Presidents Day Weekend

My younger brother Thomas came up from BYU to visit this weekend and got some practice watching baby :) Also, the kind people from our branch in Florida gave us some gift cards to help us out with the baby after the fire and all; so while most of them were for things like fixing the car and food, this one we used for fun--a baby mobile, I had one I had been eyeing-it's pretty (Saki knows how I can be particular about things matching and looking nice) and had good reviews. I figure Meresiana has to get bored looking at the ceiling. . . and she seems to like the mobile when she's not being fussy. She'll coo and smile at it (see photo).

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Baby Meresiana has now gained almost 2 pounds! She will be 2 months old in a week!

Grandpa with Meresiana, baby lounging in the tub, icicles on our new apartment, friends Isei and Mary.

Fire and New Home

We believe Meresiana came early for a purpose-our water pipes had frozen at our house and the 2nd night we were in the hospital a fire started at our house from the space heater meant to thaw the pipes. We were blessed that our friend Isei spotted the smoke in our home and called Saki that night. If we had not been in the hospital we may have not woken up and could have inhaled lots of smoke, or worse. We were blessed that our ward took care of all of our needs-gave us housing, a car (our heater is broken), and helped clean (LOTS of Laundry!!!) and pack everything in the house. Saki and I are overwhelmed by their kindness and Christlike service towards our little family. We stayed at a friends for a week, and found an apartment by the end of the week-which is amazing for Vernal. My mom came up the following Monday and cleaned and cleaned and the place is nice now-all of our smoky things are in the 3rd bedroom with the window open and fan on and seem to be airing out. We really haven't lost much, and are so grateful for the love and concern of all our friends. We are doing well-besides a lack of sleep from so much to do and newborn baby eating and fussing, but we are happy and thank God for watching over us. PHOTOS grandma with baby, Elizabeth & baby, people helping at our house.

Baby Meresiana Lori Vakalala

We want to show off our late Christmas Gift via express from heaven. This sweet little present from Heavenly Santa took about 15 hrs to reach her earthly home. She weighed about 6 lbs 14 oz and is 20 inches in height. The postman aka Dr Anderson delivered the package with the help of his chauffer RN Stacy. The name on the package is Meresiana Lori Vakalala. Meresiana, named after my late aunt who raised me in Fiji from infancy to five years old. Lori after Liz's maternal Grandma who resides in Astoria, Oregon. Our lives have been blessed with this great miracle, this has been a proud moment for myself and Elizabeth. I take my hat off to my wife for her patience and long suffering for the last eight and half months, as well as during the labor stages. We would like to thank our families, relatives, and friends for all your thoughts and prayers. We feel so honored to share this great moment of our life with you. May you all have a prosperous new year and stay tune for more exciting news :)