Lucky

How did we get so lucky? Blessed with beautiful little ladies. Love Chloe!!

So So Sweet

SIL Night

We had one night of SIL time.  Just like days of yore, a little alcohol was involved.  Drinks at the Surfrider and a walk around Waikiki was so worth it.

Cousin Love

Cousin

O wants Chloe all to herself.

SILS & Babies

Baby with Babies

Thanks SIL!

I Miss

Is it possible to miss someone you've never met? Chloe, I hope you make an appearance again to tonight, you little lovebug!

How gorg does my SIL look? Die for her.

Multiple

I keep having dreams of visiting SIL and Baby C in Australia.

Why I Have the Fever

Look at her itty chin! Omg.

Yayy!!

Guyzzz!!!
I'm
An
Aunt
!!!!!

Congratulations SIL & BIL!!

Friday

I am so tired for a Friday night. Perhaps it was due to Olivia's freak wake-up at midnight last night. She gave a startling cry. I went in there. She cuddled up to me on the recliner but would not close her eyes. I tried leaving her in her crib. No. I tried shushing and patting. No. I tried commanding her to sleep - "Just SLEEP. Why won't you sleep?" No. Three hours later, I finally just sang to her. I normally sing to her before bed but I didn't do it this time in my delirium. I felt dumb.

Today was a good day. The skies cleared and the sun came out! We went over to my friend's house. She organized a quick play date. It was Olivia and 3 other boys. It took her about an hour to warm up. My friend's son tried to eat her cheddar bunnies and she was NOT having that. She kept pushing him away and screaming. It was slightly embarrassing? I'm not sure if it's a boy thing, but they were just roaming around, having a good time. And Olivia is sitting on my lap, observing. And giving people "the face." Oh, you'll know it if you see it. But after a bit, she started to explore and play, too. Whew. My friend invited her neighbor over. She has a 14-month old. Just moved here from Korea. She said she had no friends or family. I felt so bad for her! So I gave her my digits. Perhaps a lunch or something will be in order. She reminds me of my SIL, all the way in the land down under... So I want to show kindness to the new girl, like I hope someone would show kindness to SIL.

Speaking of SILs, my future SIL is officially moved into my brother's condo. She seriously whipped up that apartment into shape! The last time I went over there, I saw a thick layer of dust on his nightstand. And there was just a general sense of bachelor ickiness. Now, there are candles burning, pictures on walls, organization and cleanliness. I'm looking forward to having another friend in the area. She is a young lass, but she does have a good heart.

Olivia is so cute these days. I really love this age. She can do our own version of sign language. She understands 99% of what I say in korean. She loves to dance. She has specific "moves." I especially love tippy toe ballerina. And when she just gets dizz-own with knee bends and hand flaps. And she does these animal noises/gestures. She's got dog, elephant, tiger, sheep, duck, gorilla down pat!

A fun weekend is in store. Manana: book club, and a wedding after-party. Sunday: a mini-3812 reunion.

Good night!

Saturday Fever (no more)

Life is back to normal. Olivia's fever is gone. I actually ended up taking her to the doctor that day because she just didn't seem like herself. They diagnosed her with a random virus. Not very helpful but good to know it wasn't an infection or anything. They had to check her ears and they could not see through it because of the wax. So the nurse had to pin her head down and I had to hold her knees down so they could take it out. It was so heartbreaking to see her sobbing. I think she was more terrified than anything else. But to see how much wax came out of a baby's ear... Wow.

Anyway, today was a great day. I cleaned, did laundry. We took Olivia to Tysons because I had ordered some shoes online - Sam Edelman Marina Pump in red suede. I love them. They are a great shade of red! I don't know where I'm wearing them but I'll figure that out. I actually just added another pair to my shopping cart. I'm not sure if I want to pull the trigger on them just yet.

It was close to dinner time so we decided to go to Honey Pig! I haven't been there since I was pregnant! I never wanted to take Olivia there when she was younger because it is crazy loud and very smoky from the BBQ. But it was great today! The food was delish and Olivia was content eating rice, steamed egg, some seaweed banchan and watching Pororo. We ended the day with swings at the park. The weather was so nice! Not hot at all.

Great news. We have two new additions to the family! Mr. Ho's second cousin in Toronto had a baby boy and his cousin in Pittsburgh also had a boy! The new generations are growing by the minute. Now we are just eagerly awaiting the arrival of SIL's baby girl! I had a dream last night that we surprised her with a visit to Australia. She lived in a sick 4-level apartment and had so many people over to see the baby. I was trying to hold her but she was getting passed around all these old people and they had her wrapped up in a plastic bag.

Well, I guess I should see what Mr. Ho is up to in the basement. Bye, peeps!

Straight

This is for SIL who said I never wear my hair straight.


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Bbye

Bbye SIL. I'm going to miss the constant company :(


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VA Beaching

Olive, Mr. Ho, SIL and I are at the beach condo. So many fun memories here with the 3812 fam and PTC girls. Glad I can share this experience with my daughter!


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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!

Christmas Wrap-Up

I hope all of you had a lovely Christmas. Didn't it go by so fast?? So much anticipation for what felt like such a short day.

Here's what went down with the Ho Fam.

Christmas Eve:
My brother picked up my father from BWI and we met them at the jja-jjang-myun place in Annandale. It's the first place my dad hits everytime he lands in Virginia. Afterwards, MIL, FIL, SIL, and BIL came by the house. Yes, that's right! My lovely SIL and BIL are here!!! Olivia had a TERRIBLE night of sleeping. I had to sleep on the recliner as she rolled all over me.

Christmas:
Like a zombie, I passed Olivia to Mr. Ho early Christmas morning. He wished me a merry Christmas and I told him, "Bah Humbug!" After I regained consciousness, I made some waffles and we unwrapped gifts with warp speed. I received a beautiful gray circle scarf and some Jeffery Campbell boots from Mr. Ho. These boots are very different from what I normally wear - a little butch but I like them. Very comfortable and warm! There is one more item that is "in the works," but I'll believe it when I see it and blog all about it! I bought Mr. Ho white Air Force Ones, Bvlgari cologne and aftershave, and a battery-operated pepper grinder the replace the one he broke earlier this month. Olivia received the most gifts of all! Her absolute favorite was a personalized bowl from BFFF.

Mr. Ho was pretty tired so he stayed home while the rest of us ventured to my grandparent's home in Bethesda. My brother met us there. Grandma made some yummy food but it was seriously like 100 degrees in there. Olivia basically took a sweat bath so we didn't stay long. I had to get her home in time for a nap before the Christmas party at Mil and FIl's house, which was a great time. Lots of family, food, and festivities! It was really nice to see how the family is growing - first Olivia and now baby Azuza (my fond nickname for baby Woo).

Post Christmas Day:
We tried to hit the sale at Sak's but it was slim pickins. My parents ran errands during Olivia's 2nd nap and then we went to Korshi buffet in Centreville. It was ok. My dad had a good time though because Mr. Ho gave him a glass of scotch and was pretty drunk LOL. Mr. Ho went to bed early while my parents and I watched tv. I, actually, went into my facebook and blocked a whole bunch of people from viewing my profile and photos. I still need to go through my friends list and finish doing this.

Today:
My parents left super early. I was hoping the blizzard would hit us full force and they would stay another day. But I guess all we got was major wind action, no snow. Olivia and I met up with the cousins for lunch at Sakura and a quick trip to Target. But other than that, it's been quiet without family here. I really hate the day my parents leave - the house is just so quiet and solemn. It's lonely!

Anyway, this wasn't all that interesting. I'm done pumping now though so till next time!

Stuffed like a Turkey

That's how I feel at the end of each day. I just eat and eat. Even though I feel full, I can't stop, won't stop. Everything just tastes SO GOOD! Don't send the pregnant lady to go get food, because she'll come back with all sorts of stuff. Remember the Disney Popsicles I was craving? I found a great substitute - Wegman's Ice Pops. They have such a great old school Popsicle flavor. What else do I eat a lot of? Fruit in a can, refrigerated, Pirate's Booty, tomato soup and goldfish and grilled cheese. And lots of sweets.

The house looks fantastic. The wood floors complement the new sofa so nicely. I hung up our Christmas stockings already and Mr. Ho put up the Christmas tree this past Sunday. Olivia's paint color looks AMAZING. It's called Shabby Chic and it really is the color I was envisioning in my head. I love it. And her chandelier just adds the perfect romantic touch to the room. I'm going to go order her furniture when my mom is in town next week.

Going in for my monthly check-up tomorrow with SIL. Yes, SIL is in town for a couple of weeks. I can't wait to see Olivia. Her movements are so much stronger. When I'm sitting down, I can see my belly move. It's insane!

Home Improvement

Today, we had new floors installed in our tv room. Is it the family room or the living room? Because I never know the difference. Anyway, the room next to the kitchen. We are getting a new sectional on Wednesday. I can't tell you how freaken EXCITED I am!! This is something I've wanted to do since I moved in. It just makes this place feel more and more like MINE! We are also having Olivia's room painted this week. BFFF bought her a chandelier so that will be going up this week as well. I'll put up pictures once all her furniture is in. I'm soo sooooooo excited!

Pregnancy is good so far. The belly is growing everyday. I think I've put on a total of 13 pounds so far! I think it's mostly in my stomach, at least I hope. I still haven't bought once piece of maternity clothing. I received a shirt as a gift, oh and some jeggings from BFFF but I have yet to wear them. I think I need to get with it and buy some pants or something because I wear the same $4.50 Forever 21 leggings everytime I go out. :) I bought some tights the other day and had to cut the tops off because it hugged my belly too tight. I didn't want to buy maternity tights. Haha.

This baby is so funny. She goes nuts and kicks me a lot when I haven't eaten in awhile. It's like she's either reminding me or telling me she's hungry! Pretty bossy already. I really love feeling her kicks though. Did I mention that's my favorite part so far??

SIL is coming into town today for a few weeks. I'm excited about that. And I'm definitely excited about my baby shower!!

Ok, going to go eat some more.

Toodles!