WE ARE GRANDPARENTS!
Introducing ARDEN FELIX TOMER, born August 5th
. . . 71 days in advance of his October 15 due date.
While visiting Oregon, Becky developed pre-eclampsia and was hospitalized July 31st. Steroids to develop Arden’s lungs were administered while trying to “keep Becky pregnant.” Those efforts bought five days of growing time before Arden was born at the same Medford hospital as his mom! He spent 62 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, receiving care from an army of wonderful people. Two veteran nurses had cared for Rachel 27 years ago! The unplanned 2½ months in Oregon concluded when the little family flew home to Washington DC October 11th.
We are thankful for Rogue Regional Medical Center, a world-class facility, for the opportunity to watch Arden develop here in Medford and for the opportunity to support Becky and Jonathan during this very difficult experience. We got spoiled having them here! Most of all, we are thankful that Arden is thriving: at his December doctor visit, he weighed in at 11 pounds, 1 ounce! Hooray!!
Becky, Jonathan and Arden leaving the hospital October 6th
Rachel and Hector have had a big year too! A good job, good friends and a good life with Hector in Chile had not silenced Rachel’s dream of a career in public health. In Medford when Arden was born, Rachel is now pursuing her master’s degree at Harvard. Hector, meanwhile, has joined an elite force in the Chilean Navy. His training began in March and concludes a week before Christmas. Big news: they were engaged in July right before she traveled stateside. They plan to marry after she graduates. Welcome to our family, Hector!!
Rachel and Hector engaged in July!
In February, before Hector’s training began, we flew to Chile and toured a portion of that beautiful country. What a wonderful vacation . . . Rachel and Hector in the front seat, the “oldsters” in the back, completely cared for as we visited wineries, relaxed by lakes, viewed smoking volcanoes and enjoyed getting to know Hector’s family. The more we experience Rachel’s adopted home, the more we can appreciate her life there. Our souvenirs? Wine, of course! What a silly question!
On March 1st, Penny returned to fifth grade at good old Wilson School for a teacher on maternity leave. It was fun and rewarding to finish out the year, reconnect with colleagues and build relationships with kids. (It was also exhausting!!)
Our wider family saw many special moments in 2015. Kevin’s mom (left below) turned 90 in January (Go Mom!!) Danny and Amanda Howes, our nephew and newest niece, were married in March. Our back yard hosted a June engagement party for niece Holly Adolph and her fiancée, Scott Reid. A week later we enjoyed a mini Arizona family reunion (top with Penny’s mom) for Aunt Dora’s 90th birthday (Go Aunt Dora!!) On the way home we enjoyed a wonderful overnight visit (bottom also w/ Penny’s mom) with Aunt Margot Varden.
Here in Medford we are immersed in church responsibilities, but there is always time for GOLF! Kevin’s win at the Southern Oregon Amateur Championship this year was extra cool because Becky and Jonathan were in the gallery. He made trips to Monterey, Tucson and Borrego Springs to hit the little white ball. In September Penny spent a week in Boston helping Rachel get settled. A Red Sox game, lots of walking and great food were interspersed with unpacking and furniture building.
In November we visited Arden, Becky and Jonathan in DC for five days, then flew to Boston for five days with Rachel: lots of home time, cuddling and babysitting followed by lots of theater, restaurants and exploring. The weather was much fairer than it had any right to be . . . no complaints from us!
We will all be together to celebrate Christmas, toast the newly engaged couple and marvel at Arden’s growth. Our dear little grandson’s name was inspired by the Forest of Arden in Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”. The bard has also provided our prayer for this year:
O Lord that lends me life,
Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.
William Shakespeare, Henry VI, Part 2, Act I, Scene I
Wishing you love, joy and thankfulness now and in the new year,
Penny and Kevin
Great Christmas letter, didn’t know you could do such a thing!!! Welcome to the Grandparents Club, there is nothing better. Merry Christmas to all the Klabundes with love from the Huitt’s
Penny and Kevin, what a year of blessings you have enjoyed! Thanks for sharing. So happy little Arden is growing well. Enjoy them all at Christmas and please give my love to them also.
I was in Kauai for Thanksgiving with Jeff, Rachel, and the gkids. Loved buddying, playing board games, and getting to go for a live Christmas tree (Home Depot!) and decorating for Christmas. Only going once a year is not enough but the time spent is fabulous! Tomorrow I’m off to Ga for Christmas with Jason and family. Anxious to see them after visiting in May for my grandson’s grad. He’s completed his first trimester of college and gif we’ll both grade wise and socially!
Blessings all around!
Love to you😊