Update: December 2005

Last year was full of so many changes for us. At the start of the year, we moved back to Austin, mainly due to the number of job leads for Kevin in the area. He utilized his experience with contract work on web development projects, but he continued to look for full-time employment.

In February, I was admitted to St. David’s Hospital on the day of my scheduled baby shower. I thought I had a bad case of bronchitis or something, but the diagnosis was pneumonia in both lungs. Even though Amanda wasn’t due to make her grand entrance for another two weeks, she apparently decided she had dealt with enough of the coughing and stress. The doctors were unable to stall labor, so due to her anticipated large size, they performed a c-section that night. Amanda was born at 10:14 pm on February 13, 2005 weighing a whopping 10 lbs 7 oz!

In May, I started working as a part-time bookkeeper for a real estate developer and home builder. I love the new job and the people I work with. My responsibilities increase as I learn more about the company, and I was even given a raise after a few months. Early next year, the company plans to begin a massive home building project in Southeast Austin, near the airport. Sometimes I feel like I have the best of both worlds – working for a great company and gaining professional experience while also having several days each week with "just the girls."

While I am at work, the girls attend daycare/preschool three days/week. At preschool, Lauren had swim lessons over the summer, Sportball in the fall, and is currently enrolled in dance class. Lauren is doing well and amazes her teachers with her computer skills, creativeness, and penmanship. Amanda is less impressed with school, but continues to thrive. She recently started crawling and is getting faster every day. She also loves experiencing new flavors by putting everything in her mouth and showing off her two teeth.

Over the summer, we moved to a new home. The house is actually part of a small community built by the company Victoria works for. The new development sits at the end of a dead-end street with a large cul-de-sac. Lauren is thrilled to have a safe place to ride her Jeep and bike, and she loves having a backyard for her sandbox.

Also in the summer, Kevin started a full-time job. It was great to have a consistent, regular schedule and paycheck again. However, after several months, things weren’t working out so he started a new job just a couple weeks ago, and it is a lot more rewarding and has the potential for long-term success. For the first time in years, Kevin finally finds himself at a company where his input and experience is valued, and most of his ideas and suggestions are implemented.

At the present time, Kevin continues to develop the company’s website and anticipates going “live” by the first of the year. His company has created the framework for Texas vineyards and wineries to get their products national exposure, and also giving them the ability to ship out of state while abiding by many legal restrictions and regulations. Check out the many award-winning Texas wines at www.texaswinemarket.com, and you’ll experience the intuitive layout and eye-pleasing design of Kevin’s handiwork.

All in all, this year has been very tumultuous and chaotic, but life is finally gaining stability and security. We are sincerely grateful to all our family and friends who have been very generous and supportive to us. We’re feeling richly blessed and looking forward to 2006.