e hope this message finds all of you well! We realize how much we love receiving your newsletters, and we were inspired to write our own. Hope you will enjoy the first edition of our newsletter! e hope this message finds all of you well! We realize how much we love receiving your newsletters, and we were inspired to write our own. Hope you will enjoy the first edition of our newsletter!
Jordan is now 14 months old and is a bundle of energy! She is very playful, cheerful and easy-going. She babbles all day, and can say "da," with all different pitches and intonations. She is especially amusing when she mimics Ivy talking on the phone. She will hold a remote control to her ear, "talking" into it as she walks around the apartment touching this and that... much like Ivy multi-tasking while talking on the phone! Lulling herself to sleep every night by sucking her thumb (it runs in the family, you know?), Jordan sleeps a solid 11-12 hours every night! That has been a HUGE blessing! One of our greatest joys is going into her room late at night, squeezing each other's hands as we look at her and are simply in awe of our little blessing!
Ivy returned to work part-time in January. She continues to teach English Language Learners in an elementary school in New Hyde Park, which has been both challenging and rewarding. We have been blessed to have Ivy's mom watch Jordan during Ivy's workdays. It has been a double blessing because mom will have lunch ready for Ivy too when she arrives to pick up Jordan! Not only is lunch awaiting Ivy at the end of the day, but a smiley, giddy little girl who lunges into Ivy's arms. Those moments are simply too precious!
Andrew continues to work at TIA doing graphic and web design. In addition to his day job, Andrew's on-the-side freelancing business has been growing. Through word of mouth, he has gained several more clients and enjoys exercising his creativity.
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we are reminded of God's wonderful blessings and grace. It has been a year filled with highs and lows, but through it all, our Heavenly Father has remained steadfast and faithful. As we have shared with many of you, Andrew's father underwent surgery and radiation therapy over the summer to eradicate cancerous plasma cells. Having witnessed God's mercy and providence over the entire ordeal, we are filled with gratitude and praise. Over the past year, parenthood has taught us to be more appreciative for the things our earthly parents did for us to raise us (and continue to do for us!). We have developed a deeper understanding of the words sacrifice and love. It is during this Christmas season that we want to especially acknowledge our Father who sacrificed so much out of His love for us. And we want to thank the Father for his hand being continually upon our family.
May the Lord's blessings be upon you and yours during this most Holy-day season!
Love,