Here it is Christmas of 1999 and the new millennium is quickly approaching. This year has brought us one of lives greatest changes. Antonio Giuseppe was born January 31st, eleven days before the doctors estimated due date. What do doctor’s know?

Steve had to fly to Global’s Ft. Lauderdale office in March and we took Tonio with us. Tony was less then 2 months and he had his first jet ride. And no, his head did not explode. There were so many things to do while we were there. He got to go to the beach and play in the sand and the Atlantic Ocean. We dinned at many fine restaurants, on Global of course. Took many walks in the cool night air. Even took a road trip up to Orlando so Tony could see his Great Grandmother Otteson.

In May we finally became a 2-car family. It does make it easier for Steve to get to the train on time. But, I am seldom up now when Steve leaves for work. The plus side still wins though. Now I don’t have to watch the clock to make sure I am at the station to pick him up or super coordinate our schedules to make sure we can both get to where we want to go in the evening.

In the hottest weeks of July, Steve took a glass blowing class at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York. He spent two weeks baking in a hot studio working with hot glass. Unfortunately, the class did not live up to his expectations since he was unable to learn any new techniques. (We drove home early because he was so upset.) But, I enjoyed visiting the town and surrounding area while Steve was in class.

As soon as we returned from Corning, Tonio and I were off on a flight to Michigan to visit my parents for a week. Tonio, a seasoned traveler by the age of one, is on another jet. This was timed to coincide with Aunt Jane and Uncle Phil bringing Grandma Otteson to visit my parents. Steve missed his family the whole week they were gone.

I have kept busy trying to “entertain” Tonio. (I still haven’t figured out how anyone raises kids and keeps house.) Since misery loves company, I sought out other mothers that were in the same boat I was. We started taking Gymboree classes when he was about 3 months old. There were only a few other mothers and babies in the class when we started. As our babies have grown we have taken different classes but have decided we were tightly enough knit to start our own little playgroup and not have to spend the money on classes. Now we get together once a week at each other’s houses, have lunch and chat until 3:00 while the children play. At about 6 months old, I started taking Tonio to infant swim classes at the YMCA. Their heads do not go under water unless they put their own faces in. We sing songs and “dance” and have a little free time.

Steve’s company has just been taken over by a British firm this December, so next Christmas letter look for the details of our trip to London. It will be Tonio’s 3rd trip and he will need his passport for this one.

Best Holiday Wishes to All,