July 22

Dear BugBear,

On this date in 2006, your mom-to-be took the plunge and married your dad-to-be.
What a rollercoaster ride it has been since then!

Since July 2006, a number of major events have taken place:
* Your paternal side grandfather was in a serious car accident. He's doing a lot better now.
* Your Aunt Lori and Uncle Dan adopted a wonderful girl, Madelyn Grace, who is excited about being your older cousin.
* Your mom finished her MA, and is one step away from earning her Ph.D., in Comparative Studies from The Ohio State University.
* Your maternal side great-grandfather, Pop-Pop, passed away.
* Your dad secured teaching jobs at Ohio State University, University of Dayton, two colleges in Connecticut, Penn State University, Prairie State College, and Oakton Community College (whew!).
* Your mom and dad lived in Connecticut for the summer of 2007.
* Your family adopted a bizarre, yet wonderful dog.
* Your family went a little more eco-friendly and purchased a Toyota Prius.
* Your dad graduated with his Ph.D. in Philosophy & Literature from Purdue University.
* Your mom decided to become a minister in the Christian faith.
* Your mom secured teaching jobs at Ohio State University, Otterbein College, Penn State University, and Crestwood, IL (summer tutoring).
* Your family lived in a house, and met some great friends, in Columbus, OH. They also lived in an apartment in State College, PA, and two apartments in the metropolitan Chicago area.
* Your family learned that we will be expecting a young one, whom we've affectionately nicknamed "BugBear" <-- that's you!

While this is only a list of memorable highlights (and your dad has a few screws loose when it comes to memory), your dad Michael loves your mom Krista for all the big things as well as the innumerable small, day-to-day things. We're all in this together, and we can't wait to meet you when it's your time to see us.

Happy anniversary, Krista! I <3 you, sideways 8.

-Michael