Thankful Leibee

We spent a quiet Thanksgiving dinner at home with Lauren's dad and youngest brother. Leibee filled up on sparkling apple cider and crackers, leaving little room for apple-brined turkey and stuffing at dinner.

The next morning we hit Target, Lowe's, and the mall for some Black Friday shopping. It was nice spending an entire day together. There was a lovely Christmas tree set up for viewing and photo opportunities.

At the Park

One of Leibee's favorite activities is going for our twice-daily walks around the neighborhood. We sometimes visit the local park and feed the ducks. Getting outdoors is always a welcome experience. On this particular outing, Leibee climbed onto the bench and posed for the camera. She likes to view the picture on my digital camera afterwards.

Taking the Stairs

Leibee can now go up and down the stairs by herself. She's good about waiting for us before heading down, but she'll sneak up without our knowing sometimes. We have to keep a close eye on her. When she goes up she says, "Up,

please." On the way down it's "Down". Occasionally she takes a rest by sitting down on a step until she's ready to continue.

Halloween

This will probably be the last time I can choose Leibee's Halloween costume. Next year, she'll most likely have her own ideas about what to dress up as. With hair twisted into a bun and her pink tutu, our little ballerina was all set for her recital. We did some trick-or-treating with her cousins, ate KFC for dinner, and headed over to CCAC for the International Fun Factory, a carnival held annually. Of particular interest were the ponies (sorry, Leibee. Maybe next year when you're 2.). She also ate a snack-size Twix bar and pack of M&Ms.

All Smiles

Leibee's been embracing comfort items for some time now. She likes to cuddle with soft, huggable things such as her stuffed Rhino, plush Baby Boo (from "Monsters, Inc."), and fleece Hello Kitty blanket. For several minutes following her afternoon nap, this blanket, for example, helps make the transition a little easier. She enjoys wrapping up her body in it, squeezing it close to herself, and feeling it against her skin. Rhino and Baby (or "Beebee") Boo are bedtime companions that she gives exuberant hugs and sweet kisses to.

Sitting down on a nearby curb, Leibee decided to take a break and wait for me to load up the car. She looked so at ease examining the fallen leaves and being one with nature. I instructed her to "cheese" for the camera, and this is what I got!

17 Months Old

This month has been marked by many new events and rapidly acquired skills. Leibee's been practicing her climbing, as evidenced by the video with her getting into, down from, and around her high chair, once it was lowered to a more suitable height for Leibee's non-feeding purposes. She likes to sit in it during her morning "Sesame Street" (Elmo's segment is a favorite), use it as a jungle gym, and perch herself on the foot rest for a little break in-between activities.

She also likes to ham it up by "cheese"ing for the camera, assert her independence by trying new things like putting on her own shoes, and playing dress up. This was mommy's jacket she wanted to slip on for size.

At this age, Leibee has now made a smooth transition to one nap, lasting between 2 and 2 1/2 hours, enjoys eating all types of shellfish and food containing nuts, and cuddles with comfort items that are soft and huggable. She's helpful around the house, putting away her dirty clothes in the hamper, tidying up toys, and showing an interest in the world around her by assisting in cooking our family's meals.

She Works Hard for the Money

Leibee's been putting in long hours at the office, conducting business on the phone, entering data in the computer, and trying not to get tangled up in the mouse's tail. It's nice to see an employee mix some business with pleasure!

August 2009---16 Months

"Sue"dini strikes again! Leibee is never one to abandon her practice sessions as an escape artist. The last time we witnessed her abilities was when we discovered her keen skill at freeing herself from the swaddling blanket many months ago. This time, it was the carseat straps.

We spent some time with Lauren's college roommate during an overnight playdate. Sam's daughter Asha is 2 months younger than Leibee, so it was a great deal of fun to catch up together and have the girls enjoy some fun with another little companion to play with! As you can see, the piano was quite a hit. Did Leibee inherit some of her daddy's music abililities?

Wo Wo (Cantonese for "dog") has been a huge hit in Leibee's eyes. He is a rocking puppy (as in "rocking horse") that Leibee mounts several times a day. His soft, plush fur is silky to the touch, and given Leibee's great love for all things dog, he has become a cherished stuffed friend. You can see her catching a ride with Rhino as an accompanying passenger.

Party Time!

We were invited to attend a quinceanera for one of Lowell's youth group teens. It was fun for us girls to put on our party clothes and get down on the dance floor. Lowell was pulling double duty as a working guest, serving at the DJ, audio-visual technician, and

sound guy.

April 2009---12 Month Well Baby Appointment

Leibee's pediatrician, Dr. Yung is very knowledgeable, professional, and kind-hearted. We have really enjoyed getting to know him and deeply appreciate the much-needed support we have relied upon during Leibee's first year. Beginning at this appointment, pediatric patients begin wearing little gowns. Check out our peanut! She's growing long faster than wide, so

even with her immense appetite for life and, well, food...she appears to resemble a stringbean. She's active and though even not yet walking, shows signs of readiness and very nimbly moves from hear to there utilizing a one-legged walk and one-legged crawl type of mobility.

April 2009---Happy Birthday, Leibee!

Leibee's first birthday celebration was a very special event for our family. We spent a quiet afternoon together at the park, just Lowell, Leibee, and me (Lauren). Dining over a lunch feast from Wendy's, we also relaxed under the trees, fed the duckies, and took pictures together.

The festivities continued at her intimately-sized birthday party a couple of days later. More beautiful weather could not have been asked for, and we set up camp at a local park around a cupcake theme. The guests enjoyed yummy treats courtesy of Leibee's wonderful grandparents and aunties, uncles, and cousins, and everyone pitched in to make the party a smashing success! There was a cupcake-eating contest, ice cream cone cupcake decorating station, and tons of fun to be had taking a nice nap, chatting with others, or playing on the nearby jungle gym. Leibee was quite the exuberant guest of honor as she immediately rose to her feet upon hearing us sing "Happy Birthday" to her. She then daintily licked frosting and took a modest bite of her first birthday cupcake.

Phase 3 of Leibee's birthday celebration was a smallish family dinner over Korean tofu soup and barbecue with her grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and parents. Phew! What a busy and exciting way to express our joy in reaching the milestone that was Leibee's very first birthday!

New Firsts

We've been really blessed that it took this long for Leibee's first cold. Considering how many germies I'm exposed to while subsitute teaching, plus with it being cold and flu season...we are very thankful that she's been healthy. She broke out in a fever that took about 48 hours to clear up, then broke out in a very common rash called roseola. It covered her body, and while she wasn't itchy, it couldn't have been easy to be so young and not feel well. I guess that's where the expression "poor baby" originates from, right?

One week later, she was back to her usually cheery self. Ready to learn something new, we gave her the chance to self-feed using a spoon. With encouragement, patience, and repeat attempts...we found success! Yes, that's her holding up the spoon for the camera!

Month 10 Highlights

While at home, Leibee loves to watch her dancing toys. Hokey Pokey Elmo, chicken, and bunny all play music and dance. Leibee bobs her head, claps her hands, and laughs for joy when her friends put on a show!

Leibee and I went to Babytime at a local library. Babies of various ages gather together for stories, music, and freeplay. It's very interactive, and Leibee really liked participating in "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and other songs by acting out the motions. It was also fun for her to watch other little ones explore and learn about the world around them.

Hoos at Disneyland?

In celebration of my dad's 60th birthday, we hit the Happiest Place on Earth. I really think he just wanted to see Leibee with a set of ears, ride It's a Small World, and stuff her face with churros!

The park was really crowded, but we still managed to catch rides on Pirates, Matterhorn, Space Mountain (my fave), and Small World. Leibee was enamored with all of the sights, sounds, and experiences. It was a lot of fun for her to visit with her uncles and Gung Gung (grandpa). She spent very little time sitting in her stroller, as so many people took turns toting her about.

Check out her Minnie ears! They even have a computer-linked machine that embroiders names!

Toothy Ten Months!

This month has been filled with many memories. Leibee is quickly gaining two new teeth on top, gives "kisses" (turns her lips towards us), babbles a whole lot, and continues to cruise. She's also standing independently and likes to watch us brush our teeth.

We've exposed her to exciting experiences such as Chuck E. Cheese's and Disneyland and California Adventure. Our little daredevil has no fear, and has clapped her hands with glee on the Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. There are quite a few lap rides that Leibee can enjoy in both parks.

I also took her to a class at Gymboree. It's basically a gymnastics center for babies. They have slides, ramps, balls, and cushioned cubes for babies to climb on, and they incorporate music and activities into classes. We played baby soccer, explored the room, and gave the parachute a try.

9 Months

She's holding her own bottle and cup now, as well as holding onto food items and feeding herself. This newfound independence has enabled Leibee to comfortably sit in the high chair for extended periods of time while she very slowly finishes her meals. She is also learning how to suck juice through a straw, although every once in a while, the juice box squirts all over her shirt...

It happens every now and then, but Leibee can clap her hands. When she does, a big smile spreads across her face! She also kowtows like a good little Chinese girl.

I took her to Disneyland for the first time. Given her fascination with lights, music, and moving objects, i figured it would be the perfect place to stimulate her senses. It was a huge hit! Pinochio the ride and the spinning cars in Toon Town were both in the dark, but she was completely enthralled, turning around in her seat to see everything all around her. We'll definitely be repeat visitors!

Standing Ovation!

We can hardly believe that our little girl has been standing (with support) since the age of 8 months. She pulls herself up in the crib, on the sides of her playzone, and on furniture around the apartment. I'm sure it won't be much longer before she is officially walking and even running about the place!

She is able to raise and lower herself without any assistance from us, so we haven't been summoned to help her get unstuck. She also enjoys walking around on her hands with the legs straight up. I guess she'll get her practice in any way she can!