January 31: update (we LOVE this kid)

Haven't posted an update in a while, Geve and I have been too busy with our Sydney "baby-vision" as thomas calls it.

Our lives are finally starting to get into a routine. Sydney's sleeping a little better, though still in consist. Last night she slept for 8 hours! Holy cow. Mom had a good sleep finally, but dad was still stuck in the usual sleep pattern of up at 1:30 a.m. and up at 5:00 a.m.. We bought Sydney's crib mattress on the weekend and the crib should go up this weekend (finally) or so. I think that mom is having attachment issues because i sense her hesistation in letting Sydney go (geve, you are SOOOOO much like my mom you don't even know it).

Mom's into a regular schedule now. She's doing her daily stroller-strides class which makes her happy by getting out of the house, getting her workouts in, and meeting other moms. Geve looks great and I can honestly say that I don't know if I've ever seen her happier. I'll have to get a raise at work so that she can stay home.

Speaking of which, no new news on Intrawest and what's going on here. We'll find out in the next few weeks. We'll see what happens. I'm definitely getting the itch to get the ball rolling in terms of building a team and a legacy at work, but more importantly buying a home and moving on with our lives (i.e. getting back to hockey or golf this summer ;) ).

Sydney's now lifting her head up 45 degrees, working her legs a lot, and getting stronger (that must come from geve's side of the family). She's also trying to communicate (mom says it's cooing but I think it sounds more like purring)... it's adorable.

Sydney lifting her head up...

Smiles for the camera

Our "big-little kid" (watch where you kick!)



















"Look mom, no hands!"

January 12: A day at the Tanakas

Weekend update... what was suppose to be a lunch at the Tanakas turned out to be a 9-hour day trip. Yup, Geve, Sydney and myself suited up to head to Rob and Tanya's on Saturday. It was suppose to be just for lunch. Geneva and I stopped off to get some food first, and also to check out baby's world. We picked up a pizza, some specialty cheeses, and a bumbleberry crumble. What we didn't realize is the amazing spread that Tanya was going to cook up. As well, we watched the NFL Playoff games on the Tanaka's new HDTV (droooooooool! HD... makes football look so good). After watching the Colts spank the Ravens (much to mom's happiness) we watched as Reggis Bush fumbled a hand off that costs mom & dad the potential additional field goal we needed for our Sports Select ticket (stupid 3 points are a tie rule). Then we got to watch the Oilers lose (again)!

Some pictures from Rob & Tanya of Sydney. Thanks again for having us over, you guys really are like family to us.

Sydney's "I'm bringing sexy back" photo



















"Check out my twinkle twinkle little star" mobile!




















"How you duin"?

Well Wishes for Sydney

Hey Syd,

This is an entire entry specifically for you. It's a summary of all the emails that we received within the first month that you were born. I had it saved on my laptop, and just remembered to put it in your blog. Enjoy, I hope that you know a lot of these people. The notes in Italics is commentary I added so you can understand certain points that could be confusing.

(P.S. I'm posting this on Valentine's Day even though using an older entry. You and mom are sleeping right now. I love you two).

Family

I am at work today. I won't go to the hospital after work (she's talking about how Ong Noi was in teh hospital in Edmonton after his stroke). I will call you when I get home. Give Sydney a big kiss from grandma. Hope that Geneva isn't so sore and is doing well. Does the baby sucking milk ok? Send us Sydney's pictures. I so regret that I am not there now or will be able to visit my grandchild soon. I long to hold her in my arm. Have a good day at the hospital. I love the pictures of my grand daughter. She must be the most beautiful baby in the world. I got the note & the pictures. Very impress with the thought you two have put in to name your daughter. You are very thoughtful & great kids that every parents would love to have. We are very lucky. Hope that Sydney will treat you as good as you do to us. I luv Sydney. She's so cute.
Have a good weekend.
Love,
Mom

Awwwww....she looks adorable. Gev looks great too! Good work you two!
Can't wait to meet Sydney!
Auntie Katherine

What a cute looking girl! Looking at the picture of David holding Sydney reminds me of the time when Jade was not feeling well and I had her slept on me all night long to make sure she was OK. I am sure you two will enjoy every second of parenthood.
Love,
Uncle Lam


From: jade huynh
ya i got a little teary there (regarding the inclusion of Huynh in your name). i'm soo happy and proud that u gave Sydney the viet name of Huynh. ya i told vincent when we were younger that he has to have a boy inorder for our name to live on. i don't think he understood what i meant back then.
ya i know i have a great dad. he's made a lot of sacrifices for both of us and just he's awesome. both vinny and i are at the age when we can just joke around with him and it's been fun. i will treat sydney like a little sister that i never had. don't worry i will always remember how you treated vince and i and i shall treat sydney the same and 1000 times more.
she looks soo much like geve it's insane. haha. the pictures are soo cute and she's precious.


Congratulation to New Mom-Geneva and New Dad-David and a sweet big and healthy girl Sydney. Now it will be the beginning of your new routing life. Another member is in your family, she will make your life a difference. Geneva, you told me that you are not as heavy as David, but the picture showing you look a lot heavier than David, and I can prove it now. see Sydney (7lbs 4 oz). That is a big girl :) :) :) David, you still need to fix your floor, your floor may not be damaged that bad, but I am sure all the nails getting loose. : ) :) :)We are very happy to welcome a sweet girl in our world. In the picture Geneva looks a little tired, but she is great holding the baby. we knew how Geneva went thru. and David, now you know it too.
Take care all, Big hugs to you all.
U. Huy A. Ha and Thien

Hi Dave,
Heard the good news from Ba Ngoai last night. Congratulations to you and Gev (Grandmas and Grandpas from both sides). Glad to hear everything went well and baby is big (record in our family – Tyler was the biggest at 6lbs 9 oz) and healthy.
Thanks for the baby’s cute pix and some details about the name. The middle name is fairly interesting. If you pronounce them fast in Vietnamese Gar-Wai (Ga Quay) – English Translation deep fried chicken – LOL.
Hugs and love to the 3 of you from the cold Edmonton.
Mimi Huynh-Nguyen

From: jenny le Wow!! what great news! I'm so happy for you guys. I know you must be tired :) Geves, glad you're hanging in there :) I will call you guys soon, though I understand the hectic-ness of everything. Love you three, jenny

Congratulations again to David and Geneva new dad and mom!
Baby Sydney is very cute!! Beautiful name with Chinese and VNese middle names too!
Enjoy her!!
Love,
Uncle Dang Auntie Van , J &H

Hi David!
Just heard the happy news that you and Geneva are now parents of a baby girl, Sydney. Congratulations! I hope that Geneva is doing well. Well take care - despite the sleepless nights you both may experience for the next little while. Enjoy this happy time with your new baby girl and I am sure you will take lots of photos.
Your cousins and "nieces",
Minh, Minou, Audrey & Lauren

Hey Dave!
Just wanted to say Congrats to you and Geneva! I hope Chris remembered to pass on the thought yesterday!
Take Care,
alex.

Congrats you guys that's awesome!!! I'm so happy for you and can't wait to see the new baby :)
Hope you will be bringing Sydney to Edmonton soon!
Luv,
Dais

3 things.
1) Benjamina is a great middle name. See "Doc Hollywood" as my proof. I guess I shouldn't ask for much since she already kind of shares a name with me. Was it Alias? Or are you really naming her after me and my middle name? Or was it something else?
2) The pain of childbirth (according to some doctor we talked to) is supposed to be the equivalent of having one of your limbs ripped off in a non-surgical procedure. So while your description of the pain is graphic, I think it is even worse than that.
3) She is a cutey. I don't wee what you are talking about, I really don't think she looks like Mr Chan. I can't wait to meet her in person and judge for sure. Kim was already talking about wanting to book a flight out there to see you guys.
Enjoy all of this time. Remember to savour everything because in the blink of an eye, she will be a little girl, not a newborn. And I don't know about you but my bond with my little girl didn't truly start until I really got to meet her for the first time. It was kind of a surreal attachment to Kim's ever growing belly until (like you said) you get to hold her. But ever since then, the bond has gotten stronger and stronger. It will constantly amaze you just how much you love her. As hard as this might be to imagine, you will love her more every day (for the rest of your life I am sure).
Ok, so that was more than 3 things.
Ben

Congratulations to all of you. It is an amazing feeling, holding your baby for the first time. We are so happy for you. We've told Elia all about little Sydney. She just smiles and says "baby".
I didn't mention in the other email....
She is beautiful. I think she looks like you Geneva!
Kim

Friends
Good morning,
It’s almost exactly a full day since Sidney (is that how you are going to spell it or will it be Sydney?) was born – how does it feel daddy?
How are mom and baby doing this morning? Anyhow, we are just wondering if you mind us coming by tonight to see the three of you again before Geneva and Sidney/Sydney go home. We were also wondering if you’d like us to bring some food by for you guys – no this time it would not be my mom’s home cooking.
Give me a call at the phone # below to let us know. We’ll gladly pick up anything you need – within reason J
TTYL,
Tanya Tanaka


congratulations!!!!
and well done all of you.
let us know when you're up for visitors and we'll swing by with some groceries or a prepared meal!
tell sydney she looks great and is very lucky to have great parents!
big hugs.
kyla & melvin


Congrats to the two of you and baby Sydney! That's quite a cutey you've got there (obviously she's already got Geve's looks...hehehe). Glad to see everything went well and from the pics, I can see that both girls are looking good and healthy. Tiffanie and I wish your new family all the best!
AllanC

Congratulation Geneva and David. Sydney is so cute. She is bigger than Ethan in weight. Ethan was 7 lbs 4 oz. Give her some kisses for me. Hope both of you guys are getting lots of sleep. ;) Yeah right.
Hope the mother is doing well too. Take care guys and send lots of pics when you have them. Oh Dave, get in as much sleep as you can.
You will need it. Have a good time.
-Ethan, Ann and Hai

Way to go! Congratulations. Your daughter is gorgeous. Hope you are doing well. Looking forward to seeing the 3 of you soon.
Jane & Peter Hicks

Congratulations!I still can't believe I have a friend who is now a father... Its insane! Don't you still play with toys, like transformers?I'm just giving you a hard time. Seriously that kid doesn't know it yet but she's very lucky. I couldn't think of two better people to be parents than you and Geneva. by the way, Sydney Bristow aka Jennifer Gardner from Alias didn't have anything to do with the name choice did she? I have a feeling she did and that your kid is going to be a secret agent.
Jono

Congratulations, you are in for the ride of your life.
AJ

That is so AWESOME!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! I am thrilled for you!!! How is Geneva doing?
What's her name????????
We need details!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE her name!!!! It's awesome! She is so beautiful and I can't believe that Geneva did it without painkillers. Wow!
Are you at home? I guess you are too busy for a phone call? I would love to chat for 2 secs. Can I call your cell?
Sara Gardiner

Sydney is beautiful! I can't wait to meet her!!
:) gillian.

Congratulations!!! Glad to hear everyone's doing well--please send my best to Geve and baby Sid Ed.
I am so thrilled for both of you DL, congratulations!!
Sydney is adorable, I can't believe she's only a day old (usually newborns aren't the cutest, but she is adorable!!).
I really am so happy for you guys; I can't think of two people that will make better parents.
All the best to you, Geneva, and of course Sydney!!!
Randy C.

From: Bill Woodley [mailto:bill@legacycold.com] Lorrie and I send our best wishes to you both. Sydney is beautiful!! Nice job!!
Look forward to meeting her soon.
Bill & Lorrie


She is beautiful! Congratulations to all of you. I am glad to hear everything went well and that everybody now is doing great. Sydney is a great name and I wish you both the very best. Parenthood is an amazing thing, and it won't be long before you get to enjoy the very best thing about being parents.....yes, I am talking about somebody else eventually doing your chores for you.
Seriously, sometimes I think it feels like a tough slog but it is far outweighed by the joys of what that little child will give you both. Take care.
Rob and the Otani's

From: justin wong
Congradulations geneva and dave, the baby looks adorable. Hope all is well in the wonderful new world of parenting for the both of you. Welcome to Sid to the new world. Kid already probably has a set of nike's and skates if i know dave... :) but never to early to explore those hidden sports talents right? Congrads again

David, Geneva, and Sydney.
Congratulations to the both of you!. Very exciting times and we look forward to see the both you and the extended family very soon.
Take Care and get lotsa rest(?).
Jason & Ginny

UBC Friends
Hi David,
Thanks for the update hope you are all doing well and congratulations once again, I have been sharing the photos with everyone in the office your daughter is absolutely beautiful.
Could you please send me your home address as we would like to send something to both of you
Congratulations once again and Sydney is adorable.
Regards
Kurt

Congratulations! When can we come visit? She's adorable, both baby and mommy! Please send G my love. And let us know when we are allowed to come visit...we'll buy lots of pink stuff to drive mommy crazy!
take care, yvonne

Congratulations Dave! She is beautiful and I love the name Sydney –it suits her, I can’t wait to meet her! Please give Geneva a big hug on my behalf!
Linda

Hi Geneva and Dave
Congratulations on your new arrival!! Sydney is so cute!!! Sam thinks she looks more like Mom but I think she looks like Dad. She's so precious... Giving birth is quite a miracle..
It's such a coincidence that the both of us have almost the same due dates (August 4 and November 3) though three months apart and our kids are also exactly three months apart too!
Sam was quite shocked and surprised when he learned that he won the baby pool. He's never won anything.
He has a theory that the first born is about a week early.
Things will seem quite overwhelming at first, the feedings, the diaper changing and the lack of sleep but it will get better. I didn't believe it at first but the second and third months are more manageable. Evan is still every three hours for feedings during the day but he can feed every 4-5 hours at night. I usually give him my breastmilk during the day and then he drinks formula at night.
Anyways, gets lots of rest and sleep....you will need it for those overnight hours. =)
If you have questions or need anything, give us a call at 604-430-5695 or e-mail.
Take care,
Judy and Sam

Work Colleagues (UBC/ Intrawest/ Nintendo)
Villanueva, Marie. Hi Geneva and David….Congrats on your new baby girl!
Wow, I was way off… I thought she would be a he :)
Kurt showed me some of Sydney’s pics and she is sooooo cute!
Take care and have fun with your new bundle of joy!
Marie

Congratulations to you both. I saw the pictures in Doug's inbox. You have 2 beauties there! Can't wait to meet Sydney. I remember my 6-hour, no-drug labour .... no small feat, that's for sure. Have a good week off and we'll see you soon.
Julie Peters

Thanks for the update Dad! I can't believe you have a baby!!! She's gorgeous - I look forward to meeting her. Enjoy every moment - she's a very lucky little girl to have such great parents!
I hope you're getting some sleep!
Lesley Short

beautiful beautiful beautiful!!!! congrats to mom and dad on a beauty of a baby. I thought she was a boy but I'm glad she's a girl!!! hee hee : ) Can't wait to hear all the stories and send lots of pictures. The name is great! Any background on it?!! love the mop of hair!! All the best... Susan Tucker

Congratulations David!You are now a DADDY!!! - don't forget the child tax benefits.... :)... hahaha... can u guess what I am studying for right now?Anyways, when you are able to get time away i still owe you a drink, or maybe u own me a drink, wait... are Dad's allowed to drink? I'll talk to you later.Mike Sadovnick

Hey David, Geneva
Congrats... baby Sydney is sooooooooooo cute!!!!!
You will make wonderful parents Sydney is so lucky. Although she has a tough road ahead getting used to the fact her dads an Oiler fan :)
All the Best
TK (Tony Kennerson)


From: Jason Wright
Congrats dude! Welcome to the club. You now get to spend the next 16 years worrying about guys like me dating your daughter!!! Enjoy! :D
By the way, when she smiled, it wasn't because she's happy to have you
as a father, it was because she had gas!
Kidding aside, it's an amazing feeling. You're very lucky.
Speedy recovery to Geneva.

Hello David,
Wow! Do you know how to keep a secret!
Congratulations to you and Geneva...well done! Sydney is definitely a cutie ...I'm sure she will have you wrapped around her finger (if not already!)!!
You'll love every minute of parenthood...everyday is a new day...yes you will have sleepless nights but you'll forget them so easily with the joy these cuties bring!!!
Best wishes to you & your family:)
Cher, Kinsley, Cal

Wow! Congratulations David... and thanks for sharing the details and wonderful photo's. You almost had me crying at the end, with your last paragraph. ;) What a true joy, and I'm very excited for what life has in store for you. Still jealous of course! Good luck and please do keep me posted... Sydney is already cute! You are so lucky... Give baby and mommy well wishes...
Jennifer Z. :)

Congratulations David! Don't miss a moment they grow up way too fast!
and lose their sweetness. Hannah, who is now 9, has moved away from being the sweet fairy/angel/princess on Halloween, she is now a dead bride! Ha ha.
Nancy K

Congratulations David and Geneva!
Baby is adorable.
kind regards
Marian

Amazing day I'm sure - congrats David/ Geneva!!!
(Hey: it's all about her from now...)
Pierre-Paul Trepanier

CONGRATULATIONS!
Nicole passed on the news on Monday (at Wii training). SO HAPPY FOR YOU AND GENEVA!
Glad to hear everyone is doing well – and you guys are getting to know your daughter. She is gorgeous – although genetics being what they are, that is no surprise!
Looking forward to more updates – we’ll catch up next time I’m in your office!
Lex

Congratulations David!You entered the hospital as a couple, and you’ll leave as a family. Way to go, she’s a real cutie.Give my best to Geneva.
Cheers,Dave VanAert

From: Gavin Roth
Just looked at the pics. Too cute. Hey...from experience my friend...there's nothing like daughters. An overwhelming sense of pride and protectiveness that never dissipates. Enjoy every moment.

From: Jennifer Drogell
Oh my goodness David she’s an angel!! Congratulations!! She’s beautiful. I know I owe you an email but wanted to say congrats very quickly as this week has been nuts. Enjoy every minute J And hope you are getting through the sleep deprivation okay. That was the hardest!
Jen J

WOW! Congratulations...best to you and the family, Le-san.
Have a blast and take your naps when the baby does :)
Ryan S Akiyama

Congratulations to the both of you. I am sure you will be a great father. Your daughter is very lucky already!
Best regards,
Kirsty

From: Michelle Tice (V) Congratulations!!! Now the fun begins! :) Thanks for the update...what a perfect little baby! Congrats to you and Geneva (special bravos for no painkillers...that's insane!) and welcome to Sydney. Do you think she'll be a skier or a snowboarder!?

Hey David and Geneva,
CONGRATULATIONS, that’s great news! Sydney is a very beautiful girl (I really like her name too – even though she is named after an Australian city). You must both be very happy (and reasonably tired). Enjoy the week ahead…and beyond. This parenthood stuff is amazing!
All the best from the Panorama crew.
Marke
PS: 7 lbs 4 oz is exactly the same birth weight as my wee man!


She looks so tiny and so perfect. Thank you for sharing the photos. I can't believe you are a Dad. Life as you know it has changed... Enjoy the ride, she will amaze you every day.
Please give Mom and babe hugs and kisses from the Pennefather's. Sorry we can't be there to come and visit you all in person.
Take care and keep me posted on how the family is doing.
Sue Pennefather
ps we are loving the nanny route.

Congratulations to both of you!!!! What a beautiful name for a beautiful baby!
Sydney is gorgeous – and Geneva, you looked amazing at 9 months pregnant!!!
I am so happy for you both! I can’t believe you are parents. All the best to the new family & hope to see you all soon!
Love, Lisa Libin


Very cute. So adorable. Congratulations to you both!!! Hope I will meet Sydney soon!
All the best to you and Geneva!
Cheryl Kong

DL!!!! All the correspondence we have done on and off the last year--you FAILED to mention ONCE that Geneva was pregnant!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Congrats to you both!!! Sydney is absolutely beautiful! :) And much respect to Geneva for doing pretty much a natural delivery! WOW!!!!
Strong, strong woman! :) You didn't send any pics of yourself holding Sydney my friend! Send one of those please!!!!! Wow--can't believe you're a daddy-God help us (HEE HEE--just kidding. I think you will be an amazing dad)--Sydney, I am sure, will be "daddy's little girl" :)
Anyhoo, congrats again and good luck! I am sure there will be sleepless nights ahead (I remember those days with my sister and brother-in-law!) Are you taking any time off? How are things going at IntraWest? I saw your name in Marketingmag.ca the other week talking about "Destination Next", encouraging Canadians to travel at home--first time a campaign like this has been done. Congrats!!! Sounds like you have been busy from reading that article! :)
Write back when you get the chance! :) Congrats again Mr. Daddy Le. :)
Hoop


Thanks for sharing your wonderful news, David – SO excited for you both (all 3 of you, really), and happy to hear it went as well as it did. CONGRATULATIONS on this (and your official title change? :)) – you are right to be so overwhelmed with joy and “best-day-of-my-life” feelings! Savour these moments and days ahead with your family – the work will be here when you get back, but Sydney will never be 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, etc., old again. We’re all rooting for you – and looking forward to meeting your special little girl,
Reg

Tom Sadler
Congrats Dude....you think it's cool now, just wait till she's 3-4. My
daughter just turned 4 and she's has her first hockey game this weekend.
Time flies!

Hi David,
Congratulations on baby Sydney, she is soooo...adorable! And I'm not just saying this as you know that I don't normally like babies.
Glad to hear that Geneva is doing well too and I hopefully you'll be able to have some time off to enjoy your new bundle of joy!
Talk to you soon,
Michelle Lee


Hi David,
Congratulations to you and Geneva on becoming parents! Sydney is just precious! Thanks for sharing those pictures.
Only my best wishes to you and your family…
Jennifer Herrera

Congrats DAD!
Your new daughter looks great and happy. All the best David...
Rob Morrow.

Hi David, congratulations to you and Geneva! You must be beyond thrilled, glad everyone is doing well, the baby is gorgeous!!
All the best to all of you!!
Lourdes Diaz

What a precious little girl! Congratulations to both of you!!
Lindsay Yarema


David,
So glad you are totally enjoying this experience. You remind me of how we were feeling on our kids birth day so long ago…It is an awesome (surreal – love that) experience to say the least. We are all thinking about you and send our congratulations. I have been organizing a special gift basket from the team to give you prior to the birth – obviously totally miscalculated the date! Not surprised though, remembering our conversation in the Ideas room on Friday…
Best wishes,
Kara Parachoniak

David…oops…Dad!
It is an incredible feeling. I can still remember the initial moments for both my guys when, as a Dad, it all comes true. The “yes, my wife is pregnant and I guess life will change” stage is just not the same as the “oh my god, this is our kid for the rest of our lives, and they are actually breathing, looking into my eyes” kind of a feeling.
So ENJOY. It is definitely the best high point in life. Fortunately, the moments when they first really speak, first crawl, first walk, and first skate are almost as good!
Great pictures…both your girls look great. Take good care of them! And thanks for sending in the shots!
DOUG BROWNRIDGE SENIOR VP MARKETING

I knew it I knew it I knew it!! Soooo happy for you both. She is beautiful. Looking forward to hearing about all of the gory details (and your reaction to the whole ordeal!!). Get in touch when you come up for air.
Well done Daddio!!
Chloe

Congratulations David! Destination Next: Shock and Awe. Enjoy parenthood, just remember, the beginning is the worst, and from there it just gets better and better.
Dylan

From: Bridget Phillips (V) So happy for you and Geneva!!!! Take Care!

CONGRATS MAN!
You’ll probably receive a ton of words like “welcome to the club” from fellow parents. The only thing is, there is no club handbook, no rules, and no instruction manual. ??
Enjoy the club. It rocks.
Randy Cuff

Survey: Sydney Look-a-Like?

Ok, which one of these babies does Sydney look more like? Let's put this to rest. Add your comment in the "comments" section (d-uh!)

baby 1:




















baby 2:

December 25th: Merry First Christmas Sydney

Wow, Geneva and my first Christmas as parents. A different experience all together. It was so great being back in Edmonton. So many highlights... so many people that we love that got to meet her... I hope that you can all be a part of her life because you've all been so amazing to myself and Geneva.


The quick notes:
December 25th: Woke up at home, opened gifts from Santa. Santa was nice enough to get Sydney "Mr. Octopus." Off to Edmonton, Sydney's first flight. Christmas dinner at Gong-gong and Po-po's farm... yummy Alaskan King Crab and Beef Ribs! And how weird was it to see Grandpa Chan talking in baby talk to Sydney?



















December 26th: Boxing Day shopping with mom and your first Boxing Day outfit.












December 27th: Christmas dinner at Ong Ba Noi's place. All the family was there including Auntie Ha and Uncle Huy & Thien from New Orleans/ Austin, Uncle Lam's family from Calgary, and all the Edmonton relatives.









December 28th: Family gift exchange with Ian and Katherine over the webcam in Carolina.














December 29th: Friends potluck and Sydney's chance to meet (and almost get her eye poked out by) cousin Elia, and her first meeting with cousin Theo (they aren't blood cousins, but they are family). It was nice to have Ben, Austin, Shawn and Dave together with Kim, Dolly and Van... though Van was yawning a lot early in the night (hmmm... prego?)

December 30th: Thomas dropped by the the AM. In the PM, an Eggos reunion to meet Sydney. Goodness, the girls have changed so much! Ashley is so tall and such an accomplished athlete (2012 Olympics!), Lisa is as sweet as ever and got Sydney a gift, the business girls (Jess and Jenn) are so outgoing and articulate, Sarah is so grown-up and confident (wow) . I hope that you guys and Tasha (and anyone else recruited through facebook) are all role models for Sydney. I really missed you guys, and I'm glad to see that you've all grown into incredible young adults.

December 31st: Ippssy and Sydney hang out at the farm!







We flew home on New Year's Eve. Sydney, you're a lucky kid... you have a lot of people that are looking out for you. Love ya. Thanks to everyone for being a part of her first Christmas.