HAPPY NEW YEAR AND 1 YEAR AGO TODAY

Happy New Year.

May this year be an extraordinarily spectacular year for all.

1 year ago today, Tony and I boarded a very long flight to China. I remember the day as if it were yesterday. I remember the fear I had boarding that 15 hour flight. I remember my father kissing me goodbye saying he loves us and to have a safe flight. I remember watching him walk out the door and almost wishing that I was going with him. And I remember thinking to myself that even though I was nervous I was so excited, that finally we would meet our little miracle, Halainah Grace. I remember looking at Tony and giving all my fears to him to carry the load and be brave for me. I remember taking his hand as we boarded the flight together knowing that in a few short days our hands would be carrying the most wonderful gift of all.

All day today I kept saying to Tony, "we just boarded the flight," "at this time we were flying for 5 hours," "we were almost there." I still don't know how we survived that 15 hour flight.

Reflecting back on this year, although it has been so difficult financially with the lose of my job. And the most difficult of all, Halainah's papa's illness and his calling home, we faced these issues as a family of 3. And our miracle has gotten us through the darkest of days. She truly is our shining light of God.


New Years Eve at around 11:30. Cousins, Halainah, Leanna, and Antoinette snuggled together while waiting for the new year to begin.

Today, almost 1 year later after she was placed in our arms. She has grown into such a beautiful little angel.

Halainah's big gift from Santa, her dollhouse. And Grandma helped furnish her favorite toy.


Here she is putting the baby into his crib saying, "shhhhh...night, night."

New Year's day celebrated at Aunt Deb's. Halainah and Cassandra are only 6 months apart.