Merry Christmas Everyone!

This year is not one of our typical green Christmases here in the Northwest. It's noon on Christmas Day and the snow is still falling. Over the past couple weeks, we've had more snowfall than in the past five years combined! For an area that's used to getting a few inches here and there over the course of the entire winter season, this has been quite a shock. And if you've been watching the news (or are fortunate enough to live here also), you know how the traffic has been impacted too. We've been careful, and have avoided car trouble for the most part, so far. We're off to Anita's tonight for Christmas dinner, so we hope out luck will continue!
Here is a collection of photos from our Christmas Eve celebration and dinner. For more pictures, use the link on the right-hand side to view our Shutterfly page. Thanks for sharing our Joy - the joy of family, friends, and mostly, the gift of salvation through Christ, whom we celebrate this day!

Adding to the joy of the season was Erick's proposal and gift of a diamond engagement ring to Liz - after making her follow a treasure hunt around the house! It's a Sherer tradition, and we made sure that Liz enjoyed the game!

Well, off to dinner at Anita & Rich's house. We pray your Christmas was blessed!

Griffin at Home

Griffin and Mommy Anita got to come home from the hospital on Friday, and were resting comfortably when we visited on Saturday. Anita & Rich have the nursery set up as cute as can be, with a sailboat theme that will suit Griffin for years to come. He's such a sturdy lad, with chubby cheeks that are reminiscent of Santa Claus himself! How appropriate, with Christmas so close. Anita pulled out an old baby picture of herself from long ago, and it was uncanny - the resemblance to Griffin was so complete, Great-Grandma Cavasos though it was a picture of Griffin! We had a wonderful visit, enjoying their company and their festive Chistmas decorations.

Meanwhile, Aeries has been posing for the camera - smiling and giggling right up until the flash goes off! We miss her smile by a nano-second each time! Still, she's as cute as a bug, especially when snuggled up in her Pooh sack! She likes to wiggle around and play now-you-see-me, now-you-don't. It's going to be a fun Christmas this year, but by next year, both of these cuties will be walking and getting into everything. Then the fun will really begin!

Great Griffin!

Here he is, folks:
Griffin James Raul DuBois!
Griffin officially made his debut on December 10, 2008 at 7:50 am. His Cesaerean delivery kept his head nice and round, and he's just perfect in every way. Weighing in at 9 lbs, 8 oz, his stocky build earned him the nickname "Tank" by midday! So cute!
Griffin's first day was sprinkled with visits from grandpas, grandmas, aunts, uncles and even a cousin! It was a busy day and baby Griffin was tired and slept through much of it. Here he is with Grandpa Scott, such a precious treasure! Grandpa Richard and Auntie Anna take turns holding Griffin too while Daddy Rich watches closely. Little "Tank" Griffin is the first grandchild on the DuBois side of the family, and the third on the Sherer side.
Griffin's a little chilly, so he has to be bundled when being held. He sleeps so peacefully and brings joy to everyone!

Rich picked up a little monkey in the gift shop to keep Griffin company in the isolette. When baby "Tank" startled from the camera flashes, he seemed to be reaching up and punching the monkey. It was cute!

Cousin Aeries stopped in for a visit with her Mommy Liz. Griffin snoozed peacefully in his Auntie Liz' arms while Aeries tried to figure out what all the commotion was about.
Daddy Rich took some time to visit his niece, Aeries, while Aeries' Daddy Erick visited with his new little nephew, Griffin. It's just awe inspiring to watch these young men grow into Daddys. God is full of surprises!

Welcome to the family, little Tank!

He's Here!

Griffin has made his entry into the world!
I just got off the phone with Anita, the proud, tired Momma. She told me that Griffin weighed in at 9 lbs, 8 oz, and was 20 inches long - a big boy! Good thing they scheduled a C-section ahead of time! Momma and Baby are both doing great.
Well, I'm off to the hospital - check back later for pictures and more!

Any Time Now...

Well, Anita went into surgery about 15 minutes ago for her C-section delivery. Griffin should be popping his head out to say hello any time now! I can't wait to go see them and cuddle my newest grandchild!

Griffin Comes Tomorrow!

It's so exciting! Little Griffin will pop into the world tomorrow morning, courtesy of a c-section on Mommy Anita. Daddy Rich is so eager to hold his precious boy in his arms, as are we all!We've waited so long, through the hot summer and into the cool, crisp autumn, and now on the threshhold of winter, the gift will arrive. What better time of year to welcome a baby boy into the family than the Christmas season, when we celebrate the greatest gift of all - come to us in the form of an innocent baby boy.

Stay tuned - soon there will be pictures and stories of the baby and the birth and the new family - right here!