Christmas 2018 Newsletter

Willow (7 months)

Our newest addition arrived on her due date, May 11 2018. Willow Anna weighed in at 8 lbs 13 ounces and 19.5 inches. We had a special baby dedication at Rolling Hills Community Church in September. For this special occasion, Willow wore her great grandfather’s 90 year old silk christening gown. She is full of sweet smiles, is learning to crawl, and loves to snuggle. This Thanksgiving Willow enjoyed her first solid foods – she loves avocado, bananas, sweet potatoes and pretty much everything. She adores her big brothers who make her smile and love to give her kisses. Gavin loves to bring toys to her and Owen loves to make her laugh. Recently Willow enjoys snuggling and watching Hallmark Christmas movies.

Gavin (2)

“Moo chocolate … pleeeeez” – this year has been marked with Gavin learning lots of new words which are especially helpful as he becomes more demanding.  He loves to communicate and is a genuinely happy child who finds joy in blueberries and wearing hats. We should all be so blessed. He is as busy as he is cute though and occasionally will throw a tantrum like most two year-olds.  Awkwardly, he likes to point out other children crying in public. Sometimes this is close the both the parent and child. “Mama … eh eh eh,” pointing to crying child. What are you supposed to say to that? He loves Batman and does a great impersonation of Batman impersonating Santa Claus, “ho ho ho [batman voice].” He is getting a lot of use out of his train table which was a birthday highlight.  We may owe DC comics royalties after all three children dressed up as Batman for Halloween. Finally, he has developed a few alternative meanings so if he askes you to play “jersey” he’s really wanting you to play (Playmobile) hockey. All this is a very fun and cute age.

Owen (6)

He’s like a miniature adult – well, he’s at least on his way.  Owen started kindergarten this year and is in Ms. Johnston’s class.  He’s done a great job making friends and only gotten into trouble a few times for flossing at inappropriate times (youtube link).  He’s very inquisitive and frequently is asking to do science experiments at home. For his birthday, he asked for a basketball hoop and had no idea that dad would make (or help) him dig the hole by hand (see pictures).  He has also really enjoyed extending his social circle through Boy Scouts (Lions) this year. Finally, his reading is really coming along and if you’re interested in sending him an email, contact us and we’ll pass along his address.  He would love to hear from you.

Laura

This has been a year of shifting expectations.  Willow arrived happy and healthy (see above) and it was such a wonderful celebration to bring her home on Mothers Day.  My days are spent investing in Owen, Gavin, and Willow. I feel blessed to have that opportunity but it a little harder to point to “achievements.”  A good friend has told me that “the days are long but the years are short.”  This advice rings true every day.  I am blessed to be home with our children as they grow, learn, and change each day.

Travis

This has been another eventful year for Travis.  It’s still amazing to him that he is able to combine his love for medicine (oncology) and computers (informatics) together and have someone pay him for that.  This year, he was promoted to assistant professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he continues to see patients with lung cancer. He continues to be involved in various research projects and initiatives within the Cancer Center.  Work-life balance has been an important focus this year. Travis and Laura can be found infrequently sharing a bowl of popcorn and starting a movie after the children go to bed. These times are less frequent than in past but more treasured. This is truly a time when you need a teammate and Travis is so thankful to have a great one in Laura (see description of children above).  We would be happy to have some of you come visit. Please feel free to inquire if you’re on that list along with how many children you can take care of at once. Room and board are included and you can stay as long as you want.

Christmas Present

Christmas Past