By Leyna Krow, Assistant Editor, JTNews
On the morning of Jan. 12, Shaina Christman-Hancuff reported that her son, Daniel Seamus Hancuff, was doing well.
“Although he might not be so happy this afternoon,” she said. “In fact, I think he’s going to be pretty upset.”
A fair assumption, given that Daniel’s bris was just a few hours away. As his mother discussed the family’s plans for the first step in his life as a Jew, Daniel burbled contentedly in the background.
“I’m sure he’ll do just fine,” Shaina said.
Daniel is the first child of Shaina and her husband Martin Hancuff. He is also the first Jewish baby born in Washington State in the New Year. He arrived on Sun., Jan. 3 at 12:17 a.m. at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, weighing 7 pounds, 14 ounces.
His grandparents are Susan and David Huntley of Seattle, Lenora Hancuff of Bothell, and Dan Christman of Bothell. His great grandmother is Estelle Schecter of Seattle.
Daniel is named for his paternal relatives; in fact, he’s only the most recent in a long line of Daniel Hancuffs.
“Daniel is a traditional first name for men
on my husband’s side of the family,” Shaina explained.
To avoid confusion, the family refers to the baby by his middle name, Seamus.
Martin and Shaina, who reside in Bothell, have been married for less than a year. But Shaina said her young family is up for the challenge of adding a third member.
So far, she said, she and Martin are absolutely thrilled with life with their new son.
“Every day is a new surprise and a new learning experience. Those nine months were definitely worth the wait,” she said.
Martin works in Woodinville doing property maintenance. Shaina was employed as a secretary, but said now that Daniel’s here, she’s going to take some time to be a stay-at-home mom.