The Late Waites

Forgot, sorry.  Will work on tonight or tomorrow  AM

Myrna writes: Which year was that? Love, M

Kirsten wrote: Hey, mom.  I did send you my newsletter copy.  Just a bit late.  I actually didn't know you would still be doing one for January since you were gone for most of the first of the month.  But, I did send it (see below).  Can't wait to see you in Orlando!

I always believed March was the only month that was supposed to come in opposite than it went out (like a lion, like a lamb).  Our December claimed that spot this year.
 
We were all in perfect order, running in perfect schedule, until two weeks before Christmas.  Then it all hit!  We each took our turn with the crazy stomach flu that hung on for three days, and was still contagious for four after.  That was quickly encored by a mad rush to send Christmas cards (which had to go out this year, and you all know why), Jared's new neice being born 16 days early (I still don't think that's fair for a first birth experience), and his 29-year-old, soldier cousin passing away, all within one day of each other.
 
We weren't terribly excited to make our sixth (Jared's fifth) trip to Utah within a 13-month time period (not because of you, just circumstances), but we were very grateful to spend time with those we did get to see this go around, especially during the holidays.
 
All went well with the funeral and the time with Jared's family.  I'd like to say that after that experience we now appreciate each day we have together a little more than before his cousin's sudden death, but there are still those "human" moments that make us forget how fragile life and our time on this earth really is.  I have realized how much more I need to teach my children and have tried to spend a little more time playing and enjoying time with them, than lecturing them and doing all that other "stuff" we sometimes think moms need to do.  In fact, our Christmas passed by in such a blur that I just finished taking down decorations and the tree four days ago (January 17).  That's the "stuff" I'm talking about, the "doing" of everything instead of enjoying things and taking pleasure in simple things.
 
Moving on, I have been sure that our little baby coming to the Waite household was going to be a girl.  I've had the same weird "Salvador Dali"-esque dreams about girl babies that I had with Whitney and Emaree.  Jared had even adjusted to the idea of having three girls around and had already started the architectural drawings for his shack/retreat to be built in a backyard somewhere about 10-years down the road.  Now, however, it looks like all was in vain; our ultrasound definitely showed signs of a baby brother.  At first we were both shocked, and happily surprised. (I say "happily,"  but I haven't seen that Chesire grin on Jared's face for a very long time.  He was glowing!)  Whitney and Emma have already suggested a few good names, including Chuck, booger-head, dinosaur, etc.  All sound really fine and "boyish," we just aren't sure if they go with the first name "John."  We're taking suggestions and advice.
   
Whitney had a wonderful fifth birthday, and enjoyed, even more, explaining the difference between her "real" birthday and her "friend" birthday, i.e. it's all about partying with friends from here on out.  She even noticed that on her birthday morning, she felt a year older and had already grown a little big for her new jammies.  She can also do a lot more by herself now that she's five.  It's a big step.
 
Now for another saga in the Jared, hair episode.  Someone else in our family has started to take notice of the "barber's mistakes" on the top of Jared's head.  As we were all cuddled up in bed yesterday morning, Emma leaned her head on her daddy's head then picked her head up and looked down.  Immediately a look of consternation overcame her, and in a very serious two-and-a-half year-old voice, she said, "Mommy, how tome daddy not have hair here (rubbing the top of his head)?"  I again snickered and tried to be matter of fact, Jared sighed and frowned.  I think he's getting more used to the idea that girls notice a little too much, and is looking that much more forward to having a little buddy around.
   
We leave the last week of January for our trip to Orlando with mom and dad and are looking forward to the whole thing.  We'll give you a report, after mom reminds me a few times, when we get back.  I'm so glad I married someone with a last name that rhymes with my habitual issue of tardiness.

Love,
The Late Waites