New Home

It's been a year since my last updates. Joshua, at 2 year and 3 months, started Preschool in August 2011. As expected he cried during drop off and pick up times. He was fine after a few weeks. Anson played a big role to help him through the milestone. They were in the same class and accompanied each other. Then Josh struggled a while for his potty training. He was holding it but the teachers were very helpful and watchful. Later it was no longer an issue and he just happened to go voluntarily. He was lucky to have the best teachers and a great school to begin with! The boys participated in the Chrismas program first time onstage and went on to their first Field trip riding shcool bus.

Things started to become hectic since we initiated our move to purchase a new house last September 2011. Going through the process was long and tedious. But we were very lucky to make it happen. We spent countless trips to Home Depot and Lowes until they became Josh's favorite stores. I started from zero knowledge to gaining adequate experience on home improvement matters. To me, it was just a bigger project than a wedding! Finally we moved in two months after we got the house. It was our new home!

We did not do much in the winter of 2011 as we were so busy for the new home. There was no snow trip. It was a little disappointment that there was no family Christmas photo card taken and sent out! But we managed to visit the big Christmas tree in SF downtown. And our camera broke down in the cold at the parking lot of Great America while we were seeing the Winter Light Show! It was depressing that we could only take snap shots with iPhone for months. When we bought a water/shock/freeze proof canon pocket camera for the interim and finally decided to buy a new model of SLR, our old camera started to work again!!

There have been a lot of changes in life for a year. Of all the changes, seeing Joshua growing day after day is the most rewarding one.

I will try to post Josh's photos since last year and resume blogging to give you our updates.

First Day of Preschool

Farmer's Market

Joshua loves white nectarines. He asked mommy to get more from the Farmer's Market. He enjoys taking a stroll with mommy and daddy. Mommy loves grape tomatoes and white corns.

Biking

Milestones in July

Before the end of July 2011, Joshua has first experienced:

Heat rash after sun exposure at the Lake. Joshua's back was red and tiny bumps developed two days after the Yosemite trip. He was warm, itchy and scratched his back. Mommy gave him minimal clothing and kept him cool.

Fluoride toothpaste and was instructed to rinse mouth while brushing his teeth.

No diapers/wearing underpants for potty training purpose.

A Demo class at Preschool for 1 hour with mommy and grandma accompanied.

Discovery Museum

A fun day at the Museum. Taken on 4/22/2011.

Day Out With Thomas

Mommy decided to take the boys to a Thomas event on her birthday. Tickets were purchased two months ago. The boys were excited to ride Thomas the Train!! Kids were having fun and dressed in Thomas outfits. It was a great outing.

Hinz and Eunice

Hinz and Eunice came to visit us for a week after their trips to the East coast, Las Vegas, and LA. What a long journey! They were good enough to plan and tour around the states.

Reading time

Mommy enjoys reading books to the boys. They listen and usually sit through the stories.

Yosemite

Taking 3 bikes to Yosemite



First time seeing waterfall

Searching in the woods...

Anytime, anywhere... 睡魔急call...





Raging white water everywhere


Snow at high elevation


First hiking with mommy and daddy


Plenty of water...mosquitoes thriving....

Swim class Achievement

Since the beginning of swimming class in February, Joshua has finally received his 1st Aqua Babies Ribbon. He is able to:

1. Independently sit/stand in shallow water
2. Go underwater 3 seconds
3. Kick legs in front float position
4. Comfortable back float in 1st position
5. Reach, grab wall independently hold for 3 seconds

The learning curve has been fluctuating. It started out all good and excited to grab the wall. Then Josh encountered some withdrawn symptoms and he was intimidated to go underwater. He was hitting a plateau until the last breakthrough. His last struggle was kicking legs in front float position. Now that he has achieved all the steps for the 1st level. Mommy and daddy are so proud of him!!! It's all worth it for the time, effort, and money. We are ready for the Intermediate level...