Although most of us have probably received Christmas cards from friends or family in the past that have contained the almost cliche Christmas letter, our family had never thought about writing one, and perhaps for that very reason – at least, not until this year. During a search on the Internet for Christmas ideas, we came across the origins of the Christmas letter. An English nobleman felt that the Christmas season was the perfect time to tell those closest to him what blessings he and his family had received over the course of the past year, and to wish friends and family prosperity and good will for the future. And with that in mind, let the first official Hochstein Christmas letter proceed...
This has been one BUSY year for our family. Some people are wise and make sure that the big moments of life are well spaced out. Us? Nope, not even close. Life for our little family over the past twelve months didn’t seem to slow down for a second. Einstein once described time as a river - depending on where you are in the universe, it ebbs or flows, sometimes moving at a trickle and elsewhere rushing along like a class IV whitewater rapid. Well, I’d like to think we’ve become very accustomed to whitewater by now, but BOY it sure can make you tired.
In May we were blessed to have Milayla Rose join our blossoming family. The pregnancy and delivery went very well thanks to a great medical system in the Netherlands and a new form of child birth we were recommended called hypnobirthing. Milayla has added so much joy to our family. She has captivating eyes, an infectious giggle, and a smile that would make just about anyone forget their worries. Although she hasn’t met much of her extended family in person yet, we are looking forward to that day with great excitement. Atticus has taken his role as big brother quite seriously and finds immense satisfaction in holding Milayla, reading to her, and making sure she stays clean and proper. It has been so amazing watching their sibling bond grow. Milayla is constantly watching every move Atticus makes. The kids are very different, one from the other, but we’re so happy with how well they get along.
A month after Milayla’s birth, we celebrated another major milestone - Atticus’ 2nd birthday. It’s hard to comprehend how quickly time has gone by, and how much he has grown! He’s no longer the baby or even toddler he once was. He has become very independent, but loves to help Mommy, Daddy and Milayla, too. He is speaking much more now, and his love of puzzles, trains, cars, and building blocks continues to grow.
At about the same time, we began readying ourselves for two more big changes. We accepted a new job offer with a private space company located in Bremen, Germany. This, of course, meant that we would be leaving our much-loved Leiden for Deutschland once more. It was a hard choice to make, but we felt impressed that a change in employment and location was the best thing for the family. We were blessed to find a fantastic new apartment in Bremen, and have found many new friends through work and our new church congregation. Bremen is a beautiful city with much history and tradition. Thankfully, it’s quite flat, and as a result, cycling is almost as ubiquitous as it is in Holland, so we are able to get around with the kids almost everywhere by bakfiets.
It’s been four months already since we arrived in Bremen, and the adjustment has gone well and relatively smoothly (if you discount the massive amounts of German paperwork to be done!). We like our new home, and home it certainly feels like. It is still difficult to be so far away from our families and many of our friends, especially around the holidays, but we are so grateful for your continued prayers, love and support. We have so much to be grateful for - most of all our Savior Jesus Christ and his perfect example. We hope that amidst the hustle and bustle of this blessed season, more people will pause to remember the reason we say “Merry Christmas!”
May this Christmas season bless each of your lives with an increased peace, harmony and love as you reflect on the blessings you have received, big and small. And may the New Year bring you much prosperity, joy and good health.
With much love,
Jason, Laura, Atticus and Milayla Hochstein
This has been one BUSY year for our family. Some people are wise and make sure that the big moments of life are well spaced out. Us? Nope, not even close. Life for our little family over the past twelve months didn’t seem to slow down for a second. Einstein once described time as a river - depending on where you are in the universe, it ebbs or flows, sometimes moving at a trickle and elsewhere rushing along like a class IV whitewater rapid. Well, I’d like to think we’ve become very accustomed to whitewater by now, but BOY it sure can make you tired.
In May we were blessed to have Milayla Rose join our blossoming family. The pregnancy and delivery went very well thanks to a great medical system in the Netherlands and a new form of child birth we were recommended called hypnobirthing. Milayla has added so much joy to our family. She has captivating eyes, an infectious giggle, and a smile that would make just about anyone forget their worries. Although she hasn’t met much of her extended family in person yet, we are looking forward to that day with great excitement. Atticus has taken his role as big brother quite seriously and finds immense satisfaction in holding Milayla, reading to her, and making sure she stays clean and proper. It has been so amazing watching their sibling bond grow. Milayla is constantly watching every move Atticus makes. The kids are very different, one from the other, but we’re so happy with how well they get along.
A month after Milayla’s birth, we celebrated another major milestone - Atticus’ 2nd birthday. It’s hard to comprehend how quickly time has gone by, and how much he has grown! He’s no longer the baby or even toddler he once was. He has become very independent, but loves to help Mommy, Daddy and Milayla, too. He is speaking much more now, and his love of puzzles, trains, cars, and building blocks continues to grow.
At about the same time, we began readying ourselves for two more big changes. We accepted a new job offer with a private space company located in Bremen, Germany. This, of course, meant that we would be leaving our much-loved Leiden for Deutschland once more. It was a hard choice to make, but we felt impressed that a change in employment and location was the best thing for the family. We were blessed to find a fantastic new apartment in Bremen, and have found many new friends through work and our new church congregation. Bremen is a beautiful city with much history and tradition. Thankfully, it’s quite flat, and as a result, cycling is almost as ubiquitous as it is in Holland, so we are able to get around with the kids almost everywhere by bakfiets.
It’s been four months already since we arrived in Bremen, and the adjustment has gone well and relatively smoothly (if you discount the massive amounts of German paperwork to be done!). We like our new home, and home it certainly feels like. It is still difficult to be so far away from our families and many of our friends, especially around the holidays, but we are so grateful for your continued prayers, love and support. We have so much to be grateful for - most of all our Savior Jesus Christ and his perfect example. We hope that amidst the hustle and bustle of this blessed season, more people will pause to remember the reason we say “Merry Christmas!”
May this Christmas season bless each of your lives with an increased peace, harmony and love as you reflect on the blessings you have received, big and small. And may the New Year bring you much prosperity, joy and good health.
With much love,
Jason, Laura, Atticus and Milayla Hochstein
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