Dear Family and Friends,

We hope this letter finds everyone celebrating the New Year happily! We are still in Okinawa— thousands of miles from our families and missing them more and more each year. I’m still a Spanish teacher (year 3) and this past summer Leo started working at the schools’ Superintendent’s Office as the District Registrar.

Reflecting on 2008 made us realize we were very busy. I started the year four months pregnant and needless to say, I was tired, but very happy. In all, my pregnancy really was easy. At about seven months, I remember crying to Leo because I felt like I couldn’t do anything quickly anymore, but as the next several weeks passed I lost the desire to do anything quickly so, all was well. I worked until the day before I had contractions and still felt great! Gabriel Alejandro Cedeño joined our family on Sunday, May 25 at 4:39am— ten days early and a day before Leo’s birthday. He was perfect at 6 lbs. 4 oz.

Parenthood is amazing and we can not believe Gabriel’s already seven months old! He’s a strong little man and oh, so curious. Many say he’s an “old soul” and that he looks like he’s ready for college already. He LOVES his toes, his mobile, his stuffed dog, touching his daddy’s face, pulling his mommy’s hair and watching his two dogs, Lexi and Sadie, do just about anything. He’s also trying his darndest to crawl right now!

Leo is now a proud graduate of The University of Maryland Asian Division. So, he’s got a new job, a new baby, a new degree and did I fail to mention, a new motorcycle? He had a busy year.

We spent the month of December celebrating the holidays with our amazing friends. Gabriel’s got more books and toys than any kid at his age could want-- he’s very loved! We hope your holidays were as special as ours were. Please know that you and your family are in our hearts always.

Have a wonderful year!

Love,
Leo, Salina & Gabriel Cedeño