A Year in Review: 2009

It's hard to believe the last day of 2009 is here! And what a year it's been - both personally and professionally for me. In June of this year, I decided to pursue photography - a quiet desire I'd had for a long time. I was nervous to start, and didn't know how things would turn out, but I never would've imagined I'd learn so much, meet so many great new people, and find a certain kind of happiness in doing something I loved, and sharing it with others. On a personal level, I am blessed with an extra-supportive husband, daughters who light up my life, and a baby boy on his way. I couldn't ask for more.

In review, here are some of my favorite images of 2009. Thank you family, friends, colleagues and clients for your support and for making this year so special! I'm excited to see what new challenges and opportunities 2010 brings, and can't wait for all that's in store. Manuia le Tausaga Fou (Happy New Year)!

Happy Birthday Taimane!

Yes, it was only 3 days ago that I blogged a "Happy Birthday" post to my now 4 year old, Eden :). Our daughters are 12 months and 3 days apart, and it's been quite entertaining (to say the least) having them so close together! Looking back, I wouldn't have it any other way. I was definitely nervous when I found out I was expecting her, and I truly didn't know how it would be possible to love another child as much I loved Eden, but Taimane has shown me the capacity of a heart and the ability to love knows no bounds, and I can't imagine life without her.

Taimane is our baby, and even though she's just a year younger than Eden, she makes sure it's known far-and-wide, that she is the BABY. It would be remiss of me to say she's just our baby, because from the day she was born, she's been enthralled with her Aunty Rose, and does claim to be her baby first :)! It will interesting come Spring of next year when two baby brothers will be born for her - ours, and Aunty Rose's son in February.

Though only 3 and proudly "the baby," she is mature beyond her years, and has a lively personality and facial expressions for everything. She is talkative and her vocabulary multiplies daily. She LOVES food, and is no doubt her daddy's daughter..lol! She loves to sing and has the sweetest voice. She can be defiant and headstrong when she wants to be, but is lovable and kind at any other time. Our days wouldn't be the same without her antics :).

Happy Birthday 'Mane Bear!

*DRUM ROLL*...And the WINNER is...

SEPA HAFOKA!!

We were a little late in doing the drawing, but the birthday girl didn't forget her big job today, and she was ultra-excited to draw a name :). These aren't the best images, but we figured we should document the drawing, so there you have it.

Congratulations Sis. Hafoka ;), and Happy Shopping!!

Thank you to everyone who participated :)!!

Love,
Pua

Happy Birthday Eden!

A seemingly-short 4 years ago, life - as I knew it - completely changed. Early one Sunday morning, our daughter Eden was born, a hefty 9-1/2 lbs with a full head of hair and a great pair of lungs - and I swore my eyes never beheld a more beautiful sight. She was perfect in every possible way, and I couldn't believe she was mine. I fell in love with her instantly, and each day since, that love has multiplied infinitely.

She's grown into the sweetest little girl, and I truly believe the Lord was mindful of me when He blessed me with her first. She is a great big sister and such a special spirit in our home, with a bright personality and extra loving heart.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

"You don't remember
I'll never forget
That blessed day when we first met
And I saw the face I always knew
The little smile
The little you

"You don't remember
I'll never forget
One day in my life
I will never regret
To feel such love i never knew
All bundled up right there in you

"As I held you near my heart
I understood at last
The part of me I never met
You don't remember
But I'll never forget

"You don't remember
I'll never forget
That blessed day when we first met
And when I heard your voice
I realized the truth
Everything in my life
Lead me here to you

"You don't remember
I'll never forget
One day in my life
I will never regret
A gift so precious
Giving me my angel love
Truly a miracle of God above

"As I held you near my heart
I understood at last
The part of me I never met
You don't remember
But I'll never forget

"And when I look into your eyes
I see the reason why
I've lived my life

"As I held you near my heart
I understood at last
The part of me I never met
You don't remember
But I'll never forget."

Na Leo Pilimehana, "You Don't Remember"

BLESSED : 5 Generations | Puyallup, WA

Yes, you read the title correctly - five generations in a family! It's a rare thing, and such a blessing, and I was honored to document this for them.

Recently, you may remember seeing handsome baby Zander on the blog, and not too long before that, his parents, Kayla and Ken, anticipating his arrival. Zander is officially a 5th generation baby - he's the child, grandchild, great-grandchild, and great-great-grandchild of 4 beautiful women, and a joy to his entire family.