To celebrate Emi’s arrival into the world, my parents had her Red Egg Party in January. We wanted to have it later so that she would have all her shots. There was tons of food – Hawaiian food from Aloha Cafe – along with a roasted pig, a celebratory tradition. My mom made her chocolate chip cookies while Taro’s mom made castella. In addition, I had pastries – brownies, raspberry jam bars, and lemon bars – and pies – lemon meringue, strawberry rhubarb, and cheesecake – catered from Maile’s Fine Pastries. To really top it all off, there was also a candy buffet done by AJB Events. I am sure some guests worked backwards and started with dessert since there were all sorts of sweets (even cupcakes from Portos)! It was so nice to have our family and friends there, especially those meeting Emi for the first time. Even though she slept through most of the party, it was good to catch up with friends and enjoy the company of others over a plate piled high with food. I cannot thank my parents enough for putting the party together, but also to our friends and family for their love and generosity. Emi is one lucky girl to have all these people in her life! 5 months is fast approaching and as always, I cannot wait to see what is to come.  Emi has already celebrated her first Chinese New Year and grandpa’s birthday. There is definitely more in store since she will be our little valentine!

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.

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!)

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!

I finally have a chance to update the things that are going on!  I have to admit, the first month was pretty much a blur.  Nothing can quite prepare you for the whirlwind of newborn life – the 10-15 diaper changes in a day, feeding every couple of hours, and of course, the lack of sleep.  There were times when I woke up in the middle of the night and started dozing as I was feeding the lil’ munchkin.  As Lizet, our cousin, stated, it is truly a marathon – long, tiresome, but there is a goal and finish at the end.  And that is where we are now!  It is definitely not the end, but waking up every couple of hours?  Done!  Emi started sleeping longer through the night this past week and it was the first time that I actually slept 6 hours – yes! 6 whole hours – in a row.  I actually woke up refreshed and ready to conquer the world!  Besides sleeping longer through the night, Emi has grown significantly since her first day.  Remember how she was only 6 pounds 7 ounces?  She is now almost 11 pounds!  Her cheeks continue to grow and I love kissing them every single day.  And she has started to “talk” to us, cooing all throughout the day.  What is even better?  More smiles and plenty of giggles!  A two month old is definitely much different and my day is filled more with play – kicking her piano mat, tummy time on the boppy, reading books, and singing nursery songs and songs she loved while in the womb (Rhythm of Love is still her favorite).  Emi is getting stronger each and every day and we look forward to when she is able to start rolling.  She already is pretty squirmy so we are guessing it is a matter of time before she starts using those hands and feet to turn herself every which way.

So happy two months, baby girl!  It has been an adventure so far and I cannot wait for more.

It was definitely a dinner to remember since Taro cooked ALL DAY.  He made Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon!  The smell of it permeated throughout the house and all I could do was sit in anticipation, waiting for dinner.  In addition, he made pasta and roasted potatoes while Vivian brought string beans and Jason, Melissa, and Isabella brought a salad. (Yay to celebrating with good friends!)  It was a culinary delight and a feast.  I couldn’t have asked for more on my birthday – good food and good company.

This birthday will be one for me to remember.  It’s the first birthday where I am a mommy and I absolutely love it.

For now, though, a photo a day so when that time comes, I can look back and remember that very day my life changed.  (Mommy hormones are causing me to tear up right now as I write this because that is how special Emi is to me!)

By the way, she sleeps like her daddy.  I love it.

And then it happened – quickly, tears of joy.  She came out with such a loud voice and the minute she was put into my arms, I knew it was all worth it.  Labor was by far the hardest part in the entire pregnancy process (I didn’t have issues throughout my pregnancy which made being pregnant wonderful!), but it was forgotten the minute I looked into Emi’s eyes and saw the quick bond between Taro and Emi.

Yes, I am now currently sleep deprived.  And yes, it took my many days to finally stick the memory card into the computer and move the photos over.  And yes, it took what seems like forever to post something about my lovely, wonderful, absolutely breath-taking daughter.  My life is completely different, but now I cannot imagine a life without her.

I guess this is what it means to be a mother…and I love it.

I cannot believe it has been two years already.  Yes, there have been ups and downs, but in the end, it’s always worth it.  And this September is extra special.  Any day now, Emi is going to arrive and perhaps a year from now, she’ll be an addition to why San Diego is extra special.

Happy birthday, Peanut!  We love you!

Recent photos of the crazy nut!