Happy Birthday eBug: We love and appreciate you!

Peach: This time last year, we were all anxiously awaiting the birth of Vince, and now he’s here! You are a natural at being a Mom. I’m impressed by how you stay calm under pressure and always figure out a way to keep Vincy thriving through all the unexpected changes.  You handle motherhood with knowledge, selflessness, and love. Keep up the good work at home, play, and Yeti. Happy Birthday! I love you so much!

Taylor: It’s been really fun watching Emily / Mimi with these crazy kids we have in our lives. When I met Emily, I didn’t know her nurturing side, but she’s really great with Vince and Collins and always has so much patience. I’m thankful for her kindness and for the fact that she and Sal are such great friends. I always look forward to the next time we see each other.

Lucy: I love how Emily has come alive in Connecticut this year! She has built such a sweet community from her girl dinners, circle moms, sweet neighbors like Jody, and even the oddballs like the nail girls and Sammy, the UPS man! She has a knack for making everyone around her feel comfortable and noticed. Vince has the best mom! He will be (and already is) surrounded by so many people who love and care about him.

Kyle: Emily, I’m so proud to watch you grow as a mother and as my partner. 3 years married, 9 years together, and half a year with our son. It keeps on getting better. We are in the good old days at this very moment, and I’m loving every second of it with you.

Trey: It’s been such a joy watching Emily as a mom! Sometimes when a baby comes along, it can feel like a person’s whole personality changes, but with Emily, becoming a mother seems to have only brought out all of her best traits even more. She still makes everyone laugh, always looks on the bright side, and puts others before herself. Even with how busy life is now, she still makes time to call Lucy every day just to talk, and I know that means the world to Lucy. Happy Birthday, Emily!

Sally: Happy Birthday, Mimi! Emily has taken this first year of motherhood by storm. She is the sweetest, best mom to Vince, and somehow hasn't missed a beat in other aspects of life. I admire that so much. I will never forget how this year, Emily and 3.5-month-old Vince selflessly hopped on a plane without a second thought when I was recovering from surgery. It meant so much to me, and being under one roof together was just what I needed. I feel luckier than ever to have Emily as my sister.

gPa: Reading these birthday affirmations, today for eBug and yesterday for Kyle, makes me full of joy. We are so blessed to have a family where everyone pulls their weight in their own way and appreciates each other. Life will toss curveballs at all of us, and that makes it even more beneficial to know there is a safety net surrounding us during times when we need each other more than others. Emily's infectious personality and her ability to juggle life are both to be admired and, to the degree we can, copied in our own times of trial and fog. Thanks, Emily, for showing us the way, and Happy Birthday, middle one!

Happy Birthday Kyle

Trey: Last month, when the family got together in St. Simons, Kyle yet again reminded me that he loves doing birthday affirmations and even wanted to start doing them for half-birthdays as well. I told him that might be a little much, but he insisted it was a great idea. I guess we'll let the rest of the family decide. Anyway, I really respect how hard Kyle works to take care of Emily, Vince, and Kevin while balancing a busy job and a tough commute. Sometimes when I wake up for work feeling tired and just want to hit snooze, I think about how Kyle's already been up for hours and is on the train heading into the city. Happy Birthday, Kyle. You the man! 

Peach: It’s been a year of big changes with baby Vincent joining the family. You have proven to be an outstanding dad. I know it’s tricky juggling baby duties, work, being a great husband, and head chef for Emily, but you’re doing an amazing job. These years go by so quickly, so enjoy every moment and remember to take some time for yourself too. Hope you have a fantastic birthday!

Taylor: It was fun to finally have Kyle down at my family's beach house. His Pina Coladas and puréed sandwiches were two major highlights for me. Kyle is always a huge contributor to any setting, and I really appreciate that about him. I’m really happy that Collins is so close to Uncle Kyle. It reminds me of my relationship with my Uncle Jimbo, and I can’t wait to see that develop for them. A lot of fun times ahead.

Lucy: Kyle is the best host! He goes to great lengths to ensure we are comfortable, entertained, and (of course) never hungry. He will go out of his way for a Stew Leonards grocery run for Collins, hang a TV for Peach, demand a sushi platter if we need one, and drive us all around in the snow when the southerners are paralyzed with fear. He shares his favorite restaurants, recipes, and hidden gems in Connecticut. I know it is not always convenient, but Kyle is always generous, and I hope to be more like Kyle in that way.

Emily: What a special year it has been for my forever birthday buddy! Watching Kyle become an incredible Dad to Vince has amplified what I love most about him. Kyle does so much for us. We all know he cooks my favorite meals AND cleans when he cooks (which is a rare combo in a husband), but there are so many things Kyle is proactive about that make our lives easier. To have a baby with a partner like Kyle made my postpartum 20X better, from walking Kevin before his 6am train to keeping the bottle station clean, and taking over bath time even after his full day of work - Kyle really takes on his share of the work without being asked! He is the hardest-working person I know. Kevin, Vince, and I are extremely lucky to have him! Happy 33rd Birthday, Kyle!

Sally: I always knew Kyle would be a great dad, and watching him in his first year of fatherhood has been so fun. Kyle takes great care of Emily and Vince while juggling work, saves energy to keep the rest of us fed, and always has time for his niece, who adores him. Kyle makes every time we are together more fun and always makes me laugh. I am lucky to have him as my BIL! 

gPa: I love having Kyle as my son-in-law. It means the world to me when he takes time to check on me. It has been a blast watching him take on fatherhood while juggling career and feeding the troops when we visit. I also love his network of family and friends and how they all embrace Emily. Happy Birthday, Kyle and thanks for being you!