The Big Announcement

Our very belated Christmas letter with our big news for the year. Enjoy! 

We realize this letter is a bit overdue, we had exciting things happening and had to wait just a bit to share them with you. Zac is starting his dream job, a full-time flight medic he’ll be. Based out of Siren, Wisconsin it is quite the drive but his enthusiasm for flying outweighs any downside. Don’t worry, we’re not moving, we wouldn’t want to enter Packer territory.

To balance out the home front during this time of transition, Caitlin’s company has offered her a new part-time position. We couldn’t be more excited, the role fits her perfectly… she is now coaching people through Financial Peace University! This is the program that has been so instrumental for us this past year. It also the main topic of conversation on Caitlin’s new blog, Hogan’s Haven.

Finn is walking, babbling, and just really loving life. Much to our delight he even sleeps through the night! He enjoys hugging Mika (whom he affectionately calls “puppy”) and 15 months later she seems to be warming up to him nicely. Last but not least Finn has an announcement he is excited to share…he is going to be a big brother later this year! The newest addition is expected at the end of July and no doubt the time is going to fly.

With all our love, we now say goodbye.
— Zac, Caitlin, Finn, Baby Bump and Mika
Family Photo

Photo credit: Guytano Magno Photography

One Year as a "Working" Mom

It has been one year since I went back to work after having our sweet little Finnegan. I have to say, I think Canada and the other countries who offer one-year paid maternity leave really have it right. It wasn't until Finn was one that I really felt fully adjusted to being a mom. It's truly life-altering being in charge of a little human every single day! So since it's my one year anniversary of being back at the office, I thought it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane. 

Starting Fresh Doesn't Have to be Dramatic

I used to make big announcements to my husband when I was going to change something. I think I did it because once I made the announcement I was fully committed, no turning back because someone else was going to hold me accountable if I didn't follow through. After a while it was hard to take me seriously, because the change would last a few days, maybe a week or a month, but eventually I went back to my old ways.

To Finn, on your first birthday

One year ago today, Finn slowly crashed his way into our world. It's a good thing I didn't have a birth plan, because he wasn't going to follow it anyway. This isn't a popular thing to say about your child, but Finn broke me. Both physically and emotionally, he has brought me to my knees. This child was God's way of forcing me to trust and surrender everything to Him, because for all the control freaks out there, you know what I mean when I say there is no controlling a newborn. The uncertainty of every single moment is enough to make your head swim. It doesn't matter how many ways you played the scenario out in your head, a newborn will find the one scenario you didn't prepare for (I never would have imagined needing 6 outfits in a diaper bag!).