2008 - The year where Good Things Come in Small Packages.Beginning of February, Brian and I said goodbye to the Midwest blistery winter and said “Aloha” to the surf and sand of Hawaii. With towels and sunscreen in hand, we hit the beach without wasting a moment in Paradise. Our time on Oahu brought something new everyday from hiking the famous Diamond Head to snorkeling with the fishes at Hanauma Bay. Oh and who could forget the long walks on Waikiki Beach. The adventures continued in Maui where we drove the scenic Road to Hana and went whale watching. What an amazing time we had! Returning to the Islands after eight years and leaving again was hard for me to do. But it helped to know that Brian and I will be back again someday. For now, it’s back to reality.
A month later, we found out we had “A Bun in the Oven” and that we were pregnant! So the next several months were spent at doctor’s appointments, garage sales, baby showers and preparing for Baby Billman’s arrival.
For the 4th of July, we headed to the East Coast to see Brian’s cousin and college roommate. Nothing like celebrating the day at the National Mall in DC and walking through all of the Memorials. It got even better as fireworks exploded over the night sky with the Washington Memorial as the backdrop. We both felt very patriotic and had such a “blast!”
Our long awaited joy arrived on November 10th at 8:48 pm– Ethan Noah Billman came into the world 8 days early. Just in time for Thanksgiving which was extra special this year! For two weeks, my parents came from Colorado to help out with whatever was needed. Boy, were we ever so thankful! Baby crying, diaper changing and round the clock feeding…sleep was definitely deprived even for Ikaika. Several nights into it, he fled the scene and was nowhere to be found. We finally located him sleeping downstairs (the quietest place in the house) instead of in the baby’s room. Who could blame him! Surprisingly, Ikaika did really well with Ethan as he can often times be too rough. I guess he became a “Gentle Giant” overnight which was a huge relief for us…a year older and a year less crazier!
We have had a wonderful year, and we hope you have too. May our Lord, Jesus Christ be glorified in this Christmas Season! Wishing you many blessings in 2009!