babychhimi.com

Week 1: Our Little Baby Girl

2009-07-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

We are officially home from the hospital with our beautiful baby girl. Can't believe it!!!

Here are some quick info updates for all, Baby Blueberry is now officially:

Evelyn Gaa Yi Ma

馬嘉怡

7 lbs 5 5/7 oz

20 inches long

Mummy and Daddy were very anxious at the end. We still didn't know how to react but once we laid eyes on our little Evelyn, all fell into place!! We were estatic to have our baby girl!! Lil' Evelyn definitely has Daddy wrapped around her pinky already!! She is already nursing so well compared to big brother Erik, in fact, Evelyn came out and immediately took onto nursing like a pro! WOW! Mummy had to be reminded again on the whole breastfeeding routine though. We are all doing well and slowly adjusting to our new expanded family of four!

Status On Mummy

Mummy is recovering well so far but definitely need all the pain medication she needs. She'll have to go back and forth to the doctors for check-ups but so far, it is going well. In fact, Mummy was even able to nurse baby Evelyn, put her to "bed" (i.e. in Daddy's arms), and spend some much needed quality time with Erik (who was neglected from Mummy's attention for 4 days straight)!

Status On Daddy

Daddy is doing amazingly well, although he did fall asleep for quite some time in the middle of the night when Mummy & Daughter's first night home! Lost some brownie points there but he made back his brownie points the next day when we had to take baby Evelyn to the hospital for her lab work. Daddy was able to "rescue" his little daughter already by soothing her so she won't cry when she needed to be poked. However, Daddy is definitely exhausted as well. He's trying his best to entertain Erik and run out a preschooler energy (but Daddy's energy is also drained at the same time) yet be there to hold and cuddle lil' Evelyn. Daddy even BBQ'ed for 4th of July (with G'ma Katy's help, of course) and took the family to go see fireworks!!

Status On Big Brother Erik

So far, Erik is adoring his baby sister. He wants to kiss her and hold her. Very curious. Erik even shares his special blanket with his sister and insists that Mummy covers Evelyn up because it's "too cold". At the same time, Erik is extra sensitive. Daddy explained how baby sister came and that Mummy has a big owie, poor Erik, he cried with great empathy that evening saying "I don't want Mummy to have owie!". He was also very sad to know that his little sister had to get lab work and was poked on her heel and claimed "I don't want her to go to hospital any more and get more owies!" At the same time, being a big brother admittingly is very difficult on Erik, he openly tells Mummy one sad moment "I want to be big but it's so hard!!" with a big cry and tears rolling down his cheeks.

Status On Little Sister Evelyn

She's a simple and straightforward girl so far. She loves to nurse that is the ONE and only thing that can comfort her. However, Evelyn does NOT like a wet or dirty diaper at all, not even for one minute. She'll wake up in her deep sleep demanding to be changed [with a big cry of course]. Evelyn also doesn't like to be over stimulated, it takes her an extra long 2 hours to calm down if she doesn't her beauty sleep in. Basically, don't mess with her! However, she loves to be held nice and tight by Daddy, Grandma Katy, and Mummy. She'll stir just a bit whenever she hears Erik's voice, which was expected since even in the womb, she'll move quite a lot whenever Erik "talks" to Mummy's stomach. Just not sure if she likes all the noises or just irritated by them?!?!

It's almost time --

2009-06-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

Can't wait for baby Blueberry --- this time around I am scared don't know what to expect even though I have travelled this road before. I am still not an expert and I don't care what other people say -- I am still scared and still in disbelief. But either ways Baby Blueberry is coming...

Meantime -- Erik thank you for a wonderful Father's Day -- I love your card even though we know Miss Lisa probably wrote it -- but I do love that you love that I make Dark Meat aka BBQ for you and Chinese Crepes which Miss Lisa didn't get... on the card... And yes Korean BBQ was awesome and we know how much you and I love it... here's to hoping Baby Blueberry likes it tooo in the meantime I know you love spaghetti which mommy likes a lot... :D

Baby Blueberry

2009-05-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

Mummy haven't posted about anticipation of our second baby on our blog. We are expecting a baby girl this time around, at least that is what the ultrasound technician says. Mummy, Daddy, and especially Big Brother Erik are all super excited to meet the newest member of the Ma Family in end of June.

Baby Blueberry is quite an active girl. Mummy is already hoping that she'll be a bit sporty :) (at least more so than Mummy!! HAHA!). During our last doctor visit, we asked how big would we expect Baby Blueberry, so far, the doctor just said that she's measuring "just right". Good enough for us.

Being at week 34 of the pregnancy, Mummy is a lot more tired but Baby Blueberry is super energetic! Mummy moves at a slow snail pace but Baby kicks and tumbles all over the place (in the belly of course!). So far Baby Blueberry loves listening to Daddy and her big brother, Erik's story time. She'd "inch" a little closer whenever they speak during bed time. In fact, Baby Blueberry reacts so well to big brother Erik's laughter, it's as-if they were playing already?!?!

Our little sweetie, Mummy, Daddy, and big brother Erik can't wait to meet you!!!

Memorial Day @ The Zoo

2009-05-26T04:14:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a little zoo visit on Memorial Day with the family. While Mummy was wobbling down the path slowly, Erik and Daddy goes full steam ahead to sit on the latest carousel at the Zoo!

Erik & Daddy standing in line for their turn at the carousel.

Daddy & Erik: Best Buds

For the time being, Erik is infactuated with penguins and lemurs. All thanks to "Madagascar" and Nickolean's new show "Penguins of Madagascar". So we had to visit the lemur exhibit where Erik counted up to 8 lemurs in their homes. He also named 3 of them according to the characters on the show aka "King Julian", "Morice", and "Mort".

Enjoying the Lemur exhibit

We've been taking Erik to the local zoo ever since he was a little baby. One of his favorites MUST DOs in the zoo is visit the Reptile house. Erik loves to try and find all the reptiles and amphibians showcased in there.

Afterwards, we even caught the late afternoon animal show! Bobcats, Red-Tailed hawk, Gopher snakes, and Box turtles were featured. Erik enjoyed it while chowing down on a light snack of Merlino Strawberry freeze and Doritos. Of course...how healthy it is, eh?! After the show, Erik got to go touch the box turtles and the gopher snake. Very cool!

NOTE: Mummy & Daddy were exhausted already!

Gopher Snake

One last ride on the carousel before leaving the zoo

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

Am I ready for my darling daughter?

2009-05-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

But I was immediately overwhelmed. With boys, there are two racks to choose from. With girls, it's the rest of the store: a staggering array of ruffly, rosy frills. I couldn't breathe. I grabbed a pink sweater and two pairs of pink socks, got out of there as quick as I could

In a strange way – I feel the same sorts of emotions. I have always wanted a girl and I rebelled against having a boy – especially one that turns out like me. But I love boo-boo he brings so much emotion in me and challenges me but at the same time the little boy things he does in his own little ways wonders why I didn’t have him sooner and I couldn’t imagine my world without him. He makes fell sane, crazy and content all at the same time.

Then in rolls news of our Baby girl, and I am scared I don’t know of what but I am scared. There was that money thing I was scared about – being able to provide for two – then there is the one where how do I deliver the same out of love to both children and how to protect my little girl from the other mean girls in kindergarten. Yes as much as I love shopping like the next mother – I am terrified from going from 15% of a child store to choosing from the rest of the store decorated in pink. Do I get her ear holes? What to do about boys sniffing around my yard? Getting her hair done the way she wants? And already my son has mastered how to mess with my heart and play with his little fingers and get away with what he wants? How do I protect myself from my daughter – I am already 100% sure she has already figured out how to get the most out of Daddy.

Just my 2 cents.
Daddy

We're Pregnant (2nd Time Around!)

2009-03-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Alright, this posting may be a little delay...given that Mummy is already 6 months pregnant!!! Our reasoning, really none. Just had a lot of things going on and couldn't update blog appropriately. However, we are now awaiting for our little baby. Nickname is Baby Blueberry, given by much anticipated big brother, Erik.

Second time around of expecting is quite different. Mummy is literally exhausted during the first trimester, yes, she was also trying to finish her MBA at the same time too...so that could have been an added stress as well. However, Mummy does not recall EVER being so tired when carrying Erik. Food craving wise, a lot more sweet and sour stuff and also a lot of HOT (not spicy just temperature hot) soup.

Other than that, Mummy and Daddy are delighted to be expecting a new member by this summer, end of June. Baby Blueberry is doing fantastic, kicking and moving around like crazy. Mummy is gaining weight like crazy and feeling like a boat.

Amazing Race: Thailand (Last Day)

2009-03-11T15:29:00.001-07:00

It was our last day before having take the late evening flight out to Incheon Korea to return to our home. So Mummy and Daddy decided to do one final little shopping spree at "Bobae Market" where everything sold there must be 'wholesale', either 6, 12 or more items in order for them to sell. No one piece which would mean retail pricing.

We took Erik along right after breakfast to the Bobae market for our day of bargain shopping. There were a lot of good vendors out there. It's specifically for foreign exporters! We literally saw vendors boxing up 5-7 cases of clothes to be shipped off, so we knew we had found the spot for clothes shopping. WhooHoo!

Grandma Katy were super excited about Bobae Market because she has never been and Grandpa Tom, being stubborn, refused to take her previously. So this was her excuse to come on out for a shopping spree too. Erik did just fabulous at the old boring stuff of walking from vendor to vendor but soon it was already time for a late-lunch.

Mummy craving for sushi during this pregnancy!

Erik hitting up on the Jell-O shots. Eek!

Instead of just any old lunch, we stopped in at the Prince Hotel for a special treat! The food displayed was absolutely appealing and Daddy was sold on it. It had a wide variety of choices and really excellent service!! In fact, Erik was so tended to by the waitresses that they even wrote his name 'Erik' in Thai...and he got a big smooch from one of the girls. Sheesh...such a lady's man. WINK! WINK!

Mummy & Erik being goofy

Erik being a 'babe magnet'

Afterwards, Erik slept like a little pre-schooler so Grandma Katy and Grandpa Tom decided to take him back to the condo so Mummy & Daddy should shop some more. HEE HEE! What wonderful grandparents. We didn't last for too long, only 1.5 hour more and had to hit the nearest ATM to get some Thai Baht out since we had NO cash, even for Taxi. Eek!

Once we were back at home, Daddy and Erik hit the pool one last time. Mummy was super worried that Erik had forgotten his swimming and diving because he had refused to do it. However, Daddy on the last night, found the trick. The water was a bit cool (ok ok..cold) so Erik didn't want to do anything, even though he had his thermal suit on. So Daddy put Erik in the nice warm jacuzzi and Erik was relaxed and diving and jumping away. After that, Erik was himself again...swimming away and back to Daddy!!! YAY!!

Amazing Race: Thailand (Safari World)

2009-03-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

We took a couple days 'away' being from Erik during the day and took advantage of having Grandma Katy to take care of him instead. Mummy and Daddy decided to go 'shopping' on those days, hee hee. We hit a lot of different areas including Jim Thompson Outlet House (way out of freaking nowhere in Bangkok's outskirts) and also hit the IT shops. Seriously, that took us quite a while!

However, after a couple of boring shopping days, we rounded up everybody one more time for a little adventure to 'Safari World'. Thanks to Aunty Sau Fong for finding a great deal on the tickets for literally 1/4 of the price and included a buffet lunch! WOW!

There, Erik and gang to see and experience A LOT of stuff. There was watching the Orangutan Kickboxing (they were not really kickboxing...just a silly show). We also saw an Elephant show, way way better than the ones at the local Six Flags back in the States. Daddy & Erik even got to sit on an elephant too!! Mummy was supposed to be pulled in as an audience participation for the elephant show to get an 'elephant' massage, but being that she's pregnant, she opted out. SIGH! Grandma Katy were too chicken to stand in her place...or else we could've gotten an elephant painting (that was trunk-painted by the elephant itself!!). ARGH!

Below are certainly some highlights of our day at Safari World:

Holding and Feeding a baby tiger!

Touching Stingrays - one of Erik's favorite.

Going on an elephant ride (both Daddy & Erik)

Feeding the giraffes up close and personal - Erik was such a good little 'zookeeper'

Feeding the enormous elephants

Going through the egg display - a bit freaky but Erik really liked it!

Spending time with family!!

Daddy was super happy, can't you tell?!

Feeding the herd of Giraffes

Zookeeper Erik

Safari World

Erik being happy as a 'Tuk Tuk' driver!

Touching the stingrays

babychhimis

2009-03-02T16:33:00.000-08:00

From Drop Box

Amazing Race: Thailand (Day 2)

2009-02-25T14:52:00.000-08:00

We woke up bright and early (eh...let's say around 9:00ish). From the last two days of traveling, it was quite exhausting. However, Mummy had already mapped out what to do for the day. We were to hit Siam Paragon (shopping paradise) in Bangkok city center and then hit Somboon Seafood Restaurant for dinner, which is Daddy's ultimate favorite place for Thai Crab Curry!!

Erik of course enjoyed a little breakfast, with CAKE! Mummy and Daddy visited the local Tesco Lotus (super market) the evening before and couldn't help but pick up a package of cute sliced cake, so nicely decorated. So yes, our little Erik had CAKE for Breakfast! We hopped on over a quick 15-20 minute taxi ride into the city and we were greeted by luxury shopping complex of WOW! Really? There's a recession going on? Can't tell with this huge shopping mall!!

We window shopped around the place, trying to grasp the place a bit. It was just beautifully decorated inside and out. There was a Koi pond that Erik loved peaking over to see all the fishes. Grandparents were off to a frenzy wanting to check out all the stores and to walk the place. Daddy was super excited as well, (he's the shopaholic!).

Erik passed by the numerous food court vendors and went crazy over the cake vendor. Seriously, if he could celebrate his birthday right there and then, Erik would've picked up a hand decorated dinosaur cake!! It would have been his favorite cake of all!! But nevertheless, he settled for a Chocolate Sprinkled Donut from "Daddy Dough" donut vendor. Eek!

Erik attempting the balance beam with the help from his new Thai teacher

We hit the Little Gym in Bangkok for Erik just so he can get some energy out. We hit the Siam Paragon play area for Erik. Finally, Daddy & Mummy said enough to the pre-school pace and need to kick it up a notch, and had Grandparents babysit Erik by taking him to the Siam Ocean World (aquarium) for 2 hours where all three of them enjoyed themselves while Mummy and Daddy finally walked to the other adjacent shopping complexes for more!!

Erik still talks about the Ocean World and loves to dance like the Sting Ray (not shown)

Eating away like piggies at the Somboon Seafood Restaurant

Amazing Race: Thailand

2009-02-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

We reached the city of angels...and no, it is not Los Angeles we are referring to but Bangkok, Thailand in the late afternoon after the 3+ hours plane ride plus we had to wait for Grandpa Tom and Grandma Katy since they flew on Druk Air versus we flew on Jet Airways.

DAY 1
The first thing we did when we reached the airport and knew we had some time...was CHOW! Absolutely!! It is one of Daddy's favorite cities to eat and experience the delicious cuisine ranging from fusion to authentic Thai to any other worldly cuisine you may think of. Erik was super excited to be in Bangkok because he gets to eat what's called "Mommy Noodles". Mummy loves to make the flat rice noodles at home and Erik had acquired the taste for them. So in Bangkok airport, he ate Pad See Ew with prawns which he absolutely loooooved. It was quite delicious. Afterwards, he got to pick out a very rich strawberry ice cream from the 'Squeeze' vendor stall.

When grandparents finally arrived, after flight being delayed for an hour, we hit the private van rental and got a 10-person van and driver to take us to the family condo. Erik was super excited and couldn't wait to go home. He jumped from seat to seat (yes, there were NO child seat in Asia) looking out the window. He saw the Tuuk Tuuks outside, the many colored taxis, the tall buildings, definitely was excited.

We reached the condo and the first thing after we dropped baggages off was go down to the swimming pool with Erik! He was delighted yet a little scared. It was already dark out but he loved it that he got to shower underneath the clam shells, the swimming pool had a pirate boat smack in the middle, he would wade in the kiddie side or jump into the big side with Daddy. Even though the water was a bit chilly, Erik and Daddy were enjoying themselves!

Amazing Race: India

2009-02-24T16:24:00.000-08:00

We left our beautiful family in Phuentsholing Bhutan with lots of tears knowing that it will be some extended time before we will be able to reconnect again. We promise we will keep in touch, through skype, through blogs, through facebook, and phone calls. However, we all know that nothing beats being there in person.

Our last evening in Bhutan was bitter sweet as Mummy laid quietly in bed listening to the rain dropping away against the bedroom windows, the dogs outside barking away in a frenzy, and slowly drifting into a slumber. Mummy complained about everything there were to complain in Bhutan, honest, from the smokiness to the lack of activities to sheer boredom but it took our precious Erik, two years old, to show Mummy the way of adventures. So yes, the last night in Phuentsholing was in sadness.

We woke up bright and early, even before the sun could rise to pack all of our belongings of 4 suitcases into the family car to be on our way to the local airport (~6 hours away). There was a strike that weekend and riots were taking place, so everybody including Grandma Katy and Grandpa Tom were wired and stressed, especially when we have Erik to take care of.

Our poor Erik did not even get a chance to say his proper good-byes to his beautiful family because he was absolutely so tired. We went upstairs to give our hugs and kisses to Great Grandpa M.W. Hing and Great Grandma Chen I. Shen, and shed all our tears for leaving our wonderful and loving family to go back to our 'lives'. We gave hugs to all that were awake at the awful hour (Auntie Mary, Uncle Mickey, Auntie Sau Fong, Auntie Dinki, and Cookie) to send us a wonderful good-bye.

We crossed the border and we were in India and into our long journey of adventure (Jaigon, Jaipur, Siliguri, etc). Mummy looked out the window and see the villagers just getting ready for their day's duty. Family burning fire to keep warm and ward off the morning frost. Men huddled in the street because it was so chilly in the Himalayan foothills. Women and children getting ready for the morning meal and routine. Workers at the nearby tea estates are slowly working their way to care for the precious crop since it is their livelihood. Mummy looked at a rickshaw still parked inside a humble hut that somebody calls home, where the driver may have to ride for miles on end every day in order to have clients. Children who are fortunate enough are dressed in uniform and are making their hike to school in the cold nippy morning.

After hours of sitting in the car, we finally made a pit stop into Grand Uncle C.K's home, which is just in Siliguri and about 45 minutes away from the airport. There Erik connected with his other family, where he could feed the chickens, chicks, ducks, and ducklings. There were rabbits for him to play with. He was able to run around the "villa" and just enjoy himself before the plane ride. His Grand Uncle C.K (Grandma Katy's little brother) made Erik special breakfast of homemade sausages, fresh eggs, toasts, and all that our little boy could ever ask for. He was spoiled and loved and he knew it. Erik's Great Grandma Cho Lien were there too and loved seeing Erik play and just be happy.

We hopped on the plane and into Kolkata we go! We spent the rest of the evening in Kolkata shopping around in City Centre in Salt Lake. Daddy got to eat his Puri. Mummy and Grandpa Tom shared a "Hog Dog", yup, that's what it was called...and a pretty darn good one too! Erik ate a "Hog Dog" too but without the bun...just on a stick and then demanded his favorite 'Amul' branded ice cream. Mmmm. Yummy. We visited the family flat and just relaxed before dinner. Wished we could've stayed there instead of the airport hotel (never again...not recommended to stay at the Kolkata airport hotel..YUCK!) We ate at one of the nearby hotel restaurants since our favorite Dosa place "Anands" were blocked due to political issues.

Erik was absolutely adaptable. In each country, he always found something he liked. He feasted in garlic naans, basmati rice, parathas, and also stir-fried shrimp vermicelli noodles (Yup, Chinese style!). Daddy and rest of the gang including Grandpa Tom, Grandma Katy, and Mummy ate on yummy Indian food. Then it was off back to the Kolkata airport due to an early flight out to Bangkok, Thailand!!

Erik

2009-02-24T16:22:00.000-08:00

Amazing Race: Bhutan

2009-02-23T15:40:00.000-08:00

We are back in the States from our self-funded Amazing Race through Asia. Our goal was to have our precious Erik get to know his big extended loving family as well as have a nice little vacation ourselves. We visited four different countries total (well, one is including our longer transit time) which included: Bhutan, India, Thailand, and South Korea (Incheon).

Erik absolutely enjoyed himself and continues to amaze us with his personality! He got pretty spoiled, as expected, by his extended family who showered him with lots of love and attention. He also got a lot more computer time, playing on his Leapster 2, than we would have allowed him at home. He also got a lot more TV watching time than we would have allowed him as well.

At the same time, he also had a lot more freedom of roaming around the compounds going from one family to the next every day. Erik also got to play ball with his Great Grandma Chen I. Shen...well, he would actually throw the ball and then squish it by sitting on it while Great Grandma looks on but then they would also share a couple of throws from time to time as well. He also got to know his Great Grandpa M.W. Hing (again) and Erik loved giving him big hugs and kisses. Erik actually was rough housing with Great Grandpa who's in his mid-80s! He gave Great Grandpa a nickname which they both loved "Naughty Boy!" and Erik would greet his Great Grandpa every morning with "Good morning naughty boy!" or every evening with "Good night naughty boy! Don't let the bed bugs bite!" and laughs away.

Mummy and Great Grandpa - enjoying a yummy BBQ at Grand Aunty Denki's place

Erik laughed and giggled so freely that he finds his adventure every day whether it was in his Grand Aunty Denki's house or near the gardens or near the helpers' quarters or even the main house or near Tofu making machine (with supervision of course). He was an absolutely carefree little boy who knew he was surrounded by family. Family is important!

He bonded with at least three of his Aunts and Uncles which included Auntie Cookie (who is currently studying in Australia), Aunty Ahyok (who is opening up her own restaurant and bar in Paro, Bhutan), and Uncle Ahyan (who is busily working away in the family's new ventures) along with Ahyan's long-time girlfriend, Aunty Ninzy. In fact, Erik were so smitten with them that on his last night in Phuensholing Bhutan, he demanded that all of them give him a bath, read him books, and go night night with him. He absolutely had a blast with his family.

Erik going for his favorite "Bhutanese Ping" made by his Grand Aunty Sally

These are some special moments that honestly makes it priceless:

Sharing jelly beans, cookies, chocolates, and other sweet snacks with his Great Grandparents, who, BTW, are on very restricted diet.

Telling his Great Grandma, all on his own without coaching, to take care of herself so she can be strong enough to play.

Giving good night squeezes and hugs to his Great Grandparents.

Teasing his Grand Uncle "Ha Ha" every second he gets.

Chasing his Grand Uncle Bobby all around the compounds and laughing away.

Jumping all over his Aunty Cookie during the "Kiddie Picnic" by the riverbed.

Playing "Fly Up In The Air" with his Uncle Ahyan.

Playing a mean game of "Gold Fish" and always wanting to win with his Grand Aunty Minnie.

Riding his teenage aunties old tricycle all around the house.

Fooling Grand Aunty Mary thinking he was going to bed but just got more computer time!

Eating delicious homemade food from his Grand Aunty Sally's house including Aloo Dum, Bhutanese Ping, and fresh made yogurt

Learning from Daddy all about "Shy Leaves", also known as 'Touch-Me-Nots' and turn around to show Mummy all about them because she didn't know about them.

Walking with Mummy to the helpers' quarters so he can play with the newborn puppies ever so gently.

Doing his first Lion Dance for Lunar New Year and really getting into the groove of family traditions.

Waking up and asking for his family!

Going on an adventure, out in the backyard, to find his snail.

Seeing his Grand Uncle C.K in India as well as Grand Aunty Rita.

Playing with the little small chicks, feeding them with rice grains.

Seeing his other Great Grandma Hsien Cho Lien (who really resides in NYC but coicindentally came to India to visit her son).

Creating lots and lots of noise in the house when it was all supposed to be calm and peaceful.

Thank You Daddy for giving me my beautiful family

I love you dearest son.

2009-02-19T16:09:00.001-08:00

Dearest Erik,

Daddy just wants you to know that we love you a lot. You really bring so much joy into our life.

Oh you were really wonderful with your family when you went back to Bhutan.

Love Daddy

Flight Summary

2009-01-31T23:35:00.000-08:00

Traveling on four flights with an active Jr. Pre-schooler (aka 2 going on 3 years old) is not an easy task. However, with Daddy's pre-planning on entertainment, Erik was an absolute blast to travel with!

Erik had his own little carry-on suitcase with his own orange elephant backpack, which he refers affectionately calls his "rescue pack" like Diego. Inside, it was packed full of yummy snacks like cookies, pocky sticks, and crackers, plus Erik's favorite tiny toys including ladybug, spider, bumble bees, etc etc. Of course, inside the carry-on, we had books for Erik too knowing he's an avid reader plus electronic toys such as Erik's Leapster 2, which he got from Xmas....and also a Leapster Tag pen/book system which Mummy and Daddy after-Xmas.

Erik is just a pretty awesome kid! Daddy took good care of him on the flights...way tired but really good care. It also didn't hurt that our first and longest flight on Asiana Airlines was hardly full so we got to utilize TWO full rows with Erik! Erik got to lay down to sleep, it was super nice!!

HINT: Travel on a MID-WEEK for international travels! Less travelers = More space!

Bhutan By Numbers

2009-01-31T04:57:00.000-08:00

Bhutan By Numbers

84 Hours it took (door-to-door) for us to reach Bhutan

20 Family members that Erik got to know (again) and love (again)

5 # of airports we landed for our trip home

4 # of flights we have to take to go home

3 Great Grandparents that Erik got to see at ONE time (What a rare and priceless opportunity!)

2 Plates of Paad Thai (Soya Noodles) that Erik ate in Bangkok Airport while waiting to go to Kolkata, India

1 The first ever dog bite that Mummy received (Darn Kattoo - name of the stinking ahpso!!)

0 # of times we drove in Bhutan/India

Erik is having a fantastic time connecting with his big extended family. He has TWO favorite Aunties so far that he definitely considers "family". Erik would wake up in the morning and immediately say "I miss my family" and he would mean his Auntie Cookie (Eden) and Auntie Ahyok (Dorjee).

Mummy on the other hand is still recovering from the very bad cold. It seemed like every time with an extended travel of flights, Mummy always gets a cold! Been hacking and coughing like crazy in the morning and late night, absolutely horrible. Mummy is also getting used to the super slow pace of life. There really isn't any "shopping centers" like the U.S./Canada plus once outside, there is really bad pollution. SIGH!

Daddy is just relaxing away. He called his long-time barber to shave his hair, shave his "beard", and a massage....all for $3 BUCKS (Regular rate is seriously $1 dollars but Daddy gave $2 for tips!). Absolutely ridiculous but the barber was just super happy because that would've been his whole day's wage!

Home Sweet Home: Bhutan

2009-01-06T10:37:00.000-08:00

Despite the economic downturn and all the uncertainties in this world, the Ma Family has decided that for 2009, we will be making our Lunar New Year trip back home to Bhutan. Nothing is more important than time with family.

Erik will once again get the opportunity to spend quality time with his Great Grandfather and Great Grandmother, who are just literally asking for Erik every day. They are well in their 80s but these great grandparents are just super excited to see their great grandson so they can share laughs, stories, games, and snacks (oh yes....Erik has already asked Grandpa Tom whether Bhutan has "pink ice cream" so he can share with his Great Grandma).

Along with all of Erik's big extended family of GrandAunties, GrandUncles, and lots of 2nd cousins (in Chinese we call them uncles and aunts). Erik has already been practicing his Lunar New Year greetings in Cantonese and he's super excited to celebrate the New Year with his family!

Daddy & Mummy can't wait to have a couple weeks of pure relaxation in the Kingdom of Bhutan, where the country has a "National Gross Happiness" philosophy.

Season Greetings from our family to yours!

2008-12-26T09:11:00.000-08:00

Just want to wish everybody a "Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!" Let 2009 begin!

Milestone Updates

2008-12-26T08:18:00.001-08:00

Mummy and Daddy have been slacking on updating the blog, we admit it, but now we are back.

With all the happenings in the last months of 2008, our family has literally been exhausted! Mummy is now finally graduated with her MBA with finance concentration after years (we do mean years) of work. Daddy is super happy and excited to have an actual parenting partner back to spend some quality family time with Erik, instead of just Daddy & Son. We are hoping to make up some time in the next couple months of the new year as a family!

Erik continues to amaze us as he continues to grow into a little independent boy. Sometimes Daddy & Mummy looks at each other and just wonders, how did this little angel end up in our family? (oh of course, we also wonder at times "why oh why is this little bugger ours?!", HAHA! Just to be fair) However, more often than not, Erik is just an awesome son to be with! We're so grateful to have him in our lives!

Milestone Updates (December 2008)

ABC's
Our son is infactuated with letters and words right now. He loves doing his phonics as well. We have a little game called "I spy" (thanks to Charlie & Lola) that starts out with "I spy with my little eyes, something starts with "E", sounds like "Eh"...then Erik would think and say "Me! Erik!". Yes Yes, indeed. Then Erik will go and the game can go on for some time between Mummy & Son. Now....if only we can do similar teachings for Cantonese/Chinese! Hmm?!

Computer
Erik officially has inherited Mummy & Daddy's 3 years old Dell laptop (Intel inside!). As children often do, they mimick their parents and their behaviors. With Daddy & Mummy being both techies, Erik was bound to fall 'in love' with the computer soon. He looooves requesting computer time right after his bath! Erik gets to pick out one of the 4 CD games he can play with (Clifford, Dragontales, Pumba Typing, and I Spy). Erik knows how to pick out his CD based on the first letter of the games (since the CD doesn't have any pictures). He can turn on his laptop, wait for the start-up, open the DVD player, put the CD in, close the DVD player, launch his game using the mouse, find his name on the games, and continue on his way. Wow! Daddy & Mummy were just in awe when he picked it up because we didn't even get PC time until we were well in middle school/high school!!

Manners
Mummy is really big on manners thus teaching Erik a lot on the verbal and physical communication. Sersiously, nobody likes a bratty child(ren) who cannot share, say thank yous, does not put stuff away, etc. (i.e. plain rude). Both Daddy and Mummy have been modeling at home with the big "Thank You", "You're Welcome", "Please", Hugs, Kisses, Putting things away, etc. Erik has been such a quick learner on these habits. One night it just shocked Mummy when Erik said it in his sweetest of voices "Mummy? Do me a favor please, close the TV doors for me?" WOW! Mummy was amazed at that very nice request and absolutely complied and showered Erik with praises for being so well mannered, HAHA! We definitely hope it will last!

Santa Manners: For the holidays, Mummy & Daddy has been spreading the Christmas magic about Santa. So on Christmas morning, Mummy told Erik that Santa brought lots of presents for Erik. He smiled and responded "We must thank Santa for the presents, Mummy!". WOW Again! Erik was absolutely right and the "Santas" in the house were very happy that he thought of this on his own to express gratitude. What a good boy. Erik is definitely on the nice list!!

Potty Training
Erik, being 4 months shy of 3 years old, has embraced potty training! It all started Thanksgiving weekend of 2008. Erik loved the fact that he gets to wear cool underwear (it is quite cool...Spiderman, Cars, Hulk, come on, what kid wouldn't want it...in fact I think some Dads out there also wishes they made these prints their size) and would request to put them on instead of diapers. So Mummy decided "No more diapers for Erik!" and tried it out for the couple of days with just underwear. Accidents were expected and not really a big deal but Erik did fabulous with frequent reminders to go to the potty. In fact, he progressed so well during the weekend, that Mummy requested Erik's day care teachers to do the same the week after Thanksgiving. They complied and within 3 weeks Erik was potty trained! From 2 accidents per day on the first few days, it went down to 1 by the time Thursday/Friday came long on the first week. Then subsequently, it went from 1 to zero! What a fantastic job, Erik has accomplished! Of course, accidents are still expected, Mummy and Daddy knows that if Erik is really into an activity or toy, there is that chance Erik would have an accident but come on..what toddler doesn't want to just play play play?! So we try to set Erik for success as much as possible by gently reminding him to use the potty. Mummy is super happy that we no longer need to waste money on diapers, HAHA!

Toddler Discipline

2008-12-09T14:19:00.000-08:00

Toddler Discipline
Mummy and Daddy are officially scared. The tables have turned on us. Erik, our sweet 2 3/4 year old (almost 3) but sometimes devilish too, is now using our discipline styles on US! Yikes!! What do we do?! How should we respond?!

Scenario 1
BACKGROUND Info: We have Erik sit and calm himself down when he gets mad or cries. It is not a time out nor do we leave him alone and force him there but we tell him it is OK for him to be mad and that it is OK for him to cry. When he is done and is calm, Mummy & Daddy are here to talk.

Mummy trying her best to get Erik to drink his milk during dinner but Erik wanted a straw (which Daddy spoils him all the time with a different color plastic straw - which goes into the landfill....another post instead). Mummy says "No, Erik, we don't have any more straws."

Erik "Mummy, you're not listening. You're not listening to my words. I'm mad." and crosses his arms and looks away.

Mummy plays along "Mummy is mad too!" crosses her arms and looks away. This is the part that gets a bit interesting.

Erik sternly says "Mummy, you're not listening. You need to sit down." and then takes my hand and leads me to our living room sofa and pats on the cushion and said "sit down Mummy".

YIKES! Mummy is getting a time out?!

Mummy says "Okay, if I sit, then you sit with Mummy too!" ....Erik's little plan backfires and he squirms away. HAHA!

Scenario 2
BACKGROUND Info: Daddy loves to threaten to "take away" Erik's computer time (Yes, he's only 2 3/4 but Erik operate on a laptop ...that too is for another posting on milestones) when Erik is not listening. Does Daddy ever take away Erik's computer time, NO! Just empty threats.

Okay this one is NOT on us, thank goodness. But it's Erik applying discipline on his stuffed animals.

Erik lines all 5 of his elephants in his crib "small bed": "Elephants, go to sleep. Be quiet. Don't move. Or you are naughty and no computer time for you."

Well, at least Erik knows the rules of bedtime and he's applying them.

Scenario 3
BACKGROUND Info: Erik's favorite quote to Mummy recently is "Mummy, you're not listening to my words ...and that is NOT nice."

Mummy goes to Erik's school and pick up Erik in the late afternoon/early evening. It's a school night for Mummy so it's a bit of a rush to go meet up with Daddy on campus so Daddy can drive Erik home for dinner and the whole evening routine.

After the whole hugging and reunion routine of kisses and "how was your day?", Mummy says to Erik: "Okay, let's go and get Daddy."

At the same moment, Erik's teacher, Mrs Jenny was doing story time for the rest of the children in the class. Erik LOVES story time! He is all crazy about books.

Erik says to Mummy: "It's story time Mummy! Let's go! We have to sit in the circle."

Mummy: "No Erik, we have to get Daddy. Do you want to stay here? Then Mummy will go and you stay here."

Erik: "NO Mummy. You're not listening. You're not listening to my words and that's not nice!".

After some coaxing (even bribing with gummy bear or gummy fruits didn't work) and finally picking Erik up and carrying him out...Erik was still lecturing Mummy "That's not nice!" ..."You're not listening to me." ...."You're not listening to my words."

Oh Boy, what an earful!

Until Mummy says "Yes Erik, I am listening. I hear you want story time but Daddy is outside FREEZING and waiting for us. Do you want Daddy to become a snowman?" ...Erik thinks about it and replies "No. Daddy is freezing and will become snowman?! ....but he doesn't have carrot for his nose." HAHAH!

Cloud Fluff and Ocean Nibbles

2008-12-02T20:37:00.000-08:00

Erik has a brand-new show that he is pretty obssessed about. He demands to be woken up with "Charlie & Lola" every morning to hear the song on Disney Channel. Erik pretends he's Charlie and Mummy is Lola. HAHA! He loves the intro song that's played on the show and has been picking up lots of little funny habits from the show.

So when there was an episode titled "I will never not ever eat a tomato", Mummy and Daddy thought "uh-oh, hurry find the channel and switch it to something else" but too late, Erik was already intent in watching his new favorite show. We sat through and found out the funny things like "Green Drops" are from Greenland where it rains down green peas. Carrots doesn't grow on Jupiter but "orange twiglets" do! Mashed potatoes are not mashed potatoes at all but "cloud fluff" from the pointiest peak of Mount Fuji!

It was such a cute episode that Mummy decided to do a "Charlie & Lola" dinner that evening to see if Erik will try out new foods just because his favorite TV idols did. We set Erik up in the morning and told him we're going to have Cloud Fluff, Ocean Nibbles (aka Fish sticks or Fish fingers), Green Drops, and Corn (Erik's favorite) for dinner!! He was pretty excited! In fact, when he went to school, he told his teacher that all about "Green Drops". HAHA! The plan was working!

Later the same evening, Mummy picked Erik up, when asked what is he going to have for dinner. Erik replied excitedly "Ocean Nibbles!!...and....Cloud Fluff!!". He even asked Mummy "Where does Daddy belong?". Mummy a little perplexed replied, "eh, Daddy is at home making dinner." Erik corrects Mummy "No! Daddy is at Mount Fuji to get Cloud Fluff!" remembering from the show he watched earlier in the morning. It was just so cute and amazing!! Erik couldn't wait to have his Charlie & Lola dinner.

When Erik got home, he found Daddy busy in the kitchen preparing all the food. Erik even told Daddy where Daddy has been all day long...in Mount Fuji, of course. He knows how much Daddy loves him to go all the way there just to get dinner. WOW! Wink! Wink!

From Left to Right: Cloud Fluff, Ocean Nibbles, Corn, Green Drops, Corn (again) ...oh plus milk too, of course!

So what did Erik like? He finished all of his peas (in fact, Mummy had to give him another helping), whole corn on the cob, and 3 fish sticks but the mashed potatoes...we knew it was a hard sell. Erik never did like the 'mushy' texture for food but still managed to eat 1 of 2 scoops of the potatoes. All in all, we had a fun simple themed family dinner and connected to Erik's toddler world and he definitely enjoyed it as well. We even connected it again with a night time reading of Charlie & Lola's story which Daddy borrowed from the local library that same day.

Monsters & Alligators: Things that may be scary at night

2008-11-24T13:44:00.001-08:00

Erik has two new "favorites". One is a picture book titled "There's an Alligator Under my Bed" by Mercer Mayer. It is about a little boy who believes there is an alligator under his bed and then devises a plan to lure the alligator out of his bed, out of his room, and finally out into the garage. Quite a cute story.

For us, we don't have any "under the bed" because literally, our mattresses are on the ground since we didn't want Erik to "fall any further than necessary" when he was younger, we took out our frames! HAHA! So now it is low to the ground as possible. But with Erik, he still loves to shout in the evening before reading that book "There's an Alligator under my Bed!!!!" in his loudest voice. Quite adorable unless you're sitting right next to him when he does the shouting.

Erik's 2nd favorites is watching Disney / Pixar's 2001 "Monsters, Inc"

There are parts of it that Erik does not like at all and would want us to forward (like parts where Boo is scared of Randall, or where monsters are shouting, etc etc). However, Erik loves to pretend he's "Kitty" and he'll growl his loudest, of course.

So at night, he'll point to our closet doors and softly says "Ssshhhh! There's a monster inside. We have to be careful." Is Erik scared? No, not at all. He was merely pretending but when the lights are off he goes to sleep snuggly in Mummy & Daddy's bed along with his bodyguards.

Order Up!

2008-11-19T03:58:00.000-08:00

Being two years old is a difficult stage for both Erik and Mummy & Daddy. It's a stage of wanting to be independent, to be in control, and to make sense of things in the world. In fact, Mummy doesn't think this will be a stage at all but really all through of our adult lives as well, right?! Aren't we, as people, always trying to make sense of what's happening around our world, our environment, etc? Okay...that will be for another blog.

Anyways, in order to help Erik gain some control and independence in his young toddler/pre-school life. Daddy & Mummy offer simple options for Erik to make on a daily basis. One aspect is FOOD! We just started asking Erik what he wants for some of his meals and boy...was it interesting to get our toddler boy buy-in on food he wants to eat.

Sunday Morning
A long time Ma Family tradition is to have homemade fresh savory crepes (Chinese style, not French) on a leisue Sunday morning, usually it should be accompanied with congee (rice porridge). So this past Sunday morning, when Mummy asked Erik who was barely even awake and still rubbing his eyes open "Do you want to eat crepes? or do you want to eat "ice cream" (aka Baby Yogurt)?" Erik replied softly "Crepe", in Cantonese of course. He gladly gobbled up 2 crepes plus some turkey breakfast sausage too and milk too. No breakfast dramas since Erik got to tell us what he wanted to eat! YAY!

Weekday Dinner
While Mummy was at school on Monday evening, Daddy asked Erik "Do you want to eat salmon for dinner tomorrow night?" Erik replies "YES!" One of his FAVORITE dishes is Daddy's baked salmon and he can gobble up a whole 1/3 salmon filet all by himself and sometimes we have to stop him to not to "over eat". Daddy asks "Do you want to help Daddy make the salmon and surprise Mummy?" Again, the answer was "YES!" Erik pulled up a chair to the kitchen counter and get a culinary lesson from Daddy.

Together, Daddy & Son made a delightful cuisine. When Mummy came home, Erik eagerly showed Mummy the oven (and oven light) that he and Daddy made dinner for the family for the next evening! WOW! This evening, family dinner was wonderful where Erik chowed down on salmon (asked for more!) plus homemade miso soup and also stir-fried broccoli and carrot chips!!

Order Up Breakfast The Night Before
Seeing how the "options/offerings" worked out so well in the past week, Mummy & Daddy were eager to try it again. So before going to sleep, Mummy & Daddy offered Erik three choices for breakfast: "Eggs, Ham, or Potatoes (i.e. Hashbrowns)". Erik happily decided for the hashbrowns! So we will have to make an effort to cook hashbrowns for our boy on a weekday breakfast, of course, we'll probably offer Erik up a scramble egg plus milk as well! HAHA! Let's see how it goes....