Visitors

We all had a fun week with Grandpa and Cindy here.  In addition to having alot of fun playing, reading and hanging out in the backyard during our nice Fall weather, they also were very helpful with some projects around the house, including putting a new, easier to use faucet in the bathroom which Alex uses, and taking out the old metal and glass shower doors, both projects which we have wanted to do since we moved in, but just haven't had time to do.  Thanks for your help!  We had a fun time!  As is the case with all of you out there, feel free to come by and spend some time with us.  We now have plenty of room for visitors!

Pancake Breakfast at the Firehouse

 Alex checking out the fire engine

 Grandpa and Alex working the pulley system

Even Mimi looked at the camera for a group photo

We're having fun with Grandpa and Cindy while they are here.  Alex is keeping them busy!  Lots of reading, playing and showing them around.  On Saturday morning, the local fire department had an open house and pancake breakfast, so that was our morning activity.  Alex did not know where we were walking to that morning and was pleasantly surprised when he found out that we were having breakfast inside the fire station!  They had lots of fun activities for the kiddos and lots of good information for the parents.  Alex and Grandpa took a turn putting out a fire with an extinguisher, Alex spent some time in the firetruck jumpy house, and we took tours of a few of the many fire vehicles.  It was a great morning activity and we thank the firefighters for all of their hard work.

Long Time No See!

Photo op with Theresa in front of the Christmas tree.

We had a nice surprise when Theresa called last night to let us know that she is in the area for the week.  Luckily she had some time and was able to come over for the evening.  It had been way too long since we had all seen each other, so it was great to catch up.  Hopefully we will be able to get Matthew (3 in December) and Alex together sometime soon.  It sounds like they have lots of things in common and would probably have a blast playing together.  Alex loved Theresa!  He talked her ear off once he got to know her.  

Be very, very quiet, I am chasing a ....

How cute is this? Alex was extremely excited to see this family of geese and did not quite understand that a goose's happy voice is not normally a hiss. Every time that Alex got within about four feet of the Daddy goose, he would stop and hiss at him. They were just out on their afternoon walk on Angel Island. They were headed over to get some water and spend some time in the sun.

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

Hi all- Hope you are having a great weekend. Today we went into San Francisco's Chinatown to attend the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. It was quite a warm day, but we went early and walked around Chinatown, looked around in some shops, had lunch at The Honolulu Cafe and then headed back to Oakland. Grandma and Grandpa Chng arrived on Thursday for a visit, so Alex is having fun with them.

It has been really hot here this week, so Alex and I went swimming a couple of times to try to keep cool. He loves going to the pool and on the days that we don't, I just get his big bathtub out and put water in that and he splashes around and cools down quite nicely.

Last weekend we went for a hike in Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. Who knew that there is an old volcano in our backyard, basically? Anyway, the shot of David and Alex is from that hike.

By the way, we did feel the earthquake last night, probably because we were still awake and it was centered less than 10 miles from our house. No damage--all fine, just a small one.

Friends in Town

Back row: David, Alexander, Jin Fye and Miranda
Front row: Joshua and Zachary (cousin)

Jin Fye and I went to school together in Singapore and have not seen each other in about 15 years. Good to see that Jin Fye has not changed too much, same dry humor, but with perhaps a little less coverage up top. :-)

Jin Fye and May have a pair of sweet and happy children, Joshua and Miranda. They were out in California for a vacation, visiting Legoland in Carlsbad, the SF Bay Area and Yosemite. It was great to catch up with them on a couple of occasions while they were here.

Happy Monday!

This past week was a hot one in Oakland (for all of us but David), with temps in the upper 90's at its peak.

Unfortunately, the house just seemed to absorb the heat, so we spent a lot of time just trying to stay cool. Alex, Xena and I moved out into the front yard with the playpen, a chair and a cool drink a couple of afternoons. Luckily, we have some nice, big shade trees in the front yard, so it really was a lot cooler and breezier than being in the house.

David even moved the futon mattress out into the back sunroom and we opened the French doors and slept "under the stars" essentially for two nights. It was nice camping at home. The heat didn't seem to bother Alex at night, in fact he slept for some long stretches, six hours one night and six and a half the next...major records! I think that the noise of the fan and his new music box helped out.

On Friday Alex and I ventured out to Lake Temescal with some other moms and little ones. It was fun to go and hang out in the shade by the lake. We had lunch and just relaxed, watching the ducks visit everyone, looking for food. Alex even got his feet wet for the first time, which was quite exciting! I'm sure that will be the first of many fun summer days at the beach.

Sunday, we met up with my cousin Jack and his wife Julie, who were in town for a conference. We went to dinner at Incanto, which was nice. For those of you who follow Iron Chef America, the Executive Chef at Incanto is Chris Cosentino, one of the competitors for the open Iron Chef spot. It was a very unique menu and the food was tasty. Alex liked the experience and was able to sit in his high chair and take in the exciting atmosphere. He loves to sit in the high chair now, when we eat...he has such a better vantage point from the chair! He received a cool stuffed Pluto dog and Pooh Bear from Cousins Jack and Julie--I'm sure he will have lots of fun with the new toys.

These days Alex is grabbing alot more at his toys and holding onto them. He enjoys the noises that his key toy (from the Biggin's) makes, loves batting around his cube with the rings on it (from Cousin Landen and Aunt and Uncle Bonnie and Brant), and finds the Whozit toy from Hoa and Sean really cool too. He has been trying really hard to roll over all the way and I think that will be happening soon, once he learns to tuck his arm under him. Alex has also found that his thumb fits nicely in his mouth...much better than trying to suck on his entire fist, as he did before.

All in all, things are quite fun here these days. We're keeping busy and learning new things all of the time. We would love to hear from you, when you get a chance. Take care and have a great week!

Another Busy Week

Well, it has been yet another busy week at the Chng Household. Alex met his Grandpa Al and Cindy for the first time this week. We took them to some of our favorite places during the week, including Redwood Park, The Ferry Building, LoCoco's, Arizmendi (for yummy pizza), and The Montclair Egg Shop. Alex took his first BART ride ever, and enjoyed it. It must have been quite soothing, because he fell asleep as soon as we got on the train. He also had his first Sunday dim sum last week, which was fun. Very busy and lots of interesting things to look at.

The week was concluded with a wonderful Mother's Day, thanks to my sweeties! I must say, I am a very lucky girl. On Sunday morning I was treated to a super tasty breakfast a la David--a great start to the day. After breakfast we took the family up to Point Isabel for a stroll around the Bay. It was a beautiful day full of sunshine, so we had a great time. Earlier in the week, I received a gorgeous hardcover photo book of Alex's first three months. It is definitely a gift to treasure forever. I love it! It amazes me how much Alex has changed in three short months. When you flip through it, it seems like it has been a much longer time that he has been around. I also received a speakerphone device for my mobile phone, so that we can have hands free talking around the house---super helpful! Thanks so much to my sweethearts for making the day so special.

Well, that is what has been happening here. I hope that all of the moms had a great Mother's Day as well. Hope to hear from you soon!

Week 10

It is hard to believe that it is already week number 10! David was on vacation all week, so we were all able to spend time together, which was fun. Grandma and Grandpa Chng headed back to Singapore at the end of the week. It was fun spending time with them while they were here, and we thank them for their help during their visit.

On Saturday, the Wankel family visited Alex for the first time. The boys are getting so big and are as adorable as ever! We are so grateful for all of the gear and the great advice which Brian and Maya have given us---both have come in very handy. Alex has really enjoyed the bouncy seat, the carseat and the Baby Bjorn, and we have a wide assortment of clothes for the little guy, thanks in part to you guys! Thanks again for everything.

Alex's First Road Trip

Hi everyone! Well, this past weekend we drove to Lake Tahoe for Alex's first road trip. He enjoyed himself and was quite good on the five hour journey. The weather in Tahoe was great, with temps in the 60's and the snow melting rapidly. It was Alex's (and Xena's) first time seeing snow and first time traveling to another state (Nevada) as well. We stayed in a very nice house with great views of the lake, courtesy of Nien-Ling and Chris--thanks!

It was rather ironic that we were traveling to see the snow, when our family and friends in the rest of the country cannot wait to see the snow melt! Alex was able to wear the cute snowsuit which Grandma Elaine sent, for a short while for the pictures, but it was so nice outside, he didn't need it (as you can tell from the bare feet). I'm sure that this is the first of many trips back to Tahoe--a great place to visit any time of the year!

Marin Headlands

Hi all! Just an update on what has been happening here. This past weekend, some friends from Minnesota were in town visiting, so we spent Sunday doing a bit of sightseeing in San Francisco. Went to Ocean Beach and up to the Marin Headlands. It was a gorgeous day, as you can see from the pictures.

Grandma and Grandpa Chng arrived last night from Singapore to visit, so they enjoyed seeing Alex for the first time. He is growing quite a bit, perhaps in a growth spurt at the moment. He gained 6 ounces from Thursday to Monday! Definitely becoming more and more alert and focusing in on things around him. He's a happy little guy!

Red egg party

We celebrated Alex’s 1 month birthday with a Red Egg party yesterday. Alex was a happy baby for the entire party, he drank milk and we drank champagne. Friends and neighbors came by to wish him a happy one month birthday and welcome him to the world.

Janelle made cupcakes and other treats as well as 2 types of red eggs. The Greek red onion dye (organic) and the red food coloring type. The Greek version looked more like dark brown dinosaur eggs while the food coloring dye look a little more cheery.

Everyone had fun, including the guest of honor.

Rainy Day

Hi everyone! A big storm is about to hit the Bay Area and we're inside the house, staying nice and warm. We did take an outing this morning and went to The Ferry Building in San Francisco to do some shopping and go for lunch. Grandma is going back home today, so we thought it would be nice to take her out, since she has been doing alot of stuff around here all week.

Here are some updates for you.....went to the doctor yesterday and Alex is gaining weight like a champ. He has also grown an inch since he was born, so we are very happy. He is eating well, that is for sure!

We all went out in his new stroller that his dad customized, earlier this week, as you can see in the pictures. It was fun to get out and about in the neighborhood.

Alex took his first bath in the big bathtub today, which wasn't particularly enjoyable for him, but hopefully at some point he will see the comfort of a good warm bath. As the picture shows, he was happier once he has his little duck towel around him and was nowhere near the water.