2024

(year in review)

There’s so much life that’s happened, it’s hard to do this year justice in just a few paragraphs!

Margaret has grown from a wee baby into a full-fledged toddler. We delight in her sunny smile, goofy personality (she comes by it honestly, given her parents), and sweet temperament. Her easy-going attitude has been our saving grace through this eventful year.

Our family went on a grand adventure to Italy this spring! Joe received a Fulbright Scholarship to research and teach at the University of Trento, and we relocated to Trento for three months. Moving across the Atlantic with an infant is not for the faint of heart—Maggie went from never having been on a plane to visiting three countries in 24 hours. Between a Lufthansa strike, endless luggage, and countless logistics, it was quite the start to our trip.

Life in Trento looked very different from Rhode Island. Joe walked to the university daily while Maggie and Wystan explored the city by foot, grocery shopped (yes, every day), and adapted to the local rhythm of life. Our big stroller with its distinctive orange bonnet made us easy to spot, and Margaret —“Margherita” to the locals—became “un po’ famosa” (a little famous). She charmed everyone from passing nonnas to grocery clerks and was especially adored by the staff at the pizzeria next door (Korallo’s Pizza and Drink), where we visited every Friday night (and sometimes more often; a tradition we dearly miss!).

Highlights of our time in Italy included: Maggie’s first church service at Trento’s historic cathedral on Easter, where she received a bishop’s blessing; a romantic trip to Venice for Wystan and Joe while grandparents babysat Maggie; visits from both sets of grandparents; meeting up with Wystan’s friends Grace and Spencer in Milan; reading Italian children’s books to Maggie. We returned home with a deep love of Campari spritz, espresso, and the memories made while living in northern Italy.

Back in Rhode Island, Maggie celebrated her first birthday and then started daycare (after months of “juggling” care between parents). Wystan’s mom graciously stepped in, blessing us with weeks of help and care and creating a beautiful tri-generational rhythm in our home.

Joe’s sabbatical came to an end and he returned to URI reinvigorated, now as the Carroll D. & Charles M. Billmeyer Professor in Engineering. Wystan worked part-time through it all (no small feat while we were abroad), navigating professional demands and family life, always with her signature mix of determination and creativity.

As we reflect on this epic year, we’re filled with gratitude for the amazing experiences we’ve shared, the lessons we’ve learned, and the people who’ve supported us along the way.