(This letter, which is copied and pasted here, was sent to family and friends. I hope to better keep this blog updated by next month.)
In about two and a half years, Russ finished his accounting degree at Fairmont State University this past May. Then he studied for the next six months sitting for the CPA Exam, and we just found out that he passed! He’s looking forward to not having to study so much and to enjoying the opportunity to relax a bit on weekends.
Also in May, we finally took our honeymoon after two years of being married. We stayed at a cabin in the mountains of the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia for some rest and relaxation. We enjoyed the quiet and each other, whether we were sitting outside on the porch enjoying the beauty or watching our favorite movies on the rainy days. In the evenings, we would try a local restaurant in town and take evening walks, when the weather allowed it.
In the spring time, we moved from Fairmont to Bridgeport. We are grateful that the commute to work has been shorter for the both of us. Since graduating, Russ has started working full-time for T & B, a local accounting firm, doing taxes and auditing for health care organizations, non-profits, and other local businesses. Rochelle continues to work full-time as well, but as of recent, as the weekend charge nurse on one of the cardiac floors at UHC.
Also in the spring, we started a garden on our patio, which produced tomatoes, basil, and rosemary. Our rosemary plants are still going strong indoors. We continue to buy local produce and meat and support our farmers. Russ still enjoys cooking and finding new ways to make nutritious meals, because….
About five months ago, we found out with joy that we are pregnant! While Rochelle felt nauseated and exhausted all through the first trimester, she has regained her energy back and her baby bump is now evident. Recently, we had an ultrasound which the sonographer said with confidence that she was almost positive that our little one is a girl. We have since referred to our baby with female pronouns, though our modest little one never revealed her gender for certain. Our baby is kicking, punching, or head butting Rochelle daily. Russ has been lucky enough to feel her movements every now and again.
We hope this letter finds you doing well and enjoying the blessings of the Christmas season. Please know that while both time and distance may not allow us to see each other as often as we would like, you are often in our thoughts and prayers. Have a Merry Christmas!
With love,
Rochelle, Russ, and Baby P.
