Endings and Beginnings

Amy's Grandfather, Howard Dean Bakker, passed away Tuesday, March 6th.  We had a service for him yesterday (March 9th).  He really was a great man and it was a real loss.  I spent countless hours discussing books we had both read, listening to his Navy stories, and talking politics.  He will be truly missed.  Read his obituary here.

It has been announced on Facebook, but I wanted to post on here that Amy and I are expecting!  We will be welcoming our first child, ultrasound says BOY!, on July 1st.  We are absolutely thrilled!  Amy is showing and the time is approaching.  

We are 92% sure of a name for our boy: Paul Andrew Robinette.  I have always liked the name Paul.  After all, he was essentially the writer of the new testament and the hero of one of my favorite sci-fi novels: Dune.  Andrew is my Great Great Grandpa's name on the Robinette side.  Andrew John Patterson came over from Ireland in about 1883.  We still have his bible from catholic school.  I really like the flow of the name and think it should serve Paul well.  Having said that, we still reserve the right to change it!

So, as Howard's life ends a new life begins.  It is a bittersweet time; a time filled with family, joy, and mourning.  I have much more to say on many topics, but this will do for now.  From Lake Havasu City, where Howard lived with his beloved Nadine, so long everyone.