queenwanydala

2010-10-07T15:18:00.000-05:00

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2010-04-23T11:51:00.002-05:00

i've moved to facebook....most of my daily activities can be summed up in 3 sentences or less. It's sad. my plan is to come back here to rant and rave...which happens once a month. ha ha ha.

2010-02-16T12:46:00.002-06:00

So after last week's disappointment with the park district's preschool, Kate and I went to take a tour of Schaumburg's school district preschool. I know. I was a bit more impressed this time...bright room, clean tables, chairs, rugs, and equipment. I liked that the room was meant for a preschool and that it wasn't previously used as a dance studio. I also liked that I got to meet the actual teacher Kate will be with and that she didn't come to work in her pajamas! She seemed fairly kind and even asked Kate for a goodbye hug but of course, Kate refused. She plays hard to get. Kate introduced herself as Katherine (so cute) and found a big yellow bus with a slide to play in. Kate also made a craft for dad and played in the sandtable next to a couple of preschoolers who were very nice. A super big plus for me was that there were books everywhere! I love a classroom filled with books. I think we may go this route. Now we have to fill out the paperwork.

Sydney's on new formula yet again. I'm at my wit's end. At least she's sleeping better.

2010-02-10T11:57:00.002-06:00

Kate and I went to Taste of Preschool today at the park district. It was okay. All the teachers there looked like they just woke up. They were wearing sweats! Um, is this their best effort? Kate enjoyed most of the hour we spent there. She did not enjoy group time when she had to dance/sing/say hello. I'm thinking maybe going through school district or trying one of those "preschool schools".

I have once again been injured by Ellie. Last time she landed on my right shoulder, dislocating it. This time, she tripped off a step stool and either the step stool or Ellie or both landed on my right 4th toe. The right side of my body is busted. I believe soon after I had Kate, I broke my right ankle.

I felt an earthquake for the first time early this morning, but was too drowsy to realize what it was until Jae told me the news before sending off Ellie to school. I feel like a zombie now a days. Sydney is such a light sleeper. She only sleeps well in the swing, but I've been warned not to place her there too long for fear of her developing a flat head. Koreans.

Sydney's starting to laugh but I can't seem to coax it out of her. So far, only dad and grandma have been successful at doing so. I told Jae, "I guess I'm not ugly enough."

overdue

2010-01-28T08:46:00.002-06:00

It's been an interesting 2 months since Sydney arrived. So much to say about it, just not sure how to put it all down without this becoming a novel.

Mom's been staying with us for some time and I just love it. Sure, she gets on my nerves once in awhile, but it's nothing I wasn't expecting or know how to deal with.

The girls adore Sydney.

I'm slowly getting more sleep. Sydney slept through the night for the first time yesterday...10:30-5:15am. I'm wondering if this is because Jae slept on the couch last night. Sydney's quite the light sleeper and wakes up at any sound and movement.

Sydney's also on hypoallergenic formula. She has a severe sensitivity to cow's milk. Still trying to figure out the difference between "sensitivity" and "allergic reaction". Anyways, she's also a very gassy child and eats every 2 hours. She likes to snack all day long. I gotta get her to eat more in one sitting.

Sydney's smiles are becoming bigger and more purposeful AND contageous! She cried so much during her first month because of the formula...if she wasn't crying, then she was sleeping. Now she's awake and playing and talking.

Sydney's found both her hands this week and constantly tries to stuff her fists in her mouth. Cutie. She also knows me and can track me from a far distance.

Labor and delivery went well. Other than trying to come out sunny-side up, all went smoothly and am very thankful for a healthy baby.

I'm so sleepy.

Dec. 1

2009-11-28T02:44:00.002-06:00

Induction date has been set for December 1st at 6:30 a.m. I can not wait. I used to be against inducing labor, rather wanted for it all to happen naturally, but with the way things are, induction is so much more convenient and no one is running around like a chicken with its head cut off, not to mention that I'm incredibily uncomfortable. I wonder how big she will be.

Not much to Jae's disappointment, Isabella is off the table. We are now looking at 2 possible names. We are not revealing it til she's born. Tee hee hee. Don't worry sis. It isn't Gertrude.

Thanksgiving has come and gone. I'm very thankful the baby didn't arrive during dinner and that I got to sample 5 different types of "pies"! Now that's how you eat dessert. Peach pie was thee best.

The day went by so fast and to me, everything felt mentally stressful...perhaps the hormones are magnifying what shouldn't be magnified. Warning to those who've heard their mother-in-laws say "don't think of me as a mother-in-law", think of them as a mother-in-law. These are complicated women.

Bathroom is still not finished. This is what I feared would happen. Jae is no longer afraid of me and I must do something about it.

Officially 2 weeks

2009-11-23T00:45:00.002-06:00

There are 2 more weeks til D-Day or due date. Jae and I had a couple of scares this week. I was feeling contractions on a pretty consistent basis for a few hours on Monday and then again for about 7 or 8 hours Saturday night. The contractions weren't strong or close enough to warrant a trip to the hospital...we were just waiting at home. I got tired, fell asleep, and when I awoke, the contractions were gone. I guess this is what you call false labor. We were quite disappointed, but to see the silver lining, these false labors has forced us to pack the diaper bag, and buy a going home outfit, blanket, and baby book for the baby.

Saturday night, we told Ellie and Kate that they might wake up to see their new baby sister and Ellie began to quickly make a card for her. It read "Welcome baby Isabella." Jae wasn't too thrilled. I thought it was funny. Under the quote, she drew a picture of me and herself holding her baby sister with a little bubble coming out of her mouth that said, "Awww." She's so excited.

All Kate wants to do is feed the baby. It'll be interesting to see how Kate reacts when this little one arrives to say the least. She's all of a sudden lost the ability to walk, talk, eat, or sleep without the aid of Jae. Of course Jae has no memory of when Ellie was this way before Kate arrived. =)

I can not wait for this baby to arrive. I can't wait to hold her and feed her and hug her and smell her and take pictures of her with her sisters. I'm trying to do everything I can to get these contractions to become more productive.

Jae's been busy tiling the bathroom floor. "It's taking longer than I thought." Duh! But I didn't say that outloud...just gave him that look. The tile cutter we got is pretty neat. I always see people cutting tile on home improvement shows, it's nice to actually own one. The one we got isn't huge or elaborate, but does the job.

After tomorrow, Jae will be working from home as long as he doesn't have any meetings which would require him to go into the office. I am looking forward to it.

Got my h1n1 flu shot. It hurt!

Finally

2009-10-18T23:40:00.002-05:00

There's only 7 more weeks to go...hopefully a week or so sooner. I just realized we didn't get a baby book for this one and am feeling a little guilty. Heck, Kate's baby book has only 4 pages filled in. With Ellie's, we collected newspapers, a lock of hair from her first haircut and a bunch of notes I wrote down. The last born always gets gipped. Sorry baby. We still haven't decided on a name for her yet. Sheesh.

I'm feeling a little bit more relaxed about the bathroom. Jae says all that's left to do is finish up the drywall, patch it, and then put one more layer of mortar on the shower floor and then we are ready to paint and tile. So excited.

Feels like everything is finding its place and coming together. We've finalized tiles, bought bathroom cabinet and mirror, solved Kate's dresser issue and where grandma's going to sleep while she's here to help out issue all by purchasing a genious-space-saving bunk bed, wallpaper in the foyer is almost removed, and carpet guys are coming in 3 weeks. Still have a handful to do, but the list is getting shorter which means I'm getting happier. =)

Breathe!

Potty training Kate

2009-09-16T09:41:00.002-05:00

I've begun potty training kate yesterday. She did absolutely fantastic. She tried to make it to the potty every single time (not always successful) but she tried to go when she felt the urge to go. I think now it's just a matter of practice and time before accidents are gone. Later in the day, I had her back in pull-ups because I needed to get some things done around the house. But she's on the road to success.

2009-09-02T23:23:00.003-05:00

i didn't realize just how impatient of a person i am. was it today or yesterday i gave ellie some words of advice, told her if she doesn't learn to adapt, she's going to have a difficult time in this world. now that i read it back to myself, it doesn't really sound like advice, does it? more like a warning or prophecy. anyways, i should take up that "advice" as well.

wait wait wait. i always tell the girls to wait. i want to teach them the virtue of patience. don't want to raise instant gratification kids. i don't know why waiting is so stressful upon me. i want the bugs gone now...i want my car back now...i want my bathroom ready now...i want the baby out now. i'm just tired of waiting.

News

2009-08-30T23:11:00.002-05:00

So this is the stupid thing I did to my car last week. Scraped my car on a corner of a truck. I swear, this is why I hate trucks but it's my own stupid fault. Pregnancy must be affecting my center or something. I could have sworn I had enough space to pull up to the curb. Oh well. Can't wait to get the momi-van back. I can barely fit in the rental car...baby does not like it.

Speaking of whom, I can feel her moving at incredible strength sometimes. She makes me take trips to the toilet more often than I'd like. I can't wait to meet this little one. So far, she's healthy, I'm healthy. If I was to make a complaint, it would be that I'm cramping more than I'd like. This little one doesn't like me cleaning. My kind of gal.

Exterminator is coming tomorrow to spray the house again. I'm so sick of these little springtails. They gross me out. I hate bugs of all sorts. They are relentless and I fear they are breeding in the walls or under the floors. They sure arent' coming from outside cuz we've been getting our house treated on a regular basis and we are still encountering problems.

Nesting instinct is kicking in big time. I want to clean and rearrange and organize everything. Wish we had the funds to do it. There's just so much to do.

Ellie keeps asking me what the baby is doing on an hourly basis. i think it's so cute that she's curious and sometimes she imitates what the baby might be doing or how she may be reacting in my tummy. Ellie's such a character. She was also very intrigued that I was putting on make up today...sitting right next to me asking me what I'm putting on my face and why...what is this called and what is that called. She gave me lots and lots of hugs and "i love you"s this weekend. I thought she didn't like me.

Kate is such a riot. She's grown up mentally so much these past few weeks. Her vocabulary's grown and she's just growing up too fast. My biggest focus these days with her is making sure she adjusts well to the arrival of the new baby. I have a feeling she will handle it much better than Ellie did, but kids are kids and Kate will eventually end up becoming the middle child so that's an issue I want to address as early as possible but am clueless as to how to go about doing that. Much prayer.

All in all, I feel very blessed. Why is God so good to me?

2009-05-26T22:10:00.002-05:00

Smells are enemies this week. Can't stand the smell of anything and all I want to eat is citrus and watermelon.

Next appt. is this Friday. Anxious to tell my doctor how the prenatals melted upon themselves.

There'a about a little over a week of school left for Ellie and then it's our trip to Disneyland. I'm feeling a bit aprehensive about it just because I'm me.

Things to do this week, color my hair, update my driver's license. It's expiring just like 33 years.

Morning sickness with #3

2009-05-12T22:59:00.002-05:00

I haven't said too much about this pregnancy thus far. I feel a bit removed and exhausted and sleepy and hungry and nauseated all the time. With Ellie's pregnancy, I threw up a few times, usually before bedtime and the feeling to throw up lingered well into the second trimester. With Kate's pregnancy, the morning sickness came and went like clockwork and with a vengance. I've never felt so bad, but it went away like a storm, much like kate's temper. With this pregnancy, the morning sickness kind of snuck up on me. I'm hoping that it will go away in a couple of weeks. My next doctor's appt. is at the end of this month.

2009-05-02T09:49:00.001-05:00

Why is Kate always on the left? Or is it right?...depending on your perspective.

2009-05-01T22:40:00.000-05:00

I miss the sunshine.

2009-04-29T01:33:00.002-05:00

Kate looks like she's been sucka puched. Ouch! That girl is a trooper though, all smiles. I'm sure Jae will have more to say about the ER trip, it will be one he will never forget. =)

#3

2009-04-25T21:45:00.002-05:00

It's official. Jae and I are expecting baby #3 and we couldn't be more excited. Ellie is extremely excited about the baby and keeps asking when he will arrive. She wants a baby brother because she already has a sister. Of course, it's all about her. =)

I plan on delivering this baby at a different hospital. I was a bit disappointed with the hospital where I delivered Kate. This one's not too far and the doctor's office is only a 20 minute drive. I truly desired to deliver where Ellie was delivered, but it's much much too far away and the doctor's office there is always so busy.

The due date is December 7th...about 33 more weeks to go.

The morning sickness has settled in now and comes very strongly in the evenings, so it's more like evening sickness. I check out mentally at 7pm. I feel wiped out and can't stand the smell of anything greasy...or Chloe. I'm craving sour juices too.

Kung Fu

2009-03-31T18:40:00.000-05:00

2009-03-19T17:42:00.002-05:00

Another wonderful day.

Do you like my chalk maze? The kids had fun being "chompers" as they chased me through it. I took this picture while Ellie took a break. Kate decided to trail it with her trike. You can't tell from this angle, but I drew a little pond the explorers must cross as an obstacle.

Fresh muenster and cheddar cheese slices with sesame water crackers....yum.

The kids enjoyed it very much.

So here's the grown-up version of cheese and crackers. It's sesame water crackers with honey infused cream cheese and chopped walnut spread topped with shreds of green and red lettuce and orange and red baby peppers.

It's so divine!!!

I'm trying to be a healthier, happier, more energetic me.

2009-03-17T22:12:00.002-05:00

the weather was so nice today that i actually did my hair and dressed up. of course, the husband doesn't notice...he's too involved in his own drama of feeling worn out from the day. watching him eat at the dinner table with a somber mood is getting to be quite a chore. is it my cooking?

on days like this, i really miss running. i'm actually one of those crazy people who enjoys it, but my ankle's been feeling testy and a bit sprained since i took a long walk with chloe. working out with a game system has been pretty fun except for that my muscles are completely sore and I can barely walk. I'm glad I can shop for groceries online. Tis a treat.

kids are doing well. ellie went to the dentist for another filling and did a great job. kate is kate. she's been a bit moody...more than i'd like. i don't know what she's going through. i want to update her blog but not sure how to go about doing it.

2009-03-13T10:16:00.002-05:00

I cut up some apples for my nephew the other day. He takes a slice, takes a tiny lick, then says, "Mmmm! Taste!", then shovels the entire slice into his mouth. Imagine cookie monster with a cookie. This kid is serious.

2009-03-09T22:23:00.002-05:00

I'm still alive on 3 1/2 hours sleep. I did more in one day today than I did last week...constantly finding ways to keep busy all while carrying 20-some pounds of deadweight on my arms (Kate).
Gotta keep pushing on.
No workout tonight for I have endured the day and am proud of it.
My pants don't feel as snug as before. I'm satisfied so far.

Earlier last week, I was debating about whether to get a new camcorder or Wii Fit. Now, I think I want another jigsaw puzzle. Since I was no longer allowed to play any computer games, I poured myself into finishing a jigsaw puzzle intended to be framed and hung for Ellie's room last year. It was very theraputic...until I realized 2 pieces were missing. Now I'm all stressed out. I guess a jigsaw puzzle won't help me lose the weight...the obvious Fit game is most practical, but I'd have tons more fun with the camcorder...but it's too expensive for my taste. I couldn't live with the guilt.

All right...Fit, it is.

I wish Jae would upload some photos for me. =)

Riding again

2009-02-25T07:43:00.002-06:00

I rode on my bike for the first time in a long time again...30 minutes...rachel ray can cook up a five course meal in that time. I was in utter pain and suffering. The kids were stunned to see their mom on an exercise machine...Ellie couldn't get over it. She was constantly climbing on the bike, squeezing in where she could throughout the entire workout. Anyways, I ended up biking 5 miles.

Afterwards, I had planned to take a shower but flopped on the bed and took a quick nap. Then we all went downstairs and had a gigantic meal. Hmmm....maybe next time I should eat before I workout.

I'm also ending my addiciton to computer games. No more games until I lose the weight. It's gonna be a nail biting experience.

Ellie's reading like a genius and Kate's starting to use the potty on her own. Life is so comfortable right now I feel anxious...it's like the calm before the storm.

Costume category killed me!

2009-02-23T10:34:00.003-06:00

Last night's Oscars was the very first Oscars in which my husband and I filled out the ballot. Our results were pretty miserable, but being the closet gambler that I am, leading Jae in the results, I suggested we place a wager on the winner of most correct answers. Hmmm...what do I want when I win? Nothing! Jae kicked my butt. And being the dorks that we are, we analyzed and studies our answers and came to this conclusion...I got slammed in the technical categories and the big kicker was Costume! I second-guessed myself. I hoped the Academy wouldn't have been that predictable! Two-thirds way through the Oscars, Jae was already searching for his new iTouch.

Do you think we will ever witness the Oscars without a political speech? It always makes me sad and angry when I hear the gay/lesbian community say that God has rejected them when in fact, it is the gay/lesbian community who has rejected God. I hate how celebrities twist God's Holy word and purpose based on what? Their knowledge of what? We'll see how much shame there is when Sean Penn comes face to face with His Maker.

2009-02-16T00:57:00.001-06:00

I think I am going to take pottery class. That is all.

2009-02-01T01:51:00.002-06:00

None of my teams are in the superbowl this year. In such events, I always root for the underdog. Go Cardinals. Aren't they also a baseball team? I'm so confused.

I'm making potato skins for the very first time. I hope they turn out well.

Just distracted

2009-01-26T21:57:00.002-06:00

The day has finally arrived. I'm absolutely normal...says my neurologist. The test results all came back normal. Darn! I was hoping there would be some legitimate excuse I could use as a scapegoat for my absent-minded professor like behavior. Soooooooo, my doctor advised that I start taking a multi-vitamin with folic acid, get on a better sleep cycle, and really think about switching my meds. He suspects it is the main culprit for the memory loss.

Anyways, I turn on the tv this morning and see an aerobic workout program. The kids are on the couch just staring at the people (they've never seen anyone in the house workout before). I start working out in front of them. I was quite a sight to see. The kids get a good laugh.

I called my mother-in-law today. I seldom call her or my own mother, but for some reason, I felt like hearing her voice. I told her so and she said it finally feels like we're family. I think originally she thought I had called just to wish her a happy chinese/korean new year, but I havn't the slightest clue. She said thanks for calling cuz whenever I do, it's "good news" and I'm considered a "celebrity" in their home. Ha ha ha. I'm like a rare deer sighting.

It's strange speaking with people you don't know. Yesterday I spoke with a cousin in Korea whom I haven't seen since I was 4 years old. I recognize her name, but not her face. She sounded really nice and someone I may really like if I could speak Korean well. Same deal with my mother-in-law. But I guess you have to talk to people you don't know well and go through that discomfort for the mere purpose of knowing and being comfortable with them and learning to love them.

Hmmm...I feel Zenish.

2009-01-22T11:59:00.002-06:00

Lost was amazing! I can't get enough of it. Jae was amazing as well...he put both kids down for bed so I could watch it without interruption. He's also said Ben Linus "scares" him. Ha ha. It's those bulgy, buggy eyes. Us Koreans are not used to such big lenses.

If Jae and I were on the island with the Losties, Sawyer's nickname for me would be Bobby and Madame Butterfly for Jae. Ha ha ha.

2009-01-20T22:26:00.001-06:00

I can not wait for Lost!

2009-01-18T02:13:00.002-06:00

Honestly, I'm more looking forward to the season premiere of Lost than our Historical Presidential Inauguration. I'm a donkey.

2009-01-18T02:05:00.002-06:00

I got a spontaneous "I love you, Mom." and hug from Ellie today.

I'm happy.

2009-01-15T01:54:00.002-06:00

Neuro-psych. eval. went "alright". The day consisted of many tasks for me to do. If you've ever watched the episode from ER where Dr. Greene is being evaluated for his comptetancy as a doctor, that's basically the jist of it...asked to remember words from list A, but not list B and list C but not list B, then I had to name as many objects that began with a certain letter, then I memorized patterns and patterns and was asked to recall those patterns by drawing them. Then I had to make patterns with blocks, then categorized deck of cards into 4 piles, then placed tiny pegs into their respective holes with right hand then left hand, solved math story problems without pencil or paper, added numbers in particular patterns, answered dumb questions in a profoundly idiotic way (wish I could take it again!) and then filled out long personality questionaire. I feel sad.

According to Jae, someone's "heard" my rant about sidewalk shoveling. All of a sudden, every single house, except one, has shoveled their sidewalk. Perhaps a complete coincidence. I'm hoping school will be cancelled due to the cold weather, but that kind of sounds whimpy. What do all those children in Wisconsin do when it becomes below zero? Do they miss half the school year? That would explain much. Ouch! Just kidding. I love Lake Geneva. =)

Anyways, I've become a big fan of shoveling. It's my sneaky way of getting a semi-decent workout with the possibility of pulling a back muscle badly enough to keep me out of commission for a month. Ahhh, lovely days claiming the couch. It also keeps the kids entertained. "Look! Mommy's sliding!"

Ellie's starting piano lessons in Feb. We are all a bit nervous, especially after she commented that she may get tired after 3 minutes of practicing. Well, it is every Korean child's dream to take piano lessons to confirm the notion that parents are "out to get them".

short day

2009-01-05T01:08:00.003-06:00

Woke up at 1pm today. This rare occurence in nature has set me off balance. One would be happy, glad, joyeous to be able to get that much sleep without the husband calling for a search and rescue mission (either for himself or me), but dang nam it, I missed breakfast and lunch!

The rest of the day was just wierd for me. No church, no after church lunch, no interesting football games, no games at all, really. Just sat around drinking my pineapple/guava white tea.

Watched a new show about a couple planning their wedding. The whole premise of the show is if the couple can stay within their budget. Anyways, this bride is so darn annoying...she's all about trying to keep the wedding environmentally friendly except when it comes to her. Your typical self-righteous poser. Interesting what happens to completely normal women when planning their wedding.

Anyways, I hope I am able to survive the week. It's going to be a busy one. The Neuro-Psych exam is Friday and I'm feeling a bit nervous. I'll get the results of all my tests with my next doctor's appt. in Feb. Man, time flies!

Still missing Dad.

Play date

2009-01-03T01:57:00.002-06:00

A Grand Celebration!

One of Ellie's last hurrah before winter break ends was to have a slumber party with her best friend, Tea, only Tea has a terrible night cough so she decided to spend a longer day with her instead. They had lots of fun. Ellie's also going to the aquarium...I'm sure Jae will post those pics. soon.

Without

2009-01-03T01:41:00.002-06:00

Hooray for 2009. I'm going to make feeble attempts to look "good" in a swimsuit this year. I forget what my resolution was last year...i think it was something dumb like to learn something new everyday. What drug was I on?

Today's the day I go in for the EEG. I only forgot that I'm only allowed 4 hours sleep before the test so I am feeling quite exhausted.

Ellie has requested we take grandma to the aquarium today. Of course I won't be able to make it cuz I just love marine life. I just can't believe Jae's willing to go on an excursion with my mom, without me, with both kids. What's gotten into this man?

My Loss

2008-12-29T01:32:00.004-06:00

The girls had a fantastic Christmas. Our spoiled daughter has handled gift opening with much more grace. Kate was just glad to open a gift of her own! =) Yet again, she managed to open Jacob's present. I think we will just leave it.

The funniest thing...Jae and I were talking about New Year's resolutions...one of his resolutions was to be able to touch his toes without bending the knees...he's got 2 more days to stretch those hamstrings...a very "reachable" goal. Ah...Jae's dry humor.

My blood work came back negative (normal) but despite it, I've decided to go ahead and get an EEG and a Neuro-Psych. Evaluation, just to be doubly sure to check the memory loss. I also need a yearly check-up. I don't know why, but I've all of a sudden becomed panic-struck over my health. Is this my early mid-life crisis? Hmmm...

Sigh...I'm not getting any younger either. I've been coughing for 3 weeks now...to the point where I'm now starting to fart when I cough and my stomach muscles are getting an unwelcomed workout. A loss of bodily function. Blah. I can't get 2 straight hours of sleep. My eyes feel hot.

It was quite depressing to watch the Broncos lose once again. Humiliating. I got so depressed, I decided to take a shower...then thought of more depressing things...like missing my dad's company as I watched the Broncos bury their own grave and also how my dad's face is missing from a family portrait we recently took and how I wished I could say, Happy Birthday to him, but can't.

My December Rant

2008-12-12T01:37:00.005-06:00

It's about 1:30 in the morning and I'm thinking I shouldn't have had that last cup of tea. Can't get to sleep.

I'm dreading the walk to school tomorrow. The weather's been forcasted to be in the teens (high) but it will feel much much colder than that. I wonder if the schools close due to cold weather. =) Always thinking of ways to "get out" of a situation...bad bad mom.

Really, though, the walk to school hasn't been too horrible. At least the kids enjoy it. Ellie actually refuses to take the car to school...it seems ridiculous cuz we only live 2 blocks away, but man, when Kate wants to step into every single icy patch she can find with her short legs and Ellie's stomping in the snow, it feels like snail's pace and I'm wishing I kept those pink long johns my mom brought back from Korea. They were wretched little things, but ohhh...to be a mom....one HAS to make sacrifices.

And I have to majorly rant!!!! If your house is on the way to school and you know there are always children who walk to school past your home, shovel your damn sidewalk! It's utterly disgusting how homeowners near our school will come out to shovel their driveway after 4 inches of snow, but then NOT shovel their sidewalks! It just baffles me. Thank goodness, most of the neighbors on our block are very kind...and old. =)

Anyways, to look on the bright side...if I can handle zero degree weather, I can handle the rest of the winter...only a couple of more months of below 30 degree weather and the rest should be a breeze. I knew there was a reason why I gained weight....all that fat in my belly is keeping me warm. =)

News burp:

Ellie is going to her first sleepover! We are all very excited.
Kate learned how to pick her nose and then eat what was pulled from it. All of a sudden, I hear "smack, smack smack."
Kate heard herself fart for the first time and then giggled like I've never seen. You'll recognize her 20 years from now by the lampshade on her head.
I have no photos to post...Jae posts them on his blog before I do.
Ellie is writing cute little stories at school...complete sentences and pictures and all!
Jae keeps saying he's caught whatever virus anyone else has had. Apparantly, even his symptoms are shy!
Jae is getting a better version of my laptop for Christmas.
Jae is competitive
I have not done ANY Christmas shopping!!! Lord, please help me!
I'm craving chocolate croissants.

Advice

2008-12-02T20:26:00.002-06:00

"Mom, how come you're not watching Food Network? You should learn how to cook."
"Mom, you should work out on your bicycle."

Is this my child?

Feeling

2008-11-29T23:45:00.002-06:00

Shoot the Moon by Nora Jones
Say (All I Need) by One Republic
Don't Stop Believing by Journey

Kate's Fall Day

2008-11-05T09:22:00.004-06:00

I've become quite the shutterbug...for the morning anyways. Enjoy.

Dumb and Dumber

2008-11-01T09:47:00.004-05:00

Which do you think is dumber? Not being able to remember where your husband works or using shampoo as body wash? I was guilty of both.

Trick or treating went well. Kids came away with a lot of candy. I have to say Ellie's very good at limiting the amount of candy she eats in one sitting. Kate on the other hand likes to dabble here and there. But you can't blame her, she's just overwhelmed with the variety of candy that's out there. Perhaps she feels I've been holding out.

There's this one house we went to where the couple was dressed in quite scary costumes...even the adults were reluctant to go up to them...I got shivers...but it didn't bother Kate at all. Kate had no idea that she was "supposed" to be afraid of those images and we didn't let on. In fact, the only time Kate actually says, "Mommy, I'm scared." is whenever she sees Obama on tv. Just kidding. But kids got ancier about loud dogs than scary costumes. Hmmm...

The Return of Poopy

2008-10-21T23:43:00.002-05:00

Potty training round 2 has begun and it's started out just as I feared. Kate decided to leave a couple of surprises for me on the rug...NEXT TO her diaper. This girl is good.

An update about myself and not the girls...amazing...yes, but I went to see my neurologist and complained to him about some memory loss I've been experiencing...long and short term...how it's been getting progressively noticable. He suggested taking some vitamins...apparantly the meds. I'm on tend to lower levels of B12 and folic acid which affects cognition. I'm hoping the vitamins will help...I'm sure getting plenty of rest would do the trick as well.

They're Out!

2008-10-20T00:53:00.003-05:00

Hooray! I can't tell you how glad I am that Boston has been defeated by a team thought to rank last in their league. It's harmonious...it's poetic justice.

Pumpkin Patch Kids

2008-10-18T22:02:00.001-05:00

more to come...

Book Club

2008-10-17T00:49:00.002-05:00

Ellie's favorite book this week...The Best Nest by P.D. Eastman. She likes to follow this book with Are You My Mother from the same author. It's sort of like a sequel because it has the same bird in it. Cute.

I'm beginning to stay up past midnight. I need to stop this..

Wish I had more time to watch the debates. I want to, but I just can't trust Obama in the White House...especially during these times. If he is elected into presidency, he's still gonna have to prove himself.

Kate's Radio Flyer

2008-10-04T18:08:00.003-05:00

"Hmm..Whatever."

2008-10-02T16:08:00.002-05:00

If you haven't gotten it yet, Ellie's a reading Phenom! I bought $100 worth of books for her at the bookstore. Why? Because she's a reading Phenom and I felt guilty.

I was supposed to pick her up from school, but I had Jae do it (he was working from home so I can take Ellie to the dentist without Kate the Great) since I had to get ready to run errands. She was very upset and refused to forgive me. I gave her a few minutes to chill out and again, I begged at her knees to forgive me and she says, "Hmm..Whatever." Ouch. "I'm still upset with you." I can understand...a promise is a promise and I promised I would never break a promise. The turmoil between mother and daughter begins!

Well, she did great at the dentist again then we headed to the bookstore where I bought her love back. Ha ha ha.

Then we go to Toys R Us (guilt still looming) and she asked us to buy her a scooter. Jae said something to the fact that Ellie expressed if she wanted something, we were suppose to get it for her. Oh no, she didn't! I told her she needed to work for it, that if she completes her reading log for the month, we would gladly get it for her. 360 minutes of reading a month? Actually, she reads at least 30 min. every day so it's a breeze for her, but she just doesn't know it. It's the waiting that kills her. But she'll cherish that scooter even more when she earns it, right? =) I'm still not sure if I've got this parenting thing down...or ever will.

Role Reversal

2008-09-16T10:22:00.002-05:00

I usually read books to Ellie as part of her bedtime routine. For the last couple of days, Ellie's insisted that she read to me. I helped her with a few words, but otherwise, she did great...she even wanted to wear her glasses. Success! I soon fell asleep in her room. Then she woke me up in the morning, changed my clothes, brushed my teeth and hair, made me breakfast and walked me to Kindergarten. =)

Did You See?

2008-09-11T10:07:00.002-05:00

Did you see my husband's blog? He posted the most beautiful artwork Ellie made at school. Her teacher thought it was worthy enough to hang in the main hallway of her school for everyone to see on "The Road to Success" bulletin board. Having Ellie start school in a private school really paid off. You know, alot of people say not to think too hard about where you place your child in preschool, but I should have known from teaching preschool for many years that it does matter. You're laying a strong foundation for your children to keeep building upon. So far, Ellie's ahead of the game and because of that, her confidence has boosted and her attitude changed. Her teacher's one comment to me, "She's reading already! She's doing great!" I'm glad she's got Jae's brains. The pros and cons of public and private school are becoming evident to me. Each has their strengths. If you're thinking preschool is not a big deal, you're wrong. It is a very very very big deal.

One thing I didnt' see today were those darn springtails. The exterminator came yesterday and sprayed the house. I'm so relieved. I wasn't able to eat or sleep well knowing those bugs were crawling around. I'm so glad we had our house treated. I hate bugs!!!

Springtails

2008-09-09T23:55:00.003-05:00

We've got an infestation of springtails. They're these tiny bugs that jump when startled. Apparantly it doesn't do any harm, considered just a pest...they're annoying and gross to look at. Naturally, Ellie learned a new word today..."exterminator". One is coming over tomorrow to spray the house. I can't wait. We'll have to replace the windows soon too...it seems the moldy, rotting trim may be attracting the ugly suckers. Sigh...more money out the window. So much for the new laptop. I'm sad.

I joined facebook yesterday...trying to figure out what the craze is all about. I'm stunned...completely stunned that some people have over 300 friends. It's def. a place to network socially, which I'm not very good at, nor do I crave, but quite an experience.

Trip to Dentist

2008-09-07T23:28:00.002-05:00

Ellie's trip to the dentist was a success. She did absolutely beautifully. Her whole experience made me jealous. I wish my parents knew of a pediatric dentist. I think most of us can remember our first dentist trip and found it "uncomfortable" to say the least. I was so afraid she'd need laughing gas for the exam, but the staff were very careful about letting Ellie know exactly what they were going to do. She got her teeth cleaned, x-rayed, and flouride treated. She's got the healthiest mouth on the block.

I'm glad Ellie had a great first experience because we need to go back in a couple of weeks to seal a couple of minute cavaties and some grooves in her molars to prevent further cavaties without any numbing. Hooray! She left with a goodie bag filled with stickers and dental floss and a new toothbrush.

Missing

2008-09-04T00:24:00.002-05:00

Today was one of those days when you think the day can't get any worse, it does. Yesterday was also another day I wish not to relive...Kate thought it would be fun to play hide and seek without telling me she was playing hide and seek. For 5 minutes, I thought I'd lost her. I don't know how those parents cope with missing children.

On a less critical note, I am once more computerless. Apparantly, one of the "caps" blew out according to Mr. Fix It AKA Jae Lim. I have no idea what to make of that statement other than the fact that it short-wired. This is becoming much too familiar to me. One more evidence to add to my theory that electronics hate me. Even blogging this post started out shaky. The silver lining is that I see a new laptop upon the horizon. Glorious!

Ellie News: She's got a dental appt. Thursday, her first. This should be fun.

Poetic

2008-08-27T22:00:00.002-05:00

2 days down, a hundred and some odd days to go and I still can't believe she's a Kindergartner. She's doing so well in school compared to the uneven experience she had last year.

It's interesting...every morning we walk out the door, the first thing we see are the Morning Glory blossoms. Ellie and I planted those seeds at the end of last school year and I thought how poetic it was that they bloomed like wildfire on the morning of Ellie's first day of school.

AG Outing

2008-08-21T14:45:00.003-05:00

Ellie went on an outing to American Girl with her friend Anna. We started off the day watching a live musical about Bitty Bear and Her Family Tree. It was very cute and the girls were in awe throughout the performance. They were lucky enough to get the actor's autographs (pawprints) and pose for a picture with them.

Afterwards, we went to WaterTower for some pizza and chocolate milk and headed back to the store for shopping. Ellie made out well (as usual) at the store. She received matching pajama sets for her doll and for herself from Anna as a birthday gift and I purchased a ballerina outfit for the doll.

Unfortunately, the play date had to end sooner than later for us as Ellie started to run a fever. We left early and came home to find that Kate had a fever as well. Now the three of us are on bedrest and taking lots of tylenol. Perfect timing...Ellie starts school Tuesday.

Happy Birthday Ellie!

2008-08-15T00:29:00.002-05:00

A year older, a year stronger, a year taller, a year brighter.

A year more delightful, a year more ferocious, a year more endearing, a year more beautiful.

Strep, Birds, and the Bees

2008-07-14T00:20:00.009-05:00

Strep.
I've been out of "work" since Thursday afternoon. A fever hit me like a ton of bricks and turns out I got strep...I don't know why. I was basically drooling as I came in and out of sleep cuz it hurt to swallow. I hate strep.

Anyways, I told the girls that Dad has full control until Mommy gets well and all questions, concerns, and potty needs needed to be directed to him. Ellie jumped, hopped, and skipped for joy. Kate gave me a blank stare and continued to eat her cheese, "Mmm...Good!" This is how I know I'm doing my job well. Despite that, Jae's been a tremendous help and I can tell he's reconsidering the whole "stay at home dad" notion. Sure boss.

The Birds and the Bees.
About a month ago, shortly after my sister gave birth to my nephew, Ellie started asking all sorts of questions about how a baby comes out of a mommy and how the hole in the tummy closes after the baby is born. My hands went cold and numb. I had to be straight with her...this girl is turning 5 in about a month and no longer believes in my gibberish-like fairy tales and make-believe so without being too graphic, I explained best as I could the human anatomy with the help of kid-friendly picture books and Kate (poor thing) as I was changing her diaper. I showed her where what comes out of which and where. Ellie seemed content with the answer, but a bit disturbed as well. She basically had the same look that every teenage girl had when she was told she would one day pass a watermelon-sized baby out of her body.

Whew! I made it...not really.

About a week ago, Ellie decided to continue this akward conversation by asking, "How does the baby get into a tummy?" She wants to know how a baby is formed!!! Dear Good Lord, what have I done to offend Thee? I was at a loss for words. I told her I would tell her the secret behind all the mystery when she turned 30 years old because that's when I'll get a better sense of it myself.

My Nephew, Ben

2008-06-06T22:20:00.002-05:00

Benjamin Maidy
Born June 06, 2008

3:49pm

8 pounds, 15 ounces

22 inches long

100% cutie

Crazy Haired Grandmas

2008-06-05T09:09:00.002-05:00

These lovely ladies are Ellie and Kate's grandmothers. Geez...I just don't get why Ellie would mention their crazy hairdos. They're beautiful!

2008-05-04T23:27:00.002-05:00

We had a great day at the park.

On a different topic, Ellie saw an episode with Dora the Explorer and her abuela today. I asked Ellie to describe her grandma and this was her response.

"She's got crazy hair."

"What else?"

"And she's got white shoes."

"Anything else?"

"Ummm...."

"She smiles a lot, doesn't she?"

"Yeah, and she likes to laugh too. She's got big teeth."

"And she loves to give you hugs and kisses."

"Yeah." Chuckle. "She's funny."

It's interesting that when I thought about my grandma, her hair was the first thing that came to mind as well.

Prayer Request

2008-03-09T23:36:00.002-05:00

Pray for me this week as I juggle 2 children. The mornings should be quite exciting.

2008-03-07T08:08:00.002-06:00

Jae and I are seriously considering enrolling Ellie at our neighborhood school instead of staying at Harvest for the next school year. I can't believe it's time for kindergarten already.

Look how much this kid has grown!

As for Kate, her doctor said it's time to get rid of the bottle. I don't know why, but I'm having a harder time disciplining Kate than I did with Ellie. Why? Is it the second child syndrome? She loves her bottle, but we are down to just 1 a day before bedtime.

Lost is getting crazy and I will start to work out soon. I can't wait for warm weather.

That is all.

2 Sides of Kate

2008-02-20T22:09:00.002-06:00

Jae and I usually only see 2 sides of Kate...a cheerful, gleeful, affectionate child, or the "only dogs can hear" high pitch screaming, throwing video tapes, crayons, legos, or whatever you can find, don't get on my bad-ass side! angry child. We've tried to check her in to anger management class, but the course requires one to take care of his/her own bathroom needs and won't allow Kate to keep downing all the 2% during coffee breaks.

One Day

2008-02-20T21:52:00.002-06:00

I will become self-sufficient and tech savvy again...one day. Sigh...just one of the side effects of being married to a nerd.

Up Late Up Date

2008-02-20T02:49:00.003-06:00

Might as well post while I'm up. I stayed up to watch my netflix dvds. They've been sitting around for ages. Ellie wanted me to rent some "princess" dvds so I was forced to watch them so she could watch her movies. What was once for me has now turned into something for Ellie, as usual. More than half the movies on my queue are filled with disney princesses, my little ponies, and strawberry shortcakes. Ahhh...to be a parent.

On the eczema/allergy front, I'm allergic to neomyecin, bacitracin, fermaldehyde, nickel, and cotophony (a form of adhesive or resin/rosin). I received a 24 page handout on the products that are safe for me to use. They're all hard to find and pretty expensive, I suppose. Doctor said he's never seen a person's back react the way mine did. In his words, I have very very very very very sensitive skin. The only question now is, what the heck am I supposed to use if I get a paper cut?

Kate's stopped throwing up, thank God, but she's super cranky from lack of sleep and nourishment. So am I. And I'm going to get back on Schwinn soon.

Can you say, "Formaldehyde"?

2008-02-14T23:19:00.003-06:00

Did I even spell it correctly? Anyways, the patches have come off yesterday so after the initial reading, it looks like I'm allergic to "it". Doctor wants me to come back tomorrow for a second reading in case I develop more rashes/bumps. They suspect Nickel might be another culprit. Sigh.

Oh, Happy Valentine's Day, by the way. I received beautiful roses, a pair of slippers, a wonderful scented candle, and a wonderful heart-shaped pizza. Ellie helped make it, of course. I feel like Valentine's Day is like a half birthday. I used to detest this "holiday", but now I don't mind so much.

So I picked up Ellie from school and asked how her Valentine's Day party went. She tells me it's her new favorite kind of party, even better than birthday parties! She's funny and saying much more grown up phrases. She's been busy at school learning how to write the letter "S" this week. She says S's are very tricky to write.

Ellie's an awesome ballerina. Have I mentioned that before? She gets dressed her black tights and leotard and danced to Moonlight Sonata as the "Night Ballerina". It was quite a performance. She allowed me to be the cricket who looks for the night ballerina after sunset. (there was an actual story line). Kate starred as a Pixie Dust just cuz she's so darn cute and tiny.

We had fun today.

Call me Patchy

2008-02-12T21:30:00.002-06:00

Prologue:
My skin's been reacting so wierd since around Thanksgiving time. I've been breaking out in rashes mostly on my arms and legs and developed some kind of tiny blisters on my fingers. I scratched my pinky so much, it became infected twice so I've had to take antibiotics. My eyes even became itchy to the point where they became blodshot. After many creams and no relief, I finally decided to go see a dermatologist about my eczema which I've never had until I hit my mid twenties...(must be Jae) tee hee hee.

The little itchy blisters on my fingers turned out to be something called dishydrotic eczema. I've gotten cream for it. All is well. Not much I can do to prevent it besides keeping my hands moisturized. The infections all cleared up. The dermatologist tells me the itchy spots on my eyes and perhaps my arms and legs are some form of allergic reaction (contact dermatitis), another form of eczema. Great. He said nothing to do but avoid touching what was causing it. Only thing, we will never know what the heck my skin is reacting to...so henceforth, I've decided to take a patch test. Basically, the doctor put five patches on my back, each patch containing ten different elements my skin could be reacting to...50 in all folks. The patches were put on yesterday and I'm to wear them til tomorrow and not allowed to scratch it.

It's torture people. My back is so itchy, I can't stand it. All the patches feel itchy. I've been playing video games to distract myself. I think I've gotten ten stars on Super Mario galaxy. I can not wait to get these suckers off. Oh, one other thing, I am not allowed to shower until the patches come off either. E-gads.

I drop off Ellie at school in the morning then heading straight to the dermatologist!

By the way, anyone need a dermatologist, let me know. Nice doctors.

I like high, you like low.

2008-02-06T22:32:00.000-06:00

It Begins...

2008-02-06T20:54:00.000-06:00

Ellie's into Hannah Montana or whatever the heck her name is this week. She started singing the theme song as she brushed her teeth. It will be odd to see her as a teenager. Just today, I saw a video clip of her, at about 4 months, eating banana/rice cereal for the first time. She grew so fast. Sniff...sniff...

My favorite Kate

2007-11-21T21:56:00.001-06:00

I love Kate.

The number 2

2007-11-20T23:45:00.000-06:00

Weight loss to date: 2 pounds
Days spent working out: 2 days
Total calories burned: 220
Total miles cycled: 20
Days til Thanksgiving: 2!

Gobble! Gobble!

First Step

2007-11-13T21:00:00.000-06:00

Kate took her first steps today! Hooray! She's been standing pretty well on her own for the past couple of days, usually without even realizing she was standing, but somehow today, she intentionally stood up and tried to reach for a toy. It was just out of her grasp and I could tell she was feeling ambitious...she kept lifting her feet off the ground then putting it back down until she finally took not one, but two steps to the toy. I hugged her immediately, lifting her off her feet.

Because Kate took her first steps today, I'm deciding to take my first steps as well and start using Schwinn. I will be weighed tonight and then weigh myself again in one week and report my progress. Wish me and Kate luck.

A Way

2007-11-12T22:33:00.000-06:00

I've figured out a way to get Jae to sleep early (as he should)...just sit at his computer desk and pretend to check email. This man is so easy to manipulate it's not even funny.

Kate had her 1 year check-up. She's in the 5th percentile. Just shameful. But she's oh so cute. The secretary at the doctor's office tells me at every visit how much she likes my girls. "I don't know what it is, but I just love them! They are so adorable!" Then she whispers, "Is it okay if I give Danielle a sugar-free sucker?" Ellie always comes away from her doctor's visit with a lollipop.

Getting Kate's blood drawn was no fun...a finger stick. Ouch. Then us 3 girls got our flu shot, and as always, Dad was left to watch.

Schwinn seems lonely these days. Why can't I get started already? Courage, woman! Courage!

Ready

2007-10-24T22:14:00.000-05:00

I was ready to work on Schwinn today after the kids went down for bed, but Kate took longer to put down than usual. I think she's getting uncomfortable sleeping in our arms, but she still wants to be rocked. The solution was to put her in the crib and just sit next to her without any stimulation and eye contact while putting her back down if she sat up. She sat up I think about 20 times, she thought it was a game, smiling at me, then finally got the message. She babbled for a bit, scratched the wallpaper with her finger and settled down for dreamland. It was pleasant and hopefully she'll start falling asleep sooner as the days go by. I am on "put Kate down for bed" duty for the next week at least while Jae is reinstated to Ellie.

Anyways, I got 2 more pumpkins today and found a great template to use. I can't wait to get started on it. I'm also going to attempt to make a spooky window silhouette. I guess Schwinn will have to wait at least another day, but I do have a plan to ride Schwinn for an hour every day and increase the resistance or speed every week.

Ellie's also gotten this health-kick fever. She told Jae not to eat too much junk food after I mentioned how much caffeine he's taken this morning. It was sweet...watching out for Daddy.

Schwinn

2007-10-23T21:51:00.000-05:00

My Schwinn arrived yesterday. Impressingly, Jae took only 20 minutes to assemble it. I rode it for a "test drive" last night and Ellie seemed to enjoy it as much as I did. I tried to see how long it would take me to ride a mile and well, let's just say marathon runners would probably win if we were ever in a race, but it wouldn't have been a fair race since Ellie kept stalling me every few minutes. She wanted to know what each button did and what it meant. I explained to her in the simplest of words. She was satisfied. Now I have no excuse not to work out. I have named my stationary bike, Schwinn. Yes, very creative indeed.

Tomorrow is Ellie's take 2 of picture day. Her first shot didn't turn out so well, she wasn't looking at the camera and she also had that nervous smile. She does much better with candid shots, but then I guess no one really takes good posed photos. So I had Ellie practice her smile a few times before bed, made her look in the mirror to see herself and made sure she was satisfied with it. I have no idea what to do with her hair. I pray to God the picture will turn out since this is her last shot and it will be added to her class picture.

Change

2007-10-18T20:58:00.000-05:00

I got a home made hair cut today...meaning my mom came over and cut my hair. I like it short, I don't know why I don't do it more frequently...then maybe my hair will stay healthy.

Okay, Jae's told me my bike is already on its way. I can't wait to start working out and lose all the baby fat. I definitely made the right decision by making this purchase over the cell phone. No one calls me anyways and I'm rarely out of the house without the ones I make and receive calls to.

So I took Ellie to this program at Harvest church called AWANA. It basically seems like bible study for little kids. Anyways, Ellie's friend at preschool goes to this every Wednesday and invited her this week because it's "Bring a Friend" week. So we're trying to find the room and pass Ellie's preschool classroom along the way and Ellie says, "That's where Mrs. Zeivel (her teacher) lives." And I said to her, "Ellie, Mrs. Zeivel doesn't live at school. She lives in a house just like us." Ellie looked at me as if I said that pigs could fly and said back, "But Mrs. Zeivel lives there." It's too cute. I remember thinking my teachers lived at school up until I was in 1st or 2nd grade. It's amazing the things kids believe.

A Grand (Minnie) Exit

2007-10-16T21:09:00.000-05:00

A lady should know how to make a grand entrance, but more importantly, she should also know how to make a grand exit. This one wins it hands down.

Pom Babies

2007-10-12T21:51:00.000-05:00

Apparantly, Ellie thinks Kate's cheeks looks like those little pom poms you find at an arts and crafts store so she calls Kate a "pom" baby. Jack, Jacob, and Matthew also have "pom" cheeks and are also called her "pom" babies.

The truth hurts

2007-10-06T21:32:00.000-05:00

About a month ago I was suffering from horrible headaches which lasted a couple of days. I still don't know what caused it or how it finally went away, but I remember at the time being in such agony that I said "Ellie, why do I have such bad headaches?" And she replied, "Because you're you, Mom." Ouch!

The process of purchasing the stationary bike is still underway. For some scarry reason, I'm having a hard time committing on this one. Maybe I need to give it a catchy name...hmm...what to call it.

Time

2007-10-02T21:07:00.000-05:00

The baby is finally mobile which means I have time to sit and think about what I want to blog about. I've been doing this (sit and think what I want to blog about) for the past few months and just couldn't find the energy to type cuz most of my energy went into actual thinking. Most days I feel like a robot, just doing things without thought. I can assemble a Playtex bottle and sippy cut in my sleep.

Kate's hair is out of control. That's all I have to say about that.

Ellie is adjusting to preschool fairly well. It took her 3 weeks to open up, but her teacher told me she's finally speaking out more and becoming involved. Jeesh! She's already made a couple of friends and she tells me her favorite time of preschool is gym/outdoor time, which is really ironic considering how clumsy she can be. What kicks me in the ribs is that she's really really good at ballet, I mean she's got potential. She's so graceful and engaged in her movements, you can see in her face that she really thinks she's a butterfly when she dances like one. My drama queen. Then she'll head her way to the kitchen and bump into the wall on the way or jam her toe on the table leg. I just don't get it. Anyways, there's another girl named Ellie Lim in her ballet class. I think her full name is Elena or something like that, but they call her Ellie. For some reason, I was terribly upset by this. There can only be one Ellie Lim...like there's only one Wany Park. I'm sure there's another Kate Lim out there somewhere...okay, if we have another girl, I'm going to name her Mable.

The summer's been filled with lots of pool parties/vacations. I enjoyed all of them and want to go swimming now, but being in a swimsuit made me want to hide. I'm going to buy a stationary bike and start working out. My goal is to get back to size 4 and/or lose 35 pounds, which ever comes first. I'm so out of shape, I could barely swim 2 laps without throwing up. But Jae is so funny. He could barely finish one lap, he said towards the end of the lap, he started to panic cuz he couldn't see how much further he had to go (he's legally blind in many states) and his arms and legs were burning. It sort of makes me feel good to be better than him in something other than laundry and making rice.

More thinking to do...

Harry Potter

2007-07-21T03:23:00.000-05:00

Waited one hour at Barnes and Noble during the Midnight Madness to obtain the final Harry Potter book.

Attack of the strollers

2007-07-19T23:05:00.000-05:00

Our family visited many stores tonight to look for a new stroller...one that would hold Kate and let Ellie sit/stand in the back...a caboose stroller? Anyways, I was really disappointed by the quality of the Joovy stroller. It's a great concept, but the seats are basically cloth-covered cardboard box and extremely heavy and there's not much room for Ellie to sit. The good thing about it is that it's sturdy and easy to maneuver. Baby Trend has a similar stroller which is lighter and roomier for sitting, but doesn't have a back to the seat...very bare bones, but less expensive. The Joovy one would be ideal for Kate, the Baby Trend one would be ideal for Ellie. Why can't they make the perfect stroller? Jae said, "it's the battle of worse evils." I gave him my usual "what the heck are you talking about look" then realized what he meant. "You mean to say 'lesser of the two evils'." Another Jae-ism. Anyways, I wish I could get a stroller for all seasons and all occasions for all ages. Sigh.

Speaking of wishes, Jae and I caught that one commercial the wives go ga-ga over where the guy places a diamond necklace on his wife as she's sleeping in bed. Then Jae started laughing hysterically. I asked what's so funny and he said he just imagined placing a Dyson Slim on my chest in the middle of the night. LOL and Grrrrrrrr!!!!!!! I said I wanted a new vacuum cleaner for an early anniversary gift this year.

New Template?

2007-07-18T22:03:00.000-05:00

Okay, so enough of the black template...I like drama, but it's getting difficult to read my own blog. Blue is the next best thing. I can't find a template I completely love. I realize I'm too particular...good or bad.

The rain was pretty scary today. Of course I chose today of all days to drop off some clothes at my mom's place...4 shopping bags worth of clothes I no longer wear or like or cannot fit into.

Kate's getting older...duh...but what do we do with all the baby stuff? I almost want to just toss them all in the trash. I'd best hold on to them until we have the mother of all yard sales the galaxy has ever seen. I'm tellin' ya, we hold onto so much "stuff" it's rediculous. When we move, I swear I'm going to keep things simple...few favorite pictures framed and maybe if we're lucky, hung on the wall with some purpose and very little knick-knacks, lots of shelving and plants....real plants.

Update on the bathroom...there is no update...no progress. I've decided since most of the remodeling requires my brute to do most of the heavy lifting, to remodel the playroom instead. It will be work I can do on my own...like taking down wallpaper and painting and installing window treatment. Even that project will have to wait til we get back from our trip to Maryland so that will give me lots of time to choose colors and arramge a storage system for the girl's toys.

Katenews...her bottom teeth are quite visible. I think she likes 'em now. She's eating like a pig...at least for me. =)

Ellienews...she's got another fever. Yikes! I think the girls are in cahoots with each other, trading germs. Figures one would get sick before a major trip due east. I seriously hope it's not another case of strep. It was nightmarish. We'll have to wait and see what other symptoms creep out the next couple of days. I think one person in the household has been sick since May. All I've been doing was washing hands.

Dear God,
We sure could use a break.
Humbly asking,
The Lims

My wish and Ellie

2007-07-17T22:42:00.000-05:00

If I were one of the Seven Dwarfs, I'd be Sleepy...then maybe Doc., a sputtering fool who thinks he knows too much.

I'm so thankful for the five minutes I have these days to have some alone time. Where does it all go?

It's funny how a drive in the car can make one think. I love thinking about nothing or everything when I'm driving. I was thinking about how I wished I was dating when I was single, then thought about how I wished I was married when I was dating, then thought about how I wished I had a baby when I was married, then thought about how I wished I had more time now that I have a family, then looked in the rearview mirror and fell in love with Ellie all over again. I felt completely happy to have spent my time with her at the bookstore as she spent her energy over a book about ballerinas. She couldn't wait to get home to try on the tu tu that cleverly came with the book.

Ellie's been so silly lately, I can't explain her antics. It's truly something one has to witness to appreciate. I've tried to capture one moment on video, but lack of know-how and absent-mindedness strikes me again. Just as a side note, Ellie's developed an interesting habit...she's making her bed.

Random question...how does one get rid of the tiny bumps on the back of the arms? It looks and feels gross. I want to exfoliate the heck out of them.

Beginnings

2007-07-06T23:04:00.000-05:00

In with the new, out with the old.

In with the new...
Kate is cutting her first tooth. It's a very exciting and sleepy time for all. She's got a fever and getting up few times a night. She wanted to be held the entire day and sleep in our arms.

Out with the old...
I'm going to start to take apart our bedroom bathroom in the next couple of weeks. This project could go very smoothly or go very awry. It all depends on what the floor under the sink looks like, but I'm very excited about the whole thing. A bathroom could be a girl's sanctuary.

Pictures of new teeth and old bathroom to come.

32

2007-06-25T10:59:00.000-05:00

I had a great birthday weekend and some pretty good gifts. My hubby took me to Botanical Gardens in the morning and then we had a nice quiet dinner and cake. I got a gift card to buy much needed size 5 shoes that only Nordstrom seems to carry, flip flops, and a picture album to capture the day, but the best gift from Jae was being able to sleep in. He got up nice and early with the kids while I slept comfy cozy in my bed...ahhhh.

My sis and bro reserved a Harry Potter book for me as well as a gift card to Barnes and Noble and The Golden Snitch and Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. Yum-O! I have to say Black Pepper was my favorite...good with pasta. Then my second favorite flavor is Earwax. Soap and Dirt tastes like soap and dirt. I don't have the courage to try Vomit, Earthworm, or Booger. I tried to pursuade Ellie to eat Sausage since she loves the real thing, but she refused it and opted for Rotten Egg then spit it out half-way through chewing it. Her face was priceless. I should have had a camera ready. Jae liked Pickle.

The months of May and June have been quite nasty for me. Lots of ailments. Lots of time to think about dumb, sad things. I hope the rest of the summer picks up. It's getting depressing.

Ants in the Pant(try)

2007-06-21T15:10:00.000-05:00

My husband comes down the stairs and tells me he just ate bugs. He elaborated to tell me there were ants on his computer desk. Puzzled, he tried to look for the source of the ants and it led him to the bag of potato chips he had been eating out of. He pulled out a chip and there were ants crawling all over it. I asked how he could not spot ants as he's eating the chips, his sad reply, "they were seasoned with black pepper."

We went downstairs to the pantry and discovered ants crawling all over the floor. It was gross. I haven't seen an outbreak of this nature since the kitchen sink fiasco last year. What I thought were coffee grinds on our counter were actually tiny ants. Gross!

I guess Jae's got a busy weekend ahead finishing the trim by the pantry door.

Little Trooper at Little Gym

2007-06-18T14:54:00.000-05:00

Here are some pics. of Ellie at the final Little Gym class. She was very shy because of the audience, but she's come a long way. She wouldn't have even attempted to do any of the exercises in front of a crowd 3 months ago so I am very proud of her because she pulled through it and also because she was in the beginning stages of fighting strep. I told her it was okay if she didn't want to go to her last class if she still felt sick knowing she had flower girl duty later that day, but she insisted on going. What a trooper.

The Leftorium

2007-06-08T09:10:00.000-05:00

Well, when it rains, it pours. If being sick 2 weeks straight wasn't enough, I've dislocated my shoulder...again. I am seriously accident prone. I won't tell you how I injured myself though, too embarrassing.

I wish we had a Ned Flanders in our neighborhood (wait, we may be the Ned Flanders...) so there was a leftorium I could go to since my right arm is out of commission for a bit. It's hard to browse the net and flip pancakes with your left hand.

Rainy Days

2007-06-04T23:04:00.000-05:00

We thought Kate was reaching for the raindrops, but she was actually trying to reach for Chloe.

I'm It

2007-05-26T16:56:00.000-05:00

Guess who's sick again? That's right, me. What Ellie had was obviously different than what Kate had. Besides the aches and pain, I think every Mom wishes they could take away their child's illness. I have literally done that, I just wish it wasn't back to back.

This time Jae has been taking great care of me. Not only did he learn from last week's lesson, but I think he desparately wants me to get back on my feet so he could get some quality sleep. I don't think it would be so bad if Ellie wasn't so irratable. We fear the day she encounters PMS!

Please please please pray for us.

Tag, You're It!

2007-05-21T16:25:00.000-05:00

Ellie's got the bug. God help us all!

Will Jae out chase the bug or will he be It? This virus seems to get worse as it travels.

Kate's bug

2007-05-19T20:46:00.001-05:00

I'm sick.

I've caught whatever Kate had, but this little bugger took its toll on me. Kate was all smiles even after her vomiting spells, as for me, my stomach felt like it was being torn inside out for 24 hours straight. Even when there was nothing to vomit, I wanted to vomit. Labor could not be worse!

Still recovering from lack of nourishment, my head is a bobble and feeling quite dizzy. The chills and muscle aches are gone though. I only pray to my Sweet Sweet Jesus that Ellie does not catch this virus next! For if she does, there will be no end!

Evil Mom

2007-05-15T23:23:00.000-05:00

Ellie decided to join me on an excursion to Walgreens today. It was a bit rainy today so I opened up an umbrella, walked Ellie to her car seat and propped the umbrella half on the roof of the car and the other half on the car door so I could buckle Ellie into her seat without both of us getting wet. Ellie became amazed. You should have seen the look on her face. She couldn't understand what was holding the umbrella in place, so I jokingly said, "I have magical powers!" Then Ellie said in a cartoonish-villianish way, "Of evil! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

"Hey! Mommy's not evil!"
"Ha! Ha! Ha!." (again, in that sinister voice)

Is this what kids think of their Moms?

How To

2007-05-10T22:33:00.000-05:00

So I just noticed that Google has a "How To" of the day section (thanks to Wiki).

How to Use Measuring Cups and Spoons

How to Look Approachable

I'm not sure which I could benefit more from. Ha ha ha. Both were pretty funny.

Grocery Ethics

2007-05-07T22:16:00.000-05:00

I was at the grocery store with Ellie to pick up a few items and as I rolled into the soda/chip aisle, the corner of my cart accidentally knocked 2 glass bottles of Snapple onto the floor, one of them rolling to the next aisle, the other smashed into pieces. It made a huge mess. I can only image how horrified I looked cuz Ellie started consoling me, "It's okay Mom. It's okay." How sweet is she? Okay, do I keep rolling along the aisle or should I tell someone? Tell someone. I found the nearest check-out attendant and told her I knocked over some bottles and made a mess in the soda aisle. She glanced at the aisle then yelled into the speaker, "Clean-up in aisle 7-A!", then turned her back on me. Sheesh! Embarrassing.

It was finally time to check out, only I ended up in the 15 items or less lane. I wouldn't have even noticed if the couple behind me hadn't asked me if I was standing in the express lane. I told them it was 15 items or less (it looked like they had about 20 items). Discouraged, they headed towards the longer lanes. I looked in my own cart and realized I had 17 items. What should I do? I decided to put back 2 bag of chips. Darn it. I'll have to go back for those spicy popcorns.

Overall, I felt pretty proud of myself. I'm glad I was able to show a bit of integrity in front of my daughter at the grocery store. Hopefully, I have set a good example.

On a completely unrelated topic, Mariano Rivera blew another save and is balding to boot! I didn't realize how ugly pitchers look (Pettitte) without their baseball hats. This makes me think I should wear a baseball hat permantly. It may improve my appearance and demeanor. Anyways, it's become frustruating to watch Yankees play...dumb calls by blind 2nd base umpires cost Yankees their lead in the 8th inning. I could almost taste victory.

The Warden goes to Little Gym

2007-05-05T21:48:00.000-05:00

I'm still alive folks. Tired, but alive.

I went to Little Gym today with Ellie as promised. All went well.

Princess Tea Party

2007-04-09T12:26:00.000-05:00

Ellie attended her first tea party this weekend with her friend Tea and Tea's cousin Sari. This is the 3 of them enjoying their pretend tea.
Unfortunately Jack was left to serve his own tea.
Here's the real spread. Don't they look cute? Of course, Ellie's the only one not looking at the camera. =)
Ellie enjoying her lunch.
After lunch was a rousing game of Bingo.
Then came craft time as the girls got busy making their princess crowns.
Ellie's beautiful work.

Here are the girls dressed in their princess costumes. How cute.

Presents

2007-04-04T11:16:00.000-05:00

I got my hand-vac yesterday and my new cell phone today. Woo hoo!
I'm sure Jae will post pictures of it soon. He seemed more excited about opening the package than I did.

Thank you dear for finding and ordering it. =)

Compare

2007-04-02T11:00:00.000-05:00

You be the judge...
It's surreal.

Crime Scene

2007-04-01T23:23:00.000-05:00

Victim Name: Ellie Lim
Age: 3 1/2
Weight: 30 lbs.
Height: 3 ft. 1 inch

Victim was found at 4:49 pm in parents' bedroom. Apparantly, she seemed to have had a struggle with several articles of clothing. There were no witnesses other than a golden retriever named Chloe. Police questioned the dog, but was not able to understand a word due to excessive drool and panting.

If you have any leads, please report to the proper authorities.