It’s been almost a week into the new year & I hope all of you have had a happy 2012 so far! A “new year” is the perfect excuse for everyone to be grateful for past trials, hopeful about the future & excited about life again — at least we are!

Since we arrived here in the East Bay in September, we have been hard at work settling in, getting Kaitlyn in school, finding our ways around, applying for insurance, finding work, and even planning a side-business.

And it definitely hasn’t been easy emotionally either, since we had to start with having zero friends here. Yes, we miss you guys in New York dearly! No more birthday dinners with Mel’s friends, playdates for Kaitlyn, video game nights, basketball with the Elders, or morning jog with Jeremy. And as much as we loathe the crazy weather, pothole-filled roads, and the rat-infested city, the Big Apple has spoiled us with Coney Island, great parks & museums, $2.25 subway rides, & cheap-but-authentic ethnic food from all over the world just down the block!

I’m sure we’ll discover great new places & find new friends here in the Bay Area, but we’ll forever miss New York & the experiences we had there.

Although we struggled through most of 2011 — even after moving out west — but with plenty of help from family, tons of support from friends, & countless prayers from everyone, we are more hopeful than ever in 2012. And when Melanie actually gets her driver’s license some time this year, watch out! Nothing else will be impossible for us! Hey, this super mom lost like 30 lbs. in 6 weeks last year & has kept it off since! There’s no stopping — at least for her!

We sincerely wish you all the best. You’re always in our prayers, because we’re grateful for you!

Enjoy the photos!