Stepping Back for 2006

[Nate Smith]

I have hinted at this previously, but I think the time has come now for the official announcement(as I sit in a half-unpacked house at 7:30 in the morning, waiting for the web site to update telling me when our washing machine is going to get here)...

For the 2006 season, you will not be seeing my wife or myself in our usual roles at the michigan regional events. We have recently(well, about 2 months ago now) found out that we are expecting a new addition to the family, who, from what we've been told, will be getting here around January 31. We may still make an appearance at the West Michigan regional, as that is now our "home" event, but that will most likely be our only involvement with the 2006 season. We are still scheduled to attend the Kettering Kickoff this September, and perhaps Sweet Repeat in October(waiting to hear back from them).

So, for the first time since 2000, you will not see myself or my wife in a crew shirt in our usual roles(or any role for that matter). We wish everyone the best of luck in the upcoming season, and hopefully we will be able to make at least a partial return for 2007.

PS - Some of you may be slightly confused at this announcement, due to a similar one being made in the fall of 2004. Unfortunately, we were expecting at that time as well, but lost the baby on Thanksgiving Day 2004. We have made it well past that point in the pregnancy this time, and the doctor sees no reason to suspect any trouble in the remaining months.

[Greg Perkins]

Hey Nate, CONGRATULATIONS...although ive never met you, its ashame that you will be unavailable to help out the regional. It's people like you and your wife that make FIRST what it is, and its unfortunate that you'll be missing out on another FANTASTIC year . Anyway, good luck with your "addition" and good luck!!

[Beth Sweet]

Awww, congrats congrats congrats! Here's to seeing a healthy Smith family at WMR!

[ChrisH]

Congratulations on the new addition and sorry to hear about the first try. We lost one ourselves many years ago and it still hurts. Some things you never entirely get over.

Rather than take a year off, I'd recommend a decade or so. (well, until junior is old enough for FLL anyway) Hopefully you'll soon have more than one future FIRSTer toddling around. Enjoy them while they are young. Play with them as much as you can, doing what they enjoy. FIRST or something like it will be around when your kids are old enough to enjoy it. Then get re-involved and help them have the best program you can manage.

Which doesn't mean you can't be take them to events as spectators. It doesn't hurt to start the inspiring early. Just remember to leave when it stops being fun for THEM. Even the most interested child has a limit to how much inspiring they can take in a day. You don't want to ruin it for them by making it something they dread. But I wouldn't get any more involved until they can participate, or until you can figure out a way to get paid for doing FIRST.

[Freddy Schurr]

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!

[tiffany34990]

Congrats on a new addition to the family. I pray for a good delivery, healthy baby and speedy recovery for your wife.

[Arefin Bari]

Congrats Nate... another lil FIRSTer is coming? We will be by your side whenever you need us. We hope to see you back with us soon. woooo

[Kyle Love]

...45's going to "recruit" Nate's kid!!! haha Anywho congrats!

[JoeXIII'007]

Congrats!!!

[Matt Attallah]

Congrats man! Good to hear that everything is going ok.

Maybe we'll eat at Old Country Buffet agian one day...? (Yes - I have had dinner with Nate )

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Nate,
Congratulations on one of the only real excuses for bowing out. (for a while anyway) Hope everything goes according to plan. If you need any help, Paul Copioli has plenty of experience. Hope to see you around.
Al

[wheeler]

Congrats!!!
This is the most wonderful time of ones life. The pending arrival of a child is even more exciting then waiting for the FIRST kickoff announcement. Just remember that once they are old enough they have a place in FIRST. My 5 year old son is considered part of my team and the students are always looking for him at everything the team does. He has been attending events since 2003. Now my 2 year old always asks if I am going to robots then saids he wants to go. It is a great feeling know that we work with a program that is very family friendly.

[Erin Rapacki]

Congrats on the soon-to-be new addition to the family! What will be the kid's first robotics toy? Good luck with everything.

[Mike AA]

Ok Nate, I missed ya when you moved away then thought maybe i'd get to see you around town and robotics this year now you're getting a kid? Ohh sure we see how you are. No, really thats great, grat news. Congrats, hope you come visit atleast once with the youngster. Or maybe I'll visit you funny how you've come back to where you started just to start something new and great. Tell your wife hi, and maybe I'll see you wondering the mall again sometime.

-Mike Aalderink
HHS class of 2002

[Nate Smith]

Nothing like bringing back a really old thread, but I figured this would be the best way to update everybody...

Caleb Nathan (our son) was born healthy on January 13, 2006 and is doing fine. I may have seen a few of you at the West Michigan event, as we all made a brief appearance. I've attached a recent picture for everyone to enjoy.

2007 is still up in the air for us, as we just recently found out we have another addition due at the end of March - yep, right in the middle of regionals. So far, so good with this one as well. However, we may be getting involved with the competition this year in another way. I can't say much more than that at this point, as things are still in discussion, but there's a few here who know what I'm talking about, and I just ask that if you do know, keep it to yourself for the time being.