Christmas Greetings friends and family! 2008 was an exciting year for us for a lot of reasons, but news that we would be having a baby girl has to be at the top of the list. Apparently Caleb by himself wasn’t enough, and honestly, he’s so amazing and cute, that it only makes sense that there should be more where that came from. Gracie is scheduled to arrive in late February. We are obviously very excited about this addition to our family.
Caleb, as previously mentioned, is about the cutest little guy we could imagine. We are blessed that Melissa has been able to continue to stay home with Caleb, and she is doing a phenomenal job raising our little boy. He’s now about 1 ½ and making small sentences, artwork, music and already being chased by girls – namely his little friend Abby. We are amazed to watch how quickly Caleb learns and absorbs the world that surrounds him. Caleb and Mom spend the morning exhausting the interest of anything found in our house, and typically get out of the house once before and once after his midday nap. Caleb’s current interests are delaying bedtime (with more books, sips of water or whatever works), pouring water from “up-high” in the tub, the moon, Kindermusick class, the harmonica, magnets on every metallic surface in our house, yogurt, helping with laundry, and grazing the food table at mom group pot-lucks.
Melissa is loving staying home. She continues to do a little private tutoring in the evening until Gracie arrives. Time with other mom friends and participating in a couple of mom’s groups have been a highlight, not to mention getting to be present for every nuance of Caleb’s growth and development. Without a doubt Caleb and Melissa are best buddies.
And in other parenting news, I (Dan) am also loving being a dad. It’s like everyone says – incredible at the most profoundly deep level. The highlight of my day is the playtime after work. There’s just nothing quite like hearing “upwiddadada” (as in ‘up with the dada’) – which translates to carry me…
Year 2 at the Visual Arts & Design Academy (vadasbhs.org) has proven to be more of a challenge in my second year, for the simple reason that, the further into something you get, the more complex it is. I still love it a lot and we have accomplished a great deal in just a year. During these times, what a blessing to have a job, and on top of that, one that is meaningful and fulfilling. While I love the program visioning and leadership aspects, working with my students has been the most refreshing part lately.
With sincere gratitude and a discipline of thankfulness we take this time to bear witness to the blessings God has given, even in the midst of our difficulties which pale in comparison. We hope your year past and year ahead are full of blessing too.
Much Love, Dan, Melissa and Little Caleb, and Forthcoming Gracie
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