The Linendoll Family welcomed their adorable baby girl, River Marnette, in January! We caught up with them recently to hear all about what they’re loving about life with River so far, the significance of her name, and a few words of wisdom for parents-to-be. More below, with beautiful images by YM Photography.
We are Gerry and Christine Linendoll. We’re currently based in Queensbury and we both grew up in Gansevoort and went to South Glens Falls High. We welcomed our daughter River Marnette on January 13, 2021, but for us our story began a long time before that.
We met in middle school and “dated” when I was 14 and Gerry was 16. Though that didn’t last long, we met again my sophomore year in high school at a Silverstein concert and became best friends very quickly. We spent the next couple years having so much fun with our group of friends. One day that all changed and 13 years later we are happily married with our little girl and 2 dogs (Lilly, our chihuahua and Ember, our pit bull husky mix).
We love everything about living where we do. I am Adirondack obsessed. We love hiking, kayaking, and doing anything outside. When we are not staying active outside as a family or taking care of our girl, Gerry is usually coding for his business Switchback Web or slinging pizza in the air at Mama Mias in Saratoga, and you can catch me serving at Downtown City Tavern.
On Sharing the News
When we found out we were pregnant we were very surprised and very excited. Knowing our families have been waiting for this, we bought some cute shirts and went over to tell them. My mom noticed right away, but my Dad — not so much. We got him a new #1 grandpa mug and he responded, “Oh nice, but I’m not a grandpa”.
Gerry’s mom took a little bit of nudging (lots of moving, straightening our shirts) and eventually I gave her a card that said Baby Linendoll 2021. Gerry’s dad knew before we even came inside.
We planned our gender reveal party and found out as soon as we could. I had a feeling from day one she was going to be a girl. I even dreamed about her being a girl — so weird how mothers just know!
All About River
On January 13th at 3:42 am (exactly on her due date), we welcomed our 6lb 13oz 19in long baby girl River Marnette Linendoll. Perfect in every way. We decided on the name River before she was even a thought. I have always wanted my daughter to have a unique name. Gerry is a 4th, so if she was a boy it was going to be baby Gerry. Her middle name, Marnette, was my great grandmother’s name, who I was lucky enough to have until I was in my 20s. She lived until she was 103, so I knew I wanted my daughter to have a piece of her legacy.
River is honestly my twin. She looks like her momma and has her daddy’s laid back attitude. Not bothered by a thing.
We are so blessed. She has brought so much joy to our lives in her 3 short months of life.
On Parenthood
Becoming parents has changed our lives. It has taught us to be patient, not only with the baby and the day-to-day, but with each other. I have learned that being late isn’t the end of the world and the dishes can wait to be washed — it’s fine if River is happy. Making time for our family always comes first. We have become the best versions of ourselves and we were truly meant to be parents.
Words of Wisdom
The best advice I have received is the same advice I will always give. “Don’t worry about everything everyone tries to tell you about being a parent. Do what’s right for your baby and your family and everything will work the way it’s supposed to.” Also, “Nap when the baby naps”.
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Special thanks to Glens Falls Hospital for making this series possible!
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