Going to Iraq

My brother Jon-Paul, who is a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, is headed to Iraq. JP's been in the Navy for 10 years and has just received his orders. Our family is so proud of Jon-Paul and know he will serve our country well. He has just left for Kansas to begin combat training. He returns home for a brief stint, then heads out. I love my brother so very much and hope that all who reads this will keep him in your prayers.

JP's wife, Jessica, had a big going away party at their home in San Diego. We had a blast. The night was ended with a shrewd poker game. This is a pix of the 'fam'. Justin is now 9 months old.
A quick stop for the obligatory mimosa. Catherine and I were lucky enough to be on the same flight with JP's good friend Mike. The good times started early.
My cousin Eric and his cute wife Lindsay made it down for the party as well. I heard there was a golf game the next day but still haven't heard how that turned out.

Anna's first Easter!!

Easter in Palm Springs has been a tradition in our family for many years, so it was so much fun to take Anna this year. She has lots of little nicknames, but one that seems to stick is bunny, therefore, Easter is her holiday. She was awesome, not only on the trip down, but also in all the new surroundings. She is almost 12 weeks old and at the last appointment weighed in at a whopping 9 lbs 11 oz. All these pictures were from Easter Sunday. Everyone says how much she looks like Mike, and I have to say, I think so too. The picture with the chocolate bunny is my favorite. She giggles all the time!

Grandpa Mike, Aunt Em and Little Mama

Grandpa Mike, Emily and Little Mama came out last week to meet Anna. We all had a great time. Anna is growing like a weed and smiles are popping up more often!

Grandpa Mike and Anna. Matching pink outfits!

Aunt Emily and Anna! She's a natural...

Grandpa, Little Mama and Anna!

'I love Broadway'

I'm One Month Old!

Anna's first birthday cup cake. Mom made it and Dad ate it.

Goofy Face

Anna and Uncle Rusty!!

What a month!

This has been quite a month! It's hard to believe how much she's grown. I think she's got to be up to 7 lbs by now. The smallest things keep Mike and I entertained. She is holding her head up, gripping everything and every so often we can get her to smile. It is really so fun. We are also a little sleep deprived, but for some reason, that also seems funny. The sun is finally out in Sacramento so it's been lots of fun taking Anna out for a walk. Just like her parents, she loves to be outside!

Stretch it out!!

Anna after her first bath!!

This is by far her favorite sleeping position. Now I just need to teach her to 'hook em'!

Anna Christine Yuras

On Saturday, January 12th at 7:30am Anna Christine Yuras was born!! She was 6 lbs 2 oz and 20" in length and born at Sutter Memorial in Sacramento, CA. She is such a blessing and we are so excited to have her in our lives.

Right after she was born...

Scrubbed in...

Day one with the newest member of a our family...

Momo with Anna...

Mimi and Papa with Anna...

Aunt Cat with Anna...

West Coast WINDS!

For once a West Coast storm has lived up to the hype! Friday morning Sacramento was slammed with a storm that brought inches of rain and winds up to 70 mph. For those of you who haven't had the chance to visit our neighborhood our streets are covered with trees close to 100 years old. Unfortunately the storm took out my neighbor's 80' Elm tree along with the high voltage lines that power our neighboorhood.

The tree was physically blown over - roots and all! The roots are almost 8' out of the ground and the tree managed to take out our neighbors garage, driveway and the power lines. We have now been without power for two days and hope that power will be restored by Monday! Quite the adventure prior to the baby. Hopefully all will be in order before the baby arrives!