Week in Pictures

Giving his bear "Ju-bi" a piggy-back ride.  Don't ask me where he got the name from:

 

He likes to put this on his mouth and pretend he's an elephant:

This is how she *ahem* does her business.  Since then we've been putting her on the potty and she's doing very well.  Poor thing has a hard time transitioning from formula/breast milk to whole milk.  Every time she had to go was an ordeal and she looks like she's in pain similar to going in labor.  It break our hearts every time it happens.  Luckily she's been adjusting well and everything seem to be normal.

Ky-An playing in our bouncing house with a friend.  He actually sat down and helped her took off her shoes.  He bragged to me and goes "An take off little sister's shoes."

Too tired..
 

Here he is with our babysitter. She just adores him, I would say more so than Ai-Vy.

This takes all his concentration:
 

Daddy with Ai-Vy:

Okay..what else can I mess with?

My kids just love to squat!!
 

Okay this is a shameful evidence series of pictures.  Ai-Vy took toys from the birthday girl and she tries to get it back:

Of course she won, look how much bigger she is!  This is moments before the birthday girl starts wailing proving that my daughter is already a bully.

It's basket time!

This is my favorite time of the year and since I started couponing, it's even more fun because I get to make baskets from all the things from my stockpile and cut back on our gifts budget.

I made these two sample baskets for my sister to give to her son's teachers. I am charging her $10 per basket but retail value is about $25. The first is the de-stressing basket. It consist of:

• Glade candle holder. Retail $4.99
• 2 Glade candle refill. Retail 2.50*2=$5
• 2 Dove trial size bars. Retail $1.29*2=$2.58
• 1 Bliss chocolate bag. Retail $4
• 1 M&M dark chocolate. Retail $2.50
• 1 Crest trial size toothpaste. Retail $1
• 1 Curel trial size lotion. Retail $1
• 1 Basket $2.61
  
• TOTAL = $25.61
  
  
• 1 Celestial tea $1.29
• 1 Bliss chocolate. Retail $4
• 1 M&M Dark chocolate. Retail $4
• 1 Purell Foam Hand Sanitizer. Retail $3
• 1 Dial Antibacterial Handwash $1.29
• 1 Puff tissue paper. Retail $1.29
• 1 Excedrin. Retail $2.29
• 1 Johnson & Johnson Emergency Kit. Retail $1
• 1 Crest trial size. Retail $1
• 1 Basket $2.61
  
• TOTAL = $25.77
  

I thought she wouldn't like it but she love it so much she asked me to make her 2 extra ones. So in total I made 4 baskets for my sister, 4 for Hieu's co-workers, 3 for my co-worker, 1 for the office party, 3 for the ladies that share their coupons with me, 4 for the cleaning crew that clean our house, and 1 for the mail lady, and 1 huge box for the babysitter for a total of about $25! This is after I subtract the $40 my sister gave me for creating the 4 baskets for her.

This is what my sister's finished basket looks like. Those flowers are from the KY gift set that was free at Wal-Mart last year.


This is Hieu's boss' basket. I had the bright idea of using our Christmas tree clippings as decorations for the basket. I was so proud. :) It made the basket looks more masculine aside from all the male products I put in there.


Hieu got me some construction paper from the Dollar store and I used our shredder to shred them and use as lining for all these baskets. No need to buy those basket shredding they have at the store!

This is the box I made for the our work's White Elephant gift exchange. I put all the office snacks in there including chocolate bars, gum, peanuts, and hot sauce. I put the shrink wrap on top and put the lid back on.

This is the basket I did for our babysitter. Hieu wrapped up the outside of a box for me and I line it with cellophane paper, put in all household items in there, and wrap it up. I am also including a $100 gift cert to Wal-Mart for her and her family. She's been wonderful at taking care of our two kids and took care of them like they are her own grand kids. We just can't put a price tag on leaving our kids with someone we trust and who genuinely loves them.

Here's a little bag I made for the ladies who clean my house. The owner gets a basket but these are for the ladies who help her. The bag was from the Playskool bottle set that was clearanced at CVS a while back. I think it was $.79 or $1.29 for each, I can't remember. I sold the bottles at the garage sale for $.50 and there was a diaper and sample wipe pack that came with it. I bought 3 of them but can't find the third bag anywhere. It's forever gone in the mess in our house. I am not sure what to do if there are 3 helping ladies coming this week instead of 2 though!

Ky-An's trip to Chuckee-Cheese

The babysitter's kids wanted to take Ky-An and the two older girls to Chuckee-Cheese yesterday. Hieu and I was hesitant to let him go because we really don't like those places. Ky-An hasn't been there yet because I think it's too loud and dirty. We finally let him go because we didn't want him to miss out on the fun with his friends. They took some pictures and it seem like he had a great time.

Ai-Vy with our babysitter


Playing with the dogs they found. He absolutely love animals but I am anti-pet so it's a question of when he'll break me down.



At the restaurant with one of the babysitter's kids:


The two older girls at the babysitter's:


She can eat with chopstick..so good!


Drinking juice:


Loves the carousel:


And the horsie..didn't want to get off:


Shaking hand with Chuckee-Cheese. The girls wouldn't go near the rat:


Conked out on the way back:

Ai-Vy is in Training at the babysitter!

I put Ai-Vy in the babysitter's for a couple of hours in the morning so she can have some exposure since I have to go back to work after the New Year. Hieu is off next week and my sister will be down so I had to drop her off this week to practice. It's good timing because I can also get all my Christmas shopping and chores done. I picked up both kids after 12 and have them home with me. Ky-An sleeps at 12 so I was hoping he will fall asleep in the car on the way home. I was nervous about taking care of both kids but everything went pretty well. I was even able to put both kids to sleep at the same time so I am pretty proud of myself. It feels good to know that I can do it.

Ai-Vy cried for 10 minutes the first day (poor thing) but was better after that. She didn't sleep much but I was expecting that for the transition. I picked them up at 12:30 on Monday, got my eye examined and a pedicure that day. I decide to have them stay there until 3p.m. (after Ky-An's nap) on Tuesday so I can get everything done and have Ky-An home with me in the morning for the rest of the week. On Tuesday I got my hair cut and finish up my Christmas shopping. I came there to pick them up at 3p.m. and the babysitter informed me that she hasn't eat that much. She gave me the bottle to see if she would take the bottle from me. I notice that the bottle is cold and ask her if she heat it up? She told me she thought mother's milk doesn't need heating up. WTH??!! I asked if she not heat up Ky-An's milk before and she said she did, she just forgot. She felt really bad so I just let it go. I made sure to remind her again to just heat the milk in hot water, not the microwave.

Wednesday I had to go to work to take care of some issues and deliver presents to one of my co-worker's kids. Ky-An was entertained by my boss and co-workers while I get some work done. He was very good overall, even sit quietly and draw for about 15 minutes while I take care of some stuff. He's a stickler for his afternoon nap time so I always plan everything carefully. It was 11 a.m. when we left so I changed his diaper and figure we will make it to a restaurant to get some food in him. We can then go to pick up Ai-Vy and he'll probably fall asleep. I tried to play with him and talk to him on the way to keep him awake but the boy fell asleep just as we got to the restaurant. I figure he'll wake up once we get into the restaurant since he just fell asleep. I picked him up, put him on the driver seat while I turn off the engine and grab the key, carry him and the diaper into the restaurant, and order food. Tried as I may, he's dead asleep and won't wake up. I asked for the food to-go and had to balance him, the diaper bag, and the to-go food back out to the car. You saw my son, he's not very light. :)

I picked up Ai-Vy and he stayed asleep until I pull up the driveway. Tell me that's not great timing? I managed to get both kids into the house. Ai-Vy was still asleep so I fed Ky-An and then managed to get him down for his nap also. He was screaming and talking loudly protesting his nap but luckily Ai-Vy was too tired and remain sound asleep.

Thursday Ky-An and I stayed home in the morning to wrap presents for his babysitter and for his little friends there. I fed him and went to pick up Ai-Vy. I let him carry the present for his little friend so he can give it to them but the poor thing fell asleep before we got there. It's not even a ten minutes drive but I guess he was tired. Either that or I am really boring to be around because he keep falling asleep on me. Today he remain asleep when we got home but Ai-Vy was awake. As soon as I got Ai-Vy to sleep, he woke up crying. I somehow managed to calm him down and get him to go back to sleep and kept Ai-Vy asleep also.

Ky-An keep being asleep whenever I come to pick up Ai-Vy so our babysitter didn't get to see him much at all this week. She begged Hieu and I to drop him off early Friday so she can see him before he's off for a week and a half. We set out early today and stopped by Chick-Fil-A for some breakfast. A local radio station was there giving away Hannah Montana tickets and the Chick-Fil-A cow so Ky-An and I joined the festivities. We didn't win the tickets but got a cd. We then went to Target to look for the Christmas outfit for all the kids. Since we are buying it so late, there's hardly anything left. If there is something, I can't find all the sizes we need.

I then decide to drop him off to the babysitter so she can see him while I go hunt down some Christmas outfits. Well he fell asleep again when we got there. I tell ya, he must be bored to tears with me. Our babysitter asked if I can pick them up at 3p.m. instead of 12? I said that's fine because I have some errands to run. I went to several stores and my sisters went to the mall in search of the Christmas outfit for the kids. We were on a mission. By 1 o'clock our mission is accomplished and I ran home to eat some lunch and to pump before running out to pick up the kids.

The week was tiring but it's so much fun finally getting to spend some alone time with Ky-An. I had a blast with him and I think he's warming up to me again because he's clingier to me now. Yeah!!!

Guilt

Everyday that Hieu take Ky-An to drop off at the babysitter, I feel so guilty. I search his face for any sign of wanting to stay home and I'll keep him at home and figure out a way to take care of both kids. That sad look I thought I saw in his eyes one day was just sleepiness. He never reach for me when it's time to go nor cry whenever he gets to the babysitter's house. I guess it's a blessing that he's happy going there because that mean she treats him well and he loves her.

The Countdown has begun...

One month left until I have to go to work..*sniff sniff*. I plan to drop Ai-Vy off half a day starting the week of December 17 and get some appointments for myself taken care of. The week after that is Christmas and my sister as well as Hieu will be at home so it'll be nice and both kids get to be home before I had to go back to work. I hope Ai-Vy will be okay at the babysitter's because she seem kind of clingy to mommy. Even when Hieu holds her, she'll cry non-stop until I do. It's nice that one of my kid needs me but I worry how she'll be when she has to go the babysitter. I know she'll adjust and she'll be fine but I still worry. I guess that's what moms do.

I am dreading going back to work as I did with Ky-An. I know from experience that the anticipation of going back is worst than the act but it still tug at my heart knowing I have to leave her soon. The hardest thing about going back to work is having to choose one to spend time with once I get home. I get home at about 6:30p.m. That's about time for Ky-An's bath and Ai-Vys' bedtime. One of us has to bathe Ky-An and put him to bed and the other has to put Ai-Vy to bed. I can't do it at the same time because one will wake up the other. There's only a limited amount of time everyday to spend some time with the kids, that's the main reason I choose for them to sleep with us. That is the only way we get to spend any time with our kids!

After the kids go to bed at about 7 or 8, Hieu and I will heat up dinner and eat. Sometimes we don't eat until 9 or 9:30 p.m. Then we get about an hour or so to try and cram all we need to do before having to go to bed and do it all over again. I check emails, do some work, pay bills, etc, and it's almost midnight. I woke up at about 1 or 4a.m..or both to feed Ai-Vy, again at 6:30 and then go outside to play with Ky-An a little before he has to the babysitter's at 7a.m. It'll be a big adjustment when I have to go back to work. I may just wake up at Ai-Vy's 4 or 5a.m feeding. Maybe get into work early so I can get out earlier but then again I feel like I should stay back and help Hieu get both kids ready to go to the babysitter's. I am not sure if he can handle getting both kids ready by himsel. As with everything else, we'll just have to wing it I guess.

Ai-Vy's Arrival

Ai-Vy is here and things couldn't go smoother than I wanted. We arrived at the hospital at 5:30a.m. and I got prep right away. They gave us a bunch of paperwork, drew my blood for various tests, and put in the IV. That's the part I hate most cause the IV needle is big and they pierce it through your skin..ugh. Of course they had to do it twice because my vein was stubborn and retract the first time they did it.

Things to remember if I want to get pregnant again: Blood tests, IV, Epidural, surgery, removal of stapkes, and recovery. Fun stuff.

After the IV, my next fear is the epidural. I really feel for people who hate needles or have stubborn veins who have to go through labor. They walk me into the Operating room and did a monitor on Ai-Vy. It took the nurse a while to find her heartbeat for some reason and she started looking worry. I was having the worst case scenario running through my head and thinking the worst things. Luckily she found it right after that or I'll have a heart attack! They then gave me a local on my back before doing the epidural. What a blessing that was because I only felt a little pinch on the local and a little pressure on the epidural and it's done! With Lan Vy, they didn't give me a local first and the epidural was no fun at all. They gave me the pressure test after the epidural and I still feel some stuff so I was scrare they may start cutting and I'll feel it. That's my biggest fear, that the doctor will start cutting and I'll feel everything. As the doctor was cutting me, I was concentrating really hard to make sure I don't feel anything and ready to scream if I did. Luckily I didn't but she's taking a really long time and we don't see the baby. Thank goodness they let Hieu into the operating room by this time because I started getting tense again and gripped his hand really hard. I am glad he's there for emotional support. I remember asking him if anything is wrong and why is it taking so long? Thank goodness soon after that they got her out and she started crying. It's such a beautiful sound and we all breathe a sigh of relief.

She was covered in mirconium but beautiful otherwise. She was born at 7:58 a.m. at 16lbs, 11 oz and 19 3/4 inches long. She has long fingers and long toes like my little sister. I forgot how small they are when they are first born and keep marveling at this little miracle. How could something so small have all the parts I do and can sustain on her own? She looks very similar to Ky-An when he was a newborn. She's been eating well and sleeping well. We are very blessed. The only problem I have with her is keeping her latchhed on. She would fuss and cry until she can latch onto my breast. Once she's on, she would only take a couple of suck then fall asleep or let go because there's no milk. I tried uncovering her, massage my breast, tickle her neck but nothing would wake her up. The lactose consultant tell me to stop giving her formula aferward because she's waiting for the bottle and that's why she won't take my breast. I tried her advice but she was so hungry and I had no milk in my breasts yet. She would take a couple of sip, then started crying because there was no milk and she was hungry. There was no calming her down and she would spit out my breast after that because there's no milk. I don't know how the lactose consultant expect me to calm her down if I don't give her the bottle. She was so hungry she drank the whole 2 oz! Those of you who have successfully breastfed, I would love to hear your advice on how to do it.

My car also broke down when Hieu went to pick up Ky-An later on that day. Thank goodness it didn't happen on our way to the hospital or after he already picked up Ky-An. The transmission just died and luckily he was right next to the Acura dealership so he dropped off the car there. Ai-Vy must be our lucky charm because it turn out, my car is still under warranty even though it's over 100,000 miles!!! The last time the car had a transmission recall, they changed out my transmission and extend the warranty to 109,000 miles. My car is currently at 104,000....how lucky is that?!! So they are exchanging a brand new transmission for us and gave Hieu a loaner car to drive around...an Acura MDX! That is so nice. Miss Ai-Vy gets to go home in style!

Ky-An also seem to be taking his new little sister well. Hieu pick him up to visit everyday and he points at Ai-Vy going "baby" and keep smiling everytime he points at her. He make Hieu pick him up so he can see his little sister and loves to kiss her. Today he came and the poor guy is so tired he took a nap here w/ his sister. It's the sweetest thing. I am glad he took a nap here because I got to see how he would be if Ai-Vy started crying..which she did and he stayed asleep! Woo hoo!! Hope he's stay asleep tomorrow night when we are all home also.

He has been doing pretty well at the babysitter's these past few days but she said he misses us because he walks around going "chachie chachie" and "me me". She said it breaks her heart during those moments. He also gets really sad around 6p.m. when all the other kids get picked up and he's still there. He'll walk to the window and keep looking out, I guess looking to see if daddy will pick him up. My poor little guy...at least it's almost over and we get to take him home with us tomorrow.

Ky-An's last day as the only child. :)

It's 12:48 a.m in the morning and I should be going to bed because I have to wake up in 4 hours to head to the hospital...but I miss my little baby too much. :( I really don't know how the parents who send their babies back to China or Vietnam do it. It just kills me and I cried on the way home after dropping him off at the babysitter's this evening.

The day has been a hectic one and Ky-An's schedule got thrown off all day...poor baby. First Hieu and my work try to cram in one last thing for us to do before we have to be off so we were both busy trying to find time to finish work and spend quality time with Ky-An at the same time. Ky-An got tired at about 10 a.m. and starts fussing so I decide he should take a nap. He usually doesn't sleep until 1p.m. but I guess he didn't get enough sleep all weekend so he was tired. He slept until almost 1p.m. and Hieu took him to his work to upload some files and pick up some chick-fil-a for lunch. We didn't eat until 2p.m. so that threw his whole schedule off because he usually eat dinner at about 4 or 5p.m. Hieu tried to put him down for another nap at about 3:30p.m. but he fought it and keep on screaming until 4:30. I was trying to finish up some work in the study and keep hearing him screaming so I finally tell Hieu to bring him out because it's time for his dinner anyway.

Hieu gave him a bath and fed him the rest of the soup we got for him at chick-fil-a as a snack. We decide to head out for dinner because it'll be our last one for a while so we went to SaltGrass at about 6:30p.m. Ky-An usually gets his evening bottle by now but because he's been such a picky eater, I want him to be able to eat so I held off on the milk. The poor boy was so tired that he fell asleep on the short car ride there and didn't wake up until after the food came. I ordered him so macaroni and cheese but he didn't touch any of it. The poor boy was too tired and I don't blame him.

After dinner we had to go to Wal-mart close to there to get him some diapers and more milk for the babysitter. I was upset she didn't call me until after we left that she needed some diaper for him. We had several packages of diapers at home and now I have to buy one at FULL PRICE!!! Hah..imagine that! :P Plus my baby is tired and needs to go to bed but the checkout line took forever!

We gave him some milk in the car but he was awake and we made it to our babysitter's house at 8:30p.m. After giving her all the instructions and his evening schedule that I printed up for her, we hugged and hugged him before he left. He was happily playing with our babysitter's daughter and didn't seem too bother that we left. I am glad he's distracted because I don't know what I would do if he start crying for us. Probably just scoop him up and take him with us to the hospital..hehe. I did cry on the way home and Hieu said he had a lump in his throat also. This first separation is extremely hard on us.

My friend just found out she's having a son on Friday so we had to meet up with her today so she can give me all her older daughter's clothes. We were on the phone the whole evening trying to coordinate where to meet because we were both running around. Finally we met up with her after we dropped Ky-An off and got the stuff. We didn't get home until 9:30p.m. and Hieu has to go pull gas, get things to the car, etc. While we were doing all this running around, people were calling us like crazy adding to the chaos. Most were wishing us luck and we appreciate it but it just make the evening even crazier.

During lunch time today I also found out that some of my Extra Care Bucks from CVS are expiring this Saturday! What the heck??!!! I thought I had taken care of all those, how did I overloook these??!! I had to work up a quick scenario deal and manage to buy some diapers and get about $7 back even though I used $12. Oh well...at least I got stuff I need.

I just took a shower and is all shaven. For those of you who don't know, they shave you down there when you have a c-section! I didn't know it the first time and they did it dry so it wasn't fun. In addition, they put the razor on your hospital bill and it's way overpriced! I swear I paid $30 for 2 Tylenols last tiem. After that with Ky-An and Ai-Vy, I make sure I do it myself!

I don't even know if I can sleep tonight without Ky-An next to me and his snoring. I asked the babysitter to call me after he went to sleep tonight and she told me he didn't sleep until 9:30p.m. However, he didn't cry or anything and just drank his milk then go back to sleep. I am so glad to hear that and I hope he'll adjust well in the next few days also. Even though we had a hectic day today, Ky-An got lots of attention, hugs, and kisses from mom and dad so we accomplish our goal.

Can't believe I'll be a mother of two tomorow!!!! Yikes!!!

Update on babysitter

Thanks to Pei Sze for pointing out to me there are worst things your kid's caregiver can do than accidentally give your child bad milk. I guess I was emotional because of hormones. My nephew's old babysitter would strap him to the carseat all day and won't let him out so he can't get to things. My sister didn't realize this until he's been there for a year! Poor kid.

Ky-An slept so bad this whole weekend that I asked my babysitter how she put Ky-An to sleep normally since he seem to sleep okay at her house. I suspect that the inconsistency in our routines may be what's causing his fussiness. After all, all the experts said that toddlers need and crave routines right?

Well I was shock to find out that my 60 something year old babysitter still holds Ky-An until he falls asleep!!!! ARGHHHHH!!! I can't even do that anymore! She said she feels bad for him when he's on the bed and starts fussing for her to hold him. Even though I said he only does ot for 30 second or 1 minute then settle down to go to sleep, she said she still can't stand it. *Shaking my head and laughing.* She said since he's the only one there this summer, she can indulge and spoil him. What can you do when she wants to spoil your child right? If she can stand holding her then that's fine with me. I know I won't be doing it at home (or can't any longer) so he'll have to learn.

She also went out and bought him some clothes this weekend because they looked so cute. Goodness that's so sweet of her. It's one of the many sweet gestures from our babysitters so it make all my doubts about her goes away. She has also insist that we only pay her $100/week since Ky-An doesn't take up much of her time anymore. She offered that when he turned one but I told her to keep the rate since she's cooking lunch and dinner for him. She kept the money but keeps buying stuff for him such as toys and milk (he drinks organic).

My big worry now is when she'll be watching a 6-month old, Ai-Vy, Ky-An, and 2 older girls next year. She keep assuring us that she can handle it and her daughter will be home to help her. I will have to keep a close eye on how the kids are and play it by ears. Even though I have these concerns, I still want to give her a chance because I know no one else will care for and love my kids as much as her.

Bad milk???!!!

Hieu found out today that Ky-An has been drinking expired milk!!! He came to pick Ky-An up and our babysitter informed him he didn't want to drink much milk today and that the milk look a little funny. She said it's runnier than normal so Hieu went to take a look at it and the sell by date was expired several days ago. He told her she can't give him these expired milk and she said her husband or children usually check it for her. Granted this time it may not be so bad because it's the "sell by" date and not the "used by" date but I am still upset. I suspect that the last time he had diahrrea was because of these bad milk also. No wonder whenever he sees the sippy cup he started whining! My poor little helpless guy. All this time I thought he whined because he doesn't want to drink his milk and go to sleep.


Maybe it's my pregnancy hormones and I am overreacting, I don't know. It just makes me question how competent she really is and makes me question what else she's oblvious to. Is he eating what he's suppose to over at her house or play with toys that are not safe for him? Is she keeping an eye on him all the time to make sure he doesn't get into trouble? Would she honestly tell me if he does? He comes home with little bruises and mosquito bites on his legs and I felt so bad for him. I know he runs around and play with the other kids and that's just part of being a toddler but it still pains me to realize I can't control his environment. I know this can be an honest mistake because we've accidentally give him bad milk before also but there's several other incidents before that makes me question her, such as the gun incident and the ant bites. I know she and her family loves Ky-An to death and would never do anything to deliberately harm him. However, can I live with the accidental possibilities? And can I find anyone that can take care of him flawlessly? Even if my parents can watch him, I am not sure if they can do a better job. They are impatient with children and may spank him or something. That is something I know my babysitter won't do because she loves him too much. Not that I mind her disciplining him if he's bad, I just don't like the way my parents hit out of anger sometimes.


I am reconsidering hiring a nanny to come to our house when Ai-Vy comes . I just want to be able to be sure they are in a safe environment that I can provide for them. Of course the big question still is, will the love my kids as much as my babysitter and her family? That's a really rare thing and it's priceless. Even if I provide my kids with a great environment, if the person watching them is not nurturing or loving then it's pointless. Can I get the best of both worlds? Even if I stay home, I don't know if I can be the flawless, nurturing caretaker I am looking for. I know there will be times that I will lose my patience with the kids and that's something unacceptable for my babysitter. Am I just expecting too much? Ugh..I just hope there are no more incidents that make me question her. It's really hard to find someone you can completely trust with your kids.