Happy New Year!
We hope this letter finds you healthy, happy, and snuggled in closely with loved ones. As we update you on our 2008, we’re sure you’ll be happy to see that the tradition of including an educational game continues this year (We even cheated for you and filled in the solution, despite strong objections from the teacher in the family).

7 Across – Before the arrival of the new baby, we decided to tackle a few projects. Jason put a floor down in our attic using enough wood to rebuild the arc (the floor is done, work on the arc is scheduled for 2009). Our new neighbors cast more than a few sideways glances when they saw Jas setting up the circular saw in the driveway shortly after moving in… The Griswolds had arrived! Jas did a great job and now we have a roomy (and incredibly well-reinforced) storage space. And just when the neighbors thought they’d seen the last of “Tool-Man Tim,” Jas (and one of his much more talented friends) pulled out the saw again a couple of months later to build a riser for a second row of seats in our media room. Everything looks great and we’ve heard rumors that AMC Theaters ® is seriously considering a franchise opportunity with us in 2009. :)

4 Down – We were showered with love (and lots of pink) in June during our three baby showers. We had a great time back in Norfolk and Columbus (Nebraska) seeing many family and friends that we hadn’t seen in years! Back in Austin our friends showered us too. Thanks to everyone who helped fill Marin’s closet, dresser drawers, bath tub, and changing table. What an awesome head start into parenthood!

3 Down – Being nine months pregnant is not a fun thing. Being nine months pregnant in Texas in August and being overdue is simply torture! Before we knew it, our due date had come and gone and Jenn was induced a week later. Shortly thereafter, on August 11, baby Marin Marie came kicking and screaming into the world. For those wondering, through an incredible force of will and courage, Dad soldiered through the challenge of childbirth without incident (and 100% naturally, no drugs required!)

5 Down – We found that naming a baby is nearly as hard or harder than childbirth. For Jenn, ten years of teaching took many names out of the running before the first syllable left Jason’s lips. After eliminating the names of all former whiners, criers, nose-pickers, and tattle tales, we stumbled upon “Marin.” Simple, phonetic (for those of you not phonetically inclined, it rhymes with Karen), and best of all, one of the few names on which we both agreed.

2 Down – In the blink of an eye, the stretch marks, swollen ankles, and aching back all vanished from memory when we laid eyes on our sweet baby. Marin is a source of great joy for us and makes us constantly aware of how quickly time passes (and how much we have to learn). Now four months old, she is giggling, enjoying rice cereal, trying to roll over, and best of all, sleeping through the night! You can always check out Marin’s latest exploits (and a few of ours) on our blog: http://cumberlands.blogspot.com/

1 Down – Jas took 2 weeks off to help out and enjoy Marin. He continues to work from home for OpSource, a small “managed hosting” company based in California. Jenn went back to teaching half-time and enjoys her afternoons with Marin at home. She thinks she has the best of both worlds.

8 Across – Parker still continues to be the king of our castle. His duties have expanded beyond napping all day to carefully guarding Marin’s crib (while napping all day). Parker loves his new sister and makes it a point to greet her each day with a wet lick across her face.

6 Across – If recent political activities have you contemplating a run for the border, remember that you’re more than welcome to make a stop in Austin on your way out! :)

We wish you good luck, good health and good cheer throughout 2009!

With love,

Jason, Jenn, and Marin (and Parker too)