More Ms

So yesterday, we had three more Ms--(1) Monica; (2) Museum of Natural Science; and (3) Mode...as in Depeche Mode.

This afternoon, Auntie Monica came up with her cousin, Krutika, who was visiting from New Jersey. We had made plans to take to the Museum of Natural Science. We started with the Cockrell Butterfly Center, which I had told Monica about when we first took Andrew a while back and she thought it would be cool to see. Well, both Monica and Krutika said they enjoyed it. I love looking at all the different butterflies flying everywhere in such a concentrated space. There were two highlights for me. The first was a butterfly actually landed on me for just a second or two. When we first arrived, I had told Monica that I would be so happy if one did; and one did! I must have been too excited that the butterfly flew off pretty quickly. But it was on me long enough for Andrew to see and sign for more!! It was too funny. If only it was that easy, kiddo! The second highlight was when we came upon a volunteer who had some butterflies for us to touch (I could have pretended that we had gotten these amazing pictures with Andrew holding a butterfly in his palm and one on Andrew's shoulder, but I won't deceive you). Thus, the butterflies in those pictures are dead, but preserved. But it was still cool to be able to touch them especially for Andrew since he doesn't understand why he can't touch the real ones who would be crazy to land on such an active kid!

Afterwards, we went through the Diamonds exhibit to see some bling bling. Andrew didn't really dig this exhibit even though we tried to point out all the kids that we thought would interest him like trucks, dirt, water, and whatever animals we could find. Daddy took him out early and went upstairs to see the fake animals. The exhibit had some amazing pieces that Mommy was amazed by and would like to have personally! Ha ha! Unfortunately, they did not allow photography in the exhibit so I have none to share with you.

The third M is for another reason that Monica came up to Houston in that we were headed to the Depeche Mode concert up at the Woodlands Pavilion. I felt totally guilty for leaving Andrew two nights in a row, but it was just the way it worked out. Poor kid was probably wondering why I was gone back to back nights. Daddy likes DM, but not as much as Mommy so he was sweet by staying home with Andrew. I would have loved Daddy to be there--I missed both my boys during the concert. It ended up being great in terms of weather and in terms of music. The weather was really nice. It wasn't too hot; and we had a nice breeze for most of the night. DM is one of my all time favorite bands--if not my absolute favorite. Anyhow, we had an awesome time! For all the DM lovers out there, my favorite songs they sang were A Question of Lust and Waiting For the Night.

On an end note by which I want to reflect, I find it funny (and quite ironic) how I can look so forward to some adult time, but when it happens, I find myself missing Andrew so much. I know it's good for me to get out and for Andrew to be away from me. I had such a great time both nights and am looking forward to some other outings without Andrew. Sometimes, James and I talk about going away on a romantic getaway for a night (when I am realistic) or a weekend (when I am optimistic) or a week (when I am really brave). But then reality sets in; and I know that I am not ready yet. Hopefully, there will be a time when I will be more ready to leave him--doing back bends at a chance to get away. One of these days...but not just yet...

M&M

The first M stands for METRORail, which we have showed to Andrew several times before and we rode this morning so Andrew could experience another train. When we got to the Museum District where we were going to pick up the train, Andrew kept wanting the Hermann Park train that we have ridden before. So, we had to try to explain to him that we were going to ride a different train.

Well, we got on the train towards Downtown as we had decided to go to Minute Maid Park and buy Astros tickets for Labor Day. Anyway, Andrew was so enthralled by it all. He kept looking out the window and inside the train then back out the window then back inside the train. When we got to our stop in Downtown and got off the train, Andrew kept signing for more train. We kept telling him that we would ride it again as we headed to the park. But Andrew got to see the train at the park again so that placated him. So after we bought the tickets, we hopped back on the train and headed back to the Museum District. It is safe to say that Andrew enjoyed his train ride and that we will definitely try to bring him back another day.

We joked about the things that parents do to make their kids happy. We didn't really need to ride the METRORail, but it made for a nice outing for Andrew. He was happy and so we were happy too. And we have to say that the rail was very nice. James and I are both big proponents of more routes being built here in Houston; and this morning's ride made us even bigger supporters of the rail.

The second M is for Morton's Steakhouse, which is where Daddy and Mommy had a date Saturday night. Ngoai was nice enough to watch Andrew so we could celebrate our anniversary from way back, but mostly, so we could just have a date.

We had a delicious meal especially their hot chocolate cake (it has the gooey chocolate middle)!! It was nice just being the two of us and also not worrying about Andrew's behavior in a restaurant. It was weird for Mommy to look over to her side and not see Andrew in a high chair. Mommy had more separation anxiety than Daddy and missed him throughout the evening. But I was still very glad to have a nice night on the town with James. Our conversation did veer towards Andrew at times, but we did manage to hold conversations that were not Andrew-related.

The night was made much better when we got home and Ngoai said that Andrew was very good for her. Andrew had spent most of the evening playing with his new battery-powered Thomas that we gave him to help entertain him and keep his mind of his missing parents. Ngoai also said that Andrew asked for Mommy only three times (poor Daddy wasn't asked for at all) and didn't cry at all for us!

With Andrew doing so well, I can't wait for the next date night!! Thanks so much to Ngoai for watching our little boy and allowing us this night out.

We took this family shot before leaving for Morton's, but unfortunately, rushed out of the restaurant without taking one of James and me there.

Baby Gabriella

My dear friend from law school, Cynthia, had a baby girl on August 7th. Andrew and I went to see the new mommy and Baby Gabriella this morning on our way down to League City. Such a sweet little angel she is! Mommy couldn't help but think about when Andrew was that small. And yes, I yearned a bit.

I was nervous about how Andrew would react to the baby considering potential jealously and aggression. But let me say that my own little angel did me so proud. He didn't get jealous when I held Gabby (and I must have held her at least ten minutes). And he gently patted her and even tried to kiss her; I just let him kiss her on the hand and not face. Maybe Andrew is more ready for a sibling than I thought!?

Congratulations, Aunt Cynthia! Welcome to the world, Gabriella! We look forward to many play dates and parties!

Below are two photos from today: (1) Aunt Cynthia and Baby Gabriella; and (2) my sweet angel in his new train pajamas.

Mary Ann and Madison

Mary Ann was came home for a visit and stopped by to see us this afternoon. And luckily for Andrew, she bought along Madison. Andrew was really sweet to Madison petting her nicely and trying to kiss her multiple times. But I thought these pictures were just too adorable! We know it is just a matter of time until Andrew asks us to get him a dog.

Thanks for hanging out with us, Mary Ann and Madison! We love you lots!

Redos

Lately sometimes, Andrew has been seemingly understanding when I tell him that we were are going to certain places. Case in point, this morning, I told Andrew that we were going to the zoo after breakfast. Well, he was excited...so excited that when I came back to the living room from the kitchen, I had found Andrew had put his shoes on by himself--and nonetheless, with no breakfast, no change of diaper, and no change of clothes yet! But on this redo, they were on the right feet (but Mommy knows that this was just a fluke.)

Anyhow, I am glad that he is learning to do things for himself. But I am really glad that he seems to enjoy the zoo so much. I get scared that after all the "redos" of all the places we take him too like the zoo and children's museum, he will enjoy them less and less. At the zoo, I keep trying to change our path or change the animals we see (except for ones that Andrew always wants to see--the elephants, lions, and ducks.) So far that seems to have worked and let's hope it continues to do so.

Happy One Year and A Half Birthday!

Our little boy is a year and a half!! I can't believe eighteen months have gone by already! I am astounded that we have a little toddler now. I look at him and ask where is that tiny baby we brought home from the hospital! But he has grown up so fast, including the last month.

As I mentioned previously, Andrew says "hoo" for owls and is able to make "pfft" sound for rabbit while pointing his pointer fingers up around his head as for the ears on the bunny. Andrew is just learning "snap snap" for alligators and crocodiles and will say "sna sna." He is also learning that snakes "hiss" making like a "he" sound. Drew is also starting to say "zee" for zebras. Then, there have been a few times, when we are about to go to the zoo that he will repeat it after me by saying "zuu". Also, Andrew just started saying "dow" for down and "uu" for up. He will kind of say "hel" for helicopter. Sometimes, he will say "wa" and grab your finger--I am thinking he is telling us to walk with him. Andrew says "naa naa" for night night. I am very estatic when he says it after I say it and goes willingly to bed. Other times, when I say night night, he starts wagging his finger or fussing. Andrew has added the "ba" sound for bike and blocks in addition to his reportoire of ball, balloon, and book.  

For some reason, he can say "b" sounds for so many words, but Andrew has been saying "da" for bus. I kind of wonder if he is trying to say truck. I have been working on correcting him, but to no avail yet.  He will say "ba", but then will go immediately back to "da". 

He is getting much better at signing for thank you in terms of doing it when asked and not the actual sign. It still looks like he is blowing kisses, but I am okay with that. Andrew is doing very well about signing please--sometimes without us prompting him. He is improving on his combo signing and talking. Andrew is very good about signing more please and eat please.  I have been working on him stringing words together, but that is going slow at this point.

As for playing and toys, Andrew really loves the pool. He is doing great about getting water in his face--in the pool, tub, and shower. Sometimes, he doesn't want to go home! He is starting to enjoy the bouncer that the Armstrongs gave him. He likes to stack up blocks, but loves to knock them down even more. He still loves to play with his Thomas trains, but can sometimes fit the track pieces together after he takes them apart. Andrew's record thus far is being able to take eight cars up and over the hill on his train track without messing up. Something new this month is that we let Andrew have these special tub crayons during bathtime--and he loves it!! Drew also loves wiping the markings off the tub afterwards too.  He is still our little cleaner! Actually, he kind of makes a sign for coloring by using his pointer finger and moving it in a circle as if he was writing. 

Mommy also forgot to mention last month that the reason he says "na" for snacks is primarily for fruit snacks.  Andrew will eat at least one bag if not two bags a day. Sometimes, he says "na" and I will take him to the pantry.  I will purposefully show him other items like Goldfish crackers or his puffs to which Andrew will usually wag the finger. Then, I will show him the box or he will point to it.  The man knows what he likes.  And lately, I will put his fruit snacks in a bowl so Andrew now will say "bo" too! Also, something else that Andrew does is that he likes to drink the juice out of the mandarin orange cups as well as eat the oranges. I used to drink the juice so it wouldn't spill, so I guess Andrew just had to copy me. Drew has also learned the fun world of dips. He loves soy sauce, ketchup, ranch, and barbeque sauce. Thankfully, he will eat more when he has dip so we pretty much give him it whenever he wants. Additionally, Andrew has gotten pretty good at drinking out of a cup while holding it.  Sometimes, he still spills water (sometimes on purpose too), but he is learning to gauge the flow of the water coming down from the cup. Another thing about his eating is that he doesn't like his high chair anymore. Andrew prefers to stand on the chair (or booth if we are out in restaurants). He will start in his designated chair between Daddy and Mommy, but then will later switch chairs--sometimes multiple times. It's frustrating at times, but sometimes, it's really hard to keep him from wanting to do things like this. This kid wants to be such a big boy already!!

As for drinking, Andrew is still nursing a few times a day especially when it's nap time or bedtime. He also still wants to nurse if he wants to be soothed. I am happy I made it this long breastfeeding, but we have been starting to slowly ween him off. I wanted to just make it to a year and am grateful we did.  Then, I just kept doing it because it was convenient and cheaper than buying milk. But we will just keep gradually work on weening him--hopefully, it goes well. He also likes to drink Fierce Grape Gatorade just like Mommy and Daddy, but he doesn't care too much for Lemon Lime flavor. 

Something that that Andrew likes to do now is he loves to lay down on the floor in the living room after pulling the pillows/blankets/throws off the ottoman. Then, he will then ask me and/or James to lay down next to him. And Andrew has to pull all three blankets to the floor--one just isn't good enough. Usually, he pulls the quilt from Aunt Amanda first--he must know it is his blanket. 

Drew has gotten so much better at sleeping in his crib taking longer naps and has slept until 6 or so in the morning.  A couple of times when he has slept in the crib until 6am, he won't go back to sleep! Not fun.  Mommy would almost prefer him waking up once at night and sleeping until after 7am or so.  You guys know I am not a morning person!

That's all I can think of for now--I know I am forgetting stuff, but I will have to post them as I remember them or save them for next month. 

These are pictures taking tonight when Andrew was having his night night snack--his birthday cupcakes. He loves these things especially the sprinkles. Also, check out his new fade!! He looks even more like a little boy with a new haircut!

Happy Year and A Half Birthday, Andrew! We love more than you will ever know!

Our Day with Ngoai

Today, we spent the day with Ngoai who drove up to our house this morning so that we could start the day at the library for Baby Time. It was funny because one of the books we were reading was Moo, Baa, La La La! He did grab the hair of a little girl who came up to him (argh), but I made him kiss her to repent for his misconduct. I have been trying to teach him to say sorry, but no luck yet. Anyway, Andrew enjoyed having Ngoai with us even patting the floor to have her sit next to him. But he did play nice the rest of the time without any incidents.

After the library, we did some shopping and went to eat some dim sum at Yum Yum Cafe. True to form, Andrew ate so well! I get scared that he will tire of eating it, but nope, not yet. Today, Andrew gobbled up the asparagus, including eating the spears himself instead of just the bite-size pieces that we have cut up for him. 

Then, tonight after dinner, Ngoai cut Daddy's and Andrew's hair. Andrew sat so well! At first, he was reluctant to the idea wagging his finger at us when we asked him if he wanted a haircut. We let him watch and "help" during Daddy's haircut and had some things for him to look at and play with during his. Mommy was so proud and happy that he is getting so much better at letting Ngoai cut his hair!

Waterscape Escape

This afternoon, we escaped to the Bellaire Town Square Family Aquatic Center where our neighbor, Donnie, had invited us to meet him and Emily to play at the waterscape. I have to say the setup was pretty sweet. I am not sure my pictures are going to do it justice, but they had lots to do including water slides and geysers.

Andrew was a little timid at first, but quickly got acclimated to his surroundings. He did two of the slides--a tunnel one and a frog one (twice). When we asked him if he wanted to do them again, he wagged his finger at us. He really enjoyed the water geysers though! Andrew really got into them when he put his bottom over the spray in an attempt to cover it up. It was too funny! 

Miss Emily was too cute especially in her adorable pink bathing suit! She really is a water baby. That girl is not afraid of much! Emily also loved the water geysers and is so good about playing in the water. I have to say that my heart melted when she let me play with her and take her around for a bit (but just a short bit because she quickly wanted her daddy back).

When we were leaving, we were trying to dry Andrew, but he wanted to go back into the water. But he noticed the nearby park where they had this wooden train thing you can climb into. We basically bribed him to leave the waterscape by going to the park. We played there for about ten minutes and then headed home. 

It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon especially since summer is coming to an end and all the pools will be closing soon. Thanks to Donnie and Emily for the invite! We had an awesome time!

Shoes

Andrew put his shoes all the way on by himself for the first time this morning albeit they were reversed. But I give him props for trying and at least getting them on. We will have to teach him which shoe goes on which foot.

Mylen's First Birthday

This afternoon, we attended Mylen's first birthday part. Mylen is the son of Ms. Angie, our Gymboree teacher and as I have mentioned earlier, a friend of Mommy's since kindergarten. Angie was sweet to invite us to Mylen's party, which was being held at Gymboree.

It was a treat to meet Angie's family, especially the birthday boy, who was too cute! But also, one of the highlights was getting to see Angie's family again after all these years, especially her mom. Ms. Simon was always so sweet to me when I was younger!!

But one of the low-lights was Andrew's aggressive behavior towards a couple of the other birthday party goers. He tried to pull a little girl's hair--but later kissed her to make amends. He tried to grab a ball that another little boy was playing with and then later, tried to grab the little boy himself. But Andrew did have some good moments sharing and playing nicely with other kids thankfully! Mommy does wish that there would be just good behavior and none of the misbehaving.

But the little guy had a great time; and Mommy did too!

Houston Railroad Museum

This morning, Daddy and I were discussing what we were going to do with Mr. Andrew. There were the ole standby choices of the zoo or kids' museum. But Mommy felt like doing something different so offered up the suggestion of going to the Houston Railroad Museum. We had heard about the one in Galveston being pretty good, but had not heard any reviews of this one in northeast Houston. We were in an adventurous mood so we set off for the museum, which opened at 11am.

Since we hadn't heard anything about this place, we went in with low expectations so we wouldn't be too disappointment. We told ourselves that as long as Andrew kind of liked it, it would be okay. Well, I think it's safe to say that he more than kind of liked it. I don't know how many times he signed "train." A gentleman was providing a guided tour taking a group of us through the train cars, but unfortunately, it was not holding Andrew's interest. We tried to placate him by showing him the pictures of trains, but we ended up taking him outside for a bit to look around and then would rejoin the group. But I think he really enjoyed three things during our visit: (1) the Brio track they had set up in one of the cars; (2) the model HO set they had set up in another car; and (3) being able to see the outside of the trains up close and personal. 

We did not see all the cars because it was getting hot and Andrew was getting tired. We stayed for a little over an hour, but for the $12.50 admission we paid, we didn't feel cheated. Andrew seemed to enjoy it for the most part. Daddy would have liked to spend more time reading and learning, but sadly, Andrew didn't. We may just have to come back when Andrew is a little older.

Moo, Baa, La La La!

Here is a video of Andrew helping Mommy read Moo, Baa, La La La! Sorry for the videotaping...as you can tell, I was doing it on my own this afternoon.  I love how Andrew answers "Da da" after the last question of the book. That was the first time he has said anything in response.

Camera Happy

I titled this post "Camera Happy" not because Mommy was camera happy (as she normally is), but rather it was Andrew who was. This afternoon (after a two and a half hour nap), Andrew was playing with my cell phone and managed to start up the camera feature. Then, he figured out which button snapped the photos which in turn made a clicking noise. Oh gosh, was he ever so giggly after that! He must have taken like twenty pictures. But never fail, camera happy Mommy whipped out the video camera and got a few of the giggles on film. I chose to share this one because of Andrew drooling. Oh, his laugh just makes my day!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

So, we just got back from a night at Minute Maid Park (formally known as Enron Field...fka The Ballpark at Union Station). James's boss, Rick, offered us two tickets to tonight's Astros' game. We had been contemplating taking Andrew to his first baseball game so it worked out perfectly.

After the circus debacle, James and I set our expectations fairly low. We arrived just before the game started and found our seats just as the game was getting underway. Rick and his son, Ashwin, were already there and seated. I got to chit chat with Ashwin for a little bit; and he is such a cute kid. Our seats were pretty awesome, especially since the Astros' train was in clear sight for our resident train lover. Andrew was totally digging the train and was staring in awe of it when it first moved at the start of the game and again when Carlos Lee homered in the first inning.

Andrew also loved looking around the stadium and all the people. He was really into a little newborn girl sitting in front of us (yes, Mommy yearned a little bit). However, he really didn't like the loudness of the game, but there was one point, where he was digging the music and danced a little. But for the most part, he would start to sign "all done" when it got overly loud in the stadium (it was a bit loud even for Mommy too).

One thing that surprised us was that Andrew wanted to see the team's mascot, Junction Jack, who was over in the next section. Ashwin said he would like to take a picture with him, so I took him and Andrew over for a photo. And then, even when we got back to our seats, Andrew wanted to see him again!

All in all, Andrew did really well--a lot better than we expected. We both had to take him for walks during the latter part of the game. But Andrew seemed to like it for the most part (with the exception of the noise) and at times, even clapped during appropriate times.

We left after the seventh inning stretch, which worked out well because we have been listening to the song, Take Me Out to the Ballgame, on the iPod and it is one of Daddy's and Mommy's favorite parts of the game. I have to say that I am proud of the little guy for lasting as long as he did! I think he could have lasted the entire game if we had pushed him and taken him on longer walks or to the gift shop or preoccupied him with more food, but it was getting past his bed time anyhow.

A special thanks to Rick and Ashwin! We had an awesome time. Thanks so much for inviting us! I can't wait to take Andrew back to another Stros Game. Hopefully, they win next time; and we will be able to stay for the fireworks at the end of the game.