Enjoying life in Hawaii

Tai is having the time of his life in Hawaii. It's only two days into our trip, but he's been bouncing around everywhere we go. And certainly he's becoming attached to his Auntie Lilian.

The plane ride into Oahu yesterday went better than expected for everyone involved. Tai woke up at 4 a.m. with a smile on his face (more than we can say for his parents) and gladly got ready to go to the airport. At Oakland International, he waited patiently at the gate and was excited to go (to where, he had no idea, but he was hopping!). The surfer guy who would sit next to us moaned when he saw that he had a window seat next to a baby. But Tai was either sleeping or playing or laughing with the other passengers the entire plane ride. Mr. Surfer later said that Tai must be the happiest baby he's ever seen.

On the ground, Tai was at once curious about this new land and, like his parents, very relaxed in the cool Hawaiian breeze. He immediately latched onto Auntie Lilian when we got to the Kaneohe home. It's hard to describe, but Tai was just so happy to be here.

In the evening, we went out to dinner and Tai got to meet Kainoa, Troy, Juli, Jon, June, and Gary. While Tai's parents stuffed themselves silly on Hawaiian-style Chinese food, Tai went into sensory overload. Being held by so many new relatives, listening to the large group of partygoers nearby singing "Happy Birthday," tasting taro and Chinese buns for the first time, watching massive plates of food swing by, and smelling the delicious meals he'll partake in someday. After we got home, Tai opened the wonderful gifts he received and loved them all!

That night, Tai slept well except for when the fireworks "bombs" went off. That and the rainstorms that came thundering down.

Today, Tai went to his first mochitsuki at the Yoneshige's house. Tai may not have pounded any mochi but he certainly enjoyed being part of the event (not to mention soaking in all the attention by being the only baby there). Tai's parents got in on the act by pounding the rice that Auntie Lilian brought. As you can see from the pictures, they have a lot to learn. But thankfully, Alan and Lance saved the batch and the mochi turned out nicely. Again, Tai's parents stuffed themselves with a scrumptuous dinner. We also caught up with Gail, Kara, and David. Everyone younger than us seems to grow up so quickly. It's great to see everyone doing so well.

Right now, it's past midnight, and Tai is sound asleep in his crib. He should be tired after playing non-stop, jumping around with anyone who would give him the time of day. Not even the rain that's pounding the roof of the garage is stirring him.

Okay, never mind, Tai just woke up . . . smiling.

Christmas vacation, a success

We survived the horribly long line at LAX this afternoon, the one designated for people who still use non-electronic tickets, push their luggage on a cart, or travel with infants and babies. We learned, perturbed by the rapidly declining "customer service" of Southwest Airlines, that this line gets treated like a dirty diaper. Not only do the agents look miserable and scold customers, the line itself moves at a snail's pace, about 1/5 the speed of the electronic line.

Anyway, we finally made it to the counter, only to learn our flight to San Jose was canceled. They put us on a later flight that was further delayed for over an hour. Several hours after we were scheduled, we finally landed in San Jose.

Now very hungry, we refueled ourselves with Vietnamese food before hitting the road. It's a good thing we ate because I got lost on the freeways and then had to refuel the car at the only gas station I could find (at CostCo of all places). Finally, almost home, the dark night skies opened up and poured rain in great torrents, not the Torrance from which we started the day, but torrents as in lots of water.

Tai was in good spirits when we burst through the door of our homey condo, glad to be back home. But he let out a terrible wail when we put him in his crib to sleep. Later, we figured it was extremely cold in his room, and now he's sleeping in between his parents, warmly resting from a four-day Christmas vacation.

Check out our Christmas photo set to see 94,000 words worth of images because I'm too exhausted to recap the many joys we shared of Tai's first Christmas. Among Tai's highlights: opening gifts, lighting the Christmas candle at church, visiting Kaylee and newborn Brian, soaking in the Christmas Day sun, playing with cousins (esp. Marisa), opening more gifts, meeting Ian and Maya, greeting Daniel and Uyen, and finally, playing the piano!

Merry Christmas from LA!

I TCP/IP but mostly IP

In this first photo of the "future occupation/hobby onesies" series, Tai is modeling a delightfully geeky onesie given to him by Drs. Rich and Agata. Tai has a few things working in his favor with regards to computer science: he's already familiar with computers on some level (iChat with grandparents, "typed" his first email already), plus he's got connections at Georgia Tech (Prof. Rich).

Working against Tai and CS: the patience to pound out code, or lack thereof. But who knows, it's a little early to tell. Of course, that will not stop us from dressing Tai up in these great geeky outfits.

In other news, Tai started going to daycare last week and he seemed to enjoy it, at least based on how little he napped during the day (15 minutes the first full day) and by how much he "talked" about his day in the car ride home. Soon enough he'll start to play with the other kids. This already feels like the next stage of his life, spending the day away from Mommy and Daddy, living new experiences and learning on his own.

*Joke explanation: What is TCP/IP?

Dunsmuir or bust!

Train tracks

Tai enjoyed a road trip up to peaceful mountain town of Dunsmuir this past weekend with his parents, Auntie Julia, and Uncle Sam. We stayed at the relaxing vacation home of our friends, the Brockways.

Tai donned his bear outfit hoping to disguise himself in case he met any bears in the woods. But there were no growling bears, thank goodness, only the tranquility of silence punctuated by occasional locomotive horns.

The 4-hour car rides to and from Dunsmuir were a lot of fun. On the way up, we took a restroom break in Redding and ended up getting off the exit to the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. While at the park, we walked the gardens, crossed the Sundial Bridge, played with Tai in the museum, and enjoyed this accidental adventure.

On the way back down, the all-you-can-eat buffet at the Rolling Hills Indian Casino called to us. We snuck in at the end of lunch for $10.50 each and got the dinner menu. The prime rib was thick and delicious. And Tai got to sit in his first high chair.

Reflections on turning 6 months old

It's been a fine first six months. I've strolled the beaches of Asilomar and Half Moon Bay, basked in the neon glow of Las Vegas lights, and sped down Los Angeles highways.

The people I've met along the way have been engaging and kind. I smile at them, they grin back at me. Words are spoken and I nod. Women kiss me on my cheeks and say I'm cute. I cannot help it.

It is said you can choose your friends, but not your family. But my family so far has been pretty decent. They feed me, clothe me, play with me, and tell me that I'm growing up too quickly. They promise to show me the world and teach me all they know.

Little do they realize, I'm going to teach them a thing or two before this year is over. Not to worry, though, it only gets better from here.

Belated photos of Tai

At Karen and Ryan's beautiful wedding reception. Congratulations! (November 17, 2007)

Tai in his fancy outfit.

Tai dancing with the bride. Lucky baby!

Photos by and borrowed from our friend Dang. Thanks.

Doctor's office visit

Doctor's office visit

Here's a picture of Tai ripping up the tissue paper that lines the patient's table while waiting for the doctor to arrive. He was having so much fun crinkling up the paper and tearing it up with both hands. Dr. Winokur later observed, "That's good, he's using the paper as a tool to bring the toy closer to him." (There was a wooden toy sitting on top of the paper at the end.)

Tai made it through his five shots okay, although he's completely knocked out right now in his afternoon nap. He's growing at a good rate still—26.5 inches, 16 lbs. even. Now the big thing we must do for Tai is childproof our condo.

24

For your 24th birthday Uncle Daniel, I give you . . .
a 'dirty' diaper.

I love birthday parties!

More photos from Cheesecake Factory.

Somebody gave Mommy a hickey and it wasn't Daddy

Tai's chompers are starting to come in and trying to break through his gums. To soothe the pain, he'll suck anything within reach, including Mommy's chin. The other night, Tai was sitting towards his mother in her lap when he bolted upwards and glommed onto her chin full force.

The next morning we noticed a reddish mark on Thu's chin. What's that from, we wondered? Oh yeah . . .

And now in honor of Tai's teething, a few photos . . .

The last of Tai's toothless smiles.

"I'll bite your legs off, Pierre, if it makes my gums feel better."

Sweet potatoes and bananas

Tai enjoyed his first Thanksgiving, dining on a feast of sweet potatoes and bananas (one jar each). His family in San Jose played with Tai all day long and into the night, until Tai pooped out on the living room floor. He must have gotten tired from all the smiling, jumping, grabbing of hair, sucking of fingers, and "swimming" on the blankets!

Who does Tai look like?

Maybe this little query will get people to leave a few comments. We've heard a wide range of answers in Tai's first five months—from Thu's father to Gavin's mother, to "definitely Thu" or "definitely Gavin." Still, I thought it would be interesting to pose the question in the context of our baby pictures. So what do you think?

Tai's baptism

Today Tai was baptized at Buena Vista United Methodist Church by Pastor Michael Yoshii. The congregation, including all the children who gathered around Tai at his seat, gave him a very warm welcome into the church.

The service was beautiful and profound. Pastor Yoshii recognized Tai's Buddhist heritage as well as his Christian, before explaining how Tai will have an extended family of Buena Vista members to help raise him. Tai chuckled as Pastor Yoshii baptized him with a cupped hand of water, and even offered a smile to the congregation.

It was a special day that included both sides of the family, and also Tai's sponsor, Julia, her husband Sam, and my co-worker Vickie and her daughter Victoria (and cousin Jordan). Thu and I feel fortunate to become members of such a generous and loving church. As parents, we appreciate that so many are looking after Tai's well-being. Blessed are we all.


More photos of Tai's baptism

A Crouching Tiger Halloween

Tai spent his first Halloween night in San Jose, monitoring the candy bucket and prowling the sidewalk as Tigger. He enjoyed playing with his cousins—penguins, ninjas, and giant babies alike. He got his first trick-or-treat candies—a bag of mini Oreos followed by a mini Kit Kat, both of which hit the spot (of father tiger). See the Halloween photos! Now Tai wonders, when's turkey day?!

72 Hours with Tai

Tai has largely stayed out of politics. But recently he decided he could no longer sit idly by on the sidelines. So on Saturday, he dragged his parents out to the streets of San Francisco to join 10,000+ protesters to march against the war in Iraq. (See photos.) He and his parents joined a contingent from the Buena Vista United Methodist Church, where, by the way, he'll soon be baptized.

As this was Tai's first march, he has not yet grown jaded to the questionable efficacy of these protests. He was just as enthusiastic at the end of the second mile as he was in the BART ride over. His parents and others may wonder. But as Tai's mother noted, we can hope that these demonstrations will catch the attention of the current presidential contenders in the run-up to the primaries. As for which candidate Tai is endorsing, that's for a later entry. . . .


In other news, Tai got a visit from his Auntie Uyen on Sunday. If they have something in common already, it's that they both like to smile for the camera.


Finally, on Monday, Tai ate his first solid food, organic whole grain rice cereal mixed with breast milk. Mommy spooned it into his mouth and, for the most part, Tai slurped it up. It was all caught on iChat for his grandparents to witness.

The cereal box says that not only is the cereal iron fortified, it's easily digestible. And apparently so, because the next day . . . well, anyway, let's just look at another cute picture of Tai after the feeding.

Daddy Day Care

I've been lucky to stay at home with Tai a couple of days a week this fall as part of my paternity leave. I'm lucky to live in California, where the state pays for 55% of my days off as part of the Paid Family Leave Act (my sick leave makes up the balance). And I'm lucky to have an employer, the National Writing Project, that accommodates my schedule.

Tai and I have spent much of our days strolling to the local markets. On Tuesdays we head to the farmer's market to peruse the organic fruit and vegetable stands, often buying bags of Japanese eggplant and Blue Lake green beans. A few times we've braved the provincial noontime crowd at Trader Joes, but more often we prefer the wide aisles and the friendly seniors at Albertsons/Lucky's. A grandfatherly man will note how Tai looks like a little football player; a grandmotherly woman will remark on Tai's cute smile, or more lately his strong kicking legs that dangle out the sides of the baby carrier strapped to Daddy's chest.

Today was the first day I began to think about how I might miss these days off with Tai come January, when my state-subsidized bonding time ends, Thu kicks it into full gear for her doctoral work, and we'll have to look for some sort of child care three days a week.

It isn't that anything absolutely spectacular happens every day Tai and I have together. He can't talk, can't walk, he sleeps every two to three hours, and all he drinks is milk. But the everyday moments add up. Little kicks on the ground have turned into attempts to stand tall. Giggles have become laughs. And his toothless grin has become a great big toothless smile that can charm an entire roomful of people.

What She Left Behind

Today is my mom’s two-year memorial. All of my extended family gathered together to remember her, to celebrate her life and to honor the family that she had left behind. While our hearts ache for the tremendous loss we had suffered, we filled the house with laughter, recounting stories of her amazing cooking as well as her ability to bring this large family together.


Three generations of the Hua and Quach family were present to honor this amazing woman, who was responsible for bringing every one of her family members from Viet Nam to the US. Yet, among all the things she had left behind—the big house, the fancy car, the nice furniture—her most valuable possessions were her grandchildren. Ethan, who is now three years old, spent his first year with her. Tai, who arrived almost two years after her passing, shares her Asian zodiac sign, the pig. While neither of them can remember their grandmother, no doubt her strength and spirit will live on in them.


Our family had a wonderful time, enjoying great food and company. We hope that if my mom’s spirit still lingers in this world, she will see that her family misses her dearly and will always remember her, yet we have learned to cope with her passing. The foundation she has built in this family will remain; we will continue to be a close family. In seeing this, we hope that her spirit will be able to move beyond this world to begin her afterlife.

And the doctor says . . .

Tai went for his 4-month check up today. Perhaps in honor of his mother, an epidemiologist, or his father, a fantasy baseball fanatic, Tai decided to be statistically responsible and not deviate from the mean. That is to say, he weighed in at 14 lbs., 7 oz., and measured 25 inches long, right at the 50th percentile yet again. If you plot his weight and height on a growth chart, all his marks land on the 50th percentile arc so far.

As for the rest of the visit, Tai held his head up well. He sat up, he stood up. And he laughed when the nurse checked his heart beat. He's always smiling and laughing, even in the doctor's office. Except for when he got the last two out of four shots (two in each thigh). He cried for a minute, and then went back to normal. He even managed to laugh and smile and charm the clerk when Daddy later took him to the DMV office. Now that is a real trooper.

(Photos with Mr. Bunny, made from organic cotton.)

Grrrrrr!!! I'm a tiger!!!

What nice full day for me. Say good morning to grandparents who show up before 8 a.m. Chat with them until afternoon visit to the pumpkin patch. Humor parents by changing into Halloween outfit. Tigger, Winnie the Pooh, I'm seeing a pattern here. . . . Eat lunch at Sunny Side Cafe, then back for a nap. Watch baseball playoffs on TV. Wait for Mommy to get her nails done. Then dinner time at Yu-San. Take a nap at the table and let everyone eat sushi in peace. One day I too will shove a big piece of salmon in my mouth. . . . Finally, a big goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa who've babysat the entire week. What great company they are—they laugh at everything I have to say. I will miss them and they will miss me, every day until next month. That's when I dress up as a turkey.

Getting bigger, growing louder

Tai's grandparents are up from LA this week, visiting but also working. Today was their first full day as babysitters, and Tai's first full day away from his parents. He seemed to manage pretty well, enjoying a day at the farmer's market, followed by a 3-hour nap.

The grandparents fared well too. And talk about timing, the day they start their visit, Tai starts talking and screaming (in a good way). Mommy says it's his impression of Donald Duck. Maybe he's super excited. Or maybe he's starting to rev up his voice. He's kicking and pushing, less prone to sit still. He wants in on the conversations, babbling, giggling, and gurgling until we pay attention. He wants to play. Thank goodness, he also wants to sleep.

We always say he's growing up so quickly, and it's so true. He barely fits his Winnie the Pooh robe. When we received it as a gift, we thought it would take forever for him to grow into it. Now he's boxing his way out of it!

Baseball fan(s) in the making

We took Tai to his first baseball game last week to watch the A's play the Mariners. From the fourteenth row behind third base, we saw Ichiro make a diving catch and Kurt Suzuki whack a line-drive single. Tai got to watch his parents eat kettle corn, before conking out in the fifth inning of a 0-0 game. As we left, we bought him a baby blue A's cap from the souvenir stand, then drove home a happy family. What an excellent way to spend an evening outdoors. Not bad, considering two out of three of us don't care much for baseball (yet).

Ready or Not Grandma, Here I Come!

Tai made his first visit to Torrance last weekend to say hello to his grandparents. They were eagerly awaiting his arrival at the airport. Tai did not disappoint, greeting his grandma with a little suitcase that read "Ready or Not Grandma, Here I Come!"

Tai beamed a big smile the entire trip. And why not, with Grandma and Grandpa waiting to hold him, from his morning wake-up cry till his nighttime sleep.

While Tai and the grandparents enjoyed themselves, Tai's parents also did pretty well. When Tai woke up at 7 a.m., Grandma was right there to pick him up, giving the parents an extra few hours of much needed sleep! We've never felt so refreshed.


The family came over Sunday for a party to welcome Tai. Someone got camera happy and took several dozen pictures. But what the heck, it was a special weekend and who can ever have enough pictures of Tai?

P.S. The person writing this would write more but this was the first full week that both parents were back at work, albeit on different days. I work M-W-F; Thu works T-Th. Even with that arrangement, we both find ourselves tired, especially at the end of a Friday night.