Superbowl party

We went over to Josh, Liz, and Linc's house for the superbowl. Arno was there for the historic victory of the Giants over the dreaded Patriots. Great fun! Grandpa Ed was there in spirit as Giants reversed along time without a championship. Who knows, the next time Giants win Arno may be old enough to watch the game in a bar.

Arno around Town

Arno has been getting around town. He has visited SPU and met Karen's boss Kevin, had a reunion with other infants from our childbirth class at Gracewinds, met Josh and Liz's son Lincoln, and made some new friends.

At almost 5 months old, he is about 15 lbs. and 26 inches long. He is thriving -- smart, alert and very active.

California Kinfolk

In early December, Arno traveled with his mom and dad to visit his family in California. We took a short flight to Sacramento and took part in the festivities for Granddad Clive's 60th Birthday. Arno got to meet his Aunts Sarah and Claire, Uncles John and Kevin, Cousins Elizabeth, Marrissa, Caleb, and Matthew, and friends Brian and Robyn. Arno proved a first-rate traveler and thrived on all of the love and attention.

Thanksgiving time!

Arno enjoyed his first Thanksgiving at home, with visits from friends like Matt, Robin, Donna and Pastor Paul.

What's in a name?

Arno is an unusual name in the USA but common in Central Europe. It is a short form of the old Germanic name Arnold. There have been a number of famous Arnos, including the powerful 8th Century bishop of Salzburg who helped to establish the Church in southern Germany and was a great scholar and patron of learning. In the 20th Century, there was also the prominent German author, Arno Schmidt, and the controversial sculptor Arno Breker. Arno Penzias won the Nobel prize for physics.

We liked this name for another reason: the Arno is the principal river of Tuscany and flows through the great medieval and Renaissance cities of Florence and Pisa. Just a year before Arno's birth, we spent time along that river and adore the history, art, and wine of that region of Italy.
Here are two photos of the Arno in Pisa and one in Florence.

Grandma Barbara and Grandpa Ed

Grandma Barbara is making her 4th visit to see Arno and Grandpa Ed is making his 2nd visit. Arno is very excited to see his grandparents tonight.

Bath time