The year that was, the year that is

2008 came and went in a hurry. Seems quite surreal to think that this time last year Jill was about 2 months pregnant with Cooper, and now he is 5 months old. Our lives have certainly been changed forever, but its an incredible change.

Pregnancy sure seemed to fit Jill, and she was a champ at being healthy

From 2009 Looking Forward

I spent the first 7 months of the year skiing and riding like crazy, knowing that the next year wouldn't feature quite so much of that. I came into Cooper's due date (July 20th) at 184lbs and probably the best shape I've been in overall. Then in a snap it seemed like July had come and gone and still no Cooper.

Then on the 1st of August, early in the morning the time came. In what was an eerily calm event, we proceeded to the hospital and 12 or so hours late we had a healthy baby boy and a healthy mother.

From 2009 Looking Forward

1 month came and went quickly

From 2009 Looking Forward

From 2009 Looking Forward

And at about 2 months, we gave Cooper his indoctrination into our family with a hiking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park.

From 2009 Looking Forward

Fall came and Cooper geared up for football season and got to attend his first basketball game at Gallagher Iba.

From 2009 Looking Forward

We kept getting Cooper, Baloo and Molly out when we could, although that would hit a road bump the day after this picture was taken.

From 2009 Looking Forward

My winter sporting and travel schedules took a hit in early November with an ill-fated game of squash in San Antonio that left me with 1 good Achilles tendon.

From 2009 Looking Forward

A week later I'd undergone successful surgery and 8 weeks later I'm walking without the boot and riding my bike, although still a long way from "fixed".

From 2009 Looking Forward

The other big event of the year was our first child, Baloo celebrating his 10th birthday. Baloosy has been around for almost all my post-college life, and is pretty much the best dog you could ever ask for. He may be 10, but to see his energy levels one would think he's a year old.

So to honor Baloosy's big birthday, two of my favorite pics.

From 2009 Looking Forward

From 2009 Looking Forward

We spent 3 weeks in Oklahoma and Arkansas around Thanksgiving. Got to see lots of family and friends, visit Jim and Judy's new swank pad and Super Cooper got to see Aunt LK again and meet uncle Justin for the first time.

From 2009 Looking Forward

Who knows what 2009 will bring, but I expect to see lots more of this...

From 2009 Looking Forward

and this

From 2009 Looking Forward

and probably some of this too

From 2009 Looking Forward

2009 looks to be fine year so far, with the first two days being high 50s and sunny. Here's hoping you and yours have a great year, and as we usually say on our Christmas cards.....

See you on the trails.

Joel, Jill, Baloo, Molly and Super Cooper