As we embark on a new year, it seems only appropriate to reflect on the events of the year behind us. Inspired by Burt Lum (@bytemarks) who actually shared his top 10 list on Twitter and encouraged others to do the same , I decided to take a look back at the past twelve months and make a list of my top 10 moments of 2009 in no particular order:
Baby Champuru takes her first steps (August 12, 2009) - At 10 months, Baby Champuru started walking and she hasn’t slowed down since!
Baby Champuru Photoshoot with Simply Baby Photography (September 2009) - The talented Lisa Hoang photographed me for my maternity photos and Baby Champuru’s newborn portraits, so it was so great to be able to get some shots of Baby Champuru as she neared her first birthday. We set up a “cake smash,” although Baby Champuru didn’t seem interested in smashing the cupcake at all. I was so worried that she might get too much sugar from eating the cupcake, but she barely even touched the frosting. What a fun experience and Lisa captured some beautiful shots of Baby Champuru that day.
Being named one of Bytemarks’ Top 20 Social Media Geeks in Hawaii (July 2009) - Completely unexpected and flattered to make this list.
Served as the matron of honor at Shari & Darren’s wedding (October 24, 2009) - Shari was a beautiful bride and it was such a privilege to serve as the matron of honor at her wedding at the Hale Koa Hotel in Waikiki.
Celebrated my first Mother’s Day (May 10, 2009) – After struggling with infertility for so many years, the passing of every mother’s day would be bittersweet. I loved celebrating and honoring my mom and mother-in-law, but was saddened that it seemed that I might never become a mother myself. This year, I was able to celebrate my first mother’s day as a mom!
News about more babies on the way (not mine) - One of my best friends Joyce is pregnant with twins! I am overjoyed for her and can’t wait to meet her babies!
Our first staycation in Waikiki with Baby Champuru (September 2009) – Hubby, Baby Champuru and I stayed in a hotel in Waikiki for our first family staycation. We attended the Okinawan Festival and enjoyed the sights around Waikiki. It’s fun to take advantage of the attractions in Hawaii and play tourist every once in a while.
Taking on more clients, getting serious about my business – Took on a couple more clients, doing more work, from home and on location. Interested in expanding my freelance business to enable me to continue to stay at home with Baby Champuru.
Celebrated Baby Champuru’s 1st birthday (October 2009) – First birthdays are a big thing in Hawaii. Baby Champuru, the long-awaited (15 years!) miracle baby that she is, deserved a celebration as special as she is. Although we don’t have the means to throw a gala event, we managed to have a nice gathering of close friends and family to commemorate her first year of life.
I resigned from my job (February 28, 2009) – The decision to leave my secure, comfortable, and decent-paying postal job to become a full-time mom was not an easy one — but one that I do not regret for a moment. Sure, the budget it tight, but the opportunity and privilege to be with Baby Champuru full-time is unspeakably valuable to me. I am so grateful to Hubby for working so hard to make this a reality, and of course, to God for meeting our needs and providing for us!
Bonus: And here’s my favorite video of 2009: Baby Champuru enjoying her first musubi (rice ball) at 11 months old:
