Post #90: I promise, I'm still here!

I sound like a broken record, but I've been so awful about coming here to update. Something about uploading pictures onto my computer and then incorporating them into a blog entry (let alone writing that entry) just seems so tedious. Sorry. I've really been wanting to update but have been too lazy to put it all together. I have the day off today, so here I am and I am determined to get back into this! Whoever is reading this probably doesn't believe I'll be back, but I'm trying!

Things have been getting crazy around here again, especially since I have begun to train for my new J-O-B. I think it smartest not to divulge too much about work here, but I will say that I've had a blast so far and if it is any indication of how work will be on a regular basis, then I am absolutely thrilled. I've met a lot of great people so far and I am excited to have some adult social interaction beyond home and family & friend life.

Since the weather has been so nice this month, Dave and I have been trying to get BB outside as much as possible, and we try to do it when all three of us are together (it gets difficult with his work, my work, daycare, being tired, etc.). This past weekend, we went into the city and spent time in the Public Garden, strolling around Beacon Hill, and checking out the India Day celebration going on at the Esplanade.

BB snacking on grapes and Goldfish. Dave brought his WSJ.

BB had a lot of fun pushing her stroller around the green.

Watching the ducks, geese, and swan boat.

BB + a scenic view of the Charles on the Esplanade.

The India Day celebrations were neat. There was also a lot of food and we had some tasty vegetarian samosa and an even better mango lassi (it was like drinking a mango). We spent the day just walking around the city that day. Basically, it was Dave and me asking each other which street we wanted to turn on next and we just went wherever. I had never walked to the top of Beacon Hill before (posh) and I realized there is still a lot of Boston I still have not seen despite living there for a few years. I think I restrict myself to Back Bay too much.

Tuesday, I had to run an errand in Newton and I had BB with me. On the way back home we stopped at a playground in Wellesley so BB could play and have some fresh air. I wish I had some friends who had babies too, because something like this is perfect for groups -- so the kids have other to play with and the moms can sit and chat. Still, we did manage to have fun, just the two of us.

BB is all about throwing balls these days. Today, she just started jumping, too!

Had to bring her snack with her.

Screaming with excitement.

Modeling in the sandbox. Actually, there was a boy a little older than BB sitting right next to her who was making her laugh just by yelling "DIG!" He thought he was so cool, making her laugh.

BB enjoyed shoveling mounds of sand and then "gifting" it into my hands, followed by a xie xie (thank you in Mandarin) each time.

So, hopefully not jinxing myself, I must say that I've been very happy lately. I'm so enjoying BB and all the changes she's going through. She's learning to talk now and it is the most amazing thing. As I said before, she started jumping today and it is so funny because she barely gets off the ground but it so proud of herself. Whenever I ask her for a kiss, she leans in and plants one on me. It is the best.

I'm going to go for now, but I will try to be back soon. I've been taking more pictures (check flickr for more). *** JUST NOW: My computer shut down on me! I thought it could have crashed because the screen pixels just went nuts, but phew, everything is still here and THANK GOD FOR AUTOSAVE!*** Also, BB just spilled vanilla soymilk onto my keyboard...I need a new computer. Time to go now. That's enough excitement for one entry.

Too Busy To Type

What a week, what a week. It was almost as if I was back in college, studying for finals. Except, instead of studying, I was sitting in front of the computer for hours upon hours. Almost every night this week was an all-nighter and I hope I never have to pull one again. However, all the work paid off and I'm just relieved it's the weekend.

Since I had no free time on my hands (any free time I had was spent passing out on the floor), I didn't get a chance to upload onto my new flickr account, nor did I have a chance to blog. As a result, I have all these random pictures from the past week or two that have been patiently waiting in iPhoto. Here are some, and they're all off BB (except one).

First time BB got to roam the supermarket on foot.

We spent the entire time chasing her.

Every baby should have a bag of rolls to squish. We put them back on the shelf (don't tell anyone).

We tried the Shabu at Fugakyu Café. It wasn't too bad. A little plain. Bad idea to use ponzu as a dipping sauce for EVERYTHING.

BB's good behaviour didn't last very long...

My other child. He actually kind of looks like one here. Don't tell him I said so. <3

Warm enough to wear a t-shirt today! She also kept her giddy giddy clip in her hair!

Hanging out in the Prudential food court before having a gigantic breadbowl filled with chowder for lunch. We ate it so fast and forgot to take a picture of it.

The past few weeks have been spent getting in touch with friends before everybody graduates (except me, but that's okay for now -- I'm the only one with a job!). Last weekend, a friend organized a reunion party for the close group we hung out with freshman year. We've all kind of drifted apart over time in two's and three's, but it was so great to all be seated at one table at our old haunt, Kayuga (that's also where Dave and I met). I laughed until I almost peed in my pants as we reminisced about all the childish things we did and recalled all of our old inside jokes. Must get together with them again within the next month.

I took BB to Boston this afternoon so we could have lunch and shop with my friend Moyoko, whom I have not seen in months and months. The weather has been glorious, and BB and I broke out the short sleeves. The anime convention was in town. For those who live in areas where the conventions travel to, that's all I would have to say, but for those of you who are not familiar... there were dressed up people everywhere. And I mean dressed up. And I mean everywhere. Now, I have nothing against anime, but it is definitely interesting when this is standing behind you when in line for Ben & Jerry's. Or when this and this walk past you while browsing through the aisles of Sephora. This, too. Anyway, we were still able to enjoy ourselves. BB saw some dogs and got outside. Moyoko bought some shoes. I picked up a necklace and some Shu Uemura (<3)>

Tomorrow, we're off to South Hadley to spend the day with my dad, stepmom, and little sisters (aka BB's aunties). Hoping we'll be able to make it in time to join them at Lupa's. I know BB will love it there! She's definitely an animal lover. We'll be having a feast for dinner as well, since my dad is not capable of cooking a small meal (which is A-OK, since he's the best cook).

Time to go to bed. This took way longer than I thought it would, plus Dave is home. Plus, I want some ice cream. BYE!

Yes, I know Easter was a week ago!!

I realize I'm posting these a little late, but that's just evidence of how little time I have to myself these days. When I do have a moment of freedom, I tend to fall asleep on the living room floor (as I mentioned in the previous post).

We went everywhere last Sunday. First, we stopped by my mom's for a delicious lunch (I can't remember the last time I've had a baked ham) and egg hunt for BB (my mom loves to do stuff like that and I have great memories from holidays like these).

BB rifling through the candy my mom put out.

Trying to figure out this egg hunt thing.

Instead of eggs, she found the remote and was much more interested in it...

Penny. Blending in.

Finding the stuffed bunny that was hidden in the sofa.

I love this picture. It looks so country. "Country" as in Country Living. Not, say, Britney Spears "we're country."

My mom even dyed eggs! 5 seconds after this picture was taken, BB repeatedly smashed two eggs together. Oops!

After this, we went to see some family friends who consider themselves BB's "step-grandparents." I hadn't seen them since last year, so it was nice to catch up with them. The last stop of our trip was my dad's house, where they were just hanging out. Here are some pictures (the lights were dimmed) of BB and her two aunts (haha) frolicking around on my dad's bed. The three of them had so much fun and had a case of the giggles. It was difficult to get a picture without a fuzzy head or limb, so here are a few that came out semi-decent.

Baby E. She's getting so big!

It took us double the time - two hours - to get home because of all the traffic. I couldn't believe there was so much at such a late hour. We finally got home around 11 o'clock and subsequently passed out. It was a nice Easter this year.

Daddy's Day Out

This post is a little late, but I've been so swamped with work that it had to wait til now. Saturday was Dave's birthday and we spent some family time together. I'll keep it brief since I have to get to bed as soon as I can. We drove into Boston and had breakfast and a little stroll in the North End. We found this little square covered in cobblestones we had never seen before, and we also passed Paul Revere's house.

Walking up and onto Hanover Street.

Dessert for breakfast. Yes, dessert! Plus, the best caffé mocha I've ever tasted in my life. Caffé dello Sporto.

Next, we trekked over to the aquarium for BB's first visit. I always love watching the penguins. They were getting a shower when we arrived.

Views of the gigantic center fishtank from the tippity top. Was so scared I'd lose hold of BB!

Standing on the ledge, watching the fish, sharks, and turtles go about their business.

Zoom!

After, we went to a diner in Cambridge for lunch and went home to pass out. It's difficult getting around town when you've got a little person in tow! Later that night, we went to the restaurant for Masaki's farewell dinner. I'm going to miss him so much. Will post pictures later. BB made a few new friends, particularly a little boy about her age. His mom and I exchanged contact info, so hopefully we'll be able to squeeze in a playdate or two. They had so much fun chasing each other around!

Yesterday I was so frazzled from running around all day preparing for a little surprise birthday dinner for Dave. New shoes, sushi from Samba, baking strawberry shortcake, lighting some candles, PLUS work. Forgot my wallet at the shoe store and didn't realize until 20 minutes later when I went to buy a platter at Crate & Barrel. Not a good feeling since my house and car keys, credit cards, license, and some git cards were all in it. Luckily, I retrieved it and all was well. Felt good to do something special for Dave, but too bad we were so exhausted by the time we sat down to eat.

Ok, now I've really got to get to bed! More posts and pictures to come soon!

weekend romping

What a crazy week. So exhausting. Even though we had a little time this weekend to recuperate, we're all still lethargic and sleepy. I figured I'd just post some pictures instead of write a lot, because 1) I should join my two babies who are already both asleep and breathing loudly, and 2) If I don't post my pictures, I'll have too many "unused" ones on my hands. Here's a glimpse of our weekend (not including the 2 nights Dave and I got to GO OUT -- yes, into the city -- to drink and have fun with friends!).

(( First bubble bath. Hated it at first, but eventually warmed up to it. ))

(( What happens when Daddy gets to dress BB... ))

(( Always one to show interest in the lens of a camera. ))

(( Toy overload in BB's toy corner. ))

(( Rearranging the furniture. ))

(( Fuzzy pictures, fuzzy friends. ))

(( Tallest baby ever. Touch the ceiling? Piece of cake! ))

(( Daddy's favorite: chicken & veggie pasta in vodka sauce. ))

(( Exhausted BB, doing what we do best! ))

This week is going to be hectic. Dinner with Warren before he moves to AZ. Dinner with Masaki before he moves to Chicago. My brother Sam's 16th birthday on Thursday. Dave's 22nd birthday on Saturday. Work. Work. Work. I hope we'll be able to fit SLEEP somewhere in between...