Wednesday, October 31, 2007

T minus 5 weeks ...


It seems like just yesterday that Marty and I were sharing the exciting news of our pregnancy with all of you ... and now, amazingly enough, we're riding out the last few weeks. We've rapidly gone from calmly talking about the baby's arrival "in a few months ..." to touring the hospital's labor and delivery ward, finding a pediatrician (not as easy as you might think!), and for me, washing every item of baby clothing and bedding I can get my hands on. The "nesting" instinct has truly set in. Our anticipation of Baby Harms (or "Tate" for the Schnettlers ... or "Stoke" for the kiting boys!) has been greatly fed by both friends and family, who have showered us with gifts and good, sound baby-raising advice ... Thanks everyone!

Monday, October 29, 2007

No Really...

I've been wanting to share proof that I really can kiteboard for a while now. I suspect many have assumed it was all just a ploy to ward off the rumors of aging bones, slowed reflexes, and thinning hair (now you'll have to wonder). So I finally had a camera available, a willing assistant, and some wind all show up on the SAME DAY! (Thanks Reid & Kyle)Not much to look at, but proof nonetheless. I've been getting better each time I ride, I'm hoping to get some big air tricks into the mix by next year sometime, Stoke dependent. ('Stoke' is the new nickname for 'Tate', as bestowed by our collective Community Group from Trinity Presbyterian Church) So please, come visit; let me share my love of this new sport. Or at least take care of Stoke while Amy takes some lessons....

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

East meets West


Literally.... Jeffrey DeGroot of Grand Junction, CO and Sara Jacob of Houston, TX were married in Houston, TX on October 13th, 2007. Jeff has Dutch blood, Sara is of Indian descent, they met in Japan.... you can't make this stuff up. I (Marty) had the priviledge to stand (for 2 hours) in the groom's party. An incredible display of family, tradition, and love, the wedding was a great time for everyone involved. Amy made the trip like a champ, but we won't likely be flying anymore before the baby comes. Our rental ride, a Dodge Caliber, looks like a Malibu Maxx (oh so ugly) and drove like a paint shaker. With all the miles we logged, we ultimately triggered a relapse of Amy's first trimester nausea. Note to self: No Dodge Caliber w/ a pregnant wife. We're happy to be home for hopefully the next 2 months, enjoying the final weeks of the human gestational period.