Our Beautiful Sunbeam

Baby's First ID

Léna is a short name for Eléna which means in Greek..... a "Sunbeam."

Gregory and Cynthia have kept the baby's name

secret until she was born. We could hardly wait to have it revealed and we were so excited. We waited until we were at the hospital to be presented. And that was such a joy.

LENA - a real 'sunbeam' indeed.

                                                                           


 This reminds me of one of the verses in the bible which says, "let your light shines and show your good work to our Father who art in Heaven".

We are really very ecstatic to have our Léna in the family. She is such a darling and has already conquered everyone and we are all getting crazy of her.

Tonton Mathieu's visit

With Lola and Tita Mimi with me and Mommy

With my Tonton Pierre admiring me!

Tonton Pierre from Cannes  managed to come for only a very short stay just to see

Tonton Pierre and Tita Mimi with me and Mommy

With my Mom and Dad... I'm week old.

Lena. He is so happy and excited to hold her in his arms. Despite the short visit, he was able to enjoy and cuddle his neice. Hoping to have her again this summer in Le Cap Ferret.

There is one thing that we regret of not having him with us to share the family joy we have. It is his grandpa Philippe who is all by himself in Tahiti. We can understand his frustrations of not being able to touch and hold Lena in his arms. He contents himself by seeing her pictures, seeing her on the webcam crying! So far, that's what Lena can do to express herself!

Grandpa Philippe can hardly wait to meet the little grandchild in August. She will be much bigger by then and can already give a big smile to him.                                                                                                                

My  Lola Gaga 

Since Lena was born, I can see her change everyday. I am so privileged to be beside her and enjoy her presence. She is such a sweet little baby. All she does is to sleep and ask for food. And when she's hungry, she makes sure that it is well-known by everybody. She can shake the whole neighborhood! She is so tiny and yet her voice can reach the entire Haute Savoie and nearby Geneva!

Her mom and dad are struggling to keep up with her especially when she wakes up two, three times in one night and ask for her milk.

This morning, I saw her dad leave to work like a zombie. He said, he barely slept last night. Lena just wanted to play. I told him that he's got to be patient....maybe it takes about three months or more before she makes a full night sleep.

Mommy is quite tired as she breastfeeds her. She tries to sleep with her during the day so she can recover a little bit from her sleepless nights.

I know, this won't last forever. We immediately forget what we have have gone through as the baby grows. And those hard moments will be quickly forgotten and we'll just laugh at it after.

This is what parenthood is all about. It takes love, patience and energy to bring up a child. A child is a gift of God. And we are grateful for this privilege.

At this point, we have almost accomplished our role as parents. Among our three children, there's Pierre who needs to finish his studies.

We are in the promotion stage..that is to be grandparents. And we are so happy to welcome Lena.

Our role is different now....we are here to spoil our grandchild and the others to come. The responsibility of bringing them up is no longer ours. 

It is time to savor our profit from our long investment.

Let's share a toast and say cheers to our SUNBEAM!!!

    

Our Little Princess Lena

Cynthia looking at the gifts that I brought for the baby.

 I arrived yesterday at Geneva airport two hours ahead of the expected time. I was able to get the early flight from Paris. I was just too impatient to see Cynthia and would like to be around when the baby is borne. That's why I went to the airport early.

Cynthia was there to pick me up together with her mom-in-law and we were really so excited. She told us that she was beginning to feel more and more the baby and contractions were quite regular.  She was thinking that it might be that day.
She's supposed to deliver in  about two weeks time.

So I told her, you need to walk around to provoke the fast and easy delivery.

She felt the baby moving  all the time.

We decided to go to the supermarket and shop.

At the super market, she was telling me about the pain and could hardly walk so we immediately bought the things we needed and headed home.

I told her to prepare herself, take a shower and ready her suitcase in which she did.

She called the hospital and evoked the symptoms and she was advised to stay for a while at home, relax and take it easy. And that's what she did.

Playing the piano in between contractions.

While waiting for Greg to come home, Cynthia tried to relax and take it easy. She tried to play the piano in between contractions. That was awesome and although I was beginning to get stressed up, we managed to sing together. There's the primary song called " I Want to See the Temple". Very touching.
I really love that song.

While waiting for Greg to go to the hospital.

Few hours later, here she comes! 

The pain was getting more and more intense and it was high time for Greg to take Cynthia to the hospital.

But before leaving, Greg gave a blessing of comfort to Cynthia and prayed for a safe delivery.

The prayer was granted. Cynthia delivered a wonderful baby. Everything went so fine. She had a long labor but was okay. The delivery was easy the fact that it was for her the first time.

Greg was with her all the way through. Very supportive and so loving and caring. A wonderful husband indeed.

I was in the house calling members of the family informing them about the coming of our new member of the family. Everyone was so excited wishing an easy delivery for Cynthia.

We were exchanging sms with Greg trying to know the progress while at the delivery. That was so nerve-wracking. Quite stressful for me. Praying and hoping hard that all goes well for both mom and the baby.

The three generations. 

Proud Grandma!

I could not sleep. I wanted to read but couldn't concentrate.

Proud Tita Mimi

Lena, few hours old.

I could not remember how I got to sleep until I heard the phone rang and it was Cynthia telling me that all went well and that the baby was born. She came at 4 o'lock in the morning and she's so beautiful, with dark hair and dark eyes.

There was a big suspense as she told me that her name will only be known when I go and visit her at the hospital That wasn't fair!! I wanted to go immediately and see both of them but the visiting time is only done in the afternoon. That was a long wait. But I decided to wait for Marie-Anne to take me there after her work.

Proud and happy papa!

I kept myself busy during the day and did some chores in their house.

I was in great mood. The feeling was beyond description. The most awaited time has come and could hardly wait to see the baby.

I was in contact with my husband all the time feeding him information about the baby and Cynthia. He was also very excited and could hardly believe that he himself is a grandpa!
And he was kidding me that he can't imagine now sleeping with a grandmother.

The moment I saw Lena, my grandchild, the emotion was so strong. I was speechless and was almost in tears. She's there so real. She's so tiny and yet so precious. A wonderful gift to us and what a joyous feeling. I have been waiting for this to happen and yes, now a reality. I am now an "official grandmother." A sweet calling indeed. And no one can take that role away from me. Believe me.

It was just like only yesterday when my daughter Cynthia was born 26 years ago. My baby having her own baby now! Sweet memories just filled up my soul. As I try to look back, a lot of beautiful things have happened in our life with Cynthia in the family. I am a proud mom. Proud of her accomplishments and achievements. And now she's giving us our first grandchild. This is absolutely fantastic!!

I have always wanted to be a grandmother while still young and in great shape. I like to play with my grandchild and others to come. I would like to love and spoil them. And this is now a reality. You don't need to wake me up. I am not dreaming anymore.

I may seem so dramatic but my sentiments are so real. Life is so wonderful. I am so grateful for having a family that is closely-knit. We may be so far geographically from our children but we try to communicate as often as possible and be present when needed. They are our pride and treasure.

Lena has come. She waited for me before she was born.  Our tiny treasure and princess. The center of our family love and attention. May God bless her always and be a good girl like her mom. I am so proud to be her "lola".

This feeling of pride and happiness is what I feel beyond measure. I am so eternally grateful and I say that over and over again.

Ahhhhhhhh, grandma, what a crazy role I am about to play now. This is fantastic! Life is good after all.

Now, let's party!!!

The Best Daddy Ever!

                                                                                                                                                                                   

To my dear husband,


I would like to greet you Happy Father's Day in advance because unfortunately I won't be around to celebrate it with you. I will be in the Plane heading for France to join our eldest child who is going to offer us a the much awaited grandchild.


You have always been a wonderful dad to our cHildren and I am very thankful for your being a great example to them. You are always around when they need you. You are the best daddy ever!


Thank you for being by my side In raising these wonderful children who give us so much satisfaction and happiness in our life as  parents. It was not aLways easy. We had some challenges. We had some small fights. We cried, we laughed and we survived.


You are the best thIng ever happened to us. Without your love and patience, we'll not be what we are now.


Thank you for everything.  Your children join me in giving you honor in this special day. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! May God continue in Pouring his blessings to our family. We love you dEarly.


Lovingly yours,
Your wife   

Diet, Anyone?

Diet, Anyone?

Here we come again for the nth time. Diet, diet, diet! I know it is not always fun when I try to talk about dieting. I have tried so many times. During the past  I lost few kilos. I gained more. I lost, I gained.... the "yoyo" like thing. That's me! And here I am again struggling to make another attempt and hoping, yes hoping that it will work this time.

Sometimes life isn't fair. Why is it that there are people who never gain weight no matter what kind of food they eat? And some, without eating much, they continue to grow big! Ahhhhhhhhhhh, what a life!!!

I must confess, over the past four years I have gained so much weight. Some said because the hormones change when reaching the golden age. Have you heard about menopausal disorders? Hot flashes or whatsoever? Maybe one of the factors of weight gains? Can I call them excuses too? That I can't really tell you.

When I came to Tahiti, I was pleased to see that I am not that "big" after all when I see some women who are  a lot heavier than me. I am small compared to them and that did not encourage me to look after myself. I was telling  that maybe by playing a little bit of tennis this will stop me from growing big! But nothing happened. 

Until one time, I happened to hurt myself. I was getting ready to go to my regular tennis games and when I bent myself to pick up our garbage and I heard a sudden cracking at my back and pain had struck me at it was impossible for me to move. I struggled to go to our bedroom lied down beside Philippe who at that time was on a sick leave trying to recover from his back pain too. We were obliged to call a S.O.S. doctor to help me ease the pain and it took him some time to arrive. Ahhhhhhh, I thought I was not going to make it. The pain was so intense!  That was really a very unforgettable day!

Philippe and I were practically in bed for many days trying not to move as much as possible and all what we needed was to lie down and rest. Every little move we did was such a challenge and it's good we had enough food supply in the freezer and can goods in the pantry. That was very helpful.

There's the funny thing though, while in bed, he was with his Ipad and I was with my Iphone and we exchanged messages. We tried to make fun with our pitiful condition. And made us even closer together. Like we said....we are bound to bear each other and stay together thru thick and thin.

However, this made us realize that it was about time to take a decision that we should again go on a  diet. We are aware that one of the reasons why we were having such condition is because of our extra and unwanted kilos hanging around. In fact, the doctor strongly advised Philippe to lose weight.

More than a week ago, we finally met our "guru". A lot of people have talked good things about him. The first impression was okay. He was very easy person and we felt very good and at ease with him. He provided us the list of food we are allowed to eat. And some homeopathy drops to enhance the weight loss.
Oh, one more thing....if you are not afraid of needles....go see him. He does acupuncture too.

One week result was very encouraging both for me and Philippe. We feel good and proud about it. And we are determined to keep on. We made a remarkable start. So far, so good.

Over the weekend, we happened to have guests at home. Doing a diet was such a challenge. We didn't like to impose our diet food to our guests. But we were reasonable. During the conversation, of course, we have mentioned about our struggle and one of the guests told us that he himself got through in such experience. We could hardly imagine that he was weighing 148 kilos!

He encouraged us to keep on because when he decided to go on a diet and was assisted by his doctor, he lost only two kilos for one year! But he kept on and never gave up. And after 3 years of struggles, he lost 48 kilos and he is fit and plays tennis like a young man now. That was a good example for us. We don't need to lose as much as he did but  his determination was a good boost for us to move on. Merci Taegai!

I know this is not really the ideal time for us to indulge in a serious diet especially for me as summer holiday is just around the corner and I do a lot of traveling going from one place to the other and meeting people and family members. But I am determined to go on and do the best as I can.

All we need is a lot of encouragements and need feedback from those who have experienced this and to those who are also in the same struggle as we have.

This is not a matter of being pretty or looking good. It's just a matter of feeling good and physically fit. Because the moment, you feel good and confident inside, everything follows. The inner beauty reflects your beauty outside.

It may take time, but we are determined to work it out. Like our children said....we are warriors! It is time to prove it. Now!


  

A Fun Weekend in Moorea

with George and Therese

Therese and George graciously invited the Tuesday Tennis Group in their vacation house in Moorea Island for a long weekend. I thought I wasn't going as that weekend fell on the  time I was going to Canada. But finally, I was able to make it because my flight was on Sunday. I went there Friday and left the next day and was able to spend at least a day with the whole group.

Billy and I took the boat on Friday morning together with George and Therese and we helped them set up the place for the arrival of the rest of the group. Teagai joined us later and had lunch together.

vacation house

 After a quick lunch and much needed short siesta for George we went fishing. It's been ages that I have never done it. And it reminded me so much of Le Cap Ferret where my father- in -law and Philippe used to take me and the children out for fishing.

the beach

 George loves fishing. It is really his past time and we enjoy having fish when we, the Tuesday group hold lunch after playing tennis. Therese often brings us fish. Now, I know where he gets them. Really fun and exciting. I love fish myself. 

off for fishing

 Teagai and Billy were on the other boat while I was with Pierre and George. I was not that lucky as I only caught 2. The boys were making fun of me. It was not fair when I see George catching every second. And me catching nothing.

Teagai and Billy

  The water was so clear and could even see the fish below but they seemed to ignore me. Pierre told me that I should talk to them in which I did but it did't work. They never heard me. Fish are deaf!

George's miraculous catch

Feeling so frustrated, I just watched George and Pierre with so much envy catching so many! I asked them to take me back home and join Therese and Rotina  so we could play tennis together.

George practically caught them all

 They asked me to wait for few minutes more and they will try for another spot, and there they were catching more!

Chez Therese and George

Still no fish for me! So I definitely gave up!

Fantastic view

 It wasn't bad after all since we had more than enough fish for dinner.

Finally caught one after so many tries!

 I waited few minute more and then we headed to home sweet home! It was a lovely day!

Pierre got one too!

Proud Billy with his fish!

 Billy and Teagai decided to stay longer. They seemed to enjoy fishing. Like me, they didn't catch much! It was actually George who got the most. We know who the boss is!

Fish for dinner assured!

Finally back!

 I definitely enjoyed fishing. Though I didn't catch much, just being in the boat, on the water enjoying the fantastic scenery, feeling the nature envelope you and with the company of simple and nice people was more than enough to appreciate how lovely life is.

Ready to play tennis.

Therese and Rotina were already waiting for us to hit some balls after fishing. We played doubles. I was with Pierre and still no luck, we lost the set. We were obliged to stop as the rain started to fall and hard this time.

Sunset view from their fare poté.

Delicious and crunchy Friture!

Steamed Fish

 I have never eaten as much fish in my whole life that evening! It was prepared by Therese and Pierre and how we enjoyed the meal.

Dinner was excellent

Therese and Pierre did the cooking!

Tennis time

 Rotina and I decided to play early the next day before everyone arrives. See how tall she is? Yes, she is tall and she plays well too. She was leading 4-0 but we were obliged to stop when the rain started to pour again! Ahhhhhhhhhh, no luck!

With Rotina

Yoyo and Hinano

 The rest of the group arrived finally and since we couldn't play tennis, we decided to play petanque under the rain.

Petanque on rendez-vous even when it was raining.

And no worries, the Tuesday symphony orchestra was present to accompany the petanque tournament.

Rotina and her balls!

 While others were busy in their own thing, Hinano and Rose contented themselves to be the expectators of the day.

Hinano and Rose 

George, Billy and Pierre searching for baits!

 And some boys preferred to go fishing while tournament was in progress. Still under the rain.

While petanque continues despite the rain.

The finalists!

Siko and Therese

Yoyo and Noel

 Then tennis resumed after the rain. Nothing can discourage us. The show must go on!. 

Tennis time even when it rains!

Papa Willman

As we wait our turn.

Mimi and me made it!

Helas, my stay was about to finish and others were just about to start theirs. I was happy to spend even just a day with the group. It was all worth it. I really enjoyed being with them having so much fun. 

I am thankful to the hosts, Therese and George for having me a day earlier with them. I promised to come back and maybe spend longer. This time with my hubby then. 

They have a fantastic and quiet place. And they are always happy to have people around.

Rose and Hinano brought me to the port area in the afternoon. I asked them to bring me there early so I won't miss the boat back to Tahiti. I absolutely wanted to go home that day because I had  to take my flight to Canada early the next day.

I thought about Regis and Patrick who are  in France and were not able to make this sortie. But we have already other planned activity in September when summer ends and when everybody is back from holidays.

This is a very significant summer for me and for Philippe. The arrival of our little grand daughter is due in July and I am leaving in a week to be present when she arrives. I can't wait for this moment to happen. I am more than ready to assume my new role as a grandmother. Life is wonderful and I can't thank God enough for giving me such blessings!

In the meantime, I wish everybody a fantastic summer wherever you may be. Life is good.