Sunday, December 31, 2006
Our 2006
| It's the last day of the year and I still haven't posted our 2006 newsletter. So many things happened, and like last year, and we'd like cap the year by saying our thanks and recount our blessings. :) The latter part of 2005 gave us something new to look forward to in 2006, it's during the last months that we've been offered and accepted to be relocated in the northern hemisphere for DH's work. January - We welcomed the 2006 year at our friend Mel's place from NYE. The same person who made our 3rd wedding anniversary celebration in 360 Restaurant at the Centrepoint Tower possible, since she volunteered to watched over FL for our date night. We came back to pick up the sleeping little boy at around 11pm. Nice way to cap our stay in Australia (for the mean time), as we ready ourselves to venture in the Swiss Alps. We took the opportunity of the move to buy a new dining set, one we were a bit panicky about since we leave the first week of February and they couldn't promise an exact date for the delivery, but in the end, we got it on time. This was also the month I finally sat down and started my first scrapbook layout, it's very simple but I am still happy about it since I took so long to get one finished - i was inspired by the despedida gift given to us by our nawoz friends, hosted by my dear kumare L&M. We also had a despedida from DH's office, a Sydney harbour lunch cruise with his team and their family, a very nice one, indeed! :) February - We had a last despedida and DH's birthday celebration at dear friend's and neighbor Mel's, that was three days before we left Australia and two days before our things are packed and shipped. We were sent off by our nawoz friends at the airport, a very touching site, for us. We scheduled a two-week sidetrip to Manila before we headed for the Alps, and spent time with family and friends and bought some of my pinoy supplies :). This month on Valentine's day, marked a beginning of a new friendship for us. In the plane, on our way to Switzerland, we met the Arago's. They were also to start their Swiss journey and it was really a blessing that we met on the plane. It was meant to be, us meeting, the Amsterdam-Geneva leg of their flight was delayed for a day so they had to take the same flight we had, we were the last to board the plane and we sat behind their seats and we were the only pinoy families there, so it was but naturally pinoy to approach each other :). And I must say, from then on, we almost always spend weekends together and go on trips together. March - This month was a busy month for us, as we tried to settle down and arrange many things in our new adoptive country. We looked for an apartment, a gynecologist and a car. Had my first OB visit on my 26th week, and was very happy about my doctor. We braved the relatively lower alps of Les Paccots during this month, the kids had mixed emotions about the snow, FL was very excited about it while some of his friends were a bit scared, but in the end everybody knew they will definitely come back for more! :) April - This year is a milestone birthday for me, we had a simple celebration at home since doctor advised that I take it easy, so the my childhood dream of going to Disneyland will again be postponed. But the month has been exciting, too, since we already secured our new apartment, we got the car we bought and our shipment has finally arrived, lots of unpacking and rearranging to do! May - It's a very busy month, since we officially move to our permanent apartment, we needed to arrange our furnitures and prepare for the arrival of our second bundle of joy. So, it's a bit stressful this month, but things need to be done. June - And the wait is finally over. Our dear SA arrived right on schedule, on his due date! I still owe you guys the birthing story. Welcome to a new Saga of sleepless nights and breastfeeding. :) July - Another stressful month, since I've been home alone, sleep deprived and very exhausted with a newborn and an active 2 year old. DH was able to take a few weeks off last month. We have applied for my mom's & sis' tourist visa for them to help me out here, but apparently, they do not grant 6-months ones. So they altogether denied the application. Good thing, though, is that mom is a holder of a US green card, and GC holders are not required visas for stays not more than 3 months. So after so many flight reschedulings, she will be coming over next month. This month, after almost a year of trying, finally marked kuya FL's full toilet training. We also managed to apply for SA's passport. August - A couple of days after my dad's 1st year death anniversary, my mom came over to help me out. It was great relief to have someone help you around the house, she stayed with us for almost two months before she heads for the US. We also had SA baptized this month. September - It's kuya FL's 3rd birthday, we just had a special lunch at home with our close friends here. And finally, we've sold our CRV in Australia after so many months, it's a bit sad since bidding farewell to a very reliable family "member". October - It's back to reality for us, as went off to head for the US with my sister. She needed to go there before November and I am just happy she was able to join us here for a few weeks, it was great having an extra hand to help me out. I also started my French language lessons this month. November - It's a special month for us, because this month we joined the Christian Living Program of CFC-Geneva Chapter. It's a very nice experience for us. We were to be part of the Lausanne Chapter, where we will basically be part of it's pioneers there since we are one of the 3 couples to start the group. It was nice meeting more pinoys in the community. We also managed to book our flight for our February holiday next year, for BIL's wedding - we will have a Bohol holiday during the 3 weeks vacation! :) December - We enrolled Kuya FL in a Garderie in the commune, he goes there 2x a week (Monday & Thursday afternoons) and boy does he love it! While baby SA started solids this month. Had parties here and there! It is truly a happy month! We celebrated the Christmas 2006 (Dec. 24-26) by going up the alps. Later tonight, New Year's Eve, we will be watching the fireworks in the town centre near the lake. I will be cooking some (hopefully) yummy dishes for the Media Noche. Wishing everyone a peaceful, prosperous, glorious and bountiful New Year! May all our prayers be answered and all our wishes come true! All the best for 2007! Love, the (Swiss) family Buenaventura Francis, April, Franco & Simon Labels: family, year-ender |
posted by frapr at 3:45:00 AM
