Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings!
This year has been full of changes, new places, good-byes and new friends, but it has surely been a fabulous one!
Michael and I found out we were expecting a baby at the end of last year, and let all of our family know the beginning of February. In March we found out we were expecting a baby girl (much to my pleasure!). Lilia Shae was born on August 5 at 12:52am. Labor and delivery went quick and without a hitch. Lily was 6lbs 13oz and 18.5 inches long. She has already brought so much joy to our lives in just her short four and a half months with us and we love every minute we have with her. She is an excellent sleeper, has a sweet, happy demeanor and we couldn't ask for a better baby!
Michael applied to graduate schools at the beginning of the year and after being accepted to a couple, he decided to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston . He is pursuing a PhD in Nuclear Engineering , more specifically studying and researching Fusion as an alternative energy source. This took us to Boston only 2 weeks after Lily was born (yes, we are crazy, thanks for asking). Thanks to help from both of our families, we made it in one piece and so did our belongings. Michael has now finished his first semester of classes and is really looking forward to all the research and fun he has ahead of him. He is truly enjoying it, even though it does take him away from his darling wife and daughter more than he would like. He is serving as an Asst Membership Clerk in our LDS ward here in Boston .
I finished up my degree last year and started teaching through an internship program last August. I finally walked at graduation this April, so I officially have a BS in Elementary Education from BYU. I finished the school year in May and spent the summer working part-time and packing our apartment in preparation for Lily and the big move. Since arriving in Boston I have enjoyed spending days at home with my sweet princess and getting to know the area. Boston is really fun and really, really different from anywhere I've lived before. We live in an area with a lot of student families, so I've made friends quickly and easily with people who are a lot like me. I am looking forward to living here for the five (plus?) years and seeing what the Northeast has to offer. I am serving as the 2 nd Counselor in the Young Women's program in our LDS ward.
During this season and with the new addition in our life, we can't help but think of the humble circumstances in which our Savior entered this world. He is the Savior of mankind, yet He didn't come in riches and glamour, but in a simple, humble way. We are grateful for His example and His life to help us guide ours. We are grateful for this season of giving and even for a tighter wallet to remind us of what is truly important in life: the gospel and our friends and family. We are grateful for you and truly love you.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !
Michael, Danielle and Lily Churchill
http://daniandmichaelchurchill.blogspot.com
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