ThanKsgivng

Giving thanks...

My beautiful daughter is the biggest blessing in my life, she gets cuter and cuter each day. This weekend, we went to Austin for the UT Basketball game and she didn't cry once! Not even when we were at the game and she was utterly exhausted, she just put her head down and fell asleep in my arms. From the day she was born, Sofia has melted our hearts. Tomorrow will be her first 'real' Thanksgiving and I know she will enjoy being with her family, who showers her with love and attention. I am thankful for my healthy, happy 1yr. old!

I am thankful for my husband who loves me, who sacrificed his basketball career for my happiness, who works hard and plays harder, who is the best papa, who is proud of his two girls, who is patient and kind and who inspires me.

I am thankful for my amazing parents who continue to teach me and lead me to be a better person. Growing up, they gave me more than I ever could have asked for and loved me (even when I was a teenager, from the stories I've heard, I was pretty terrible). They mean the world to me and I hope that someday, Sofia will see in me what I see in them.

I am thankful for my silly sister, Liz. She has grown into an amazing woman and my best friend. I wouldn't be able to get through the day without her; her laughter is my medicine.

I am thankful for my protectors, my brothers. Cheo and Daniel have done more for me than I could ever say and as we get older, they are always there for me. They pick me up when I fall and always have my best interest at heart. Despite how I may act at times, I cherish them.

I am thankful for friends. Although it has been hard staying in touch, I hope they each know how much they mean to me. Thank you for loving me and more importantly loving my family; for flying 14 hours to play with Sofia; for catching me when I fall and for reminding me not to take myself too seriously. I love each of you and am thankful for memories that we share.

I am more than thankful for the beautiful family I have been blessed with and the great friends I have. I love you all more than words can say and hope that you have a Happy Thanksgiving

After waiting patiently for the last 6 months, I am proud to say that Sydmil has finally been approved for his permanent residency and will begin working as a technical engineer for Merrick Systems beginning October 19th! When Syd made the decision to retire from basketball and start a new career here, we were under the impression that he would begin working in June.. yeah right. Our adviser told us that Syd's paperwork would be processed in 6 weeks and he would be authorized to work immediately thereafter; clearly we were misinformed. Let me start off by saying, I am glad I am an American because reading immigration forms are like reading Chinese! After 3 hours of filling our forms, searching for birth certificates, documenting our relationship and last but not least, waking up at 5:45am and driving to the Homeland Security Office for a 10 minute interview, Syd now is the proud holder of a green card!

I am so lucky to have such a kind and patient husband who never complained once through the whole process. Being on vacation is fun for a month, maybe two but not being able to work for the past 6 months has been hard for Syd. Quitting pro. basketball was bitter sweet, I think that he misses the competition and living in Europe but we know that it's best for Sofia to be in a permanent location. Syd is really excited about his new job and the opportunity he has been given. I know that not being able to work was hard for him but it's has also been a blessing in disguise.

Being in Texas for the past 6 months has been great and having my amazing husband around all the time has been wonderful! I think Sofia has benefited most from the situation because she has her daddy around. Sofia and Syd are best friends and she is the epitome of a Daddy's girl. Every day, they play together, dance to MJ and explore; he is a precious father. When Syd started training from 9-5 a month ago, Sofia was heartbroken.The first day he left, she sat and cried as he walked out the door. It broke his heart and I know it was tough for her but she has adjusted to his new schedule. We are lucky enough to have had this vacation time together and are proud that Syd can enter the corporate world.

Living in Europe was incredible but there's no place like home.