Be sure to view our January family photos as well.

Hello Friends & Family,

After a wonderful first official Christmas in our new house, we took it pretty easy in January. Our New Year's Eve was low-key as well, taking in a party at Natasha's supervisor Terri's sister Carol's house. She has a fantastic den with a big table and a wet bar, completely decorated in Chicago Bears memorabilia! As the evening got late the boys got tired and we made our way home to watch fireworks on television. New Year's coverage seemed much harder to find this year.

A big snowstorm gave us lots to to in the yard, at least for a few days until the sun melted it all away. Noah and Natasha made a big snowman in the back yard, complete with hat and scarf and eyes and mouth and of course a carrot nose. We have also been trying to get to the gym more often, which is a good thing since we are both signed up for the Chicago triathlons (Natasha's is shorter) in late August! We are both really into Pilates now, but I'm not sure if that will help us to swim, bike, and run. Keith also signed up for a new "hot yoga" class, where the room is heated to increase flexibility and promote a detoxifying sweat. Unfortunately he only made it to two classes of the entire session because of travelling for work.

Keith travelled to San Jose twice this month for work, to visit a supplier and the NAVTEQ office in nearby Santa Clara. He could even see the Yahoo! offices from his hotel. On the second trip Keith drove up to Sacramento to visit distant cousin Paul again, and this time even got a picture. Unfortunately for Natasha, when Keith travels she is left on her own with two boys - taking them to and from daycare and still trying to work in between. It also made her miss a few Spanish lessons at her hospital in the evenings, so now she is behind. She did a great job but would still prefer that Keith does not travel again for a while.

Back at work, Keith now has a new co-worker joining him on the Product Quality team. Steve and Keith both report to Sander (a change for Keith as of this month) in the Netherlands (Holland). The time zone difference (six hours earlier there) necessitates that any conference calls take place in the morning Chicago time.

Natasha's co-worker Mable come over for a visit. She got to see the many, many toys the boys received for Christmas, including a new ViewFinder she had given to Noah. They now have a totally cool new design that allows you to look straight ahead instead of craning your neck up to look at a light! Another night Natasha went out with Mable and one of her friends for dinner and a movie. It was nice for Natasha to get out on her own for a night of fun. During the evening the topic of country music (Natasha's favourite) came up. Mable's friend said that black people don't listen tocountry music, but when Natasha changed the station to the country channel, she knew all the songs! Another night Natasha also made it to a work-related presentation by a vendor at a restaurant near our house.

Natasha's Spanish classes have allowed Keith to bond with the boys each Thursday evening (when he is in town) at Noah's favourite restaurant - Red Robin. This also works out well since Natasha can't stand the place. Noah (and Luke, also) likes all the televisions around the restaurant showing sports. There is even one in the bathroom and another under a piece of glass in the floor when you first walk in and stand around waiting for a table.

This month Noah's tubes fell out of his ears. This is part of the normal healing process, but we took him back to the doctor who had put then in just to make sure. He said all is well and Noah should remain free of ear infections, which were a real problem for him when he was a baby.

Keith also had another plumbing company come in to provide an estimate for completing our second bathroom, down in the basement. Their price was much more reasonable, so in a few weeks we should have a functional sink, toilet, and shower - and in a few months (once Keith finishes all the other details) we should have a completely finished bathroom. The current state of the bathroom is shown here.

On the 28th we went to a Chinese New Year's Party at a place called The Chopping Block in the building where Keith works in downtown Chicago. This place has a huge multi-station kitchen and normally offers cooking classes and demonstrations. We were happy to let the professionals prepare the various Chinese dishes while we sampled them. The following night we went to see Martina McBride in Chicago. One thing Natasha likes about living here is that we get to see any country band she wants. Keith enjoyed the show as well.

Keep in Touch,

Keith & Natasha & Noah & Luke

January Milestones

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