goodbye, 2015.

2015 has been a big year for the Kortlevers! We made good progress on work/education goals, one of us turned 30, and of course - we made a person! Here are some quick reflections:

Best Memory of 2015

Ben: It's so hard to pick just one, but meeting Arden for the first time was definitely the most significant and powerful moment of the past year.  I didn't know how we'd make it, but a month later she smiled for the first time and I knew we'd be just fine.
Candice: Meeting my daughter for the first time - not only in person, but also other aspects like the first ultrasound, and the first time I felt her kicking. We've had so many incredible blessings this year.
Arden: Bouncing.  I love to bounce.

Most Challenging Moment

Ben: Seeing Candice go through all the pain and discomfort of pregnancy, labour and delivery.  Also the first time Arden cried so hard she turned purple.
Candice: Giving birth is the obvious one, but the weeks afterward were extremely challenging. Caring for a newborn is no picnic, especially on the other side of the world from our families.
Arden: Immunisations.  At just just 6 weeks old you stick me with needles?! Also, being born - that's no picnic either!

Most Excited for in the New Year

Ben: Hearing Arden's first word (which will be "dada" obviously) and introducing her to the rest of the family.
Candice: Watching Arden grow, and hopefully gaining a little more independence so I can maybe eat a meal with two hands again? I'm also looking forward to more playful interaction, especially when she gains total head control and starts to laugh.
Arden: I hear teething is fun!

Most Anticipated Movie 

Ben: Captain America - Civil War.  Independence Day Resurgence would be, but an Independence Day without Will Smith is just wrong.
Candice: Batman vs. Superman looks interesting. A funny Lex Luthor with hair - why not?
Arden: I have high hopes for the Point Break remake.

2016 Resolutions

Ben: There are so many things I want to introduce Arden to.  I want to spend time reading to her, teaching her to crawl, walk, and geologize.  As for me personally, I'd like to travel and see more of Australia.
Candice: I really hope to finish up my Master's degree by the end of the year. And maybe do some fun artsy projects with Arden. Record a song together? Design some greeting cards? I think we'll have a lot of fun together.
Arden: Head control.  I really need to get that down.

Thanks so much for keeping up with us this year! We wish you all a wonderful end of 2015/beginning of 2016.

-the Kortlever Family