Cake boss

I made a cake for Selah's birthday. In order to milk it, I used it for her party, monthly picture, and plan on busting it out for future birthdays too. It's pretty with white ranunculas and pink spray roses, and I thought it would look nice on a pretty pink plate. Well, forget the hours of shopping for just the right size/color/shape flowers, time it took to assemble it, and the glue gun burn while adding the final rose. This gal sent the cake sailing and dove for the plate! Have a look...

 Let's see that again...

And again...

 And yet again...

 One more time...

 Okay, one more...

Watch out, Jennie Finch - look at that wind-up! So this girl sent the cake nearly a dozen times, and after each one I had my poor hubby jump in to chase the rolling cake and plop it back on the prettier plate in hopes of getting that "one" shot. You buy them a toy; they want to play with the box. You make them a cake; they're interested in the plate. Nevertheless, I had fun. Selah had a blast. Mr. Woo probably not so much...

Any birthday cake stories to share? ;)
 

Easter chicks and bunny eggs

Two years ago, when I had extra time on my hands, I made a carton of peeping chicks.

Then Mr. Woo ate them.

This year, I didn't make anything nor even think to put together a cute little basket of goodies for our little Princess Tu-zi Bunny. Fortunately(?), Selah has grandparents who spoil/coddle/spoil her. Halmuhnee assembled the cutest little Selah-sized basket of decorated eggs, chocolate, and marshmallows (she's good at things like this as I recall coming back from a trip to Korea in elementary school with an equally darling basket waiting for me), and the little tyke had her first "egg hunt." I don't know who had more fun, the baby who kept overturning the treats out of the basket or the adults watching the little curious one.

 

The apple does not fall far from the tree...

Note to self: Resurrection Eggs when Selah can understand.

A Letter to Princess Tu-Zi Bunny

My dear Sweetie Pie (Mommy's favorite kind of pie),

Has it already been six months since you've made your traumatic entrance into this noisy world, where I can protect you from laptop cords and icky bugs but not your sinful nature nor mine? I remember those painful 28 hours but cherish each day I have at home to take care of and play with you. You look up at me with your almond eyes and sometimes furrowed brows, wanting me to join you on the blanket that once lay beneath me as an infant. I oblige, and you scrunch your nose. You're happy, but I think I might be happier. I'm so happy that I want to document every waking every moment, so I have you sit, or sleep, through various photo shoots which include all sorts of props and outfits. You oblige, and I scrunch my nose.

Let's remember to thank Daddy when he comes home from his grueling day of work. He understands his role as a father and the weighty responsibility that comes with leaving and cleaving. Because of Daddy's diligent work, Mommy can sit next to you on the couch, instead of a babysitter sitting you in front of an "idiot box" known as a TV. With your excellent hearing, you'll look up at the sound of the keys in the lock. And when he walks through the door, you'll give him a ginormous grin, drool dripping down and all, with a squeal of delight. He just might be your favorite, but there's no question that you are Daddy's girl. You won't remember it, but Daddy reads to you often. It's a precious sight. The two of you even go for a stroll to watch the cars, greet the dogs trotting by, and pick up the mail on the way back. You find it funny when he does his sit ups, and oh, how you love the hide-and-seek games.

After all that we've been through, and it sure was quite a bit for both you and me, I'm convinced that there's nothing we can't do - by His grace. If there's anything you learn from Mommy and Daddy I hope that it would be to love the Lord. Rejoice, give thanks, and serve Him, little one. This world will eventually and perpetually let you down, but He remains steadfast. The glorious God who has been so good to us will be the same faithful God in your pilgrimage. Hopefully you'll continue to express the observant, inquisitive spirit that you possess now, in digging through Scripture to find the many gems, but my hope is not in you nor my imperfect parenting. Just as you don't like to be alone, cling to the cross. Just as you babble lengthy conversations, speak Truth. Just as you get excited in your jumper, be glad in each day that the Lord gives you. And just as you look at the front of your hand, the back, and the front again, examine the life you live. May it be for the One who knows the number of hair on your head, crafts each watercolored sunset, and will come again so that every knee will bow.

Here's to however many more years He lets us borrow you. :)

Much love and some sleepless nights,
Mommy

P.S.  Mommy can't believe how darling you look in this picture and can't stop gawking at it.

Hubby did what?!

After my version of Lady and the Tramp for pre-Valentine's Day, Mr. Woo said some mumbo-jumbo about not being able to top it. I went my merry way thinking that'd be fine since I'm the creative side of our unit. I was convinced of this when he was watching another "Linsane" moment unfold on his laptop in the kitchen while preparing dinner and announcing that our meal would be later than planned. And if I had any smidgen of a doubt that it'd be anything impressive, the smoke alarm going off drove it away.

So imagine my surprise when he calls me into the kitchen and he not only has perfectly-cooked poultry sitting in front of me, he's given attention to the ambiance as well. But that wasn't all... He graciously decides to take on the role of chef, waiter, and clean up duty this night. *swoon*

MENU

Appetizer: Organic corn tortilla chips with fresh guacamole

Beverage: Bottomless Martinelli's apple cider

Primo: Rosemary Garlic Chicken with broccoli florets

Secondi: Rachers' Reserve Filet Mignon with hand-mashed red potatoes

Dessert: (burnt) Banana Nut Bread a la mode

Restaurant quality food with superior service, at a fraction of the cost. Selah ended up napping and let us enjoy our meal instead of reaching for our plates and putting the tablecloth in her mouth! I'm all for making this an annual tradition. :)


My Review: It wasn't my first time dining here, but it was the first time I've been so thoroughly impressed! The chef seasoned the meat with exquisite TLC. The server was attentive and courteous (and handsome). FIVE STARS! I hope to dine here again!!!

Pre-Valentine's Day dinner

This year, Mr. Woo decided to cook on the hallmark holiday of love while I tackled the day before. I ended up cooking while doing two loads of laundry and trying to calm a teething infant, but it turned out alright. We shared a big plate of spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, and individual plates of spinach salad with cranberries, almonds, avocado, and heart-shaped eggs. Romantic, right?

Yes, well, baby certainly makes three. The poor thing is teething and wants to be held/comforted, so she eventually joined the scene. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Good food, great company!

My two favorite people in the whole wide world:

Why, yes, that is our petite Christmas tree in the background. Only 10 more months before it's Christmas again! (Procrastination at it's finest...)
 

Babyhood of the traveling parents

Mr. Woo and I like to travel. It was one of the things I thought I'd have to give up once I was pregnant, but I've been surprised to see that it's possible. My packing list was lengthier and the process took more time, not to mention the extra laundry to do before rushing out the door to make it to check-in on time, but possible.

Here's what worked for our recent trip.

1. Be realistic
With Selah being young, we knew that she might wail with ear trouble on a plane or not last several hours sitting in her car seat so an in-state two-hour drive during her nap was good grounds for everyone. We stayed out there for two nights and made sure that feeding, burping, and changing diapers were the very last tasks to happen before we drove anywhere. Sometimes you do have to take an infant on a plane or need to take a lengthy ride, but I'm just talking circumstances that you can somewhat plan.

2. Make a list of items to pack
Lists work for me because I seem to have lost some memory-storing capability while delivering the placenta (seriously, what happened?). I like to pack light so I'll plan my outfits in layers that easily mix-and-match. Now with a baby, I just needed to bring a few more tops for the unexpected spit up and/or massive drool fest on my sleeves. For Selah's bag I mentally went through a typical day and made sure I covered all the items needed for play time, nap time, diaper changes, feedings, outings, etc. For example, when we co-sleep she has one lap pad underneath her head (in case of spit up) and one lap pad underneath her bottom (in case of leak from massive poop), so I made sure to bring the duo for the hotel bed.

3. Do laundry the day before
Since the trip was a surprise for me I had to do laundry the morning of. We share washers and dryers with others in the apartment complex, but they were available so we'd be packed and off in no time, right? No, the washer broke. Both of them. So our clothes were sitting in one drum full of water while our baby's clothes were floating in the other. If I can help it, I'm doing laundry the night before my next trip.

4. Don't jam-pack the entire day with activities
It may be too stimulating for the baby. I might need to feed. A poopy diaper may cause us to be late to the show. I may not even want to go to the show by that time. Instead, we went for a stroll and took in the scenery. We liked making good use of our camera and finding new places to eat. A two-day pass to the aquarium was just the right amount of happenings for us.

5. Be prepared for insomnia - for all parties
Selah had a difficult time sleeping the first night. When I heard footsteps above I felt bad because I didn't want them to be upset. Mr. Woo did call the hotel ahead of time to make sure it was baby-friendly though. They even offered a play pen if we needed/chose to borrow one for free. We felt more comfortable bringing her into (the king size) bed so we chose that option.

6. Enjoy the time together
Sure, she might have gotten a little anxiety with all the strange smells, but we try to fascinate our baby with the big doggy trotting by or the twiggy tree with pretty foliage. In fact, we had a passerby snap a picture of the family - we were on vacation!

Bonus: Clean the home before leaving.
Let's face it, no one likes coming home to dishes. I can't stand having them sit there just overnight, but having a baby has made me deal with certain preferences head on. If I had more time without the laundry debacle, I probably would have at least washed the dishes and picked up a few things in the living room. But I didn't, and many don't because they're looking for the missing sock or stuffing their weekender bag with water and a few snacks for the road. That is why it's a bonus. :)

Everything else was part of our normal routine: window shades in the car, blanket and toy in the car seat, stroller and car seat adapter in the trunk, portable changing pad and spare bib in my bag, several nursing pads, a few extra diapers and a pack of wipes, wetbag for her cloth diapers, and "first aid kit," which at the moment only contains a nose sucker, pacifier, Aquaphor, nail clippers, CJ's butter, and GroVia magic stick (I keep forgetting to throw in the thermometer). Kaiser's phone number is saved on my phone and we can always use Mr. Woo's smart phone to Google any questions. Whew, babies require so much for such little bodies!

What are your tips for traveling with a wee one?
              

A second grader's take on L&D

I came across this hilariously cute story on Facebook (you know, now that I'm somewhat up-to-date with technological advances). Brings back memories of teaching and birthing... Enjoy!

The 'Middle Wife' by an Anonymous 2nd grade teacher...

I've been teaching now for about fifteen years. I have two kids myself, but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second grade classroom a few years back.
...
When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness and usually, show-and-tell is pretty tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, model airplanes, pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that. And I never, ever place any boundaries or limitations on them.. If they want to lug it in to school and talk about it, they're welcome.

Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater.

She holds up a snapshot of an infant. 'This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tell you about his birthday.'

'First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad put a seed in my Mom's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord.'

She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not to laugh and wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement.

'Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts saying and going, 'Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh!' Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. 'She walked around the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!' (Now this kid is doing a hysterical duck walk and groaning.)

'My Dad called the middle wife.. She delivers babies, but she doesn't have a sign on the car like the Domino's man. They got my Mom to lie down in bed like this..' (Then Erica lies down with her back against the wall.)

'And then, pop! My Mom had this bag of water she kept in there in case he got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, like psshhheew!' (This kid has her legs spread with her little hands miming water flowing away. It was too much!)

'Then the middle wife starts saying 'push, push,' and 'breathe, breathe They started counting, but never even got past ten. Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother. He was covered in yucky stuff that they all said it was from Mom's play-center, (placenta) so there must be a lot of toys inside there. When he got out, the middle wife spanked him for crawling up in there.'

Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat I'm sure I applauded the loudest. Ever since then, when it's show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just in case another 'Middle Wife' comes along.

Woo Two now Woo Three

I joked about how if we were to start a band we'd call ourselves Woo Two. Now that's the term we use when we eat out at Sushi House and McDonalds, In-n-Out and Panda Express, you get the idea... But along came our little Sweet Pea, and now we are Woo Three - one step closer to the Von Trapps.

For her 100th day of life outside the womb, we decided to opt out of a party and just document the occasion with a photo shoot with all three of us in the pictures. To help us out, I hired Grace Baek. I know Grace from serving her class in Covenant Flock Group (and was immensely blessed as I studied various topics, observed this group grow, and made some life-long friends). She wasn't available for the day of, so we ended up taking these pictures a few days after Selah turned four months. It must have been a tiring day for the little Sweet Cheeks because she knocked out toward the end. I do wish she would've showed her smiley self, but we like the pictures no less. Now the task of choosing one to canvas for our living room wall...

See more on Grace's website!

Quilt: Handmade by one of Mr. Woo's crafty former middle school students
Headband: Handmade by the lovely Kristin at Petal + Thorn
Dress: Kissy Kissy
Lamb: Macy's 
Plaid shirt/jeans: Carters (Thanks, Unc Joe!)
Cardigan: Gap

Special thanks to Grace and Olivia.
 

Best anniversary gift, ever

We celebrated our 3-year anniversary pretty low-key, which I didn't mind. Mr. Woo kept asking what I wanted to do, and all I could think of and want was to spend it anywhere as long as it was with him and our baby.

But then!

Mrs. Woo: Pooki, wake up.
Mr. Woo: Hmm?
Mrs. Woo: You need to wake up or else you'll be late for work.
Mr. Woo: No, it's okay.
Mrs. Woo: No it's not. You're going to be late!
Mr. Woo: It's okay.
Mrs. Woo: Get up! You're going to be late!
Mr. Woo: I already e-mailed.
Mrs. Woo: Huh? You did?
Mr. Woo: Yeah.
Mrs. Woo: Okay...

I thought it was strange but didn't think much of it. He was sweet to even pick up breakfast for us from a nearly regular weekend joint while I started laundry. I had to because he insisted that I do, using my "emergency quarters." And then he broke the news to me...

Mr. Woo: I messed up a lot, but I want to start off this year right.
Mrs. Woo: Okay.
Mr. Woo: I need you to pack.
Mrs. Woo: Why? We're not going anywhere.
Mr. Woo: Pack for three days, no -- pack for about five days.
Mrs. Woo: Where are we going?
Mr. Woo: I took some time off. I'm taking two weeks off to spend with you and Selah. I thought it'd be a good time since it's our anniversary.
Mrs. Woo: Are you serious???

YAY! Insert happy dance. (I was literally jumping up and down from excitement.) Looking back on it, it was kind of like how this little girl reacted to the news that she'd be going to Disneyland, minus the tears and backpack full of goodies.

And so Husband, Wife, and Baby packed and left to Monterey for a two-night stay at the same hotel two summers ago (cf. Phase V). My favorite part? Just enjoying the days with my sweet hubby and precious baby, no matter what we were doing/eating/seeing. The sea otters at the aquarium were a close runner-up. So much so that I dragged we happily went to see them again the next day. Selah liked talking to the penguins, (I think it's because they're black and white, and babies like contrast) while Mr. Woo liked seeing the jellyfish.

Happy 3 years of marriage, Pooki! I absolutely loved my have-Hubby-spend-two-weeks-at-home and Monterey getaway gift. Good call on starting it the day after so I would really be surprised. :)

 

A string of birthdays

The fall and winter seasons mean three things: (1) the change of smell in the air, (2) back-to-back holidays=sales=shopping, and (3) nearly everyone's birthday.

First up in the pack is who is now known as Halahbuhjee (Grandpa Na).

Then is Ama (Grandma Woo).

Next we have Uncle Nolan.

Followed by Halmuhnee (Grandma Na).

And then is Agong (Grandpa Woo).

Finally, we wrap up the line-up with Daddy.

Whew! (In between all those birthdays, we also have all three wedding anniversaries.) Then we take a deep breath in of the crisp smell that can only be described as "winter," go through the mounds of receipts to see the damage, and wait with no hurry until my birthday in the spring.

How do you usually transition into winter and the holiday season?

Woo-hoo to 3 years

Already! And this year was probably the biggest in transitions. As mentioned on the back side of our Christmas card this year...

January: Mr. Woo is closer to 30 than to 20
February:  Mrs. Woo craves watermelon, cereal, and peanut butter
March:  Babymoon to Maui, Hawaii
April:  Mrs. Woo is closer to 30 than to 20
May:  Mr. Woo is no longer a teacher by profession and begins working in the city
June:  Mrs. Woo is no longer a teacher by profession and is (finally) a stay-at-home wifey
July:  Mrs. Woo bakes up a storm while "nesting"
August:  Selah is born!
September:  Many well-wishers visit (with food!)
October:  Begin bi-weekly family outings strolling down Fourth Street
November:  Host Thanksgiving for both sides of family
December:  Selah not only smiles and squeals but grabs toys, bibs, and Mommy's hair


And as a nod to our tradition, another picture from our wedding:

Christ not only joined us together, but keeps us together year after year. :)

Psst - Click to view our proposal, engagement, one year pictures.

A three day process and finding feet

Our Selah has grown so much! I was excited to see that her dexterity was fantastic and just in time for opening presents, which she had no shortage of. The littlest member of the family probably received the most gifts but it was probably us who enjoyed it more.

Christmas Eve was spent with Mr. Woo's side of the family who came up for a few days. Nolie and Joe joined the food and fun as well.

 

 

Christmas morning was a cozy and special three-persons party. We sang songs, Husband read from the Word, and we fought for took turns holding the most popular member of our household as we opened gifts in our respective stockings. There seemed to have been misunderstanding about that. I thought it meant stocking stuffers plus gifts while Mr. Woo meant only gifts that fit in the stockings. Growing up, stockings were just decorations - except the year my cousins visited from Korea (Santa brought lots and lots of snacks). Now I know for next year.

She did give us a small something for us this morning: she found her feet! It could have been accidental while opening presents, but I saw with my own two eyes her little hand grabbed her even littler toes. Yay for another milestone! (And for remembering to record it in a list of "firsts" that I've been compiling for her scrapbook.)

Then Christmas dinner was at my parents' - with the whole gang. The food was exceptionally incredible before another round of gifts. Selah gathered the most gifts, hands down. She even received one from from Mr. Woo's company! And his team lead!

Three days of presents for the little munchkin! I like to think that it was great dexterity practice for the little learner. Maybe next year I should spread the gifts out and give her one for each holiday, like Martin Luther King, Jr. Day coming up or Presidents Day after that. I do sing her "Happy Birthday" for each weekly birthday (no gifts, just the song)...