Permanent residency

There's so much to say, so many good things have happened. But let's start with the obvious (based on title alone). We finally got the green cards. After only 9 months from submitting the application, we received the notice last Sept 11, and then the actual permanent residency cards a couple of days later. Life is sweet.

And then more good news for Gabriel - as he prepares for first communion (and subsequently first confession). He's quite the American boy now, when just the other day, he mumbled something that I didn't understand and so I asked him to repeat. He told me politely, "It's nothing, mom. It's just a random thought."

Gabriel also made the Dealey chess team, where only 24 students get to represent the school. Awesome. After having enrolled him to the United States Chess Federation (USCF), we only hope he can play tournaments and improve his rank. We're definitely excited for him.

And then there's soccer and orchestra. This year, Gabriel switched from violin to cello, and his music teacher says this is good for him. If he's dedicated enough, he can apply for scholarships for college later on. Gabriel gets to practice his craft with the 4th graders as the other 2nd graders are all violinists. I think this is a good thing, him playing with older children.

So all in all, this is looking to be a good year for Gabriel.

In church the other day, Gabriel was being friendly with the baby who was seated in front of us. He would make faces, and managed to get a couple of peek-a-boos. I remember my dad. When I was little, no more than Gabriel's age, I would remember him being friendly with kids in the church too. I bet my dad would be happy with all these good news.