2021… honestly?… probably our toughest year yet. We went through a lot and learned a lot, and through it all we are reminded of God’s faithfulness.
Here’s our 2021 in review….
JANUARY
Brian and Autumn’s dad took ownership of Baldauf Construction in Marion, OH. The company has been around since 1882, and has been in the Baldauf family until now. Autumn’s dad, Mike, has worked there for about 15 years and had a great relationship with the owner, Jeff Baldauf. When Jeff was ready to retire without any other family interested in carrying on the business, Mike & Brian bought the company and kept the Baldauf name. Baldauf Construction is a commercial general contractor. Their main jobs often source from local medical renovations and expansion projects.
Jeff Baldauf, Brian, & Mike
FEBRUARY
In February, Autumn & Brian flew out to AZ for a week long getaway with Autumn’s parents. Brian was in need of a new truck, and the flight out there wasn't fun…. so Brian found a truck! They drove it home straight through… about a 30 hour drive in negative temperatures!
MAY
Autumn was the assistant director for the 8th year in a row for the play Snoopy, The Musical at Temple Christian School.
On Memorial Day, we found out we were expecting our 2nd baby ☺ (unfortunately, we discovered in July that this pregnancy also ended in miscarriage)
JUNE
We celebrated our 4th anniversary by spending a day in Port Clinton!
Our annual “anniversary pose”
JULY
We experienced our 1st miscarriage in November 2020. We found out we were pregnant again with our 2nd baby on Memorial Day. However, our first ultrasound at 8 weeks revealed an empty gestational sac (blighted ovum). On top of that, the ultrasound also revealed a very large cyst in Autumn's abdomen. This was obviously concerning, so we began our process of finding a team of doctors to help.
At the end of the month, around the time our first baby was supposed to be due, we took some time away and went to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with Brian’s brother, Kevin.
AUGUST
August 3rd, Autumn’s body finally miscarried naturally. However, she was at the point of hemorrhaging and had to be rushed to the hospital. There it was evident it was serious when the bleeding didn’t seem to be stopping, and she passed out in the hallway in Brian’s arms. She ended up having an emergency D&C, and was able to go home that evening. It took a good week or two to get her strength back.
SEPTEMBER
Now it was time to take care of the 12x24x2 cm cyst in Autumn’s abdomen. The around an hour long surgery was a Laparotomy & Salpingo-oopherectomy, and left Autumn with a 4” scar on her lower abdomen. Surgery went well and recovery started well right from the start. The first 5 days were tough, with Autumn constantly needing Brian’s help moving. But she has healed nicely!
At the end of Sept into Oct, Autumn earned a free retreat through her business with Young Living Essential Oils out to Utah, and Brian was able to go, too!
OCTOBER
We headed to The Wilds in NC for a couples conference with speaker Scott Pauley. The last time we were at The Wilds was for our Senior Trips in 2012 & 2013! It’s a gorgeous place with amazing preaching and beautiful music.
Autumn’s piano teaching business gained 5 new students in October, and her photography business had 3 clients in one week!
NOVEMBER
Brian took up bow hunting!
DECEMBER
Brian got a goose during his first goose hunting experience!
December 18th & 19th we are directing the play at our church, Gospel Light Baptist Church, and also playing the parts of Mary & Joseph. It will be livestreamed and available for replay at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWQ1RaIZbZ8
We invite you to watch the replay!
