The first main event is that we now have 3 children which is a whole new dynamic. Whereas before we could each give a child our undivided attention there is now an odd man out. Another aspect this new addition has brought in is that she is a girl. Even though I had a sister I was not prepared for raising a female. She can definitely hang with her brothers when it comes to the wrestling or physical side but she loves to play with her dolls & wear pretty clothes. Another observation I have is that each child has similar and very different personalities. Simon is still mainly reserved and cerebral. Elliot is very outgoing and will probably know most of the population before he's an adult. I think he will be our performer as he loves to play dress up & takes on characters very seriously. For example, if he is playing "Frozen" we have to call him Elsa. Fiona is another extrovert and has a large personality and she's one of the funniest people I have ever met. She is also very headstrong & determined. All this has been enjoyable to watch them grow & develop into little people but it has also been very challenging at times. The 4 year difference between Simon & Elliot sometimes creates an issue. As well as Elliot & Fiona being together for most of the day. As challenging as they are at times the love they give, the sweetness they show & the overall personalities developing remind me I love each one of them and am glad we have 3 children.
Some other things that have happened is that we took over my parents' house. They accepted a call from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to serve a mission in Scotland. It has already been a year and a half since they left Oregon. Taking on the responsibility of the house has been a challenge but I'm glad it has allowed them to write this new chapter in their book of life. One of the biggest reasons it has been a challenge has been because I have only been working 3 weeks a month due to lack of work at ISSPRO, Inc. At least last year they had me on rotation with the two other employees in the accounting department to work the week with only limited operations. Also, around the same time Jill made the decision to stay at home during the day to be with the kids. It had a financial impact for a while but due to new opportunities with Women's Healthcare Associates opening evening & weekend hours, watching a friend's baby 2 days a week & Jill being asked to do more photo shoots we have been able to make it all work.
Another big event that has happened is that Jill was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. After Fiona was born it rally took a toll on her body. At first Jill just thought it was postpartum effects of just birthing her 3rd child. Luckily with some encouragement from me & realizing things were not getting better she saw a specialist. Now that we know what she is dealing with she has been able to manage the effects better & get back to doing normal, everyday things like walking up the stairs as well as things she wants to do such as running. Jill is really an inspiration to me to be able to take on this disease and not let it get the best of her. I am so proud of her and am glad to call her my wife.
I know I have only touched on a few highlights of what has happened the past 2 1/2 years but I know that writing about things is my therapy (and I definitely need therapy at times) so it is part of my New Year's resolution to write here more frequently. I really am grateful that Jill is my wife & even though I may let life get in the way I still love her with all my heart and soul and don't know where I would be without her. My heart is also full of love for my 3 children, Simon, Elliot & Fiona, and even though I may lose my temper at time & have feelings of frustration at them I am very proud to be their father. My gratitude also goes out to my family & friends who have helped us in times of need and stood by us always. I am looking forward to new adventures & opportunities to write about & share with anyone who may come across this blog. Until that time wishing everone
