Getting Sleepy

We are only six hours away from a new year and a new decade. Where has the time gone? I guess Kenny Chesney said it best; "Don't Blink".

Tonight is the night that many of us sit up with all due diligence in the hopes of meeting the new year head on. Some will be out partying and then carefully navigating the roads that are filled with people that should be anywhere but there. Some will spend a cozy evening with loved ones, patiently waiting for their New Year's Eve kiss. Others will end up looking like Claire in this movie. I think we all know which category we fall under.

2009 has been one amazing collection of days that we are slow to say goodbye to. Sheila and I were talking today about what our favorite stage of Claire's life has been. I remember talking to people asking them what age they like best with their children. Most everyone answered, "all of them". Each stage is distinctly different and fun in its own way. Six months does not give us a favorite age but it does give us many small changes each of which I have enjoyed thoroughly.

Here is a quick recap of our 2009 events, both good and bad.

• Claire born June 23, 8:58 a.m.
• We finally sold our house in Litchfield
• Had to say goodbye to Alvin Exsted
• Spending 2 weeks in MN
• Birth of Harvey
• Finding a home in Cypress, TX
• Encouraging messages on the Blog from friends & family
• Skype
• Catching the only fish in Minnie Belle
• Taking my daughter to the aquarium on a Thursday
• Swimming with the cousins
• Returning Sheila's wheelchair
• Hastling the Glencoe Girls about their phones
• Moving in the terrential rain
• Experiencing Toyota reliability
• Claire hanging out with Marley and Ava
• Giving directions to Charlotte

As I wrap up this posting and finish out our year, I want to send a special welcome to the newest member of the Family, Harvey Leonard Hlavka. We cannot wait to meet you. Claire is especially excited to have a cousin she can pick on.