Merry Christmas from the Krupkes
Laidy Bear, who lived with her Mama and Papa, in a big small tree house down a sunny dirt road, deep in Norwalk Country, eagerly awaited the arrival of a baby brother. But, before he came into her world, a few other things happened…
Gerard (Papa Bear) wrapped up his first year as head director of the vocal department at Norwalk High School. Summer found him on the Ultimate Frisbee field, realizing he’s no longer the young buck, but he can still jump really high, run fast and huck the Frisbee the length of the field. He was thankful for the time to Go Out for the Team and Laidy loved cheering him from the sidelines with our neighbor friends who’s father was also on Gerard’s team. This fall brought changes in the vocal department’s structure while juggling Madrigal, All-State, and Show Choir rehearsals. In the midst of the crazy, Mama & Papa Bear took an evening away from the little bears while they spent the night with a Sitter and the adult bears got the chance to reconnect (and soak in a whirlpool!) As a family, we also got a weekend at a rental lakehouse to reconnect with and be encouraged by Faithful Friends from Papa’s high school days. Despite sleep being in short supply, Gerard keeps things humming along at home and at work with an optimistic calm that always helps Mama Bear.
Carrie (Mama Bear) enjoyed wrapping up her 8th year at Norwalk Middle School and in the midst of nesting for Baby, fit in as many photo sessions as possible (her Summer Job) in June. July found us at the Brogla Family Reunion where we all thoroughly enjoyed time with Papa’s side of the family, meeting a new niece for the first time and laughing endlessly with cousins. Every prayer Mama had for Lochlyn’s arrival, recovery, and adjustment to life as a family of four was answered and more. Maternity Leave was such a sweet time and Mama was thankful for a much better (and more rapid) recovery so she could be present with Laidy and do fun things during the summer (like go to the zoo, park, and watch the hot air balloon festival with friends). When Loch was roughly 6 weeks, Mama ventured to spend a Week at Grandma’s so that Oma (Carrie’s Mom) and GG (Carrie’s Grandma) could meet Lochlyn. Sadly, shortly after Carrie left California, GG passed away and we celebrated her life in October in Cincinnati. The tasks that followed GG’s funeral have presented opportunities to see Mama’s parents more often and will culminate in Christmas at Aunt Katie’s to meet our newest nephew.
Laidy (Sister Bear) is learning what it means to be a good friend, the importance of obeying right away, how to pray on her own and she has mastered how to put Mama Bear’s breast milk pump parts away. She has nailed how to Visit the Dentist, Go to the Doctor, and Lend a Helping Hand. Despite the occasional Trouble With Friends, she loves to Go to (Pre)School where she excels in dramatic play and definitely doesn’t Get Stage Fright. She also loves to go on field trips with her classmates to the pumpkin patch and even a Visit (to) the Firehouse. Laidy still talks about the Valentine Party that our church hosted for Papas and their Daughters where all the Disney Princesses made an appearance, further cementing Papa Bear as her favorite and Elsa as her ultimate favorite. But, Mama Bear discovered that a quick Mommy-Daughter date to Target or the nail salon can put Mama in contention! Oh, the fickle ways of a three year old….
Lochlyn (Brother Bear) is growing by leaps and bounds, nearly tripling his birth weight. Mama Bear is working her tail off to keep up whenever he Gets the Gimmies (is hungry). Papa Bear is super supportive, especially during night time feedings, and loves Loch’s “cheeky kisses”, smiles, and belly grunts that Lochlyn bestows daily. Sister Bear has a ball with him as well: reading, singing, talking to him, always attentive to his needs. Laidy especially loved that Lochlyn joined us to Trick or Treat as “Baby Olaf” in our family Frozen themed costumes. The only thing that would make him even better and more awesome than he already is: getting him to Go To Sleep through the night!
Ella-is now the lowest on the ladder of priorities, sadly. But, she is still Mama Bear’s back support while sleeping, eager to play Tug with Sister, lick Papa, be guardian of our yard, and a third parent to our New Baby.
As we Think of Those in Need this time of year, we Count Our Blessings in the family and friends we hold dear. Thank you for joining us in prayer as we welcomed Lochlyn to the family!!
We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
--The Krupkes (Gerard, Carrie, Adelaide, Lochlyn and pup Ella)
(This letter based off of, and includes titles from, the much beloved Berenstain Bears book series strewn over our whole house by Stan & Jan Berenstain. A current love of Laidy’s.)
