Summer 2007

Dear family and friends,

It has been a long while since we wrote everyone. David survived his 12-week-long internal medicine rotation, studying very diligently and working very hard the whole time. He has now begun his neurology rotation, which he has really looked forward to since that is what he would like to go into. David even got to do a spinal tap on his first day. He still manages to spend some good time with Emily and William, help with the Young Men, and help out some around the house. David and Emily enjoyed celebrating their 2nd wedding anniversary by eating out at a Brazilian churrascuria (did we get that right, Clark?) restaurant.

William is now 15 months old. He walks faster and faster, but is not quite running yet. His latest tricks are walking backwards and spinning in circles. William jabbers constantly, and has made some decent attempts at words, but does not seem to like to continue using them, except for “Daddy”. His understanding is definitely increasing, though, and he loves to have books read to him. He can also point to his toes, ears, and hair when asked. We really enjoy watching him discover and learn.



William is also our little beaver. We discovered that he gnawed all along the top of his crib rail. Now we know the purpose of crib rail guards! Too bad our crib didn’t come with one. He enjoys chewing on his fingers and other sundry things as well, but hasn’t gotten any new teeth lately. Sometimes we feel like we live in a high security area, having to close one door before we can enter another, to ensure that William won’t get into the most “dangerous” parts of the house. He loves to reach up and get into anything he can find. We’re often amazed at what he can reach. Lately we have lost some things, only to find them later where William has taken them. We’ve also discovered that he loves to put things, including some of his toys, in the trashcan. Recently he started holding the phone up to his ear as if he’s talking on the phone. He is a great help around the house—he actually helps Emily with the laundry and with collecting the trash from around the house. William loves the vacuum, broom, dishwasher, and motorized drills. Whenever he hears anyone clapping or laughing (even on the radio), he joins in excitedly. One of his favorite things is to be chased by his daddy, and he is also very affectionate and loves to give us hugs (especially when he wants to try our food).



Emily has kept busy chasing after William and cleaning up his messes. One week in June she helped carpool her Cub Scouts to and from their day camp, and even went one half day to help her den there. Emily especially enjoyed the archery part, during which she got to shoot 10 arrows. One of the men was giving her a few pointers before she started, then was shocked when she got a direct bull’s eye on her very first shot! The other 9 weren’t bad either. Emily brought William to the family lunch on Friday, and even though they only stayed about one hour, poor William got 16 mosquito bites on his little legs.

Emily got a new calling today to be the 1st counselor in the Relief Society Presidency. She is excited about the new assignment, but will miss working with the Cub Scouts. She enjoyed taking William to the Irving parade on the 4th of July while David was studying. William even caught some candy (it landed in his stroller).

For any who may not know, we are expecting another baby boy in September. Ten weeks ago we had a sonogram which revealed our little boy is not developing properly. His brain has developed almost completely outside of his head in a sac called an encephalocele, and is expected to live a few days at the most. This was quite a shock to us, but thanks to the prayers and fasting of many family and friends, we feel peaceful that this is Heavenly Father’s will for us and for our son. We chose the name Aaron David Clark. Since that sonogram, we’ve had some meetings with specialists to get some direction and a better understanding of what to expect. We will be delivering at a different hospital that can handle Aaron better, and have also had to change obstetricians. We realize even more what a miracle all births are, and are especially grateful for William.

We hope this letter finds you well and happy.

Love, David, Emily, and William