Happy New Year!

So... It's 2009. Ten years after we partied like it was 1999. Crazy! I can't believe how time has flown. There has been so much happen. It is weird to think of the past decade and realize all that has happened. It makes me so grateful for all the blessings that I have. I can look back and see how the Lord has touched my life and guided me to where I am now. All of the hard times, trails and tears have brought me such joy. I can recognize the need for the struggles and how much I have been blessed for going through them. So much growth has happened. My greatest 2 blessings of all have been my lovely & loving wife, Sarah, and our precious daughter Kiera. Sarah is my support. She gives me strength and adds so much meaning to life. She brings out the best in me, causing me to strive to be worthy of the covenants and blessings promised. I love her more than she will ever know.
Kiera... my sweet little daughter. She is just amazing. I am always so impressed by the fact that she is. That she is OUR daughter. It has changed my whole outlook on life and what is/isn't important. It is incredible what they say about love. That you will never love the same again once you have kids. It is true, but I am seeing things that I didn't expect. Not only do I love Kiera more than I ever thought possible, but having Kiera has caused me to love Sarah more than ever too. I see things in Sarah that are so amazing! She is such an incredible mother and wife. I am truly blessed to have her.
I love you two; Sarah & Kiera. You're my girls!

Kiera Soleil Pond was born on 2 October @ 8:25 pm. She weighed 7 lbs 14 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. She has lots of black hair. I am so excited to be a father. It's amazing how much I love her. Sarah was so strong throughout the entire pregancy. I am so proud of her! She is already such an awesome mother! Kiera so strong. She already rolls on to her side. She loves to look around and go on little walks. She likes to keep moving, but is also very content to sit and "talk" with her parents. We are so blessed to have her in our home!

It's October!!

We made it to October! That is actually a good thing because now my insurance from this district kicks in today and I don't have to pay the high rates from my COBRA for my last district. It is great! Sarah is still doing great. I am so impressed with how strong she is. She is truly my hero.
Tomorrow, at the latest, our daughter will be born. I am so excited!!

Waiting

I'm sitting here in my classroom, looking at my sub-plans. I wasn't planning on being here today. It's kind of strange and somewhat frustrating. Yesterday morning, Sarah's contractions were pretty regular. They were 5 mins apart. I timed them for an hour. After that we decided that it was probably the best to get to the hospital. So, we did. after sitting in the birthing room for an hour or so, a doctor came in, checked things out and said, "Go home." Both Sarah and I were a little stunned. No, "You're this far along..." or anything. Just "Go home." We ended up going over to Sarah's aunts house and seeing if anything progressed further. We went on a good long walk but nothing. So... here I am. Sitting in my classroom, looking at my sub-plans...

First Week...

So, I just finished my first week of teaching in California. I love it. My class has its challenges, but it is so great to come to work everyday. Because of the 4th of July holiday, we have no school tomorrow. This week was really great. It was good to be back in the classroom after sitting for 2 weeks since we moved. I love work!
On Tuesday, as I was leaving my classroom, I had such a feeling of validation and peace that what I am doing is what I am supposed to be. Such a great feeling! I know I am in the right place and doing that which is meant for me to do. It is such a blessing.
We are still living with Sarah's dad in Perris. It's great to be up there with him. He's a great man. All of our stuff is sitting in his garage until our place is ready on the 15th (July). It will be good to get into our place. Mostly because it will be 45 miles closer to where I work. Right now I am leaving the house at 5:30 to get to work by 7:15. Fortunately my truck is getting incredible gas mileage: around 26 mpg. I'm excited. Great fuel economy or not though, once we move I will ride my bike to and from work. That means no fuel spent and no money put out for it. Gas is crazy down here. It takes over $100 to fill Sarah's truck.
Sarah is doing well with being pregnant. She is so strong! With her work this last year at her school she definately deserves a nice long rest. She has been coping pretty well with the heat and is learning to take naps... Something she never could do before. We are so excited to become parents and can't wait (but will have to) for September.
Life is good!

My Lil' Princess!

My queen is going to have my princess!
We got the ultrasound today and IT'S A GIRL. We are so excited!
Think of all the young guys I am going to get to scare off!! Awesome!
Things are going great. Sarah is doing well! She is totally amazing! My tough, beautiful lil' wife!
We are so excited to have a daughter. We went to Babies R Us tonight after the doctor and bought our first baby girl item: a little pink hooded towel with a whale on it. Totally cute!