Remembering 2012: The Year of the Dragon

    I have always been fond of dragons. Their beauty. Their elegance. Their fearlessness. Their uniqueness. Their mysteriousness. Their majestic power. 

I remember this same night, 365 days ago, sitting in the exact same spot. As I began writing a post to put a final dot on 2011, I knew that the year which was about to begin would be absolutely EPIC. As it turned out, I was right, and what a better symbol to represent what 2012 has been not only for me personally, but for my entire family than the dragon itself? 

Suffice to say that 2012 will forever be remembered as the year in which my life took on new meaning, purpose, and ways of understanding. 

A year of new beginnings and new cycles. My very 1st full year being a dad to a very special boy, and a husband to my beautiful wife. A year in which I saw just how much my parents are enjoying being grandparents (mostly through Skype) and see just how happy both of my grandmothers were of seeing their first great-grandson grow (all before one passed away peacefully a few weeks ago). A year which brought me the satisfaction of witnessing my brother turn a dream into a historic reality at the London Olympics accompanied by our family and friends, and the unexpected blessing of learning that my family will soon get bigger! 

So as this year draws to its inevitable end and gives way to a new beginning, I'd like to express my gratitude to the Universe for each of the blessings I have been given, and to each and every individual I've had the pleasure to cross paths with over the last 27 years of this epic journey we call LIFE. 

THANK YOU and my very best wishes to you and all those you love for the New Year!!!

Dream. Explore. Inspire. Discover... create your own happiness. 

Just be. 

Regards, 

                  - Iker 

A Year Since Kai's Arrival

      
       What an interesting and unique date, 12/12/12, is. I’ve heard of people wanting to tie the knot this very day, while others have thought of ways of spending it in a memorable way. For me and my family though, today simply marks a year (or an epic milestone) since we left our home as a married couple only to return back a week later with a new member of our family, our precious little Kai. 

The past year has been spectacular in so many different levels, but the one thing which no doubt stands most has been the privilege of witnessing Kai change day after day over the last 365 days. From seeing him learn how to turn onto his stomach, all the way up to learning how to crawl around everywhere. From seeing his first little white teeth show up, to seeing him stand up on his own, climb things, swim, and start attempting to take his first few steps. From seeing him cry and scream, to seeing him laugh and smile. From seeing his facial expression show amazement at the simplest of things, all the way up to seeing his personality shine through computer and TV screens on opposite sides of this planet. 

It’s simply beyond description... and I feel that after having experienced it first hand, we’ve really come to appreciate more than ever, just how much our own parents have enjoyed the process of seeing us grow! Furthermore, it's also been eye-opening to realize just how much they had to adjust their own lifestyles in order to provide us with the type of care and attention needed for us to to grow up and become who we are now. 

I’m sure I could write an entire book on some of the many highlights of this year alone! Suffice to say that Kai is doing fabulously, and has no doubt changed our lives in a uniquely beautiful way. I so look forward to continue seeing him grow and doing my best to guide and protect him as my beautiful wife and I walk on on our own journey through parenthood. Particularly since we are now just a little under twenty weeks to go before our family’s newest member’s arrival! :)

Not much else can be said other than a very deserving BIG THANK YOU to the Universe for all the incredible blessings. 

Rock on.