Differences between girl and boy

This week, we have invited 2 friends over for different playdates. This afternoon, Yoshi had an early nap, so I called Jack's mom who lives 5 mins away from us, to come over and hang out, so our days won't be too long...it was a fun 1.5 hr. Boys are all about trains, music, and running after each other....

Earlier this week, we invited Mei & her mom to our house. We did some art and craft projects, they both liked it a lot, at least to keep them busy while moms could have some quiet conversation.

Winter is coming soon, there will be more indoor activities/ playdates, my brain needs to be in the creative mode again......

Story telling- Yoshi's version

No matter how many books we got or borrowed from library, Yoshi's favorite is still Curious George's Take a job story. So almost every night, we would sit on the same spots and read the same story. The other night, after telling the story once, I left to the kitchen for something. Later, I heard Yoshi reading the book, he would repeat the words & emotions that I used. Can't believe he's already capable in doing that. Feel like it was only a while ago that all he wanted to do was to flip pages or tear the book apart..... though we always miss the moments when he's little, but there are so much more to look forward to, seeing how he's growing under our love and care.

Dizzy....

Yoshi was dancing to the music, suddenly he decided to turn around and around.....someone feeling dizzy?

It had been raining for the last 5 days. We didn't do much this weekend, mostly staying at home, catching up with housework, rest and casual family time. Sun came out late this afternoon, we took a leisure walk nearby. Weather is starting to get cooler, fall is officially here....

Soccer practice

Uncle Henry, this is for u.....Yoshi has a new soccer move today, not sure where he learned that from...perhaps he's practicing for your next month one on one competition.....

Happy 8th Anniversary

Yicasso ~ Picasso -畢加索 -ピカソ

Recently Yoshi seems to have great interest in water painting. So finally I have decided to let him do it at the house...I mean outside the house. We were both actually very excited, something new and fun to do together. Our first trial today went well. Although if u are my neighbours, u probably heard me saying "w-a-i-t" many times, and saw my multi-tasks skill (holding onto the paper from flying away + taking photos + wiping Mr. Clean's fingers & table.....). If anyone is interest in "Y"icasso's master pieces, u can contact us for the limited collection items later on....^_^

Hard to let go....

Two weeks ago, I did a major organization in Yoshi's closet. All the clothes that no longer fit him had been in pile's'. Today, I had decided to clean out this big mess, thinking it should be easy to figure out what to keep for little sister and what to get rid...........However, after few minutes of work, I realized, it wasn't as easy. Seems like every little outfit has its own special memory which I found it hard to let go....yes, I'm talking about the clothes....sounds ridiculous, right?!

Perhaps these were the first few piles I ever have gone thru.....& perhaps these all carry their own special "the first" moments, like first summer, first winter, first outfit we purchased, first out of hospital outfit, first outfit from so and so........(see, now u start to understand what I mean...)Although none of these clothes are pink or purple, but I managed to save half of these for little sister. I'm glad these clothes will be wore once again, it's just a waste as many are still in good conditions.

After almost 1.5 hr, I was only able to sort out 0-6 months clothes. Yes, I was going thru the pile back and forth, almost like a memory recollection process. I have kept a very few in the 'keepsake' box for memory treasure. The rest, will be given to friends or saved for my other pregnant friends. Since we found out our new baby is going to be a girl, we are so lucky to have many friends offering baby girl clothes to us. So in return, we hope to do the same for our friends as well. What comes around, goes around (in a very good way). Thank you everyone for your VERY generous offer, greatly appreciated. ^_^ Hope u know all your kindness gestures have created a very positive chain effect.....THANK YOU.
Yesterday, we stopped by the construction site of Nori's new office + factory. It will be completed probably in next March. The office is much closer to our house, about 10-15 mins drive on local road. Wonder if there will be any chance for Otousan to have lunch with us at home someday?!

Otousan (daddy) is back, right?

Earlier this week, Nori was travelling out of town, I took Yoshi to borrow few books in the library. One night, I was reading this airplanes book to him. I told him Otousan (daddy) was on it to a place far away. Since then, everytime when I read this, he would stop me and point to the same "passenger", then said "Otousan". .......the only thing is.....Nori is back in town, so...how could he still be on the plane, Yoshi?! ^_^

Our Special Moments- 2 of 3

Our Special Moments- 1 of 3

Our family cell phone plan isn't cheap, consider our monthly minute usage was very minimal. (we better off using a pigeon to send messages to each other...). However, what kept us on the plan is probably the camera images which I can instantly send to Nori anywhere at anytime, especially during his trip. The photo moments were priceless, they kept our family stay connected even we are not together. Each of the photos tells the story itself. They allow me to silently communicate to the outside world. And they perhaps give the strength and encouragement to Nori during a hectic work day. Here is a collection of all the "special moments" we shared within our family...... (1 of 3)

Water painting

There is a reason why we pay somewhere else for Yoshi's fun activities....(because I am not dare to explore the water painting inside the house yet) I think with the weather being cooler in the afternoon, perhaps I can let him try painting at the deck at least.... Anyway, last week, we tried out a art/craft class. This was the 2nd time. The first time, he wanted nothing except crayons. But this time, he was very interest in water painting.

BBQ Sunday

Yesterday (Sunday), we had a very busy day. We had invited our Japanese playgroup friends and their families to come for BBQ gathering (16 adults+ 14 kids). Weather was nice to keep all the kids outdoor. Every family brought yummy food and drinks to share while Nori was being a great BBQ chef for us. Everyone seems to have a good time.

One funny side note- Yoshi saw his little friends were eating grilled corn, so he did the same. (his first time) After 5 mins bite, all he did was to leave teeth mark on the corn, but none of the corn came out...hee hee...and once I cut off few bites for him, he realized it wasn't the taste he hoped for perhaps...^_^

Here is a video of Yoshi playing the sack race for the first time. (Thanks Lisa, for teaching him)

Second hand kids item

This morning, me and Yoshi had an early start. (Nori had an overnight business trip yesterday.) We left the house at 6:30a.m, heading to the airport for my friend's farewell. Yoshi was awake the entire car ride, enjoying the sunrise scene. After airport, I took him to McDonald for breakfast. In fact, he only ate the jam toast that I prepared earlier + banana, he wasn't into his pancake at all.

Later on, we made a special stop at an event advertised on newspaper- "Mothers of Twins club annual sale". Basically it's like a garage sale- used children's clothing & toys.. We arrived there right when the event began, there were lots of people, but we managed to pick up few items (it's hard to resist the price tag of $1 or $0.50....). As I suspected, Yoshi was very tired at the end of the visit, he fell asleep right away in the car. Once we got home, I took a nap with him together till almost 1p.m......

I have to admit, BEFORE Yoshi was born, I used to have a very different perception on used clothing/ toys for Yoshi. Just the thought of cleaniness and being it's used. I'm sure it's a very typical impression when having your first child. However, everything changed, especially after few seasons change & after few hit and bang on the toys....then I realized, as long as the used items are in good condition, they are just the same as buying brand new (only after few days of purchase). Especially toys, anything kids have never seen before, they are just equally as happy as having a brand new one..... I'm very lucky that I have few friends who are very kind to pass on some used clothes for Yoshi.

But of course, I do lots of bargain shopping in stores too, especially at the end of the season sale, stock up for next year. (It makes me feel good knowing I've made great saving as being a stay at home mom...^_^) Very rarely that I would be willing to pay full sell price in store, unless it's a purchase gift or special occasion. Just the thought of kids growing so fast, is such a waste in spending on expensive kids clothing.

Recently, I'm working on major organization in Yoshi's room. U should see the amount of clothes he had worn since birth......I never had that choking feeling when making the initial purchase.... With the next baby being a girl, I actually have the intention of her wearing most of Yoshi's infant clothing (especially being that little, who cares...mostly green and yellow color anyway). But Yoshi and his sister are born in different season, that makes it a little more difficult in sharing the wardrobe. Today, I got little sis a few used outfit for $1 or $0.5 each, they are still in very good conditions. (not that I was any pink color crazy, just happened to have limited color choices...) Anyway, at the end of the day, getting a good deal & got my shopping craving satisfied, I am happy!!

Today's bargain- $12 for all these items, both for Yoshi and little sis.

Happy birthday 公公 (grandpa)

公公, u will have to wait a little while to see the finished birthday card Yoshi made for you.... happy birthday!!!

Baby #2

I'm at 21 weeks already, we are doing very well. My belly is slowly forming a mini dome shape, which I'm glad it's looking more like being pregnant, rather than having full stomach after meal. (at least that's what I thought). Old jeans no longer fit, and wardrobe issues continue to puzzle me everyday. Having Yoshi this time, my energy keeps on going (I have to). With the summer, we still go out everyday, meeting friends and enjoying being outside. There are days I felt like I'm trying to jam pack everyday with activities, just to prepare the upcoming long winter. I started to feel baby kicking (or hiccups), but everytime when I put Nori's hand on my stomach, movement stop.

I have been very lucky with both pregnancy, I didn't have any morning sickness at all, which I was able to enjoy every moment. The biggest differences between the two pregnancy have to be the energy level. With the first one, even I was working, but when I felt tired, I can always sit down anytime and rest in the evening. But this time, I just have to keep my battery fully charged everyday.

Also with the first pregnancy, there are so many unknowns, I was only thinking day by day, didn't know what's coming up after baby's birth. But now, seeing friends who have 2 kids, I am fully aware of the upcoming challanges........!! Yet,, we are still very excited about the new addition, probably because knowing how much Yoshi will be having a little sister around. (let's see..........^_^)

But I have to admit, as many people have said before, baby #2 is never going to be the same as baby #1.......

I have lost track with # of weeks after the first month. My calender is the only reminder...

With the first pregnancy, every night when Nori came home, first thing he did was to rub my tummy and said hi to the baby. Now, he's all about Yoshi (of course).....

I kept a photo journal on each pregnancy. The only difference is- the 2nd book has only 3 pages so far....and they were just sonogram photos....

Me & Nori used to compare our baby belly v.s. beer belly every few months during the pregnancy...now, "what belly?"

Finally- pink, red, flowers, hearts, polka dots........

2nd nursery room?? remotely even in our thoughts........

Well, afterall, as much as we are very excited about the new baby, we are still all about our Y-O-S-H-I. xoxoxoxoxo

Nap time

This morning, Yoshi woke up at 8a.m., then I heard him walking down the hallway towards our bedroom. This was the first time he did this on his own. He came right to me, and gave me a big smile (probably thinking to himself, "wow, I'm free from bed"....).

Nap time is a different story~ I knew he was tired but it took almost an hour for him to fall asleep. This was his first nap in the new bed. He was sitting up & getting out of the bed few times (holding his bear buddy and the blanket... kind of like Linus... ) I was trying to leave him alone, and observed him. Finally he fell asleep with me sitting right next to his bed (because he was crying at the end). Anyway, hope he will soon be used to napping in his bed as well. Here is the video of his nap time.....

Like father like son- part II "Engineering assistant"

Well, Yoshi's first night in his bed went very well. I didn't wake up with him standing right next to me, nor did he cry or anything. He seems to have a very nice sleep. I checked on him in the middle of the night and he was in his original position (unlike in his crib, 180 degree turn). In fact, Nori woke up early and crawled into Yoshi's big bed for another hr of sleep. I think daddy loves the new bed as much as little Yoshi. Tonight, Yoshi went to bed a little late, so he was very tired already and after saying good night, he is now sound asleep, without any desire to climb out at all. In fact, he was so excited to see his big comforter and crawl right into it, hugged his teddy bear to sleep.....good night.

This long weekend, Nori had done few home projects using his tools. And today, we got Yoshi his first tool set as well. Immediately he was so into those. He even copied Nori when he was trying to hammer a nail for photo frame. The funny thing was, Yoshi knew exactly which tool to take out from his own tool box and followed daddy around the house...^_^