Christmas Photo, Take 1

You'd better watch out, you'd better not cry,
You'd better not pout, I'm telling you why,
Santa Claus is coming to town!

We went to the studio to take pictures for a Christmas card, but Vincent was in such a bad mood, we only got crying shots. We will have to try again next week. -S

Oh! Little Christmas Tree!

Last year, Elizabeth was able to decorate the Christmas tree for the first time. This year, she got to do it again, but as a seasoned veteran of tree decorating. Since we gave away our tree, we ended up getting a new one to replace last year's model. I think the best part for Elizabeth was hanging the candy canes. Candy canes are just easy to hang, so they can be put on a branch and then moved. In our case, it would be more like put them ALL on one branch and then move them ALL to another. We also got some additional ornaments this year that Elizabeth got to hang up in addition to one that she made at school that has her picture on it. I think that one's my favorite. I'll try to keep that one as long as possible. Next year, Vincent should be able to help out and hang some ornaments and candy canes. It'll be a true family affair. -T

I'm getting stronger!

Vincent can now push his chest off the ground with his arms.  However, every time he does this, he slides backwards on the hardwood.  There are benefits to having hardwood, but this is one of those time when carpet would be better.  He hasn't figured out how to push up on his legs yet, but he is one step closer to crawling. 

All his toys are laid out on a blanket for him to play with in the living room.  Since he can't crawl yet, he moves from one area to another by rolling sideways.  Surprisingly, Vincent is usually successful reaching new toys with this rolling method. -S  

Sunday Brunch

Every Sunday at the Osan Officer's Club, they serve a champagne Sunday brunch.  We finally went and enjoyed a true feast of American foods.  Even Elizabeth, who is a picky eater, ate her share of fruits, vegetables, prime rib and shrimp.  The orange juice was fresh and delicious and Elizabeth insisted on picking out all the ice from it. She must of thought it was strange to have ice in her juice.  Afterwards, we took some pictures in the lobby in front of their dazzling Christmas displays.  Though we do miss the energy and excitement of the season, it is still very sweet to enjoy the Christmas spirit in peace, away from all the commercialization back in the US.  -S

 

I am your Father...

Dear Ellie and Vinny,

I was a proud papa when each of you were born. Even to this day, I'm filled with joy because the two of you entered my life.

Ellie, my princess. I still remember holding you when you were a sleeping baby and am amazed at how much bigger (and heavier) you've gotten. But that's a good thing. Looks like I'm going to have to seriously work out so that I can keep up with you as you grow. You've always got so much energy and can definitely run laps around me. Most of the time I can't help but wonder where it all comes from. I love watching you work on your puzzles and seeing that excitement as you master each one. It's always fun watching you sing and dance. I especially like hearing you sing the Korean Three Bears song. You've come a long way from when you first learned that one.

Vinny, Buddy. I can't wait for you get a bit older and walking. You, Ellie and I can play catch outside and go for bike rides and all that fun stuff. But for now, I'll roll around next to you and try to get to you to laugh. I loved making your sister laugh when she was a baby and I love doing that with you now. I know Mom is the one to usually put you to sleep, but I enjoy the times when you fall asleep while I'm holding you.

I'm excited to see the future as you grow up and do things like starting school and playing sports and playing instruments (hopefully) and going on dates (we'll talk about the rules when we get there).

I love you both and I'm always here for you.

Love,
Daddy

Vincent's Favorite Things

What does a 6 month old like? Well, our 6 month old likes his jumperoo for one. Vincent likes to bounce around and grab at the different toys and rings dangling from the bars. He likes to play music on the little music player on his jumperoo too. When we put him into the seat, he'll bounce for five minutes straight, provided he's not upset over not being held. Vincent also likes his blankies. Elizabeth has always had one or two to sleep with and just carry around. Vincent has a couple of his own that he likes to roll around with and suck on. What else? Vincent likes his sister's plastic food. He'll grab whatever he can get a hold of and go to town on it as if it were edible. This naturally puts real food on the list of his favorites. He is a really good eater (maybe he got some of my skills), particularly yogurt. He has never had any problems finishing off a container. I can already tell that our food bill is going to be quite high when our little guy becomes a teen. -T

My precious second child...

When I had Elizabeth, I was an educated parent.  I studied all the best pregnancy books and by the time she was a few months old, I had already read through many parenting guidelines for the first year.  I studied each developmental milestone and prepped her for it and guided her through it.  I watched her sleep and counted her sweet breaths.  I worried about her all the time and each new thing brought questions and concerns.  I wanted to be the best mom and I didn't want to make any mistakes.  Each day, she grew right before my eyes and her clothes got tighter and smaller.  Countless times, I spoke of how big my baby was and how fast she was growing.  Elizabeth is special, she is my first and I want the best for her.

This time around, I am an experienced parent.  I believe Vincent will go through his milestones at his own pace and not by the timing of the experts.  I spend less time worrying and more time enjoying his baby days.  Instead of counting his breaths, I breath in his sweet smell.  I don't feel foolish speaking in baby talk and making funny sounds to hear his giggles.  My arms are super strong now and I love to carry him around.  His clothes and baby things don't get sanitized like they did for Elizabeth, but I still try to give him my best.  Though, Vincent is nearing six months already, he is still my little baby and I cherish these fleeting days. -S

New Core Outlet in Pyeongtaek

One of our hangout spots here in Korea is the New Core Outlet mall. Like many malls and department stores in this country, it has several floors and includes a movie theater and grocery store. It's not too far away from our place, so we go when we feel like eating at one of our favorite restaurants, Ashley's. Our last visit to New Core was one of those nights. There is usually a wait at the restaurant, so we got on the waiting list and walked around the mall a bit. We went to the home goods floor and looked at the all the things they had available. They even had a decent sized section for Christmas decorations to include some model trees with fancy ornaments. I guess to make things easier, someone can just buy one of those pre-decorated trees. I'm sure that's exactly what that one family was thinking as the biggest tree was being wrapped up to be delivered to their home. And no, that family was not us.

One really nice thing about Korean malls is that they offer lots of ways to keep kids occupied while their parents shop. The children's clothing floor has a little play area with a slide and some mechanical rides, which Elizabeth loves to ride. Also, some of the bigger malls have actual supervised play areas where kids can be left for a couple of hours at a minimal cost. At New Core, there is one of those play areas right next to Ashley's. Elizabeth really likes to make a stop there and run around a bit. Her favorite thing to do is the zip line like thing and she doesn't seem to have a problem riding it over and over again. One big plus is that she can burn some energy, which makes bedtime a lot easier. -T

Snacks at Narita Airport

The flight from LAX to Narita was about 11 hours and my children were very good.  They are now seasoned travelers and enjoy flying, especially Elizabeth, who frequently runs around with her arms stretched out imitating planes.  However, the flight attendant that we had made it abundantly clear that she did not like having to service young travelers.  I was counting on her to help with the kids.  Instead potty trips were a family affair, with the baby strapped in and the kid in tow.

During the layover in Narita, I found the nearest nursing room and stayed in there for the full two hours.  Nursing rooms are a staple in Korea and I've almost come to expect them wherever I am.  Nursing rooms can vary from the basic diaper changing/nursing room to a full service facility with complimentary baby products and staff.  The nursing room at Narita was small, but clean with Combi changing tables, a filtered water dispenser, basic kitchen and a sterilizer for baby products.  No one came in while we were there and it was a safe place for Elizabeth to play and to eat our snack.  We had a small Japanese style spaghetti with some edamame for about $24.  Traveling solo with two kids was not as hard as everyone told me it would be.  I prepared well, was patient with my children and stayed on top of their needs.  I could not watch the in-flight movies or peruse the duty-free shops, the usual highlights of international flying, but I made it to Incheon with my sanity and content two year old and five month old. -S

Lunching with Uncle David and Jane

It's been nearly two years since we've seen Uncle David and thanks to Susie's wedding, we were all able to gather in Los Angeles and spend some quality time together.  Uncle David is graduating from medical school this year and has great plans ahead, but he frequently comments on the prospect of having joy in his life and he strongly believes that true joy comes from family and children.

Even though a good amount of time may pass, children can immediately sense with whom they have favor.  It had been so long since Elizabeth last saw Uncle David, but there was no hesitation or waiting for approval from Mom.  She jumped right into action and became Uncle David's best buddy.  The children took to Jane as well and I want to thank her for the many books and toys she brought all the way from Chicago for the kids.  They will be treasured for many years. -S