We will forever remember the Year 2003 as “The Year of the House Addition.” We broke ground in April, but with lots of rain and mud at the onset, frequent special order blunders at the local hardware/home building establishments, the bricklayer ending up in the clinker, the “Master drywall taper” flaking out, “misunderstandings” with our siding subcontractor, and Randy taking a header off the side porch onto the concrete slab below, our planned two-month stay at Bethany’s parents’ house extended into five months (we cannot thank them enough for their patience, sympathy and many insights on home construction!). It’s no wonder that Randy was often overheard making references to the classic tale “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” throughout the project!

House Addition from Cornelia - December 2003

Yet however high tensions became, decisions were made, injuries healed (Randy scraped by with a broken wrist), new bricklayers were hired (twice…), and the structure finally evolved into our home. Randy furiously worked every day off and weekend to ensure we could move in before the holidays and we were thrilled to spend our first night back in the house the day before Thanksgiving. While many of the final details remain and will take us into the next year(s) for completion, we are finally HOME and feel that the fabulous results were worth all the chaos.

While the bulk of our recollections of this year will likely revolve around the trials of home construction, they will also comprise of many joyful memories as well…

Allow us to be typical parents of a first child for a moment here by mentioning the wonder of our Jane as she learns something new every day, the sweetness in her voice as she calls out for “Daddy” or “MaMaMaMa,” the delight she takes in being able to communicate with those around her, including “Berp” and “Mah-ie” (cat Bert and dog Maddie). She smiles and laughs easily, loves to dance and sing, sweetly says “please” often, climbs up all the new stairs whenever she can sneak past us, and is so curious about everything these days!

In fact, we enjoy her so much we decided to tempt fate and have another one! Jane’s sibling is due on April 12th. As luck would have it Jane is really interested in babies right now – we just hope her enthusiasm lasts!

Besides Randy’s usual work travels, we had some exciting family treks this year as well. The three of us drove to Washington DC in March where Bethany and Jane explored our Nation’s Capitol for a week while Randy researched the National Archives.

Bethany and Jane in front of the White House

Then after a couple of milestone Curtis summer birthday celebrations (Randy’s 40th in July and Jane’s 1st in August), we drove to New York City via Bethany’s brother Justin’s family in Indianapolis, Aunt Katie & Don’s house in Pittsburgh and a party stop in Bethlehem, PA where we stayed with friends Kathy and Alex. In Manhattan Jane enjoyed the Central Park Zoo, an early morning outing to NBC’s Today Show and Rockefeller Plaza, and her very first visit to Tiffany’s. To add to the excitement, we drove out of New York just hours before the Big Blackout hit (forcing everyone in our Manhattan hotel to sleep on the streets!). We are happy to report that Jane continues to be a pleasant traveler, however we’re thinking a mini-van is in our future as with all of her gear there isn’t room to add anyone else in the car!

Bethany was also happy to be able to join Randy in San Francisco on two occasions, leaving Jane at home for the first time in February in the expert care and company of “Gramy and Gral” Sage. A good time was had by all parties.

The Tuxedo Neighborhood’s annual camping trip to Maramec Springs was a blast in September. While we all got a little wet, there were enough breaks in the weather for Randy to escort Jane on her first kayak expedition – it was so peaceful she slept the entire run. We also enjoyed the Hammond’s annual Garlic Fest gathering of friends at Innsbrook and were lucky to get in a bit more kayaking, eating, drinking, and some more eating!

Jane and Randy kayaking at Innsbrook

Despite a few broken bones, bumps and bruises along the way, we can report that our families are happy and doing well… Randy’s mom Nancy and sister Rhonda became roommates for eight weeks this fall while Nancy recouped from dual broken elbows. Two of Bethany’s brothers also celebrated milestone birthdays this year (Van’s 30th and Micah’s 21st), both of which made us all feel just a bit older after the effects of late-night reveling! Bethany’s sister Rosemary is planning a gala wedding for next September, which is sure to be an event to remember, and her brother Justin’s family is also expecting another baby in June (their third). And lastly, Bethany’s parents seem to be recovering from our extended “visit” and their house once again looks like a place where grownups live!

While we have much to be pleased about the year 2003, we embrace the coming of the New Year and all it brings. We will be sure to keep you all posted on our news in April and hope you will keep in touch with your goings-on as well.

Happy Holidays and a Joyful New Year!

Randy, Bethany & Jane

RANDY'S BONUS – Fun Factoids and Lesson Learned: