Let’s be honest… most of this year was all about us adjusting to parenthood and life as a family of 3!! It definitely had it’s ups and downs, but what a privilege to watch Bradley turn into a little man <3 We can’t wait to see how God uses his life! Here’s a few highlights of the year for Bradley:
He now knows to hold our hands and pray before dinner. It’s so sweet, and amazing how he picked up on that. He quiets down and grabs our hand while we pray <3
He LOVES church. He waves at everyone and enjoys playing in the nursery.
He currently has his 2 bottom teeth and top 2 teeth, and it appears he is working on 2 more!
He crawls around as fast as possible, and crawls up and down the stairs.
He loves to wave and smile at people. He brings so much joy to everyone around!
He loves “If You’re Happy and You Know It Clap Your Hands”
He brings us books to read and sits in our lap for storytime. His current favorite book is Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?
He’s got a tiny waist but long legs (like daddy!) He is currently in 6m onesies & pants, 9m sleepers, and 12m hats… quite the range, haha! Although he’s little, the doctor says he’s following his own growth curve beautifully!
Back in January, we dedicated him to the Lord. Watch the video below to view the dedication service!
In the summer, we did infant swim lessons. It was always Brian with Bradley and the instructor in the water. It’s so neat to see their natural instinct in the water! Lessons help them learn to right themselves face up in the water, kick their legs, and stay afloat. Highly recommend ! You can watch his swimming videos here.
In November, he turned 1!!! Time flew by
UPDATES ON BRIAN & AUTUMN
This summer, we both got dirtbikes. Brian grew up on them, but it’s a learning curve for me! It’s so fun to have another new hobby to do together, though!
In November, Brian went on a water fowl hunt in Canada with 2 of his buddies and had an absolute blast. It was a guided waterfowl hunt on Lake St Clair. The weather was too nice for duck hunting, but their guides worked hard and their six man group still brought home 91 birds total, just 17 shy of the group limit! Half of them brought home beautiful ducks to have mounted that were beautifully plumed, mature drakes. This was Brian’s first guided hunt of any type, but he will definitely be doing more!
I started training in February to become a full-spectrum doula with The Elite Doula & Co! HERE you can see my student doula spotlight featured on their Facebook page!
What is a doula? A doula is simply “a woman who serves.” Most commonly known is birth doulas, women who support women in labor emotionally and physically. But there are many other types of doulas! After having Bradley, I discovered there was such a thing as a postpartum doula- a woman who helps moms transition after birth into motherhood. She helps take care of the mother during her recovery by helping her with her basic needs like hydration, proper/healing nutritious meals, ensuring she has time to rest and shower, helping her figure out nursing, etc…; while also showing her how to care for her newborn.
I originally wanted to become a postpartum doula, but this company offered several trainings for a great price, and it’s the only Christian, pro-life company out there. I can do everything online and at my own pace and there are no difficult certification requirements or re-certification fees…. it’s perfect! Once completed, I’ll be certified as a fertility coach, childbirth educator, birth coach/doula, postpartum maternal wellbeing doula, pregnancy/infant/child loss bereavement doula, breastfeeding counselor, and newborn/infant care specialist.
I have currently begun to offer services as a postpartum doula, since that is my season of life and what I’m so passionate about right now. The closest postpartum doula to me is an hour away, so it is much needed in my area. I hope to help so many new mamas transition to motherhood!
This is my 10th year teaching piano lessons! I currently have nine students and teach out of my home 2 days a week. (Bradley also has a piano that he LOVES…)
FAMILY PICS
Livy Grace Photography, based in Mt Vernon, has done our family photos since 2019. She’s a dear friend and does a fantastic job. Here’s our pics from this year if you care to look through them!
We wish you and your family a beautiful and memorable christmas and 2024!
Love and prayers- Brian, Autumn, & Bradley Kurtz
Philippians 4:8-9 KJV
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.