Tristin and Isabella

Florence with Family: Pisa

2010-10-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

More than the adults, the kiddies loved Pisa. And not so much because of the leaning tower....but because of the rolling green grass that enveloped the tower. The kiddies -- in particular Ashley and Tristin loved running around and playing and playing they did, despite the signs that stated not to walk on the grass. Other than the leaning tower, we didn't see much more because it was getting late and it would be another hour before we got back to Florence. So, we sightsaw, took pics - some so cheezy I don't think I can post -- and then piled back into the bus and rode back home.

Ashley and Tristin

Glowing in the sun

Playing together

Family pic

Pushing it back straight (and Tristin bored doing so)

Bella and uncle C

Auntie S and Bella

I love Pisa!

Thank you for bringing me here daddy!

I love my uncle J

Florence with Family: Touring the towns in Tuscany

2010-10-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

While we were in Florence, we took a tour around some of the quaint towns in Tuscany - Siena and San Gimignano and then went to Pisa (will include photos in a separate entry). It was a pretty long trip sightseeing but nonetheless breathtaking and absolutely gorgeous. The lunch we had at the farm imbibing wine, eating freshly made fettucini in a bolognese sauce and savoring on various cheeses and salumi was absolutely deelish!

And when we weren't out and about, we cooked fun Italian dinners at home from local ingredients from the market and drank enough Chianti to turn us red.

Tristin loved it, Bella liked it and Ashley (Tristin's cousin) had a blast. And of course, the parents and the family (adults) couldn't get enough.

Home cooked dinner

Yum

I love me some gelato

Grandma and bella the coconut tree

In Siena

Piazza del Campo

Grandpa did most of the Bella lifting...thanks Grandpa!

I love you, cuchi cuchi coo

Posing for a glamour shot

You can't be Asian and not have an umbrella on a sunny day (and Ashley and Tristin kept fighting for it!)

Inside the main church in Siena

Duomo de Siena

Grandpa carefully listening so he knows waz happenin

Yes, we are tourists

Grandma and Auntie S

Uncle J and Ashley

Piazza del Campo

I'm a good girl..with thunder thighs

Walking

Hanging together

The rolling hills of Tuscany

I love ice cream

Can I have more gelato?

Piazza en San Gimignano

Uncle C and Ashley

Taking a little rest

Family pic

How men love

Cho boys

Grandpa so cool

whats up!

Having dinner at a local farm

Not sure if I like cows, mommy

At the vineyards

Florence with Family: The first few days

2010-10-24T08:30:00.001-07:00

In August, we had the most incredible family vacation.....or just vacation period. C and I were very nervous about taking the two pumpkins across the ocean to Europe and assumed the whole thing would be a disaster. There were parts that were a disaster, no doubt (forgetting to pack ALL of Bella's diapers, explosion of her formula ALL over the luggage, etc.) but for the most part, the trip went as smoothly as possible and all kids + adults had a blast in Florence. Most importantly, we were all able to safely, healthily and happily get together to celebrate my father's 70th birthday.

We all slept well, ate VERY well, drank loads of wine, milk (kiddies) and juice (kiddies) and we did a lot of wonderful bonding. By the end, there were lots of tears, claims of having to do this again every year, no every month (ho ho ho) and big fat hugs and kisses. Most of all, we were grateful that were able to make the time to truly spend together. Although it was busy, it was one of the most relaxing and laid back vacations we've had in a long time and hands down, the best vacation I have ever had. And the kiddies - Ashley, Bella and Tristin all loved it. They were such troopers being dragged onto the sightseeing scene and skipping naptimes, waking up early, going to bed late...

Lots of pictures to come. Will be a series of posts and here's the first.

On the train with grandpa

I love grandpa's back!

The kiddies

At the market

Hanging out

Walking through the Piazza

Tristin got tired so grandpa carried him

I love gelato

Look over there!

Tristin, smiling doesn't mean closing your eyes!!

With Auntie S

I want pizza!!

I love uncle C

First reunion after a year at the airport. Ashley + Tristin

Wiggle time!

2010-08-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, the Wiggles came to the Bay area and we spent our Saturday afternoon tooting their songs, dancing with the awesome foursome (but Greg was missing!), Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus and Wags the Dog. It was so much fun and surprisingly, entertaining for C and I. I have to say...I was awestruck and was quite excited to see the boys. Tristin was very excited and Bella was just happy to be out listening and dancing to music! Afterwards, we went for a yummi Thai dinner and surprisingly both kids survived and even thrived the whole event including letting mom and dad have a nice dinner (with a glass of wine and beer!)

We had so much fun that I think next year, when they are back in town (I hope?) and assuming, Tristin still loves them and Bella kindles her love as every infant does w/the Wiggles, we will make our pilgramage down south once again!

Toot toot!!

Bella more interested in the audience than the concert

Tristin feeling shy in the beginning

Yipee!!

Mommy, I love the Wiggles!

Daddy, this is fun

Think mommy is having the most fun!

Wiggle time!

Wait, who are they again mommy and why am I here?

I love them!

We love the Wiggles!

The Choi girlz

Sam is pretty cute...but not as cute as daddy

Go WIGGLES!

Tristie, if you are a good boy, we will take you again next year!!

Isabella recently...

2010-05-01T21:52:00.000-07:00

Almost 8 months and starting to crawl...or rather, move like a worm. Loves bath-time, starting to relish solids (after a slow start) and likes to babble. C and I look at her often and think she looks like T when he was a baby. Like T, Bella loves to jump, drink milk (she's a baby michelin) and look at herself in the mirror. C and I often feel guilty because Bella doesn't get the same level of attention T did when he was a baby but we find comfort in the fact that the moment she starts to get louder than T (soon I am sure), she will be at the center of our mindshare. T loves her dearly and constants tells us "she is sooo cute"....but at the same time, gets very jealous and when in a bad mood, does not want anyone, in particular his mommy, holding his little sister.

Some pics of our little cutie...

Up close and personal..

With our nanny

the happy kids

The family minus mom

Sitting up

This is fun, mom!

Whats over there...

Oldies but goldies

2010-04-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

So may months have passed and C and I have logged photos but have been lazy (or rather TOO busy!) to post. We will hopefully, start to update ourselves by getting these older ones posted so we can show you the little kiddies as they look, act, cry, smile these days....

We're back!

2010-02-21T11:33:00.000-08:00

We (or actually, I) have been a real delinquent about keeping up with our blog posts. We took a long pause not only because we actually lost access to our blogsite (you can imagine the momentary panic when I thought we lost all our photos/content!) but with full-time work back in gear, parents and parents-in-law in town and C and I trying to balance being a parent of two, blogging fell to the wayside.

But we're back! Alleluia!

A few things:

Bella is already on 5 months going on 6 months. At her four month appointment, she was already at a 75th percentile weight and 50th percentile height. Shortly after she turned 4 months, she FINALLY started sleeping through the night (albeit with a few weeks of sleep training). A week ago, she started flipping over which has been a very fun thing for us to experience again.

Tristin is as loveable as ever. Still not talking in full sentences but very much, getting there. Is starting to understand lots which is great and really becoming a little person. While he looks more like Chris, he acts more like me -- has a passionate, expressive, clown-like personality. Incredibly expressive with his varying facial expressions. Loves his guitar, drums, dancing but also loves to throw balls and play "soccer" and "hockey" (which is really just throwing or hitting balls with a stick. With him, there is always something about fishes. He loves drawing them and pointing them out when he is reading, riding in the car, etc. He even loves eating them at times.

A special, heartfelt thank you to Chris' parents who came and took care of the kiddies for a month (we are so grateful). T and Bella both LOVED having them here, in particular T who got very close to grandma and grandpa and still calls for them whenever he's hungry, playing or getting ready for bed.

Enjoy the recent pics and some older pics to come!

During the Lands' end hike

Hi, my name is Bella

I love grandpa

Yum PB&J!

Here we are again...

Eating at the table is so fun!

Grandma, and dad usually likes to take photos at this point..

Feeling artsy

Greenery

Where are we going?

Mommy and Bella shopping

Driving with grandma

on the hike

Family pic

Bella during tummy time

I LOVE my wiggles car!!

I am the master of tummy time!

At the Academy of Sciences

Tristin LOVES fishes

Getting out

2009-11-21T21:41:00.000-08:00

Lately, we've been trying to get out. The weather has been gorgeous and we know it will soon start to get gloomy and cold so we're taking advantage of the beautiful weekends. And given that Grandma Cho was here with us, what better excuse than to show her around. So far, we've managed to get out to Sausalito for lunch, gone to the Ferry building to shop at the farmer's market and eat, and had a picnic at Stowe Lake at the Golden Gate Park, feeding the little ducks. For all, we've navigated the outings with the two kiddies in tow and for almost all of them, C and I return exhausted but glad we had the chance to be out and about. We're getting better about taking both out and now that we've discovered that Bella likes the bjorn, its slowly getting easier (relatively speaking).

An update on T:

He's starting to string words into sentences that don't always make sense but at least its more than just two words together. Just last week, he said "ball throw daddy tristie like bella"

He LOVES playing ball. He loves throwing and catching a ball. He will sometimes take his hockey sticks and try to throw the ball (or ask mommy/daddy to) so he can hit it. This is a new deviation from his passion for the guitar. Before, it was all about the guitar -- couldn't do anything without it. Now, its the ball. Everything is "throw mommy"

Ever since Bella was born, Tristin has become impatient about getting mommy and daddy's attention. So much so that when he wants to call us, instead of just calling us mommy/daddy, he screams "mommy" and "daddy". Even when we're sitting right next to him. Additionally, he gets excited and tends to call out all the names he knows (mommy, daddy, mi-mo). I love my little man but the screaming can be quite irritating. In particular when mommy is finally able (after 15 minutes of stressful attempts) to get Bella to eat. The loud yells startles the little girl and Bella starts to cry....leaving mommy back at square one. Thank you T!

I know there's more to update on T but my mind is a blank so for now, will publish and update later (otherwise, this entry will never get out). More to come..until then, enjoy!

My favorite girls (missing: Auntie S)

Posing with mom

With Daddy (but refusing to look at the camera)

Daddy is exhausted

I think I've tired everyone out

Grandma with Bella

Tristin decides to finally walk on his own

Tristin, one day when you are older, you can buy daddy a yacht like that one

On a mission

Searching around

Running along

Mommy, can I get a piggy back ride?

Big hug from mommy

With daddy again

A big kiss

Daddy loves me

Mommy and I enjoying a break

Out in golden gate park at Stowe Lake

Feeding the ducks

The ducks are so cute. Come here duckies!

Getting ready to feed more

Eating lunch

Having a drink

Mommy, I am tired!

Wearing my helmet

I slipped and hurt my lip one night and daddy let me have ice cream while taking a bath (to compensate for a bloody lip!)

Riding my bike

In front of the ferry building

At the farmer's market with mommy

Yum

Trying some samples

With grandma

On daddy, sampling

I hate walking a lot of times and want daddy to carry me (grr for daddy)

Watching a musician play

How does he play that guitar so well?

La Bellita

2009-11-21T16:20:00.000-08:00

I feel bad. With Tristin, we were so on top of the blog, pictures, updates...with Bella, if we even take pictures, its a good day, let alone any highlights on any of the blog entry. Her 2-month birthday? It was all Auntie S. Not only did Auntie convince us that we *had* to do it but she took an hour out of her Sunday buying cake and came home, got the sign ready, insisted we take pictures and do the blowout with Tristin. Leave it to mommy and daddy and another month would have passed with no birthday blowouts or photos. Thanks auntie S!

As for Isabella, here's an update direct from the lady herself:

So, I'm 2 months old and unlike my brother, I'm a little more high maintenance. I like to keep mom, dad, auntie and grandma on their tippy toes by crying quite a bit and needing rocking, holding, jumping and shushing to keep me happy. A few things about me:

I'm 10 pounds and 8 ounces (50th percentile in weight) and 22 inches in height (50th percentile). Growing well - not as fat and big as my brother as I don't want to be as 'gino' as him
I'm sleeping, at most, 4-5 hour stretches. 5 hour stretches rarely. 4-hours at least a few times a week but mostly 3 hour stretches.
While I cry quite a bit and turn purple face when I do, I have started smiling quite a bit too (gotta provide some incentive for those old farts who are feeding me)
I'm starting to like the swing. Not as much as big brother but I can last about 5-10 minutes on it before I start to yell and cry to get out. Enough, however, to allow mommy to wash bottles, feed/change Tristin or run up and down the stairs to fetch/clean and change laundry
I love the bjorn. Its the only way mommy can do things in peace. It's a bit tiring for mommy because she has to carry me quite a bit but at least her hands are free to clean my bottles, dance with Tristie and check email/call daddy to hurry home
I'm a challenge, in particular, when it comes to eating. I can only be fed if I'm sleeping or am completely calm and at ease. If any part of me is in distress, no bottles can enter my system and I scream and yell. This is quite difficult for mommy and daddy when I'm hungry. When I'm hungry, I'm unhappy and when I'm unhappy, I can't eat. But if I can't eat, that only makes me hungrier and unhappier....a vicious cycle that can tire mommy, daddy, granny and auntie out quite a bit!

That's about all for now. I'm quite a handful and I know I've kept things at home quite crazy for all. Not sure how long I plan to keep this up but it will all depend on how those guys behave. Maybe for x-mas or new year's, I'll give them a break...or maybe not. Only time (and I) will tell!

Surrounded by friends

Getting ready for a nap

Hanging out with grandma

Big bro and me

Looking out

Whatcha doing mom?

zzzz

On the swing

On the swing again

Hanging out on the bed

Closeup

Before naptime

Big bro blowing out my candles - I am two months!!

Tristin trying to blow..

Yummi

Mommie, can i blow these out?

On the bed again

Just playing with Bella, I swear..

Bella, let me lie on your arm and let me know if it hurts..

All wrapped up

Gonna give you a kiss, Bellita!

Hee hee, this is so funny!

I love my brother

Hi!

Yahoo!

My daddy likes to call me "bellie"

Bella, watch your hand. You're crowding my space

I am 2 months old!! Hooray!

Wanna come to my party?

Do we have to hold each other again?

You're tickling me

Siblings

Ellie and me

Hanging together

The beginnings of a smile

I love you Bella (your snotty brother)

You're such a cutie

Bella asleep

My purple face

So, as I was saying momma...

That taste good

Hee hee hee

Smiling girl

"T" time

2009-10-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about maternity leave has been spending time with Tristin. Funny how the leave should be all about Bella but the truth is, the focus is really on T. Every morning, the two of us have our time together -- be it participating in music/dance classes, going to the little gym and climbing ladders, exploring new parks, playing in at the Discovery Museum or the Academy of Sciences -- the world in the Bay area has become our little oyster to explore and indulge.

Additionally, where I can, I am back to reconnecting with some great moms who are either off or are taking are of their kiddies full-time, and as a result, Tristin has been busily forced to participate in endless playdates. In many ways, its a GREAT thing because at age 2 (and given that he doesn't attend daycare), he is not keen on sharing and playing with others and this is my opportunity to get him exposed to the newfound concept. It hasn't been easy -- at the first sight of a guitar or a moving car or a snack he wants (which tends to be any snack any other toddler is consuming), he needs to have it or he will kick and scream. So much so that sometimes I need to pack a huge variety of snacks (and keep my fingers crossed that the one kid that decides to eat in front of him isn't sporting a snack I don't have!) and an extra guitar.

Classes/things he's loved to do:

Dance/music class -- he loves loves loves. The teacher thinks he's musically inclined (or maybe she just said to me so I would sign up for the class) and while others are shy about moving, Tristin has no qualms getting into the center of circle and following the teacher in addition to adding a couple of his own moves and singing. It's quite funny and cute. Will have to see if the trend continues.
Discovery museum - If ever in SF with a toddler, this is the place to go. It's amazing. Every exhibit is full of activities to do and things to learn. I can't say enough good things about it and we've been there twice and have yet to discover all of it. I guess that's why its called the "discoverrrry" museum.
Little Gym -- Initially, thought this was going to be a bomb since Tristin refused to move from the one spot in the gym right next to the balance beam and kept telling me that the balance beam was his "piano, mommy!!". But then....he emerged from his cocoon of shyness and started exploring all the little activities and equipment and voila, he couldn't get enough. His favorite -- playing basketball with the little hoop (he loves playing with his ball) and jumping (he can't get enough of jumping). If you like Gymboree, you'll love Little Gym (its Gymboree but better!)

I have to say -- it's been a blast to hang with T. He makes the difficult, long nights (when I feel like a zombie feeding and calming Bella) so worthwhile and the mornings so much fun and entertaining. I feel blessed to have this time with him and don't want to even begin to imagine how I'll feel when I have to give them up to go back to work. Enough sad thoughts, now onto happy moments....

Scarf dance

Playing with the cash register

Can i pump you some gas?

I love this ball machine

Mommy, come deliver these plates to my kitchen!

Here's some pie

A little cute girl at Peekaboo giving Tristin a bunch of kitchen tools

Doing the scarf dance

Following the teacher

Playing the drums

With Grandma

Am done with these kids

Playing piano on the balance beam

My favorite thing to do - JUMP!

Climbing away

Throwing the basketball into the hoop

Which crab should I eat? (at the Discovery museum)

Driving my boat

Jamie looking at his crab

Jamie by the boat

Mom, come see this!

Playing trains

Jamie and the trains

Learning to play with others

Piling on some gravel while the girls chat

Maybe if I move these logs, I can have more space

Do you need more gravel?

Mommy, I'm helping Jamie deliver more gravel

Exploring the waves exhibit

Wow. Interesting!

Life with two

2009-10-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

Two words: "Not easy" :-)

C and I are barely managing these days. Even with the village of help we have - my mom full-time and my sister in the evenings (and the two of us), the two little kiddies can sometimes wear out 4 adults all in a matter of an hour.

I have to say -- life with #2 is easier in some ways (diaper changing, bathing, feeding, etc. are all easier) and sooooo much more challenging in so many other ways (the juggling, the balancing, etc.)

So many things fall to the wayside (notice how Isabella gets less air time on this blog than Tristin and there's far less birthday celebrations for her than what T received). Not to mention, my new discovery: momma S is ridden with endless amounts of guilt. Guilt because I don't feel like I'm being a good mommy to Bella (even with everyone warning me that this would be the case), guilt because I sometimes lose my patience with my own wonderful mom who is only here to help, guilt because I find myself raising my voice with Tristin more often than not.... I thought the second time around would be easier but for some reason, either I have forgotten how hard the first time was or the stories of second-time moms are all untrue. If I were to set the record straight from my old novice and naive point of view, this is what I would say: Its JUST as hard. Hard in a different way but, don't be fooled, equally and as frantically challenging!

Alright, enuff about me. I forget that this blog isn't about me. More about the little kiddies (Isabella to start with):

Isabella has turned one month! Hooray!!! She's more fussy than Tristin as a baby and tends to cry quite a bit but the few moments she's quiet and content, she's adorable with a capital A.
At her 1-month appointment, she's now 8 pounds, 15 ounces (50th percentile) in weight and 21 inches in height (50th percentile). Eating about 4 ounces every 3 hours and like clock-work waking up every 3 hours.
She's more alert these days so will stay up for about an hour at a time and sometimes longer later in the day.....often crying and eating in between
We try to not let her cry for too long because Ms. Choi tends to turns the color of Barney (purple) when she cries. I can tell she's going to be quite a handful as I have never seen a baby cry as hard and as frantic as she does. The screams are quite piercing and she takes Tristin's redface to the next level. C and I are scared of what's to come...
She's also flipped her head from one side to another while on her tumy at 4 weeks. We sometimes lay on her tummy when she's napping or playing (hopefully, no pediatricians are reading this entry..)
I have to admit (guilty confessions) that when we can, we try to outsource her to my mom. She's actually become my mom's baby since Chris and I tend to have our hands full with little T.

A little bit more of an update on Tristie (will be short since I talked about him in the last entry)

He's our little shortie -- 50th percentile in weight and 10th percentile in height
He tends to throw things quite a bit when he loses his temper -- which has now become the basis of our time outs. We've started doing time outs and are hoping he gets it. Sometimes I think he does (since he sits still and doesn't get out of his spot) and other times I don't (the times when I ask him if he understands and he blurts out "mommy, Barney!!"..."Mommy, bear!!!")
Loves to do what daddy and mommy does. His favorite thing to do these days is to take mommy or daddy's glasses and wear them. Throws a temper tantrum when we try to take it away
LOVES his guitar (but you knew that already). Everytime he watches Barney and Wiggles, he has to have it and he pretends like he's on the show - playing the guitar and singing. He's also into his piano...took him to a little toddler gym one day (took me an hour to find it) and instead of jumping on the bars, he told me he wanted to "play the piano" on the bars (gee..great Tristin. We come all the way to the gym so you can play piano on the bars! what the #$#%!!) :-)
LOVES noodles (just like his daddy's pasta passion). Whenever I give him noodles, he enthusiastically squeals "noooonles!!!" and gorges
Has to be one of the funniest boys I know -- from his facial expressions, to the funny conversations he has with us....he just cracks us up non-stop!

When I get my act together, I will post some cute videos we have of T dancing, blowing out candles, playing (of which you may have already seen on facebook) but I warn you - it may be a while until I officially get my act together.

Now, for the pics...(need to learn how to do all the fancy things I've seen others do on their blogs)

I love you bella

I'm a rockstar (in my little mermaid sunglasses)

Playing a little tune

Getting naked at my 2-year appointment

I love these glasses, momma

Don't they look good on me?

What did you say mom?

Looking smart

On the swing

With my guitar

Playing

I'll play you a little tune..

Bella hanging

What's that you're doing, mommy?

With grandma

hi there

My favorite thing to do

Stretching

Lying around

Sleeping with my lion

Smiling

What's that you said, grandma?

Peeking out

...again

Playdate with Riley and Elliot

little elliot

I'm a snore

Eating my noodles

Riley

Mommy, there's a turtle over there

Playing in the ship kitchen at the academy of sciences

Still playing

Pretend drinking

I love watching Sting rays

Whatcha looking at?

Wow, what's that?

Do you think the sting rays want some of my fishes?

can i drop some now?

what if i broke this glass?

I love noodles!!

What am I doing here?

So, Tristin, as I was saying, Thomas the train does not really...

I love bella!!

I love holding her!

Watching football with daddy on a lazy Sunday

Happy birthday Tristie!!

2009-10-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

Today was Tristin's 2 year birthday! Happy birthday pumpkin! Given the hecticness of our lives these days, we didn't do much and kept it very very very low key. Low with a capital L. This past Sunday, we kicked off the birthday celebration with a nice home-cooked dinner featuring daddy's grilled swordfish and mommy's side dishes and then topped off the today with a birthday morning. Adrian, T's best friend from birth, came over and given the fact that they are only a week apart, we had a little joint Thomas the Train birthday celebration. It was a pretty quiet birthday but a really special one. Although T doesn't have much of an understanding of what birthday means, I think he's slowly getting it. His favorite word today was "birthday".

T also got a bunch of great gifts ranging from a cool thomas the train set to an awesome guitar (which we cannot peel him away from) and lots of sweet birthday wishes from aunties and uncles all over the world.

Happy birthday T! We love you sooo much and can't believe you are already two!!!

A and T getting ready for the celebrations

Happy birthday to you!

Mommy, what are we supposed to do here?

Can we blow, now?

Or should we wait?

Adrian, you ready?

Is that a Thomas the Train cake?

T with his new guitar

T and A playing

I love my guitar!

Adrian and his Thomas the Train set

I love balloons

I love balloons too!

We are best friends. Best friends with balloons

Mommy, can we go play?

Adrian, lets go play (little A is shy!)

A overcoming his shyness

You're my best friend

Cutie pie

T playing

Vavroom

Daddy reading a card to me

Blowing out my candle (his second time around)

Official blowout

Daddy assemblying

Getting ready for the blowout

Birthday dinner: turkey meatballs and spinach

A big hug to you. Happy birthday A!

Bella and Tristie- the first two weeks

2009-10-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

We're now into week 3 and so far things have been going well (well, as well as they can go when you have a newborn who wakes up every 2-3 hours and a toddler who has decided to wake up at 5am to complement the newborn awakenings).

About Bella:

She started off being a very easy baby - sleeping, eating and pooping. These days, she refuses to sleep right after eating and sometimes wants to linger around staring. We can't tell if she's still hungry or just not ready to sleep as the few times we've thought she was hungry and therefore fed her, she's vomited all the milk back up!
She's consuming about 3-4 ounces every feeding (more on the 3 ounces though). Quite a bit for a little 6 pounder
Thanks to supplementing (yes, this time I wasn't afraid of formula!), Bella maintained her weight at the first doctor's visit at a whopping 5 pounds 1 ounce (ok, so she lost one ounce). At her second visit (one week later), she was at 5 pounds 13 ounces...very close to 6 pounds.
She's slowly fattening up and starting to look more like a baby....can't wait to pile on those rolls!

As for Tristin...

He's been fantastic with Bella. Kissing and loving her at every moment. Wanting to hold her, feed her and burp her. I know I need to be careful as his patting is quite rough and often times whenever I am holding Bella, he wants to sit on top of me (which means, on top of her)
While Tristin isn't visibly competitive or jealous of Bella, I know he's not a 100% settled with her being around. He's always looking to sit on top of the person who's holding her or when too much attention has been spent on her, I can see his eyes saddening.
C and I have been very cognizant about making sure T feels loved and cherished. C's priority is normally T and whenever he's home, T is his man (T loves it). Ever since my maternity leave, I have also tried to make mornings all about Tristin and mommy. Together, we're always hitting the newest and latest parks (we've gone to some amazing ones lately - Julius Kahn and Alta Plaza Park!) and museums. Soon to come = fun classes, playtime at Peekadoodle (a play area) and playdates with mommy's friends (who have kids of similar age). On weekends, we're also trying to do a Tristin-morning whenever we can = leave the baby behind and spend quality time with just T.
T has been starting to string words together, e.g., mommy sit, i love you. He's also been repeating quite a bit -- everything from Korean to Spanish. He also knows how to count in Spanish, English and is learning Korean.
He still LOVES LOVES LOVES to sing and dance. His new favorite songs: Itsy bitsy spider, The wheels on the bus go round and round, Old McDonald, and all of the Wiggles and Barney favorites. Given his tendency towards music, we are planning to get him a guitar and have gotten him a mini baby wooden Melissa & Doug piano
He LOVES the Wiggles and Barney. He's starting to get into Thomas the Train but his passion is still a bit nascent. His first love is still music and the Wiggles/Barney
He's still very attached to mommy/daddy. My mom has come from Korea to help out with Isabella and Tristin is still not 100% comfortable with her. Slowly but surely!
We're in need of looking at pre-schools as Tristin is soon turning *gulp* the big TWO!
In terms of personality, Tristin is very stubborn but at the same time sweet (a walking contradiction). On certain things, he wants wants wants and will throw temper tantrums if he doesn't get (which is often). His wants: to play with water in the sink, bubbles, daddy's razor, Barney/Wiggles all day long, the digital camera, the lap top (so he can go on youtube and watch barney/wiggles and elmo all day long). At the same time, Tristin is a bit fearful of things -- everything from birds to dogs. Even other little kids - he's not as exposed so if a little kid pushes him, he won't push back. He'll look at me and start squealing (yes, I know we need to toughen him up!)

That's all for now. Enjoy the pictures and will be back soon with some more updates and posting! A bientot!

Holding her is so much fun!

Do you think if I bite her, it will hurt?

What if I poked her cheeks, mommy?

...or will you laugh if I told you a funny joke?

Do you gag if I stuck your finger up your throat?

Why is your skin peeling, o little alien?

Here's your big bro giving you a big wet kiss. I love you!

She's so cute mommy!

I love her funny faces

Sleeping bear

She loves sleeping with her hands out

Finally...some rest

One of the few moments I am awake

Asleep

Out of the cave

Chatting with some buds in the cave

This bench is the perfect size for me!

Thomas the train set

Where's my train?

Staring at the frog

Swish swosh

I caught a fish!

So you see, the water is nice and cool...

Cathing another fish

Here you go, mommy

Don't touch me

Relaxing post Barney

Getting ready for bed

Almost ready!

Mommy's friends at the park

Adorable olivia

Olivia, you're so pretty!

Playing in the sand at Crissy Field

One fine Sunday

Hanging out with daddy

At the fish market

Is that a crab?

To all the little boys and girls out there!

I'm HUNGRY!

Yummy yummy!

Daddy and me posing with my car

Tristin's little sister - welcome Isabella!

2009-09-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

So, in case you didn't guess it from the last entry, I'm pregnant (well, no longer) and T has a little new sister who came into this world yesterday afternoon (9.14.2009 at 4.44pm) weighing a whopping 5 pounds 2 ounces (scrawny and small) but with fighting lungs and a scream that makes her presence known. She was little (my signature way of having babies!). While C and I think she's adorable, we can't help but think she does look a bit like an old aging man (much the way T looked when he was born) and when naked, alienish (sorry Bellita, we love you but c'est la verite).

Tristin met Bella for the first time today and I have to say, his reactions surpassed anything we could have imagined. He was happy and jovial and while a bit timid, kept on pointing to her and saying "be-la". He also managed a little kiss on her face. Even when I was trying to feed her, he didn't budge or react. Not sure if it was because daddy was there distracting and playing w/him (likely) but he reacted wonderfully. Of course, am thinking - this will all likely change when we go home tomorrow and he realizes that Bella is here to stay. He'll probably wonder when we'd be dropping her back off in the hospital or insisting on it...and when it doesn't happen...hmm, not looking forward to what happens then!

A few pics from last night and today..(and a few additional ones from a week ago with T)

PS: We haven't decided on a nick name for Isabella so we are throwing around a few -- let us know which one you like best! (Bella, Issie, Isa and/or Bellie...)

Welcome Bella!

B's weight

I look just like my brother when he was born

Daddy multi-tasking

Mommy right before the action

Ok, so enough about Bella, now ME!

Strolling along the SF beach walk...with my pink stroller (my new hot purchase!)

Not sure why this is turned but here I am with my pink stroller

I love this stroller (and no, I'm NOT a girl!)

Checking out - thanks daddy and mommy for this stroller!

Cabo - Part II

2009-08-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

The vacation has ended but the slew of pics continues. This is batch number 2 of our time in Cabo. I have to say - more than a week has passed but we are all still glowing from our time there and so blessed and happy to have happily and safely returned.

Special thanks to our auntie Yunnie who hosted us in her gorgeous villa and has told us that we are always welcome to her vacation home (by writing this on the blog, we are making this official - auntie Y, hope you are prepared for many many visits by the Choi's!!!)

Enjoy the pics and as T has learned "CHEERS!!!!!!"

Buckle up boy!

These otopos are so good! (T with auntie Y)

This is so much fun!

Autnie Y relaxing with a glass of wine

Auntie Y, it's me T!!

Mommy and me!

Wow, what are those...

...Pink flamingoes!

High-five

Big muah!

Pool at Pueblo Bonito

Hanging by the pool

Up, close and personal (mommy is holding my face -- that's why I look a bit funky!)

Playing in the kiddie pool

Come dad, come over here!

This is fun

Dad, what's that you're trying to do?

HA HA HA HA

This is so much fun!

Mommy and me posing in our PJ's

Yea babie! We are sleepover buddies!

HE HE HE

Wait, don't shoot yet, I'm not ready!

Ok, I'm ready now

The entrance to the villa

A room with a view

Another close-up shot - au naturel

Stop tickling me!!!!! HA HA HA

Tristin's usual look (smiling with his mouth wide open)

So fun I want to jump on the table!

So fun I want to walk through this glass door!

PEEKABOO!

View from upstairs

Our little "villa"ge

Neighbors

Watching DVD's - T's favorite past-time (Wiggles, Barney, Elmo, Ernie, etc.)

Daddy, can we watch more Wiggles?

I love you, Tristie!!

Give daddy a kiss!!

Waiting for the ladies by the entrance

With daddy in the kiddie pool

Splish splash

With Auntie Y - at the entrance

With mommy, auntie Y and baby bump

I love auntie Y!

The scene

Looking to the future

With daddy in the water

Family picture

My ear feels funny

Look T, a camera! (T - "I don't care! Get me outta here!")

I'm done with family pics!

Mommy, can we get on with the playing?

Omigosh, gonna kill someone if we don't stop taking pool pictures!!

Now posing with Auntie Y

Mommy and BFF Yunnie (Missing: BFF E)

Catching up

Taking a break from catching up

Going up and down the stairs

Hmmmpfff

Mommie, I'm coming upstairs to jump!

Yippeeee!!

Should I jump from here?

Ok maybe not..

...i'll practice swimming with Auntie Y instead

Still practicing

Almost done..

Hanging out on the second floor balcony

Another family picture

One fine morning

Relaxing..

Mommy's shades

How do they look?

Future so bright. I gotta wear shades

Posing at the Pacifica (no kids) hotel

Pacifica hotel pool

One of the best pools I've ever been in..

Sooooo refreshing..

T-free, mommy and daddy so ha-ppy

THIS IS THE LIFE!

Stop talking!!

Going home. So sad to leave!!

See you soon Cabo! We'll be back hopefully spring 2011!!!

Cabo - part 1

2009-08-22T21:49:00.000-07:00

I can't remember the last time C and I took a real vacation -- the type where you lounge around and do nothing for a week. Not the type of vacation where you have family obligations or are trekking around siteseeing different sites but the lazy type. This summer, we decided we'd take advantage of auntie Y's villa in Cabo and do a full-week of absolutely nothing -- and absolutely nothing it was with T. Our daily schedule consisted of eating, sleeping and hanging out by the pool with T (apologies in advance if all the pics you see are only by the pool - that's the only place we were at).

Cabo was such a treat -- not only because it was a short flight from SF but also because C and I had a chance to spend 24-7 with T. And T was such an incredibly happy little toddler. His new words that week were "happy", "awesome!", "opopos" (the delish "totopo" branded nacho chips they had there), "fan" (the first time he ever saw a fan), "wet", "cold". I don't think I have ever taken as many pics of him laughing with his mouth wide open!

As for swimming, it took T a while to get used to the pool. In SF, he doesn't get much of a chance to swim so 7 days in the pool was a new thing for him - which took a bit of getting used to. Luckily, T didn't get sick during the vacation (we were scared he would get his fevers again) and adjusting back, once we were home, wasn't too bad. First night was terrible but thereafter, he's been sleeping through the night alone in his bed (yipee!)

We have a ton more pics coming but here is a looong sample of our first few days in paradise...

Daddy and mini mi getting ready for the flight

Wow, there's a water fountain here!

Splish splash

Love at first sight

Our home for the next 7 days

Amore Pacifico

T with Auntie S

The view from our bedroom

T was intrigued by the fan! He had never seen one prior to this trip!

Tristie, that's called a "fan"

The first night in the villa (T fell asleep in daddy's arms)

The next morning - mommy can I jump in?

Started off a bit cloudy

Daddy, don't forget to read your book!

The view is goyjus!

Looking down

Making some friends

Sunny morning

Mommy posing in the pool

Mommy and daddy

Daddy

Auntie S pondering

Mommy, are there are any flowers that needed watering?

Where are the flowers?

Cheers!

YIPPEE!!

SPLASH!

A drink in the pool

Taking a break

Swimming with auntie Y

Auntie Y is the best!

Indulgence (while T was sleeping) - we had a ridicilously delish nouveau Mexican wine and food tasting...

At the tasting - the girlz

All this swimming makes me hungry!

Munch munch

With Auntie S

auntie Y reading a book

Lounging around

The view from our bedroom

Auntie S taking a morning dip

Rocking chairs!!

Swimming with daddy

Daddy is so fun!

One-two-three!!

Jump!

YAY!

Kick kick

Mommy and me

Hanging out with mommy

The three blues - pool, ocean, sky

This is so much fun!!

Can i swim again?

Daddy, can we get back into the pool?

Mommy relaxing (the view from the TV room)

part I of Cabo is over (stay tuned for part II!)

Napa

2009-08-06T22:34:00.001-07:00

One of the pluses of living in SF is the proximity to some very cute, cool areas. This past weekend, C, T and I along with Auntie S, decided to do a day trip to Napa to visit the town, have lunch and then hit the Napa outlets. We decided to steer away from wine drinking for now and just enjoy the day with T. While the little town of Napa was a bit too sleepy for us, we loved the weather and relished in the the chance to run around with T and watch him play with the water in the local fountain, hang out eating french fries at our lunch spot and buy some cheap stuff at the outlets.

I think the next time we come up to Napa, we'll either visit the culinary epicenters that mark the homes of French Laundry and Bouchon (I'm drooling) or head east to Healdsburg - the quaint gorgeous little town in Sonoma county (we love, we love, we love).

Stopping for a picture

Strolling along

Daddy, this grass is greeen!

With mommy and auntie S

Rolling on the grass with T

T's red balloon

I don't need a red balloon if I got my daddy

T playing at the water fountain

"AGUA!!"

Striking a pose for mommy

Future so bright, need to wear shades!

YIPEE!!

Yum!

I love eating lunch here!

Laughing with Auntie S

Throwing a penny and making a wish

Auntie S, give me all your pennies so I can throw it in here!

Eating grapes on the kitchen counter

Like my wifebeater?

Picnic at Alamo

2009-07-30T21:19:00.000-07:00

One of the BEST things we did last weekend was have a spontaneous picnic at Alamo Square Park. It's been ages since we've been there and daddy had the most amazing idea to pick up some fried chicken and hang out at the park for a few hours, playing with Tristin. It was probably the one of the best things we've done in a long time. Its amazing how such little things can bring so much joy but with the sun shining, the sky beaming its beautiful blue and Tristin frolicking around the grass, we couldn't have asked for a better few hours to spend together. It rejuvenated our spirits and made us so incredibly excited and satisfied about last weekend's outings.

As for Tristin, he LOVED it. He was running around the grass (and sometimes a bit hard when he saw a dog) and climbing all over daddy. He would give mommy and daddy hugs and kisses, eat a bit of the fried chicken and go running around again.

These days, T's favorite word is "no". It doesn't matter what you ask him, his first response (unless you insert the word "barney", "elmo", "wiggles" or "pipo") is usually "NO!". And not just anykind of "no". It's a passionate, firm, how-many-times-do-I-have-to-tell-you-my-answer-is-NO! C and I think its the funniest thing and love to ask him random questions just to hear him say yell his passionate "no"s. We're likely, I'm sure, starting a bad habit but we can't help but giggle every time he does it.

As I was saying daddy, today's picnic was awesome!

Daddy, look over there, there is a dog!

Daddy, there's another puppy over there!

In front of the painted ladies with daddy

Mommy, baby bump and me!

HAH HAH HAH

I love my juice paks

A kissie for daddy

Climbing over daddy

Running around

It's such a beautiful day!!

Mommy, can we do this every day?

Daddy and T going for a walk..

I love having snacks in the car

Playing the guitar

I love ICECREAM!

I can't stop eating it

Its so yummi

Do you think I can stuff the whole thing in my face?

This stuff is amazing

Like my moustache?

Mommy and me

See you again!

21 months and counting

2009-07-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

It's crazy how fast time flies. T is already 21 months and in a matter of months, our little boy will be turning 2. C and I keep waiting for T to stop being cute but with every month that passes, the little boy gets nothing but cuter. These days, he's been picking up words much more quickly and easily. And with every new word, he surprises us. This morning, we gave him a bagel and he said "waffle" (close enough!), says "flowers", "trees" when he looks out to our little yard, "one, two, three" when he's ready to do something, "open/close", "up", "car", "doggie ruff ruff"....it goes on and on. Additionally, he's a pro at repeating the ABC's with us (not yet reciting it all himself!).

He's also a happy, gentle little boy with a fierce stubborn-ness. Gentle in the sense that if he sees you hurt or you show any signs of pain, he'll quickly come over, give you a hug and kiss the source of the pain. He is generous with his hugs and kisses. He laughs easily, still loves to dance and finds joy in the smallest things. Daddy is the most fun person in the world for T. Whether it be learning how to jump, playing peekaboo with his blankie or just counting "one, two, three" and running down the street, T loves nothing more than to play with daddy.

As gentle and happy as he is, however, little T is stubborn and when he wants something, he wants something N-O-W. If we don't give him what he wants, he has no qualms lying on the floor in the middle of random places and yells. He makes his body go limp (so we can't pick him up off the floor) and just lies in protests. Usually, C and I will let him do his little "show" and then a few minutes later, we'll scrape him off the floor. A few minutes later, he calms down and he's back to his happy, usual self.

Overall, couldn't have asked for a cuter, happier, more loving little boy. From the moment we wake up until the moment we go to bed, we can't get enough of little T. He brings so much meaning, happiness and laughter to our lives. Ok, enough cheeze for now.....

A few shots of T: 1) at the zoo (we took him there this weekend and while he had fun, he was a bit scared of all the animals, in particular, the gorillas, 2) our family BBQ for 4th of July (my cousin came up from LA with his family and we got to hang out, 3) Visits from Adam, mommy's friend from b-school and grandma/grandpa.....

Enjoy!

Does it smell good daddy?

Ew, it doesn't!

Come Tristie and smell this...

Daddy, what's over there

A LION!!!

See, so if you misbehave, we throw you into the cage with the Lions!

Right there...right next to that big hairy lion!

He he he (T is in shock)

But since you're a good little boy right now, daddy will hold on tight to you

I wanna get outta here!!!

You're on top of the world! (or a little rock, that is)

Daddy and me

Daddy, how did you get up there!

Mommy, can I climb that rock?

Watching the Penguins

I just saw a sea otter!!!

Mommy, sea otters are pretty cute

Pink flamingos

Gorillas!! T was scared of the gorillas!

More gorillas

Why does daddy and mommy make me do these weird things for the blog!

I LOVE running around!!

YIPPPPEEE!!

Lets go see the monkeys!!

Our little monkey

Hanging before bedtime with Uncle Adam!! (we miss you auntie Masina...please come visit us soon!!)

T and Atua (our au pair)

T after he just woke up (he had a mohawk)

Eating away

We miss you Monica!

Te extrano tia monica!! Cuando regresas? Visitenos!! xoxo

Throwing a temper tantrum!

Listening to auntie S' ipod

With cousin Ella

Cousin E in my car

T with Uncle E

So, as I was saying...I thought the hamburgers were delish, dad!

Mom, can you pass the doritoes?

Gonna take a picture of me..

Why is the food taking so long?

Daddy grilling (our 4th of July BBQ)

Daddy is a pro

Cousin E is so cute

Say Cheeze!!

How we entertain T in the supermarket

Driving down the aisles

T and his winning smile! (His hair is curly from sleeping on it wrong)

Hanging out in the hallway

Hi mommy, like my curls

Honking the horn

Wait, don't go yet

After my millionth hair cut! (my hair grows so fast!)

With grandpa

Eating junk food!!

I love Pirate's Booty!

Making a call before my hair cut (look how shaggy I am)

Shaggy is me

I love my daddy

2009-07-03T21:53:00.001-07:00

I know all boys tend to say this but I truly mean it when I say I love my daddy. He's the bestest daddy in the universe of daddies. I can tell he loves me sooo much. Not only because he tells me so and gives me unlimited kissies and hugs but because he makes such an effort to always make me laugh. I mean, you gotta hand it to the man, he will do whatever dance, routine, face contortions, movements, noises it takes to make me smile and in most cases, it doesn't take much. I think my daddy is the funniest guy in the world and I love imitating him.

I also love the fact that my daddy clears his weekend to spend time with me. And he loves to show me the world in so many ways -- teach me new things, take me down slides, play with me at the parks...always looks for new things so I can learn and grow. He's so patient with me, even when I am grouchy. After work, I know the one thing he looks forward to seeing is me (and of course, mommy). But he always tells me that I light up his life and I'm the best thing since German gummi bears (haribo). That's saying a lot.

I know my daddy is waiting for me to grow bigger and stronger so I can one day, play golf/hockey/tennis with him and I can't wait. If I don't say this enough times to you daddy, I love you soo much - you are the bestest ever!! Thank you for being so incredible -- xoxooxxoxo.

Daddy's favorite thing to do is to spend time with me.

Daddy and T looking at the different layers of the rainforest

Wow, look at all the fishies

Daddy, this is CRAZY!

The big and small fishies

See Tristie, that's a sting ray

Wow, look at that, daddy

Daddy holding me so I can see better

So many fishes!

I love my daddy

This tank is ginormous!!

WOW!

T and his new friend at Auntie E's wedding

Auntie E, these flowers (and you) are beautiful!

Here Ella, have something to eat. I found it on the floor.

Ella (T's cousin) - you are my new best friend. You're such a cutie flower girl!

Wazzup boys

Hanging out at the wedding, yo mama

Let's see who can jump higher!

I'm pooped now. See you next time!

Weekends together

2009-06-26T21:19:00.000-07:00

These days, I don't feel like I have enough time to pee. T is growing so fast but work is so consuming that if C and I get both days free to play with Tristie (or even one full, stress-free day), we are one happy family. So, for any friends who are reading this blog wondering why I haven't emailed or called back, we're alive - healthy...maybe not totally sane but healthy, yes and T is thriving. He's growing into quite a happy, funny little boy. He's saying more - not stringing sentences yet but definitely picking up more words with every day and becoming a much livelier companion. One who's presence is definitely felt and known and absolutely missed everytime we go to work (C and I can't stop talking excitedly about him).

We have more pics and more to tell but need to cut it short for now -- in the spirit of appeasing my mom and dad who have been harrassing me about not blogging, here it an entry with some pics. Be back soon. xoxo.

Getting back on track...

2009-06-06T21:26:00.001-07:00

Mommy still doesn't quite have her act together (as you can see by the delay in the blogging) but she's slowly getting there. It's been a very busy month. Right after we got back from Korea, mommy tried to put me into daycare but I kept getting sick and I did my best to fight it as much as possible (through endless streams of tears and screaming that broke the heart of those who dropped me off and picked me up). So, now we have a new nanny (former au-pair) who hails from Thailand, Atua and I'm daycare free! Yipeee!! Also, I was lucky to have grandma/grandpa Choi as well as uncle S come stay with us for a week for the family golf tournament (daddy says when I turn 2, I'll be able to play!) -- and thanks to them, I went to parks almost every day. And even luckier for me, grandma Choi came in a few weeks earlier to help take care of me while mommy/daddy went to work. She was amazing - fed me home-cooked meals, took me to the park and played patiently with me!

Now that I'm turning 20 months, a few things I'm doing:

*I'm slowly talking more and more but still not stringing sentences together (why talk when you can throw temper tantrums instead?). My favorite words you ask? "uva" (grapes), "car", "ttechi" (Korean baby talk for when you are mad at something - you basically say the word and pretend like you are hitting it), "jiji" (Korean baby talk for 'garbage'/'dirty')., "shoes", "open", "close". I also love to imitate the accidental curse words that come out of mommy's mouth.

*Just when mommy and daddy think that I know the difference between "umma" (mommy) and "ahbbah" (daddy), I like to throw them off my calling mommy "ahbbah" and pointing at random men in magazines and calling them daddy.

*I still love to call auntie S, "elmo" (in Korean, auntie is "eemo" and since I love "elmo" and I also love "eemo" why not just merge them into one?)

*I still love to dance - its my passion. I jiggy with it even when I don't hear music and sometimes even when mommy sings in her non-harmonious voice (she's tone deaf!). And best of all, once I'm all done, i like to bow! (in anticipation for all the applauses!)

*I love giving hugs and kisses to people and I only kiss on lips, in particular when it comes to pretty girls..

*I love playing in the park - its one of my favorite things to do -- sandbox is da bomb, I say! Can't get enough of the sandbox. Take me outta there and watch me throw a major temper tantrum bomb on you!

*I love temper tantrums. I don't do it often but when I do, I make sure there's lots of drama involved--- loud screams, endless streams of tears, my head pounding the floor....i tend to throw my entire body onto the floor and just lie there yelling (as I did today at the mall).

*These days, I refused to sleep through the night. After Seoul and then my grandparents coming into town, mommy and daddy have spoiled me by bringing me into their bed everytime I make a peep (to make sure grandma/grandpa can sleep). What that means now is that I expect it and I'll scream as loudly as possible to make sure I end up snuggling in their arms!

Regardless, I have to say - I'm quite a funny, giggly boy. I love making my parents laugh and laugh they do when they are with me. It's been fun entertaining them (although a bit tiring, at times).

I'm sure mommy will update you more on me -- she's slowly getting there, I swear. In no time, she'll back to blogging on a more regular basis! Toodles....

Still got my round nostrils!

Wanna watch me eat?

Mommy, grandma choi and Uncle S

Uncle S and me - we're having a blast together!

Grandma is the best at taking care of me!

Its a tough job mowing the lawn but someone's gotta do it!

Daddy and me at Stinson beach

Grandma/grandpa Choi and me (we're walking along page street)

Sometimes I like to be a bad boy and put my feet on the dinner table!

Playing with my old toys

Bad boys, bad boys...

The 3 musketeers

Luke and I like to play

...and hug...

This is my daddy!

A big fat kiss

This is still my daddy

Yippeee

Put your arms up if you think you're cute!

Where's my shovel?

Here you go, daddy

I love feeling the sand between my fingers

Watcha looking at?

Getting down to business

Mommy, can you stop taking pics?

I love going to the park!

In front of the painted ladies!

With grandpa Cho in Korea

Mommy, Auntie U and Yumin (my cousin)

I love you, cousin!!

Grandpa, you're so funnny!

With grandma Cho (my mom) and great grandma Choi (C's grandma)

Grandma Cho is so pretty

Look who popped out of the luggage

Giggling in the cab ride home (In Korea)

Peekaboo (this is before we lost his blankie!!)

Don't anyone dare lose my blankie!

My great uncles/aunts!

Grandpa and I having a drink

Yum

Grandma and my great aunts!

Sick in Seoul (part I)

2009-05-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

After months of planning and delaying, we finally took the plunge and the plane to Asia and landed in the land of my parents. Korea. Tristie has never met grandpa so since he was born, mommy was determined to bring the Choi-Cho men together. What was supposed to be a relaxing, fun family trip turned out to be one of the hardest two weeks of my life (second after the first 6 weeks of giving birth to T!). While he survived the long 12-hour flight, Tristin got incredibly sick -- high fevers, yet another febrile seizure (UGH!), runny nose, ear infection, allergies...you name it, he had it. To make matters worse, T's favorite blanket, Boo boo, got left behind in one of our random cab rides and we suffered painfully trying to find a replacement.

Lucky for us, despite the fact that 75% of the 2 weeks he was there, he was a sick little boy, he was in very good spirits. He finally met his cousin for the first time (Ashley) and loved playing with her. He also loved being around grandpa (whom he called 'habu') and eating grandma's cooking. He ran endlessly around the house, danced to a new Korean children character called Poong Poong hee (mr. Fart) and spent time playing with mommy, auntie S, grandpa/grandma, uncle/auntie and his cousin. Don't get me wrong -- it was hard, there were many sleepless nights and it made me so sad to see him weak/unhappy at times.....but in the end, watching him get close to my parents and seeing him re-bound back to his old happy self made it all worthwhile (of course, he then gave us his flu and for the following two weeks, mommy, Auntie S and daddy C were sick in bed, coughing up a lung!)

T waiting for the subway to come...

"Habu" and me!

Grandma, mind if we play with this blankie?

Why does Ashley like to touch her face?

Ashley and T sharing a snack

Mommy, are we there yet?

...I guess not.

Auntie Y and T

So, as I was saying, booboo (my blankie) was trying to...

Do you think these flowers are edible?

...or maybe I can just break them apart..

...or smush them against my face...

...and then pick more..

OOh, this one has 5 petals on it...

What do you mean I should stop?

Fine, mommy, maybe I'll just climb this fence

Yippppeee!

Victory!

Hey rabbit, its me, T!

Can you pweety peas hold me?

Mommy, why won't the wabbit hold me?

Bad wabbit

Tristie comforting Ashley while she was crying - its ok cousin A!! Wabbits don't bite!!

Don't you dare take my boo boo away from me!

Boo boo taste yummi!

Mommy, when can I play with mr. wabbit?

T eyeing the flowers again

Ashley finally posing with mr. bear

Do we need to sit next to the wabbit?

I'm getting bored..

Can we get outta here?

Don't worry, it doesn't mean I don't like you.

Cousin A giving me a bath after a long fun day at the park..

Here we are playing in grandma's house

Here we are getting ready to go out (Cousin A loves posing with a "V")

T posing with daddy's auntie

Daddy's auntie, and two uncles...and me!

Random shots (we're back!)

2009-04-14T03:31:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time, I know. Too long. Lots of happened since then. In February, Tristin had his first febrile seizure. A traumatic experience for both C, T and I. It happened on a random Wednesday night when his fever shot up to significantly high levels and C and I had ignorantly failed to monitor. Bad on us for thinking his body could easily fight it off and for us to underestimate how powerful and scary fevers could be. It was the worst night of our lives as we held T in our arms not knowing what was happening to his little body and terrified at the thought of losing him. We immediately called 911, went to the hospital and learned about the world of seizures driven by sudden rise in temperature. Lesson learned.

Since then, T has flourished. He bounced back rapidly from the night and has started saying more words ("perro", "Ah no", "Vamos"), albeit only a few more and all in Spanish. His favorite past-time is talking on the phone and dancing. These days, his dance moves can range from moving his head side to side to doing the moonwalk - he glides backwards and disappears into another room. We can have intense conversations with him where he stares at us and in a stern voices, expresses his thoughts except C and I have no clue what he's saying (he's baby blabbing).

More posts to come.....as soon as we (or rather mommy) gets her act together but in the meantime, some random shots with no captions. Old but at least they're new (meaning never seen) :-)

Zoolicious

2009-02-06T17:03:00.000-08:00

T has been busy lately. With countless birthday parties to attend, sites to see (in particular, the SF Zoo which he visited with Auntie Monica and Melanie) and people to meet, T has been on a party/social roll. Weekend after weekend, he's been hitting parks, hanging out at Gymboree and high-flying with fellow toddlers, babbling in baby talk and proudly strutting in his drunken sailor swagger. Five things he loves to do these days --

* Loves to babble. He's quite Mr. Social. Can't stop talking when he walks and will talk to anything that is in his way -- the plants on the street, the doggies walking by him, the pavement, Carbon Dioxide/oxygen molecules...whatever object/microcosm/thing that will silently listen is game for Tristin's chatter.

* Loves (and I mean LOOOOOVES) the Wiggles. I've never seen him so well behaved and sooo excited when the Wiggles comes on. Nothing else matters when the foursome are dancing/singing. It's like the world ceases to exist and wiggledom takes over. All thanks to T, we have countless number of Wiggles tunes memorized (Monica, Auntie S, mommy and daddy).

* Loves (and I mean, LOOOVES) fruits. Any and all kinds of fruit. Berries, blackberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, Oranges, Tangerines, Watermelon, Banana, you name it, he loves it. Monica always says that he could live in the jungle and survive -- perfect for the monkey boy that he is.

* Loves talking on the phone. But to note, phone can equal whatever. At some points, phone = his piece of chicken, socks, daddy's wallet, banana, etc. And when I say "talk", I mean, partake in a passionate discourse as though he's in the midst of some important business transaction. One hand will be fiddling with the toy table he has (moving knobs, pressing buttons) while the other will be tensely grapping the object to his ear while he yells "kochokakamommooo!!"

* Loves his golf clubs (made out of cloth). C thinks its because he has a genuine interest in golf. I, on the other hand, think its because he just likes to carry things in his arms that are thin and long.

Can I get off this lion?

Monica is the best

Mr. Giraffe

I have the lion all under control

Monkey monkey

Flamingo -- how pretty

Tia Monica, why do they have such skinny legs??

With my best friend Adrian

Let's get outta here, Tristin

T and Auntie K

Mommy, T and Auntie K (she visited from Minneapolis!!)

Happy birthday Roshan!!

Tristin loves going up to random women (T wearing a costume cowboy vest)

Hip hip Hooray

Daddy, don't drop me

What other toy can I ride in Gymboree?

Bubbles, Bubblllles!!

T watching the bubbles

Yummy bubbles

What's going on?

Wow, these goldfish are sooour!!

Daddy, can we go play ball again?

Can you please stop talking to my daddy so we can go play ball?

Can I climb this pole?

Mommy, I think you should buy these breadsticks

Ok fine. If you don't want these, I'll get some others for you.

Hmmm, what about those other sticks over there?

I love being carried

(Not sure why this picture didn't flip in the right way)

Just want to make sure this store is following proper fire procedures, mommy

Daddy, what size were you again?

Making bubbles with Dylan

Dylan, let me show you how its done...

Wait, I'm not done yet. Don't take it away from me...

Playing in the sandbox

What do you mean there's another sandbox over there?

Happy birthday Dylan!!

I can't believe Dylan is already two!

I'm only 16 months!

Walking home from the party

That was fun, mommy

Trying to keep balance

Almost home!