In 2021, we celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary, I (Leah) entered a new decade in life, Eli celebrated his 3rd birthday, and Samuel celebrated his 1st birthday and two first heartiversaries (anniversaries of open heart surgeries).
Life with little kids is never easy nor predictable, but this year has been “calm” compared to 2020. For the first year since we’ve been married, we haven’t moved, changed jobs or had a new baby join us. We have just simply enjoyed where we are at, which has been a much needed change of pace.
Eli is a goofy kid who loves trains and racecars, pulling his little wagon around and singing along to his favorite songs. He embraces the big brother role by giving Samuel great big hugs one second then attempting to tackle him the next.
Samuel also seems to carry the goofy trait. He loves trains and books and dive bombing off the couch onto a pillow. Most people would never know he has a heart defect and breathes with only 85% oxygen. His body is “coasting” along until his next surgery, which doctors expect to occur around age 4.
Matt has enjoyed his fulltime remote job with Jack Henry & Associates as an Advanced DevOps Systems Adminstrator. After working in a bedroom in our home for about a year (with muffled cries and toddler screams occasionally penetrating the background), he opted to transform our backyard shed into his home office. Matt also still serves as a student pastor for our church, Oak Crest Baptist Church in Midlothian. We love having the opportunity to teach and pray with the students each week.
I (Leah) stay home with the boys and love (almost) every second if it. I also began a contract position with Texas Baptist Men a few months ago. I assist with some of their communications needs at a limited number of hours per month. It has been a blessing as it gives me an avenue to use my strengths and passion while giving me flexibilty during this busy season of life. My sweet mother-in-law steps in to help with the kids, so I can complete projects each month.
The challenges that 2020 brought seemed to take a heavy toll on my physical health. Or perhaps it simply had to do with turning 30. I have been to more doctor appointments this year than ever before, including frequent visits for a diagnosed stage 1 melanoma, which was successfully removed in October.
All in all, it’s been a year of peace, stability and contentment. I’ve learned to be grateful for family who step in to help with the kids; a solid, Bible-teaching church home and for this sweet (though sometimes tiring) season with young toddlers. What a joy it is to watch them grow and learn something new every single day.
Merry Christmas to you and your family! May you have a blessed new year.
Love, Leah, Matt, Eli & Samuel
Photos From Candace Johnson Photography
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