Of Birthdays, Babies, and Bridal Boutiques

Since I used my very first blog post, in September of 2006, to welcome little Cainen into the world, I would be remiss to not use this forum to tell the story of Knox Baby Number Two.

Aroea was 96% positive that she was going to have a girl. Everyone was convinced of it: Kevin, her sisters, friends, everyone. I had no doubt in my head that she was carrying around Cainen's baby sister. Her friend Kelli, in town from Colorado for the holidays, even brought her some baby girl clothes- so convinced was she that Aroea and Kevin would be having a daughter. In the weeks leading up to delivery, Aroea needed to buy a nook. They were out of the green, so she was faced with a choice: blue or pink. She went with pink.

Well, so much for a woman's intuition.

I was incredibly shocked on Saturday when I talked to Rohana. "I have another nephew!" she exclaimed. "What?" Apparently, that was everyone's response, including Aroea's and Kevin's.

Jonas Avian Knox was born on Friday, January 11. And he's stinkin' adorable.

I was back home this weekend to celebrate my mom's 50th birthday. My family and I traveled up to Decorah on Saturday to visit Nancy at Luther and to celebrate this big milestone. So, back in Cedar Rapids on Sunday, I was able to go to the hospital and meet little Jonas. I honestly don't think I've seen that new of a baby since Nancy was born almost 19 years ago. It was exciting to get to see him and visit with Aroea and Kevin while they were packing up to take him home.

I just can't believe that Aroea has had two kids in the past two years. Most of the time, I still don't even feel old enough to be in college, let alone almost four years out of college!

In other news, I received my first international marriage proposal yesterday.

Tauna is in Turkey right now with a seminary class, and after she received word that Christina is also now engaged, she popped the question via email. Tauna and I are the only single B5-ers. She and I need to stick together. And though that is indeed true, the fact remains that we both like boys. And since neither of us swing the other way, single we shall remain (at least when it comes to each other!).

And speaking of weddings: Staci found her dress! After meeting Jonas at the hospital on Sunday, I drove up to David's Bridal and joined Staci, her mom, and her other bridesmaides (Kristin and her cousin Cari) to help her find her wedding dress. I was surprised that she found it on her first trip, but she did. It's beautiful and very Staci Mae.

It's only been 15 days, and 2008 is already off to an eventful start. And I wouldn't have it any other way...