goodbyes and hellos

Goodbyes are hard and oftentimes painful.

Last year, I cried twice until my eyes were swollen when my kid cousin and Kuyang (an older cousin) and his family, including my niece, our little princess, left for abroad. They left separately, hence, I cried twice. I tried hard and was successful in not letting them see that I was very sad and that I would want to hold them tight, cling on to them, and not let them leave. As much as I want to, I couldn’t do that. I don’t wanna make it harder for me and for them. Besides, I have this “tough” image at home. haha.

We have a close extended family. We were three families living in a compound, and so we were used to talking to each other every day, sharing food, and just seeing each other. These things didn’t seem special then until Kuyang’s family decided to move. Sometimes, people just have to move.

After a whole year of waiting for them to visit, Kuyang, Nikki (his wife), and my cute niece, Keng, finally came home.

When I was informed 2 months before that they would visit for the holidays, I was really happy. Still, I set my mind that it may not happen. I don’t wanna disappoint myself too much. At times though, I imagined how our little princess looks like, how she moves, etc. And now that they are here, I am thrilled! This is really a wonderful present for my birthday!

I’m happy to see Kuyang and Nikki, but not as much as I want to see Keng. When I first saw her the day she was born, I already love her so much. She was the first granddaughter in both her parents’ family. So, we all wanted to spoil her. haha. She was just turning 5 months when they left. She used to be a baby who seldom cries, who smiles like an angel, and who loves holding fingers. So sweet. And she’s really cute. Now that she’s 1 year 8 months, she’s so hyperactive and runs around all the time, but she has that contagious laughter that warms my heart.

Aleeyah Gabrielle (aka Keng)

Look at her now. She’s grown so much in a year. She has very rosy cheeks that I’d like to just kiss again and again. She’s also cuddly, and she loves to eat cookies! Her mom would have to put her in diet pills if she continues to eat so much. haha.

 This is her giggling. Isn’t she cute?

We couldn’t make her pose for the camera. She continually ignored us. haha. So all we have are stolen shots. I can’t wait to go home and spend all the time that I could with her. I don’t wanna miss a thing.