Posts

Showing posts from 2008

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Celebrating my second Christmas with lots of love and family.

My Nook

Image
  This is one of my favorite places to hang out. It's a little nook mom made for me under her office desk. I like to sit in here and read, play with my toys, or just relax while mom is on her computer. Every now and then I would pull on mom's leg so she remembers that I am down here.

Playing in the Leaves

Every Thursday Grandma Mesic comes over to take care of me for the day. Today, Di Thu suggested we all go out and play in the pile of fall leaves near the driveway. I had so much fun, there are so many colors. I loaded all the squashes into my little wagon and pushed it down the sidewalk. Then Di Thu lifted me up so I can touch all the leaves in the tree. We gathered the leaves together and threw it up in the air. Later that day, Grandma and I had a walk down the street. Unlike all the other walks where Grandma pushes me in my stroller. This time we were both walking. We went down about 5 houses, Grandma helped me a quarter of the way there, but the rest I did it on my own. It was so fun and nice to go out and run around.

Happy Birthay Di Hong

Image
    Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Di Hong, Happy Birthday to you! My aunt turns 2? this year, I can't tell you exactly how old because it's a secret. Funny thing, is her birthday is the day after mine. I hope you had a great one!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUDREY!

Image
  Feel free to post in the comments section. Below is a message from Mom. Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Audrey, Happy Birthday to you! I can't believe mommy's little girl is turning ONE today. It's a bitter-sweet feeling on mom's part, but I am so happy and proud of you. You have really grown and changed so much over the past 12 months. Its simply incredible to watch you each week as you change and develop into the adorable little toddler you are today. There are so many things I want to wish for you. Let's start out this day with lots of giggles, laughs, hugs, and kisses.

AUTUMN is here!

Image
  Every morning auntie Thu takes me outside to look at the leaves and all the different colors. My favorite is what the call the “Maple” trees out near our drive way. The leaves on there are so colorful and vibrant. It’s been so warm that we finally had a chilly day today. Mom prepared my warm clothes and I get to dance around in my red boots. I can’t wait till it rains so I can test them out in the puddles.

LUNCH DATE

Image
  After swim class and farmer’s market today, I had a lunch date with mom. We sat down in the middle of Third Street Promenade at the new French wine and cheese restaurant. I ordered a kid’s portion of chicken and French fries. The fries were yummy, but I didn’t care for the chicken. There were lots of pigeons around the area, some of which came by the table and joined us for lunch. Mom breaks up the bread pieces and shares it with them. My favorite is the free kid’s ice cream they give at the end of the meal, it was yummy.

VOTE!

Image
    It’s a historical moment and mom says one day I will be reading about this in my history class. We went to our voting booth in the afternoon right after baby class. Mom let me hold the pen and help her mark the ballot. It’s too bad I will have to wait until I am 19 years old to vote. Voting is the first Tuesday of November and I am born in the second week of November. Although most of us can vote at 18, I am going to have to wait an extra year ;(

Piglets at the Pumpkin Patch

5 Moments at Mr. Bone's Pumpkin Patch Today: 1: Roaming around and exploring it with my fellow piglets 2: All the hay they use to make the ground covering 3: You are almost guaranteed to see some kind of celebrity if you stay long enough 4: Paparazzi's are outside at both corners of the entrance 5: Pumpkins the size of my head cost $5 and $10 for watermelon size. Unlike any other Monday, today my little piglet buddies met at a pumpkin patch in Beverly Hills. I had a lot of fun and really enjoy exploring the different pumpkins, all the hay on the ground and being pulled around in the wagon.

Today I am Eleven Months

Image
          On the way back from visiting Great Grandma Johnson in Santa Maria, parents took me on a mini road trip to celebrate my 11 month. Dad drove through the back countryside where we visited a couple of U-Pick farms and ended the trip by driving through Solvang. Mom said there were a couple of other farms we didn't stop in because I was sleeping. I would have loved to see the ostrich farm and mini ponies that are in this area. Although I was sleeping, I am glad mom woke me up when we arrived at the apple farm. I have never seen so many apples! There are rows and rows of trees and every branch on the trees were full of apples. Big ones, little ones, green ones, and yummy ones. Mom picked the first few apples and I helped her put it in the bag. After watching her with the first few apples, I was able to pull one off the tree myself. It was so much fun! Mom even let me taste it afterward, yummy, I really like apples. Everything is going well and at Eleven months, I am de

My First Pumpkin Patch

On the way up to Great Grandma Johnson's house, we stop by Pete's Pumpkin Patch. It was more like a big garden with acres and acres of Orange Pumpkins that comes in all sizes and shapes. Mom and Dad took me to my very first Pumpkin Patch visit and I had so much fun. I really enjoy riding on the wagon, looking around at all the different pumpkins, and sitting on them. I look forward to visiting a few more pumpkin patches before the season is over.

Merry-Go-Round

Image
    Instead of going to classes today, we went down to Orange County for some errands. While waiting to pick up some accounting files, we went to Southcoast Plaza. It's my first time to this mall, and its really big. We went shopping at several baby stores before I saw a big musical thing that went round and round in the middle. Mom and Aunt Thu calls it a "Merry-Go-Round". I really like to watch the thing go round and round as kids were sitting on their horses. Mom thought it would be fun to take me on there. There were so many colors and these horses look so big up close. I was not quite sure what to make of it at first. Mom strapped me on and the thing started going in circles with the music on really loud. Every now and then I would look out and see Auntie Thu, and before I know it, she was gone again. We were playing peek-a-boo in circles. Mom made all the motions a little less scary, but as soon as the horses started going up and down, I reached out for her. Mom

BOO!

Image
  October is around the corner and we are practicing for Halloween. Auntie Thu got me this little jack-o-lantern, but instead of carrying it in my hands, I like it in my mouth. I had a lot of fun making all these different expressions and scary faces. Mom says that she'll soon take me on a hunt for my Halloween costume. I wonder what will I end up being?? In the meantime I really like carrying this little Jack-O-Latern like this while walking around the house.

Having a ball at Elijah's Birthday.

Image
  Happy Birthday Big E! We went to Elijah's Birthday today at the local park. I really like playing with him in the ball pit and crawl through the tunnels. At the end of the Birthday, I even got a little plastic train to take with as a souvenir.

First Steps

Image
  Today after swim class and Farmer's Market we headed over to the Santa Monica Library. Mom let me explored the Children's section and I even picked out my own book. I really like the shelves here, its really easy to pull up on and walk around. Although I have taken my first steps a couple weeks before, today was different. They have these neon green tables at the sitting area where mom was sitting. It was the perfect for me to walk around and let go to get to the next table. I was so proud of myself when I was able to let go of the table and walk on over to the couch. It was about three steps, but I did it without falling. Mom was so happy she went for the camera and try to document it. Although this new found skill has kept me up at night, I am having a lot of fun landing on my tush. Thank goodness my friends and I all have these diapers on.

FOR SALE

Image
Mom says, if I don't start eating soon, she may put me up for sale.  

Surprise Birthday for Jameson.

During playgroup today, we hosted a surprise Birthday Party for our fellow piglet, Jameson. Mom and I really enjoyed shopping and wrapping up all the presents. My favorite were the Mylar balloons, they’re so fun. We really caught Ms. Susan by surprise when she showed up and saw the setup. It was really fun watching everyone play and Jameson so excited to open up his gifts. Sorry to miss many of you and thanks to all those who were able to make it.

Manhattan, the BIG city

After arriving in NYC, we checked in at the W Time Square and parents took me out for a night stroll. Time Square was so exciting with all the lights, people, and noises. I had my first caricature done in the middle of Time Square. The man took a little long, but I really enjoyed watching all the pedestrians who were walking by. The next day, Aunt Diane came by to pick us up and we drove around NYC, had lunch, and visited baby Piper in Brooklyn. That night we met up with Mr. Charlie, and had dinner at the new Lincoln Center near Central park. An hour later we met Aunt Jennifer at the posh Peninsula hotel rooftop bar. Besides the bartender who was about 25, I was the youngest one there. They have a really nice setup with lots of chairs and cushions to walk around. It was a late night for all of us, but we’re on California time. I really like strolling around Central Park and looking at all the trees. Every now and then dad would take me close up to one of the horses pulling the

CHICAGO, the windy city

My poor parents who are probably exhausted traveling with me when I am not feeling well. Finally I am better and ready to go out again. After Aunt Lori’s wedding we spent a couple of days to visit family, friends, and tour around. I enjoyed my play date at the Nechlese’s home. We stopped by great uncle Bob’s house to visit and watched Aunt Lori and Uncle Mark opened up all their wedding presents. The next day when the rains stop, we toured downtown Chicago, went shopping, and visited the Children’s Museum. My favorite is playing with the fountains in the water room. We even found a display of the “thung”, a cylinder Vietnamese boat very similar to the one mom left Vietnam in. Mom was pleasantly surprised to find Vietnamese as one of the three languages on all the displays.

CONGRATULATIONS Aunt Lori and Uncle Mark!

It was fun watching the two of you get married today. I wish you lots of giggles and love. Oh, and that you will soon have little Mark and Lori so Timothy and I can have more cousins to play with. Though I was a little tired from traveling today, I really liked playing with Lil’ Timothy and that bridge you have at your wedding. It’s just the perfect size for me and all my little buddies. I really enjoyed walking all over it. Every wedding should have one of these wooden bridges. Parents said Chicago is a windy city, but I'd found it to be very rainy and wet. Though I'd much rather have it pouring than be windy, I really love the rain.

10 Months Update

Image
        I AM HAPPY AT 10 MONTHS! At ten months, I am almost physically the same length and weight I was at 6 months. I now weight 20.6 pounds and am almost 28 inches long. This has put a little stress on Mom, because I am not eating as much as I am supposed too. I like to nibble a bite here and there, but have not really find a love to eating solids yet. I’d much rather have my milk straight from the source and just nibble to try things. Though physically I have not developed as much as parents would like, but developmentally I have hit all my milestones. I tell them that one look at me and no one will accuse them of starving me. I am still close to the 75th percentile in most areas, and just like to take my time when it comes to solids and food. Travelling around with Mom has been one of my favorite things to do. I have now been to 8 States and well over a dozen major cities. I don’t like to go through security checks, deal with time change, or restraint to a seat for a long

The last of the Summer Days

Today is probably the last day of summer. I have really enjoyed wearing all the white that my aunts bought me including this pair of sunglasses that Uncle Tony bought. During playgroup today, mom let me wore it. I had a lot of fun walking around and trying out my new glasses. My buddies Sofia and Evan were the first two to show up and join me today. I was so happy to see Sofia that I gave her a big FAT hug.

HAPPY GRANDPARENTS' DAY!

Today is National Grandparents Day. We invited Grandma and Grandpa Mesic over for breakfast. Grandpa swung me around the deck while Grandma watched me walked around. It was so nice to be able to celebrate this special day with my grandparents and I can’t wait to see Grandma and Grandpa Nguyen as well. Today after breakfast, Grandma &Grandpa joined me at the Venice Main Street Farmer’s Market and they even came with me to music class. On Sundays I go to Toddle Tunes in Westwood and experiment with different music, instruments, and games. It’s really a lot of fun, but this week is really special since my grandparents are with me.

Happy Birthday Auntie JULIE

Image
  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DI JULIE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! Today is my "Di" (pronounced "yi" means auntie in Vietnamese) JULIE'S Birthday. She is mom's baby sister, but since I was born, I am now the new baby. I hope my aunt has a fantastic, superlicious Birthday up at UCSB. I MISS you and look forward to drooling all over you soon.

Happy Birthday JAMES!

Happy Birthday JAMES! Today is my first time at a Birthday Party. My buddy, James is turning ONE and it’s so exciting to celebrate the day with all my buddies and friend at the park. Below are some pictures of us at the party. James gave everyone a beach towel as a present and it was so nice of him. I really like the stream at that park and hope I can return there soon.

I am 9 Months Today

Today I turn 9 Months. Nine months is an exciting milestone. I have learned how to do many things over the past couple months, it seems to come in leaps and bounds. Mom and dad helped me put together a photo-journal so I may share my journey through the images and captions that were put together below. This past month I have been able to pull myself up to a standing position and walk around by holding on to things. It’s really exciting to explore the world from this height. I am a pretty fast crawler and like to play tag with who ever likes to chase me. Being chased makes me laugh out loud as I crawl through the house. I really like walking around the living room table and usually do about 20 laps a day. Last month I learned how to sign back to mom which makes her really happy. Though I have yet learned to talk, I can now sign ‘milk’ and ‘bye-bye’. Mom can’t wait till I learn some of the other ones she has been teaching me. My Aunt Thu taught me how to give kisses by showing me

CONGRATULATIONS Uncle Matt and Aunt Kathryn!

One of my favorite Uncles got married today to a beautiful sweet Ms. Kathryn. They make a very cute and loving couple. Thank you so much for having me as a guest at your wedding. I was even given my own customize seating card. We danced and played with the glow in the dark sticks all night. I partied till I dropped and just snooze in the stroller. Berkeley is a beautiful campus, despite all the tree huggers who were living in the trees. I met many of parents' friends and even Abigail. Abigail was mom's flower girl at her wedding and she looks so big and grown up at Uncle Matt's wedding.

SEATTLE at my FINGERTIPS

Image
This is the view from my hotel crib. I really like sitting on the sill and looking down. It’s really beautiful, but I can never seem to touch what I am looking at. It’s like dad’s plasma, but better.    

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

Image
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear daddy, Happy Birthday to you. I am really happy I was able to celebrate your birthday with you this year Daddy. I wish I will be able to share many many more Birthdays with you. I hope this year I will be able to give you lots of laughters, giggles, and AWE moments.  

CONGRATULATIONS Uncle SCOTT & Aunt CAROL!

I went to Seattle for the weekend to celebrate my Uncle Scott and Aunt Carol’s wedding. It was a very special event. Aunt Carol made everything from her wedding dress, the bridesmaids’ dresses, to all the jewerly. It was a beautiful wedding, I rolled in my aunt and uncle’s limo bus and enjoyed a great tour of Seattle. Uncle Scott had bamboos from his garden as their centerpieces and the food was really yummy. I really liked the mashed potatos.

Enroute to Seattle and Rehearsal Dinner

We flew up today to attend Uncle Scott and Aunt Carol’s wedding. We arrived at the rehearsal dinner where I was given my very own “Seattle Pig”, rolled a big Heineken beer keg around, and was later kicked out of the bar. They said I had to be at least 21 years old or else I can’t sit in the bar area. Poor Grandma had to walk me around while mom and dad visit with all the guests.

ROCKING at WONDERNATION

WonderNation was a lot of fun. My classmates and I banged the drums, strummed the guitar, and played with the parachute. We even sang some songs, crawled around, and rocked to some music.

The water at SEASIDE LAGOON

We went on a class field trip today to Seaside Lagoon in Manhattan Beach. It was my first time tasting the ocean water, it was really salty. I enjoyed playing with the wet sand and sitting in the salty ocean water with my fellow classmates and teacher. When it gets really hot, I hope mom will take me here again.

Note from Mom

Image
My mom's note on her blog below sums up my morning today. "I would never before thought that a successful or productive morning constitutes to my daughter ingesting one half a container of yogurt and a couple ounces of dried cereal. It was always about how many phone calls, emails, things crossed off on a to-do list, etc that determines if a morning was productive. This morning, unlike those in the past, it was Audrey opening up for that next yogurt bite, or how she was able to self-feed another cheerio. Motherhood definitely slowed me down, not to necessarily smell the flowers, but appreciate the absolute basics that makes up everyday life."  

Piglet Characters

I would like to introduce the different characters that makes up our Piglet group. Though some were missing today, I would like to introduce you to my lil' Piglets who were here.

My uncle and aunts

Image
     

Saturday with the Bells

Uncle Cameron and his kids; Madeline, Rachel, and Angelica came to visit this morning. We hung out for a while then went to the local park where dad let me go down the slide for the first time. Dad held on to me the whole time, maybe one day I will get to go down all by myself.

Hanging in the yard

It's playgroup day, and my teacher Ms. King came by to talk about child development. All the mommies were taking turns getting a massage in our back guest house. Baby Evan sat by himself for the first time today. It is so nice to see my little friend Kate back from the east coast. My other buddies: Parker, CJ, Elijah, Jameson, London, and James all play in the yard and explored all our different toys.

Piglets at the Beach

Ms. Britta opened her home this weekend so we can have a beach day with my fellow piglets. I ate some sand, dipped my feet in the ocean, and chased the seagulls around.

Summer Bathing

My little yard pool didn't come yet, so mom had me out back in my bathing tub. It's so fun to get washed outdoor with the big trees, nice yellow flowers, and all the green grass. I really like to splash the water and get it all over the place.

Auntie Thu is back.

Image
Today Auntie Thu returned from her trip and brought me lots of presents...yipppeee! I missed her, its nice to have her back. Do you like my outfit, it's from Thailand?