Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, dear family and friends!

What a year! In our home, we have gone from having a precious little baby cradled in our arms to a one year old big boy walking around the house! It’s been such a joy watching Hudson this year – learning, developing new skills, and growing so quickly!

Cory is staying very busy with work. They have had another great year. They hired another attorney and their second associate! They also added another full time legal assistant. Because of these additions to the firm, they are needing to expand. They have a tentative deal to get a new commercial office building and move the firm into that building. Assuming all goes as planned, they will plan on building out the firm space starting in February and moving in sometime this spring! It’s very exciting and great progress for GRL Law.

I have been staying busy with Hudson at home - reading books, having “dance parties”, playing with all of his toys, practicing walking all over the house, going up and down the stairs, etc. Over the summer we enjoyed many walks on the walking trail near our house, going to the park and swinging, and pool time where ever we could find it! We also joined a gym that has child care so Hud and I go there every afternoon so he gets time playing with other kids and seeing other adults and I get a little time to myself! I’ve actually learned to really enjoy and appreciate the opportunity to work out! J We have gotten involved in a MOPS group as well through Valley Church (which is also our church home). It has been such a blessing to make friendships through that. I’m looking forward to more opportunities it provides in coming years.

Most recently Hudson has been transitioning in to eating solid foods! He loves it and doesn’t turn anything down! He’s not as big of a fan of his milk so far, but we’re working on it. He loves to look at books and turn the pages. Anything with buttons that make noise or play music can entertain him for quite a while too! He’s very content to hold on to someone’s finger and walk them all over the house. He also loves to be “chased” all over! On hands and knees, I’d say he’s faster than me! J He has a few favorite cupboards in the kitchen too! Tupperware, pots, and pans seem to be at the top of the list! He has a favorite blankie that he gets during nap and bed time. He’s a good sleeper which we appreciate so much!

Everything we did this year was new and exciting because it was always another 1st for Hudson to experience. He has completely changed our lives and helped us realize what an eventful life we live. There were so many trips to NW Iowa and to central Kansas visiting grandparents, and preparing at home for their weekend visits in Des Moines. We are so blessed to have such wonderful parents who are so active and involved in Hudson’s life and so willing to hang out with him for a few days here and there when Cory and I need a break.

Just a few of the fun things we did this year included a ski trip with friends in Colorado, Las Vegas with the Gourleys, lake house weekends with the Boones, March madness kick off in Lawrence with friends, weekends away for weddings all over Iowa and Kansas, a trip to Arkansas, and so many visits and get togethers from friends and family in Des Moines. Cory and I also celebrated our 1 year anniversary!

We have been so blessed this past year and thank you all for being such a special part of that blessing. But most importantly we celebrate the true giver of blessings, our Heavenly Father. It’s such a special time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and create more memories to carry in to coming years. We pray you all have a very merry Christmas and bring in the New Year with bubbles and joy!

With love,

Cory, Jaclyn, and Hudson Gourley