Our beautiful, little princess getting ready for her party
Karli, checking out the bouncy turtle
Catching up with her friend Aubrey 
Having fun playing with Erica's digital camera
Yummy...pizza
Opening presents with daddy
Avery's first Tea Set
Lots of fun outfits from Grandma Heather and Grandpa Bruce
More presents!
Karli's checking this gift out to make sure it's safe for Avery and showing her how it works
Look at the gorgeous pink poncho Granner knitted for the birthday girl!
Time for CAKE!!!
Happy Birthday, Little One!WOW, What a year this has been!!! In some ways we can't believe a year has gone by since we brought Avery home from the hospital, but in some ways WE CAN believe it. It's amazing how in 365 days our little girl has grown from a drooling, dependent, stationary newborn to a communicating, independent, adventursome toddler.
Having a baby has been the biggest, life-changing experience for me and Geoff. We are both still working part-time, Geoff for Sunrise Kitchens Catering and Breanne as an Infusion RN for Kaiser Permanente. We are still living in Northridge, CA, fortunately close to Grandma and Grandpa Mateko, Aunt Taylor and Uncle Cole, who all graciously help take care of Avery when Mommy and Daddy are working. Geoff is still seeking a Pastoral Call and just completed a 4-month teaching commitment for children's Sunday School at Pacific Crossroads in Santa Monica, the church we've been attending for the past year. Breanne has been busying herself at home when not at work, enjoying every possible moment of wife and motherhood. We decided to start the new year fresh by opening up our home for a Home Group Bible Study on Sunday nights where we've been going through the book of Hebrews. This has allowed Geoff to use his gifts and do what he loves...teach and minister to those who are seeking further insight into God's Word and are currently not enfolded in a small/community group. It also gives Breanne the opportunity to use her gifts and do what she loves, which is entertain and extend hospitality to those around her.
The Lord has blessed us with an exciting and joy-filled, albeit humbling, year. We feel content with those blessings He's given us and yet we eagerly anticipate the surprises He might have in store for us in 2010. One thing we will look forward to for certain is the arrival of our second child come August 3rd!!! That's right...our family is growing and we couldn't be happier. Although there are moments of uncertainty and anxiety, where we are tempted to grumble or complain about our current situation, we are reminded everyday to reflect but not dwell on the things of the past in order that we might remember to live each day for the present and not worry about the future, of which we have no control and has worries of its' own. Thank you for all the prayers and support you have offered up on behalf of our family, for the Lord has been faithful to meet and even exceed our needs in this present time!
Happy New Year
&
All Our Love in 2010,
Geoff, Breanne & Avery
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -- Jeremiah 29:11
