The Paddock Family welcomed their adorable baby boy, Max, in October! We caught up with them recently to hear all about what they’re loving about life with Max so far, what they’re most excited about doing with him in the future, and the challenges of welcoming a little one in the midst of the pandemic. More below!
Photo: Images by Holly Ann
We are the Paddock family – Derek, Amanda and our newest addition, Maximus! (Max for short.) We also have two fur babies, Wally and Georgie. Wally is a 3-year-old bernedoodle and Georgie is a 2-year-old bichon mix.
Derek and I are both Queensbury graduates. We lived in Boston for several years prior to moving back to the area in 2015 to be closer to family and friends. Currently, we live in an apartment in Saratoga while our forever home is being built in Moreau.
We love this area and all it has to offer. We enjoy hiking and exploring new trails with our pups (and next spring, Max!) We also have a lot of family and friends in the area and we enjoy hosting them when we aren’t in the middle of a pandemic.
On Sharing the News
Our news wasn’t exactly a secret. A few years ago, Derek underwent chemotherapy for lymphoma (he’s doing great now) but that meant we had to use IVF to conceive. We definitely relied on the support of our friends and family throughout that time so it wasn’t a surprise when we shared that the process was successful.
We found out the gender as soon as we were able. I am a financial advisor and Derek is a CPA so we are both planners. I had a feeling from the very beginning that Max was a boy, though.
We did not do a gender reveal because of Covid, but we did send our parents poppers to open that let out blue confetti. It was still fun!
Photo: Images by Holly Ann
All about Max
Maximus Sawyer Paddock was born on October 9, 2020 at 11:36am weighing 7 lbs 7 ounces and measuring 20 inches.
We had heard the name Max on a tv show we had watched much earlier in our relationship. We always liked it and it just stuck.
We love everything about Max! He already has a big smile and is very vocal – we love watching him talk and smile at his toys under his play gym. He is much more alert now and is starting to notice everything around him – including Wally and Georgie - and it is simply amazing to see him start to discover the world.
Lately we have been snuggling and listening to a lot of Christmas music. We have also been enjoying walks in the stroller through our soon to be neighborhood in Moreau with the pups in tow.
Everyone says that Max looks like me (Amanda). He definitely has my lips, nose and smile. That being said I see a lot of Derek in him too – mostly from the nose up and a lot of his expressions.
Photo: Images by Holly Ann
On Parenthood
Our favorite part about parenthood is how much he loves us. We are his favorite people and his whole world right now and that is a really cool feeling.
The most surprising part of parenthood for us is how natural it has come. We never considered ourselves ”baby” people and they always made us a little nervous. We don’t feel any of that with Max.
We’ve definitely become more selfless since becoming parents. Everything we do and all the decisions we make have Max at the center of them. Having him during this pandemic has also taught us that being a parent involves making hard decisions. While we are dying to share him with all our friends and family, we’ve had to put that on hold until it’s a bit safer to do so, and telling our loved ones this has not been the easiest thing.
Photo: Images by Holly Ann
On the Future
We can’t wait to see what interests he shares with us (if any) and what new things he starts to enjoy that we get to learn about through his eyes. We are also excited to see Max start to interact more with our original babies – the dogs – and bring them all on a family hike!
Photo: Images by Holly Ann
Some Good Advice
The best advice someone has given you?
Having a routine is important!
Your advice for new parents?
It sounds cliché, but enjoy every minute because it really does go incredibly fast. Also, don’t buy a lot of newborn size clothes because he grew out of them in about two weeks haha!
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Special thanks to Glens Falls Hospital for making this series possible!
You’ve been planning for this moment for 9 months, but the team at The Joyce Stock Snuggery at Glens Falls Hospital has been preparing for over 30 years. While each birth is unique, their exceptional care stays consistent. You'll be supported 24/7 by a specialized care team that puts you and your family’s needs first.
Expertise. Compassion. Dedication. The reasons more babies are born at The Joyce Stock Snuggery.
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