So it's not so much the birthing (that's mostly Kris in the starring role with me in the cameo) as the parenting that's worrying. Now that I'm looking around me, I've started to see hazards in everyday life. It's not just the things that we eat and drink (although the maker of this product was obviously asleep through 2002-2003 to think this was a good name) that are worrying, but also the little things in your environment. Barely perceptible things, like tiny spiders...at least, tiny by Australian standards. And then there's the psychological impact of dad's hair in the morning!

Maybe all of these worries will be assuaged when we go to parenting classes. Until then, I will likely continue to worry. Especially with this subtle reminder that I pass every morning as I walk the dogs...

Happy 2011--

Welcome to the new year! 2010 had some amazing highlights but 2011 promises to be a year of incredible firsts and new things.

Memories from 2010 included:

* enjoying the Fremantle lifestyle with a cat-sit at Edmund St, just a short walk from the beach and our new church home at St Pauls.
* Hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania--wow, what an experience!
* Celebrating my dad's birthday in January--still missing him terribly.
* Mike's visit to Australia in March--complete with Aussie BBQ, big game fishing, a trip to the outback and some prospecting and LOTS of photos.

*Loren & LoRae's visit in April--with a visit to Margaret River, a dive on the wreck HMAS Swan (much deeper than Nathan was supposed to dive!), and a glimpse of our ideal retirement.
* Singing the Hallelujah Chorus with the St Paul's choir for Easter, and Nathan's "surprise" trumpet solo for Joshua Fit the Battle at the St Paul's Consecration.
*saying goodbye to Nathan's grandma, Ethel Mannix online while Kristin recovered from surgery in May.
* moving to the 'burbs (Secret Harbour) to take care of a house and 2 red setters, giving up Foxtel, and being pregnant in 3 weeks!

* Catching up with friends at Kristin's 20 year HS reunion
*Kristin's long visit back to the US to spend time with family & Nathan's rushed visit just in time to see his mom break her shoulder!
* Discovering we were were 10 weeks pregnant just in time for our 14th wedding anniversary.
*Kristin acting as guest musical director for Band of Angel's Gospel Choir for 6 weeks, culminating in 2 performances (one for the Fremantle City Council at Christmas).
* Co-Hosting an orphan's thanksgiving for the North American students with Emily & Justin
* Finding Advent and Christmas sermons take on new meaning and relevance when you are waiting for a baby, too.
* Singing for Christmas at St Pauls, enjoying Christmas dinner with the Gwynnes & Michael & Jen.

We are looking forward to 2011 with the many new experiences that it will bring:
* A baby boy on April 1, 2011 (no foolin'!)
* 15 years of marriage (and 20 years together)
* visits to Australia from Deb, Tim & Caitlyn, Bonnie (Kris' mum) and Gretchen (Nathan's mum)
* a visit home in June/July for a christening/Nathan's 20 year reunion (?)
* Kristin's year-long maternity leave (thank you, Murdoch!)
* moving to a new home & buying a new "baby-friendly" car
* getting Australian citizenship (we aren't giving up our US citizenship, just want to have a passport that matches our son's!)
* first everythings--cries, laughs, poos, words, haircuts, teeth and more!

We'd love you to be a part of it--come for a visit, keep in touch! We promise to talk about something other than baby stuff.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Nathan & Kristin