It is no understatement to say that my elation regarding Xenia’s arrival into our lives was mixed in with our facing the most difficult challenges relating to business that I have ever faced. The details aside I have to say, (and I am sure every loving father out there who heads off each day to provide for his family would attest), her little smile, and sloppy attempts at kisses, in fact her very being and presence gives me an internal strength I have never known. Bundled up in that is also a new found humility and gratitude. Here we are, her at 9.5 months, just before a special dinner.