family visit:

My in-laws came for a few days to celebrate Lucas's birthday and of course see their youngest grandson again.  Last time he was just born, and now they got to see him smile and laugh while he drooled (and pooped) on them.  It was good to see them, although I was really tired.  So instead of cooking for everyone, we went out to eat.  We live in an area with plenty of affordable choices, and it was nice to take them to new places, especially ones where we could eat outside.  They also had a nice time at the park bonding with the grandparents.  The night before Lucas's party we went out to an authentic Mexican place I really like, and they had restaurant mariachis there.  My in-laws had them play Las Mañanitas (birthday song) to Lucas and Besame Mucho ("kiss me lots") for me and Manny, because Manny used to sing it to me.  My mother-in-law said that song got us three kids.  Haha.

Last year, we did our usual party at home for Lucas's fourth birthday.  We were getting ready to celebrate when he asked who else was coming.  I was heartbroken to tell him it was just us.  This year, my in-laws decided to drive up, and we had a "real" party for him.  Lucas is old enough now to want to participate in the party planning, and he certainly did.  He said he wanted a "real" birthday cake, lemon with chocolate frosting, two layers (he said "tall," but two layers was the easiest for me to do with one pan), and birthday candles in a circle.  Eventually he supervised Grandma in adding sprinkles and mini Oreos on top.  He actually wanted two cakes, the other one being one from a Korean bakery with chocolate lines and berries on top.  He also wanted to decorate the house with his face, so I printed out pictures of him and posted them up on the walls.  I put up blue and orange streamers for him as well.  Grandma provided a personalized monster truck birthday banner, racecar tablecloths, and all the other party supplies.  I decided against balloons because there would be a lot of adults squeezed into a small square footage.  Naomi was the main party planner, though--she had all the games planned, including finding hidden Lucas's (the one with #5 was the winner), counting candies, and hot potato.

The morning of the party, they headed out to get the cake and pizza for the party.  Unfortunately the closest bakery was out of the cake he likes, so they had to head to another one.  Pizza Hut still has the "Any Pizza for $10" deal, so we had a good variety.  While they were out, the doorbell rang.  I thought it was them, but it turned out to be my sister-in-law and her boyfriend surprising us!  I screamed and jumped in delight.  Those who know me know I pretty much never do that.  If you've ever been with me on a roller coaster, I'm not that exciting then either.  "Whoa.  Wow.  This is fun.  Pretty scary."  I don't know if it's my low blood pressure or just a dull personality, but that's how I am.  Anyway, I'm so glad they came, especially because Naomi was really disappointed that Manny's uncle and his family couldn't make it.  His grandson was throwing up a lot that morning.  She really wanted the extended family to be there.

We had a good visit, and they helped us a lot.  The next time they visit, hopefully Isaac will be sleeping through the night!

Kicking it with Grandpa.

Grandma taking Isaac for a stroll.

Fun with Grandpa.

Serenaded by the mariachis.

Grandma!

Naomi used her savings to buy coffee mugs for her grandparents.  She chose and wrapped them herself.

Playing with Isaac in Naomi's room/the guest room.

Only a grandpa like Grandpa would allow this.  They were supposed to be watching Iron Man 2 together.

Getting ready for the party.

Surprise!  It's Aunt Dolly!

Lucas's self-designed birthday cake.  The Oreos were a bit tough to cut through, but he was happy!

Lucas explaining how to play the Wii.

Lucas making a face as usual...

Just take a picture right after the first one.  Gotcha!

Naomi's game of hot potato (with rolled up socks).

Lucas's huge present!  Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa!

oral therapy:

Lucas had to have a baby root canal and stainless steel caps placed on two of his molars a couple of weeks ago.  I'm really disappointed about it, because up until the baby was born, he didn't have any cavities.  But this is the way it is when I have my hands full and don't have time to properly floss or check his teeth.  The insurance did not cover the anesthesia, so it cost a pretty penny.  It has also been a hassle, and we have another follow-up appointment because the cap may not be stable and causes him excruciating pain if it moves.  I took pride in his not having cavities.  I was so mad at first, thinking of how many things have been out of sorts since Isaac's birth.  Hopefully in time we'll be back on track or at least have a better handle on our new dynamic.  We've friends whose kids have been hospitalized or diagnosed with different ailments or diseases, and I can't really complain.  But every time Lucas opens his mouth, I sort of dread looking at those caps!  Manny helped take us to the appointment but had to go to work before it was over.  The dentist (who is half Mexican/half Asian like us!) helped me carry Lucas to the car and buckle him in.  That was really helpful.  This mom-of-three thing requires asking for help sometimes!  Our dentist's office has a lot of Christian employees; we hadn't planned that, but it's nice to see.  The main dentist and the receptionist actually homeschooled their kids, too.

Lucas also had his last speech therapy session with Miss T. last Thursday.  Our insurance will not cover the appointments past the age of five.  She announced that she had decided to move on from the company and pursue international missions work, so we would have had to say goodbye anyway.  She is a Christian and bilingual in English and Mandarin.  We also didn't plan that, but it was a real blessing to us.  Lucas loved her.  He might have even had a crush on her.  He was sad, and he didn't want the session to end.  He wanted to bring her home with us, for her to come to his birthday, and see her again.  He told her loved her hair and told me she was a nice lady.  She made him some lemon bread with a chocolate happy face on it, and got him a few Cars favors like a little maze and noisemaker.  That was very sweet of her.  We gave her a thank-you present, and it was really good that my in-laws happened to come that day, so I was able to have my hands free and wrestle him out of the class.  It was tough, but one of those life experiences we all have to go through.  He refuses to say goodbye; I think he just has a hard time with it, but I do want him to do it to show love and respect.  The therapy was worth the trouble of driving out there twice a week and scheduling around it.  Lucas gained a new confidence in speaking and talks too much now!  His speech is still pretty unclear, but when he slows down, there is substantial improvement.  She taught me some methods to help him, but he doesn't like learning from me.  Not my job, only reserved for Miss T., I guess!

eat your greens:

I haven't used the juicer lately (harder to find the time to cut fruits and vegetables and clean the machine), but there is never a shortage of ways to incorporate vegetables.  Fortunately, our kids will eat their vegetables straight (that usually means sauteed or stir-fry).  I'll make steamed mixed veggies from a frozen bag occasionally for Manny, but usually those end up in fried rice or a pot pie.  I don't usually prepare vegetables in a Western way (i.e., steamed, boiled, or covered in cheese or dressing), partly because you lose nutrients or introduce bad fats that way, but I liked these two recent recipes I tried.  One was spinach ice cream and the other was kale chips.  The kids liked them, but Manny wasn't as enthusiastic.  The kids and I could easily taste the baby spinach.  They have strong palates.  I don't know if I'd make the ice cream again just because it has to be eaten in one day or becomes too icy in my freezer.  I don't have one of the superblenders with an ice cream setting.  Oven frying the kale was a good idea because ours was starting to get a little wilted.  

Naomi likes to reminisce about how I'd tell Lucas he had to eat his meat first before he'd be allowed to eat his vegetables.  It's less like that now, but I hope there will always be room in their hearts, and stomachs, for  greens.

staycation time - beach, museum:

Manny had a company shutdown the first week of July, which was really nice, but it went by way too quickly.  We got to go to the Boardwalk, visit the Tech Museum with friends from out of town, go out with my cousin, and spend some time bonding at home.  The only damper was that Naomi got a stomach bug which didn't resolve within a day as usual, so I had to take her to the pediatrician on the 4th of July.  It was like a ghost town at the medical center.  The lights were off in most areas, doors were shut, the elevator was not in operation, but the two Asian pediatricians were in (why am I not surprised).  Thankfully she was better by the end of the week, but it was still a scare to see her so "off."  Still, she was a real trooper.

Monday morning we went to the dentist's office because I'd detected a small cavity in Lucas's molar.  Lucas had never had a cavity, but once Isaac was born, Manny took over the bedtime routine with him, for the most part, and so I wasn't on top of his brushing and flossing.  I was really sad about it, especially that our new (downgraded) dental insurance does not cover anesthesia.  At least we were able to have a nice lunch together and then take him to his speech therapy session.  We made a trip to Target, too, primarily to get a backpack for a day trip on Tuesday, but somehow we ended up with extra items in the cart.  The way I shop, I don't browse and am in and out of there.  The kids know that, but if someone else is with us, including Manny, the kids will ask them for things (but never throw a tantrum if the answer is no).

Tuesday we set out for the Boardwalk.  On the way there, Naomi vomited.  We figured she was just carsick, but she'd said she was queasy before we left.  The whole day she wasn't able to eat much and threw up again in the afternoon.  But she had no other symptoms and seemed happy enough, so we just chalked it up to the carsickness or maybe something not agreeing with her stomach from eating out the day before.  Going to the Boardwalk has been an intermittent 4th of July tradition for us.  The kids love it there, and it's quite fun to now have two kids who are super excited about it and can remember our time there.  Soon enough, it will be three of them, but because they're far apart in age, someone will get on a ride while another sits out.  The one equalizer is the beach, and both kids enjoyed that thoroughly and want just a beach day in the near future.  We had a great time, although we had to nix our bowling plans, but it was just as well since Naomi wasn't feeling her best.  On the drive home, there was a bad accident and we were completely stopped.  I mean, everyone turned their car lights off, and it was pitch black.  I think we sat there for over half an hour and then got moving again.

I was bothered by all the fireworks that week.  Not the ones that happen the night of 4th of July as expected, but the random ones at random hours going off all week.  It scares our kids, it scares people's pets, and it's happening at 2 a.m. on the 2nd of July.  Also, even though I have few problems with what people choose to do in their own families, I do have a problem with doing fireworks illegally.  Because it's illegal.  Christians, you are breaking the law.  Yes, you are.  Call me a party pooper, or call me someone who tries to obey the law.  You can celebrate in another county where it is legal.

On Wednesday, Manny went out with Chris.  I think it's good for Manny to get out once in a while and relax without us.  It'll be nice to be able to go out together again.  Even though I'm missing the summer movies (the anime fan in me wanted to see Pacific Rim), I'm waiting for Hunger Games and The Hobbit at the end of the year.  Still no success with the bottle, but maybe solid food at that time will hold Isaac over.  I'd love to get back to going out monthly with O or J as well.

I can't remember much about the 4th of July because I was busy calling the nurse back and forth and the doctor and getting Naomi to an appointment, but Independence Day is very important.  I hope it hasn't lost its meaning in all our flag-wearing and fireworks.  I don't think our kids appreciate it since they've learned very little about it.  I need to get on the ball with that and do more than serve red, white, and blue desserts.  There's a history lesson to be given!

Naomi was feeling better by that evening, and so I coordinated with a college friend to meet up at the Tech Museum on Friday.  We were all tired, but I don't get that many chances to see old friends.  Our kids didn't hang out as much together as I would have liked, but my friend and I got to catch up and meet each others' families.

The next day, we went to lunch and celebrated my cousin's graduation.  We picked Chris up as well to hang out.  She was going to see my other cousin later in the day.  I'm kind of sad to not really have much of a relationship with the other cousin, but it is what it is.  I didn't grow up knowing my mom's side of my family since we never returned to Taiwan when I was young and they weren't able to visit us.

Anyway, photos:

Lucas loves his dots games.

Blurry, but I love her.

Ath the Boardwalk with his marine onesie and hat.  I didn't want to buy a 4th of July onesie.  I don't plan on buying any clothes for him until I have to. Thankful for the hand-me-downs and gifts.

The kids on Lucas's favorite ride.

Here's our family of five!

Crazy spinny ride that goes backwards.  I'll pass.

Lucas the truck driver.  Naomi has outgrown the slow rides, so she has to wait with me.

Then Lucas had to wait with me for a long time while Manny and Naomi went on the log ride.  She looks scared!  She was, but then she wanted to get back on again.

Beach time!

Lucas just waded in the water, but Naomi dove right in.

Isaac just chilled with me on the sand before falling asleep.

Lucas and Manny bonding on the shore.

The kids and Manny played miniature golf.

A few last games and rides into the evening, with the ocean and nighttime lights.

Naomi building something at the Tech.

Lucas and Manny building a robot.  This was a new and pretty neat exhibit.

Earthquake simulator.  They squeezed in the first time with my friends' family.

Naomi on the space flight simulator.

Lucas checking out the Rover.

Naomi navigating from inside the shuttle.

I don't recall what this was, but it was a fun sounds/music exhibit.

Manny getting Isaac in on the face wall.

Now lots of people will look like they're sucking their hands.

My friend G and I (with Isaac).

Isaac under the image waterfall.

Chinese lunch with Chris and my cousin.

party time, excellent:

The weekend before July 4th we had some friends over for lunch.  They were supposed to come last year, and I'd bought a ton of food and done a lot of prep work, but I had the family emergency with my brother and dad, so I flew down with the kids instead.  After that I was sick for most of the pregnancy.  Then of course I had the baby.  I guess I felt like I couldn't postpone it any longer.  So I made a simple lunch, and we finally had our time together.  And it was a great time.  The kids even had playmates.  Lucas played with a younger friend, and she told him he was the best and she loved him, and he wouldn't let any of us near them.  They stayed late into the afternoon, but we had to get going to our friend's son's birthday party.  It felt really good to have friends over again, but it is physically too much for me to do it often.  

My friend Roger, a pastor and church planter, and his wife threw their older son a bug-themed party for his second birthday.  They served Mediterranean food (yay!) and delicious cakes.  We were pretty late, and I had my hands full with nursing, diaper changes, taking Lucas to the bathroom, discussions with Naomi, etc., but I was just happy to see some old friends from my college bible study and meet a few new folks.  The guys are just as hilarious, interesting, and positive as ever, and their wives are just amazing people.  I could be a fly on the wall all the time (same goes for the men we had over earlier in the day).  People like that bring out the best in me.  I was impressed at the jewelry and art Naomi was able to produce with the twist ties and bug stickers.  I love how she is learning keep herself occupied while staying out of trouble.  Although Manny and I were really worn out by the end of the day, it was a good worn out.

We had a heatwave, so the night was actually warm enough for the kids to stay out.  Naomi and a neighbor drew with sidewalk chalk while Lucas balanced on the curb.  I hope days like this last in our children's memories.

Fill-your-own bug goody bag.

Naomi made these out of the twist ties and stickers (she got permission to use them).

Feast your eyes on this feast.

Manny and Isaac, both pretty tired.

Naomi sporting a party hat.

Outside on a warm evening with the neighbor.