In trying to decide how to write the first Schultz family Christmas letter I went through a couple of different themes. First, I entertained the thought of trying to write the letter from the perspective of Delia Arlette Schultz, Maria and I's first child that was born on July 17th. It would be very short (which was the plus) but would have included very limited information. Here is a sample.
"It was dark. Muffled noise. Forced out into the cold. Bright lights. Screaming. Pain. Warmth. Sleep. Many happy faces staring at me all the time. Kind of creepy. More bright lights. More sleeping. More happy faces. Some frustrated faces. Crying. Sleep. Looking around. Crying. Faces. Crying faces. Smiling faces. Toys. I smiling. Rolling over. Scooting. Oh, what's that? I want it. Scoot to it. It gets taken away. Toys. Goofy faces. giggling."
And so on. That is not something I would want to read for an entire letter. Delia is growing in leaps and bounds. It has been amazing to watch her grow and Maria and I can't imagine life without her. We love her very much and can not wait to see what her future holds. I can not put into words how much Delia has added to and changed our lives, so I won't try. I will just move on.
Another theme I thought about was writing in the perspective of Maria's thesis paper, which she has been diligently working on and will soon have completed! Here is a sample of that letter.
"I'm a pain in the butt."
That would be the entire letter. Not much of an update. Maria is very close to being done with that paper, which the entire family is looking forward to. Maria also started a new job this fall, teaching special education at Hayes Elementary in Fridley, MN. She loves her job, even though day to day it can be very challenging. But she is doing great, and she is an amazing teacher.
The last theme I thought about using would be to write in the perspective of my beard. But, that would have just been creepy I think. And really, what could my beard say that would be of any worth? it would just talk about what I have been eating (which would be a long list) and that it probably always has crumbs in it. So, I will spare you those details and just tell you what I have been up to.
I am still working for U.S. Bancorp in their licensing division. That sentence said all there is to say about it. Who knows what this next year will bring for me, career wise. I have some ideas, but none that I am going to share. Mostly because it will probably take many years for it to come to fruition, if it ever does, but hopefully this year will mark the beginning of the process, and I am excited about it. Otherwise, I am learning the role of father and just making a point to take time out to enjoy my new family.
Maria and I are so thankful for all of our family and friends that have supported us and been there for all of these exciting but stressful changes in our lives. And we know all of those same people will be with us as things change even more, as they are apt to do in this life. Just know that Maria, Delia, and I love you all very much and know that our lives are exponentially better with you all involved in it.
Merry Christmas and God Bless!
Adam, Maria, and Delia Schultz
