My name is Yakini and my husband is Derek. I'm a clinical psychologist who loves pretty much all things girly... and blogging of course! Derek is a corporate lawyer and sports aficianado who loves to read and won't leave home without his Kindle. :-)
Since meeting in 2006 we've been inseparable! I am so happy, I can't even begin to describe how I feel about this wonderful man. What I love most about Derek is the size of his heart. His family and friends mean the world to him, and that's what I found most appealing about him when I first met him. Today I think about all the planning that God must have done to make sure that I was ready for him and likewise that he was ready for me. I believe with all my heart that God has designed a mate for everyone, and I'm so Blessed to have found mine!
We're a fun and adventurous couple who love to travel, spend time with friends and family, and try new things. We're an Attachment Parenting family when possible. I think what we look forward to most with our boys is learning things all over again with them. This is a chance for us to see the world again through their eyes, and it's just amazing! Our goal is to raise happy, healthy, and well-rounded children. We're excited about the many adventures Chase and his brother are going to discover for themselves, and we're so happy that we can mentor and guide them along those adventures.
Beautiful Story! It gives me hope again!
Posted by: Nicole Lyons | Wednesday, April 07, 2010 at 02:13 AM
This is someone who always knew life had so much more in store for you. I am glad to live long enought to see it come to pass. You baby is beautiful. You remind me of when my sons where first born. Life has a way of comming full circle...I took your advice I went to Ghana! Call me and I will tell you what happen next...surprise wonder who this is I am someone's mother you knew very well. 240-863-3706
Posted by: Denise Totress-Wood | Saturday, January 09, 2010 at 03:46 AM
Absolutely precious story and pic!
Posted by: michelle | Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 07:52 PM
Hello! I'm just learning of your blog from someone at LHCF. I got teary eyed reading this! Absolutely beautiful! Beautiful Family! Congrats on your new marriage and new baby! God is so awesome and I know exactly how you feel to have found that mate the He's hand-picked and designed just for you!
Blessings
Posted by: divinefavor | Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 04:10 PM
What a great story! I agree with what you said about "God designs a mate for everyone"- what a blessing you guys were brought together.
Posted by: Alanda G. | Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 12:51 PM
A simply wonderful love story. You guys are such a lovely couple. Chase is simply adorable. Wishing you and your family many many wonderful blessings!
Posted by: Felisha | Thursday, July 09, 2009 at 09:53 AM
That's wonderful! I hope that one day I'll be able to say that I've found the man that god has made for me..Until then I'll be patient.
Posted by: Jamila A | Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 11:11 AM
You guys make a beautiful couple!!
Posted by: J.D. | Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Yakini, I didn't even know you were married, and pregnant, and now having a boy. Where have I been? Anyway, a big CONGRATS on all these wonderful happenings. It's wonderful to see all this happiness.
Posted by: Jessy55 aka DragonPearl | Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 01:51 PM
I am so happy for the both of you.Congrats on the parents to be. I hope you all have many wonderful years of blessing to come.
Posted by: Mesha | Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Hey honey!!! I am sooooo happy for you both! I am so glad that you decided to put up this site and share this wonderful journey with us!! Take care and I hope to see you soon! :-) XOXOXO to you both and the little one!!!
Posted by: Patrice Morris | Monday, December 15, 2008 at 01:48 PM
MY GOD!!! I am blown away by the pics. I am sooo excited for you. I truly am happy for you. You just look absolutely wonderful. I am so excited for you. I am looking forward to meeting your beautiful baby son!!!! I hope to hear from you soon....
Love,
Virg
Posted by: Virginia | Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 08:17 PM
*So our son is fortunate in that he will blessed with the best of both worlds! * Yes, indeed. Congrats to you both!
Posted by: Nanya | Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 05:02 AM
I'm in tears! What a beautiful love story!
Posted by: Sybil | Tuesday, December 09, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Oh Yaki! where in the sam ham have I been??? You got married and now you're having a baby??? I can hardly believe it! I am so happy for you it's ridiculous..I have been running all over my office all day showing everyone your pictures, they are outstanding! I love you very much, you and your sister have left a permanent mark on my life...You truly have no idea how special you are to me! Congratulations again and may the blessings of the Lord overtake you, Derek, and Baby Etheridge now and forever..may you have every thing that you want and may lack never come to your door! You are truly blessed my sister!'
Love ya!
Q.
Posted by: Qiana | Monday, December 08, 2008 at 03:20 PM
You look absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! Pregnancy becomes you Yaki. I can't wait! Have we decided on a name yet?
Posted by: Beauty_ByDesign | Thursday, December 04, 2008 at 08:24 AM
You two make a gorgeous couple. I'm so excited for you (both)!!
Posted by: Shantel | Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 07:44 PM
AWWWWWW!!!!! I am excitedly awaiting Baby Etheridge's arrival!!!!!
Posted by: Nichole Adams | Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 11:07 AM