I remember meeting Anna for the first time like it was yesterday. It felt so natural and comfortable. We had our first date over lunch, learning about our upbringing, hobbies, favorite foods and so many other topics. And in a blink of an eye, we realized we had been chatting for three hours! That is one of Anna’s natural gifts, her ability to make someone feel at ease and welcomed. There are so many qualities I appreciate about Anna: her generous spirit, nurturing personality, great sense of humor, inquisitive intelligence…just to name a few.
All of these traits suit Anna well in her job as Director of Sales for an organic dairy company. Anna's job allows her the freedom to work from her home office, which will allow us a great deal of flexibility when we welcome a child into our lives.
Anna is someone who values sentimentality, which is steeped in her respect and love for her maternal grandparents. Whenever Anna whips up pancakes or other recipes handed down from her grandma, she does so while speaking fondly of the memories. I easily envision Anna and our child kneading bread dough together in our kitchen, both covered in flour, laughing and making memories. She is also wonderful at crafty kinds of activities: do-it-yourself cards, holiday home decorations, dinner place settings — artful hobbies that will be long lasting, shared family traditions.
When I think of Anna as a mom, I just know she will encourage the same curiosity in our child that she possesses. I envision Anna constantly interacting with our child, pointing to the butterflies in our yard, picking lemons from our tree and giving our child every opportunity to learn about what life has to offer. Anna has a wonderfully nurturing character that lends to her being a caring and loving parent.
In my eyes, Anna is happiest when doing things for other people and making others happy. I think this is a truly rare and desirable trait in anyone.She constantly thinks about me and my well-being, her parents in Rochester, her brother and his family in Japan, our network of friends near and far, as well as my family. Anna is great at remembering birthdays, sending thank you notes, texting a friend because she saw a pair of shoes that her friend would like…it’s these qualities that make her so special and caring. And most importantly, her care and love is unconditional.
Anna is a wonderfully loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter and soon —we hope — Mom.