Christmas Letter

If you are reading this you probably received our Christmas card that directed you here to find out all things happening JACOSKI in 2017.  If you didn't get the Christmas card, and are just checking randomly... more points for you for remembering that I have a little piece of cyberspace to update my life to my 9 followers.  Either way, I am glad you are here.... don't forget to leave a comment to let me know you stopped by... it's my only Christmas wish.

2017, where did you go?  If you were not aware, which you shouldn't even be reading this if you weren't aware... Adam and I had a baby who is now ONE.  If I thought time went quickly sans child... then time speeds by with one.  They say the days are slow, but the years are fast.  Goodness, gracious is this true or what!?  Archer was born December 1st last year... the rest of December 2016 was quite a blur... so we look forward to enjoying a fun, joyous holiday season with the little guy.

Does one ever adjust to parenthood?  I am not sure.  Our party of three certainly has found a bit of a routine.  Mom and Archer hang out all day.  The beginning of the year entailed a lot of napping.  A lot of fussing.   A lot of staring at each other.  A lot of tears.  Followed by getting out there in the spring and summer, testing the waters in play groups, library visits, baby yoga, baby massage, swimming, and lunch dates with anyone who would go.  I continue to go to a breastfeeding support group, as now that I have become an old pro, ha, I can support new moms just starting their journey.  I have started attending MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers on a monthly basis.  This is nice because I have some adult conversation, while child care is provided for Archer in a local church.  I get to eat some good food, drink a hot cup of coffee, listen to speakers, and usually do a community project each meeting.

Meanwhile, Adam continues to work downtown, but has adjusted his schedule to work from home as much as possible.  His time with Archer is precious at night and on the weekends.  Archer looks forward to doing all things with dad... swim lessons, being thrown 10 feet in the air, rough housing on the floor, and generally counting the days til they can get on the golf course together.

Most everything this year revolved around Archer.  And we are happy one smile from him can bring so many smiles to others.  Friends and family traveled from near and far throughout the year to meet him, so it has been really great catching up with everyone personally and seeing them interact and spoil him rotten.  It's amazing what one little soul can do.  I think because most pegged us for a couple who was not going to have kids.  I think sometimes we pegged ourselves that way.  For a little while, even we believed it wasn't going to happen.  And so, when we were blessed with our Archie man, people were genuinely happy.  Also, if you have any connection, love or respect for my dad, you see that this little person is going to keep his memory alive -in his forehead, his look (he's not gonna be a pipsqueak), and his ability to make us all laugh.

Personally, I was blown away by all the support I received as a new, very anxious, mother this year.  The reassurance that nope, motherhood is not easy, especially my new role as a stay at home mom.  The stuff no one tells you, that you learn.  The feeling absolutely horrible, that I wasn't there for my friends the same way they were there for me, because I just didn't get it yet.  All I can say is I hope to help at least one new mom the way the rest of you helped me, the way you cheered me on, and the way you taught me that love is all that matters when it comes down to it.

In a year filled of excitement with all the firsts with Archer, came the complete opposite with sorrow in May.  Just less than one week from the day Archer was supposed to meet his Grandpa J for the first time, Adam's dad was taken away from us.  In what was supposed to be an outpatient surgery, possible one night stay, turned into 3 life saving surgeries that the surgeons just couldn't get a hold on.  Adam was able to make it to North Carolina to say goodbye to his dad and for that we are grateful.  Another bright spot is that he was with his dad a couple days prior on a guy's bachelor trip held at John's home, in which he got to golf his second to last game with him... because yes of course, John golfed one more round before surgery.

One week later, Adam's best friend Scott, got married.  Scott found his match in Sam, and we were so happy to be apart of their big day in Virginia despite our shock and devastation.  Adam was honored to be Scott's Best Man and participate in all wedding festivities.  John was a big fan of Scott, and of course would not have wanted it any other way.

Meanwhile, back home we were dealing with a deteriorating Charlie, our 14 year old Yorkshire Terrier.  He was just giving up on all fronts and we made the difficult decision to put him to sleep, one that is never taken lightly with any pet owner.  Charlie died in my arms peacefully, well loved, and we just hope that his second part of life, his life with us, was the best it could be.  Filled with lots of sneak drinks, and sneak food, and plenty of fun and mischief.  That dog kept us on our toes.  Our sunshine Charlie is certainly missed, especially by little bro Lucas.

In the middle of all this chaos that was May, we were scheduled to dedicate Archer at church.  Adam was able to make it back from North Carolina and with a heavy heart celebrate Archer's Dedication and Mother's Day, get back to Virginia, me following a couple days later, and the day we returned say good bye to Charlie.  Talk about stressful and heartbreaking.  It was a difficult time of our lives and the loss of John still hits us like a ton of bricks.

Labor Day weekend we were already scheduled to go to North Carolina as it has become somewhat of a Jaco tradition.  Barbara, Adam's stepmom, decided it would be a good weekend to have John's Memorial.  It turned out beautifully, and tastefully, and was a great testament to him.  It was in their backyard, and on the golf course.  Everyone arrived by golf cart and his friends all pitched in and had a beautiful brick bench built in his memory on the 7th hole.  While we were all sad, we were all there, and celebrated his life, just as he would have wanted. 

And then, just like that the holidays got here.  Our little guy turned ONE!  And in just a couple days we will celebrate Christmas.  I have been thinking a lot about Mary, now that I have become a mother myself.  To bring a child into this world at such a young age, by virgin birth, in a messy, ugly manger, not one that is portrayed in our minds with fluffy animals and a warm bed of hay and angels and other people.  For this child to be the son of God, and the one who would die for our sins... well, I don't quite know that stress and craziness.  I'd be scared.  That's all I know.  It's quite amazing.  I find myself thankful at the end of this year.  While Adam and I have had our struggles, going from two incomes to one, losses, and one huge gain in 2017.  I remember that I have roof over my head, food in my stomach, my health and a wonderful support system of family and friends.  Who could ask for anything more?

We hope that your holiday is wonderful and filled with much happiness.  We also hope that 2018 brings much love, prosperity, and health.   

Love, 

Adam, Erica, Archer, and Lucas