In honor of the new year, I thought I would write a family update. I am grateful for our health and for our cozy home on our little island. 2018 was full of big changes, events, and surprises. I know I am looking forward to the year ahead — with all its ups and downs, family, friends, and faith. I present to you the State of the Hive Address.
Paul
He is the assistant controller at the nonprofit he’s been at for almost eight years. He is a hard working and great leader there — always called upon for tough jobs and knowledge of the inner workings of the organization. But soon, he will be taking a couple months off to spend time with our new baby. He has been working non-stop since he graduated college, so we are all excited for him to have a leave of absence to spend time with his family. He’s an avid tennis player and golfer and although he cannot play often, he jumps at the chance when he can. He is the most hands on dad I could hope for. He is gentle and playful with his kids. They are enamored by their daddy and he loves them more than his own life. Current faves: gummy worms, golfing with our new neighbor, playing ball with the kids, and drinking sparkling water.
Emma
Our oldest will be five (!!!) in April and is an incredible little person. Her empathy and heart is something I marvel at daily. She is considerate and friendly and absolutely hilarious. She wants to pick out her outfit every day and definitely has her own sense of style. She enjoys learning new words and practicing math skills with her dad. She wants to do things independently but is still a mommy’s girl. She has an active imagination and some excellent dance moves. She says she wants to be a mommy when she grows up. She also says the sweetest prayers at bedtime. She is becoming so curious about the world around her and much prefers to hang out with other people than be alone. Current faves: tea, twirling, practicing letters, and dressing up as a princess.
Henry
Talk about an energetic spitfire. He is the most opinionated and playful little two and a half year-old. He is excellent with a racket and any sort of ball already. He even wants to hold on to a tennis ball while we are in the car. He loves trains and trucks and always points them out when he sees them. He likes to build train tracks and play with the toy trains. If you ask him what sounds animals make, he tells you with the greater possible enthusiasm. He is our loudest kid for sure. He is a daddy’s boy and loves his little brother and kisses him on the head at every possible opportunity. He likes to jump on furniture and is the sweetest cuddle bug. Current faves: trains, trucks, mac and cheese, and helping mommy make coffee.
Theo
The littlest bee in the hive will be three months old in a couple of days. He is an absolute joy in our home and has brought incredible life and love to our family. He loves tummy time and anything involving big sister and brother. He still hates diaper changes and much prefers to take showers over sink baths. He is becoming a better sleeper and he drinks a whole lot of breast milk. He (thankfully) takes a bottle from his daddy. He is a fairly content baby but will surely let you know if he has a dirty diaper or wants to be held. He enjoys looking out the window on car rides and has recently discovered the joys of sucking on his hands — he’ll get that thumb any day now. While he prefers to snuggle in bed with me, he is starting to sleep longer stretches in his own crib. Current faves: milk, mommy’s singing, wiggling on the floor, and watching big sister and brother play.
Samantha
As for me, I am soaking in the last few days of my maternity leave after having Theo. I will be resuming my role as Associate Dental Director and general dentist for the public health dental center I’ve been at for almost three years. I have a passion for treating children and pregnant women. But I’ve really enjoyed being home with Theo. In my spare time I love to work on my planner and bullet journal and I collect stickers and stationery supplies. I have a huge (for me) goal of reading at least 26 books this year which will be challenging with my full-time schedule and mommy duties. I have been blogging on and off since 2011 and continue to enjoy sharing life’s moments and my random thoughts with you all. Current faves: planner-ing, flavored coffee creamer, Golden Girls reruns, and dance parties with my family.
