The Sheldon Family JOSH GREW UP IN OTTAWA, LINDSEY IN OSWEGO • FAMILY LIKES GOING TO MY SISTER KATE & FULLER HOUSE • OLDER DAUGHTER MAEVE LIKES MICKEY MOUSE & BLUEY • JOSH ENJOYS PLAYING GOLF • family DOG is TUCKER
Hinsdale's Daphne Sheldon has made an impression during her first year in the world.
Daphne, 8 months, captured best costume honors at the Hinsdale Fall Family Fest in October for her rodent tableau, sharing credit with handy dad Josh.
"Josh built a mousetrap to sit on top of our wagon, and (Daphne) sat in the hole as a mouse," mom Lindsey said.
This month she earned the title of Happiest Baby for 2024 in The Hinsdalean's annual contest for community cuteness.
"We've had a year," said Lindsey, during a pre-Christmas family interview. "Josh from the start has called Daphne 'Champ,' but she's really earned it now."
Big sister Maeve, 2, was a lion for Halloween. But when it comes to her little sibling, Maeve likes to use her paws for tickling. When she's not cavorting with her ever-growing entourage of stuffed animals, that is. Her newest addition following a Brookfield Zoo visit?
"Baby tiger," Maeve revealed.
Lindsey said the train ride there proved to be just as captivating.
"I want to go on the train again," Maeve chimed in.
The family moved to Hinsdale in the summer of 2023, but they had become well-acquainted with the village long before that.
"We're just five blocks from Grandma and Grandpa, and a couple blocks further from cousins," Lindsey said. "We've been coming out to Hinsdale for holidays for over a decade. And now we're here."
Lindsey and Josh met as students at University of Illinois and began family life in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood before striking out for the suburbs. Being so close to loved ones and within walking distance to Burns Field and Monroe School where the girls will one day attend is delightful, the couple said. The spirit of community also has been a pleasant surprise.
"When you pass by someone, they stop and say, 'Hi,' " Josh said. "That took a little getting used to."
But the Logan Square neighborhood they left behind had its virtues, too.
"We miss the restaurants. We loved the city so it was bittersweet," said Lindsey of the move, although they both still commute downtown by train for work.
Lindsey works in human resources for a biotech start-up and Josh is a data analyst. Time is scarce when it comes to DIY projects at their 100-year-old home. Plus the din of remodeling doesn't mesh well with nap times.
"We're slowly fixing this house up, aren't we?" Josh mused to his wife.
"Slowly," answered Lindsey. "We'll be here for a while."
The Hinsdale Community and Hinsdale Public Library are favorite destinations.
Christmas traditions observed this year included opening the daily advent calendar and meals with relatives. Maeve is excited for January when she'll make the jump to age 3. Daphne, described as a chill baby by her parents, turns 1 in April.
"We have a lot of family time whenever we can get it," Daphne said. "We just like hanging out."
They're eager to see what 2025 has in store.
"We just try to appreciate every single moment," Josh said.
- story by Ken Knutson, photo by Jim Slonoff
