Christmas 2017 Newsletter

As we reflect back on 2017, there is much to be thankful for. We have enjoyed some very special time with family and friends this year including visits in Tennessee and trips to Canada, California, and an upcoming trip to Indiana for the holidays. Stay tuned for next year’s newletter which is sure to be packed with cute pictures of the soon-to-be newest addition to the Osterman family. #newbaby #itsagirl

Gavin

Gavin spent much of this year sleeping, eating and growing. It was so nice to have many family members join us for his dedication at Rolling Hills Community Church this spring. He turned 1 in October and has recently started to walk. He loves playing with brothers toys and has a great baby “Batman Voice.” It’s hard to describe how this boy eats without seeing it first hand. It’s like a combination of the tazmanian devil cartoon from the 90’s and a garbage disposal. The foods he most enjoys include grilled salmon, steak, and doughnuts (the benefit of being the second child).

Owen

Owen turned 5 in August and has grown so much this year. He is loving being a big brother and is a big helper around the house. He loves to play outside with the neighbors. He started the year with skating lessons and went through the Nashville Predators youth development programs. He has really improved in his skating abilities and most importantly has been having a lot of fun out on the ice. He has been learning to read and loves to visit our local library. Owen has especially enjoyed discussing space, anatomy, and biology over the dinner table this year.  He enjoyed all the family time with some very special visits at home and our travel with family. He continues to work on his home apprentice skills with dad in doing carpentry and he loves playing chess with dad. He is looking forward to kindergarten next year.

Travis

Travis’ year has been eventful and productive.  This year he completed his MS in biomedical informatics and was awarded an NIH Loan Repayment Plan award by the National Cancer Institute.  His research continues to focus on using natural language processing to extract smoking history from the electronic health record.  Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) transitioned to a new electronic health record on 11/2/2017 and Travis has been active in helping the transition both for the Cancer Center and VUMC more broadly.  At home, the renovations have slowed up which has meant Travis has had some more time to help Owen with planting seeds, woodworking, and chess.  Another highlight of the year was spending a week in San Diego with Travis’ parents Phil Compton and family; and Phil’s parents.  Finally, we had a great view of the 2017 eclipse and saw 2 minutes and 38 seconds of totality with clear skies and great weather.  That was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Laura

Laura has appreciated being home this year and has settled into a new pace of stay-at-home mom life. Feeding the two boys has been a full time job in itself. Laura had a lot of fun doing a unit study on the continents with Owen during which he had chance to make and eat foods from around the world including: sushi, chinese dumplings, bobotie, and homemade curry. Laura completed the Rock ‘N Roll Half Marathon (2nd time) with brother Dan in the spring. Other highlights this year included: a spring trip to the sugar bush, mom & dad’s 40th anniversary, a Tennessee camping trip with Dad, and seeing Allison Kraus perform at the Ryman. In other news, Laura is getting older. While sorting through pictures Travis lovingly said “Go put on your glasses.” She then booked an eye appointment and is now wearing contacts and is looking forward to seeing much more clearly in 2018.

With Love,

Travis, Laura, Owen, and Gavin

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Christmas Present

Christmas Past