Every year around Christmas I write a letter sort of recapping the events of the year. This time was a little tough since I already keep people up to date on what goes on via the blogs and anything I put in the letter will already be old news by the time they read it. However, I like writing the letter so I did it anyways. We are sending them out to everyone but, just in case we managed to forget someone who cares in our haste to get them out before Christmas I am posting the letter here on my blog as well. Most of this will be nothing new if you follow our blogs but if not it's a sort of highlight on the most important parts of the year. Expect to read mostly about the kids. If you don't end up getting one in the mail and you want one, just leave a response on this post and I'll make sure one gets sent out to you. They include a bonus Christmas card with a really cute picture of the kids, perfect for fridges and cubicle walls. :)
Dear family and friends,
This year has been surprisingly full of changes, much like last year. I say surprising because we were expecting life to start settling down, to become less turbulent. Luckily for us, we were wrong. Let me start by updating everyone about the most important change this year. We are now a happy family of four. On October 12th Auria Elise Glenn entered into this world at an astonishing 9lbs 14.5oz. At the time that I am writing this letter she is already two months old and absolutely adorable. Aleric is taking to the role of protective big brother like a duck to water. From the first time he saw her it was obvious that he was in love with his little baby sister. We can only pray that that sentiment persists as they grow older. He is now nearly 2 years old and although his vocabulary is limited to hello, bye bye, awie (auria), bubba (baby) and the occasional perfectly formed sentence (more on that in a second) his comprehension is amazing. We are now aware that he understands just about every word we say so we have to watch our mouths around him. It really comes in handy when you need something from the other room but your hands are full with laundry or a dirty diaper or something. Just ask him to run into the other room and off he goes happily retrieving whatever it is you asked for. He also now throws his cups and plates in the sink by himself and put his toys away when he’s done with them. This is all due to Holly’s influence I assure you. She tells me that he is a faster study than I am too, since she is still trying to get me to pick up my toys when I am done. When I mentioned the fully formed sentences I was talking about the time he asked me “Can I blow bubbles?” and “How do you do it?” in reference to the task of opening an empty spice container. This tells us that he can talk, just that he doesn’t want to. Holly is still taking care of our friends little girl Isabella who has become Aleric’s best friend. It’s the cutest thing to see how excited they get when they see each other each morning. Recently we met some neighbors at the park whose son is named Lyric, which is just close enough to Aleric that we were all confused when we heard our children’s names being called out. Seeing the two boys interact has been a lot of fun and has also made obvious how much having Isabella around has taught Aleric about sharing and patience. I just recently learned that patience pays off even when it comes to one’s career. I have now made it to the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class (E-5). I love my job and I have a wonderful lack of oversight in what I chose to do with my days. I think this is due to the fact that what I love to do and what I am supposed to be doing align so nicely. At this point, I am almost certain that I will be making a career out of the Navy despite the higher salaries available in the civilian work force. I would love to be able to tell everyone about exciting travels or amazing achievements this year but to be honest with you all, it couldn’t have been better due to the arrival of our new baby girl Auria and being able to watch Aleric grow up. It’s wonderful to be able to see the wonder in his eyes as he explores this world that we as adults often take for granted. That old saying of “Stop and smell the roses” forgets to remind one to look at the ants and feel the grass between your toes and smell the wet dirt after a tropical storm or to be transfixed by a flock of birds swooping in unison from point to point in a field. These are the true wonders of parenthood and of being alive. We wish you all a merry Christmas and a fulfilling and joyous new year.
The Glenns,
Jeff, Holly, Aleric and Auria
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