We thought we’d get an early start this year since we, yet again, have a new address.

We last left you off as we were settling into our casa grande in Houston, TX. Well, what a difference a year makes. We have had not only one, but two addresses since that point! A move at eight months pregnant, and then another two weeks post-pardum – what a nightmare. The good news is, it’s all been for a good cause. Rob received a transfer from Compaq to one of its subsidiary companies, Alta Vista, and he is loving it. No more banker’s hours and it’s somewhat insanely busy, but all in a good way.

And, of course, we’ve got other big news – Miss Olivia Marie Teegarden. She was born on Father’s Day, June 20th, 1999, at a healthy 8 pounds, 3 ounces; 19 ½ inches. An uneventful delivery when compared to Colton’s – no emergency C section this time, she just slipped out the old fashioned way. So far, she has been an amazingly good baby – sleeping through the night by 4 weeks, synchronizing her naps to Colton’s and basically beaming with smiles all day long. Her latest accomplishments are rolling and scooching all over the floor and sitting unassisted for several minutes at a time.

Mr. Colton is doing well and loving his new role as big brother. I can’t tell you how many times a day he hugs and kisses Olivia with an emphatic “I love you, Olivie!” She’s pinched, sat on and used for target practice, but he always makes it up to her. In addition to hanging out with little sis, he’s been busy getting potty trained (yep, that’s done, woo-hoo!), learning gymnastics and making lots of new friends in Orange County – oh yes, and talking our ears off. A couple of his latest funnies: we asked where Colton lives – Mission Bayho (Viejo), and then asked where daddy lives – work! (I hear ya, buddy); we then asked what daddy’s name was – daddy. No, what’s the other name mommy calls daddy? – nutcase. Ok, so maybe he should keep his day job, but we thought it was hilarious.

Rob and I have been frantically busy with the new job, new house and new baby, but we’re managing to stay sane. We’re happy as clams to be back in California, and probably won’t be easily talked into leaving again – we consider it a lesson learned. Some big news about Rob, he won an international award from Microsoft for a compound registration application he wrote for a biotech company. This entailed a few days journey to Chicago where he rubbed elbows with the likes of Bill Gates. Didn’t get to meet him, but managed to catch his head in the background of a photo – better than a pie in the face, right.

Soshie (Colton’s name for Chloe) is doing well, and is happy to have a back yard after almost 4 months in an apartment. She’s particularly happy that Colton now knows how and where to get her biscuits, and he loves to do it often. Porchia, unfortunately, had a relapse of depression and resumed pottying all over our new house, so she went to live with my mom, who soon kicked her out, too. Last we heard, she was still living with her new family in Houston.

Hmmm, reading this over, I’ve hardly captured the essence of this past crazy year. The best I can say is that is was indescribable. Looking forward to a calmer, saner 2000 – and wishing one for all of you, too!

Love,
The Teegardens
Rob, Lanie, Colton, Olivia and Chloe