Last year, at this time, we found ourselves eating dinner at Whitespot in Calgary and talking about the year to come with Kurtis. That seems so long ago today...

Joe ran into the world at full speed and has not slowed down since. In the 8 months, he has learned to sleep, eat, smile, laugh, say "hi" and "dada", roll over, crawl, and now entertaining the idea of walking. He has started to grow hair, cut four teeth, and grown out of most of his cloths. He officially registered as a Canadian, obtained a SIN number, and enjoyed a Maple Leafs vs Lightning hockey game. He has really learn to capture the excitement in life ... and added so much to ours.

We also enjoyed the release of the Screen Saver Menu utility, finally one of my projects/ideas made it into the world ... and I have managed 3800 downloads and 44 sales so far. Work has already started on the next version which will add a couple more features and improve on the old ones.

Melissa had excitement in the purchase of her first car and it quickly become our main family vehicle. Now, if only we could "fix" that alarm ;) 2005 also brought us back home for the "Baby Bahan Tour" ... it was great to see everyone again. From old friends to family to our old stomping grounds, we just wish it was longer.

Otherwise, life continued much as is. Ultimate on Thursdays ... work during the week ... and otherwise "Joe time" (use to be family time). We have met several new friends in Christopher and Shannon, Jae and Cynthia, and Josh and Jenna which has been so wonderful. We seem to be getting together regularly which is so needed with first time parents (what do you do when he/she does this??? ... are they doing that too??? ... H-E-L-P!!!! ... etc), but it has also been great for socializing (both for us and Joe).

So what does 2006 bring...

More excitement I am sure. It is looking like I will be taking a couple lead positions at work which is great for my career (well, guess depends on how I do). So I am really excited about that. We are continuing to pay off our bills, which should be gone by the middle of this year if we budget correctly. And I plan to continue to keep you all up-to-date with the website, I have really enjoyed sharing all our activities with you. Creating the movies and snapping the pictures have been a blast ... so plan on more in the new year.

And as a family, here is a quick list of our resolutions:

> Get Joe out on the ice (with walking just around the corner ... this might happen before the season is over)

> Get out rollerblading again ... regularly

> Get back to the wild, we enjoyed camping and it is about time to introduce it to Joe

> Take Joe to the Kennedy Space Center

> Look at taking up hockey again ... just need the gear

> Get back on the golf course ... Josh has got me hooked again

> Catch a shuttle launch ... if they fly this year

> Complete and release another "project" as shareware

> Payoff our remaining debt

> Secure a down-payment ... and maybe even the house

> Pick up a new computer (maybe used ... but new for us)

> Next year, be with family for christmas ... we really missed you guys this year

And one wish we have for 2006 as 2005 gets recoded in the books and Zeta winds down in the Atlantic, less storms!

Snapped from the CNN storm page

Needless to say, lunch was exciting today. While playing with mom in the living room, Joe decided to let go of her knee and take three ... count 'em 1-2-THREE ... steps towards me, who was quietly eating my lunch and watching TV. Well, so much for lunch. We spent the rest of my lunch break letting Joe attempt to walk between Melissa and I or walking him around the house. Joe was so happy with himself ... he was so determined to continue trying he did not even _want_ to sit down. Wow ... we are so proud. For note: he continued to manage to walk up-to three steps though we are still fighting balance. His body goes ... but the legs often fail to follow!!!! But I am sure he will pick it up in no time.

Growing by leaps and bounds ... leaps and bounds I say. And eating us out of house and home to keep the energy up. He polished off the equivalent of 3-4 baby bottles of peas, at least 1 bottle of carrots, and 3 Arrowroot cookies (Dad also had 2 ... yummmy!). And that was just for lunch ... AND he was still asking for more ... house and home I say!

And it was so much fun. Toys, cloths, games, movies, and more. A big thank-you goes out to everyone. We missed you all this morning but hope you are having a great day too.

We took some pictures to share with you. Love you ... miss you ... and Merry Christmas.

... and all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Except for pour Joe, who is both excited and ... and ... chewing on my toe!!!!! OUCH!!!!! And with that "two front teeth" wish coming true ... OUCH!!!! (two bottoms ... new right top front with the left not quite breaking the gums yet).

This afternoon we headed to the beach. Well, isn't that what you do on Christmas eve? (when in Rome, eh!) We took a little of Jack Frosts' touch with us to introduce Joe to a favorite holiday tradition ... and he enjoyed it ... he even tried a taste of the snow*. (non-yellow snow*)

Guess everyone needs a vacation...

Merry Christmas to all ... and to all a good night!

* sand used in substitute of actual snow

Click on the image to load the movie

So Joe is back on the small screen just in time for the holidays. We have taken these clips over the last month and I finally got a chance to get them all together. As it turns out ... this movie is obsolete before it hits the screens. Tonight, Joe moved to all fours in full crawling motion and has also improved his one-hand walking greatly since these clips were taken.

Anyways, we miss you all this holiday ... here's to a safe and happy Christmas. Enjoy!

"... roasting over an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose ..."

It was quite a weekend. Friday night Melissa and I took Joe to see the Sarasota Jungle Gardens and their christmas light show. Joined by Tiffany, Jordan, and parents we enjoyed a pleasant walk through the display of lights in animal figures ... a marshmallow roast ... hot chocolate ... and a close encounter with some flamingos. Have we mentioned Joe's intrigue with wildlife? It has been really fun exposing him ... and he seems to enjoy it too. After we enjoyed a movie at the McCoy Theater - it has been far too long since we all enjoyed such a night out. Fun! Fun!

Saturday night saw Hugo, Patricia, Nkosi, Melissa and I fight it out over the "dot COM Edition" of Monopoly. The battle of wits ended with Patricia racking up over 13 Billion dollars in cash and company stock. Me ... I only able to make a single acquisition - from another player no less. Luck so had it that I feel victim to market insecurity. Awww ... the fun or make believe!

Early Christmas gifts from Josh and Jenna ... thank you!

And Sunday came and went with a trip to Venice for a BBQ at Josh and Jenna's new place. They finally had their couches delivered so, after many months, had their house warming. The "boys" snuck out for a little driving range competition before returning to enjoy some wonderful burgers and dogs. I must say it has been far too long since I have swung a golf club ... but on the plus side ... my slice is no worse ;)

Now ... back to work ...

This past weekend Melissa, Joe, Patricia and Krishen took a trip to Tampa to drop Nkosi's mother at the airport ... and on their way back they stopped off at the mall for a treat. It was Joe's first visit to Santa,

And I want ... and a ... and a ... and ...

Then Joe took them around the mall to show Mom what he told Santa he was looking for ...

... see Mom, isn't it great

But in other news, cooked up lunch for myself and Nkosi yesterday. Someone should tell Melissa to keep me out of the kitchen. By 4:00 I had a headache ... and by 4:30 I was "not feeling well". So, Melissa snagged me from the office and then dragged me down to the ER (grrr! ... I just wanted a bed).

They doped me up and I slept with an IV in me for the next 4 hours ... great fun. Thanks dear. Turns out shellfish can sometimes be a little hard on the stomach ... especially when you let me cook it in a fry pan for lunch and no supervision. Oh well ... today I am completely back to normal (maybe a slight headache - but I am missing coffee too) and the hospital visit was probably a bit too much. Yet, Melissa felt that shellfish can be quite 'funny' and it was better to be safe ... than well ... you know the story. She is probably right.

At least the staff enjoyed themselves. I apparently am a great demo toy (look ma'am I make mannequins for this). Plus, Joe is great at making friends wherever he goes ... so we were treated well.

Time to play dress-up

Once more it was time for the annual company christmas party. This year we changed venues to right downtown on the waterfront ... and wow ... it was a nice spot. Very relaxed, very social, and very enjoyable. Joe stayed with Jae and Cynthia while we went and played ... thanks guys, it is nice to get out as a couple every once-in-a-while.

Patches the cat has requested the help of the general public in the hunt for her food thief. "One minute it was there ... the next it was vandalized, scattered, ... STOLEN.", says Miss Patches. The theft occurred sometime after 8:15pm when, it is believed, the culprit was placed on the kitchen floor to free his mothers hands while she cleaned up. Next thing she new there was cat food all over the floor and the suspect was making a get away.

If you have any information regarding this crime, please call immediately.

Suspect: blonde hair, blue eyes, ~27" tall

The boy with his girls ... they've grown so much!

Last night we once again gathered with our Lamaze clique for a Christmas gathering. The girls all showed up sporting their fanciest dresses and Joe in his best suit. Man have these kids grown ... and each one has their own set of new "tricks" that kept us all entertained. We enjoyed good food while crafting a homemade ornament for the tree (a foot print with two hands makes a great Rudolph) and boasting about the latest achievements (or enquiring about the horrors of what is coming next).

It was a great time ... sadly this will likely be the last meeting of all six families. One of the little ones is making the move to Jacksonville early in the new year. It is sad to see them leave, but we know the opportunity is great and we are excited for them. It has been really fun getting to know you!

Getting into the Christmas spirit

On a side note, it seems like the west coast is getting a bit of snow. Which is never good in Vancouver (such a funny commentary - you have got to read it). But ... we really understand what they are going through ... this morning it was a chilly 20 deg celcuis, and tomorrow it is expected to drop to 16 - BrrrrrR! Time to pull out the winter jackets.

Photos by Christopher

Just because we live in Florida does not mean that Joe should miss out on the 'hockey experience'. So Darren, Krishen, Melissa, Joe, and I all headed to Tampa to enjoy the match between the Lightning and the Maple Leafs. We were a little late getting there ... well, a little late leaving and "problems" on the drive (apparently Joe decided he did not like his dinner ... after he ate!!!!)

Joe had his ticket

We did miss a large part of the first period (and Toronto's only goal), but we got to enjoy plenty of action over the second two. While the officiating still needs a lot of work, the game was a close one with lots of chances and great saves for both sides. And ... the most important thing ... Joe seemed to really enjoy the whole experience; the lights, the music, the game ... and the people! (He is such an entertainer!) Now ... when does the lake freeze down here ???

Photo's taken by Krishen ... thanks!