penny January 1st, 2011
Farewell 2010. It is now 11.30 pm of 1 January 2011.
2010 was a big year for us:
January: We found out we were expecting. Ajay had just flown back to Singapore in early January after spending the holidays in Sydney. I called him on 30 January, Saturday, to tell him I was pregnant.
February: Ajay came to Sydney to help me with early pregnancy. I was juggling thesis writing and horrible morning sickness.
March: I submitted my thesis for examination.
April: Ajay flew back to Singapore to get his affairs in order as we plan to move in together in Sydney. He flies back to Sydney.
May: I started work with a new academic group.
June: We moved to our own flat, nearer the city. Ajay and I got addicted to watching Masterchef on TV every weekday night.
July: Examiners returned marks for my thesis… A 1 and two 2′s! No revision and 2 minor revisions =) We were travelling from east to west (and back) of Sydney to attend prenatal visits and classes.
August: Resubmitted my thesis, I get approval of admission into the community of scholars and received my PhD testamur.
September: We graduated from our prenatal classes. Started maternity leave in mid-month. Sophia is born on the last day of the month.
October: Spent a few days more than expected due to Sophia’s bilirubin levels. Went home for the first time as a 3-member family =) Sleepless nights but blissful days, happy with our new baby.
November: We finally are notified of the approval of our long-term visa to stay in Australia. Sophia secures support from the university for the same.
December: We applied for a passport for Sophia. We attended my graduation. Our first Christmas season together with baby =)
So much more to look forward to in 2011. Today, the first day of the year, we spent the day with family, and it is one of the most important components of our everyday life that we wish to keep close to our hearts.
Cheers!
[photo on facebook]
