Emily Hurd

And just like that—after 9 years—my girl is moving on from the Children’s Hospital in Madison. I get all choked up thinking about the weeks we spent up here with the badass craniofacial surgeons & staff. I’m gonna miss this magical place.

Also, I have a favor to ask. Right now, there is a bipartisan bill that has been reintroduced to congress. It’s called the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA), referred to as the “happy smiles” bill, and it would require private health insurance plans to cover medically necessary dental and reconstructive services for congenital anomalies or birth defects.

Please join us in calling your congress person and asking them to push this through. Families shouldn’t have to pay tens of thousands of dollars to help their kids with syndromes get a full set of chompers.

Keep fighting the good fight.
❤️ Em (& Jo)

I got some incredible gifts this year, but two that made me cry.

1) “The Official & Entirely Legitimate Christmas Rest & Musical Creation Agreement” from my son hereafter referred to as Party A. The “Gift of Time” with a “Non-Interruption Clause” & “Restaurant Amnesty” is amazing. Best contract ever, Party A.

2) A cutting board made by my brother-in-law Matt that I’ll cherish forever. 10/10 wood species choice & craftsmanship.

Cheers to more creativity in 2026! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays, everyone. ❤️