This Christmas was unlike any before. There were stacks and stacks of presents for a little one, our baby girl Emi. It was her very first Christmas and it truly was special. We went all out with personalized stockings – yes, Peanut had one, too – and made sure the house was decorated and exuded the holiday spirit. I know she won’t remember it, and perhaps it was more for us, but I would like to think that she knew Christmas was different for us because she is here and such an integral part of our lives. If I could have, I would have put a bow on top of Emi’s head and stuck her under the tree because she is the best gift ever.
New Year’s Eve was also unlike the ones from previous years. Usually Taro and I would be in Vegas anticipating the countdown with a crowd of people. This year we were with the Kan family and enjoyed food from Luscious Dumplings – oh so good, by the way -, cherished our girls and reminisced about how life was before and how we cannot imagine Isabella and Emi not being in our lives, and played Catch Phrase – boys against girls, tied 1 to 1. Yes, it was a low-key night, but it was relaxing, fun, and simple in the most enjoyable way. You can’t beat a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream and for the boys, a glass of 30-year old scotch, neat.
Today we headed off to Little Tokyo to celebrate the new year. We met up with Taro’s family and enjoyed the magic show that was on stage – I don’t understand how he pulled out a gigantic straw from the hat nor how the 4 doves turned into a rabbit – and later had lunch with Rich, Lizet, and Sienna. It was nice to see them, especially since our schedules are always busy. Hopefully this year we can get together more, especially since I know Emi and Sienna will become great playmates and friends!
I look forward to what 2012 will bring. 2011 was an exciting year with my pregnancy and birth of my little munchkin. However, I know there is a lot to look forward to and I cannot wait for the adventures that lie ahead, the good food and eats we want to try – perhaps this is the year for Cut and Spice Table and many more restaurants are on the list, the continued growth of my photography venture, the milestones Emi will overcome, and everything else life has to offer.
Happy new year to all of you and to those who have been a part of my path down photography, thank you for all the opportunities and letting me be a part of your lives. I am sure we will cross paths again…especially if there are additions to your family…or just because you want photographs to document the new year.
I have to say that from two to three months, there has been quite some growth and development! First off, Emi has grown quite a bit, especially since her last doctor appointment. She is just shy of 13 pounds, is now 2.5 inches taller, and the measurement of her head is now in the 50th percentile. I cannot believe that she is now double her weight since that very first day I held her.
Besides her physical changes, Emi is officially a talker. It started off with coos and grew into more babbling. Today, I think I held a 20+ minute conversation with the girl! I think she has more things to say than me and that is not only surprising, but a whole lot of conversation! It is really cute, though, and I find it entertaining. She is so talkative and loud that I can hear Taro and Emi talking in the bedroom from the laundry room! She definitely keeps her daddy busy.
Emi is a wiggly little one now and I can see the beginning attempts of trying to roll over. She can get on her side and bend her knees. I’m guessing with a little more practice, she is going to be turning over soon. In addition to her movement, she has a strong hold with eye contact and whenever she sees someone familiar, Emi gives a smile. I have to say I am lucky because I usually get the most smiles out of her and they are becoming bigger and a laugh usually accompanies it. She is definitely a momma’s girl and will now only be held by me at night and be put down for bed by me only. I have to admit, I absolutely love it and cherish these moments. I hope she will go back to Taro, though, because I know night time, especially on weekdays, is the only time they have to bond and hang out.
I don’t exactly know what is in store for the next month, but I do know that I am going to enjoy every moment of it, especially since I go back to work at the end of January. For now, I am going to hold Emi tight, have 5 minute, 20 minute, hour long conversations, smile, laugh, and giggle, and enjoy the 8 hours that she is sleeping at night! (You were so right about it getting easier at 3 months, Lizet!)
I feel fortunate to call the Fong family my friends and have captured many moments in their lives. From just family portraits to birthday celebrations to even photographing other family members and a cousin, I am always delighted that they ask me to document their growth and love as a family. This time around, there is a new addition. Madeline is only 2 weeks older than Emi and already, I know they are going to be the best of friends! She is an adorable baby girl, full of this hair that I absolutely love! She definitely brings smiles, especially from her older sister, who is another girl that I adore.
It was a joy capturing the Fong family and I cannot wait for our next session together. Congratulations again on your beautiful girl, Andy and Amy! Emi is going to love having play dates with Madeline!
After the crazy wind in South Pasadena, it left piles of leaves in the park. However, Kaitlyn had a blast tossing them in the air with her daddy!
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