HAWAII TRIP - got fish?

On our first night in Hawaii, Wayne went fishing with Auntie Peka, Maggie, Ireen, Tiare and Uncle Lafi at the Point. Wayne caught the first fish of the group!! It was so small he had to throw it back, but still...

Way to go Wayne!

HAWAII TRIP - the flight

My cousin, Marvin Toelupe is getting married on Saturday and I bought my ticket ages ago to attend - I was bummed I'd have to go by myself, but I haven't been home in more than a year and probably won't get to go again for a while. Wayne wasn't planning on going because of school. To make a long story short - after finding out his class this semester is taped and played on the internet and some VERY generous family members offered to help with his ticket - he's COMING!! I'm so grateful/happy/excited. Kika is taking her Senior trip to Hawaii and Sili is going to work.

Of course, even though I said I wouldn't, we ended up packing last minute for our trip to Hawaii. Wayne had to go take a test, so I had the fun task of packing and getting myself and Malia ready at the same time. Thankfully, Kina and Leo showed up to help me and everything went perfectly. We even left for the airport ahead of schedule. I couldn't believe it. Nia drove Sili and Kika and Kina drove me and Wayne to the Salt Lake Airport. It was sad to say goodbye to them.

We had Burger King for lunch. Ever wondered what a 8 buck burger tastes like? We can tell you. Don't you just love airport prices?

I was SOOO nervous about the flight with Malia. I brought books, snacks and even Benodryl hoping I wouldn't have to use it. Thankfully and unbelievably, about a half hour after take off, Malia fell asleep and stayed that way for the next four hours. The flight attendants and all the people around us kept giving her cookies and treats and she was practically giggling the whole time. I was SOO grateful. The flight was beautiful and totally stress-free.

Finally, after the 6 hour direct flight we arrived in PARADISE. It was lovely. My dad picked us up from the airport and Aunty Peka and Liu took all our bags to Laie. I'm so glad we're all here as a family.

COUNTDOWN TO HAWAII

12 HOURS!! WOOOHOOO!

Yes, I'm so excited.

No, I haven't finished packing yet.

We'll write when we get there!!

WOOOHOOO!

CELEBRITY BANQUET

For the past two months I have been stressing and losing sleep over the AIS Celebrity Banquet. Like most of you know, I work at American Indian Services where we provide scholarships for Native American students. This is our years biggest fund raiser. It took place at Thanksgiving Point's "The Barn", the Oakridge Boys sang, over 700 guests attended and I was in charge of the auction.

We did a lot of baskets this year and were lucky to receive several gift certificates and items from various places in Utah.

The night was long and our little staff worked hard. Sarana and Dori were over registration. Tazbaa and I were over the auction. Tiare and Ireen did everything else. It turned out to be a huge success. I'm SOOO glad it's all OVER!

Family Home Evening

We had a fun FHE at the Filimoeatu's house on Monday. Danny conducted and the Hafokas did the music. I taught the lesson on financial managment and was able to learn a lot of different ways our friends save money - Vika buys shoes for $5 and the Line gets people to help her buy tickets to Hawaii. I'm definitely taking notes!! :) Candace prepared an awesome game where we got to learn a lot about each other and see how much we knew about hymns (Rocky knows a lot), the Tongan ward (Wayne and I knew nothing) and blogging (Saia, the blogger, of course had the advantage). Eventhough everyone teamed up against us, Wayne and I still won. lol. Vika made yummy curry and Line brought the softest cookies I've ever tasted for treats. The kids had fun crawling and WALKING (go Spencer!) around. It was a great FHE!

Born to Swim

Malia had her first experience with SWIMMING! Last weekend we went up to our friends, the Seamons, pool. It was a gorgeous day - perfect for swimming. It took Malia about 3 minutes to get comfortable in the water and the rest of the time she was splashing, giggling and loving every second of it. The Roy kids - Taylor, Jared and McKenna - were helpful in being her motor so she could zoom quickly around the pool - she loved it. It was hilarious. Her favorite things to do were to recline in her little chair, bite all the pool toys she could get her hands on, and splash water in her face - it startled her each time, but she kept at it!


I can already tell this will be one of our favorite summer activities!

Quick Update

I feel like so much has happened this past week! Last Monday seems very long ago and I almost feel like I'm a different person than before. A quick update on our pregnancy. . .

First, we have been overwhelmed by the goodness and thoughtfulness of our sweet friends and family. Thank you for praying for us. We can feel your strength.

Second, on Friday we had an appointment with our pediatric surgeon at the Primary Children's Hospital in SLC. It was amazing. He gave us so much information, showed us pictures and answered all of our questions. We will deliver in the U Hospital, then immediately after, we will be transported to Primary Children's Hospital - I say "transported" but there is actually this cool tunnel that connects the two facilities, so it isn't much of a trip. Once at PCH, our baby will stay in the NICU for 2-3 months getting surgeries and making sure it's healthy enough to breathe, eat and function on it's own. We got to tour the NICU while we were up there - it was very emotional to see such little babies fighting for their lives, but so amazing. The people who work there are incredible. Everyone was SO kind and helpful to us. I'm so grateful we have the technology, professionals and facilities that we have - what a blessing! We saw people there from Arizona, Wyoming and New Mexico at the hospital - what a blessing we live in Utah at this time.

Third, we are back with our old OB, Dr. David Ludlow who specializes in high risk pregnancies. He will monitor the pregnancy up until the birth. It's so nice to be with someone that has known us for a while.

Overall, I feel like we have the very best of a not-so-good situation. I'm so humbled by all the blessings we have received at this time. We will keep you posted on the ups and downs of the pregnancy, but meanwhile we are definitely enjoying Malia and life every single day.

the world stopped today

On Wednesday, Wayne and I went in to Utah Valley Hospital for the first ultrasound of our pregnancy. I left the hospital crying.

The night before, I was very nervous and didn't get much sleep. I wasn't sure why I felt so apprehensive - I knew I'd be equally ecstatic knowing it would be a boy or a girl. Still, my mind was racing. We got to the hospital for the routine 21 week ultrasound and checked in. When we got back to the room I was almost trembling with excitement to find out what we were having. As soon as we saw the image on the screen we could tell something was different. There was no specific outline of the profile our little baby's body like we had seen so clearly in Malia's first ultrasound. There was a lot of shapes and everything looked all squished together. Our confusion turned to fear when the doctor came in and said, "There is a problem with your baby." My very worst nightmare was taking place, my heart sank and it felt like the world around me had come to a stop.

Our unborn baby has gastroschisis. This means that in fetal development our baby's abdominal wall didn't close properly and left an opening. It's inner organs were pushed out and are now developing outside of it's body. Once the baby is born, it will have surgery to replace it's bowels in their proper place. Because it is a high risk pregnancy I will deliver at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City with a perinatologist. There is nothing that causes gastroschisis and nothing that can be done to fix the problem until the baby is born. My due date was moved up to September 30, but most babies with gastroschisis are slightly premature and my doctor plans to induce labor early so I will be in the hospital and under their care during and after labor. The baby will have to stay in the hospital for at least the first month of his life undergoing surgery and special therapy to make sure his body accepts the organs. If the surgery is successful there will be no other bad lasting side effects except for a scar on the baby's tummy. The ultrasound wasn't totally clear, but they think the baby is a boy.

We are scared, but have faith that our Heavenly Father will guide us through this. We are so grateful for our families and friends for their love and support that we've already felt. We are going to beat this!

My, what nice teeth you have...

As you can see, this post is coming a little late - but for posterity's sake. . . Malia has 4 teeth! She is enjoying the new world of chewable food and the occasional finger. She's growing up so fast!

happy fathers day!

For Father's Day, we got to eat two great meals at Wayne's dads house. Leo and the girls made eggs and waffles with strawberries for breakfast. Everything was delicious and it started our day off perfectly!


After church, we all enjoyed a LOOONG nap. A perfect Father's Day present!



Wayne's dad made steaks for dinner and everyone else brought a dish to share. Wayne and I made a fruit pizza that said "DAD". Everything was yummy and the company was even better. Jacosa, Vito and Epenisa joined the family for dinner. It's so nice to eat on the patio again.



Later, we went to the temple for a little walk and relaxation. It was a gorgeous day - not a cloud in the sky. It's so nice to be outside again.


I'm grateful for the three dads in my life. First, my dad - he is one of my best friends. I respect him as one of the most talented and humble people I know and I trust his opinion on all the important things in my life. Second, Limhi, Wayne's dad. He is one of the most loving people I've ever met and will literally do ANYTHING for any of his children. He is wise and kind. I'm thankful I can call him my dad. Lastly, Wayne. He is my rock and he makes my life and Malia's life wonderful. I love these dads dearly.
Happy Father's Day!

Saturday fun - a RUN, some SUN, and little MATRIMONIUM

mary: isn't that clever? what is that - alliteration? assonance? what's it called again?

wayne: it's rhyming.

.

.

We had a GREAT Saturday!
A RUN
We started the day off with 5K in the morning. It was at BYU to promote an end to domestic violence. It was called BREAK THE SILENCE. The sprinters were Wayne, Travis Uale and Tana Uyema. The runners were Leo, Leonne Hunkin, and Jasmin Stone. The walkers were Ireen Toelupe, Kalo, Penny Anae and ME! We HAD to walk because Malia came with us - yeah, it was a sacrifice, but someone had to do it:)


It was a beautiful day and a fun course that started at the RB, went to the stadium, down 9th, past the law building, to Brick Oven and back to the Smith Fieldhouse. It wasn't that long, but by the end my legs were KILLING me. Nia and Kina met us at the end to cheer us to the finish line. Unfortunately, by the time we got there it was already taken down. Sad, huh. Still, it was a great workout and a LOT of fun to do together as a family.


SOME SUN
After our naps, we headed to the Orem Summerfest by the Orem Library. We had burgers and fries for lunch, watched the show put on by our local talent and browsed the different vendors tents. There was some way cute stuff, but I deliberately didn't bring cash so I wouldn't make any impulse purchases. Still, it was fun to see everything brought out. Malia had a blast and I got some much needed sun.



By the end of it all, Malia was EXHAUSTED. As soon as we got in the car, she fell asleep. I think we should do this every Saturday!


p.s. i SWEAR we have nothing against the U. We just thought this shirt was funny:)
A little MATRIMONIUM

We ended our Saturday fun by attending Tua and Chelsea Fales wedding reception at the Tongan stake center. Aunty Isa and Liane Anae did the decorations - it was beautiful. All the women in the ward, including Wayne's mom did the food - it was DELICIOUS. For reals, they had the grinds! I got to enjoy the food, while Mata took Malia around to meet everybody. It was fun catching up with Lene and her cute girls. Congratulations to the happy couple!!

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - Malia's BIRTHDAY

On August 25, a week before my due date, I woke up very early to contractions. The night before I had danced in my cousin, Levi Stones, wedding luau and I thought I was just having cramps from the over-activity so I tried to go back to sleep. A few hours later, I was still feeling them, so I woke up Wayne and he started to time them. They were less than five minutes apart, but since I wasn't in any pain I decided to take a shower and tidy the house a bit. After another hour or so, Wayne finally insisted we go to the hospital. I was still sure it was a false alarm so I dragged my feet a little and didn't bring anything. On the way to the Utah Valley Medical Center Wayne called our parents and they were there waiting for us when we arrived. We checked in at 9 am and the nurse told us I was already dilated to a 5. Soon, our families showed up - all the girls had been at a Relief Society camp-out - they brought music, food and a lot of fun. My nurse was our good family friend, Nancy Belot. Wayne had found her checking into work. It was such a blessing to have a good nurse who knew us. We all hung out for a bit but when the contractions became extreme everyone left the room except for Wayne and my mom. They were great coaches through it all. After an intensive NATURAL labor :), our baby was born at 3:10 pm. She weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. and was 20 in. long. Everyone came in to meet her and took turns holding her - it was a beautiful, reverent moment. The family said she had big hands and that she looked like Melba. After two days in the hospital and many visitors, we came home together.

After a week, we named her Malia Ann Latu. Wayne had always wanted to name our daughters "Mary", but I wasn't totally sold on the idea. So we choose Malia because it means "Mary" in Samoan and is a name I've always loved. "Ann" is after my mom, Ann Alisa.

This day was one of the most beautiful, most painful, most memorable experiences of my life.
Ahh. . . .memories!!

THANKFUL THURSDAY - I'm grateful for WAYNE!

WAYNE - (sorry these are the only pics I had of just him)

Today, I wanted to express my appreciation to my husband, Wayne - don't worry, I'll keep it short and make it as un-talklike as possible.
How do I love Wayne? Let me count the ways. . . lol. I love him for his sense of humor and his patience with me - no matter how forgetful or quick-tempered I sometimes am (I blame it on the pregnancy:)). I love him because he is a wonderful father to Malia - he has a special way with her that no one else does. I love him because he tickles my feet or back whenever I need a good tickle and he makes some of the best french toast I've every tasted. I love him for being strong in the gospel and fulfilling his callings - hey, the organist is always the first one there and is the only one who has to move his feet the whole meeting. I love him for taking the bus every morning so I can have the car. I love him for always putting family first. I love him for being a good student. I'm proud of him and I respect him for all he does. He truly is my best friend and I am so grateful he is my husband.

TUESDAY TELL ALL - Some cute things about Malia

1. She LOVES to touch peoples faces - mostly the bottom part around the nose, mouth and chin. I think that's how she gets to know everybody.

2. When she is falling asleep she likes to be tickled on the palm of her hand.

3. She cries when she sees or hears someone else cry.

4. When her daddy comes home, she screams and flaps all four limbs at once. . . it's really cute.

5. She was born with a little red birthmark on her back behind her right shoulder that the doctors say will soon disappear.

6. She loves to read - yesterday I found her on the floor in our room with one of her books opened on her lap. Okay, she wasn't reading, but STILL- the book WAS open and she was kinda looking at it.

7. She is SOO CURIOUS! Has to touch EVERYTHING!!

8. Her laugh is contagious. It sounds like a little mans chuckle.

9. She has a bald spot on the back of her head from scooting on her back before she learned to crawl.

10. Of the 2 minutes it takes to change her diaper or clothes, she is still for maybe a second before she does this. . . WE LOVE OUR LITTLE GIRL!