Wednesday, July 27, 2011

"She's going to be a disgrace to the Koreans!"

That was an exact quote said by my good friend, Linz.  That was in reference to V's first experience with eating rice cereal last week.  In case you couldn't tell from Linz's quote, V's first time eating RICE cereal didn't go so well.  Just like any baby's first experience eating something other than milk out of a bottle, she did the norm of spitting out every morsel of rice that you put in.  She didn't cry and didn't fuss...but it wasn't like she was thrilled with the experience or begging for more rice.  I think she liked the crazy noises I was making to get her to open her mouth.  There were times when her mouth was shut tight like a vault.  The bad part came the next day when her face broke out in a bright red rash along with her chest.  She was as red as Alex McCord during a heated argument with the Countess (if you don't watch Real Housewives of New York, you won't get that reference.  If you DO watch RHONY, then you understand just how red she got!).  I was worried that she was having an allergic reaction to eating the rice.  However, she wasn't fussy because of a belly ache.  But the words "Allergic To Rice" sparked such a controversy with my friends and family.  "She's half Korean!  How could she be allergic to rice?!"  So, needless to say, we've tried the rice again.  She's doing better with opening her mouth (meaning, I'm doing a good job keeping the crazy ass noises fresh and interesting) and actually swallowing some of the rice.  Her face is still a little red, but I think it's a combination of drool overload and a reaction to the rice.  I can't let V disgrace the Korean population.  She HAS to like rice.  Wish us luck...  
I must have made a good noise for this picture.  

"Really, Mom?  Really?"

She'd rather eat her toes and feet, than rice cereal....

First time trying rice.  

Helping daddy with the spoon.  

Rice face
Okay, she's done.  By the way, this is her dad's face....  

Messy meal time means bath time!  

Friday, July 8, 2011

Dear Violet...

You are 5 months old today!  5 months!! You are growing much too fast...but it's been so much fun watching you grow.  This past month has definitely been filled with so many changes and so many "firsts."  Your personality is sweet and yet a little sassy.  I'd say you're a perfect mix of your daddy and me...of course you get the sweet from me and the sassy from you daddy...  I didn't realize just how much you had grown until you laid side by side by your BFF, Tatum, who will be 1 month old tomorrow.  It made me so happy to know that you're growing, but also a little sad that you're no longer my little newborn baby.  (I'm seriously going to be an emotional wreck when you go to kindergarten, or when you go off to college, or when you get married!!)  
Here are some of the things you've been doing this past month:

--At your 4 month doctor's appointment, you weighed 12 pounds 9 ounces and you were 24 inches long.  You are a petite little lady, but I'm pretty sure you've gained about 5 pounds since your doctor's appointment!  At least that's what my aching back is estimating...  
--At the beginning of June, you were going through a growth spurt.  You were hungry ALL THE TIME and even started waking up at night because you were hungry.  At your 4 month appointment, I discussed with your doctor, supplementing with formula because I just couldn't keep up with your hunger!  So, for about a month, you've been drinking two 6 ounce bottles (usually one in the morning and one in the late afternoon) and then the rest of the time I've been nursing you.  It was a difficult transition for me and I felt a lot of guilt, but I figured I would feel a heck of a lot more guilty if you were starving!  And Linz reassured me that you would not turn into a serial killer because I had to supplement with formula.  I think you're a lot happier now that your belly is so full!  Plus, you've been sleeping through the night again (7:30 pm - 6 am).  So, it looks like formula will be staying in your diet!  
--You went to your first wedding in June!  It was Jami Lee's wedding and you were an angel....until it was your bedtime.  Then it was time to go home.  But it was fun and everyone was so happy to see you!
--On June 30th, you rolled over from back to belly for the first time!  You were so proud of yourself!  You only did it once that day, but then the very next day, you would not stop rolling!  Sometimes you can't easily roll back onto your back, and you get a little frustrated but you can't help yourself but roll back onto your belly!  It's so fun to watch you roll around the floor!  
--Now that you're mobile, it's a little more difficult for me to get ready!  I used to put you on our bed as I fixed my hair, but I can no longer do that.  I used to put you on your play mat in the hallway as I would take a shower, but I can no longer do that!  So, I'm adjusting to your mobility!  
--You're very squirmy now.  You're a little wiggle worm that has to constantly be moving or grabbing for something.  
--You're also a wiggle worm at bedtime now.  You used to sleep in one position on one part of the crib.  Now, I wake up to find that you've somehow pushed yourself to the the top of the crib or you've buried your face in the side of the crib.  It makes me very nervous!  
--You are ticklish.  It's so cute!  You give the biggest belly laugh when we tickle your belly.  Music to my ears.  
--You love to walk.  You pick your feet up and move forward as if you're ready to take off any time!  It's so cute!  But please don't learn to walk too fast!  
--When we read books, you try to turn the pages.  
--You had your first 4th of July celebration!  We had such a great weekend (see earlier post)!  
--You swam in a pool for the first time at Uncle Darin and Aunt Nicki's house.  You loved it.  I hope next year we can put you in a swim class.  
--I'm not sure, but I think you may be teething.  You've been whining a bit lately, which you never do.  You're really slobbery and I've noticed that your nose is a bit snottier (gross, I know).  So, I guess I'm trying to prepare myself for that big change!  
--You take an hour nap in the morning and a 2 hour nap in the afternoon.  I really really really really really really really hope you keep that nap schedule!!  
--You like to splash around during bath time now.  
--No matter where we're at, you are constantly looking around the room and observing everything on the walls, on the floor, on the tables, etc.  You are very curious! 
--You LOVE to be around other kids.  You love watching them and don't mind if they hold you.  I'm thinking you're going to be a social butterfly when you get older.  
--Everything you grab goes into your mouth.  EVERYTHING.  
--You are still a chatterbox.  And I love it more than anything.  

You are the happiest little baby I've ever met and I hope that never changes.  You have made your daddy and me so happy and so blessed.  Every morning, I can't wait to cuddle with you and hear you talk my ear off.  Even though I get a little sad that you're growing so fast, I think about future milestones and get excited when they're coming up!  Your daddy LOVES to show you off and take you places.  I hope you know just how proud he is of you.  Whenever he gets home from work, he can't take the smile off of his face...and it's because of you!  You bring so much joy to our lives and to our families' lives.  Thank you for teaching me how to savor and appreciate the little things in life.  I love you more than anything in the whole wide world!  

Love, 
Mommy




I don't know where she gets this curly hair from!  




Yummy.  



I love this double chin so much!!


Done taking pictures.  

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

V's my Yankee Doodle Sweetheart...

It's July.  I can't believe it.  It's July, it's hot, I'm finally tan and now I'm ready for the fall.  Okay, not really, but I'm already tired of the humidity.  I thought summers used to be really hot...until I had to start lugging around a growing baby!  She may look petite, but she adds about 25 degrees to the hot temperature!  Good thing no one notices my sweaty gross face whenever Violet is with me.   

Violet's first 4th of July was absolutely perfect...because she was absolutely perfect!  We had fun swimming at Darin and Nicki's, hanging out with family and friends, and meeting Violet's future bestie, Tatum, for the first time!  It's crazy to think how much our 4th of July has now changed.  It used to be spent on the lake, soaking up the sun, soaking up some booze and stuffing our faces with 101 different types of cream cheese dips/snacks.  I can honestly say I don't miss those days!  

Violet had so much fun kicking her chubby little legs in the swimming pool!  Her dad just held her the whole time and she just smiled from ear to ear.  Her sweet little cheeks were getting pink from the heat and sun, but she never fussed all day!  She's a dream...   

Ready to show off her swimming legs!  
Such a happy baby!!
Hollywood

Can't take her eyes off the pool.  
She is seriously ready to dive right in!  
Getting used to the water.  

Just chillin' in the shallow end.  
She loved swimming with her daddy.  
Chatterbox
Time to reapply sunscreen.  
Okay!  Ready to get back in the pool!
Swim + Nap = Happy V




My parents came down for the weekend so we had fun hanging out with them!  Of course, they soaked up every second that they could with Violet.  I hardly get to hold her when they're in town!  I'm not complaining though...I get a break to get some things done and to just relax!  

Piggy back ride...Korean style!
Violet with her proud grandmas.  
A cute naked baby makes everyone smile!  

Violet got to meet her future best friend, Tatum.  Tatum's mom and I have been best friends since the second grade, so these two dumplins have no choice but to be besties!  Tatum, I hope V doesn't torture you like I tortured your mommy!  

V kind of looks guilty...like she's the reason why Tatum is crying!  

Uh oh...yep, looks like she just pinched poor Tatum!  

Love these two to pieces!!

Friday, July 1, 2011

5 Things I'm Obsessed With...

1.  Pictures from 4th of July 2009
With it being 4th of July weekend, I've been reminiscing about my summer in New York in 2009.  I was there for a couple of months doing an internship.  I had a wonderful time and would LOVE to go back someday...and even take V there!  I would love to take her to all the museums, Central Park and shopping!  It was actually after my NY summer that I realized I was ready to have kids.  And sure enough, we ended up getting pregnant the very next summer.

Rooftop at the Met.  

This was at the Statue of Liberty.  

Time for fireworks!  

I even got to watch the fireworks with my sissy!  



2.  Speaking of New York, I'm really happy about the legalization of gay marriage.  
I don't want to make this blog a political format, but it is something that I'm so happy about.  I have a lot of gay friends who deserve the same rights as every other human being.  I'm so proud of the concrete jungle and can't wait for the day that all 50 states recognize that love does not discriminate against race, gender, religion or sexuality.
Found these pins on Etsy.  Love them.  

This picture makes me fall even more in love with NYC...

3.  I'm totally obsessed with these shoes!!!  
How cute are these shoes from Zulily?  I almost ordered them for my little lady, but they didn't have her size.
Wouldn't V look so cute in these?

4.  Speaking of my little lady...
Who wouldn't be totally obsessed with this smile?!  She truly is the happiest little lady!


Already posin' with her hip out!  

5.  Totally in love with this dress...   
But not in love with the price...don't worry, Brad, just eye shopping...

I hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July!  Even though Violet is too young to watch the fireworks, holidays are just so much more exciting and happy with her around.  We plan on swimming at Darin and Nicki's, grilling out, visiting with friends and family, and just be a little bit lazy!  I hope you all get to do the same!