Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Apparently, we were on the local TV news last night, but I didn't see it. People have been coming up to me and Chris this week saying they saw me and Chase on TV. I remember a camera in front of me at the Halloween costume contest, but I didn't realize it was for the news. So, even though Chase didn't win, he had his 15 seconds of fame!
Today, Chase and I went to meet Kelli, a gal I met on Craigslist in my quest to find a babysitter for Chase starting in January. She's a stay-at-home-mom from Massachusetts with a two year old and a three year old girl. She lives close to my house and used to be an Infant/Toddler teacher. We talked about ourselves and our kids, and then she wanted to hold Chase. She's really nice, but it may not work out as she just found out that her husband, who works as the Executive Kitchen Manager at The Cheesecake Factory, may be moved to the West Coast restaurant, which means they may be moving in a couple of months. We'll see what happens. In any case, she invited me to join and check out Honolulu Mommies, an online network of stay-at-home-moms. I joined, and it'll be fun to meet new friends, moms and their babies in the area. Kelli's hosting a get-together at her house next Friday.
It has been wet and gloomy and cold (yeah, I know all you mainlanders are laughing right now, but it HAS been cooler at night) all day today. And, since Chase doesn't know what Halloween or trick-or-treating is, we decided to stay in. The Halsalls had us over for our weekly dinner, and so I appropriately dressed Chase up in his orange Halloween festive garb. Of course that precipitated lots of picture taking. After dinner, Chris carved the pumpkin that Auntie Stevie got for us from her kindergarten class field trip to the pumpkin patch. He couldn't figure out how to carve a skull into the face of the pumpkin, so instead, his "masterpiece" can be described as "Pumpkin-Who-Got-Hit-In-The-Head-With-A-Baseball-Bat".
How lovely for Chase's first Halloween.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
4 Month Checkup
Tuesday, 30 October 2007
After getting new tires and trying to fix the car yesterday, I took Chris' car into the mechanic this morning to fix some major things so that the car could pass the safety check. Chris' dad picked me and Chase up at the mechanic's and took us to our doctor's appointment.
Chris took a break from work and met us at Dr. Sia's. Chase measured in at almost 24 inches long and 12 pounds 13 ounces. He is in the 10th percentile on weight, length, and head circumference. I told Dr. Sia how I was worried about his size because he's so little compared to other babies his age, but he said not to worry. At least he is proportional, has nice skin, is doing well in other areas, and is healthy. He asked, "Would you rather have a sumotori? He's probably going to be tall." After talking to my mom about it, she said that Chase probably just has my genes because I was always in the 10th percentile as a baby too, and I was born 6 lbs. 7 oz. full-term (and only weighed 19 lbs. at one year of age)! So, Chase is probably just going to be like his mommy.
And, he's strong, kicking and developing more of his fiesty personality. This time, he was not as cooperative when taking his liquid vaccination. At two months, he easily slurped it up, as if he liked it. This time, he pursed his lips shut, spit it out (and smirked afterwards), put his hand in his mouth, and ended up with most of it on his chin and neck. He cried a little bit when he was poked on each thigh with the shots, but stopped right after and got his cute little Curious George band-aids.
Chris mentioned to the doctor how Chase has shown more of a preference for females versus males. The doctor laughed and commented on how that sometimes happens with babies, and Chase is just growing socially-emotionally. He IS a ladies man! But, more so, he is developing that cause and effect, so he is now spoilable!
He also confirmed that Chase definitely has teeth coming, which would account for all his sucking and drooling on everything these past couple months. His two little incisors on the bottom are ready to pop, and there are ridges forming on the top.
We talked about starting solids with Chase, which may help him bulk up a little. He also gave us advice of trying a sippy cup with Chase if he is not taking a bottle. It will be messy, but he already is predicting that feeding is going to be a crazy experience with this little guy, just looking at how active and strong Chase is. I'm sure that in no time, once Chase starts grabbing more, food is going to be flying!
He said he would let us know if he hears anything about babysitters. I like our doctor. He visited with us for nearly an hour, and he is always so thorough and honest.
Chris' dad dropped us off at home, and now we're just waiting for the call from the mechanic so we can pick up the car when it's ready. Hopefully the shots Chase got today don't make him too lethargic tonight because we're dressing him up and taking him to Kahala Mall to enter him in a Halloween costume contest! Wish us luck! (But, I definitely think he'll be the cutest baby there!...I'm not biased at all.)
Click on the link to the photos below to see 4 month old Chase!
After getting new tires and trying to fix the car yesterday, I took Chris' car into the mechanic this morning to fix some major things so that the car could pass the safety check. Chris' dad picked me and Chase up at the mechanic's and took us to our doctor's appointment.
Chris took a break from work and met us at Dr. Sia's. Chase measured in at almost 24 inches long and 12 pounds 13 ounces. He is in the 10th percentile on weight, length, and head circumference. I told Dr. Sia how I was worried about his size because he's so little compared to other babies his age, but he said not to worry. At least he is proportional, has nice skin, is doing well in other areas, and is healthy. He asked, "Would you rather have a sumotori? He's probably going to be tall." After talking to my mom about it, she said that Chase probably just has my genes because I was always in the 10th percentile as a baby too, and I was born 6 lbs. 7 oz. full-term (and only weighed 19 lbs. at one year of age)! So, Chase is probably just going to be like his mommy.
And, he's strong, kicking and developing more of his fiesty personality. This time, he was not as cooperative when taking his liquid vaccination. At two months, he easily slurped it up, as if he liked it. This time, he pursed his lips shut, spit it out (and smirked afterwards), put his hand in his mouth, and ended up with most of it on his chin and neck. He cried a little bit when he was poked on each thigh with the shots, but stopped right after and got his cute little Curious George band-aids.
Chris mentioned to the doctor how Chase has shown more of a preference for females versus males. The doctor laughed and commented on how that sometimes happens with babies, and Chase is just growing socially-emotionally. He IS a ladies man! But, more so, he is developing that cause and effect, so he is now spoilable!
He also confirmed that Chase definitely has teeth coming, which would account for all his sucking and drooling on everything these past couple months. His two little incisors on the bottom are ready to pop, and there are ridges forming on the top.
We talked about starting solids with Chase, which may help him bulk up a little. He also gave us advice of trying a sippy cup with Chase if he is not taking a bottle. It will be messy, but he already is predicting that feeding is going to be a crazy experience with this little guy, just looking at how active and strong Chase is. I'm sure that in no time, once Chase starts grabbing more, food is going to be flying!
He said he would let us know if he hears anything about babysitters. I like our doctor. He visited with us for nearly an hour, and he is always so thorough and honest.
Chris' dad dropped us off at home, and now we're just waiting for the call from the mechanic so we can pick up the car when it's ready. Hopefully the shots Chase got today don't make him too lethargic tonight because we're dressing him up and taking him to Kahala Mall to enter him in a Halloween costume contest! Wish us luck! (But, I definitely think he'll be the cutest baby there!...I'm not biased at all.)
Click on the link to the photos below to see 4 month old Chase!
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| Chase - 4 months |
Monday, October 29, 2007
Car Troubles
Monday, 29 October 2007
I offered to take Chris' car (which is the only 4 door car we have for transporting the baby and the carseat) to get an oil change and a safety check, since it expires in a few days. Off Chase and I went, but when I got to the Jiffy Lube, they told me that the car wasn't going to pass the safety because there were a few things wrong with it....Great!
The afternoon was spent calling my mechanic, getting Chris to meet us at Sam's Club to get new tires for the car, and then walking around for a few hours until everything was finished. Chris met us after work (just walked across the street since his office is right there!) and we did some grocery shopping before heading home.
Jay tried to get one of his friend's to fix it, but he didn't want to touch it. Will need to drop the car off at the mechanic's tomorrow.
I offered to take Chris' car (which is the only 4 door car we have for transporting the baby and the carseat) to get an oil change and a safety check, since it expires in a few days. Off Chase and I went, but when I got to the Jiffy Lube, they told me that the car wasn't going to pass the safety because there were a few things wrong with it....Great!
The afternoon was spent calling my mechanic, getting Chris to meet us at Sam's Club to get new tires for the car, and then walking around for a few hours until everything was finished. Chris met us after work (just walked across the street since his office is right there!) and we did some grocery shopping before heading home.
Jay tried to get one of his friend's to fix it, but he didn't want to touch it. Will need to drop the car off at the mechanic's tomorrow.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Happy 4 Months, Chase!
Saturday, 27 October 2007
Today is Chase's 4 month birthday and we celebrated by getting together with friends at Miya and Junji's house for a belated "Welcome Baby Chase" party (aka. Postponed baby shower) with some Halloween flair. Now that Taiga is doing better and new babies have been born and are now into routines, we got everyone together to celebrate. We grazed all afternoon, ate some festive Halloween cake, and enjoyed seeing all the new babies. It was fun to see the babies, who are now toddlers, running around and talking, as Mason asked "Whose Happy Birthday?" when he saw the cake. And, it was fun to hand off and coo over the new babies of course, as Max (born August 16th) and Chase (born June 27th, but originally due on August 2nd) are close in age. The afternoon ended with some competitive games of Taboo and Charades with the adults (boys vs. girls of course), with the women ultimately prevailing! Ha ha! Woo hoo!
Chris, Chase, and I then rushed off to meet an old friend of his from Arizona. We picked Carmel up at the outlet mall, got dinner at the local favorite diner Zippy's, then dropped her off at the airport for her flight back to Maui. It was nice to meet and visit with her and hear old stories of Chris' college days in Arizona. Plus, Carmel got a great picture of Chase smiling!
We then drove back to Miya's where everyone was still hanging out, watching football, and then starting a game of poker. We played with the babies and had baby talk a bit before taking some leftovers home and getting Chase ready for bed.
It was a busy, fun-filled day!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Following With His Eyes
Tuesday, 23 October 2007
Yesterday, Chase was wonderful: ate well, playful and happy, slept when I was grocery shopping, slept when I prepped dinner, and then slept when I cooked, allowing me to get dinner ready and the dishes all washed and clean by the time Chris came home at 6 pm. Chris and I ate dinner early, relaxed, and then we played cards and went to bed early.
So, of course today was just the opposite! Chase was fussy all morning, didn't want me to put him down, and he really didn't like the bottle at all (I tried!). Plus, my brother and I got into it again about house stuff, I had no time to work on my school reports, and no time to cook dinner (good thing we had leftovers!). By evening, Chase was fine and in a happier mood. It's cute because he follows and tracks my new SIGG water bottle when I drink from it. I think he's attracted to the bright blue and brown geometric shapes. He follows it up and down as I drink.
Tonight, I sang "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and he tracked and followed my hands with his eyes as I did the motions and sang. It's fun to see Chase interacting more and more each day. Even when I talked on the phone tonight, he smiled and cooed and squealed in delight, thinking that I was talking to him.
Though we stayed home all day today, it was a productive afternoon. I got an estimate from a skylights company (actually a neighbor of the Halsalls) to add ventilating skylights to our home, then made calls and emails to my parents' friends about appraising the house, mortgages, and other important property stuff. There is still lots to figure out!
Yesterday, Chase was wonderful: ate well, playful and happy, slept when I was grocery shopping, slept when I prepped dinner, and then slept when I cooked, allowing me to get dinner ready and the dishes all washed and clean by the time Chris came home at 6 pm. Chris and I ate dinner early, relaxed, and then we played cards and went to bed early.
So, of course today was just the opposite! Chase was fussy all morning, didn't want me to put him down, and he really didn't like the bottle at all (I tried!). Plus, my brother and I got into it again about house stuff, I had no time to work on my school reports, and no time to cook dinner (good thing we had leftovers!). By evening, Chase was fine and in a happier mood. It's cute because he follows and tracks my new SIGG water bottle when I drink from it. I think he's attracted to the bright blue and brown geometric shapes. He follows it up and down as I drink.
Tonight, I sang "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and he tracked and followed my hands with his eyes as I did the motions and sang. It's fun to see Chase interacting more and more each day. Even when I talked on the phone tonight, he smiled and cooed and squealed in delight, thinking that I was talking to him.
Though we stayed home all day today, it was a productive afternoon. I got an estimate from a skylights company (actually a neighbor of the Halsalls) to add ventilating skylights to our home, then made calls and emails to my parents' friends about appraising the house, mortgages, and other important property stuff. There is still lots to figure out!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Oh No!
Sunday, 21 October 2007
I managed to go to 7 am yoga this morning, and it was a much better class than yesterday! I was more hydrated and had much more energy to get through all 26 poses and the hour and a half "torture chamber" as the Bikram yoga studio is so affectionately referred to. Plus, by the time I got home, both boys (Chase and Daddy) were still sleeping, so I had time to shower, make and eat breakfast, pump, and relax a little before waking Chase up to eat (Daddy was still asleep.).
We did a test today to see why Chase has been so fussy with eating. I tried my hand at giving him a bottle (which isn't my forte, since I'm used to just breastfeeding), but Chase was more interested in talking to me and smiling. Chris tried the bottle, but still no luck. Finally, I put Chase on the boob, and he started sucking away contentedly no problem. That little bugger! We're going to have to retrain him on the bottle otherwise he's really going to have a hard time when I go back to work!
We had a productive afternoon with grocery shopping at Costco, and Uncle Gary helping me wash the cars (and I cleaned and organized the inside!) Of course, Chris brought Chase upstairs when he was hungry. We had dinner with the Halsalls at the regular Big City Diner.
Chase was his usual fussy self at around 7:30 - 8 pm. But, his Nana found him a new toy...either the kid wants a bright green flashing light for Christmas, or he wants an ATM machine because he was just entranced with that light (the one that tells you where to put your ATM card in). It calmed him down and he stared at it for about 15 minutes.
I managed to go to 7 am yoga this morning, and it was a much better class than yesterday! I was more hydrated and had much more energy to get through all 26 poses and the hour and a half "torture chamber" as the Bikram yoga studio is so affectionately referred to. Plus, by the time I got home, both boys (Chase and Daddy) were still sleeping, so I had time to shower, make and eat breakfast, pump, and relax a little before waking Chase up to eat (Daddy was still asleep.).
We did a test today to see why Chase has been so fussy with eating. I tried my hand at giving him a bottle (which isn't my forte, since I'm used to just breastfeeding), but Chase was more interested in talking to me and smiling. Chris tried the bottle, but still no luck. Finally, I put Chase on the boob, and he started sucking away contentedly no problem. That little bugger! We're going to have to retrain him on the bottle otherwise he's really going to have a hard time when I go back to work!
We had a productive afternoon with grocery shopping at Costco, and Uncle Gary helping me wash the cars (and I cleaned and organized the inside!) Of course, Chris brought Chase upstairs when he was hungry. We had dinner with the Halsalls at the regular Big City Diner.
Chase was his usual fussy self at around 7:30 - 8 pm. But, his Nana found him a new toy...either the kid wants a bright green flashing light for Christmas, or he wants an ATM machine because he was just entranced with that light (the one that tells you where to put your ATM card in). It calmed him down and he stared at it for about 15 minutes.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Wiped Out
Saturday, 20 October 2007
Missed 7 am yoga, but decided to go to 9 am yoga instead because my body really needed it after two weeks of missing yoga. Left Chase with sleeping Daddy and suffered through yoga. I did not bring enough water (using a new aluminum bottle that is not as big as my Nalgenes. Chris got me the new bottle after all the Nalgene plastic bottle issues.) and had to stop and couldn't hold a lot of the poses. But, at least I went and stretched. That felt good. Caught up with people I hadn't seen in awhile, including one regular who asked how my dad was. I told her that he passed away in April, and she could identify with what I was going through because she also moved here to take care of her dad and eventually lost him to a terminal illness.
Got home to find a weary Chris who said that Chase had cried and cried ever since I left. He tried to feed him from the bottle, but Chase didn't eat much. I woke Chase up so that I could feed him, and he seemed fine. He was happy and talking.
We're now wondering if Chase is starting to favor me more than the bottle (as I have been strictly breastfeeding for awhile now). We'll have to try giving him a daily bottle so that he gets used to it before I head back to work in January.
Chris went mountain biking with his friends, and Chase and I went to meet our other friend Christa for lunch. She treated us to CPK and was amazed at how different Chase looked since he was born. We caught up and, after lunch, she helped me find a place to sit so I could nurse. Chase and I hung out at the mall for a couple of hours after that, enjoying the air condition. We came home and hung out at Uncle Gary's. Auntie Stevi and cousin Lauren had fun visiting with Chase.
Chris and I cooked dinner tonight, and because I didn't take a nap after yoga today (which was probably a better idea otherwise I would have been useless all day long), I'm exhausted!
Perhaps I'll take my nap now before Chase wakes up from his!
Missed 7 am yoga, but decided to go to 9 am yoga instead because my body really needed it after two weeks of missing yoga. Left Chase with sleeping Daddy and suffered through yoga. I did not bring enough water (using a new aluminum bottle that is not as big as my Nalgenes. Chris got me the new bottle after all the Nalgene plastic bottle issues.) and had to stop and couldn't hold a lot of the poses. But, at least I went and stretched. That felt good. Caught up with people I hadn't seen in awhile, including one regular who asked how my dad was. I told her that he passed away in April, and she could identify with what I was going through because she also moved here to take care of her dad and eventually lost him to a terminal illness.
Got home to find a weary Chris who said that Chase had cried and cried ever since I left. He tried to feed him from the bottle, but Chase didn't eat much. I woke Chase up so that I could feed him, and he seemed fine. He was happy and talking.
We're now wondering if Chase is starting to favor me more than the bottle (as I have been strictly breastfeeding for awhile now). We'll have to try giving him a daily bottle so that he gets used to it before I head back to work in January.
Chris went mountain biking with his friends, and Chase and I went to meet our other friend Christa for lunch. She treated us to CPK and was amazed at how different Chase looked since he was born. We caught up and, after lunch, she helped me find a place to sit so I could nurse. Chase and I hung out at the mall for a couple of hours after that, enjoying the air condition. We came home and hung out at Uncle Gary's. Auntie Stevi and cousin Lauren had fun visiting with Chase.
Chris and I cooked dinner tonight, and because I didn't take a nap after yoga today (which was probably a better idea otherwise I would have been useless all day long), I'm exhausted!
Perhaps I'll take my nap now before Chase wakes up from his!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Watch Dr. Phil on Tuesday, October 23!
Friday, 19 October 2007
I got this email from the ALS Association. Stay tuned for ALS coverage on Dr. Phil next week Tuesday!
Los Angeles ALS Advocate Visits with Dr. Phil
"Denise Glass, a board member of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of The ALS Association, is an active, dynamic woman with ALS who is dedicated to bringing greater awareness to the disease.
The 50-year-old Glass has traveled to Antarctica, Paris and soared in a hot-air balloon in the skies of Wyoming since her diagnosis in 2001. So, she was more than willing to travel to the Paramount Studios in Hollywood recently to tape a segment on the “Dr. Phil” television show.
Glass appeared on the special show that marks the 10th anniversary of author Mitch Albom’s groundbreaking book, “Tuesdays with Morrie” about the life lessons drawn from Albom’s conversations with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who had ALS.
“I hope the millions of people who see this show will become more informed about Lou Gehrig’s Disease and support The ALS Association in our drive to eradicate it from the face of the earth,” said Glass, who is actively involved in The Association’s advocacy efforts.
Check local listings for times and channels for the broadcast, scheduled to air October 23."
I got this email from the ALS Association. Stay tuned for ALS coverage on Dr. Phil next week Tuesday!
Los Angeles ALS Advocate Visits with Dr. Phil
"Denise Glass, a board member of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of The ALS Association, is an active, dynamic woman with ALS who is dedicated to bringing greater awareness to the disease.
The 50-year-old Glass has traveled to Antarctica, Paris and soared in a hot-air balloon in the skies of Wyoming since her diagnosis in 2001. So, she was more than willing to travel to the Paramount Studios in Hollywood recently to tape a segment on the “Dr. Phil” television show.
Glass appeared on the special show that marks the 10th anniversary of author Mitch Albom’s groundbreaking book, “Tuesdays with Morrie” about the life lessons drawn from Albom’s conversations with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who had ALS.
“I hope the millions of people who see this show will become more informed about Lou Gehrig’s Disease and support The ALS Association in our drive to eradicate it from the face of the earth,” said Glass, who is actively involved in The Association’s advocacy efforts.
Check local listings for times and channels for the broadcast, scheduled to air October 23."
School
Friday, 19 October 2007
I went to work the past three days, to help proctor statewide testing for Grades 4, 5, and 6. Everyone asked if I was back. No, not yet. Just helping out for testing. The students did writing and science tests. It was good practice to see what life will be like when I have to get myself ready, get baby ready, eat breakfast, and getting us, and the diaper bag, my school bag, and my pump up 85 stairs and out the door by 7:30 am. And actually, I'll have to get out earlier when I really go back to work in January. The Halsalls watched Chase the past few mornings, and although we were concerned about him not eating as much and being fussy yesterday, he seems to be in a good mood and not sick at all. They have had fun playing with him, and he's been super smiley today.
The funniest thing is that I've been proctoring the test, and at about 9 am each day, I have had to pump. So, I just put my nursing cover on, sit at the teacher's desk, and pump away, unbeknownst to any of the kids. I even reminded kids to "Try your best," and to "Stay focused", and then 15 minutes later, walked off to the sink with two bottles of milk. They had absolutely no idea.
Yesterday my principal asked me if I had time at home to do stuff, asked me if I'm bored at home. Today, my principal gave me some work to do at home, as if I have so much free time. But, it's just computer stuff. Not too bad. Perhaps it will keep me from searching for deals on Craigslist. Ha!
The past few days, I've been taking Chase to Kahala Mall in the afternoons just so we can cool off in the air condition. It's nice to walk around with him. He looks around, and I nurse him when I need to, exchanging smiles and hellos with all the other moms and babies with the same idea as us (getting out of the heat!).
The Christmas decorations are starting to go up in stores, and I tried to see if Chase liked the lights and ornaments, but he is usually more interested in ceiling fans, lines on the ceiling, patterns on people's shirts, and faces of course.
This afternoon, we went to visit Miya and Taiga who recently returned from their trip to San Francisco. We exchanged gifts (Miya celebrated her birthday while she was gone.) and tried to get the boys to visit with each other. Chase stared at Taiga, and Taiga waved at Chase and pointed out his nose and elbow and toes, and then, all of a sudden, he bonked Chase on the head with his head! Chase started crying, but stopped after a few seconds after I carried him. Apparently, Pastor Steve had taught Taiga this friendly tap to be playful. But, Taiga didn't realize that you shouldn't head butt little babies. Chase was fine. We're going to get all together next weekend to celebrate the babies when Miya hosts the baby shower that didn't happen way back when. We have lots to be thankful for, as Taiga is better, Pua gave birth to baby Max in August, and Chase is growing bigger.
We're also thankful for health insurance, as Miya got their hospital bill for Taiga's month and a half stay in the ICU. Let's just say you could buy a sizeable house for the amount, but thank goodness they only have to put out a little over a hundred bucks.
I went to work the past three days, to help proctor statewide testing for Grades 4, 5, and 6. Everyone asked if I was back. No, not yet. Just helping out for testing. The students did writing and science tests. It was good practice to see what life will be like when I have to get myself ready, get baby ready, eat breakfast, and getting us, and the diaper bag, my school bag, and my pump up 85 stairs and out the door by 7:30 am. And actually, I'll have to get out earlier when I really go back to work in January. The Halsalls watched Chase the past few mornings, and although we were concerned about him not eating as much and being fussy yesterday, he seems to be in a good mood and not sick at all. They have had fun playing with him, and he's been super smiley today.
The funniest thing is that I've been proctoring the test, and at about 9 am each day, I have had to pump. So, I just put my nursing cover on, sit at the teacher's desk, and pump away, unbeknownst to any of the kids. I even reminded kids to "Try your best," and to "Stay focused", and then 15 minutes later, walked off to the sink with two bottles of milk. They had absolutely no idea.
Yesterday my principal asked me if I had time at home to do stuff, asked me if I'm bored at home. Today, my principal gave me some work to do at home, as if I have so much free time. But, it's just computer stuff. Not too bad. Perhaps it will keep me from searching for deals on Craigslist. Ha!
The past few days, I've been taking Chase to Kahala Mall in the afternoons just so we can cool off in the air condition. It's nice to walk around with him. He looks around, and I nurse him when I need to, exchanging smiles and hellos with all the other moms and babies with the same idea as us (getting out of the heat!).
The Christmas decorations are starting to go up in stores, and I tried to see if Chase liked the lights and ornaments, but he is usually more interested in ceiling fans, lines on the ceiling, patterns on people's shirts, and faces of course.
This afternoon, we went to visit Miya and Taiga who recently returned from their trip to San Francisco. We exchanged gifts (Miya celebrated her birthday while she was gone.) and tried to get the boys to visit with each other. Chase stared at Taiga, and Taiga waved at Chase and pointed out his nose and elbow and toes, and then, all of a sudden, he bonked Chase on the head with his head! Chase started crying, but stopped after a few seconds after I carried him. Apparently, Pastor Steve had taught Taiga this friendly tap to be playful. But, Taiga didn't realize that you shouldn't head butt little babies. Chase was fine. We're going to get all together next weekend to celebrate the babies when Miya hosts the baby shower that didn't happen way back when. We have lots to be thankful for, as Taiga is better, Pua gave birth to baby Max in August, and Chase is growing bigger.
We're also thankful for health insurance, as Miya got their hospital bill for Taiga's month and a half stay in the ICU. Let's just say you could buy a sizeable house for the amount, but thank goodness they only have to put out a little over a hundred bucks.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Fall Changes
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
We made flight reservations last week to go to California to visit my mom and other relatives in December. It will be the first time for my aunts and uncles and cousins to meet Chris and Chase. Plus, Chase is the first great-grandchild for my grandmother, so she's excited to finally meet him in person! They're all helping me get warm clothes since we really don't have any here in Hawai'i! He doesn't even wear socks here! Chris will be visiting for one week, and Chase and I will be staying for a little over two weeks. It will be a fun trip.
Chase has been cooing and gurgling a lot more (We sing songs and have daily conversations about the weather, politics, and current events). He is still a wiggle worm, and has starting making clicking sounds with his mouth. Those little nubs in his gums are there, proving that he is indeed teething, as he gnaws on wrists, fists, teething rings, and shoulders. He wants to crawl and move so bad that when you hold him he kicks his legs and flails his arms and butts his head against you. But, he still doesn't last on tummy time for long. When we push his legs (on tummy time), he will make it to the other end of the crib, but gets frustrated with his face stuffed into the ground.
He's still got all of Daddy's expressions, showing that he is truly his father's son. And, just like his daddy, he takes a long time to get up in the morning (going through a ritual of loud grunting and stretching), but he gets grouchy if he is not fed immediately (He gets that from Mommy.).
I'm waiting for him to go through another growth spurt because he hasn't been gaining as much weight as he was the first couple of months. He's still a little guy (wearing 3 months or 0-3 months clothes), but at least he's proportional and the soft spot on his head is filling in more (I no longer stare at his heart beating through the top of his head.)
This week has been consumed with researching for contractors and handymen to do repairs on the house (stairs, lanai, windows) as Jay and his girlfriend Shelly recently bought a $700,000 house. It's still in escrow, but the plan is for them to move out in a couple of months (They may rent the house back to its original owners until they find a place) and for us to fix up this house (as it has not had any major repairs in 30 years). I've also been looking for daycare for Chase but it's hard to find someone. I may just have to stay home with him (which wouldn't be all that bad, except that I am providing the health care insurance for all of us!).
The weather is getting cooler at night and is more bearable during the day. It gets dark earlier (by 6 pm), but that's nothing compared to Seattle I know. Although the leaves don't change color here and the temperatures don't drop dramatically, time is still flying by as winter approaches.
Finally, copy and paste this link to see a news clip of Peggy Chun (a local artist with ALS who only can move her eyes now) as she presents her new book, The Watercolor Cat.
http://www.khon2.com:80/news/education/10219541.html
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