Ky-An's bad morning

My poor baby is constipated this morning. It was the worst one I've ever seen, even worst than when he was crying in Dallas. He actually bled!!! It was awful and scary but luckily he got through it. Of course I was about an hour late to work but I just couldn't leave him like that. We called the doctor and he said to give him some magnesium and some neosporin. Those really helped and he was fine the rest of the day. I suspect it's from Hieu feeding him sticky rice all weekend. Ky-An got a taste of it and was in love so he keep asking for the rice. I should've make sure to give him more vegetables and fruits though.

It was just the most awful experience and I couldn't get the image out of my head. I hope I never see him bleed again my entire life.

Week in Ky-An's Pictures

Hieu's favorite picture of our safari man. I don't know why Hieu likes to take the chin straps and pull the hat up like that. I think it's a boy scout thing.


Playing with his favorite toy...my purse.


Check out the pout.


His new favorite skill, squatting. Hieu is amazed at how "neat" he looked squatting. He said if we squat, our butt, knees, and hands would stick out. Ky-An just looks like a ball. LOL.

I love my sisters!

I do love my sisters but they are not the sisters I am referring here. I am referring to my sorority sisters. That's right, I am a sorority girl. I just went to one of my sister's baby shower yesterday that I helped co-hosted and it was so great seeing so many friends I haven't seen for a long time. I miss them so much so I figure I'll dedicate a post to my sorority sisters.

I joined alpha Kappa Delta Phi, an Asian-interest sorority in my sophmore year of college. This is far from those sororities that you always see on television and the media. Sure we had fun, we partied but we also did lots of cultural awareness, service projects, and lots of bonding. Things no one ever see and we don't publicize. These girls impressed me so much during the informational mixer that I knew I had to join. My first impression of them was that they were so beautiful, classy, and oozes with strength and self confidence. I pledged in the Fall of 1995, our chapter was very young and just started for one year. I became President of the sorority in 1997 and Pledge Educator in 1998. It's an amazing experience and lots of hardwork but I learned so much from the organization. The skills I learned during this time I took with me to the working world and through life. The friends that I made in the organization are still very much a part of my life today.

These girls are very much a part of every step I took in life. They were there for Hieu's proposal, bridal shower, my wedding (3 of them were my bridesmaids), my baby shower for Lan Vy, her funeral, and support afterward. Our house was filled with flowers and plants from all the well-wishers and it really helped us a lot to visually see how much we are loved. They were there for Ky-An's birth and meeting him afterward. Professionally, they helped me get my first job after I graduated and my second job in a Fortune 400 company. I still have lunch with some of them monthly and monthly dinner with others. In fact, 3 of them work in a company across the street from me and another lives across the street from me.

Besides seeing each other through functions (sorority and personal), meeting for lunch and dinner, we also email constantly and chat online. The current active house keep us in touch with what they are doing through listserv and newsletters. The ones who I talk to regularly update me on how other girls that they talk to regularly are doing. That way, we always have this bond and it's never weird to see someone after 2 years because you always know what's going on with their life. Even if I haven't talk to someone for 4 years, I can still call them up and say "hey, I am going to be in town so you want to meet up?". I guarantee you the first thing they'll say to me is "That's wonderful. Do you have a place to stay?"

Through the 12 years that they know them, they are still beautiful women inside and out. They went from gorgeous college girls, to confident professionals, to glowing brides, and now nurturing moms. Everyone develop this inner strength and strength that makes them even more beautiful. I am so glad our current active house carry on our tradition and continue to pick and cultivate strong Asian women.

Here are some pictures from the shower:

Madonna in the center, that's the Mother-to-be. Gessie is on the left and is now a mother of two and Mayfan is on the right. She flew in from New York.

Geossie feeding Ava, Trang's baby:

That's my present she's opening!

Third swimming lesson

Ky-An did a little better this time around. I was so dreading it the night before and discuss with Hieu whether or not we should pull him out of class. I was even more worry because Hieu fed him lots of food for breakfast so everytime he cough in class, I worry that he may throw up. Luckily he didn't get to that point this time so that's another improvement! I just hate to put him through all this drama and hate it even more to hear him cry. He literally shakes if I am not holding him close and I feel so bad that I cannot comfort him when he needs me.

He didn't cry when he saw the pool today but did started crying as soon as we got in. He does took more breaks between his crying and only got hysterical whenever he saw the instructor and when she took him away for his one-on-one. I discover that if I engage him in the activities he is less likely to fuss and doesn't cry. For example if I make him clap along with the songs or do more movements, he's distracted and doesn't cry like if I was holding him close and try to comfort him. The instructor said he did improve because whenever she dunks him, he knows to blow out bubbles instead of just swallowing water. That's a big improvement for him so I guess it's worth to it to stick it through.

He's also been doing better in the bathtub. He doesnt' freak out so much anymore and he actually took a bath by himself today in the tub without Hieu having to get in with him!! He did fuss for a little bit but over all he's fine with it. That's a huge difference with two weeks ago where he freaks out just seeing the tub.

Chilling in the water before class. He already looked apprehensive:


Freaking out with instructor:


He really hates laying down on the water. I imagine it's really scary for him to be so close to the water.


Trying to distract him with a toy:


Mom..HELP!!!


High-five:


Humpty Dumpty on the wall. (Look how big he is next to the other kids!)


The reward after swim class. (Yes he's still in those darn bottles):

Are we done?

I've been thinking about whether we should start selling/giving away some of Ky-An's old things because with Ai-Vy coming, we are just going to accumulate more and more things. However before we can do that, we have to answer the question of we are done with kids or not. Hieu is not much help because he said I do most of the work so it's up to me. He would've been okay with just Ky-An and now with Ai-Vy. Financially and practially, I think two kids is all we can handle. In addtion, it also make sense medically because this will be my third c-section already and I am really frighten about a fourth one.

Emotionally it's a different story...when I made a decision to say "okay, we are complete", there's always a little voice that whines "are we really? No more little babies to hold? To care for? Who totally depends on you? No more baby smell and their little cries?" I am only 30 right now so I'll give myself until I am 34 to make any permanent decisions. (That means Hieu will go snip snip. :P) I figure we can also start on our adoption process if we do decide we want more kids right? We've always want to adopt at least one anyway so this will be a great time. As I said, my heart is not listening to my brain right now.

My friends said to hold off with Ky-An's stuff but if I give it more thoughts, I just know we can't afford more than 2 kids and be able to provide for them the way we want to. With Ai-Vy coming, money is already going to be a little tight and we can't even get a van until next year. I also want to be able to start taking vacations with the kids and take them places. I don't want Ky-An to keep having to miss out because his mom is pregnant (again) or that his siblings are too young. I've always want to spend as much time and give my kids as much attention as possible. I feel I can't do that as well if I have more kids. I know there are moms out there who are great with three or more kids but I don't think I can be one of them. Having three right now would also mean I'd have to stay home to save on daycare and we can't really afford that right now with our mortgage and expenses.

As I said, my reasoning is all there for we are done with kids but my heart keep protesting with "no no". I have 4 years to decide so we'll wait and see I guess.

Errands and Finance

I like my telecomuting Thursday. It's the only day of the week where I can run errands during my lunch hour and don't have to worry about toting Ky-An along interrupting his naptime or whatsoever. Because of this, I usually try to cram so many things to do in a few short hours. Last week I managed to go return some stuff in the mall for Ky-An, got a haircut, and a pedicure. This week I went to the DMV to get my driver's license renew. (It's been expired since my birthday in January..eek.) Then I ran to Target to get my friend a baby shower's present for Saturday. I also had to get some ingredients for food I am bringing to the shower and was going to go to Wal-Mart for that but didn't have enough time so I just did all my shopping at Target. Higher prices for the convenience. I got a lot done at Target. I bought all the cards I need for this month, May, and June. I also got all the ingredients for food on Saturday, something to cook for Ky-An tomorrow, and the baby shower gift. How awesome is that?

I was so excited when I came out of the store because I saved $15! I had 3 coupons for $5 off $20 purchase of Bounty, Pampers, Charming, and some other items. I thought the cashier will only ring up one but she scanned in all 3 of them!!! What a wonderful deal. $15 off your grocery bill is a lot. I love it when I got a bargain.

Ever since I found the Finance board on Babycenter, I've been obsessed. I set up a budget for our family and track it in MS Money. It's so cool! I even encourgaged my sisters and parents to set up a budget also. I've also been watching where our money goes and what we can cut out, etc. We are starting it in May so I hope we can stick to it. Wish us luck!

However, I can already see that it will be hard because we have so many things going on in the next few months. In May we have Hieu's sister's birthday, his sister-in-law's birthday, Mother's Day gift for the 2 moms, my aunt's birthday, my uncle coming into town that we have to host a dinner for, my 2 friend's birthday whom I need to get something since they got me gifts for my birthday, Lan Vy's birthday, and our Seaworld trip to San Antonio on Memorial Day weekend. Then in June we have my mom's birthday, my sister's birthday, her boyfriend's (who's like family), and Father's day. July is Hieu's brother's birthday and August is his othe brother's birthday. September is my niece's birthd*Sigh*..can you hear the ringing sound of the register as I list each of these? Oh well, at least Hieu is getting lots of overtime in and can cover some of these expenses and the rest will go to savings. Yeah! We got our tax return back and they are going to savings too. They are going to be used when I am off on my maternity paid because some of them will be unpaid. They will also be going towards hospital payment for the delivery.

Ky-An's 15 months checkup

Today was Ky-An's 15 months checkup. I don't know what Hieu and I were thinking but we thought he was exactly 14 months today. We told the nurse and the doctors that and they asked why is he in when he's only 14 months? Luckily they didn't tell us to reschedule. It's not until we tried to schedule his 18 months checkup up in August that the lady said it should be in July. He's 15 months old today. We counted again and sure enough, he is 15 months!!! Somehow we keep thinking January he's 1 year old so plus 4 months he's 14 months. I don't know what we were thinking!!!

Anyway his appointment was at 10 and by 9 he seemed tired. I decide to go ahead and leave so he can fall asleep for a little bit in the car instead of being cranky at the doctor's office. Well I only meant to drive down one more exit than the one to the doctor's office but of course with my great sense of directions, I was down about 3-4. I basically drove around for 40 minutes while trying to get back but at least Ky-An was sleeping well.

He got 2 shots today and did very well. I forgot to bring some Tylenol so I distracted him playing peek-a-boo while the nurse poke him. He got this look of shock then whined a little after the first one but starts laughing again when he sees me peek-a-boo. The second one he started crying and there was no distracting that...poor guy. At least he only cried for a little bit afterward. The doctor comment on how at ease he is at the doctor's office. He said lots of other kids have anxiety and will cry as soon as they get here. Not Ky-An, he walked right up to the doctor as soon as he came in because he loves the toys our pediatrician have around his stethoscope.

He now weighs 26 pounds, 8 ounces at only 75%! That is the first time he fell below 90% for weight since he was born....pooh! He is 32 inches tall at 90%, more than half as tall as me..hehe. His head is 19 inches at 90%. At 15 months Ky-An can do lots of things he couldn't do a few months ago. He can fake cry and when you come to ask him what's wrong, he'll start crying. He can jump on the bed, and play independently. He gets into trouble but understands when I say "no" or if I give him a command. He can bend down to pick his toys up from the floor if if fell and gets into whatever he can. If he sees we are dressed and he's changed, he'll run to get his shoes because he knows it's time to go. This morning I put on one shoe for him and asked him to go get me the other one. He actually went to go get it and brought it back to me. So smart! hehe. He can also climb up and down his Bouncing Zebra all by himself. Also, if I feed him a big piece of food and tell him to "bite", he'll bite it instead of trying to eat the whole piece like before. Now if I hand him the piece then it's fair game. He'll shove them all in his mouth no matter how big the piece is. He still only has 8 teeth but I think some more are coming soon because he's drooling like crazy again and gnawing on whatever he can. He can sqat and loves to knock down the Lego buildings that mom and dad built for him.

Pregnancy Update

I am 18 weeks and still can fit into most of my big clothes and some smaller maternity pants. I still swim in the maternity shirts so that's pretty good because I got big with Ky-An pretty quickly. I think it's because I was cautious and basically just lay around the whole time. I also was at risk for pre-term labor because I had contractions without knowing and lost my mucous plug at 24 weeks. The doctor had me on limited bedrest and I had to wear the monitor for several weeks. Luckily nothing was wrong and Ky-An came when he's suppose to.

Most of the time I forgot that I am pregnant. I guess that's good that I don't feel heavy yet and I should enjoy it. In addition, Ky-An keeps me pretty busy to think about anything else. I am just trying to enjoy all the time I have with him now before my focus is on another little one. My gum has also been bleeding. I know it's another symptom of pregnancy but it's still not fun.

These are the moments I live for

• I raced home everyday, open the garage door and find a little boy running up to greet me with a big grin on his face and gives me a big hug.
  
  
• I get into bed every night next to this beautiful angelic boy who is peacefully sleeping, his little hands clutching his blanket and his chubby arms peeking through the short-sleeve pjamas.
  
  
• Whenever Ky-An run up to me once in a while for me to hold him or for a hug then he'll run off to play again. He just needs some loving from time to time.
  
  
• The way Hieu and him interacts and how he clings to Hieu every morning. I am so lucky to have that happy family I've always wanted.
  
  
• Whenever I am home with Ky-An, if he doesn't see me because I am behind the counter or something then he would walk around to find me and give me a big grin when he does.
  
  
• Just feeling Ai-Vy kicks everytime. They are so precious and they always make me smile.
  
  
• After every doctor's visit when she assure me Ai-Vy is doing well and is healthy.
  
  
• The days when I get to lay down and take a nap with Ky-An. Then to roll over to hug him after he was crying because he can't feel me in his sleep.
  
  
• Before he falls asleep every night, he'll cuddle up right next to me so that I spoon him to sleep. I could lay there holding him forever.
  
  
• The feeling of Ky-An's skin next to mine whenever I hold him. He's such a teddy bear.
  
  
• Just watching his unstable walk fills my heart with warmth.
  
  
• Whenever Hieu makes me feel loved by indulging my every desire and cravings (and it's a lot)!
  
  
• Baby babbles. I love to hear him talk thinking he's carrying a conversation with you. His tone will go up and down like he's really talking.
  
  
• Summertime when I can dressed him in shorts and muscle tees that show off his rolls. I can kiss him wherever I want!
  
  
• I went into bed to find father and son sleeping in the exact same position, on their back with arm above their head. It was so cute but I couldn't take a picture because the room was dark and the flash would've woken them up. I just took a mental snapshot instead.
  
  
• Watching Ky-An try to make the "vroom vroom" noise with his little cars like I do.
  
  
• Whenever I can sink my whole face in his cheeks or his thighs for a big kiss.
  
  
• How he snuggle up to my chest underneath my armpit after fighting his nap.
  
  
• The way he puts his head down wherever he can while, including us, while trying to wake up in the morning or from his nap. I love whenever he cuddles up to us and then droop on our shoulder when we pick him up to take him outside.
  
  
• The way his face looks when he's fighting his droopy eyes.

Ky-An's pictures this week

Mr. Fix-It:


Climbing on the couch:


Okay I will just squat:


He woke up from his nap to find daddy bought him some new Legos and he was so excited!

Ky-An's second swimming lesson

Ky-An did a little better in his swimming lesson today. We came there early so he can look at the pool and get used to it before I have to take him in. We were watching through the glass door and he starts crying when he saw them put the gym in. I guess he recognize that's the gym he has to go around when the instructor takes him. He still cried almost the entire lesson but I sang and shush him so he took breaks in his crying this time around. Maybe I need to reschedule the class time for him because he was getting sleepy before the class so that may add to his anxiety. I fed him milk at 7 and didn't give him any breakfast because we were not suppose to. They said if the kids eat dairy or food 30 minutes before the class, they can throw up and I didn't want him to throw up like last time. The had to get a net to scoop it up and it was embarrassing.

He did threw up a little bit this time and I ran over to see if he's okay and explain to the instructor that I didn't fee him since 7. She said that's fine and it's okay, the second class is harder than the first. NOW she tells me!!! I think the worst part of it is when I had to hand him over to the instructors so she can dip him down to the water and teach him to float on his back. He keeps looking at me as I hand him over to the instructor like I betrayed him. It's so heartbreaking but I had to stand there and try to be calm and smile so he doesn't get even more scare. I hate that part of the class the most and I am sure he does too.

I was worry the continous crying would annoy other parents but apparently they all go through it. Hieu told me he talk to some other parents and their little girl started at 3 months but cried for 4 classes (1 month). As we were leaving, we heard crying like Ky-An's so we went back to the glass door to look. Another little girl was clinging on to her dad and crying her head off like Ky-An was. It makes me feel better that I am not ky-An is not the only one. He seem to be a little better this time but if he doesn't improve after 3 sessions, I may have to talk to the manager to see if there's anything else we can do. I already pre-paid for 3 months so I hope it doesn't go to waste.

The poor guy passed out in the short car trip home again and slept for 1 1/2 hours. When he woke up I prepared a bath for him. He wasn't crying when I was trying to fill up the tub like the begining of last week. I got in and ask if he wants to come in with me and he actually lift up his arms so I can take him in. I put him sitting down across from me and he was playing with the toys and was perfectly happy. He didn't even fuss one bit!!! I don't know if this is the result of him getting over his fear or if it's because he just took a good nap and is happy. I even lay him on top of me and teach him how to kick. I hope he gets over his fear soon because we have a pool in the backyard waiting for him!

As you can see, he is crying in almost all the pictures:






He slipped while we were trying to get him on the bar. It was only for a milisecond but it sure didn't help the situation.








Poor guy..he's getting so tired after all that crying:


This is the Humpty Dumpty activity. Notice how the other kids are sitting by themselves but Ky-An wouldn't let go of me.


The look of betrayal. :(

Doctor's Appointment

I just came back from the doctor's office. I gained 1 pound this month but I lost 3 pounds before so I am still down 2. Everything looks good, baby measures right on target. Doctor said for sure our little girl won't have any dwarfism, so that's a good thing. I somehow just know that this little one will be just fine. Considering she fought all the odds to be conceive and took all her brother's abuse to her little home. The doctor also confirm to me that it's still a GIRL!!! I am glad she confirmed it because I can be more comfortable referring to her as AiVy now.

The bad news is that I had to do another blood test for the quad screen today. Apparently some labs will do that test at 14 weeks (which is what I was last time) but my lab won't do it until 15 weeks. I am not mad that they want to wait longer to do it, I am glad they are waiting to get the correct result. I am just mad that there's a vile of my blood that was wasted. Not the mention the extra poking. Oh well, better get used because there's sure more to come.

I have been feeling AiVy kick more now. Now strong ones, just a light jab here and there. I just love it whenever I can feel her. I can't wait until I can feel her even more!! I don't know if I mention it before but we are naming her AiVy (pronounce "Ivy")! "Ai" means "love" in Vietnamese and "Vy" is after our first-born daughter or it also can mean "flower". So the name means "love of Vy" or "love of flower". I wanted a name to honor the angel we lost so I picked out this name ever since then if we were to have another little girl. I don't know if I want to hyphenate her name like Ky-An's yet. At first I wanted to hyphenate it because I want to show that it's two different word but it's turning out to be a pain. I am thinking of changing Ky-An's name to be one word also. I think it makes it easier on everyone.

Day of Pampering

I pampered myself today. First I went to get my hair cut at Visible Changes. Is it me or is haircuts getting more expensive? Is it because I haven't had my hair cut for so long that I am have no clue? Or maybe it's because I am used to the $15 cut at those Asian places. So I made an appointment at Visible Changes with a Level 4 cutter. They have 6 Levels with level 6 being their best cutter...and she cost $60! I picked a level 4 because I want a new style and I want a decent cutter to do it. She cost $50. Can you imagine? I had a $50 haircut..my gosh! Of course I got sucker in to buying some hair products too so the bill came out to be almost $100. It's not until that evening that my sister said she knows someone who works there and I could've got those products for 50% off. Grrreaaat. Good thing I have a generous husband who doesn't mind when I pamper myself. This is my new haircut, it doesn't look much different than a regular bob but supposedly is has more layers and gives it more shape.

After the haircut I went to get a pedicure because my feet are getting nasty and it's getting hot here. I just love getting manicures and pedicures, my feet feel so good and cool afterward. I don't like this place in the mall though, they are not very good. I was thirsty and asked them for a glass of water. They said they don't have any and I can go to the food court to get some. Can you imagine? Needless to say I am never coming back. No wonder their place is so dead. I usually go to a place on Westheimer that I love. They take care of you really well and they dip your feet in wax as well as exfoliate it with some minty stuff. It feels really nice afterward. I love looking down at my feet and see them all perfectly colored and nice. The pedicure cost another $25. Not too bad I guess compare to my hair!

Bad night

Ky-An had a bad night last night and I couldn't help much. After putting him to bed last night, I felt some stomach cramps. I thought it was contractions but it was non-stop. I could barely eat my dinner because it hurts whenever I move. I laid down on the couch and drink lots of water hoping it'll go away. Hieu asked if we need to go to the hospital but I said no. I knew something is odd but somehow my instinct tell me everything is okay and no need to call the doctor. My gut says that but with every cramp, I feel like I am getting ready to go in labor. I start imagining how I will have to go to the doctor and they'll tell me I am in active labor with my baby. Then I had to tell everyone tomorrow morning how we've lost this baby and how horrible that would be. I laid there for a bit having all these vision when Ky-An starts crying.

Poor guy could is having a runny nose so he can't breathe and was upset. I came in the room to hold him and try to calm him down but everytime he is about to go back to sleep, he can't breathe and gets upset and cry again. His crying creates more snot and stuff up his nose even more and that made him more upset. He was crying like he's hurting and keep trying to snort to breathe. His eyes were also closed while he's doing all this so I know he's really tired and just want to breathe so he can go back to sleep. I was holding him walking around the room and AiVy kick me really hard twice! Either she doesn't like her brother's crying or she doesn't like him smushing her home. After holding him for a little bit, I had to put him down because I am cramping again. Of course he got even more upset because I put him down so I had to call Hieu to come in and help me.

He actually wanted Hieu at this point beause I guess he's more comfortable. I left Hieu to tend Ky-An and went to the bathroom. Turns out all the stomach ache and cramps I've been having was just bad gas! Who would have known?!! Well Hieu got him to sleep and was laying with him. I tap him on the leg to see if he wants me to take over. Bad move..Ky-An got upset as soon as Hieu got up and things just got worst from there. We tried for 1 hour 30 minutes and he'll put his head down to go to sleep, then lift his head up wailing and be upset again. I decide that's enough and took him out to the livingroom and turn on Baby Einstein for him. That calm him enough for him to drink his milk and take his medication. I left him sitting with Hieu while I took a break.

After the dvd is over, I picked him up and put him to bed. Of course he was wailing just as I pick him up and head towards the room. I am never a fan of CIO but there was nothing else that would work. He's getting upset at everything and I know even if I hold him to walk around, he'll still cry until he gets to go outside. I lay on the outer edge of the bed and let him crawl around crying. I just pretend I am sleeping while having my hands over my stomach to protect it in case he puts his hand or knee on my stomach. While I was laying still with my eyes closed, I listen intently to his cry. He sound like he was calming down so I just let him whine. If his cry would've escalate I would've tried to hold him or do something different. If I let him get too upset, he'll gag and throw up. After crawling on me several times and didn't see me budge, he calmed down enough and laid next to me to go to sleep. Ahhhhhh...finally, where was this sweet little boy been the last 2 hours??!!!

Week of Ky-An Pictures

Yeah..Einsteins!!


Hanging out with grandpa (ong ngoai):


Poking at his tummy because it's showing:


My handsome boy:


This one is Hieu's favorite:


His typical frown:


So happy with the Morrocas his Uncle Binh and Aunt Sarah got him on their trip to the Carribbeans:

Happy Birthday Hieu!!!

Today is Hieu's 32nd birthday. We didn't do much because Ky-An got the sniffles and a little cough. I am not sure where he got that from. Maybe from the dirty water of the pool..who knows. I just had all my family and his little brother together and we met up at a restaurant for dinner. We had baked fish and sizzling beef and they were yummy. All my family gave him presents and spoil him, as always. I didn't have to buy him anything because he picked out the present himself. I gave him a hard time for it because I just bought him one 2 years ago for $600. He did manage to resell the old one to one of his old co-worker for $300 so I guess the new one only cost us $500. But still..he just got the other one 2 years ago!!! His argument is that the only one doesn't have removable lens..or something to that effect. Whatever, I guess if he's happy I shouldn't give him too much of a hard time for it. I don't tell him very often but he's a wonderful husband and a great dad so he should be able to pamper himself once in while. Shoot, he should get it just for putting up with my pregnant self.

The dinner was nice except for my nephew..he's so out-of-control! My sister is a single mom and I admire her for I know how hard it is. However, she's not consistent in disciplining him so he acts out all the time. He runs around everywhere, screams in public, and hit us. Hieu got mad because he thought Ethan was hitting me in the stomach when I wouldn't give him another of Ky-An's toy. I had to calm Hieu down and said it's okay, he just hit my thigh. I don't have Hieu to discipline Ethan because Tran is never happy when we do. Then the cake came out and Ethan got mad because there was no candles on the cake. He loves to blow out candles on birthday cakes...regardless of whose it is. So after we sang Happy Birthday to Hieu and starts to cut the cake, the waitress brought the candles out. Well by that time Ethan has forgotten about the whole thing and was playing again but my sister pull them out and goes..oh candles for Ethan to blow. I ask her why does she indulge him like that? It's not his birthday so he shouldn't expect to blow out the candles all the time. So of course she ignored me and lit up the candles for him to blow on. After he's done, she relit it AGAIN so Hieu can blow on it. We are all like what the heck?!! Even is she indulges his bratty behavior, he should be taught to at least be respectful and let the birthday person blow out their candles first.

He's not a bad kid all the time. He's actually pretty good whenever we take him out with us. He loves Ky-An to death and a very smart 3-year-old. He can talk like a 6-7 year old can. I think the problem with his behavior is just inconsistency in his discipline. One day he'll be discipline for this and the next he's not. We are not sure how to tell our sister because she never listen to our advices. She's probably just going to think that we are criticizing her but really we are just concern for my nephew and his well-being.

Ethan blowing out the candles:


Ky-An with grandma:


The cake:


Ky-An with daddy:


Hieu opening his presents:


Ky-An hanging on my pants. He's ready to go home:

Ky-An fell off the bed!!!

Oh my gosh, today is such a bad day for my precious little boy. I was sitting in the room watching a Vietnamese music dvd with Hieu and I heard a cry. We figure it's like any other night and that he just need me to go in to comfort and he'll go back to sleep. I came in the room and found him on the floor!!!!!! Oh my gosh, the little boy that I love to pieces have never fell off anything for the past year. Not the counter, not the changing table, not even a chair. We always keep such a close eye on him and he was never very mobile. Whenever he's asleep, we usually have the camera on to keep an eye on him in the livingroom while we watch TV. Well the dvd setting won't let you have picture-in-picture so we just rely on the monitor today. It got cold again today so he's a little congested, I guess that's why he move around more and fell off the bed.

Gosh I feel so bad. I calm him down and he went back to sleep. I held him in my arms for a while inspecting his body to see if anything is broken. There is a footstool right next to where he fell so I felt around his head and face for bumps and bruises. I also look to see if there's any blood but everything seem okay. His eyes were still closed when I pick him up so I think it's not too bad. Maybe he's more scare than anything. Thank you God for watching out for him.

Ky-An's first swimming lesson

Poor Ky-An had a dramatic day today. Besides the difficulty he's facing with transitioning to the bottle, he had his first swimming lesson. I was so excited to take him today because he did so well in our pool last summer that I thought he would love the pool. I was never so wrong. As soon as we set foot in the pool, he started crying. He cried non-stop the entire 30 minute session!!! It was so hard but the instructor and the parents their reassure me that all kids does that their first time. The instructror also told me that he'll probably fuss for about 3 session!! I am not sure I can take another one of him crying non-stop for the next session let alone for 3. Eeek.

Poor guy, he was crying because he's petrified! He was literally trembling each time I pull him away from my body. He was clinging on to me so tight it's hard to even get him in front of me for the activities. If I hold him tight and sit still then he's fine but as soon as I move around, he starts crying. I guess he doesn't like the boyouncy of the water. He cried so much that he got tired and passed out in the car on our short way home.

After he woke up from his nap, I asked Hieu to give him a bath since he hasn't had one after his lesson. I suggest maybe we should give him a bath in the regular tub to get him used to the water. We've been giving him a bath in the inflatable duckie tub since he was about 5 months and he loves it. Well as soon as Hieu put him in the big batthtub, he looks around and starts crying again. He's fine whenever Hieu put him back in his duckie so it's something with the extra water and his body moving around freely. I am not sure what I can do to help him overcome this. Should I just keep giving him a bath in the big tub? He just looks so terrified. I think what I will do it just have one of us take a bath with him in the big tub and keep trying to expose him more and more to water. Hopefully it wil help...my poor little chicken.

This is Ky-An swimming in our pool last summer at 5 months.


This is Ky-An in his duckie tub at 6 months. If you think he looks tight in it then, you should see him now!