A new (school) year resolution

We vow to update our blog more than once or twice a year! Maybe even as often as every week with more pictures of Camden!

This has been a week of many firsts and new beginnings...Camden's first week at daycare, Mark's first week back at school, my first time teaching a college course, and Camden's first time rolling onto his tummy. And for our family in the great big state of TX, we are excited to announce the birth of our niece Flynn Marie! Flynn was born on Tuesday, August 19th in Dallas. Mom (Heather), Dad (Bryan) and big sister (McKenna) all sound like they're doing well...we are still waiting to hear how McKenna reacted to seeing her little sister for the first time :) How appropriate for Flynn to be born on the day that I began teaching a course on "Cheating Death". What could be in more opposition to death than new life!? And let me tell you...babies are lively!

a highlight from my week: I took Camden back to lab with me while we were waiting for Mark's committee meeting to finish this afternoon. He sat in his stroller for an entire hour watching me transplant seedlings and talking to me while he pulled and gummed his Taggies blanket. I can't get enough of his coos, laughs and gargles! It's just what I needed at the end of a long week of being away from by baby during the day. Even though I miss him constantly, I am so thankful that Camden has a fun & loving home daycare to go to. Thanks for all the pictures Lauren!

another highlight: Mark passed his proposal defense! His committee unanimously approved of his proposal to study North Carolina's Quaker community. Some of the family records are archived at Swarthmore College, 30 min SW of Philly. Perhaps we'll make a family trip of it next summer so that both Mark & Camden can visit nearby NYC for the first time!