New parents, or even old pros getting back into the ring, face what may seem like a baby bootcamp of an obstacle course. They hurdle challenges, sprint from one task to another and get up more times than they fall (especially in the middle of the night). 2016 marks a year of expectation and joy for several of our very own educators: Mrs. Anzalone, Mr. and Mrs. Fuja, Mrs. Sikora and Mrs. Jeanneret. Let’s give a warm, cuddly welcome to the newest members of the Viator community—Giuliana, James, Carson, and Logan!

It’s a girl! English teacher Mrs. Kirsten Anzalone welcomes her second daughter, Giuliana.

“The second time becoming a parent was just as joyful as the first, but welcoming Giuliana was a ‘miracle’ experience because Mirella, my first daughter, wanted a sibling so badly,” said Mrs. Anzalone.

Having a younger sibling is a blessing or a nightmare, depending on who you ask, but Mirella took a shining to her sister right away.

“[Mirella] makes funny faces or talks in funny voices, and Giuliana will giggle and smile,” said Mrs. Anzalone.

A new addition to the household affects everyone and changes how parents find support with one another.

“My husband and I have an even greater respect for each other,” said Mrs. Anzalone. “When he comes home after a 14-hour day and still washes the bottles or packs up the diaper bag for the next day, I have an even greater appreciation for him.”

Mrs. Anzalone and her husband have many hopes for their two daughters, and their fair share of worries for the future.

“I know our children will not be able to keep their happy innocence forever, but I do worry that society today forces children to grow up too fast,” said Mrs. Anzalone. “I want to shield them from violent media as long as possible.”

However, the future is filled with renewable, environmentally friendly light. Fresh opportunities—especially for women growing into the next minds, hearts and leaders of the century—allow for individuality and happiness within.

“I doubted myself growing up,” said Mrs. Anzalone. “But women are making great strides in science and engineering, and I hope my daughters will know they can accomplish anything. I used to worry that every single part of us had to be perfect, but when Mirella goes to St. Raymonds pre-school in a striped shirt with floral patterned leggings, I tell her, ‘Rock it, girl!’ The answer is yes. You can do anything!”

Spanish teacher Mr. John Fuja and his wife, Scanlan Center chair Mrs. Erica Fuja face that age-old challenge with their first child, James Fuja. Mr. John Fuja reveals the challenges he and his wife have faced since welcoming el bebé Fuja into the world.

“Being a new parent is very exciting,” said Fuja. “ It is incredible when I realize that my wife carried him around for nine months and now he is ours,” said Mr. Fuja.

Understandably, having complete responsibility to a helpless newborn is not without its schedule adjustments and sleepless nights.

“I truly have to put the needs of my son in front of my own and do my best to support my wife,” said Mr. Fuja. “If he starts crying at 2 am, we just can’t ignore him.”

Babies are a hands-on experience, and are often quite a handful.

“Just this morning before I left for school, I had to change my shirt twice,” said Mr. Fuja. “The first one had spit up on it. I changed and he spit up on the second one. But I cannot get upset. I find myself laughing at times when previously I may have reacted with anger or frustration.”

Mr. Fuja brings the fears felt by a new parent to light, revealing how nerve-racking the experience can be and how God fits into the equation.

“I feel I am a typical new parent who worries that everything I do may potentially harm my child,” said Fuja. “It is no accident that he came to earth as a helpless baby that was totally dependent upon his mother and father. He sets the example of how we should be completely dependent upon God in our lives. I hope that I can raise my child to be a strong, confident, happy and devout man.”

Mr. Fuja’s Spanish classes are known for the academic challenges he presents his brave students. Will baby James wreck the curve?

“I try to only speak Spanish when I talk to him,” said Mr. Fuja. “When he is crying, I sing ‘Cielito Lindo’ to him, a traditional Mexican song. It usually gets him to stop crying!”

Mrs. Jackie Sikora shares her experience as another first-time parent and a collage of Carson photos.

“Each morning when I wake up, I cannot wait to see Carson’s sweet smiling face. Even when my hair is a mess and I’m wearing day-old clothes, he still wants me to hold him, rock him and love him,” said Mrs. Sikora. “There may be laundry that needs to be done, carpets that need to be vacuumed and beds that need to be made, but all of that can wait,” said Mrs. Sikora. “Carson’s presence has made our home even more full of love than before, which I didn’t know was possible. His giggle is the best sound in the world!”

What about his ABCs…and his APs?

“As a former English teacher, I hope Carson becomes an avid reader and writer,” said Mrs. Sikora. “How wonderful it would be if he ended up in Mr. Paolelli’s APLAC class one day!”

What’s baby Sikora like?

“The second I think I have figured Carson out, he changes things,” said Mrs. Sikora. “Babies like to keep their parents on their toes. He just loves to play and go on walks and doesn’t want to spend the day sleeping!”

Former English teacher Mrs. Jeanneret also gets in on the baby bonanza!

“Logan is our second child,” said Mrs. Jeanneret. “We also have a two year old named Jack.” But even round two has its adjustments.

“It’s tough! Because they are both little, I am bound by their nap schedules most days, so not a lot gets done. Also, there is nothing quite like both of them wanting to be held at the same time!” said Mrs. Jeanneret. “I guess being a mom comes naturally to me. At the same time, I feel like I have no idea what I am doing, but I’ve become a little more go with the flow, and I’ve learned to have much more patience. I feel so blessed.”

What’s in store for little Jack and especially littler Logan?

“I hope Logan never feels like he is in his brother’s shadow,” said Mrs. Jeanneret. “Both boys are so bright and inquisitive. I hope they know how truly loved they are.”

Mrs. Jeanneret parts with wisdom for the ages.

“Never have a staring contest with a baby—he will win!”