Christmas 1998

The Korea Hentschel’s year began with two hospitalizations! Jim had hernia surgery in January and now knows what it feels like to have a C-section! He recovered nicely and in a shorter period of time than we expected. And then Cyndi was hospitalized in March for the birth of Ashley Elizabeth! Chelsea, Sam, and I had gone back to the States in late February on maternity leave; Jim was due to join us on the 22^nd of March; and Ashley arrived on her due date – March 21^st! We thought for sure she’d be late like the rest of the family, but she fooled us! The birth coaches (Anna – my lifelong bestest friend, Sandy - my mom, and Chelsea) were not at all disappointed that Dad didn’t make it – this meant that they would get to be there instead. However, Dad did experience the whole thing long distance! Both parents were quite surprised when the doctor said "it’s a girl" – we were convinced she was a he! She’s quite a blessing and has a sunny disposition (much like Chelsea had as a baby). She’s been nicknamed Ashley pie-pie by the Nanny. It’s quite the joke with our friends here - depending on the day she can be pumpkin pie, cutie pie, sweetie pie, (you get the picture). Her brother Sam loves her a little too much – he’s always trying to give her biggg hugs and wants so badly for her to play with him. Chelsea seems to be pretty taken with her as well – I guess she’s gotten used to the idea of much younger siblings!

The year has flown by with normal routine taking over our lives. Jim continues to like his job and has had the opportunity to work on unusual assignments like helping with the administrative arrangements for President Clinton’s visit to Seoul; he is a member of the Embassy Club Board of Directors and is quite challenged by this as well; he played softball during the summer and fall, bowled last winter and this winter, and played with the kids in between. Cyndi went back to work p/t (at less hours than before!); continues to attend classes at University of Maryland (trying to finally finish that BS degree); bowled during the winters too; and spent more time with the kids. Chelsea finished 5^th grade on the honor role, started 6^th grade, but is not quite sure how she likes it yet, was a member of the school choir and finished with a spring concert, danced in a spring talent show with a friend, played softball, has started band and ballet this school year, and is blossoming into quite the young lady. Sam continued going to play group on Fridays and spends the rest of his time watching videos, playing outside, loving his baby sister, and tormenting his older sister! He keeps us entertained with his latest doings and sayings. Ashley spends her time sleeping, eating, and pooping! She has just started cutting teeth and crawling and of course as any parent would tell you "she does the cutest things!".

At last year’s "Bowling Ball" (ha ha ha I know – what a name for a bowling banquet), we won two roundtrip tickets to anywhere in the U.S. Quite a prize, but quite restricted as well. We had to use the tickets between September and November, so we went home for Thanksgiving. The trip was too brief, but it was good to see our friends and families again!

Other trips this year have included:

Jim went to visit his friend Tim and had a "guys" weekend. Another friend from VA ended up joining them and a good time was had by all. He brought home a great picture of him and Tim riding an elephant and of course some unique gifts!

Cyndi attended a conference for work and of course made time to site see. I was able to visit all the sites that I’d seen when Mom and Dad were there as well as some new attractions like Buckingham Palace!

Jim and Cyndi went on a whirlwind tour with two other friends from Seoul. We were quite impressed with the Great Wall, but not so impressed with the tour company. We were glad we didn’t take the kids because everything was so rushed, but we did get some good pictures, video footage, and memories. Plus we can now say we’ve been to China!

Next on the list is Thailand – possibly in February ‘99.

That’s pretty much it for ’98! Hope your year has been a healthy and happy one! We miss you all and think of you often!

Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Jim, Cyndi, Chelsea, Sam, and Ashley