You, my friend, require some energy. I call out the specific time that you have been alive because it feels as if we have been running a marathon since day 1 with you and we are no where near the finish line. I will say this, and probably repeat it as time goes – it is a good thing you are really cute.
You had a few more firsts these last six months:
- First new house
- First time to San Diego
- First real words
Your first column is significantly shorter than your sister’s was at this age – thank her someday for being older and allowing you to experience things at a younger age.
We did move though into our new house! Your mom was not as big of a fan of North End as I, and wanted to idyllic childhood home – so we bought it. We moved about 5 miles east to the home we are in now. It has a big driveway, big backyard and is on a cul-de-sac. As much as I wanted to stay put, it really is an incredible home in an incredible neighborhood. We love it, and I hope that I am writing these posts from it for a number of years.
We also took a trip to San Diego – your first time there. We stayed in Encinitas which is where we lived before moving to Boise. We went for 5 days and spent a lot of it at the beach and riding bikes around the neighborhood. We also took you to the San Diego zoo – which blew your mind. Unfortunately I think it will cause you to be disappointed by the one in Boise. Although it was nice being back in SD, and don’t ever tell your mom this, moving to Boise was the right thing for us.
This was also the trip that convinced us you are not in a state where we wish to travel with you anytime soon. Following the trip back on the planes with a layover in SF, we both agreed we would wait until you were older before we travel again. You were a monster.
Christmas this year you didn’t fully understand but had a better idea at least. Still not ripping open presents or anything – but at least the concept is beginning to resonate.
You are also starting to talk like crazy, and not all words are gibberish. Many, actually most, still are, but not all. You talk all the time and are becoming more clear each day. You are also the smiliest baby of all time.
That said, you still DO NOT SLEEP! We have tried everything and at this point have resolved to just live on little to no sleep. You just talk to yourself or scream and wake up multiple times throughout the night. Good thing you are cute.
New Job
I left Balihoo at the end of the year and began a new job with a company called Vacasa in January. I came on as the Vice President of Digital, and oversee everything about the website, vacasa.com. The site currently produces just under $100 million per year – and I have a team I am growing. The company is over 2,000 people, and I am one of 9 execs. It is a much bigger role than the one I had at Balihoo – much more stress but also more opportunity. Currently, my plan is to see it through to an exit (either IPO or acquisition) and then take it from there. Would like to take a month off after so hopefully that will happen,
You have a big summer coming up and we will be heading to SV quite a bit. The travel ban due to your behavior on planes has made it harder to get away but we will continue to try. You are so loved, by us of course – but Harper more than anyone. She plays with you constantly, hold you all the time, and helps you with things. She is even protective of you when in public or around other kids. You guys have a pretty amazing bond which is incredible.
I know this one is a little short but I will come back next time around with more details and more stories.
I love you more than you will ever know.
Love, Dad
