2009

2009 is a very special year for us. There are so many things that our family is grateful and thankful for.

HEALTH:

I have had a relatively easy pregnancy. Only 1 week of morning sickness. Not much trouble besides the fact that I was put on a low fat and low sugar diet in the third trimester. Labour was not too bad (I was expecting to be in pain for 5 days. Yes, I am very pessimistic!) and recovery was relatively speedy.

Baby is healthy. No extra limbs and everything is normal. Except her skin problems, everything seems to be okay. Before she was born, we were worried sick about her health, so so worried about the things that could go wrong. We are extremely lucky to have a beautiful and healthy baby girl.

Anders had appendicitis and recovered nicely. He has been told by the doctor that his appendix actually burst and fortunately, instead of spraying across the abdomen, it resealed itself. By the time they removed his appendix, it was seriously inflamed. We are so so lucky that they caught it just in time!

FAMILY:

My family has not gathered in the same city at the same time for five years. I was ecstatic to see everyone and hang out with them (although the time we spent together was way too short!!). It is nice to have a new addition to our family. Everyone moves up a step in the family tree. It is still surreal to think that I am a mother now and that I have a daughter. It is a very bizarre (but sweet) to see that adorable little baby - Alison, was just a tiny embryo a year ago! And look at her now! A good healthy 16 pounder!

Anders's, Ali's and my extended family has grown as well. We now have two adorable "godchildren" - Kira and Hayden. Ali has two wonderful "godparents" - Yetta and Brett, plus a big sister Kiki and big brother Hayhay!

Ali's kai mama:

Kai mama is trying to sleep with baby in her arms, while kai baba just chillax watching the two:

Ali's big bro:
Ali's big sister:

Tackled by my beautiful and sweet little kiki:

while Anders read to the calm little Hayden:

FRIENDS:

We are so blessed to have so many great and caring friends! My coworkers have been exceptionally supportive too throughout my pregnancy and after Ali was born. So many people have come to visit us and not to mention the number of gifts that Ali has received since birth! Thank you so much everyone for spoiling us and our little baby girl!

A few of our friends have had babies as well. Congratulations to each and everyone of you!! It is very nice to have friends who are going through the same phase as we do and that we can support each other along the way. Happy babies who are also born in 2009 include Trevor (Emily & Simon), Samantha (Wendy & Darryl), Nicole (Joanna & Ewen), Allison (Anita & Anthony) and Kaley (Michele & Jason). BFFs, baby!

Trevor

Sammy

Nicole

Allison

Kaley

Alison, Anders and I would like to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2010. May the year ahead be filled with joy, health, wealth and happiness!