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Week 20: Mmmmmm!

2009-11-09T10:46:00.000-08:00

Our darling daughter Evelyn is now just a little over 4 months old and her personality is definitely showing. She's super playful in the morning, especially when she had just woken up. Those darling brown eyes of hers twinkles and yearning for Mummy or Daddy to wake up and start playing. When Mummy peeks underneath her lashes and Evelyn catches a glimpse of Mummy, she'll smile her cutest (yet toothless) smiles. Who wouldn't want to wake up to that?!?!

Newest Sounds
This early morning of 5:43am (yes, it was really that early, Mummy checked!), dear daughter was up and ready to play. She started pursing her little lips and making the sounds of "Mmmmm!" ...."Mmmmmm!" ...."Mmmmm!" It was so cute that Mummy had to join in too. When Mummy says "Mmmm" Evie will smile and reply with her "Mmmm" and this continued for the next 10 minutes or so until it was time to really wake up so she can play. What a great start for a weekday morning!

Growing Really Nicely
We took Evelyn for her 4-month-check up and her pediatrician says she's growing really nice. Evie is 95th percentile in height and weight. Wow! Definitely following the same percentile in growth curve as her big brother, Erik. She's already wearing 6-9 months old clothes. Can't believe our daughter is so big already, we thought time flies by so fast when we only had Erik and now with Evie, good gosh, time flies double-fast or triple-fast, or heck, even quadruple-fast!! Daddy and Mummy wish that it would just slow down for a while so we could enjoy the time a little more.

Special Smiles RESERVED
Evelyn has definitely formed a very special bond with her grandparents, Tom and Katy. Who can blame her? Those two are her hugest fans and primary caretakers while Mummy and Daddy are working. On the weekends when Mummy and Daddy finally get some extended time with our darling daughter, the grandparents declares verbally that they miss her! Very cute! And apparently, the feeling is mutual. Evie gives her G'pa Tom and G'ma Katy special smiles only reserved for her two doting fans. It's super sweet to see how her face just lits up whenever she sees her G'pa Tom or her G'ma Katy! But Mummy and Daddy sometimes wonders...what about us?!?!

How to be a Great Dad!!! -- trying to deal at becoming a better and more calmer Dad

2009-10-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

Lately I haven’t been feeling all that great at Dad stuff. It could be a number of things but I am tired of making excuses.
So I found this great read from another Dad – and I just need to remind myself at this moment in time about what’s really important – Erik & Evelyn.
So here’s what I learnt and what needs some behavior modification on my part.

No more Online Gaming – or Facebook for that matter (since I don’t drink or smoke – these are a few of my vices).
Spend time with them – Yup, I seem to be doing a lot of weekend activities with him – example parties/more parties (too many activities that is draining all my energy). I think I need more alone and quiet time with them. And I have to spend the time with both Evelyn and Erik.
Play a sport with him – we have stopped swimming for a while now – just need to find an indoor pool we like. Play soccer with him or pillow fights… Damn it, I used to love all this just need to find energy.
Stop TV or reduce it as much as I can.
Stand by MOM and love Mom… I am trying.

http://zenhabits.net/2007/05/how-to-be-a-great-dad-12-awesome-tips/

Week 17: Happy and Bald

2009-10-25T20:53:00.000-07:00

Our dearest Evelyn is really developing her personality. She loves a good snuggle and lots of kisses on her cheeks. She likes lukewarm baths with Mummy but detests getting massages and changing clothes. Her eczema is somewhat under control. Her diaper rash comes and goes.

Evelyn still likes to be rocked to sleep and wakes up a couple of times at night which Mummy doesn't mind at all. She can hold up her own head and do some tummy time. When she's out and about, Evelyn loves to be in the Baby B'jorn facing Mummy so she can snuggle and be rocked. Most of time, from that simple motion, our sweetheart just dozes off all on her own.

Our dear "Evie" also loves watching her big brother, Erik. She is glued to him whenever he's around. He'd be jumping 5 miles off the ground (exaggerated, of course) and her eyes are just fixated on him. She'd smile and giggle. Erik loves to give her hugs and kisses too. It's really nice to see them building a healthy brother/sister relationship (before the toy snatching takes place in a few years!! Yikes!)

New Hair Do
This past Sunday, we decided to shave our daughter's head bald! Yup! You read it right! B.A.L.D. Erik had his done when he was about 3 1/2 months as well. It's only fair, right? Well, the main reason we did it was because in order to get the eczema under control we had to moisturize her head. However, with the luscious long dark-brown hair of hers, it was very very difficult. Another was, our poor girl was pulling it with all her might. SIGH! Evelyn hated it through the process and Mummy was at the office that day so it was up to Grandma Katy and Daddy to do the dirty deed of shaving off her hair. WAH!!!! Despite the baldness, Evelyn still looks super cute and sweet as ever!!

Lots of Drools
Her salivary glands are developing in full force, as a result, we have a very drooly baby! Evelyn is sooo cute when she drools and loves to seek comfort in her own hands/fist. So now, Mummy and Daddy make sure that we have lots of bibs on hands for our baby girl.

Struggling and Juggling

2009-10-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

Life in the Ma Family is peachy – Mommy is being Mommy or Super Mom… working late I mean late hours – for the last few nights and breastfeeding and doing other Super Mommy things. Erik is doing great – smart and bright little 3 years old – constantly pushing his boundaries and always blowing you with the things he says. As for Evelyn she is doing great – has the cutest smiles and those chubby cheeks – Super alert and starting to have a big personality that is totally different from Erik. Yes, she did get a crazy “bald” Chinese hair cut. Bald just being the operative word – it’s more like Grandma and Daddy were drunk and were using a lawn mover with dull blades on her head. Sorry pictures taken were all destroyed. As for the Grandparents – Grandma and Grandpa adore Evelyn – she spends the majority of her day time with them. She has a special smile just reserved for her Grandpa. Both Grandma and Grandpa are helping out a lot – though Grandpa’s help comes with side effects mainly “grumpiness” – I think this is a result of him trying to figure out how to communicate with me… (Going to boarding school from 2nd grade to now – always being away from home)

As for me, I think I am struggling and trying to juggle my time – I do spend a lot of time with Erik and that is becoming a little harder as I feel guilty not spending time with my little “bald” princess. My professional life is not going that great and I am trying hard to leave the stress at the door when I reach home. It’s hard when you get Grandpa’s “love and side effects” that come with it. So lately I have been a little more than stern with Erik – and my dear Wife mentioned something that I need to have tattooed on my hand or something I need to stop being so grumpy with Erik he understands a lot and he is just testing his boundaries. I need to stop becoming my father and evolving into a true “Grumpy Asian Dad.” From the beginning when we were having Erik I made it a point to spend as much time possible with him – I think I got that part right for the most part but I am missing Evelyn a lot.

I need to get rid of my “Super Dad” T-shirts and get one or make one that says “Mediocre Dad” at best.

Week 12: Cooing

2009-09-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

At week 12, our darling Evelyn is cooing so much that Mummy and Daddy just can't wait to go home at the end of every day just to talk to her. She smiling away and really just a joy to be around. Her verbal coos sometimes sounds like "Ung Goo Goo" which is how her Grandpa (Ye Ye) talks to her in the morning. Very cute. How very different compared to the newborn stage like 6 weeks ago!!

Evelyn is growing really nicely and has settled into a routine of her own. She is now wearing 6 month old clothes and she's not even officially 3 months old yet! WOW! Definitely following her brother's growth curve, if not surpassing it. Daddy and Mummy are just happy to have a healthy baby.

She loves to talk and chat around dinner time but gets a bit tired by the end of our family dinner. Then Daddy and Mummy both gives her a bath in the big bathtub and sometimes Evelyn will want to doze off to sleep while in the nice warm tub. Afterwards we give her a nice massage but sometimes she is so tired that she just wants to skip the massage and have her binkie to go to sleep.

Daddy is trying his best to take more photos of Evelyn but sometimes he get caught up of just enjoying the moments with his daughter.

Red Egg & Ginger Party

2009-09-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

We just held a family-only Red Egg & Ginger Party for Evelyn this past weekend. Thanks to Grandma Katy and Grandpa Tom for making all the delicious food, Evelyn was able to meet some of her extended family, including Super Uncle Penjo (aka Super Sook Sook) who flew in from NYC just for the weekend to see her!

Evelyn and her Super "Sook Sook" Penjo

Evelyn also got to meet quite a few special family members from Grandpa Tom's side, including a Great-Grand Uncle Jack and Great-Grand Aunty Effa plus two wonderful little uncles, Alex (13 years old) and Andrew (10 years old) who called our dearest Evelyn affectionately "squishy baby" because she's so "squishy" of course! Plus Evelyn and Erik also got to hang out with some of Mummy's family, which is quite a treat including Grandma Wai, GrandAunt Jeanne, her Uncle Sammy and Aunt-in-law Kelly plus little cousin, Leroy!

Evelyn with Grandma Wai and GrandAunty Jeanne

Daddy & Mummy loved the Red Egg & Ginger Party because it's all about celebrating life and being with family! Grandma Katy dyed lots of Red Eggs for passing out to symbolize happiness and renewal of life. Grandma Wai made the traditional vinegar soup which includes Pig's Feet, Egg, Vinegar, and Ginger.

Erik had a lot of fun at the Red Egg & Ginger Party! He got read to by his two little uncles and they built lego rockets together! Super Uncle Penjo totally spoiled our boy lots with an "Uncle and Erik Only" trip to the local Target store for a shopping spree, which resulted in a Buzz Lightyear AND Erik's favorite Yo Gabba Gabba lego set. This is after one whole hour of Erik going through each and every toy aisle to pick ONE toy! SHEESH! As the big brother, he also insisted Evelyn's Red Egg cake have a candle in it and that we sing "Happy Birthday" to his baby sister. Of course, Big brother Erik helped blew the candle out! Just too sweet of our Erik!

Family Picture: Daddy's side

After the party and the weekend visit from Uncle Penjo, Erik bounded downstairs Monday morning in a very sad mood and says "I miss my Super Sook Sook!". That evening after coming home from schook, he tells us "I miss my 3 uncles!" SIGH! That's the strong bond between family. It just means Mummy and Daddy will have to set up some visits to the uncles this upcoming year!

Daddy and dearest daughter

A Little Over 2 Months: Smiling

2009-09-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

Mummy is officially back to work and no longer a stay-at-home mom. Mummy really misses both Erik and Evelyn during the day. In fact, her screen saver is full of wonderful photos of the two darling kiddies (photos taken by Daddy of course). Sleep deprivation definitely has taken a toll on the body and mind as well but nothing like a little recuperation from the long Labor Day weekend to get the energy back up! We had a real good weekend in the Bay Area, enjoyed the cooler weather and visiting Muir Beach where Erik just LOVED the freezing Pacific Ocean water!

Erik having a LOT of fun at Muir Beach

Mummy & Evelyn enjoying the beach

Evelyn's Milestones
Our dearest Evelyn is smiling and cooing away! Mummy, Daddy, and big brother Erik are super excited about this and love hearing her talk! Evelyn loves to chat with her Grandpa Tom (also known as "Yea Yea" 爺爺). At her two month check-up, Evelyn weighed a whopping 14 lbs and have grown 4 inches long to be 24". WOW! Way to go dearest daughter!

Evelyn getting ready for "dinner time"

Evelyn's Bath Time
Evelyn has also graduated to having showers and having baths in the big bathtub. Crazy, we know! Daddy likes giving her showers because it's not as 'cold' from the draft. However, Evelyn sometimes like it and sometimes she'll howl and protest. Daddy also likes to give Evelyn baths in the big bathtub so Evelyn can soak and wiggle her legs. Of course, this is with Mummy and Daddy close supervision.

Evelyn Is 8 Weeks Old!

2009-08-25T21:57:00.000-07:00

Our dearest daughter, Evelyn, is 8 weeks old! Happy 8th Week Birthday!! Mummy cannot believe how time flies by so fast with her (and her big brother Erik). Evelyn reminds Mummy and Daddy that time is such a precious gift and to cherish it no matter what. Mummy's time as a stay-at-home mom is coming to an end and she will be back to work full-time.

Even though Evelyn is only a wee lil' baby, she is already showing us her personality. She's beginning to smile and coo! Daddy was able to capture it one morning and her smile just melts our hearts.

In search of a child bride for my son..

2009-08-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

Know of any 3 year old girls looking for a husband?

Daddy's no need to lock your daughters up from Erik!

For all those wondering about Erik looking for a wife – don’t worry daddies you don’t have to lock up your daughters just yet. I was reading Thumbelina last night to Erik – and for those who haven’t read it or don’t know what it is (visit Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thumbelina) – in the beginning of the story she gets “abducted” by an ugly toad and a beetle to become someone’s wife. I know what the hell I was thinking reading him this book. Anyways Erik asks me to explain what wife meant. So I explained that Daddy’s wife is Mommy and Grandpa’s wife is Grandma. At this point Erik is crying his ass off waking up the baby in the process. So I ask him why he is crying and he says that he is sad and lonely and doesn’t have a wife. I said all his older friends didn’t have wives and he was still sad – I said he has Daddy and he doesn’t need to be sad and Erik says that I am a boy. I don’t think my explanations were getting through so I played along and asked him who did he want as a wife – and named him all his friends that were girls and apparently he wanted none of them and was very sad and lonely.

Week 8: Coming Around!

2009-08-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

Can't believe how time flies by soooo fast. We are slowly finding our rhythm in our new family.

Status On Mummy
Mummy has been counting down towards her end of days of being with her children full time. The time that Mummy had with Erik and Evelyn as a temporary "stay at home" mom was absolutely wonderful despite all the challenges. She is still very tired from the late night nursings and diaper changes but maybe (just maybe) the body is adjusting to the new schedule. However, despite the tiredness, Mummy looking back at the time home with the children was just wonderful! Mummy was able to see more of Erik's personality and get to know her preschooler more. Mummy was able to console baby Evelyn with her needs and found darling daughters likes and dislikes. Starting in two days, Mummy will return back to work full-time and will have to adjust to another new set of schedule as well. SIGH! However, the time at home with the children will be cherished.

Status On Daddy
Daddy has been wonderful too. He always offers late-night help and would do diaper changes when Mummy was way too tired to get up. Daddy is taking good care of Erik and continuing our darling son's love for reading every night. In fact, Daddy and Erik has advance to stories that have less pictures but more words during bedtime. Mummy is mildly surprised of Erik's ability to concentrate! Daddy also introducing Erik into pre-engineering concepts by building different models with darling son. They were able to complete a helicopter and a tractor together!! Daddy is also always looking for opportunities to hold baby Evelyn as well. He even request Mummy to look for a "window time slot" where Evelyn is not sleepy/cranky/grumpy so Daddy can hold his cute little daughter!

Status On Erik
Erik has matured a lot these past two months. It amazes us how much he's grown and how he loves being a big brother. When he plays blocks, Erik would share the soft blocks with Evelyn, even though she doesn't need them now. He even shared his beloved soft "Little Einstein Rocket" with his baby sister. Erik would try his best to whisper and be quiet when baby sister is sleeping. Of course, being three years old, his best attempt may just last a few seconds long but still, Mummy and Daddy recognized the effort! Erik is always complimenting his little sister as well, telling her "Awwww you're so cute!" and loves giving her kisses on the cheek and her baby toes. This summer, by being at home with Mummy more, Erik was introduced to a lot of different preschool games that helped us spend time as a family and the TV/computer are off. Some of his new favorites are: Zingo, Hi-Ho Cherries, and Phase 10 card game. Erik is getting better with being a good sport, even when he loses in the games.

Status On Evelyn
Our darling daughter is now officially known within our circle of friends as being the fussy one! In reality, she is at times fussy, especially around the 7pm - 9pm hours. Really...our home gets pretty chaotic at that time. However, Evelyn will settle into slumber if Mummy is wearing the baby b'jorn and bouncing or swaying away. When holding darling daughter upright, her little pitter-patter feet loves to push off or kick. For a tiny little baby, Evelyn's feet are super strong! Mummy is already thinking of Mia Hamm soccer player!! She is gaining weight really nicely and shows on her cute chipmunk cheeks. She is now taking the pacifier (sometimes) when Grandma Katy gives it to her. Grandpa Tom loves holding his grand-daughter as well. Mummy is going to have a hard time not snuggling with baby Evelyn during the weekdays once she goes back to work but know that baby will be in good caring and loving hands of grandparents.

Week 6: Exhausted!

2009-08-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

Exhausted does not even describe the physical and mental state that our family is in right now. Handling an active and imaginative boy plus our little diva-like princess of an infant girl is very..."interesting". Thank goodness we have help from Daddy's parents, especially Grandma Katy, we do not have to worry about cooking right now with two sometimes very high maintenance children.

Status On Mummy
Mummy is definitely sleep-deprived at this point. There are days literally, Mummy would just wake up, eat whatever she can find in the kitchen as fast as she can, and then off to sleep again. Even a cup of half caffeinated coffee did not help. The body is definitely taking a toll from all the late-night/wee-early morning nursings 10pm, 12am, 2am, 4:30am...and 6:30am. Keep in mind the schedule can shift plus sometimes after these feedings, Mummy has to lull baby girl to sleep again, which can take any where between 30 to 60 minutes!! Picture Mummy pulling hair out. However, with all that said, Mummy can't help but dish out lots of kisses to her baby's cheeks whenever holding her.

Status On Daddy
Daddy is definitely well caffeinated, at times, a little too well. Meaning poor Daddy has to take at least 2 cups of coffee in order to have energy left over at the end of his day to spend quality time with his family. Then he's all wired up! Daddy loves to hold her and is doing great especially with the 2am time frame to relieve Mummy to get some snoozes in.

Status On Erik
Erik is doing amazingly well. He's such an active kid that Mummy and Grandma Katy takes him all over the local attractions during the weekdays including visit to the zoo, amusement park, etc. We noticed that since he's home, Erik has used more of his Cantonese with Mummy and Grandma Katy, which is just wonderful. Erik also sometimes likes to be called "Helper Erik" and he'll come give Mummy/Daddy clean diapers for his baby sister or he'll throw away dirty diapers or he'll get blankies for her. Definitely a sweet big brother! He started to sing to his baby sister too with "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" plus his personal favorite "Rockabye Baby"

Status On Evelyn
Our little baby girl Evelyn is full of surprises. Sometimes when we hold her, she just smiles in her sleep and that just melts Daddy and Mummy's hearts! We can't believe how fast time is flying by and how big she is growing. No longer can she fit into newborn and 3 month clothes. Evelyn is now in 3-6 month clothing and Mummy swears her baby girl has grown longer too!! Evelyn loves to be snuggled in the Miracle Blanket and snuggles with Mummy to sleep every night, which Mummy thinks that Evelyn will probably outgrow it pretty soon. Evelyn still likes to be rocked back and forth too and be held upright for her to fall asleep! She doesn't like the swing too much (even though she's sleeping in it as Mummy blogs! HA!) We also just did her "full month" ceremony and officially named her according to Chinese traditions but we still need to do the Red Egg & Ginger celebration with the family.

One Month: Still Getting The Hang Of Things

2009-07-31T15:28:00.000-07:00

Status On Mummy
Mummy is okay so far and has already started mentally doing the count-down of her return to work, which is getting her down just a little bit. SIGH. Mummy loves cuddling with her little baby girl but definitely needs help during the 4 am waking hour, especially when the last nursing was around 1:30-2:00am. ACK! Mummy is also focusing more on quality time with Erik as well. Mummy is surprised HOW fast the day goes by from wake-up to bedtime, despite having help from Grandma Katy, it still goes crazy. The only breather is during "nap time"!

Status On Daddy
Daddy is slowly handling two kids. He has introduced Erik for the love of kayaking this summer, which is just awesome. It is their special "Daddy & Boo Boo" day adventure. The two boys would go out to the lake and Daddy would paddle while Erik chats with Daddy. Erik would also explore the water and "dive" for sea shells. Of course, all this with life jackets! Daddy is still trying to find energy left over enough after a day work to play and interact positively with Erik yet cuddle with Evelyn too. It is a very difficult balance.

Status On Erik
Erik is still a sweet sweet big brother. He insists on throwing baby Evelyn's dirty diapers. Erik declares that his little sister is no longer "blueberry" but "orange" because as Erik says it "she looks like an orange!" He loves coming up to his baby sister and saying "awwww...she's so cute! she looks like me!". Erik is also enjoying being at home with his Grandma Katy, Mommy, and lil' Sister since we do something different every day. Sometimes Erik gets to go to the local kiddie amusement park, local Zoo, bounce house, and even movie days. He's also keeping up with his gym lessons at The Little Gym.

Status On Evelyn
Our little girl is growing really nicely. She last weighed in on a whopping 11 pounds! Being just a little bit over a month, that's fantastic!! Way to go! Evelyn is slowly adjusting her sleep cycle to a SEVEN-TEN-TWO schedule. Mummy and Daddy didn't force this on her, it really happened naturally. Evelyn has go to bed by 7pm or else she'll really fuss and fuss through a very loud meltdown that scares both her parents. Poor thing! However, she's really a joy to be with and Mummy and Daddy just love to hold and cuddle her.

Week 2: Our new family

2009-07-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little Evelyn

Status On Mummy
Mummy is doing well. At times she can be functioning like "Speedy Gonzalez" and act as if she just didn't deliver a baby girl and had major surgery. Then at times, Mummy is super tired that she's literally out by early evening, like 6:00pm, and just wants to sleep. She's getting used to the newborn schedule of pretty much waking every 2-3 hours to nurse and change diapers (LOTS of them!).

Status On Daddy
Daddy is still getting used to handling two kids. He's struggling with how to spend enough time with Erik yet spend time with Evelyn. Daddy made a special "Daddy & Erik" day and took Erik on his first kayak trip out on the lake, which they both loved!! Daddy is trying his best to give lots of positive attention to Erik knowing that big brother's routine has been turned upside down with our new family member.

Status On Erik
Erik is a sweet big brother! He loves to hold his baby sister's hands and wants to carry her as much as he can, with supervision of course. Erik helps out a lot more by grabbing diapers, blankets, onesies, etc for Mummy and Daddy. He's very curious as to what his baby sister is doing all the time. However, he also has his three-year-old moments, where he's having some difficulty handling the "lack of attention" from Mummy and Daddy and has been a bit grouchy lately.

Status On Evelyn

We came back from the pediatrician's office and our dear daughter is growing nicely! At her two week check-up, she has surpassed birth weight already! She is officially 8lb .5oz. 20.5 inches long! Wow! Within 2 weeks, she was able to grow 1/2 inch on us?!?! She's a great nurser and definitely loves the boob! HAHA! She's sleeping in intervals of 2-3 hours. Our lil' girl also loves cuddling, especially in Daddy's arms.

This is Life

2009-07-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

Big Brother, Erik, and his little sister, Evelyn

Week 1: Our Little Baby Girl

2009-07-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

We are officially home from the hospital with our beautiful baby girl. Can't believe it!!!

Here are some quick info updates for all, Baby Blueberry is now officially:

Evelyn Gaa Yi Ma

馬嘉怡

7 lbs 5 5/7 oz

20 inches long

Mummy and Daddy were very anxious at the end. We still didn't know how to react but once we laid eyes on our little Evelyn, all fell into place!! We were estatic to have our baby girl!! Lil' Evelyn definitely has Daddy wrapped around her pinky already!! She is already nursing so well compared to big brother Erik, in fact, Evelyn came out and immediately took onto nursing like a pro! WOW! Mummy had to be reminded again on the whole breastfeeding routine though. We are all doing well and slowly adjusting to our new expanded family of four!

Status On Mummy

Mummy is recovering well so far but definitely need all the pain medication she needs. She'll have to go back and forth to the doctors for check-ups but so far, it is going well. In fact, Mummy was even able to nurse baby Evelyn, put her to "bed" (i.e. in Daddy's arms), and spend some much needed quality time with Erik (who was neglected from Mummy's attention for 4 days straight)!

Status On Daddy

Daddy is doing amazingly well, although he did fall asleep for quite some time in the middle of the night when Mummy & Daughter's first night home! Lost some brownie points there but he made back his brownie points the next day when we had to take baby Evelyn to the hospital for her lab work. Daddy was able to "rescue" his little daughter already by soothing her so she won't cry when she needed to be poked. However, Daddy is definitely exhausted as well. He's trying his best to entertain Erik and run out a preschooler energy (but Daddy's energy is also drained at the same time) yet be there to hold and cuddle lil' Evelyn. Daddy even BBQ'ed for 4th of July (with G'ma Katy's help, of course) and took the family to go see fireworks!!

Status On Big Brother Erik

So far, Erik is adoring his baby sister. He wants to kiss her and hold her. Very curious. Erik even shares his special blanket with his sister and insists that Mummy covers Evelyn up because it's "too cold". At the same time, Erik is extra sensitive. Daddy explained how baby sister came and that Mummy has a big owie, poor Erik, he cried with great empathy that evening saying "I don't want Mummy to have owie!". He was also very sad to know that his little sister had to get lab work and was poked on her heel and claimed "I don't want her to go to hospital any more and get more owies!" At the same time, being a big brother admittingly is very difficult on Erik, he openly tells Mummy one sad moment "I want to be big but it's so hard!!" with a big cry and tears rolling down his cheeks.

Status On Little Sister Evelyn

She's a simple and straightforward girl so far. She loves to nurse that is the ONE and only thing that can comfort her. However, Evelyn does NOT like a wet or dirty diaper at all, not even for one minute. She'll wake up in her deep sleep demanding to be changed [with a big cry of course]. Evelyn also doesn't like to be over stimulated, it takes her an extra long 2 hours to calm down if she doesn't her beauty sleep in. Basically, don't mess with her! However, she loves to be held nice and tight by Daddy, Grandma Katy, and Mummy. She'll stir just a bit whenever she hears Erik's voice, which was expected since even in the womb, she'll move quite a lot whenever Erik "talks" to Mummy's stomach. Just not sure if she likes all the noises or just irritated by them?!?!

It's almost time --

2009-06-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

Can't wait for baby Blueberry --- this time around I am scared don't know what to expect even though I have travelled this road before. I am still not an expert and I don't care what other people say -- I am still scared and still in disbelief. But either ways Baby Blueberry is coming...

Meantime -- Erik thank you for a wonderful Father's Day -- I love your card even though we know Miss Lisa probably wrote it -- but I do love that you love that I make Dark Meat aka BBQ for you and Chinese Crepes which Miss Lisa didn't get... on the card... And yes Korean BBQ was awesome and we know how much you and I love it... here's to hoping Baby Blueberry likes it tooo in the meantime I know you love spaghetti which mommy likes a lot... :D

Baby Blueberry

2009-05-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

Mummy haven't posted about anticipation of our second baby on our blog. We are expecting a baby girl this time around, at least that is what the ultrasound technician says. Mummy, Daddy, and especially Big Brother Erik are all super excited to meet the newest member of the Ma Family in end of June.

Baby Blueberry is quite an active girl. Mummy is already hoping that she'll be a bit sporty :) (at least more so than Mummy!! HAHA!). During our last doctor visit, we asked how big would we expect Baby Blueberry, so far, the doctor just said that she's measuring "just right". Good enough for us.

Being at week 34 of the pregnancy, Mummy is a lot more tired but Baby Blueberry is super energetic! Mummy moves at a slow snail pace but Baby kicks and tumbles all over the place (in the belly of course!). So far Baby Blueberry loves listening to Daddy and her big brother, Erik's story time. She'd "inch" a little closer whenever they speak during bed time. In fact, Baby Blueberry reacts so well to big brother Erik's laughter, it's as-if they were playing already?!?!

Our little sweetie, Mummy, Daddy, and big brother Erik can't wait to meet you!!!

Memorial Day @ The Zoo

2009-05-26T04:14:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a little zoo visit on Memorial Day with the family. While Mummy was wobbling down the path slowly, Erik and Daddy goes full steam ahead to sit on the latest carousel at the Zoo!

Erik & Daddy standing in line for their turn at the carousel.

Daddy & Erik: Best Buds

For the time being, Erik is infactuated with penguins and lemurs. All thanks to "Madagascar" and Nickolean's new show "Penguins of Madagascar". So we had to visit the lemur exhibit where Erik counted up to 8 lemurs in their homes. He also named 3 of them according to the characters on the show aka "King Julian", "Morice", and "Mort".

Enjoying the Lemur exhibit

We've been taking Erik to the local zoo ever since he was a little baby. One of his favorites MUST DOs in the zoo is visit the Reptile house. Erik loves to try and find all the reptiles and amphibians showcased in there.

Afterwards, we even caught the late afternoon animal show! Bobcats, Red-Tailed hawk, Gopher snakes, and Box turtles were featured. Erik enjoyed it while chowing down on a light snack of Merlino Strawberry freeze and Doritos. Of course...how healthy it is, eh?! After the show, Erik got to go touch the box turtles and the gopher snake. Very cool!

NOTE: Mummy & Daddy were exhausted already!

Gopher Snake

One last ride on the carousel before leaving the zoo

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

Am I ready for my darling daughter?

2009-05-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

But I was immediately overwhelmed. With boys, there are two racks to choose from. With girls, it's the rest of the store: a staggering array of ruffly, rosy frills. I couldn't breathe. I grabbed a pink sweater and two pairs of pink socks, got out of there as quick as I could

In a strange way – I feel the same sorts of emotions. I have always wanted a girl and I rebelled against having a boy – especially one that turns out like me. But I love boo-boo he brings so much emotion in me and challenges me but at the same time the little boy things he does in his own little ways wonders why I didn’t have him sooner and I couldn’t imagine my world without him. He makes fell sane, crazy and content all at the same time.

Then in rolls news of our Baby girl, and I am scared I don’t know of what but I am scared. There was that money thing I was scared about – being able to provide for two – then there is the one where how do I deliver the same out of love to both children and how to protect my little girl from the other mean girls in kindergarten. Yes as much as I love shopping like the next mother – I am terrified from going from 15% of a child store to choosing from the rest of the store decorated in pink. Do I get her ear holes? What to do about boys sniffing around my yard? Getting her hair done the way she wants? And already my son has mastered how to mess with my heart and play with his little fingers and get away with what he wants? How do I protect myself from my daughter – I am already 100% sure she has already figured out how to get the most out of Daddy.

Just my 2 cents.
Daddy

We're Pregnant (2nd Time Around!)

2009-03-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Alright, this posting may be a little delay...given that Mummy is already 6 months pregnant!!! Our reasoning, really none. Just had a lot of things going on and couldn't update blog appropriately. However, we are now awaiting for our little baby. Nickname is Baby Blueberry, given by much anticipated big brother, Erik.

Second time around of expecting is quite different. Mummy is literally exhausted during the first trimester, yes, she was also trying to finish her MBA at the same time too...so that could have been an added stress as well. However, Mummy does not recall EVER being so tired when carrying Erik. Food craving wise, a lot more sweet and sour stuff and also a lot of HOT (not spicy just temperature hot) soup.

Other than that, Mummy and Daddy are delighted to be expecting a new member by this summer, end of June. Baby Blueberry is doing fantastic, kicking and moving around like crazy. Mummy is gaining weight like crazy and feeling like a boat.

Amazing Race: Thailand (Last Day)

2009-03-11T15:29:00.001-07:00

It was our last day before having take the late evening flight out to Incheon Korea to return to our home. So Mummy and Daddy decided to do one final little shopping spree at "Bobae Market" where everything sold there must be 'wholesale', either 6, 12 or more items in order for them to sell. No one piece which would mean retail pricing.

We took Erik along right after breakfast to the Bobae market for our day of bargain shopping. There were a lot of good vendors out there. It's specifically for foreign exporters! We literally saw vendors boxing up 5-7 cases of clothes to be shipped off, so we knew we had found the spot for clothes shopping. WhooHoo!

Grandma Katy were super excited about Bobae Market because she has never been and Grandpa Tom, being stubborn, refused to take her previously. So this was her excuse to come on out for a shopping spree too. Erik did just fabulous at the old boring stuff of walking from vendor to vendor but soon it was already time for a late-lunch.

Mummy craving for sushi during this pregnancy!

Erik hitting up on the Jell-O shots. Eek!

Instead of just any old lunch, we stopped in at the Prince Hotel for a special treat! The food displayed was absolutely appealing and Daddy was sold on it. It had a wide variety of choices and really excellent service!! In fact, Erik was so tended to by the waitresses that they even wrote his name 'Erik' in Thai...and he got a big smooch from one of the girls. Sheesh...such a lady's man. WINK! WINK!

Mummy & Erik being goofy

Erik being a 'babe magnet'

Afterwards, Erik slept like a little pre-schooler so Grandma Katy and Grandpa Tom decided to take him back to the condo so Mummy & Daddy should shop some more. HEE HEE! What wonderful grandparents. We didn't last for too long, only 1.5 hour more and had to hit the nearest ATM to get some Thai Baht out since we had NO cash, even for Taxi. Eek!

Once we were back at home, Daddy and Erik hit the pool one last time. Mummy was super worried that Erik had forgotten his swimming and diving because he had refused to do it. However, Daddy on the last night, found the trick. The water was a bit cool (ok ok..cold) so Erik didn't want to do anything, even though he had his thermal suit on. So Daddy put Erik in the nice warm jacuzzi and Erik was relaxed and diving and jumping away. After that, Erik was himself again...swimming away and back to Daddy!!! YAY!!

Amazing Race: Thailand (Safari World)

2009-03-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

We took a couple days 'away' being from Erik during the day and took advantage of having Grandma Katy to take care of him instead. Mummy and Daddy decided to go 'shopping' on those days, hee hee. We hit a lot of different areas including Jim Thompson Outlet House (way out of freaking nowhere in Bangkok's outskirts) and also hit the IT shops. Seriously, that took us quite a while!

However, after a couple of boring shopping days, we rounded up everybody one more time for a little adventure to 'Safari World'. Thanks to Aunty Sau Fong for finding a great deal on the tickets for literally 1/4 of the price and included a buffet lunch! WOW!

There, Erik and gang to see and experience A LOT of stuff. There was watching the Orangutan Kickboxing (they were not really kickboxing...just a silly show). We also saw an Elephant show, way way better than the ones at the local Six Flags back in the States. Daddy & Erik even got to sit on an elephant too!! Mummy was supposed to be pulled in as an audience participation for the elephant show to get an 'elephant' massage, but being that she's pregnant, she opted out. SIGH! Grandma Katy were too chicken to stand in her place...or else we could've gotten an elephant painting (that was trunk-painted by the elephant itself!!). ARGH!

Below are certainly some highlights of our day at Safari World:

Holding and Feeding a baby tiger!

Touching Stingrays - one of Erik's favorite.

Going on an elephant ride (both Daddy & Erik)

Feeding the giraffes up close and personal - Erik was such a good little 'zookeeper'

Feeding the enormous elephants

Going through the egg display - a bit freaky but Erik really liked it!

Spending time with family!!

Daddy was super happy, can't you tell?!

Feeding the herd of Giraffes

Zookeeper Erik

Safari World

Erik being happy as a 'Tuk Tuk' driver!

Touching the stingrays

babychhimis

2009-03-02T16:33:00.000-08:00

From Drop Box

Amazing Race: Thailand (Day 2)

2009-02-25T14:52:00.000-08:00

We woke up bright and early (eh...let's say around 9:00ish). From the last two days of traveling, it was quite exhausting. However, Mummy had already mapped out what to do for the day. We were to hit Siam Paragon (shopping paradise) in Bangkok city center and then hit Somboon Seafood Restaurant for dinner, which is Daddy's ultimate favorite place for Thai Crab Curry!!

Erik of course enjoyed a little breakfast, with CAKE! Mummy and Daddy visited the local Tesco Lotus (super market) the evening before and couldn't help but pick up a package of cute sliced cake, so nicely decorated. So yes, our little Erik had CAKE for Breakfast! We hopped on over a quick 15-20 minute taxi ride into the city and we were greeted by luxury shopping complex of WOW! Really? There's a recession going on? Can't tell with this huge shopping mall!!

We window shopped around the place, trying to grasp the place a bit. It was just beautifully decorated inside and out. There was a Koi pond that Erik loved peaking over to see all the fishes. Grandparents were off to a frenzy wanting to check out all the stores and to walk the place. Daddy was super excited as well, (he's the shopaholic!).

Erik passed by the numerous food court vendors and went crazy over the cake vendor. Seriously, if he could celebrate his birthday right there and then, Erik would've picked up a hand decorated dinosaur cake!! It would have been his favorite cake of all!! But nevertheless, he settled for a Chocolate Sprinkled Donut from "Daddy Dough" donut vendor. Eek!

Erik attempting the balance beam with the help from his new Thai teacher

We hit the Little Gym in Bangkok for Erik just so he can get some energy out. We hit the Siam Paragon play area for Erik. Finally, Daddy & Mummy said enough to the pre-school pace and need to kick it up a notch, and had Grandparents babysit Erik by taking him to the Siam Ocean World (aquarium) for 2 hours where all three of them enjoyed themselves while Mummy and Daddy finally walked to the other adjacent shopping complexes for more!!

Erik still talks about the Ocean World and loves to dance like the Sting Ray (not shown)

Eating away like piggies at the Somboon Seafood Restaurant