This week, there just aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on our to-do lists. The office construction is 100% complete, and we spent the better part of the last 2 weeks decorating and organizing the space. It's about 98% done. The furniture is in, and the artwork is up. Now, we just need to stock the cabinets with supplies and hire some employees. It's that last 2% that just seems to take the longest. Who knew?!
Within a week, I suspect we'll be toasting a job well done. At least, I hope they'll wait a week because I'm headed out of town tomorrow, and I'd hate to miss out on the celebration. As incentive to wait, I've promised a nice bottle of California's finest direct from the Napa Valley because that's where I'm headed. I can't wait!
Anh joked about taking over the blog in my absence, but I suspect it was just that, merely a joke. I guess we'll all find out together. I'm sure I'll find myself in front of a computer at some point during my journey. Until then...
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Playing by His Own Set of Rules
Bright and early Tuesday morning, Jax strolled into our bedroom as Anh and I were getting ready. Since I was wearing green and I noticed Jax wasn't, I thought that would be the ideal time to introduce him to the tradition of pinching on St. Patrick's Day. He looked completely confused, but smiled when I pinched him. I explained that he got pinched because he wasn't wearing green.
Jax immediately ran out of the room, but very quickly reappeared wearing a green t-shirt. He then proceeded to pinch Anh who wasn't wearing green. It looked to me like he caught on to the game very quickly.
So, I was surprised when I got home from the office that day and Jax tried to pinch me. I dodged him and said, "No, no! I'm wearing green. You can't pinch me." That's when I discovered maybe Jax didn't fully understand the tradition because he shouted, "No, Mommy, the color is now orange!" and proceeded to pinch me over and over and over. Kids! Somehow they always win!
Jax immediately ran out of the room, but very quickly reappeared wearing a green t-shirt. He then proceeded to pinch Anh who wasn't wearing green. It looked to me like he caught on to the game very quickly.
So, I was surprised when I got home from the office that day and Jax tried to pinch me. I dodged him and said, "No, no! I'm wearing green. You can't pinch me." That's when I discovered maybe Jax didn't fully understand the tradition because he shouted, "No, Mommy, the color is now orange!" and proceeded to pinch me over and over and over. Kids! Somehow they always win!
Monday, March 16, 2009
EKG & Echo-Cardiogram
Last Friday, we called to schedule Jaxon's cardiology appointment, and the good news was that they were able to schedule us for first thing Monday morning. So, this morning, I was a little nervous, but overall, I wasn't too worried because I really believed that this was just another occasion where we'd be facing a health scare that would turn out to be absolutely nothing.
We arrived on time, but had to wait quite a while before finally being called back. The nurse took his height and weight, and it appears that the nutritional shakes are working because Jax gained a pound and grew an inch since his appointment with Dr. N two weeks ago. Although when you think about it, an inch in 2 weeks is kind of unlikely. A more plausible explanation is that Jax was probably slouching at Dr. N's office.
Within a couple of minutes, another nurse came into the exam room and hooked Jax up to the EKG machine. I don't know what I was expecting, but the EKG only took like 2 seconds. It took the nurse longer to attach all the little sticker probes and wires to Jax, than it took to administer the actual test. Anh glanced at the printout, but didn't really say anything. I assumed he didn't see anything worth commenting on.
Next, the cardiologist, Dr. E, came in to examine Jax and discuss the results of the EKG. We explained that up until now Jax has been an issue-free, healthy kid that showed no symptoms of a lurking medical problem. Dr. N told us that the only reason she referred us to see a cardiologist is because Jax is on the smaller side and given that she does still detect the murmur, it could be an indicator of a problem.
Knowing that Anh is a physician, Dr. E asked whether Anh had looked at the results of the EKG. Anh nodded, and Dr. E asked with a concerned expression, "Then you know it indicates the potential of a (insert big medical term here)?" Anh nodded. Dr. E explained that he wanted to perform an echo-cardiogram to better assess the situation. Then, he left us waiting FOREVER. During that time, Anh explained in simple English that the EKG indicated that 1 of the chambers of Jax's heart was enlarged which could indicate a hole between 2 of the chambers. So for the rest of the intolerably long wait, I sat there picturing all of the horrible possibilities associated with open heart surgery.
FINALLY, the tech called us back for the echo. She was very thorough and checked everything from his abdomen to his neck. Towards the end, Dr. E came in to take a look for himself and update us on the situation. It turns out that everything is okay. To put it mildly, WHAT A FREAKIN' RELIEF! I meant it when I said I wasn't worried prior to the appointment, but after the EKG my worry level shot through the roof. I knew that the situation warranted being worried too because Anh is Mr. "Oh take some ibuprofen and everything will be fine" and even he looked concerned.
As it turns out, thank God, my mother's intuition was correct. Kids just like to stir up a little drama from time to time to make sure that we love them!
We arrived on time, but had to wait quite a while before finally being called back. The nurse took his height and weight, and it appears that the nutritional shakes are working because Jax gained a pound and grew an inch since his appointment with Dr. N two weeks ago. Although when you think about it, an inch in 2 weeks is kind of unlikely. A more plausible explanation is that Jax was probably slouching at Dr. N's office.
Within a couple of minutes, another nurse came into the exam room and hooked Jax up to the EKG machine. I don't know what I was expecting, but the EKG only took like 2 seconds. It took the nurse longer to attach all the little sticker probes and wires to Jax, than it took to administer the actual test. Anh glanced at the printout, but didn't really say anything. I assumed he didn't see anything worth commenting on.
Next, the cardiologist, Dr. E, came in to examine Jax and discuss the results of the EKG. We explained that up until now Jax has been an issue-free, healthy kid that showed no symptoms of a lurking medical problem. Dr. N told us that the only reason she referred us to see a cardiologist is because Jax is on the smaller side and given that she does still detect the murmur, it could be an indicator of a problem.
Knowing that Anh is a physician, Dr. E asked whether Anh had looked at the results of the EKG. Anh nodded, and Dr. E asked with a concerned expression, "Then you know it indicates the potential of a (insert big medical term here)?" Anh nodded. Dr. E explained that he wanted to perform an echo-cardiogram to better assess the situation. Then, he left us waiting FOREVER. During that time, Anh explained in simple English that the EKG indicated that 1 of the chambers of Jax's heart was enlarged which could indicate a hole between 2 of the chambers. So for the rest of the intolerably long wait, I sat there picturing all of the horrible possibilities associated with open heart surgery.
FINALLY, the tech called us back for the echo. She was very thorough and checked everything from his abdomen to his neck. Towards the end, Dr. E came in to take a look for himself and update us on the situation. It turns out that everything is okay. To put it mildly, WHAT A FREAKIN' RELIEF! I meant it when I said I wasn't worried prior to the appointment, but after the EKG my worry level shot through the roof. I knew that the situation warranted being worried too because Anh is Mr. "Oh take some ibuprofen and everything will be fine" and even he looked concerned.
As it turns out, thank God, my mother's intuition was correct. Kids just like to stir up a little drama from time to time to make sure that we love them!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Baylor's Big Day
Finally! Baylor is Baptised! Decked out in his white linen, he looked more ready to stroll South Beach than be christened, but I just didn't think he could pull off the white christening gown, given his size and age.
Baylor was a little restless during the readings because the Baptism was scheduled during his usual nap time, but thankfully, he was quiet and cooperative during all of the important parts. Baylor really enjoyed the first "hands-on" segment of the ceremony when Father Tom made the sign of the cross on his forehead and then asked the honorary God parents (Uncle Al & Aunt Nguyen), Anh, and me to do the same. Baylor was smiling from ear to ear as we each completed the request. Although not asked, Jax had to participate as well.
Even Father Tom was impressed when Baylor didn't react to having the holy water poured over his head. Afterwards, Father Tom said, "You can tell he doesn't mind water."
The only portion of the ceremony that proved to be challenging involved the Baptism candle. Baylor was convinced that he should be holding it, which made things rather difficult for Anh who was holding Baylor as he would lunge for the candle in my hand.
We made it though without any major incidents though. Aside from being a little "chatty" while Father Tom was reading and then deciding that he needed to walk around a bit during one of the readings, Baylor was pretty good. At least he didn't spit up all over himself like the other baby. Although, I'm sure those parents probably said, "At least ______ didn't 'talk' during the whole ceremony!"
After posing with and thanking Father Tom, we headed outside to take a few more family pictures in the square. 
I saved the "best" for last...our latest attempt at a family photo.
Baylor was a little restless during the readings because the Baptism was scheduled during his usual nap time, but thankfully, he was quiet and cooperative during all of the important parts. Baylor really enjoyed the first "hands-on" segment of the ceremony when Father Tom made the sign of the cross on his forehead and then asked the honorary God parents (Uncle Al & Aunt Nguyen), Anh, and me to do the same. Baylor was smiling from ear to ear as we each completed the request. Although not asked, Jax had to participate as well.Even Father Tom was impressed when Baylor didn't react to having the holy water poured over his head. Afterwards, Father Tom said, "You can tell he doesn't mind water."The only portion of the ceremony that proved to be challenging involved the Baptism candle. Baylor was convinced that he should be holding it, which made things rather difficult for Anh who was holding Baylor as he would lunge for the candle in my hand.We made it though without any major incidents though. Aside from being a little "chatty" while Father Tom was reading and then deciding that he needed to walk around a bit during one of the readings, Baylor was pretty good. At least he didn't spit up all over himself like the other baby. Although, I'm sure those parents probably said, "At least ______ didn't 'talk' during the whole ceremony!"After posing with and thanking Father Tom, we headed outside to take a few more family pictures in the square. 
I saved the "best" for last...our latest attempt at a family photo.Friday, March 13, 2009
Heartbreaker
Baylor is a heart breaker, but that's not a good thing in this situation. Both sides of the family are coming in town this weekend for Baylor's Baptism on Sunday. Anh's family arrived today. Uncle Al was the first one here, and Baylor was super excited to see him. Actually, Baylor has been pretty much glued to his side since he arrived. It's like Al is his idol or something!
About an hour later, Ba-Ba (Anh's mom), Ong Noi (Anh's dad), and Uncle Kyle arrived. Ong Noi immediately picked up Baylor and made a big fuss over how big he was getting, and while Baylor wasn't as thrilled about Ong Noi's arrival as Uncle Al's, he was happy to see him. Uncle Kyle rushed over to give Baylor a kiss, and despite being caught off guard, Baylor definitely didn't mind being the center of attention...that is until Ba-Ba came over. That's when he earned the name Heart Breaker. Baylor immediately burst into tears when he saw her, and it broke her heart!
I thought I had a solution when I gave Ba-Ba cookies to offer as a bribe, but Baylor just took the cookie from her and started to cry again when she didn't go away. It was really funny because no one had ever seen Baylor behave like this, and the expressions he was making were those of pure misery and fear. Let me assure you that Ba-Ba has never done anything except shower this boy with love and affection. That's what made the whole scenario so funny to everyone, except Ba-Ba.
All was better after a few hours of warm-up. It will be interesting to see what kind of reaction Grandma, Grandfather, and Uncle Travis receive tomorrow...
About an hour later, Ba-Ba (Anh's mom), Ong Noi (Anh's dad), and Uncle Kyle arrived. Ong Noi immediately picked up Baylor and made a big fuss over how big he was getting, and while Baylor wasn't as thrilled about Ong Noi's arrival as Uncle Al's, he was happy to see him. Uncle Kyle rushed over to give Baylor a kiss, and despite being caught off guard, Baylor definitely didn't mind being the center of attention...that is until Ba-Ba came over. That's when he earned the name Heart Breaker. Baylor immediately burst into tears when he saw her, and it broke her heart!
I thought I had a solution when I gave Ba-Ba cookies to offer as a bribe, but Baylor just took the cookie from her and started to cry again when she didn't go away. It was really funny because no one had ever seen Baylor behave like this, and the expressions he was making were those of pure misery and fear. Let me assure you that Ba-Ba has never done anything except shower this boy with love and affection. That's what made the whole scenario so funny to everyone, except Ba-Ba.
All was better after a few hours of warm-up. It will be interesting to see what kind of reaction Grandma, Grandfather, and Uncle Travis receive tomorrow...
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Daddy's Little Helper
After picking Jax up from school this afternoon, Anh headed into the new office to assemble a cabinet we purchased for bathroom storage. Jax immediately appointed himself as Daddy's assistant, but he actually took on more of a supervisory role as he watched Anh lay out the thousands of wooden pieces and baggies of hardware, scan the instructions, and work to assemble the piece.
Like any 4-year old, Jax was eager to get in on the action. At one point, he even praised his own efforts because Daddy had failed to notice his contribution. Jax said, "Daddy, I'm a good helper. See! I'm taking off all the stickers!" Anh glanced over and realized that Jax had removed all of the identification stickers from the pieces and hardware. Needless to say, that led to a little extra time in the assembly process. We hope to make sense of the project tomorrow!
Like any 4-year old, Jax was eager to get in on the action. At one point, he even praised his own efforts because Daddy had failed to notice his contribution. Jax said, "Daddy, I'm a good helper. See! I'm taking off all the stickers!" Anh glanced over and realized that Jax had removed all of the identification stickers from the pieces and hardware. Needless to say, that led to a little extra time in the assembly process. We hope to make sense of the project tomorrow!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Goldfish Crackers
They are the one thing that I now can't leave home without. Goldfish crackers are the only things that will ALWAYS capture Baylor's attention and pacify him long enough for me to accomplish some of the bazillion things on my current to-do list. I need to buy stock in Pepperidge Farm, and I'd encourage you to do the same. Well, not really. Given the current market, I'd stay on the sidelines, at least for now. BUT, if you're looking to gamble, I'm telling you...Pepperidge Farms is a good bet. Baylor is doing his part to insure their success!
Usually, the Goldfish are provided as bribes not to cry while Baylor is strapped into his booster seat or placed in his walker that he doesn't really need anymore, but it now serves as an excellent barrier from the many fun (a.k.a. dangerous) things that he likes to explore around the house, like the stairs for instance.
However, since we've been on the go and spending quite a bit of time up at the new office, the new "straight jacket" is the stroller. Baylor doesn't mind riding in it while we're cruising the shops or the neighborhood, but when you use it simply to keep him away from the many fun (a.k.a. breakable) things at Daddy's office, then he hates it.
The solution...Goldfish. One day, I even enlisted Jax as my "Goldfish dispenser." His job was to sit with Baylor and feed him 1 Goldfish at a time while watching cartoons. I know...I know...I really should write a book on parenting. Hey, you do what you've got to do sometimes. Otherwise, nothing would get done!
Now, given the less than ideal arrangement that I had with Jax, I was pleasantly surprised when I peeked around the corner the other day to check on them and saw that Jax had implemented a 1-for-you-1-for-me system. How sweet! Well, until Jax accidentally dropped his Goldfish cracker on the floor, and then decided it would become Baylor's because he wasn't going to eat it! Nice, Big Brother! Nice!
Usually, the Goldfish are provided as bribes not to cry while Baylor is strapped into his booster seat or placed in his walker that he doesn't really need anymore, but it now serves as an excellent barrier from the many fun (a.k.a. dangerous) things that he likes to explore around the house, like the stairs for instance.
However, since we've been on the go and spending quite a bit of time up at the new office, the new "straight jacket" is the stroller. Baylor doesn't mind riding in it while we're cruising the shops or the neighborhood, but when you use it simply to keep him away from the many fun (a.k.a. breakable) things at Daddy's office, then he hates it.
The solution...Goldfish. One day, I even enlisted Jax as my "Goldfish dispenser." His job was to sit with Baylor and feed him 1 Goldfish at a time while watching cartoons. I know...I know...I really should write a book on parenting. Hey, you do what you've got to do sometimes. Otherwise, nothing would get done!
Now, given the less than ideal arrangement that I had with Jax, I was pleasantly surprised when I peeked around the corner the other day to check on them and saw that Jax had implemented a 1-for-you-1-for-me system. How sweet! Well, until Jax accidentally dropped his Goldfish cracker on the floor, and then decided it would become Baylor's because he wasn't going to eat it! Nice, Big Brother! Nice!
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