Friends and Family:

The most exciting event this year by far was the birth of our baby girl. Avery Johanna was born on June 9, 2004. She is just beautiful and, while parenting doesn’t come without its challenges, we are enjoying having her in our lives so much. She is exploring the world around her (and putting everything she can in her mouth). She especially likes paper, wrappers and her fist, but she is content to lick anything within reach. She is sitting up on her own now, too (allowing her to grab even more things). Avery is long and lean. She is in the 10th percentile for weight (about 12 1/2 lbs at 5 months) and 95th percentile for length (26"). This has been great for mom because she can take Avery in the carrier for long walks on the trail without breaking her back! Fortunately, she loves being outside. We dedicated her to our Lord, Jesus Christ, at Springbrook Community Church on October 22.

Sara said goodbye to Allured Publishing and the working world shortly before delivery. It was a tough decision, but it is absolutely for the best. Now that she has the opportunity to be at home with our daughter, she is so glad not to have work depleting her mental and emotional strength, even if it requires some sacrifices and creative financing! She has been doing a little freelance writing and editing but Avery keeps her busy.

Fortunately, Matt did receive an unexpected raise and promotion, rewarding his hard work as a senior drafter at Knowles Electronics. He also continues to teach Sunday school in the 2nd and 3rd grade class. He is being “promoted” there as well because the main teacher is moving to California. Sara will be helping out with the infant room beginning this month, moving up with Avery as she graduates. Our church is in an exciting time, too. After years of waiting for God’s timing, we broke ground on our building in November. We should be meeting in our new home by fall 2005.

In our “free” time this summer, we painted the exterior of our 1892 farmhouse. What a transformation! While we didn’t finish, we are happy with the results so far. As for the work we wanted to do inside, it will just have to wait. Before the addition to our family, we had planned a second story addition and kitchen remodel. Now, we’ll update what we can and make it safe for Avery, but leave the grand scale changes to the future.