Joseph is greeting the newest citizen of the U.S.


Joseph on Christmans Morning

Joseph is ready for a Chicago winter

Jennifer, Carrie, Jamie, Don & Sandy:

a Peace Corps Senegal reunion in Washington DC

The Diatta's visit the Capitol

Joseph was hoping to have a word with President Bush

Back in December when I created this blog, I had high hopes of being able to add posts on a weekly basis. Although it has now been almost 6 weeks since my last post, here are 6 good reasons why I have not added even the shortest paragraph:

1.) Joseph started walking! His official first step was on January 29th. Watching him walk is about the most adorable thing I have ever seen- so all of my time has been spent gazing at him. If you too would like to become enraptured- copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=4f01dc9b2d3cb0ca0bab2c&skin_id=601&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

2.) Youssou became a US citizen! 6 years of paperwork, tests and interviews- and just in time to vote!

3.) Joseph turned 1 years old in February! It is so hard to believe that my little baby is not really a baby anymore. He's walking, talking, dancing, clapping, giving his dad a high-five, and showing me every day that he is "so big!".

4.) I got a new job! As many of you know, my wonderful job with Peace Corps had a five year limit to it. That fives years has snuck up so quickly! I have recently accepted a job offer to become an Adjudications Officer for CIS. The work will be very similar to my work with Peace Corps- primarily interviewing people and determining eligibility. But rather than interviewing Peace Corps applicants, I will be interviewing foreign nationals who wish to become US citizens. The great thing about this is that I will once again get to interact with people from different countries.

5.) We unexpectedly lost my Uncle Stan. For those of you who knew him and his infectiously funny personality, here is a link to a news article about him: http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/754345,2_1_AU23_KARNOSCAK_S1.article

6.) I am back in school for the first time since Joseph was born. Although I did take one short class over the summer, I really dived in head first this winter with two full classes; Climate Change Policy and Public Policy Administration. Yikes!

While providing exuses for not updating our new blog, I have conviently also shared all of our family news! Now how is that for efficient? Well, Joseph and I are off to decorate our home for Valentine's Day now... Hopefully our next entry will come before spring!