Proud Mama

No photos or videos for this post, just a mother's immense awe and pride.

As I was driving Tyler to childcare this morning, we were doing our usual, "Look at that truck Tyler." or "Where are the birds?" conversation. He started pointing to the cars in front of us (or so I thought) and said "che che" (car). I said, "Yes, cars." Then he started saying "maa maa" and I wasn't sure what he was referring to. In Chinese, many many words have the same sound, just different tones and coming from a 15-month old's mouth, even more words sound the same the way they say it, so I didn't have a clue whether he was saying horse, monkey, socks, Auntie Stephanie, or....??? I guessed everything I could think of and none of them were correct because he kept repeating it, wanting me to understand him. I think he realized that I couldn't figure it out, so instead of beating a dead horse, he added "jo jo" (dirty) "maa maa"....and then DING! went the lightbulb in my head. OMG...He wanted to tell me to "maa maa" (wipe) the "jo jo" (dirty) "che che" (car)!! I couldn't believe it! We had just gotten back from our LA trip, so yes, our car WAS dirty and due for a good wash. When I asked him if that's what he was telling me, he nodded and smiled and finally stopped repeating the words. How in the world are babies so incredibly smart?! He actually gave me a context and helped me figure it all out. Babies are truly amazing creatures!

L.A. Trip--Part 3 The Three of Us

Kerwin and I also got to go on a date for our 4^th anniversary while my cousin, aunt, and uncle babysat Tyler. We went to RED at the Pacific Palms Resort for dinner (yum!). For three hours that night, we reserved our conversation just for us. We had a bet…whoever talked about Tyler first would give the other person a massage…and guess who got the massage? Neither of us did! (Darn, I really wanted one...) We love our son, but it was really refreshing having 3 straight hours of just US time.

Notice the empty bread basket?

Lobster bisque...hmmm...

Crabcakes that were PACKED with crab!

Kerwin's rack of lamb...he got so full after the lamb that he couldn't finish his delicious garlic mashed potatoes...a truly rare event.

My juicy pan-fried red snapper

Molten chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream...sweet! On the house...even sweeter!!

Tyler was such a good roadtrip baby, hanging out with us and chillin' in his carseat both ways. We made sure we packed his little backpack (thanks May Biu Yee!) full of his little toys and knick knacks to keep him entertained. I saved a new find as my secret weapon for when he did get cranky and he LOVED it!

He kissed Pooh so much that this was what Pooh's nose looked like afterwards...SOAKED...gross!

The most amazing thing for us about going on trips with Tyler is watching how much and how fast he learns. I think when we break the day-in-day-out routine we're all used to, it gives Tyler the chance to see and experience new things. This time, playing with Matthew and his big boy toys confirmed that our son is no longer a baby! One of the things Tyler kept going back to everyday was the set of magnetic letters and numbers on Matthew's easel. Lo and behold, our little Chinese boy is a fan of the number......you guessed it, 8. He learned to say that number, picked it out from the easel, and recognized it on T-shirts, signs, etc. Here he was in the car on our way home...

L.A. Trip--Part 2 Friends

We had the chance to visit many friends this time. On the first weekend was a reunion with my college roommates. It was great to see everyone, especially the new members of our group, little Addison, and Ann and Josh's boys, Elias and Dylan. Our time together was short but sweet. I don't know when our next big reunion will be, but I'm certainly looking forward to it!

Our little group of 6 girlfriends is now a whopping 16 with our other halves and kiddos!

Tyler walking down the Santa Monica Pier with Auntie Regina

Family Photo at Santa Monica Beach

One evening, we went over to Peter, Beverly, and Isaac’s place for dinner and Tyler was so happy to see Isaac again. The two hit it off playing basketball and toys together. They even chatted over dinner even though none of us adults knew what they were talking about.

Isaac and Tyler playing slow-mo basketball. Somehow, they knew to take turns shooting!

We had a great time catching up with everyone, sometimes so good we forgot about taking out our camera...Kristie, Ryan, Des, and Yen...we'll have to get a picture next time!

Lunch with the Lin family. Here is Jack and Lorelai...she had a new baby brother just a few days after this photo was taken...CONGRATS Lin family!!

Lunch with the Yeung Family...it was great to meet Jayden and Kyle!

The big finale for our trip was Alisa and Albert’s wedding. It was held at Inner City Arts, an absolutely perfect spot for these two fun and artsy teachers. You can see how much thought Alisa put into the details, making everything beautiful, casual yet chic. The ceremony was so personal and touching, with Albert's sister as the officiant. I always feel so fortunate to attend weddings because it's a chance for us to be reminded of why we entered our own relationships, to reflect upon the words and officiant's messages of how we can continue to love and grow with each other. Alisa and Albert know how to throw a party alright! At cocktail hour, they not only had the usual, hors d'oeuvres and drinks, but they brought out the shaved ice too! Perfect for a hot summer day. Let's just say that it was a wonderful start of an evening of good food, great music, lots of dancing, and more good food (ice cream sundae bar), and still more good food (taco bar--yeah, taco bar!).

Congrats Alisa and Albert!

Did someone say taco bar?! Yes, Kerwin got two tacos...that is AFTER the shaved ice AND buffet dinner AND cake AND sundae...

There was actually an epilogue to our trip...on our long drive home Sunday, we bumped into 'Team Stevenson' at lunch in the middle of nowhere on Interstate 5 and we got to hang out with Karen and Kamryn some more while at McDonald's. Later, I got a text from my long-time high school friend Jessica and got to meet up with her and her super adorable son Eric when we arrived in town. Added bonus...she was having dinner with some other high school friends so I got to see them too!

Eric you are SO CUTE!!

L.A. Trip--Part 1 Family

We just got back from our 10-day trip to LA. It was such a fun and relaxing trip! We stayed with my cousin Stephanie and her family. We had a grand time everyday eating, going shopping, and just hanging out at home watching Tyler and Matthew play. The best part was seeing how close he got with his LA family. Each morning we were there, Tyler would wake up bright and early (yes, EARLY), and the first thing out of his mouth would be "Matt Matt!" calling out for his cousin. One night, he even said "Matt Matt" when he was dreaming! We miss you all very much...come visit us when you can!

Cousin Matthew feeding Tyler some cheddar bunnies...watch your fingers!

Tyler with Biu Yee Ma and Biu Yee Jeung

Tyler with Dai Yee Por and Dai Yee Gung

Talking about my Bedtime Routine

Every night we go through the same bedtime routine, so I know it like the back of my hand (which I'm sucking on at the moment...) I know it so well I'm starting to talk about it now...
After my bath, Baba puts on my cream. Then he puts on my diaper (peen peen) and my clothes (saam). Next we go downstairs for my milk (nai nai). After that we go upstairs to brush my teeth (chaat chaat). Then it's time to read my books (shu shu) and listen to songs. Finally, it's time to sleep (gow gow).

Escalator Ride

Now that Tyler's walking so well, he is wanting to do so many more things! Here was his first escalator ride. He was a bit scared at first as you can tell...

Random pictures May and June