happy new year

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Happy valentine's day

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happy new year 〰️ Happy valentine's day 〰️

let’s catch up

let’s start at the now and go backwards

If you’re here, it means you got our card, and yes — we have a new place to call home! We have loved our little house we rented for 3.5 years. It’s the place Eden came home from the hospital to, and will forever hold a special place in our heart with some of the best neighbors (who we are fortunate to call our friends), and a community we didn’t know we’d have when we moved to LA. We’re also looking forward to building new memories in this new home, just 3/4 mile away from the old one.

Buying a home in southern California is no easy feat, and it can feel pretty wild at times to live here. We would be remiss not to mention we had significant help in this investment, and we’re sincerely grateful for that. With the added space, over twice that of our old place, we’re very excited that:

I’ll now have an office that’s not in our bedroom (working from home, or living at work??)
Eden will have more room to play (she rolled in circles on the floor the first time she saw her room)
We will not have to all share one bathroom as Eden potty trains (there’s now one potty for each of us!)
There’s even a pool we look forward to enjoying in warmer months (Pool Party, Baby!)

2024 was a foundational year for our family. As we got into more of a groove with having a kid (how did we get so lucky with Eden?), we spent lots of time together, reflecting on how we wanted our life to be:

Early in the year we started getting the information we needed to find a new home
I started exploring design again – created two new brands, along with my own “Wollacott Design Co.” and a website (+ I’ve got big plans for this Love, Maddily platform this year, which is now 10 years old!)
Matt has continued his grad school at UCLA, planning to graduate summer 2026
We finally did our out-of-the-country trip that got postponed due to the pandemic in 2020

Eden has continued to amaze us with her singing, dancing, joyfulness, and also more recently, her demands. Her love of “Wheels on the Bus” is unending and resulted in a bus-themed birthday party. I also sang “Old MacDonald had a Farm” at least 100 times on our trip to Europe, especially on trains as we went through farmland. Some days it does feel like we have to be selective of what battles we want to focus on. But overall, she’s a great communicator, has a kind heart, and is eager to help and be included in everything we do. She goes all in on everything she does and is our sunshine.

A few highlights and a few lows from last year are summarized below in words and/or photos.

2024: the highs and the lows

Here’s a few memories from the end of 2023 through 2024 I hope to remember:

Shout-out to the end of 2023 and one of my favorite trips

We took a weekend trip to Central California — where we had the best, low-key time exploring Solvang, San Luis Obispo, and Cambria area. We let the day unfold and took it easy, saw so many monarch butterflies that they looked like fluttering leaves on a tree. We also found a cute little town I had never heard of (Harmony, CA, population 18!), and discovered the Cambria Pines Lodge, which had amazing holiday lights you could walk through.

Girls nights

One thing I took away from my maternity leave is I really loved and needed time with girlfriends. I am so grateful for the group of friends that are ok with meeting up after 8pm on a weeknight to do a craft, chill, play games, go out. I even went to Kansas City for a fun bachelorette trip for my friend Whitney. It’s been a relief throughout this year!

Catalina Island – still our favorite place

We continued to enjoy Catalina Island this year. Visiting a couple of times, we first went by ourselves for the day, and later in the year we took a day trip with some of our friends! It was so fun to rent golf carts and see the island from a different view together. This is a special place to us, serving as a welcome escape from the big city whenever we go.

Maybe 6 times at Disneyland is a little too many?

Disneyland is truly a happy place for us, except when it gets too hot in the summer months. We found that going early in the morning made for less ride time waits, and I’ve rediscovered a whole new part of Disneyland for little kids. We also take advantage of the chill time in the Tiki Room. It was especially fun to go with Matt’s family when they came to visit.

Potential art thief on the loose at the Getty

When Matt’s mom, Rebecca, was visiting, we went to see The Getty art museum. It was the most beautiful day, it’s quite peaceful there…most of the time. Eden was running around everywhere, and so we had to hold her as we walked through the art exhibits. At one point, I went to take a picture of Matt, Eden, and Rebecca, with Van Gogh’s “The Irises” in the background. However, Matt didn’t realize how close he was standing to this famous painting, finding out quickly as Eden reached out and grabbed the painting’s frame, pulling it away from the wall! Security immediately descended upon us. Fortunately, no one was taken into custody and we’re not in huge debt to the Getty Museum (this painting last sold for $53.9M in 1990), but let’s say that lessons were learned.

The Jacobs in Europe!

At the beginning of 2020, I had started planning a graduation trip for Matt and I to go to Europe – specifically the Netherlands – and, well, you know how 2020 turned out for most of us. This last year, we were finally ready to get out of the country, and we were even more excited to visit our friends, the Moore’s, who live in Germany, and then explore the Netherlands. We visited Cologne (where the Moore’s live), took an overnight trip to Hamburg to see Miniatur Wunderland, explored a castle in Krefeld, explored Eindhoven in the Netherlands, stayed in Amsterdam for a few days, saw a “Giant Parade” in Maastricht, saw the windmills in Zaanse Schans, biked through Volendam and Marken, and then came home. Traveling with a toddler is exciting. Also maybe more restful, since we often relaxed during her naptime and didn’t stay out too late. I was ready to keep going, and was sad to come back home. We hope to travel again soon!

Eden’s low oxygen

We had several visits to the emergency room with Eden last year. About a month after we came back from Europe, on Father’s Day weekend, we were in the ER as Eden had been having trouble breathing. There, we found that she had dropped to 87% blood oxygen level. She stayed in the children’s hospital for a few days until her oxygen had returned to normal range (she had to maintain above 90%, without use of supplemental oxygen). The doctors diagnosed her with something called “reactive airways disease”, which is essentially asthma for little kids. One of my favorite moments was after she wasn’t on oxygen anymore, we asked if she could walk around the hallways on her floor, and once we got the green light, she was ecstatic and ran around – even finding a wagon she pulled for a time. It was an exhausting few days, and not the way we intended to spend Father’s Day weekend. Matt was as dedicated and supportive of Eden as ever, and a testament to the incredible dad he is. About a month later, we had to go back for low oxygen again, and on this visit found she needs to be on consistent steroid medication, which she takes twice a day for the time being. It’s been a new journey and we’ve learned a lot! She was so brave and resilient through this. Hoping to leave emergency rooms and hospital stays in the 2024 rearview mirror.

7 years of marriage!

Matt and I celebrated 7 years together with a gondola ride in Redondo King Harbor at sunset. Matt did a great job planning this one out (we switch off who is in charge of planning our anniversary every year). With 7 years of marriage, (and now 10 years of knowing each other/dating!) we’re both definitely still learning to navigate life together. Sometimes it feels like we’re just starting out – learning to be patient with each other and our toddler, and how to focus on each other more despite all the craziness. Lots of learning, even years later about each other, and I suppose that will be a forever thing.

Family and friends at the Living Desert

For Thanksgiving weekend, we took a trip to La Quinta (a little east of Palm Springs) to spend with family. It was so fun seeing all the little cousins dance and play together! We also spent time at the Living Desert Zoo, where we fed a few giraffes with lettuce. Later that night we returned to the Living Desert and got to hang out with Eden’s BFF Paige and her family, to see the Zoo lights at night. To cap it off, the next morning on the drive back to LA, we stopped to ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. We highly recommend this gondola ride, which soars high above the canyons below. The gondola cars turn slowly, completing two full rotations as they rise nearly 6,000 feet in about 12 minutes. On a clear day, views from the Mountain Station at the top can stretch over 200 miles, all the way to Nevada.

Visiting Colorado

The week before Thanksgiving, we had the opportunity to visit Grandma and Grandpa Jacobs at their new home in Colorado. We also got to see Carolyn and Mike (Matt’s aunt and uncle) while we were in town. Unfortunately, I got prety sick during the visit and spent nearly all of it in bed at the hotel. Matt & Eden were able to spend time hiking and also swimming and Grandma and Grandpa’s pool. It was good to catch up and for them to see baby Eden grow. We hope to visit again soon!

Christmas in Utah

Christmas this year was in Utah with Matt’s family where we got a fresh blanket of white snow on the special day of. There were several ups, seeing friends and family we hadn’t seen in a long time, but also several downs, mostly Matt and Eden getting sick. Matt was hoping to take Eden skiing for the first time, but it just wasn’t in the cards for this trip. Because of the sicknesses, we didn’t get to see as many friends and family as we hoped, but we were extra grateful to spend time with those we could.

At the end of 2024, before we left for Utah, I saw my Grandma, gave her our Christmas present, and held her hand for what I now know was the last time. She said, “Come back again soon,” and I said I would. On Christmas day, at 94 years old, she peacefully passed away. She lived a full and complete life, and I’ve learned a lot from her bravery and example over the years. I’m glad she could be reunited with Grandpa, and Gidget — her favorite dog.

Overall, when I reflect on this last year, the greatest memories and moments I cherish the most are with the people I love. I hope to put more of my energy into that in 2025, with my focus on Jesus Christ’s joy in my life. I have found that Christ gives me the most comfort, peace, joy and hope in this life, and with all the chaos this year is already bringing, I definitely need a little more of that. We sincerely wish you the happiest of years ahead and hope we can catch up in real life sometime soon!

Love,

The Jacobs

A Christmas party at my grandma's caretaking home at the end of 2023 -- complete with her flirting with the singer.

Eden trying out her bicycle Christmas morning of 2023

We took an end-of-year trip in 2023 to Solvang, San Luis Obispo, and Cambria.

We saw so many monarch butterflies at Pismo Beach!

The butterflies looked like leaves on the tree until you got closer.

On our way home, we stopped in Santa Barbara and went to the County Courthouse building to see this beautiful view.

Eden really loving the texture and feeling of pasta on her face.

Girls night making vision boards (that somehow ended up coming true)

A day trip to Catalina -- our favorite place

Celebrating Matt's birthday with pumpkin pie

We had a special visit from Matt's friend Theodore! We went to the beach and checked out Little Tokyo.

Nana came to visit and we went to Eden's Winter Warm Up!

At the Getty Museum -- right after Eden touched the frame on that multi-million dollar painting

Getting soaked at a dragon boat festival in Marina del Rey with our friend Michael

I did a photoshoot for our brand portfolio in Arizona – my colleague Patrick and I reviewing the photos.

Matt & Eden took a weekend trip to Utah!

Eden loves carousel rides! Photo by Sheri

Matt took Eden camping with our friends the Ostergars.

California Adventure Day – and meeting up with the McCarty family!

Heart Rhythm Society event with my colleagues

We took a two week trip to Germany and the Netherlands where we got to stay with our friends, the Moore family in Germany. We had SO MUCH FUN!

Eden having a meltdown in front of the cathedral because I was trying to help her with the umbrella (that was too big for her) and she wanted to do it herself.

Michael, Caroline, Matt and Eden in a medieval replica village.

The Moore family & us at a special "Parade of Giants" where this town dresses up in these amazing costumes and cultural dances.

At the end of the trip – we went back to Germany and got this incredible view in a ferris wheel in Cologne

Eden spring school photo – "bee yourself"

Eden had low oxygen and we had to stay in the hospital for several nights – found out she has baby asthma

Celebrated 7 years of marriage with a nice dinner and a beautiful sunset gondola ride

4th of July Baseball – Eden was ready to play!

Roommates reunited for Christina's baby shower!

Our friend Conrad came over and showed us several suits of costumes from his time in the 501st Legion

Disneyland with the Jacobs! Eden saw Minnie Mouse's house

We stayed at a hotel one night and Eden LOVED the pool

We took a trip to Catalina with friends for the day – we rented golf carts and explored the island.

Our friends Megan and Greyson moved to Portland so we had a last surprise gathering with them

Eden turns 2! Her daycare made her a little sign.

Eden turns 2! We had a small backyard "Wheels on the Bus" themed party

Eden, Matt and Kellen at HIlary's aunts pool

Eden LOVES Minnie Mouse and was so excited to see her again.

AFib Awareness month activity on campus!

Bachelorette Party for my friend Whitney in Kansas City, MO -- can you guess the theme?

Eden met Bluey after a trip to the Farmer’s Marker with her friend Logan 💙

Celebrated Taylor and Alicia getting married 💍 (also Eden’s first wedding and she was very excited to dance)

Eden's friend Avia turns 3! They had a fun princess party!

Eden and I reading the Hungry Caterpillar

We met up with a few of my colleagues and their families at a pumpkin patch in Irvine.

At the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair -- Eden was excited about the firetruck.

We went on the Heber Railroad for the Halloween themed train -- Eden loved the Monster Mash

We got to hang out with our friends AJ, EZ, and Oakley at the Bean Museum in Provo!

Matt, Austin, and Eden in Salt Lake City, UT

We had the opportunity to go to Utah and witness our niece Clara's baptism

My work group dressed up as inflatable Pikachus with our VP as Ash (I'm the one on the far right in the blow up costume)

Halloween -- Eden's first real trick or treating experience (she still says "trick or treat") -- the sun, Earth, and moon

Celebrating Grandma's 94th birthday with Panda Express

Eden's first movie theater experience watching "Beauty and the Beast"

We took a weekend trip to visit Grandma and Grandpa Jacobs! Unfortunately I got really sick and stayed in the hotel bed the entire weekend, but Matt and Eden had such great fun visiting, going for swims and Matt took Eden to the planetarium and for a hike (that she was not thrilled about).

Kellen, Eden and Ford in matching Bluey pjs

We spent all day at the Living Desert Zoo where we fed giraffes, and saw a bunch of other animals. Eden loved it!

Eden and her best friend Paige at the Living Desert Zoo

I went to Vancouver, Canada for a photoshoot for work. It was really cool -- the consultant from Grey's Anatomy was there too!

Kellen and Eden with Great-Nana and Great-Papa

Matt and Rebecca at the Loveland Aquarium

We went to the planetarium on New Year's Eve and met up with our friend Nate! We had a fun and quiet night – ringing in 2025 with Matt's family

happy holidays

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merry christmas

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happy holidays 〰️ merry christmas 〰️

thank you for being part of our lives — we are so grateful for you.

2023. what. a. year.

When I look back on 2023, most of what I think about are what we’ve been referring to as “learning experiences.” That trip we tried to fit in maybe a few too many places with a toddler (but survived and also managed to have some fun too): a learning experience. Me navigating post-maternity leave and figuring out my needs while still having a 6 month old dependent on me: a (huge) learning experience. Matt beginning grad school and balancing work and home: honestly he makes it seem almost easy (most of the time).

I guess we’re all learning, and that’s part of the beauty of life. This year truly had some of the most treasured moments as we experienced for the first time our own little human growing into the funniest and most loving toddler (with some minor meltdowns sprinkled in), and some of the lowest moments as we mourned with friends the loss of loved ones, and tragedies around the world. This time of the year always feels like a good time for reflection, and a reminder of the hope, joy, and light that comes through Jesus Christ. As we reflect on our own now “old” year, we truly wish you the merriest Christmas and the happiest New Year.

For context of where last year ended, and where this year began, here’s one of my favorite videos and a few photos of Eden’s first time in snow as we celebrated Christmas and New Year’s in Utah:

and so came 2023.

Here’s a few of our favorite memories from earlier in the year we look back on…

Savoring the last few months of Maternity Leave.

Learning how to care for a baby is a rollercoaster – once you think you’ve got something figured out, it changes. I really needed the time I was able to spend learning and taking care of Eden while adjusting to my new role as a mom. As challenging as those early months were, I found peace while simply hanging out with her. Together, we discovered a whole new world with fun places like the aquarium, museums, libraries, parks, the beach, and farmers markets.

Mammoth & strengthening friendships.

What’s the best way to strengthen a friendship? Spend a few days together in a cabin with no running water (due to frozen pipes). We really got to know each other…and we still talk to this day! We had fun in the small ski towns near Mammoth and walking around. It was great ski snow, and our family’s first time exploring California’s own winter wonderland.

Catalina Island – our local paradise.

Catalina is one of the few places we don’t feel the need to do that many things. It brings out the best in us and we enjoy the relaxed pace. One of the perks of being parents of a new baby are complimentary early AM wake up calls, where we felt like we had a private island, especially near areas which might otherwise be overrun with tourists. In Avalon one morning, we really did have the entire beach to ourselves…well, except the seagulls.

Utah in every season.

Starting off the year in Utah with some family time and winter sports was wonderful. Eden was just learning to laugh. We went back in April for a weekend, again in August (I had a recruiting trip – my first nights away from Eden), and finally for Thanksgiving in November (where Eden generously gave everyone her stomach bug). We feel very fortunate to be a short plane ride away.

San Diego isn’t that far afterall.

We took a few trips down to San Diego this year, including a trip with some of my family. We had fun going to Balboa Park, Little Italy, and more with Nonna, Collin, Hilary, and Kellen. Kellen, our nephew, took his first bus ride (Matt is borderline obsessed with kind of public transit) when we took the red San Diego MTS bus from the waterfront up to Balboa and back.

Paternity Leave & Pools

We became a pool family this summer. Matt was able to take a few months off using his California paternity leave, and began a search with Eden for the best swimming pools near us (El Segundo hilltop pool, Wiseburn aquatic center with dive-in movies, the Torrance plunge, Alondra Park splash pad, but Matt’s favorite was the Hawthorne City pool). He also had a great time with Eden taking trips to downtown LA, the California Science Center, UCLA, Crystal Cove State Park and even a few train rides to visit me at work in Irvine.

Becoming wolves at the family reunion

Relax, we aren’t werewolves (...that we know of). But we became wolves for a day when we went to Colorado Springs to celebrate Matt’s grandma’s 80th birthday and have a family reunion, staying at the Great Wolf Lodge. For the first time in ages, every member of the Jacobs family was together and got to spend time with one another. Including wearing some wolf ears for a family photo.

We’re all in our best Taylor Swift era right?

I truly had the best time at the Taylor Swift Eras Tour with my friend Krystal in August. It was my first concert post-pandemic, and was somehow even better than what I expected. I was so happy for 3.5 hours straight and even after when Krystal and I had to walk a mile from SoFi Stadium to In-N-Out at 2 AM to get picked up by her boyfriend (thank you Carlo!). I haven’t stayed up that late since Eden was a newborn. The crash the next day was worth it.

Babies at the Beach for Eden’s First Birthday!

Technically there were three birthday celebrations (when there was only meant to be one), but it was too good of an opportunity to celebrate Eden and smash cake three times. We are so grateful for all the people in her life that love her and look out for her.

Highway 1 road trip and our first time family camping

I camped for 3 nights this year on our Pacific Coast Highway (aka Highway 1) road trip. The first night’s campsite was a disaster and I cried 3 times. Even Matt admitted it wasn’t great, the winds were howling and the site was scrubby. The next morning, our car wouldn’t start and I almost cried again thinking we might have to stay there longer. But luckily, we were able to get a jump and try again on another part of the trip, camping in Big Sur. We had a nice spot to ourselves in the trees near a creek, and I loved it so much I might have said, “Let’s come back here next year.” So maybe I’m ok with camping. This road trip had a few bumps, but overall we had a great time driving up the coast and making it to the very end of Highway 1 and back.

Matt being admitted to and starting grad school at UCLA

And he’s back in school, earning his Master’s in Engineering while also working full time. I love that we’re now both a Cougar (go BYU!) and Bruin family. Eden went on a tour with Matt and the tour hosts were very excited to have a young Bruin in the making. No pressure, Eden (but we do have a lot of pictures of you in your bear outfits).

Night of the Arts: Matt, Matt, and Kerry’s band premiered as “The Girl Dads”

For the church talent show, Matt got together with two friends who also happen to have daughters and performed a couple of songs, calling themselves “The Girl Dads”. It was really fun to see them all perform together – Matt shredded the harmonica and gave his best Paul McCartney impression. We’re rooting for an encore!

Midwest trip – we visited friends in Tennessee, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana!

When you see these states adjacent to each other on a map, it just makes sense to try to connect as many dots as possible, right? We did our best. I appreciate all the flexibility of our friends with the last minute planning (my postpartum brain legit does not work the same) and to those who housed us each night (Annemarie/Adam, Amanda, and Hillary). It was really sweet seeing my friends that were a lifeline when I had Eden, because they baby girls were born shortly after. We were going through the same thing at the same time. Seeing all three girls together was really fun, watching Eden interact with everyone.

Halloween as Trader Jacobs

After Matt put Eden in a Trader Joe’s bag and realized she fit perfectly, it only made sense that we adopt another grocery chain for Halloween (after we were Costco a couple years ago). Eden’s a little beret hat and a dress that had vegetables on it walking around the church parking lot, dancing with Kellen, and giving people back the candy they just gave her during the trunk or treat was my favorite.

Mr. Matt Claus

While Eden wasn’t too bothered by Santa last year, this year was another story. Even though Santa might have seemed oddly familiar to her at our church Christmas party, she did not want anything to do with him. We’ll try again next year.

For all the first-time memories this year, we do miss some of the lasts – like her last gummy smile before getting teeth, her hair that was barely there a year ago is now long enough for two pigtails (Matt has become an expert hair stylist), and finally outgrowing her baby Birkenstocks – the same ones we took a picture of to announce she would soon be arriving. Here’s to many more first, lasts, and sweet memories in 2024.

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a few of our

favorite

things in 2023

(aside from Eden – that’s a given)

- Matt took a trip with his friends to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where they hiked, rafted, and played games
- 10 year high school reunion in Franklin, TN
- Bike tour with Austin, Enzo, and Shane on Catalina Island
- Podcasts – I’ve really gotten into them this year as I commute two times a week
- Chocolate – as usual
- Taylor Swift – going to her concert with my friend Krystal was incredible, and also the latest I’ve stayed up since Eden was a newborn
- Traveling and visiting friends
- Going to the beach and the park with Eden and Matt
- Documenting memories – I don’t want to forget anything
- Being close to family
- Our community
- Sharing places and things I grew up loving with Eden
- Food – she loves everything and has the cutest belly to prove it
- Dogs (although we found out she’s allergic :( )
- Books
- Helping clean with her little sized cleaning set
- Playing peek-a-boo
- Dancing
- Pushing a cart or stroller
- The beach (and the birds there)
- Loves the slide and swins – she fearlessly slides headfirst
- Her friends at daycare (she transitioned from the infant room to the toddler room)
- Pointing out different body parts
- Waving hello
- Riding in the bucket bike (called a bakfiets)

with lots of love,

The Jacobs

year in review: 2022

“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”

— President Russell M. Nelson

2022 has definitely been a year of change and growth — and not just from my growing belly that resulted in the best change this year: our baby Eden, who as of this writing is nearly four months old. Almost a year ago, on December 28, 2021, we found out we were having a baby, and it was hard to imagine what it would be like, but the love we have for her is overwhelming. She truly adds so much joy to our lives.

In addition to a new baby, we both took on new jobs, new adventures, and new furniture as we created space for Eden in our two-bedroom rental house (with the second bedroom now a nursery, office, and guest room). Along with the highs, we also had some lows — in June, Matt’s work had a mass layoff, and his Grams passed away unexpectedly, just a few weeks before Eden was born. Both of these events were difficult in different ways. Throughout our year, our testimonies of our Savior have grown, as we continued to receive peace through the difficult moments and experience His deliverance and love in times of happiness. The quote above by President Nelson (originally from this talk) has been a consistent reminder this year of where to turn in the good and hard of our lives.

Looking back, we have much to be grateful for and can see a glimpse of the Lord’s hand supporting and lifting us through it all. Matt was able to find new work in an assignment he loves, within walking distance from home. Baby Eden was able to spend time with Grams in heaven before coming to join us on Earth. We are especially grateful for family and friends, and the opportunity to see so many of you this year. I have a renewed understanding of the importance of having such an incredible and supportive community of family and friends, as we have received so much kindness, love, consideration, and support. We love and appreciate the blessing it has been to be together in person and to share in your struggles and triumphs alongside you.

Although many of the most special moments are not always recorded – including hang-outs, game nights, beach walks, park meet-ups, or a stop-by, we put together some highlights from each month below and a collection of our favorite photos.

Happy end of 2022 from us to you!

- We started off the year at the Rose Parade in Pasadena on Jan 1
- Maddie began volunteering as a Girl Scout troop co-lead for Brownies
- Matt left his job at SpaceX and joined a start-up company called Universal Hydrogen
- Discovered and took photos at Tom’s One Hour Photo Lab
- Visited Utah and Idaho and celebrated Matt’s birthday
- Maddie celebrated Kana’s birthday by seeing Hamilton
- Maddie took a girls trip to La Qinta/ Palm Springs
- We biked the entire strand (Redondo Beach to Malibu and back, 27 miles each way)
- Maddie went to Chicago for a work trip
- Matt joined at end of the work trip and we visited friends in Warsaw, Indiana
- Found out we were going to have a baby GIRL, due September 2
- Rob and Rebecca (Matt’s parents) visited and we saw where his dad and grandpa had grown up in Long Beach
- We began nesting – starting with the kitchen! Added wallpaper and new dining nook
- Celebrated Easter with family – watched our nephew Kellen’s first proper Easter egg hunt
- Maddie took another work trip, this time to San Francisco
- Matt met Maddie in San Francisco and explored SF over a weekend, spending time with Maddie’s cousin Matthew and his boyfriend Max
- Maddie took a family girl’s trip (+Kellen) to La Quinta
- Matt began taking flying lessons at the Hawthorne airport, where his grandpa had flown 50 years before
- Took a trip to Utah to see family, and Matt rode mountain bikes with Rob and his friend Austin
- Went to a Dodger game
- Matt – and the rest of his team – got laid off from Universal Hydrogen as they canceled the project he was working on
- We attended and celebrated the life of Matt’s Grams, Barbara Burwell, alongside family in Utah
- We celebrated our five-year anniversary in Utah, Nashville TN, and Charleston SC
- Maddie started a new job within Johnson & Johnson, working from home three days a week and at the office in Irvine two days a week
- We went to Disneyland (when Maddie was 32 weeks pregrant!)
- Maddie rested as much as she could
- We had a baby shower
- Eric and Brett (Matt’s brothers) came to visit us!
- Matt accepted a job offer with Northrop Grumman in Redondo Beach
- Maddie’s water broke on August 22 and Eden Donatella Jacobs arrived the morning of August 23
- Rebecca came to stay with us for two weeks and help with Eden
- Matt started his new job, a six-minute walk from our home
- Eden took her first ride on the LA Metro
- Eden took her first Amtrak train ride when we took a day trip to Santa Barbara
- Maddie’s friend Whitney came to visit
- We did Trunk-or-Treat for Halloween and the theme was Eden’s Garden
- Rob and Rebecca (Matt’s parents) visited and Rob met baby Eden for the first time
- Baby Eden was blessed at church on November 6
- We took our first big trip via a 35 hour train ride from LA to Seattle and spent nine days in Washington state and Oregon
- Participated in holiday festivities including Santa coming down the street

At the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.

Maddie’s Girl Scout troop! Getting ready for cookie season.

Our. nephew Kellen at the beach.

Hilary and Kellen.

Celebrating my Nana’s birthday.

First time we went to Tom’s One Hour Photo – I was pregnant here and still hadn’t told anyone (except Matt).

Saw Hamilton!

Adam, Matt’s brother, gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of where he works at BYU-Idaho.

We celebrated Matt’s birthday in Utah.

Brittney and I hiked to Stewart Falls. A lady gave me some Cheeto’s at the end of the hike and they tasted like the best Cheeto’s I’ve ever had.

Went to see Fiddler on the Roof with Matt’s parents, Rob and Rebecca.

Ice Castles with Elise and baby Scott.

We biked the entire Strand! It was the worst windy weather, but we did it.

Game night with friends – Matt, Katherine, Alyssa, Kerry, baby Avia, Nichole, and Jordan.

In Chicago for a work trip – I walked by the Route 66 sign.

Alina, Michele, and I were all pregnant and had similar due dates! It’s been really fun to share this experience with them.

My work team.

Jaci (from my MBA program) and I met up in Chicago.

Matt joined me in Chicago.

I had to stop at the Nutella store.

Matt and I were able to visit Warsaw and see Jean and Lola.

April and I hiking in Malibu.

Valentine’s Day.

My long-time friend from college, Michael, came to spend the day with Matt and I.

I told Steph I was pregnant at this dinner :)

We spent Easter at my aunt and uncle’s and saw Kellen at his first real Easter egg hunt.

Rebecca – my mother-in-law – and I on the ferris wheel in Long Beach.

Matt, his parents, and I at the LACMA.

Our baby announcement.

Gender reveal – we’re having a girl!

We took advantage of another work trip I had in San Francisco and Matt met up with me for a day.

We were able to see my cousin Matthew and his boyfriend Max and explore Chinatown.

Family girls weekend (+ Kellen) in La Quinta.

We celebrated Brett, Matt’s brother’s, birthday.

Celebrating Kellen turning 2!

Celebrated my mom’s birthday.

We celebrated the life of Barbara Burwell, lovingly Grams. We miss her.

Five year anniversary trip – on the actual anniversary day, we stayed at Zermatt and went to Sundance for dinner.

We went to In-N-Out with Matt’s cousins.

I was able to see my old roommates, Annemarie and Janna, in Tennessee.

Matt and I were able to attend the temple in Nashville, where we were sealed/married five years ago.

Matt and I were able to get into the Bluebird!

Jenn, a friend from my MBA program, had a quick stop-over in Santa Monica.

Nesting began with a kitchen update.

Matt at Universal Hydrogen – they are a start-up company and had their office out of an airport hangar.

Double date with my grandparents. We had dinner and saw a movie.

Dodger game!

Hanging out with April! We visited the new Academy Museum.

From kindergarten until now – I was able to hang out with Tina and Kana.

Matt began flying lessons and was able to take me up!

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The most special baby shower.

Beach day with Amanda.

Brett and Eric (Matt’s brothers) came to visit us in LA.

My church group also put together a beautiful baby shower! I never expected such a great community of people when we moved back to LA. So grateful for them.

Eden Donatella Jacobs, born August 23, 2022.

As we look to the new year, we hope to continue to grow and develop, invest in our hobbies (like sleeping, and writing more on this blog (edit one year later: still working on it!)), learn from each other and Eden, create more memories, and build our faith in this crazy and miraculous world.

Special shout-out to Tom’s One Hour Photo for these holiday photo gems.