We've got some big news! Last week I accepted a job offer at a local software development company here in Grand Rapids. It is a very unique offer from a company that invests in their employees significantly. To give an example: Some time ago I was talking to one of their developers and happened to ask him where he learned C# (programming language they use at this company for the most part). I expected him to say something like, "I took a class in college" but instead he simply said, "Here, at this company." This is very unusual in today's job market as everyone seems to be looking for candidates with almost impossible amounts of experience/skills.
This offer also came in a very good time for our family because for the last couple of months, my salary at my current employer has no longer been covering our family expenses. I am very excited for this new opportunity but also sad to leave my coworkers that became good friends over the last three years. I have received many many blessings and hopefully have given some too.
To my coworkers: I plan on staying in touch. I want to thank all of you for the great time I've had.
At Kaiya's 12 month well-baby check-up, she weighed in at 23 pounds and 2 ounces. That is with her clothes on and a clean diaper. At all of her other check-ups we had to strip her down and put her on a little baby scale, but at her 12 month check-up, Miss Kaiya got to stand on the big person digital scale and get weighed just like mommy and daddy. She stood there so patiently until the nurse announced her weight. We forgot to ask what percentile she is in, but I'm sure she is still topping the charts. Kaiya measured 30 and ½ inches tall, and since I'm dropping numbers she also has ten little pearly white teeth. She got a great report from the doctor and the go ahead to wean her to cow's milk as soon as we are ready.
My friend's son, Ian, put into words exactly what Andrej and I have been thinking lately. As Ian entered the room where we were, he looked strangely at Kaiya as she stood in the middle of the room playing with a toy. He turned to his mom and asked, "Where is Baby Kaiya?" His mom, understanding why he would be surprised to see Baby Kaiya standing up all by herself, explained, "That is Baby Kaiya. She just isn't a baby anymore." Satisfied with her answer, he looked at Kaiya and simply said, "Oh."