TWO plus TWO

First Day of School!

2010-08-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

Summer's first day of Three-year-old class. All smiles this year.

Charlotte came to support her big sister.

Summer in front of her classroom. The door is decorated with the names of all her classmates, & I believe she's blocking her own name.

Summer playing with her classmates.

Summer's 3-year-old!

2010-06-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

This pretty dress lasted only about five minutes on the birthday girl.

Summer & her good friend, Eliot.

Everyone had fun jumping in the jumpy house, except for Will who didn't like the craziness.

All the kids waiting for the cake. From Left - Ruhan, Will, Summer, Eliot, Dahlia, Henry, Jadon, & Noah.

Time to blow the candles.

Dora ice cream cake, a special request by the birthday girl.

Charlotte's ONE year old!

2010-04-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

Charlotte's first cake, she had no clue what to do with it.

Charlotte & Ah-ma.

Family picture with our big girl (bye-bye baby-hood).

Charlotte's 11 months

2010-03-14T15:55:00.000-07:00

Time passes so fast! Our little Charlotte is now 11 months old.
*Cruising around with the help of walls & furniture.
*Graduating Swaddlers diapers & entering school of Pampers Cruisers.
*Saying "baba" & "mama".
*Loves table food, she can eat pieces of chicken with just ONE tooth.

Eliot's 3rd Birthday

2010-03-07T19:11:00.000-08:00

Birthday boy - Eliot opening his presents.

Summer playing with Eliot's toys.

Feeding the ducks.

Kids eating while parents are busy helping.

Sweet good-bye hug for the birthday boy.

Play Time in the Crib

2010-03-06T14:26:00.000-08:00

Nap Time with Daddy

2010-03-06T13:30:00.000-08:00

Nap time with daddy

My sleeping cutie!

"Oh, no! Where is dadday?"

"Who are you?"

"It's mommy taking my picture."

Mommy's birthday

2010-02-15T17:43:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Dinner

2010-02-14T17:53:00.000-08:00

Biker girls

2010-02-10T18:19:00.000-08:00

Our two-headed Octopus

2010-02-02T18:11:00.000-08:00

Daddy's Birthday

2010-01-31T18:27:00.000-08:00

Stop the Rain

2010-01-20T14:16:00.001-08:00

This week so far has been a stormy, rainy week. I brought Summer to the window to show her the gusty wind & the rain.
She then pointed to our neighbor's tree that was rattling in the wind,
"Look! orange tree, orange tree falling down!"
"I don't think it's gonna fall down yet."
After a short pause, Summer said "we have to stop the rain"
"Stop the rain? How do we do that, Summer?"
"Press the button."
"What button?"
"The BIG button!"

new posts

2010-01-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

Happy new year everyone!!!! I'm slowly updating our blog. Please scroll down for new pictures.

Summer's 2.5 years old

2009-12-04T09:14:00.000-08:00

How time just flies! Kids do grow right before our eyes. Here some update of Summer's current status:

height: 3 ft 1 in, weight: 27 lb 8 oz
(she's exactly 1/2 the height of daddy!)

Summer remains tall & skinny. She learned to put on her own clothes, i.e. jacket, pants, socks, & shoes. But she simply love to take them all off & run around naked.

She's going to preschool for about 4 months now. Her favorite friends are Eliot, Ruhan, and now Noah too. Notice they all have something in common - boys. My theory is that she is used to playing with cousin Henry, therefore she finds comfort in other similar boys. Eliot, her very first friend in school, resembles Henry, who is 1/2 Asian & 1/2 Caucasian.

She loves to talk & sing. Her favorite songs are: "The Alphabet Song", "Oh MacDonald had a Farm", "兩只老虎", "Make a circle", "Itsy bitsy spider". She's currently learning "Happy Birthday" in both English & Chinese and "No more monkey jumping on the bed" (don't know the real title to that one, she got it from school).

She speaks 99.5% in English, though everyone's been telling me to encourage her Chinese skills, Summer does not take much interest in learning. However she doesn't mind singing in Chinese, so I think I should start here. Problem is I barely know any songs. I learned "兩只老虎" from her daddy & Kai-lan and we still don't have the lyrics right.

We bought Summer a tricycle for her 2nd birthday, but she was too short to reach the bike paddles. So she's been "walking" her bike around the house. Recently, she's able to reach the paddles and now learning to bike it.

As for her little sister, Summer's fairly protective of Charlotte. She's very aware that Charlotte is part of our family. Jealousy is still big in the house. Summer wants every part of whatever Charlotte's playing/eating. On the bright side, now that Charlotte is bigger & more interactive, Summer will play and/or talk with her.

Definition of Diarrhea

2009-11-25T12:11:00.000-08:00

Diarrhea =
watery stool every hour (midnite till 9am)
+ tons of dirty diapers
+ load of dirty baby laundry
+ exhausted parents
+ one POOR, SICK BABY

Season of Germs

2009-11-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

Tis is the season for germs. It all started with Summer picking up preschool bugs back in August. Things got worst since the weather turned cold, our household has been hit with cycles of colds, fevers and diarrhea. Last week we battled Summer's fever & diarrhea, Charlotte's roseola, and daddy's cold. Currently, we're battling Charlotte's cold & endless diarrhea on top of Summer's cold & mine too.

Everyone seems to take turns being sick. I wonder when this cycle of sickness will end and if we'll get through the season with even ONE single sick-free day in the household. The sad thing is it's only November. It's gonna be a loooong winter!

Charlotte's 6 Months

2009-10-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

Weight: 16 lbs 3 oz (57%)
Height: 26.5 ins (79%)
Head size: 16.75 ins (53%)

Time, where did you go?

2009-10-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

Having two kids means more than double of time to do everything. Two diapers to change, two bodies to bathe, two mouths to feed, two babies to put to sleep... but there is more to it.... if one has dirty diaper & the other one is sleepy, you have to let one cry it out while you change the others diaper. Things simply just get delayed. At the end of each day, the laundry is still not done, the floors are still not mopped, toys are still all over the house, blog still abandoned, and the kids are still crying. Where does a mommy's time go????

The Summertime blog is now more than 3 months delayed. It's so behind that I don't have the motivation to make it up. To our small group of followers, keep feeding our fishes and I'll work hard at updating!!!

Pool Time

2009-08-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

Summer loves to play her water toys in our community pool.

Only few summer days left before the pool closes for the year, so we went all the time during the last couple of weeks.

Rare picture with mom.

TV Time

2009-08-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

Chalotte's 4 months.

2009-08-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

Weight: 14 lbs 1 oz (57%)
Height: 25" (75%)
Head size: 16" (37%)

Favorite Toys

2009-08-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

Summer's favorite puzzle. Hours of fun for just $1 from Target.

At first, I thought it would be too hard for her, but after some practice. She can put together the puzzle within minutes.

Shopping time

Playing tent.

She likes the security.

Our Little Model

2009-07-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

Modeling daddy's underwear over her dress.

Mommy's pants & daddy's socks.

Heads Up

2009-07-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

Our 5th Anniversary

2009-07-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jerry's parents we had a nice weekend getaway to the beautiful South Lake Tahoe.

We did a nice scenic bike ride.

started out at the park out looking the lake.

A cute house alone the way.

Biking through Tahoe neighborhood.

Peaceful scenic views

More peaceful & gorgeous views.

We were hot...

.... and dehydrated.

Our destination.

Charlotte's 3 months

2009-07-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

A week of Reunions

2009-07-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

Auntie Cordelia (high school friend of mom) with her two sons, Rammus & Cayden. Reunited with mom after 15+ years.

Summer(2yrs), Ryan(3+ yrs), Joey (3+ yrs), & Kyra (2+ yrs).
(Kids of mom's high friend gang)

Joey always the life of the party.

Auntie Audrey, uncle Kwong, Jake (3.5yrs) & Jolie (2yrs).
(Audrey is mom's college friend, we see each other maybe 1-2x a year)

Reunited with old buddies of mom's at CI after 10 yrs.

The CI girls.

more CI buddies and families.

Ah-gong & Ah-ma's House

2009-07-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

Picture with ah-ma & ah-gong.
(ah-ma & ah-gong got on their knees so they can be at the same level as Summer for picture taking, but she follows exactly & refused to stand.)

Ah-ma & Charlotte.

Summer & Jenny ayi.

Beach with the Cousins ( Part II)

2009-07-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

Later in the afternoon we met up with auntie Jennifer & cousin Ethan. Daddy's other cousins came later too, like uncle Andy & aunties Patricia & May-In.

(It's probably seaweed season, because there were seaweeds all over the sand. )

Summer does not like to get sand on her feet.

So, we have to put her on the mat to play.

Boys on the sand, girl on the mat, and uncle Andy supervising the kids.

Cute pic of Summer

Henry & Summer playing "tent".

Henry & Summer hiding in "tent".

Ethan & Henry giving straw mat rides.

First they set the mat in position,

then come the passenger.

Beach with the Cousins (Part I)

2009-07-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

After a feast of seafood, we topped off our lunch with some corn dogs & drinks. Then we took a walk around the pier with kids playing, daddies drinking smoothies, & mommies taking pictures.

The street vendors were nice enough to let our kids play with their toys.

Summer & Henry had a blast without us spending a dime.

A big bird resting on the roof top of a restaurant.

Train Ride

2009-07-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

The little train station is situated just outside of Wilson Park. All these years going to the park, I've never paid any attention to it till I have kids of my own.

Uncle Charlie, auntie Peggy, & Henry.

The little engine that CAN.

Free train rides for adults & kids of all ages.

Henry & Summer patiently waiting in line.

It was so much fun.

4th of July

2009-07-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

We spent the evening at the Wilson Park, enjoyed the festivities of 4th of July with thousands of other people. Many families were there with their BBQ going since early morning.

Picture with auntie Jenny & Lily.

Auntie Jenny & uncle Chris found a nice spot for everyone to watch the fireworks.

Cute couples picture!

Daddy & Summer concentrating on the fireworks.

We had a nice view of the fireworks & the moon
(it's the bright, white spot to the right lower of the firework).

More fireworks & moon.

The grand finale.

p.s. Charlotte stayed home with grandpa/ma. sorry, Charlotte! you'll enjoy it better next year.

Playdate with Cousin Henry

2009-07-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

Quick pictures in the alley to Henry's house.

Shopping in the store.

Hanging out at May-In's House

2009-07-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

Hawaii Gang's Visit

2009-06-30T15:41:00.000-07:00

Mommy's Hawaii gang is here to visit. Aunties Lily, Katelyn, & Kelly took a scenic drive from So Cal up North and we're their final stop. They are also gonna help mommy drive the kids back down to So Cal.

Katelyn & Charlotte

Kelly & Lily with Charlotte.

Laundry Time

2009-06-29T15:39:00.000-07:00

Sleeping Babies

2009-06-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

Sisterhood

2009-06-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

Drunken Baby

2009-06-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

Father's Day Swim

2009-06-21T14:34:00.000-07:00

The Big Fall

2009-06-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

Look closely at Summer's forehead, it's the result of her big fall from our couch to the tile floor. The bump started to form within minutes of the fall, but the swelling was well controlled by rolling an egg over it (a method I heard from my oldest sister). Amazingly, she's fine otherwise.

p.s. Every once a while she still ask for the egg.

Charlotte's 2 months.

2009-06-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

Weight: 10 lbs 12 oz at 45%tile, Height: 22" at 33%tile, Head Size: 15" at 30%tile.

At 2 months, Charlotte's sleeping about 4-5 hours at night.
Does not like taking the bottle just like Summer.
She has good head control, likes to practice her leg muscles whenever her feet touch any surface.
After receiving her vaccines, Charlotte vomited for three days.

Potluck

2009-06-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

Potluck at Jean & Dennis' house.
First time meeting all other local young couples.

Jacob & Mi's Wedding

2009-06-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

Mi & Jacob (my co-worker), the bride & groom.

Cake cutting

Our table, the the sub-acute gang.

Me, Betty Anne (my boss), and Kim (social worker).

Richard, Aileen, Domingo, me, Ruthie, Agnes, Loren, & Josie.
The Manteca gang, all nursing background except for me.

Summer's TWO!

2009-06-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

Under-the-Sea ice cream cake from 奶奶.

Summer's TWO years old!

Family picture with the birthday girl.

阿太, Summer, 奶奶, & 爺爺.

Summer and her presents.

Can't believe my baby is turning TWO.
Weight: 25 lbs 2 oz at 28%tile, Height: 34.75" at 73%tile, Head Size: 19" at 71%tile.
Summer remains on the skinny side. She still fits some 18-month tops as long as we can get her head through. Otherwise, she fitting just right in the 2T clothes.
She is now putting short sentences together, i.e "I want to see mommy."

Monterey Aquarium

2009-05-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

Instead of a birthday party, mommy & daddy decided to take Summer to the aquarium for her birthday.

It was during the weekend auntie Vivian & her mom came to visit. Adult to kid ratio was good, 5-2. Charlotte spent the whole time sleeping in the stroller. But by the end of the day, we were all tired trying to keep up with Summer.

Summer & Nai-nai in front of the turtle picture.

Summer & auntie Vivian.
Summer warmed up to her surprisingly fast.

Summer touching the starfish.

Daddy with Summer and the giant otter.

Charlotte

2009-05-24T21:54:00.000-07:00

Enjoying a nice nap.

Don't like being woken up.

Charlotte's rare angry face.

Daddy's comfy shoulder.

Memorial Weekend 2

2009-05-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

Kids can have tons of fun in just about everywhere.

In other kid's birthday jumping house.

Water fountain in a shopping plaza.

In the REI store.

Holding hands in the car.

Eating lollipop at the park.

Memorial Weekend 1

2009-05-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

The cousins warmed up to each other very fast.

Running around at grandma's.

Learning to share Dora bed.

Playing with Dora truck.

More Visitors

2009-05-23T11:45:00.000-07:00

During the Memorial weekend, the rest of family came north from Seattle & south from LA to visit our new addition - Charlotte.

Cousin Henry

Auntie Peggy

Uncle Charlie

Auntie Dana

Uncle Michael

I remember...

2009-05-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

As we were walking around the neighborhood, we stopped at a bench over looking the lake. Soon after Summer sat down, she asked "Summer, see duck?" "No ducks today, Summer." After a short pause, Summer said " I remember duck!". Translation - "I remember seeing ducks here!" Mommy was so excited to hear for the first time Summer using "I remember...". Fueled by mommy's excitment, Summer used the two words all throughout the day.

Jelly Belly Factory

2009-05-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

Summer fell asleep at the beginning of the factory tour, missing all of the tour except for the food & jelly bellies.

Summer dancing with Joey while eating lunch.

Summer mimicking Joey rubbing his nose.

Summer eating lunch.

Mommy's Jelly Belly shaped cheese burger.

Summer's hot dog & happy face french fries.

Joey & Summer holding hands on the way out. Summer also confiscated Joey's Snoopy for the day (see her left hand).

Joey's Visit

2009-05-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

Auntie Annie (holding Charlotte), uncle Daniel, & Joey visiting from So. Calf. Joey's expecting a baby sister in Sept too.

Summer (2- yrs) had a lot of fun playing with Joey (3.5yrs)

Charlotte's 1 month!

2009-05-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

At 1 month old, Charlotte is doing well. Gained over 2 lbs since discharged from the hospital. If she was to stay in mommy's tummy for her last month, mommy would at least gain 5 lbs.

She sleeps well, stretching to about 3-4 hours at night, giving mommy some sleep time too. She does have little more of reflux compared to Summer. Often spitting up after feedings.

It took both mom & dad to bathe Summer for about the first six-months. Now, mommy washes Charlotte in the sink & daddy washes Summer in the tub.

Summer is getting so tall, out growing our changing station.

Happy Mama Day!

2009-05-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

Daddy gave red roses to mommy for mother's day. Never knew there are roses named Charlotte. =>

Celebrating four generations of mommies & daughters.

奶奶 (Nai-nai) with Summer & Charlotte.

阿媽 (Ah-ma) with Summer & Charlotte.

Monkeying Around!

2009-05-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

The Forgotten One

2009-05-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

Charlotte is such a sound sleeper, at times we forget that there is a baby in the house.

Charlotte at ~ 3 weeks old.

A picture taken 4 days before, she looks different already.

Little Charlotte finally fitting-in her preemie clothes at 3 weeks.

Hangover

2009-05-05T18:10:00.000-07:00

23 Months

2009-05-04T18:04:00.000-07:00

At 23 months, Summer is speaking more & more. She's learning to verbalize her feelings, like: "I'm cold", "hungry", etc. She also can carry out short conversations. With the new addition in the house, she's also adjusting to not being the center of attention. She now can count to five.

The box is always more fun than the actual gift.

Summer love to play with balls.

She learned to pick-up & carry the large ball.

Notice the ball is bigger than her.

Sisters Bonding

2009-04-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

Summer loves to hold Charlotte.

Summer insisted to be in the crib with Charlotte.

Charlotte covered with blankets.

Summer wanted blankets too.

Home Again!!

2009-04-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

Yeah!!! We finally get to go home.

Photo Therapy

2009-04-18T21:01:00.000-07:00

Our sweet home coming was short lived. After 24 hours at home, Charlotte had to be re-admitted for photo therapy.

We were admitted to the pediatric unit in the Bugsy room.

Charlotte in the incubator.
It took a while for temperature to get to a comfy level for Charlotte.

Charlotte under the blue light.

Mommy slept on the recliner overnight in order to breastfeeding Charlotte. It was two long nights away from the home & the rest of the family.

Welcome Home

2009-04-16T23:41:00.000-07:00

Home coming!

Leaving the hospital

We're home!

Summer's very interested in the little baby. She love kissing Charlotte.

When Charlotte's sleeping, Summer wanted to do the same.

Our New Addition!!!!!

2009-04-14T23:28:00.000-07:00

Charlotte (嘉玟) Jia-wen, DOB 4/14/09, 7:06am, 5 lbs 15 oz, 18" tall.

As newborns, Charlotte & Summer looks very much alike.

Sleepy Charlotte

Mommy & Charlotte shortly after birth.

Our first family picture with Charlotte.

The Birth Story

2009-04-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 13 - mommy's first day on maternity leave. Summer accompanied mommy to her routine 36-week prenatal visit at the doctor's office. After the doctor's exam, mommy was told that she was 4 cm dilated. In order to conformed, Dr Tzeng kept mommy in the clinic to monitor for 20 min, which showed that mommy had about 4-5 contractions & other mini ones. Mommy didn't know that the occasional cramps she have been feeling were actual contractions. With mommy's quick delivery history, Dr Tzeng told mommy to go directly to the hospital.

Summer & mommy got to the hospital about 6 pm. Later g-ma & g-pa came to pick up Summer and daddy stayed with mommy at the hospital. Mommy was thankful that the 2-3 hrs duration from home to clinic to hospital, Summer was on her best behavior the whole time.

From 6pm to 6 am not too much happened. Mommy only went from 4 cm to about 6 cm dilated, even with the infusion of protocin, to induce labor. Contractions were there but not regularly and the pain was not too bad. Everyone actually got a little nap, including the doctor. By 6:30 am, Dr Brady decided to break mommy's water. About 10-15 mins later, the pain started to pick-up. It went from a 4-5 on a 1-10 pain scale to 15 out of 10 all within the short time. That was when mommy started to regret not getting the epidural & decided to have it place despite her fear of being poke in the spine.

By 7:06 am, daddy barely have the consent papers filled out, Charlotte was borned. Since we were in the same labor & deliver room as last time, it was like deja vu to mommy & daddy. At the moment of birth, Charlotte looked & sounded exactly like Summer.

It was dinner time & Summer's hungry, so mommy gave Summer the only food in her purse, a piece of ROLO.

Mommy & Summer in the hospital admitting office.

Baby Jackson

2009-04-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

Baby Jackson, born 4/8/09, 5 lbs 4 oz

It seems like a visit to Sharon & G-Hon is a must right before mommy gives birth. A week after we visited Madi, when she was a newborn, mommy had Summer.

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

Summer was a little overwhelmed with the amount of people at the park. The eggs were gone so fast before Summer can grasp the idea of egg hunt.

Summer with mommy

Summer petting a rabbit.

Summer trying to run away from Ethan.

Summer & Daddy

22 Months

2009-04-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

Summer's soup girl just like mom.

Fell asleep during snack time, again!

Summer pretending to feed her dog.

At 22 months, Summer's learning her colors. She knows blue, pink, purple, green, & white. She also can count to two by herself & to five with help.

Duck Feeding at the Park

2009-03-31T17:14:00.000-07:00

Summer copying Jadon's cough.

Tahoe Trip

2009-03-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

First time for Summer to see snow.

Since we don't have gloves & snow shoes for her, we just let her play in the icy snow by the hotel parking lot.

With daddy's help, she were able to get up to the higher side.

Summer love playing with the snow.

21 months

2009-03-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

Summer putting away trash.

18 months since we shaved her head, now her hair is finally long enough to put in a pony tail.

In the past month, Summer starting to talk in 3-word phrases. Before she get to be let down from her high chair after each meal, we always have to make sure she doesn't have any food or rice stuck on her clothes. So, mommy's favorite question is "有沒有 (anymore) rice?" One day she answered mommy "沒有(no) rice!"

Thanks to Baby Einstein, Summer is also learning to count from one to five.

Summer also like to sing & talk to herself, pretend to share & talk to her stuff animals.

Jean & Dennis' Wedding

2009-02-21T18:18:00.000-08:00

The happy bride & groom.

Family picture with Jean & Dennis.

Family picture with Mr & Mrs D, our neighbors.

Summer had a lot of fun running around the golf course with her angel-wings jacket.

On the way to wedding, we made a quick lunch stop & Summer got her first merry-go-around ride.

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

2009-02-15T18:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Heart Day!

2009-02-14T22:47:00.000-08:00

Valentine's balloon from daddy.

Mommy's Valentine flowers from daddy.

Mommy's Shoes

2009-02-11T22:42:00.000-08:00

Summer discovered that it's fun to walk in other people's shoes. But it was a challenege learning to put on the shoes & then walk in them.

MOPS

2009-02-10T15:55:00.000-08:00

Today, mommy took Summer to the MOPS* meeting at the local church. It's a two-hour session, where mommies get some really adult time while kids get to spend time at the separate daycare area. Well, it didn't go too well as expected.

First time, saying goodbye to Summer was easy. She gave mommy a kiss & jumped right into all the toys. Five minutes later, when mommy came back to check on Summer. She found Summer being held by one of daycare ladies with tears all over her face, pointing at every door she sees. When she saw mommy, she gave mommy her famous "death grip"**. Every time mommy tried to say goodbye thereafter, she would jump on mommy & give the same "death grip". Finally mommy decided to sneak away instead of saying goodbye, which resulted in the daycare lady bringing teary Summer back to mommy multiple times.

It was a heartbreaking experience for both mommy & Summer. Guess this is part of growing pain! But, what mommy learned is that daddy will be the one who drops Summer off at daycare in the future.

*MOPS - Mothers Of Preschoolers.
**Death grip - as named by auntie Peggy. when Summer is threaten by new environment or people, she will hold on to the person she feels the most secured with both of her arms tightly around the person's neck and her legs around the person's upper body, allowing barely enough room for the person to breathe .

Eskimo Baby

2009-02-09T21:51:00.000-08:00

Hanging out with the Bears

2009-02-09T21:46:00.000-08:00

20 Months

2009-02-05T16:40:00.000-08:00

With mommy gone a week, she realized that Summer picked up many more words & speaking more two-word phrases than single or repetitive words. i.e. what's this, what's that, over there, 那邊, 這邊, 沒有. She's also learning her colors, like blue, red, white, pink.

Summer showing her smile.

Summer playing in the baby room she refused to sleep in.

Summer got herself back in her infant car seat.

She's a bit too tall for her old seat.

New Orleans

2009-02-03T20:36:00.000-08:00

Mommy took a week-long trip to New Orleans & it was the first time mommy's away from Summer for more than 24 hours. Summer did very well. She had some good bonding time with daddy & g-ma/pa.

Streets of New Orleans

One pharmacist & five dietitians

A group picture after our seafood feast.

Mommy went through 3 bibs in one meal.

Shopping time at the French Quarter!

Baby Ethan

2009-01-22T19:38:00.000-08:00

Baby Ethan, born Tuesday, January 20, 6 lbs., 15 ozs.

Proud mama, Lena

Mommy & daddy gotta chance to hold baby Ethan.

p.s. this was also the night mommy & daddy went to the Kings game plus visiting Lena & Pak, they didn't get home till midnight. So, Summer spent her first over night at g-ma/pa's place.

First Cold of the Year

2009-01-21T16:48:00.000-08:00

After three weeks, everyone finally got over their colds. It started around New Year, when mommy caught her cold. Then she went on & past it to daddy & g-ma S. So, Summer spent the first weeks of 2009 in a house filled with germs from coughing & sneezing. Good thing, through the whole course she only had occasional coughing & sneezing, but never caught the full bloom of the cold.

School Girl

2009-01-17T19:32:00.000-08:00

Doesn't Summer look like a school girl with her plaid dress.

Walk on the Levee

2009-01-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

A walk on the levee on this warm January day. Instead of her usual walking & running, Summer decided to play with the gravel.

Happy Birthday, Cayla!

2009-01-11T18:48:00.000-08:00

Snuck in a picture with the busy birthday girl - Cayla.

Uncle Bryan setting up Cayla's two candles for her cake.

Summer getting busy with Cayla's gifts.

Summer checking out Cayla's pretty house.

Summer & Cayla seeing other kids off.

Posing for the Camera

2009-01-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

Summer's first understanding of picture taking.

A little camera shy, but Summer stood still for her photo session.

Gotta smile!!!

Mommy's Little Helper

2009-01-07T17:36:00.000-08:00

Summer's favorite activity is to help mommy unload all the dried utensils & light dishes on the bottom rack. Though she's not tall enough to see the drawers & upper cabins, she knows where each item is stored.

Summer will also love to help with other house chores, i.e. loading the dirty laundry into the washer, putting the empty laundry basket back, hanging washcloth on the rack, & throwing away trash.

Blocks

2009-01-06T17:20:00.000-08:00

Summer inviting daddy to play.

Summer & daddy playing with blocks, her new favorite toy given by auntie Jean for Christmas.

The completed building was taller than Summer.

Summer & daddy getting ready for exercise.

Summer & daddy stretching.
Daddy need some major help with loosening up his muscles.

19 Months

2009-01-05T16:31:00.000-08:00

Soon after her 18 month birthday, we were able to get her off the bottles completely. She didn't put up much of a fight. She asked for milk only for the first couple of nights & did not complaint much when we rejected her request.

One bad thing she picked up during the holiday season was saying "NO". She learned that it was a fun & powerful word to use, so she used it on anything she's not happy with.

Except for couple of molars in the back, she has all of her front teeth, which allowed her to eat & chew bigger & tougher foods. She continues with her good appetite, wanting to try everything we eat & drink. Hopefully she will outgrow her food allergies soon, so we can stop hiding foods from her. We are giving her occasional noodles to test out her wheat allergies. So far we only see minor itches on her body. Let's keep our fingers crossed & hope for the best.

Hanging out with Henry

2008-12-30T15:31:00.000-08:00

Aren't they the cutest cousins.

Since auntie Peggy, uncle Charlie, & Henry stayed through New Years, Summer had a fun time hanging out with Henry for the week. Mommy & auntie Peggy also got some adult bonding time.

Meeting Cousin Jalen

2008-12-29T15:12:00.000-08:00

Auntie Peggy, Henry (17mos), mommy, Summer (18mos), Auntie Amy, & Jalen (3yrs).

Uncle Charlie, Henry, Uncle Julian, Jalen, Daddy, & Summer.

Mommy & Summer

Auntie Peggy, mommy, & mommy's belly.

Uncle Julian, auntie Amy, & cousin Jalen came all way from the east coast to visit. It was the first time for Henry & Summer to meet their second cousin, Jalen.

Fun Times with Other Little Ones

2008-12-26T14:52:00.000-08:00

Summer opening one of her many presents.

Summer, Kyra, & Auntie Lily

Joey (3yrs), Kyra(2yrs), & Summer (18mos)

Summer hugging Kyra.

Cute & shy little Kyra.

Although, Summer was the youngest kid around, she wasn't shy at all. She gave everyone hugs & kisses, even chased Joey around the house for it.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-21T14:37:00.000-08:00

Family Picture

Family Picture with 阿媽 (G-ma Y.)

Family Picture with 爺爺 (G-pa S.) & 奶奶 (G-ma S.)

This was the first Christmas spent in So. Cal. with mommy side of the extended family. But, we missed one of the biggest family gathering with daddy's extended family. Also, we didn't catch any actual Christmas day pictures. >_<

Tricks I Can Do

2008-12-18T14:21:00.000-08:00

Eating banana, one of Summer's favorite fruits.

Banana in one hand, climb high chair with the other.

"I taught myself to hold two balls in one hand."

Too Sleepy for Food

2008-12-16T14:14:00.000-08:00

18 Months

2008-12-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

Summer with mommy & daddy.

Summer with G-ma S.

Summer driving her Dora truck with daddy's help.
She insisted on riding with her big blue bear.

18 months is the time for another well-child check up & vaccines with the pediatrician. Poor girl got another 3 shots. But other than annual flu vaccines, she doesn't have to be poked till 4 years old (Yeah!!). Here are Summer's stats: weight is at 28%, height is at 69%, head size is at 79%.

She's talking & communicating a lot now days. She can pronounce about 30 words & the list is growing by the day. Although she understands Chinese, most words she's picking up are in English. In the past couple of months, her back teeth are coming out left & right. It's hard to keep up how many actually are erupted, because she refuses to show her teeth. Biggest challenge now is to wean her off her morning & night time bottles.

Walks

2008-12-03T23:17:00.000-08:00

Summer loves taking walks & exploring things. She likes the sound of walking on crunchy leaves; picking up rocks & leaves from the floor; saying hello to the turtle & duck ceramic statues people have in heir front yards.

Listening to the Phone

2008-11-30T23:09:00.000-08:00

Summer has picked up the listening part of phone calls, but she hasn't learn to speak to the phone. Here is her listening closely to G-ma Y.

No More Tears

2008-11-29T22:55:00.000-08:00

Summer's warming up to uncle Michael.

No more screaming & crying when held by uncle Michael.