A Note to My Husband

Strained with all the day to day craziness, I haven't gotten the chance to say how much I appreciate all the things you do for our family. Waking up early to make breakfast and getting things ready for our day, driving the kids to and from school, keeping them happy till i get home, setting up dinner when I'm working late... the list is endless and there's just not enough room on this blog entry. You are such a thoughtful and caring husband and father. I am incredibly blessed. We make such an awesome team because we just know what to do to alleviate each others pressures and burdens. Please, know that I do acknowledge all that you do for us and the love that comes from all of it. Mostly, don't forget especially when we get caught up with every day life that I do appreciate your love and patience. Thank you, honey. I love you!

A Much-Needed Vacation!

With the busyness of our everyday life, we need a vacation to get away from the muggy Houston weather. We decided to pay a visit to Los Angeles, CA! The City of Angels welcomed us with a cool 63-degree, sunny weather and a nice breeze! We enjoyed plenty of the local eateries (Griddle Cafe, Pink's Hot Dog, Ketchup, Farmers Market, Sprinkles Cupcakes) and shopping at The Grove and visited the nearby City of Santa Monica. Too bad we didn't run into any celebrities!

On Julie's birthday (10/4), we spent the day at Disneyland in the neighboring City of Anaheim. Elise was very excited to see Mickey Mouse and the rest of the Disney cast. We managed to get on most of the kid-friendly rides without spending much time waiting in line. Elise's favorite ride was the Teacups aka "Mad Tea Party" while Ethan cooed every time he saw the colorful decorations around the park.

We had so much fun on this trip and Ethan was wonderful on the plane. Absolutely no crying. He's a professional traveler now. We're already planning our next family trip!

A day without Mommy?!?!

What a week it has been! This is Elise's second week of school as a Kindergartner at Herod and my first week dropping her off for breakfast. Though I want her to be more independent, how can I say "No" when she asked me to stay with her for "just a little bit longer" in the mornings? I needed to remind myself that Elise has just entered a new school, a new environment and with new friends.

Ethan also started his school at Saint Nicholas this past Monday. Saint Nicholas is a Christian-based Montessori school. Besides the daily feeding and bathing, Ethan also receives massages, Spanish/French lessons, Bible storytime, Chapel, and outdoor light activities while riding on a buggie. It's pretty sweet to be a baby, isn't it?

The true test of daddyhood came when Julie had to work this past Saturday for 12 hours. That is 12 hours of no Mommy to pass crying Ethan to, 12 hours of keeping 2 kiddos happy and out of trouble, 12 solid hours of real fatherhood. Did I pass the test? You can be the judge!

I think I did an ok job. :)

Peace of Mind

This is my last week of maternity leave. My 12 weeks is up and I will be returning back to work next Tuesday. Elise's transition into Kindergarten has been going very smoothly. We go to bed at 9 pm and wake up at 6 am. Elise has no problems getting up because she is so eager to go to school. Elise has been really independent getting herself ready in the morning, while I tend to baby Ethan. Alvin is so sweet. He prepares me breakfast-on-the-go in the mornings as I get the kids ready. Elise eats breakfast at school. The school district is promoting good health by offering free breakfast in the mornings. It's the most important meal of the day and Elise's favorite. This week, I've been taking Elise to school. However, next week when I go back to work, Alvin will be taking her, as I will be dropping off Ethan to his school (stay tuned...that will be another blog entry). Alvin did go with us for a test run, so our family is well prepared for when my maternity leave ends.




Elise had a wonderful first week of school. After her first day, she said, "I love my school. It's so much fun." Hearing this gives me peace of mind and I'm reassured that she is really in the right place. Some of you know, I was really in limbo through out the summer as to which school Elise would attend. We all want the best for our children. Our family is truly blessed that Elise qualified and got accepted to this program. After getting tested, she had to be selected by a lottery system among qualified applicants within the school district. Only 22 students in her class, so it was definitely through the Grace of God. I'm hopeful that the first week sets the tone for the rest of the year and as she continues her primary education at Herod's.


When I went to pick up Elise after her first day, she was all smiles. That's her wishing bear, Lena. You make wishes into Lena's ear. I told Elise that I had made a wish to Lena that she would have a great first day of school... and Elise told me "See, Mommy... wishing bear works. It came true!"




to be continued...

Transition Week

Being Elise's last week of Summer Break, this past week has been bitter sweet for me. She's starting Kindergarten and she's very excited. As for me, I have been spoiled with spending so much time with her-- meals and prayers together, countless hours of playtime, or just chatting. Now, we will be going from carefree to structured days. Although trying to make a smooth transition for her, I find that it's been difficult for me emotionally. She's growing up so fast and I just want to hit the brakes. Last week, we went to orientation at her new school. Elise will be starting the Vanguard Gifted and Talented program at Herod's. We got to meet her teacher, see the classroom, and talk with other parents. It was comforting.

One of the days, I brought lunch to Alvin at work. Ethan got to meet all of his daddy's co-workers. This is Dora with Ethan. She couldn't get enough of him. Can you blame her?

I just realized that it looks like we go out to eat a lot. Actually, during the weekdays, I always cook at home. Family meals at home is my favorite time. We get to sit down together, enjoy my cooking, and share about our day. We usually don't take pictures at home.... maybe we should. In the meantime, here are some pictures of us at Chuck E Cheese's, Mambo Seafood, and 59 Diner (only go to the original one and get the butterscotch milkshake).