Goodbye, 2008

Wow! Can you believe 2008 has come to a close? It's hard for me to believe. It has truly flown by. This year has brought us so many special blessings. In January of 2008 Ava earned a new cousin when Chase Thomas Ritchie was born to Ryan and Kristina. In April Ms. Tess turned the big 3-0 and celebrated with an 80's themed bash. Later that month I was diagnosed with low amniotic fluid and sidelined with what was to become seven weeks of bedrest. It didn't turn out to be the leisurely life of eating bonbons and watching "A Baby Story" all day liked I hoped. Instead, I was depressed because I couldn't play with Ava, concerned for my baby's health, and worried about my keeping my job and paying the bills. On May 29th, 2008, we welcomed Alexander John Ritchie into the world. Our big, big, boy weighed 8 lbs 13 oz at birth! No wonder it took so long for him to make his appearance! Alex has given his mommy more love and adoration than she could ever imagine. A few short weeks later in July, Ava and Alex met their newest cousin, Finnegan Ross Ritchie, who was born with the most adorable red coif you have ever seen. Littlest sisser Ashley turned the quarter century in August, and Ava celebrated her 2nd birthday on September 11, 2008, with a birdie themed party. Ava spent all of 2008 pushing the limits, cracking us up nonstop, and letting off more energy than should be legal. Jeremy said goodbye to Bridgeway in October of 2008, and started a new adventure as a Correctional Counselor for the state of Iowa. November gave us the most historic election of all time, and a renewed hope for the future. This December we celebrated our first Christmas as a family of four. We feel complete and can't wait to see what 2009 brings.