The Schwarthoff Family 2007

Christmas 2007

The air is cold, it's dark when going to work and when coming home, and we want to stay out of the stores, because we don't want to hear all those cheesy carol arrangements any more. Well, the front desk next to my work area ran those, too, but Friday was the last workday before Christmas. So, now it's preparations and diaper changing, the latter as usual. Night mass for us on Monday, because our choir director's son needed an excuse for not going, so he will babysit at our house instead. Yay! Petra can play, I can sing in the choir, and everyone is happy.

We have been living in our Parkway house for over a year now, and love it! A great blessing for our family. Lots of space and light, and our design is coming together. We can bike everywhere, use the greenbelt a lot, and people always shake their heads at us, when we ride to church. It's a long way to go, until people avoid their cars in favor of exercise, fresh air, clean air, and a safe future.

And now the official version of our 2007 Christmas card:

Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!!

Frohe Weihnachten nach Deutschland!!!!

Petra Hubert Helena Noah Abraham

December, 2007

Life is fun when we can jump around in the living room furniture, while it's white and cold outside. We can also eat large amounts with (Helena) or without (Abraham and Noah) getting fat. The twins are often a real joy to be with these days. They talk and talk, comment everything, and insist that you acknowledge every statement they make. Also, it is not ok to leave anything open, be it the margarine container, kitchen cabinet, or the door you just want to go through. The parents are very busy trying to figure out how to best educate two small volcanoes. You might think mankind should know this by now, after a few billion tries. If you have a good idea, send me a note. Seriously!

No, the Christmas Tree is not up yet. We'll try to find a fresh one in the last week of advent. We will be home over the holidays, enjoying our home and children. We are happy to have a babysitter for Christmas Eve, so the parents can go to the night mass. The boys are getting better at walking. We'll climb Castle Rock next, for some good views of the city.

November, 2007

Abraham and Noah take their afternoon Gallon, while Helena expresses her desires - nonverbally - approximately like this: "Feed me!!". She eats non-stop during certain times. She also occasionally sleeps from 7pm to 7am the next morning, to digest all that fat. Doctor says she is heavier than 95 percent of all babies her age. That makes her the ideal candidate for mom and dad going out at night, having fun at a party.

News of serious outsourcing at Micron cause uncertainty, as well as sadness about coworkers leaving. If you're a manager, how do you carry the news?

October, 2007

Helena seems like tripled in weight now, with cheeks the size of Japan. So, she's eating well, and occasionally explores the surroundings with big eyes. Abraham and Noah are just a little bit jealous, when Mama is nursing. At other times, the sister is entertaining. Fall brings cool weather to Boise.

At work, uncertain times loom. Micron is not doing so well (as are most companies in this business), and the mood at the office reflects that.

September, 2007

We are starting a life as a family of five. For now, we live peacefully with each other. Nobody eats the other's food, and Helena shows no interest in cars, tricycles, books, etc.. When baby cries, two very interested boys come running.

August 31, 2007

The plot thickens. As scheduled, Helena Schwarthoff made her first squeak at 12:34 pm. The little girl was 3 kg (6 pounds 10 ounces). Went right to sleep, and seems to like that better than eating, so far. Little sister.

August, 2007

Parties, cool beer, sunshine, outdoors, yellow jackets, and potty training are all part of this beautiful summer time.

Where does this habit come from, to read the paper on the potty?

July, 2007

July brings summer heat. Summer heat makes you escape into the mountains north of Boise, when the thermometer reads 104 (40 Celsius). Number three is developing nicely, while Abraham and Noah go camping in McCall, on the shores of beautiful Payette Lake.

Beach every day teaches boys how to water play. An excursion with Daddy in the rubber boat is fun (for a short time). Views of mountains and lakes is more for the parents. Dogs and RVs are much more interesting.

June, 2007

Can't live without camera for so long. The boys need to be documented. So, here is a little point-and-shoot, to save the (father's) day. We celebrate at home and in Boise's beautiful rose garden, amid a sea of roses. Summer is spoiling us with gorgeous weather. So, there is nothing we can do, except get out, bike along the green belt, and through downtown.

Early June, 2007

The camera is broken. Turns out this is from a manufacturing defect, which the company (formerly Minolta formerly Konica now Sony) will repair on warranty. Just no camera for four weeks. I was almost angry at them, because a camera like this should last longer than just three years.

May, 2007

Summer is coming. That means the house and yard need to get ready, so we can be on vacation. This time, we sightsee the Columbia River gorge by Portland.

April, 2007

-------------- Second birthday --------------

The sandbox is a hit, when the weather is nice. And there is a strange affection to sitting. Celebrating the Birthdays is terrific for the parents. Isn't it great, to see the Kekse full of energy! Well, not quite on this photo. That's because rain was coming.

March, 2007

The age of tricycles has arrived. And spring. The sandbox is on its way.

February, 2007

Germany is fun (aside from a few minor illnesses). Lower row, from left to right: Fabian, Noah, Abraham, Gesa, Tabea. Top row: Petra, Martin. Martin is Petra's brother, and Tabea, Fabian, and Gesa are his children.

January, 2007

This is a new year! The boys have scratches, their new teeth are missing a few pieces, and they are happy (if they have a bottle of milk ...). Here, they are at the Boise airport, on their way to Germany, to see hordes of grandma/pa/uncle/aunt etc.. Unfortunately without their dad, who gets to party with his buddies, play computer games, drink beer, and have some quiet time at home.

Copyright Hubert Schwarthoff