusen Takk, Mamma

My sweet Mamma came to visit a few days before Lennon was born, to help us with his arrival. Help is just the wrong word to use... she served us every second she was here; she cooked for us... and not the easy kind of cooking--no hamburger helper-- all nice fresh homemade meals--the kind you can't wait for when you visit home, she cleaned for us-- our laundry, the kitchen, everything, she took care of Susie while we were in the Hospital, and more than a week after we were home with our new baby boy. The only worry I had while she was here was that she would soon have to leave.

The most selfless person I know.

Tusen Takk, Mamma... Savne deg.

Beautiful Boy

Robert Lennon Whiting

Born at 8:53 pm on November 7th, 2008

8 lbs 7 oz, 22 inches

When we saw our new boy for the first time, both Dave and I had the song "Beautiful Boy" by John Lennon playing in our heads... so we decided to name him Lennon. And, indeed our little Lennon is just that. We named him Robert after Dave's father and elder brother, who we admire and love.

To the Hospital...

There will be a baby born today!!!! (unless it's a really long labor. Cross those fingers.)