Half Birthday
Today Kumquat had her half birthday and I had a long Saturday to really reflect on everything that has happened so far. Sounds silly since she’s not even a year old yet but I can’t help feel nostalgic. I already have thousands of photos and videos of my little girl and yet I feel like I haven’t done enough to really capture the experience thus far.
After attending my lactation class this past week, I was impressed that my hospital did such a great job in teaching me and Jes all the things we needed to know regarding feeding and caring for a newborn because it was all repeated in the class. They also provided us with every opportunity to bond with her (by delaying the weigh-in and bath) from the moment she was born, which I think helped her grow into an adaptable and secure baby. Of course we’re also first and foremost lucky to have a baby that is so healthy and so eager to eat and learn from the start.
Six months later, I now have a chubby baby girl who sits up on her own, has two little teef, eats solids, and gives me a big smile when I come home from work. She’s been a pretty easy baby so far and I’ve learned a lot from her already.
Here are some of my favorite moments from the past 3 months:
1. Watching her play with her pal Sophie.
2. Seeing her face light up at the aquarium.
3. Seeing Jes walking back from the lavatory in the airplane with a naked baby.
4. Hearing her cracking up at Koa’s every move.
5. Feeling her first tooth.
Here are my least favorite moments:
1. Leaving her on my first day back at work.
2. Seeing how miserable she was when she got her first cold.
3. Searching for a nanny.
4. Putting away her 0-3 month clothes.
Today I took her on a walk to the new Target down the street and on the way home we picked up a cupcake to celebrate out accomplishments as mommy and baby. We’ve both endured together the nighttime feedings, stuffy noses, and afternoons of being just plain old grouchy. We’ve also shared lots of conversations, giggles, naps on the couch, and new experiences.
So, after her serving of sweet potato, I lit a candle and wished her a happy half birthday in hopes of a smooth second half to the first year of our life together as a family. I hope that we’re doing everything right so far and even if we’re not, I hope she grows up knowing how much we love her.
Happy Half Birthday, Kumquat! We love you!
It’s Kumquat’s first Fall and Halloween’s coming up so I thought it was time to do the pumpkin patch thing like a good mommy. I debated for a minute but in the end I couldn’t resist and we went yesterday afternoon. Besides, who doesn’t like a chubby baby sitting in the middle of a bunch of pumpkins?!
She was pretty distracted by the pumpkins and the hay and the other kids and the people and the cars and so on. Oh well, she’s still cute. 😉
Today is Reese’s 2nd birthday! Happy Birthday, Big Girl!
On Sunday morning, we went to Yerba Buena Gardens Children’s Playground for her party. The playground is really nice and it’s next to the carousel, which Reese loved. We got there too late for a ride but was there to play at the playground and even got story time too.
It was a beautiful sunny day and perfect for a little party.
We brought Koa along too but he was kicked out because apparently dogs aren’t allowed on the grounds. Bummer.
It was fun to watch all the kids play and Kumquat loved being out there watching all the activity.
Reese is allergic to eggs and has only eaten vegan cake up until now but on this birthday, she tried her first real cake made with one egg in the recipe. 
She ate it all up and had frosting all over her face for the rest of the day.
During lunch, the kids played in the grassy area nearby. Can’t wait to see Kumquat running around with everyone.
Reese spent her afternoon picking little flowers and running around with her brother with only one shoe on. Sometimes I miss the carefree days of being a kid.
On the evening of my birthday, we had our annual McWino Night (Chicken McNuggets, fries, and of course wine) and this time we had two little monkeys to entertain us.
Sophie charmed us with her little tricks and Kumquat ended up falling asleep in Tia Patty’s arms by the end of the night.
Here’s a group photo of us at the end of the night. Too bad Kumquat was asleep already because she missed out on the photo op. Thanks for coming over, Ladies! It was another awesome McWino Night for the books.
This past weekend, we took Friday off and flew down on Thursday (9/20) night to Southern California to visit the family. Kumquat was an awesome little passenger and we surprised the pants off my dad when we arrived since my mom decided not to tell my dad we were coming. Both my mom and dad were super excited to see Kumquat and it was nice to be able to enjoy my Chik-fil-a in peace. Unfortunately, Jes and I didn’t sleep very well because it was SO hot in my old bedroom. I guess this is was a fitting way to end the summer.
In the morning, I got a special treat for breakfast. My mom made Kanom Krok again and it was delicious.
I also got to taste one of my dad’s mini mangoes that grew from the tree in his backyard. It was so small but sooooo sweet!
Later that day, we had dim sum with both sets of grandparents and Jes’ parents barely ate because they were so preoccupied by their precious granddaughter. Very cute.
For dinner, we went out of sushi with Brother and Joy. It was an early birthday celebration for the two of us since Brother and Joy were going to be in Europe on the actual day.
We went all out with an omakase meal complete with a variety of raw fish, roe, and a chawanmushi too! Yay! We enjoyed the ice cold beer and the little surprises that were in store for us with each dish.
Later that night, we met up with Dayantha, Krissy, Roy, Huy, and Matt. It was fun to be with the old gang again. We didn’t get home until about 2. Ah…it’s so nice to have free babysitting.
On Saturday, Holly came over to meet Kumquat for the first time. It was also her birthday and it was so nice to hang out and catch up a bit.
For lunch, Brother picked us up and we had Wahoo’s in Huntington Beach. It was the first day of Fall and a balmy 90 degrees outside! 
We caught a bit of the volleyball tourney that was going on and then Jes and I grabbed a few drinks at the local tiki bar while Brother got his hair cut at the barber down the street. 
I had a refreshing mai tai and then a scorched pineapple margarita. Tasty.
On Sunday morning, we went to church. Everyone was so excited to meet Kumquat and she was even whisked away to the front of the congregation for a word of prayer for her. By the time we knew it, service was over and it was time to head back to SF.
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