The phrase "A Baby Changes Everything" doesn't even begin to describe this past year for us.
Christmas Day 2008
It has been a continual beginning for us throughout the various infant stages and in our progression towards "normalcy" in our lives with work, church and our community involvement. 
Easter 2009 - April
Through Kara's postpartum depression various friends really stepped up to help out and we were able to be on the receiving end of love. It was humbling and a growing time. Each month Ian was learning new things of course and so were mommy & daddy. 
June 2009
Ian has changed the way we go about our daily schedules and has enriched the way we experience life - smiling and really enjoying the joys of life. God has shown us that each day is not our own. And though Ian is not the center of our universe (God is), he does tend to occasionally change our plans. 
September 2009
As for normal life, as much as you can call it that in the ministry...each day is different. Kara ran two mini-marathons last Spring getting her body back in shape and Mark trained and helped coach the high school cross country team this past Fall. It became apparent as Kara began to counsel again and work for the hospital along with beginning a new ministry endeavor for training care counselors in October that she was not going to be able to be involved with coaching the girl's basketball team this year. It was a sad revelation but God has brought more blessings with it.
December 2009
Mark began a new group model for the church and launched that and is continuing to teach and preach. We are excited for this new year as Ian is fully walking and running and saying words "mom" "dad" "ball" "uh-oh" and various other sounds. He's a cup drinker and loves to clap! See a baby changes everything...we are growing as parents and people for sure. 
December 22nd 2009
Ian turned One December 22nd and is an official toddler. Boy, is this 2010 going to be a growing year of toddlerisms! Blessings,
Mark, Kara & Ian Messmore + Tira & Trilly Messmore
