Nap Poses

That's Taba, the panda DHuang gave her.

Beauty

Look what I got in the mail today? A thoughtful gift from DHuang! I can't wait to try it all.

Thanks, friend!

DHuang

Sent me flowers :). Gerber daisies always remind me of her.

Thanks DHuang

Just like Greys, DHuang gets me hooked on another tv show. I love it!!

Food Porn

If you are ever in need of food porn, or want to drive yourself crazy by looking at delicious food, check out this website!

Of course I love it because it is 50% DHuang!

Han + Diana Eats!

Weekend Wrap Up

Hi friends. Hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was not very eventful.

Friday, Olivia had the playdate and my friend D's house. There were tons of cute kids running around. Olivia was not as shy as she usually is. I think she remembered the house and the toys. She fell asleep on the way home which meant she did not nap that day. And any mom knows, no nap is not good news. She slept a bit in the car when we went to the post office to mail SIL a gift for baby Chloe. Best part was that she went to bed a little earlier than usual, which means just a little more down time for me in the evening.

Saturday, while Mr. Ho went to work, Olive and I skyped with DHuang! We caught up on all things in life. It was a lovely time. Although, I promised I would watch Revenge and I have yet to do so. We are going to read the Hunger Games together so I need to go and purchase that stat. In the evening, we had dinner with Olive's "Beloved" - her great-grandmother. We went to Yechon in Annandale and it was SO delicious! I haven't been there in two years or so and it was incredibly crowded. I guess I'm used to the after-club crowds. But it was very family-oriented with a very mixed crowd. We noticed so many mixed kids. I love that. With our own little mixed baby, it's fun to see love in all shades.

Today, we did a bit of grocery shopping. Went to Wegmans and H Mart (korean market). I've included a picture of the damage. We usually spend around $150 a week, give or take. Is that normal? Feels like a lot. The in-laws are returning from their vacation today, so I made daeng-jang jigae, bulgogi, rice, and some sliced cucumbers with spicy dipping sauce for them since I know they have no food at home. I'm pretty sure they are exhausted and the last thing on their minds is to cook. Anyway, I hope they enjoy the food.

And now I am watching dear daughter dance around to the Fresh Beat Band. By the way, my friend R and I bought tickets to the Fresh Beat Band concert in April!!! So excited for Olive. I wish we bought them earlier so we could've gotten VIP tickets, which would include a meet and greet! But I find solace in knowing she probably won't remember the concert anyway.

Her favorite shows are the Fresh Beat Band, Bubble Guppies, Wow Wow Wubzy and Pororo. She enjoys the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse now and then. Oh, and Dino Dan. And Super Why. Ok, maybe she has more than she should at this age but she really does learn things. Like music, instruments, animals, etc.

This week's menu:

Today: Daeng jang jigae and bulgogi

Monday: Mackeral and miso soup

Tuesday: Dduk-guk

Wednesday: Udon

Thursday: Cajun shrimp

Toodles!

New Follow

Thank you Dhuang for the best read!!!

http://surisburnbook.tumblr.com/

Another Weekend Past

We had a fab weekend over here at the Ho House. Saturday, I hosted book club and the ladies did not disappoint! Well, I was the only one who read the book in it's entirety. Two ladies read half. But either way, the food was delicious and the non-book discussion was fun and most enjoyable! A couple of them helped me accessorize an outfit for the wedding after party we were supposed to attend that evening, but we actually did not go.

Today, Mr. Ho and I were so happy to have our old roommates to the house! The brought over yummy food (THANK YOU!!) from Myung-Ga and Olivia did her best to entertain them. She really warmed up to Mr. and Mrs. OGDM. And I think she's getting there with DHuang!

It really makes me happy when I see my friends interact with Olivia. They are all so good with her. And they are all attentive and so caring. I know she will always have a great support system outside of the family.

Love, love my friends. When you are younger, you want as many friends as possible - the cooler the better. How naive and stupid. I wouldn't trade my circle of friends for anything. They are my sounding board/my forum. Each of them are blessed with irreplaceable gifts. I really cherish their individualities and I hope I enrich their lives as much as they do mine!

Ok, that's the end of my Golden Girls moment.

Early to bed tonight.

Sunday Past

Hi friends. How was your weekend? I have some stuff to do around the house so here's a bullet-point rundown:

• Mr. Ho played 2 games of football
• Olivia and I went to an open playtime at the local community center. It was ok. She was still shy but no physical contact was made this time. Hallelujah.
• More swings and slides at the park
• Dinner at Mama's.
• Target with Mama. We went to buy her lightbulbs but I ended up buying a yoga mat, 2 DVDs for Oli, 2 storage boxes for Oli's old clothes, tennis balls for Rocky, drawing paper and big crayons for Olive. Very productive and everything for under $100. Amazing!
• Coffee trip to Chinatown Coffee Co. in DC
• My absolute favorite DHuang was in town!!!! She came over and we just ate and talked. It was like old times with her standing on one side of the island (eating) and me sitting on the other side (eating) but also feeding a baby. I lovest her so much and am so proud of all that she's accomplished since she flew the nest. So happy I get to see her and the OGDM's in a month!

That was about it! Toodles!

Summarize

Hello Party People. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I sure did. Our last weekend in town before we go off on our West Coast adventure! Here's my weekend update...

Friday: Olivia went to Tysons to return several items that I ordered online. A few stuff for her from Old Navy and Gymboree. I ended up purchasing a few items for myself - a JLO-style hat, red linen romper and denim-ish shirt for Mr. Ho at Urban Outfitters, and a blouse, tank, and dress from H&M. It was a good shopping day. I don't cook on Fridays. We like to call it Sushi Friday because Mr. Ho gets me carryout sushi from Arigato almost every Friday. Yum.

Saturday: It was SUCH a beautiful day! We went grocery shopping in the morning and Mr. Ho decided he wanted to smoke pork in the BBQ. It takes ALLLLLL day but the end result is pure deliciousness. Jen and Jess swung by the house and we decided to go to Spa World! Spa World, for those who don't know, is a Korean Bathhouse. Ladies and Gentlemen have their separate locker rooms and bathing pools. You can get massages or scrubs. And you have to be butt-naked. You can join the opposite sex in the common area where they have these different huts of different temperatures and elements to sweat out your impurities. I really love it. I think we might try to do this on a regular basis.

Today: The weather was not as nice and it was quite the lazy Sunday. We ate brunch at Artie's and that's pretty much it. Mr. Ho is at football right now and I'm waiting for the laundry to dry so I can fold it. Today is also my mother's birthday and Olivia's 14th month!

My BFFF sent me this link the other day. It's someone's blog and it is HILARIOUS! I feel like DHuang sent it to me before but I forgot all about it. You guys should read it and have a big laugh.

http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-is-why-ill-never-be-adult.html

New Year, Old Me

So far, 2011 has been pretty good! Mr. Ho and I rang in the new year at Rays the Steaks with SIL, BIL, BFFF, SeanJon, Fahd, and Fernanda. Great company and delicious food - it was a wonderful start to the new year.

Do you believe that 2012 will be the end of the world? That would mean that this would be the last year of our lives. I don't believe it. I'm pretty sure the Bible says that God is not going to end the world when everyone expects it. But even if it were true, it makes you want to live every single day passionately. My generic resolution is to savor. Savor every bite, every hug, every laugh, every deep and/or mindless conversation, every kiss, every snuggle. Hm. I guess it's pointless to learn how to swim and I'll just wait till 2013 to do that.

Mr. Ho surprised me with dinner reservations at Volt in Frederick for my birthday! I've been wanting to go ever since Top Chef and the Voltaggio Brothers took over. Table 21 was booked for the entire year but we were able to sit at the Chef's Table, which was just as good as Table 21. We had a 7 course dinner (see picture) and it was probably one of the Top 10 meals of my life! It was absolutely divine. I never knew beets could taste that good. Actually, every single dish was to die for. OMG I'm so hungry all over again. And you know I was looking for Bryan the entire time and definitely asked the waiter to get me a picture with him!

I'm 29 now. Last year of my 20's. I don't know whether I'm supposed to be thrilled to still be in my 20's or to be sad about this slow, painful encroachment towards middle age. Ugh.

Very distracted right now. Trying to pump, watch Desperate Housewives online, blog, and respond to FB messages.

EDIT
Just got done cleaning bottles. Now eating birthday cake. While I was scrubbing away, I thought of a few more things I wanted to jot down.

Here's a weird marriage moment. One night Mr. Ho was fast asleep and I was still awake and googling random things on my iPhone trying to pass time till I felt sleepy. I googled "2012 theories." Scared myself and went to sleep. The next morning, I went to see what was on our DVR and lo and behold, Mr. Ho had DVR'd Nostradamus: 2012 stuff off the History Channel! Weird. Also, apparently, I snore.

I think pregnancy did something strange to my bangs. They used to swoosh better. I think it's the post-partem hair loss that has now resulted on less bang swoopage.

What I got for my birthday (I know you want to know): knotted black circle scarf from Australia and gift card from SIL, lycee (spelling?) from in-laws, spa gift card from BFFF, gorgeous flowers from DHuang, Shark vacuum and steamer from my parents (soon to be purchased), and a gift certificate from my brother. I have to note that my brother, who now lives in Tysons, drove out to Fairfax in rush hour to bring me a card/gift and to wish me a happy birthday. You have no idea - this was a HUGE gesture from my little brother. It really made my day!!!

And yes, Shark vacuum and steamer. My parents asked me what I wanted and they said, "shoes?" And I said, "No. Steamer." I'M THRILLED!! I'm also going to purchase one of those vacuum sealer thingys??

Poor Mr. Ho. He has Christmas, my birthday, Valentine's Day, and Olivia's birthday one right after the other. I forgot to mention that as an early gift, I received the new MacBook Air (LOVEEE). We are working on something with the jeweler. It's nothing too big but very sentimental. I can't wait.

I think that's all for now. Hope my birthday was a great day for all!

Update

I haven't updated for almost a month!! Things have been going well. My mother is in town for a week for my baby shower, which was beautiful and amazing. It was the first snow of the year so it was a bit hectic and the roads were scary. But I definitely felt the loveeee <3>

Danny has officially moved out. His new bachelor pad is sweet. I think he is really loving being alone, especially since his girlfriend is in town for her entire winter break.

I can't believe Christmas is right around the corner! I am done all my shopping. Just gotta do some major wrapping. Well, Mr. Ho is still responsible for his parents' gifts, but I know he'll take care of it. Even if it is at the very last minute! Ha! That is my husband for you.

Olivia is doing well. Squirming away all the time. I had my glucose screen a few days ago. Ugh. That drink you drink beforehand made me feel so ill... I am only a few weeks away from entering my third trimester! It's insane!! I can't believe she will be here soon. Whenever I see parents holding their babies, I just can't wait to hold mine and love her. I am in a crazy nesting stage. I just cleaned out closets and drawers in our house. I feel so good, but so exhausted - the trappings of having such a large house, I guess. I just need to buy some stuff and I think I'm ready for her! Well, the furniture needs to get here though ... So much to do, so little time!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to DHuang, EFitz, and my cousin Hana. December 17th is such a big birthday-day.

Toodles!

Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

I can't believe it's already September. Where did August go? Oh, I'll tell you. August was spent on the couch. Or in my bed. Mostly, it was spent horizontally. Or bent over the toilet. August was a definite blur. Hopefully, September will go a lot better.

I am jamming to Jay-Z's Blueprint 3. AH. I LOVEEEEE him. I think I'll be throwing up the ROC sign till I'm old and gray.

Yesterday was MONUMENTAL. Baby V let me hold her. It was voluntary. She was totally talking to me in her o-so-cute baby jibberish. Actually cracking me some smiles and loving me! I hope it's a repeat performance!

And a BIGGGGG CONGRATULATIONS to DHuang for landing a job after graduation! I can't believe you are already graduating this year. I feel like it was just yesterday that I saw you pack up your car and zoom off to St. Louis.... My, how quickly they grow up.

Today's craving: A McDonald's sundae but with strawberry sauce. YUMMMMM!

Another Wedding Weekend

I have bridesmaid duties again this weekend for the lovely Chelle.  I've known her since middle school.  Where did the days go when I used to be taller than her??  I'm excited for the wedding.  I just realized she was the only "minority" bridesmaids - the rest were asian.  And now I get to be her "minority!"  LOL.

 

I guess I haven't really been blogging about what I've been doing with my life.  Uh.  Let's see.  I've been going to the pool.  Went to the gym FINALLY on Wednesday, but haven't been back since.  Been Skyping with SIL.  Trying to sell those bags for my aunt and getting rid of our yellow sofa.  I did have dinner with DHuang and her man last weekend.  That was a lot of fun.  She's going to be in town in August and actually going to stay with us!  I'm super erxcited about that one.  I read a book.  I can't think of anything else.  I am quite boring.

Mr. Ho and I just finished Entourage season 5, so we are ready for the 6th season on Sunday!  What a great show.  

Tis all for now.  I gotta finish packing before we leave for Frederick.  I hate packing.  Even if it's for one night.

Later, friends!

Curious George

Do people read this blog?  I have no idea who my audience is.  I sometimes wonder if I should make it really public (i.e. post the link on my facebook).  Not sure about that one.  Your opinion is welcome.

I did a semi-clean today.  Which basically means I didn't vacuum.  I hate pushing that sucker around.  I did Swiffer the floor and busted out my Swiffer Slippers.  Genius!  It is really hot in the house.  I guess summer is really kicking in full swing now.  I have a few things to knock off my to-do list.  Then Mr. Ho and I are going to go get Rocky some food and go grocery shopping.  I love my husband.  Have I said that recently?

So excited because DHuang will be in town this weekend!  I am SO SO SO happy about that.  I miss her so much.

Lots of Births Today

Today is a big day for birthdays!

HAPPY 18th, HANA!

HAPPY 27th, DHUANG!

HAPPY 27th, FITZ!  

(And if I've missed your birthday in the past, I apologize.  I decided to give out birthday shout-outs after my brother's big day...)

It must be a day of miracles.  I woke up at 730 AM!  I don't know if it was 100% natural because I woke up to the sounds of my poor doggie puking.  I hate dog puking - it's constant heaving until this nasty froth comes out.  

So, I've been uber productive already - made dinner in the slow-cooker, tidied up, and not to mention, blogged!  Now I'm off to run some errands, where I will try not to spend that much money.  Mr. Ho and I reviewed our bank statement and 95% of the transactions were all ME!  Guilty as charged.