Sweet Tooth

Sunday, 31 August 2008

After doing the mandatory house chores for the weekend (laundry and cleaning bathrooms), we decided to try the new Yogurtland by UH. We chose our yogurt flavors (I think I ended up with about 5 different ones - tart, cheesecake, taro, etc.) from the dispensers, and then topped it with a variety of toppings (Chris' bowl looked like a splash of rainbow treats from Farrell's, with gummy bears, sprinkles, and other sweet things on top). I kept it simple and just sprinkled graham cracker crumbs and fresh blueberries on mine. We ran into friends, Linh and Alan and Jordan, joining them at their table to enjoy our afternoon dessert treat. For about 40 cents an ounce, it wasn't bad. I like how you can choose your own goodies. But I think I'm still a Yami Yogurt fan.

We ran a bunch of errands afterwards, then took a long windy road trip up Tantalus, to put Chase to sleep and to take in some city views from the picturesque lookouts. We met the Halsalls for Sunday dinner at Big City Diner. Chase made our server Sarah laugh with his "Incredible Hulk" impression. He surprised us with his love for brown rice, eating nearly an entire scoop all on his own, before he started decorating the floor with food.

Met high school friend David for, my third dessert of the day, ice cream at Bubbies. We talked about things to do in Thailand for his upcoming trip, Chase, his wedding details, and caught up on friends. He was only here for a long weekend before heading back to California.

After my sweet tooth today, it's no wonder the dentist found a small cavity on Friday. Better brush and flouride rinse good tonight.

The Okinawan Festival

Saturday, 30 August 2008

Last night I was so tired that I went to bed after nursing Chase at 8 pm. I didn't wake up (well actually I woke up twice in the middle of the night to nurse Chase) until 7 am. I feel much better, still sick, but I needed the sleep.

Chris went bike riding all day.

I took Chase for a walk up to Maunalani Park, now that my hip and back pain is gone. It felt good to finally exercise without pain! Chase fell asleep on the walk. I enjoyed looking at new houses and construction around the neighborhood, just dreaming of what I can do to our house. Chase didn't wake up for 2 hours, until we arrived at our next destination...Kapi'olani Park, for the annual Okinawan Festival. We ran into friends Joel and Sonyei. They gave us scrips to buy food. We enjoyed some shaved ice, Okinawan soba, and sushi. We planted ourselves under a shady tree and enjoyed the breezes and people watching. Chase took pictures with Uncle Joel and his taiko drum. After lunch with Miya and Junji and Taiga, we walked around to see the art and cultural exhibits. I made a headband for Chase while he slept in the stroller, with the musical entertainment in the background. Chris joined us at 4:30 pm, just in time for the bon dance. He took Chase on his shoulders for some dancing in the concentric circles. Onlookers commented on Chase's cute yukata, a gift from Chris' friend in Okinawa.

It was a fun-filled day of sun, food, culture, and dancing.

Baby's Sick, Mommy's Sick

Thursday, 28 August 2008

So, now I caught Chase's cold. My ears hurt, my throat hurts, and I've had a sneezy, runny nose all day long. Great.

Chase is 14 Months Old!

Wednesday, 27 August 2008

Chase is doing much better today, but his ears still really hurt at times. The Halsalls took Chase to Costco so that I could go to my physical therapy appointment this afternoon. Of course, Chase wanted everything in the store. So what did Chase get? A toy. But, Nana was so happy to be reminded that today is Chase's 14 month birthday, so we'll just call the new train a "birthday present".

Chase's latest things:
* Playing with rocks and twigs, the garden hose (with water coming out of it, is even better), tires, and just about anything he can pick up in the yard.
* Running up and down the gravel driveway (I actually have to Chase him so that he doesn't run into the street!)
* Knocking us in the head when he shows us how the birds eat
* Throwing food on the kitchen floor (for mere amusement and to show us how the birds eat)
* Bringing us his shoes when he wants to put them on and go for a walk

Things Chase is REALLY into:
* pinwheels (He doesn't really watch them spin. I think he just likes them because he can hold them in his hand..they're just his size!)
* feeding the birds
* looking for helicopters and airplanes in the sky when he hears them overhead
* cheerios, bread, pasta, poi
* ice chips/cubes (He likes to eat them on hot days, and then throw them all over the floor.)
* cuddling up with his stuffed animals (and then tossing them WWF-style on the floor)
* growling (when he's happy and doing his "he he he" laugh, and when he's frustrated and angry and making his "Incredible Hulk" face)
* following us all over the house
* crawling off the bed
* playing with water (puddles, the hose, the bath, the beach, the pool, ice, rain, the faucets in the sink, etc.)

To put it simply, Chase is one active little toddler. (And according to our doctor's visit yesterday, he's only 19 pounds!)

Sick Baby

Tuesday, 26 August 2008

Decided to take Chase to the doctor's this morning after feeling rattling in his chest and wheezing. Chris took off the morning from work (easier for him to do than for me, as I'd have to write sub plans) and took him to the doctor's and to get his prescription. Turns out, he's got bronchiolitis and an ear infection. This is the first time he's ever had a sickness this bad, and his first ear infection. Now he's on antibiotics and cough syrup for the next couple weeks, so we'll see how it goes giving him medicine.

Chase is still as playful as always, but occasionally screams because of his ear infection, and he's been tugging at his ear more. It's so hard to see him scream, but he's been nursing a lot more lately for the fluids (and probably for comfort)...Do I even have any milk left? I guess so...

Auntie Stevi and I caught up this afternoon about the addicting Korean drama we've been watching. We're on a mission to finish it. Perhaps I can nurse and watch at the same time?

Korean Dramas

Saturday, 23 August 2008

Chase slept through the night till 6 am, as he has this entire week. He caught Taiga's cold though, as he's been coughing and sneezing all day, with a runny nose.

We managed to have a productive day. This morning, Chase played in the driveway. Then, we noticed a garage sale a couple houses down and stopped by to check it out. I bought a wooden activity cube for $5. He's been having a lot of fun exploring it. The rest of the afternoon was spent going to Office Depot to get mouse and keyboard pads, Nordstrom Rack for a quick shopping stop, Home Depot to get grass and fertilizer for our yard, and Kua'aina Burgers for lunch.

I watched some Korean dramas in the afternoon, as I watched for the entire night last night (giving up my Olympic watching because I'm so hooked on this show now!). We almost decided not to go, but after seeing Chase running amok in the house, decided he was feeling okay to go to the zoo.

Tonight, HMSA (Chris' company) had a 70th anniversary family celebration at the zoo. They rented the whole zoo out and had live Hawaiian entertainment, many inflatables and jumpers (and even the Tumblebus) for the kids, arts activities and games, hot dogs and hamburgers, a popcorn and shaved ice station, and the movie "Ratatouille" on the lawn. It was fun to ride the Waikiki Trolley to and from KCC to the zoo. We had fun hanging out with his coworkers from his department. The company put on a fun party.

Got home after 8:30 pm and Auntie Stevi said she had been watching the K-drama going on 6 hours! She even came down to our house to borrow one of the DVDs because hers was skipping (and there was no way she was going to miss out!). Their dog Selena followed us home, and I brought her back up to the house only to tease my aunt and uncle that their poor dog has been wondering why her family has been so busy watching K-dramas that they forgot about her! But, I can't tease, because right after I came downstairs, I turned on the TV and DVD and watched more K-dramas myself.

Chase's Latest Things

Friday, 22 August 2008

Chase is like his mommy - He eats all the time, even if he just had a full meal; and if someone else is eating, he doesn't want to miss out. What goes in, must come out though....and he did that a lot too.

My back is feeling much better today. It's not excrutiatingly, unbearable sore, and so it's easier to walk and put pressure on my left leg. But, it still is tender.

As he approaches 14 months of age, Chase is doing lots of fun things...

Chase's latest things:
* Saying "bah bah", meaning "bark bark" when a dog barks. As soon as he hears or sees a dog, he goes "bah bah".
* He nods his head repeatedly to mimic how the birds eat. It's cute, but not so much when you're holding him and he bonks you on the head.
* He still loves giving Mommy hugs. If I bend down to squat, he'll come running over, put his arms around my shoulders, lean his head down on my shoulder, and give me a hug. It's very cute.

While I was cooking popcorn on the stove today, Chase decided to grab his milk bottle from the counter, pour milk all over the floor, and play in it. Fun times!

Exploring

Tuesday, 19 August 2008

Chase played around and explored the driveway today. Since we have three houses on our property, our driveway holds about 7 cars. Chase always manages to find the little screws and nuts and bolts from cousin Geoff's "garage" work on his truck. He's discovered the rocks and pieces of wood by Uncle Ray's garage. And he loves carrying the hose attachments.

Thursday, 21 August 2008

Chase stayed at the Halsalls all day. I went to get acupuncture in Chinatown this afternoon. I figured, I've tried everything else. Let's try this. My back feels better now, but it's still tight.

Chase is enjoying facing forward while riding in the car, now that we've turned his carseat around. He had fun throwing pebbles and splashing in puddles on the front sidewalk.

Back to Books

Monday, 18 August 2008

My back was so sore today that I sat on a heat pack all day during our workshop. The only comfortable position has been lying on the hard floor. Chase thinks it's funny, and of course, starts jumping all over me.

Chase's favorite books at the moment: Today I Will Fly by Mo Wililams (a gift from Stacy - thanks Stace!), and the I Can Draw book Nana got from Costco. Even though the drawings are so sophisticated, Chase loves looking at the colorful pictures in the drawing book. Nana, being an artist and all, is trying to train him early to get into drawing, since his daddy is not so much of a drawer. Chase wants to read both of these books all the time and will sit very quietly and intently as we read him the books.

Chase pooped in the bath tonight. After cleaning him and the bath up, I put him to bed early because my back couldn't take it any longer, and Chris wasn't home from work until late. Surprisingly, Chase slept through the night from 7:30 pm - 6:30 am! Wow!

Trying Out For "LOST"

Saturday, 16 August 2008

Since my back is still hurting, I didn't do yoga this morning. Instead, we decided to go stand in line for the open casting call for "LOST". Yes, we stood in line for 2 hours total. With my hurt back/hip..i'm suffering now. So, perhaps that wasn't such a great idea for me to stand for that long. There was a huge article in the paper yesterday, so of course Chris wanted to go audition. They were looking for local people, so Chris was sure that me and Chase were more likely to be of interest than himself, but we all had to try anyway. Chase was a champ while we were in line, and we were smart to have brought an umbrella to keep us shaded from the sun. We fed him in line, and tried to entertain him with the weeds and grass around us. He only started to lose it towards the end when we made it into the school cafeteria for our second line of waiting to get our pictures taken. We were #782 and #783. We had to fill out applications with our measurements (I actually had no idea what my waist and hip measurements were, and after calling my aunt and cousin, just took a wild guess - and I was way off), any experience we have, our hobbies, and if we'd be interested in "EXTRA" work. Then they took a picture of us, asked if we speak any other languages. They were looking for local people, so all the haole people like Chris, they just smiled and said "Thank you for coming." They talked a bit more to me. Since Chase was with me too in the picture, they asked if I wanted to include him on my application too. The guy said that I have a great smile and asked if I can speak a little Hawaiian. Even if we don't get picked, at least it was worth a try for the experience. (And you never know...a couple of my coworkers were extras in past seasons)...

My back was killing me afterwards and so Chris and Chase went on the Costco run on their own while I slept in the car.

Playing in the Sun

Friday, 15 August 2008

We had a state holiday today, Admissions Day. Chris, of course, had to work. I stopped by school to pick up the mess in my classroom. Kids had strewn books around my carpet, and I had to put some chairs and equipment away. Chase enjoyed playing in the leaves and with the pinwheel outside my room. He grabbed some books from the bookshelves, which we took to the park with us.

We met some Honolulu Mommies at Manoa Park for a playdate. He barely napped (half an hour, maybe). But he had fun, eating, playing with a ball, picking up all the garbage in the park (gross, but I guess he's trying to be a good citizen), and sitting in the power wheels with the other kids. He had other moms read books to him, and it was fun to meet new moms and kids.

This afternoon, it was too hot in our house, so we hung out at Auntie Stevi's. We watched Korean dramas, "Stairway to Heaven", which was such a soap opera, but I have to admit, it was kind of addicting. Chase played in the house with all the toys, and I took him outside to play in the pool in the yard. He liked playing with the hose, spraying his own face with water and putting the hose over his head. He even tried to put his face in the pool of water a couple of times.

I started blowing bubbles. The funniest thing was watching how intent he was on blowing bubbles. He wasn't interested in the bubbles as much as he was interested in the mechanics of how they were blown. For 15 minutes, he tried to take the wand out of the bottle and put it back in (mimicking how I dipped it in the liquid soap). He would get frustrated when he couldn't grab the wand out of the bottle. But, he was persistent.

He snacked and ate all day. He ate 2 bananas in less than 5 minutes this afternoon. We met Chris at Kahala Mall for dinner at Panda Express. He is such an active boy, running and climbing all over the place. But, when he wants to concentrate on something, whether it is reading a book, or blowing bubbles, he actually focuses on that one thing for quite a long time!

Open House

Thursday, 14 August 2008

Tonight was Open House at school. Although my presentation got started late and went over time, I had a packed classroom full of parents. Brenda, Michelle, Emily, and I went out to dinner afterwards at Uncle Bo's. We enjoyed pupus and gossiped about the latest staff dramas. It was loud, and the bar was crowded. It was nice to hang out with the girls though and not have to worry about Chase at home with daddy. I came home close to 10:30 pm and promptly turned on the TV to watch the final gymnastics competition to see Nastia Liukin win the all-around gold in the Olympics.

Wildest Show

Wednesday, 13 August 2008

Miya took Taiga and Chase to Toddler Time at Kahala Mall today. They blew bubbles in the yard this afternoon. It's great that she has such a big open space for the kids to play in, inside and outside. Tonight, we went to the last Wildest Show in Town concert at the zoo for the summer. Ran into a Honolulu Mommies friend, Chase visited the animals, we ate, and relaxed to the Hawaiian music in the background.

Chase has been giving hugs all the time, which is so sweet. Today, he must have tried to hug Taiga ten times, and Miya said that by the tenth time, Taiga was giving him a strange look. It's sweet when he comes over to me and gives me a hug and lays his head on my shoulder. Such a sweet boy.

Super Active Baby/Non Active Mom

Tuesday, 12 August 2008

Chase was super active today, walking all over Miya's house, down hallways and into different rooms, checking everything out. I had PT this afternoon and went to yoga tonight. Yoga was not the best idea though, as it was too painful on my back. I could barely survive the hour-long standing series on my left leg. I took pain medication and lay on the heat pack tonight. Chase only woke up once this evening at 1:30 am! Then he slept all the way till 6:30 am! So, I have a super active baby and I'm a not so active mom...hmmm, that will make for an interesting combination this week.

Always Find Humor in Life

Sunday, 10 August 2008

I was so tired today. After Chase was attached to me all morning, I took a nearly 3 hour nap in the middle of the day. Chris did laundry. We cleaned the screens and louvres in the windows (after probably a year), and we did some grocery shopping in the late afternoon. Ran into Alexis and Vaihiti at Safeway. Vaihiti started crying, then Chase started crying. Strange. Told her about my back and how I hoped to be back at yoga soon.

We tried a new burgers place for dinner tonight. Burgers on the Edge, from the same owners as Formaggio, a local wine restaurant. I was in bed by 8 pm, exhausted, and with hip pain again after walking at the market.

Today's funny moments: I hit my head on something when I went to stand on the chair to hang up the window screen, and Chase started laughing hysterically. (We scolded him for laughing, but it was kind of funny.) When Chris was putting on Chase's diaper after his bath, Chase let out a fart and started laughing.

Great...We have a comedian on our hands. I guess it's good that we have a son who always finds humor in life.

Back Pain is Beyond Painful

Saturday, 9 August 2008

Spent all week in pain since the low back pain I was experiencing on my left side last week gravitated down to my hip area. It was so bad this week that it was hard to be at work. It was hard to sit, stand, walk, basically just exist. As bad as contractions when I was in labor (and I should know as I had no pain medication). It was so bad throughout the week that I finally went to the doctor. After x-rays, which just confirmed my scoliosis, I know I probably tweaked it pushing too hard in yoga (cuz I'm not as flexible as I used to be pre-baby). Carrying baby and Costco groceries up and down 100 stairs daily just exacerbates the pain. I've been to physical therapy twice this week, where they massaged my back, taught me exercises, and did electrostim on my back. Today, my coworker friend did deep tissue massage on my body for over 2 hours! It was sore, but great. He tried to show Chris techniques, but Chris was too busy playing and entertaining Chase most of the time. I've been living on Darvocet and prescription ibuprofen all week. (and I'm not one to take medication for pain).

I managed to do some fun things this week in spite of the terrible shooting back pain and numbness

* Hung out with my cousins Tricia and Michelle and Uncle Ed and Aunty Denny visiting from San Jose, CA. Went to Ala Moana beach and played with Chase in the water. Chase slapped Michelle in the face and started laughing (naughty boy!). Went out to dinner with them tonight, along with my brother and Shelly. Good to see them and have the girls meet Chase for the first time (since they're away at college).

* Had a girls' night out last night at The Living Room, a club that our friend Sonyei's cousins just bought. It was her yakudoshi, 33rd birthday celebration. We ate good food (actually catered from the same restaurant we ate at tonight) and talked about blooming romances and reminisced about college days (Did I really wear turtlenecks all the time?). Chase spent all day at the Halsalls. I didn't get home until 9:30 pm!

* Didn't really do anything significant on 8-8-08 besides Sonyei's party. Didn't watch the Olympics opening ceremonies. Haven't seen Barack Obama yet.

* Posted a fun video (which you may have seen before) on www.hawaiiantel.com to enter Chase in the biggest UH Warriors fan contest. Register and click on "Go Warriors" if you want a giggle or two.

Beach "Bar"-B-Q

Sunday, 3 August 2008

Chase has not been sleeping well this week. Granted we've been taking him out past his bedtime. But, even prior to that, he's been waking up 2-4 times in the night. Not good. Especially since I just started back to work.

Today, we drove out to Waialua, on the North Shore of O'ahu to my friend Sonyei's beach house. The occasion? A "Bar"-B-Q for Cathy. It's such a small world I tell you. I went to high school and college with Sonyei. But, we only just reconnected a couple of months ago. Then, I found out that Cathy, another gal who went to UW with us (but grew up in Tacoma), is living here, just graduated from law school, and is dating Sonyei's brother Kalani! Small world. I haven't seen Cathy in over ten years. We went to celebrate her graduation from law school and her finishing her Bar Exam this past week...hence the "Bar"-B-Q.

Chase had a lot of fun playing in the grass with all the coconut husks and sticks. We both took him in the ocean a couple of times, and he had fun chasing crabs in the sand. Cathy and I caught up on friends we know here and from our college days in APSU. We pigged out on food, watched all the other kiddies and babies (Everyone has them I tell ya!), and even ran into my own relatives! (My distant cousin Marisel, who also went to my high school, was there with her husband and kids, since they all graduated with Kalani.) And I got to see the new couple enjoying couplehood...since my good friend Joel and Sonyei are now a couple (thanks to the reconnecting - since we're all high school classmates - at Chase's 1st birthday lu'au). Sonyei's dad actually came to my dad's funeral (as did Sonyei) since he worked with my stepmom. Hawai'i is so small.

We all had a fun time. It wasn't too hot, and we got to reconnect with old friends again. We drove back into town around 6:30 pm, fed Chase a quick dinner and put him to bed. It's been a busy weekend. Let's hope that he sleeps through tonight!

Manoa Bon Dance

Saturday, 2 August 2008

We went to Farmer's Market this morning since I skipped yoga (due to my back hurting). I always enjoy walking around and eating food, even if we don't buy a lot of fruits and vegetables.

Chris went bike riding this afternoon with his friends. So, Chase and I hung out at home. He went swimming in his pool in the yard and took a nap. Auntie Stevi and Uncle Gary watched Chase in the early evening so that I could go get my brows waxed at the salon. They took him for a walk around the block, fed him, and played.

Tonight, we took Chase (and Chris - since this was his first time as well) to another Bon Dance, this time -- my favorite one in Manoa Valley. I love going to this one because of its location, deep in the valley. The lanterns are beautiful. There are always hundreds of people in their kimonos, and the music and food are great as well. We didn't get there until 8 pm. Chase bounced up and down to the rhythm of the taiko drums. Of course, I enjoyed their teriyaki corn on the cob, chicken and rice, croquettes, and andagi.

It's a good thing Chase fell asleep on the way home because this is the second time we've taken him out past his bedtime!

Bon Dance

Friday, 1 August 2008

I picked up Chase after work and took him back to school in time for our Welcome Back Assembly. All the teachers got introduced by the students, and our new principal said a few words. Everyone was surprised to see Chase walking already. I drove around to the Kamehameha Schools preschool and to the YMCA to get some information about preschools for Chase.

Went home and Chase had a lot of fun playing with rocks and dirt along the driveway.

After an early bath, we dressed him up in a cute little outfit one of Chris' friend's sent him from Japan. We went to the Bon Dance in Palolo. Growing up, I always loved going to Bon Dances...loved eating the food of course, and loved the lanterns and the dancing. Since it's that time of year, almost every weekend you can find a Bon Dance happening at a Japanese temple in some neighborhood. I saw one of my students and his mom selling food at tonight's one. Also ran into a coworker who lives nearby. We ate dango (sweet shoyu mochi balls on a stick), yakisoba, and bbq sticks.

Chase was tired around his usual bedtime though (8 pm), and my back was killing me, so we headed home after only an hour and had to enjoy the rest of the music via echoes from the valley below.