January 2009 started with a baby shower for Deborah, and January ended with the arrival of Bethany Seung-Jan, who made a strong initial appearance at 8 lbs., 11 oz. in weight and 20" in length. Helping us make the transition to two kids were the Lau grandparents, who stayed in town through the first part of March, and Grandma Liu, who took the next shift through early April. In mid-April, we traveled to Hong Kong, where we introduced Bethany to her Hong Kong relatives, including her great-grandmother. Deborah's sister also joined us in Hong Kong, and we were able to introduce Bethany to her Aunt Caroline, Uncle David, and cousin Noah.
In early May, just over a week after returning from Hong Kong, we traveled to Maui to spend a week of R&R with Caroline's family, the Lau grandparents, and the Liu grandparents -- who made their inaugural trip to Hawaii. Despite unusually choppy waters and some seasickness on our snorkeling excursion to Molokini, we had a wonderful time enjoying the Waimea beaches, the luau at the Wailea Marriott, and lots of family time (especially between Jonathan and Noah) in our Kihei rental. In July, Deb decided to leave eBay after seven years to join Facebook (David is still at Google). Grandma Liu visited in late July, and in September we joined Caroline and David in celebrating the birth of their daughter Olivia.
Grandma Liu came again in early November, and we all traveled to Los Angeles for David's cousin's wedding. Caroline's family joined us for the Thanksgiving holidays. But before we could carve any turkey, Deborah and Caroline made a quick business trip to Hong Kong for Maya Road, fitting in numerous meetings in three packed days. The two Davids were left in Santa Clara with four kids; fortunately, everyone survived.
We plan on ending 2009 in North Carolina and Georgia, where we look forward to spending time with family and old friends. Thank you for your friendship in 2009. May you have a merry Christmas and a fantastic 2010!
[Author's note 12/18/10: We never made it to Georgia, since the Lau parents graciously drove up to NC to join us there for Christmas.]
