Tyler is quickly learning how to "say" things. For example, he's been signing "more" (or "want", he uses the sign universally) for awhile now, recently started signing "eat" (which he does ALL the time), and also started bowing to "arigato" which is the Japanese way of saying "thank you." We're still working on getting him to understand the meaning of arigato, but in the mean time, it's cute to watch him bow. =)
UNTIL WE HAVE A BETTER PICTURE OF THE TWO TOGETHER....
Monday, January 31, 2011
Tyler's New Chair
Tyler received many wonderful birthday gifts, one being his own, personalized chair. We finally put it together last night and he's loving it! Of course, being the danger seeking child he is, he doesn't only sit in it, he likes to climb on it (yikes). We're going to have to keep our eye on him...
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Back at Work
After a one year plus leave, I went back to work on January 5th. It's now been almost 3 weeks since my return. I was really fortunate to get to take such a long time to be with T, especially since there are so many milestones that a baby reaches in the first year. Right now, I'm back at 70 percent, working 4 days a week. I get home early enough that I get to spend some good, quality time with T, but I'm wondering if maybe I need to be at work 3 days a week instead (we'll see what happens... my current schedule was only approved for 2 months and I'm not sure if I can keep it).
Anyway, what's more important than anything is that we were really fortunate to find a wonderful nanny, Anna. Not only does T love her, get this, she's Filipino and speaks Japanese. How perfect is she? Here's T with Anna and her daughter Sarii at T's birthday party.
Anna plays with T all day (when he's not napping) indoors when the weather is yucky and at the park when it's nice. She takes him on walks and, a couple of days, she's taken him on the bus to Peekadoodle to hang out with the Posse. One of the big concerns I had about going back to work was that he wouldn't get to see his friends, but he's at least getting to see them once a week so I'm happy about that.
Here's a picture of T at Peekadoodle on one of his trips with Anna. He's definitely Asian. Check out the squat. =)
I'm not sure what will happen with my job in the next couple of months (the lyrics, "should I stay or should I go" are going through my head...), but knowing that we found such an amazing nanny makes me so much more comfortable to be at work if I decide to stay. Seriously, when she leaves at the end of the day, he gets just as upset as when either Christian or I leave. No jealously, really, it's just reaffirming that he really likes her and that makes me happy.
Welcome to the family, Anna!
Anyway, what's more important than anything is that we were really fortunate to find a wonderful nanny, Anna. Not only does T love her, get this, she's Filipino and speaks Japanese. How perfect is she? Here's T with Anna and her daughter Sarii at T's birthday party.
Anna plays with T all day (when he's not napping) indoors when the weather is yucky and at the park when it's nice. She takes him on walks and, a couple of days, she's taken him on the bus to Peekadoodle to hang out with the Posse. One of the big concerns I had about going back to work was that he wouldn't get to see his friends, but he's at least getting to see them once a week so I'm happy about that.
Here's a picture of T at Peekadoodle on one of his trips with Anna. He's definitely Asian. Check out the squat. =)
I'm not sure what will happen with my job in the next couple of months (the lyrics, "should I stay or should I go" are going through my head...), but knowing that we found such an amazing nanny makes me so much more comfortable to be at work if I decide to stay. Seriously, when she leaves at the end of the day, he gets just as upset as when either Christian or I leave. No jealously, really, it's just reaffirming that he really likes her and that makes me happy.
Welcome to the family, Anna!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
1 Year Photo
Just realized I hadn't posted T's 1 year photo yet. These are a little different from the past ones as he will no longer sit still. But, we had to get the final poster shot. Now that he is one, we will no longer be counting T's age by months, just years. So, the next time we do an "age" photo, it'll be in front of a birthday cake.
Ladies and gentlemen, here's the last set of photos for the series.
For kicks, here's a 1 week old photo... notice how much he's grown by comparing him to the sign which has always been on 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Our baby is no longer a baby.
Ladies and gentlemen, here's the last set of photos for the series.
For kicks, here's a 1 week old photo... notice how much he's grown by comparing him to the sign which has always been on 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Our baby is no longer a baby.
Monday, January 17, 2011
1 Year Check Up - Ouch
Today we took T in for his 1 year check up. Yup, 1 year. Seriously, the more and more I think about it the year has gone by really quickly!
Everything looked great. He weighed in at 22 lbs and 3 ounces (50%) and 31.5 inches (75%) tall. He's doing all the things that he's supposed to be doing and so there's nothing for us to worry about. Phew.
As with every check up, though, there were shots to be had. =( The first was a TB test on his forearm. He didn't cry much for this one. Yea!
But, after that, he had to get THREE different shots in his thighs (MMR, Chickenpox and one other one I can't remember). =( If you remember the post from awhile ago, I almost cried when he was getting his shots. I think I almost cried again. =(
Thankfully, all it took to stop the tears was a little snack. =) What a trooper.
Next check up - 3 months from now.
Everything looked great. He weighed in at 22 lbs and 3 ounces (50%) and 31.5 inches (75%) tall. He's doing all the things that he's supposed to be doing and so there's nothing for us to worry about. Phew.
As with every check up, though, there were shots to be had. =( The first was a TB test on his forearm. He didn't cry much for this one. Yea!
But, after that, he had to get THREE different shots in his thighs (MMR, Chickenpox and one other one I can't remember). =( If you remember the post from awhile ago, I almost cried when he was getting his shots. I think I almost cried again. =(
Thankfully, all it took to stop the tears was a little snack. =) What a trooper.
Next check up - 3 months from now.
The Little Partier
Tyler had his his very first, Elmo themed birthday party yesterday. We had lots of friends and family over to celebrate and he had a great time! He was walking around, socializing with his guests, and playing in the little play area we set up for him and his friends. I think he might have taken after his parents and will be a little party animal (well, at least his parents in their former life).
Here's T multi-tasking food and play
Socializing with Auntie Aileen and Uncle DJ (who welcomed their baby girl, Chloe, the next day. Congrats!!)
And, of course, a Posse shot
We also finally let T have some cake - an Elmo chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting (apparently, this was NOT his first sweet as Lolo admitted to giving him chocolate that morning....). At first he seemed unsure about whether he liked his cupcake, but then he devoured it. Yum!
First, a family photo
Next, blowing out the candle (singular)
Finally, Elmo
We really felt fortunate to have such great people in T's and our lives who can share these big milestones with us. Thank you!!
And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUDDY!
Here's T multi-tasking food and play
Socializing with Auntie Aileen and Uncle DJ (who welcomed their baby girl, Chloe, the next day. Congrats!!)
And, of course, a Posse shot
We also finally let T have some cake - an Elmo chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting (apparently, this was NOT his first sweet as Lolo admitted to giving him chocolate that morning....). At first he seemed unsure about whether he liked his cupcake, but then he devoured it. Yum!
First, a family photo
Next, blowing out the candle (singular)
Finally, Elmo
We really felt fortunate to have such great people in T's and our lives who can share these big milestones with us. Thank you!!
And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUDDY!
Friday, January 14, 2011
One Year Old Today
Dear Kenj,
Happy birthday to our sweet, loving, sharing, caring, funny, friendly, fearless, adorable (you get the point), little boy who turned a whole one year old today!
It is hard to believe that an entire year has gone by since that first night we met you and our life went from amazing to AMAZING. You were just a little tiny thing that we weren't quite sure what to do with, but instantly fell in love with. Now, in this short time we've known each other, you've become a big boy, all grown up. You're talking (ok, not "words", but you've definitely got things to say), walking, doing what you want to do, eating what you want to eat (or at least whatever we let you get your hands on)... you have an incredible personality making everyone around you take notice of you and smile. You only cry when something is bothering you, but even then, you try to put on a good face (like when you are sick and still try to have a good time). People always ask us if you cry, because you are always such a happy baby.
We can only hope that you have enjoyed this past year as much as we have and that you have learned as much from us as we have learned from you. You have taught us that there is so much more to life than just ourselves, that there is so much love that we can give to another being. You have made us smile and laugh each and every single day even when, on the rare occasion, you're driving us a little crazy and up the wall.
We're so fortunate to have you as our son and can only imagine how much more joy you're going to bring to us in the many, many years that we will be sharing together. Honestly, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect kid. Hopefully, as the years go by, and you get to know us more, you'll think the same of us too. =)
In case you ever wonder what you did for your 1st birthday, here are a couple of pictures and a couple of videos. You walked on the sidewalk for the first time and we went to Amici's for your first slice of pizza (you had a little in the Philippines and loved it so much that we thought, for your big day, you deserved your own big slice).
Happy birthday! We love you and can't imagine our life without you!
With all our love,
Daddy and Mommy
Happy birthday to our sweet, loving, sharing, caring, funny, friendly, fearless, adorable (you get the point), little boy who turned a whole one year old today!
It is hard to believe that an entire year has gone by since that first night we met you and our life went from amazing to AMAZING. You were just a little tiny thing that we weren't quite sure what to do with, but instantly fell in love with. Now, in this short time we've known each other, you've become a big boy, all grown up. You're talking (ok, not "words", but you've definitely got things to say), walking, doing what you want to do, eating what you want to eat (or at least whatever we let you get your hands on)... you have an incredible personality making everyone around you take notice of you and smile. You only cry when something is bothering you, but even then, you try to put on a good face (like when you are sick and still try to have a good time). People always ask us if you cry, because you are always such a happy baby.
We can only hope that you have enjoyed this past year as much as we have and that you have learned as much from us as we have learned from you. You have taught us that there is so much more to life than just ourselves, that there is so much love that we can give to another being. You have made us smile and laugh each and every single day even when, on the rare occasion, you're driving us a little crazy and up the wall.
We're so fortunate to have you as our son and can only imagine how much more joy you're going to bring to us in the many, many years that we will be sharing together. Honestly, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect kid. Hopefully, as the years go by, and you get to know us more, you'll think the same of us too. =)
In case you ever wonder what you did for your 1st birthday, here are a couple of pictures and a couple of videos. You walked on the sidewalk for the first time and we went to Amici's for your first slice of pizza (you had a little in the Philippines and loved it so much that we thought, for your big day, you deserved your own big slice).
Happy birthday! We love you and can't imagine our life without you!
With all our love,
Daddy and Mommy
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Christmas in the Philippines and Happy 2011!
It's about time we got around to a post. After all, tomorrow is Tyler's birthday! That's right, it's been ONE YEAR since our little guy joined us. What a ride it's been!
It's was a busy holiday month for us, primarily since we took a big, 2 week trip to the Philippines where we spent time in the city (Makati/Manila), the mountain (Baguio) and the beach (Boracay). The kid's not even one yet and has already been on 2 long haul international trips (plus several domestic trips). Not bad, though it's too bad he won't remember them. But, that's what pictures are for. =)
The trip, unfortunately, started off badly. T was NOT happy on the plane. He's usually a good travel companion, but on the flight there he had periodic meltdowns and didn't want to sleep. It made for tired, grouchy parents who couldn't wait to get to Manila where Lolo and Lola, we were sure, couldn't wait to see him.
And, we were right. Lolo was at the airport early in the morning to greet us and take us to the Marriot nearby where he and Lola had stayed the night before (we had several hours to kill before the rest of the gang showed up). It was a fancy new hotel with a nice swimming pool. Knowing how much T loves the water we quickly got in our suits and headed down. Who knew, though, that despite the hot, humid weather the pool would be FREEZING. T didn't care and as someone had to go in the pool with him, Lolo volunteered. Here they are braving the cold water.
Once everyone else arrived, it was time to take a 7 hour van ride up to Baguio. Yup, 7 hours. We did stop for dinner, but it was still a long ride. Surprisingly, T did really well. It was probably a combination of the jet lag, not sleeping on the plane, and being worn out from swimming. Baguio is in the mountains and it was nice and cool up there. We did a little bit of sightseeing (the Minesview), Mommy and Daddy got a couple of massages (they are ridiculously cheap), and we met up with some extended family. Unfortunately, Mommy and Daddy relied on everyone else for photos so the only photos we have are of us at the Minesview. The view was pretty incredible.
After a few nights in Baguio, it was back in the van to drive down the mountain to go back to Manila for a night before catching a plane to Boracay, where we spent Christmas. Along the way to Manila, we stopped for lunch at Gemai's house (Daddy's nanny growing up) in Bulacan (Lolo's hometown) and then for dinner at Lola's best friend's house in Quezon City (again, Mommy and Daddy didn't take pictures).
Getting to Boracay was something else. We took the van to the airport, flew for about an hour, took a 5 minute van ride to the boat dock where we took a 10 minute boat ride to Boracay, then got on another van for about 10 minutes to get to the hotel. Phew. Oh, and the boat wasn't even on a dock. It was a speed boat that pulled right onto the beach (notice the guys carrying our luggage in the background).
However, once we got to our hotel, it was well worth the trip. T couldn't get enough of the pool and the beach. Again, the pool was freezing, but he didn't care. Oh, and apparently sand tastes pretty good.
For Christmas eve dinner we went to the hotel's buffet. T was exhausted and napped through dinner. But, he did wake up later for another family photo.
Christmas morning was just another day for T. Here he is sleeping with Daddy. I imagine in a couple years he will be the first one out of bed.
We all got together for breakfast to open gifts. T didn't quite get the concept of gift opening or gifts.
We also found a fancy sand castle.
And met a couple of Ms. Clauses. T didn't like them any more than he liked Santa.
Oh, and because sunglasses sold by beach vendors are so cheap, Daddy got himself 3 pairs and one for T(too bad the only way he'll wear them is if his hands are held down).
After a few days in the sun, it was back on our trek to Manila/Makati. This time, we did the whole trip in reverse, but had to add a 2 hour bus ride to a larger airport since our plane couldn't take off from our original airport. Crazy. Here is T being entertained by the luggage carts at the airport. Anything to keep the kid a happy traveler.
But, we made it safe and sound to Makati and stayed at the fancy Shangri-la. Ahhh... It was nice.
While we were there, T got to meet Mommy's high school friend, Chris, and his wife, Maui, who live in Makati (they also have a 6 month old, Haru, who we met a couple days later, but again, we don't have a picture).
We spent an entire day relaxing at the Shangri-la. And, then, on our last full day in Manila, we took a day trip to Cavite, Lola's hometown, where her brother, Uncle David, hosted a lunch for us with a lechon (whole pig).
Our trip home was smooth. T did great and was clonked out for most of the flight.
Of course, by the time he left the Philippines, he'd adjusted to their time and, it's only now, 2 weeks since we've been home, that he is finally back on California time (granted, it probably took him longer than it should have to adjust since he got sick, again, and had an ear infection).
Overall, we all had an amazing time in the Philippines and it was a great way to end 2010. Many thanks to Lola and Lolo for all the planning that they did. Not only did we get to see so many different sights and experience different places, but we got to spend time with the family. And, T got a lot of attention and love from everyone along the way. Actually, T was having such a great time that you would never know, at least from these photos, that he was sick for most of the trip (this explained why he was such a grouch on our way there). Even when he wasn't feeling well, he was trying to enjoy himself (he's a pretty incredible kid).
Happy 2011 everyone! May it be full of love and good times!
p.s. In case you're wondering, we spent T's first New Year's Eve at the Rosenfield/Zraick's and celebrated with the East Coast. We were home and in bed by the time the clock struck one here. That's what happens when you have a little one. =)
It's was a busy holiday month for us, primarily since we took a big, 2 week trip to the Philippines where we spent time in the city (Makati/Manila), the mountain (Baguio) and the beach (Boracay). The kid's not even one yet and has already been on 2 long haul international trips (plus several domestic trips). Not bad, though it's too bad he won't remember them. But, that's what pictures are for. =)
The trip, unfortunately, started off badly. T was NOT happy on the plane. He's usually a good travel companion, but on the flight there he had periodic meltdowns and didn't want to sleep. It made for tired, grouchy parents who couldn't wait to get to Manila where Lolo and Lola, we were sure, couldn't wait to see him.
And, we were right. Lolo was at the airport early in the morning to greet us and take us to the Marriot nearby where he and Lola had stayed the night before (we had several hours to kill before the rest of the gang showed up). It was a fancy new hotel with a nice swimming pool. Knowing how much T loves the water we quickly got in our suits and headed down. Who knew, though, that despite the hot, humid weather the pool would be FREEZING. T didn't care and as someone had to go in the pool with him, Lolo volunteered. Here they are braving the cold water.
Once everyone else arrived, it was time to take a 7 hour van ride up to Baguio. Yup, 7 hours. We did stop for dinner, but it was still a long ride. Surprisingly, T did really well. It was probably a combination of the jet lag, not sleeping on the plane, and being worn out from swimming. Baguio is in the mountains and it was nice and cool up there. We did a little bit of sightseeing (the Minesview), Mommy and Daddy got a couple of massages (they are ridiculously cheap), and we met up with some extended family. Unfortunately, Mommy and Daddy relied on everyone else for photos so the only photos we have are of us at the Minesview. The view was pretty incredible.
After a few nights in Baguio, it was back in the van to drive down the mountain to go back to Manila for a night before catching a plane to Boracay, where we spent Christmas. Along the way to Manila, we stopped for lunch at Gemai's house (Daddy's nanny growing up) in Bulacan (Lolo's hometown) and then for dinner at Lola's best friend's house in Quezon City (again, Mommy and Daddy didn't take pictures).
Getting to Boracay was something else. We took the van to the airport, flew for about an hour, took a 5 minute van ride to the boat dock where we took a 10 minute boat ride to Boracay, then got on another van for about 10 minutes to get to the hotel. Phew. Oh, and the boat wasn't even on a dock. It was a speed boat that pulled right onto the beach (notice the guys carrying our luggage in the background).
However, once we got to our hotel, it was well worth the trip. T couldn't get enough of the pool and the beach. Again, the pool was freezing, but he didn't care. Oh, and apparently sand tastes pretty good.
For Christmas eve dinner we went to the hotel's buffet. T was exhausted and napped through dinner. But, he did wake up later for another family photo.
Christmas morning was just another day for T. Here he is sleeping with Daddy. I imagine in a couple years he will be the first one out of bed.
We all got together for breakfast to open gifts. T didn't quite get the concept of gift opening or gifts.
We also found a fancy sand castle.
And met a couple of Ms. Clauses. T didn't like them any more than he liked Santa.
Oh, and because sunglasses sold by beach vendors are so cheap, Daddy got himself 3 pairs and one for T(too bad the only way he'll wear them is if his hands are held down).
After a few days in the sun, it was back on our trek to Manila/Makati. This time, we did the whole trip in reverse, but had to add a 2 hour bus ride to a larger airport since our plane couldn't take off from our original airport. Crazy. Here is T being entertained by the luggage carts at the airport. Anything to keep the kid a happy traveler.
But, we made it safe and sound to Makati and stayed at the fancy Shangri-la. Ahhh... It was nice.
While we were there, T got to meet Mommy's high school friend, Chris, and his wife, Maui, who live in Makati (they also have a 6 month old, Haru, who we met a couple days later, but again, we don't have a picture).
We spent an entire day relaxing at the Shangri-la. And, then, on our last full day in Manila, we took a day trip to Cavite, Lola's hometown, where her brother, Uncle David, hosted a lunch for us with a lechon (whole pig).
Our trip home was smooth. T did great and was clonked out for most of the flight.
Of course, by the time he left the Philippines, he'd adjusted to their time and, it's only now, 2 weeks since we've been home, that he is finally back on California time (granted, it probably took him longer than it should have to adjust since he got sick, again, and had an ear infection).
Overall, we all had an amazing time in the Philippines and it was a great way to end 2010. Many thanks to Lola and Lolo for all the planning that they did. Not only did we get to see so many different sights and experience different places, but we got to spend time with the family. And, T got a lot of attention and love from everyone along the way. Actually, T was having such a great time that you would never know, at least from these photos, that he was sick for most of the trip (this explained why he was such a grouch on our way there). Even when he wasn't feeling well, he was trying to enjoy himself (he's a pretty incredible kid).
Happy 2011 everyone! May it be full of love and good times!
p.s. In case you're wondering, we spent T's first New Year's Eve at the Rosenfield/Zraick's and celebrated with the East Coast. We were home and in bed by the time the clock struck one here. That's what happens when you have a little one. =)
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