stella elisabeth, and grandma betty.

i have been very distracted this fall, and feel i have been remiss in not sharing a couple of huge events that have happened in our close/extended family.

matthew's cousin liz and her partner pete had a baby girl. she arrived at 7:26pm monday October 6th, 2008. her name is stella elisabeth mcguinn. she looks just like pete, so far.

WELCOME, SWEET LITTLE ONE. WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE YOU JOIN OUR FAMILY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO WATCHING YOU GROW- YOUR PARENTS ARE GONNA BE GREAT GUIDES, AND WILL SHOW YOU THE WAY, WITH PLENTY OF FUN ADDED IN!

the other major happening is much less joyful, but so important and sweet. matthew's dear grandmother, betty morris, passed away on november 7, 2008. she was the ideal matriarch of the coates clan. mother of 6, grandmother of 17, great-grandmother of 23 (not 100% on the last number). she was loving, and kind, baked like nobody's business. after battling emphysema for several years, we knew her time was short. we are sad that we have to lose her, but glad for her comfort and relief she now has in heaven- and we'll get to see her there. we will miss you dearly, grandma!