Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat!

Well there has been lots of news to report here, but somehow I forget to update my blog!

First, on the up side, our new baby is doing well. Expected to arrive Feb 25, it is a girl; and we plan to name her Lauren Grace Rich. We are very excited.

Secondly, Will loves all things Christmas! Christmas with a 2 year old is truly magical. He has insisited on about 50 viewings of the Polar Express and has loved visiting Santa Claus. He knows all of the Christmas vocabulary, and loves reporting to us about Claus, and reindeer. Tonight we are celebrating at Joe's mom's with his brothers and dad. Should be very exciting.

Third, Joe's littlest brother Matt is expecting a baby. We only recently realized this when he and his girlfriend Selena attended Will's second birthday party at Happy Joe's. Who knew?? She's due in about April!?

Last but certainly not least, your prayers are being called on. Joe recently has been experiencing some health problems. Following a sinus infection his right eye began to droop. After a great many MRIs and Cat Scans, they discovered a tumor on his thyroid. The neurolgoist think this tumor is pinching the nerve to Joe's eye. But of greater concern right now is whether the tumor is benign or malignant, and if it is contained to just his thyroid or worse spread to his chest/lungs. Tuesday we are headed to the University Hospitals for a biopsy and cat scan of Joe's chest. I anticipate a surgery to remove the tumor regardless of the cancer report. But, the anxiety and worry has been difficult for all of us.

It has been a very good 2009 for Joe, Liz & Will...we hope to conclude the year with a little good luck and answers to our prayers for a healthy dad and husband!