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Tuesday, December 30
Emi's Year in Review: My Favorite Things for 2008
Hard to believe that 2009 is just round the corner. In keeping with the holiday spirit, I have composed a few more lyrics sung to the Sound of Music's My Favorite Things that summarize what activities I've enjoyed (and some that I have not-so-enjoyed) for 2008. Compare this with the lyrics to my December 2, 2007 blog and see how much I've grown! Please, everyone, sing along with me...
Drinking from real cups and slurping egg noodles
Petting the doggies like greyhounds and poodles
Wanting to pick up the phone when it rings
These are a few of my favorite things
Challenging stairways and *click* laptop keys
Pushing those strollers like it's such a breeze
Pointing at airplanes with trailing white strings
These are a few of my favorite things
Vaccinations, nights up crying
When my parents frown,
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel...so down!
Top: I didn't mention it in my song, but vacuuming and folding laundry are some of the things I like to [try to] help out with. 2nd: Hmmm...add in a few additional size 3 diaper boxes, and press the button "place my order." 3rd and 4th: I'm at an Orlando hotel resort with lots of stairs. If I ever want to do Everest, I've gotta start practicing now. Bottom: Wow, free local calls. Maybe I can order some Cheerios to go.
Sunday, December 28
A Red, New Way to Get Around
Babies and toddlers have a gazillion ways to get around these days. In addition to my two feet, I've been transported by two carriers (Mama's milk & Ergo), two strollers (Graco & Maclaren), a bicycle trailer / jogger (Burley), and a car seat (Graco). Add to that the red wagon (by Step Two), a gift from Nai-nai and Yeh-yeh for Christmas. This mode of transportation is perfect for getting back and forth to the supermarket or running short errands, with an extra space either for another passenger or for groceries.
Friday, December 26
Christmas in Orlando, 2008
Christmas Day was unseasonably warm, even for Central Florida. With a high temperature of 81°F (27°C), this t-shirt and shorts weather didn't dampen our spirits, but made it fun to play outside. In the morning, we ate breakfast then proceeded to open our gifts. I received mostly toys, which adds to my already huge inventory. But who doesn't like toys? (Even Daddy likes his, described as electronic gear that are far more expensive than mine.) One big item I received was a red wagon, given to me by Nai-nai and Yeh-yeh. We took it outside for a ride, although it seems I enjoy pushing it as much as riding inside! In the afternoon we visited Yi-por's home for Christmas dinner with the rest of the gang, showing off all the new toys I received. Well, off to bed now. Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas. I did.
Top: Opening my first Christmas present. What could it be? Eventually Mommy needed to help me open it. It was a cell phone! 2nd: Daddy & I both engaged in checking out our new toys. He got a rachet tool kit. I'm trying to do some text messaging. 3rd: Helping Daddy put together my new wagon, which we eventually took outside. 4th: Some of the gifts I received. 5th: Our family Christmas photo, taken at Yi-por's home. Bottom: Everyone together before Christmas Dinner. I want to thank everyone for their gifts to me. Merry Christmas everyone!
Thursday, December 25
’Twas the Night Before Christmas
Christmas Eve was a relatively quiet event. In contrast to my noisy cousins in Maryland who were all excited opening gifts and fairly noisy as usual, our Christmas Eve was a quiet affair with the extended relatives. Turkey, chicken, a meat pie, veggies, and pumpkin pie were part of our dinner fare. I'm not yet at that age to get excited about gifts - a good bath and being held to sleep is what I appreciate most.
Top: Christmas Eve at my home with (from L to R) Granty Linda, Gruncle Ed, Yi-por Serena, Great-Aunty Paz, and Great-Uncle Philip. Unfortunately Granty Aileen was working that evening and unable to attend. Bottom: Propped up on a big present, playing with one of the non-fragile ornaments. Daddy & Mommy learned real quick which ornaments are placed beyond arms' reach!
Monday, December 22
Scared of Santa
Tis the season to be...scary? We were walking down Park Avenue in Winter Park one evening last week when we happened upon a big tall white-haired dude in a red suit. And then of all things, my parents shoved me into his big arms. What a shock to be treated that way! Then they expected me to be very happy while bright lights flashed in my eyes. You get the "picture." Not funny.
My first photo with Santa this season, followed by a family photo with Santa. By the third photo I had somewhat felt more comfortable, even venturing to grab a candy cane from him. Hey, it takes time to warm up to someone who looks like that!
Sunday, December 21
My 2008 Holiday E-Card: Emi's Christmas Commentary
With only a few days left before Christmas, I finally got my holiday greeting card designed and ready to send out. This year I wanted to convey the message of thanks; with so many people who have lost their jobs or are having financial difficulties in 2008, I am a very fortunate little girl.
The photos above were taken at the Chrysanthemum Festival in Shihlin, Taiwan. The e-card design was created using Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 and Microsoft Publisher 2003, and converted to JPEG. Click the e-card photo above or here to see a full-size version. Below, next to a chrysanthemum topiary shaped as a Christmas tree. Merry Chrysanthemum, everyone!
Sunday, December 7
I'm Back, Rested, and Ready for Christmas!
Change, even going back to what it once was, doesn't come easy. When we first arrived back home after our two-week trip to Singapore and Taiwan, I looked at my home like I'd never seen it before. I cried the first couple of days going back to Loch Haven Daycare. I woke up at 4am bright-eyed and wanting Daddy to play with me (which he obliged, because he himself was likely jetlagged). In short, the first few days were tough. And of course no one was in the mood to take photos of me as my folks were all catching up at work. But this first weekend at home is a great respite for us. Daddy's going to put up the tree and I met Santa Claus for the first time this season (unfortunately no photo available). And my sleep? It's back to the normal, wake-up-every-few-hours pattern. But at least I get back to sleep at nights in a reasonable period.
Since I have no new photos since our trip ended, I'll leave you with some more that we took our last day in Taiwan.
Last day in Taiwan before heading home. Top: Sitting on a stool taking a break between some of the condo cleaning that I tried to help out with. 2nd: Sitting again, in an unusual position, trying to perhaps close the overstuffed travel suitcase full of things we bought? 3rd: Eeeye! Granduncle Jerry gives me a smooch after our last dinner at a Sichuan restaurant with the entire family, just hours before our 11:30pm departure. Bottom: Might as well entertain myself while waiting...at the Taoyuan International Airport Children's Playground waiting for our China Airlines flight to LAX.
Emi's Year in Review: My Favorite Things for 2008
Hard to believe that 2009 is just round the corner. In keeping with the holiday spirit, I have composed a few more lyrics sung to the Sound of Music's My Favorite Things that summarize what activities I've enjoyed (and some that I have not-so-enjoyed) for 2008. Compare this with the lyrics to my December 2, 2007 blog and see how much I've grown! Please, everyone, sing along with me...
Drinking from real cups and slurping egg noodles
Petting the doggies like greyhounds and poodles
Wanting to pick up the phone when it rings
These are a few of my favorite things
Challenging stairways and *click* laptop keys
Pushing those strollers like it's such a breeze
Pointing at airplanes with trailing white strings
These are a few of my favorite things
Vaccinations, nights up crying
When my parents frown,
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel...so down!
Top: I didn't mention it in my song, but vacuuming and folding laundry are some of the things I like to [try to] help out with. 2nd: Hmmm...add in a few additional size 3 diaper boxes, and press the button "place my order." 3rd and 4th: I'm at an Orlando hotel resort with lots of stairs. If I ever want to do Everest, I've gotta start practicing now. Bottom: Wow, free local calls. Maybe I can order some Cheerios to go.
Sunday, December 28
A Red, New Way to Get Around
Babies and toddlers have a gazillion ways to get around these days. In addition to my two feet, I've been transported by two carriers (Mama's milk & Ergo), two strollers (Graco & Maclaren), a bicycle trailer / jogger (Burley), and a car seat (Graco). Add to that the red wagon (by Step Two), a gift from Nai-nai and Yeh-yeh for Christmas. This mode of transportation is perfect for getting back and forth to the supermarket or running short errands, with an extra space either for another passenger or for groceries.
Friday, December 26
Christmas in Orlando, 2008
Christmas Day was unseasonably warm, even for Central Florida. With a high temperature of 81°F (27°C), this t-shirt and shorts weather didn't dampen our spirits, but made it fun to play outside. In the morning, we ate breakfast then proceeded to open our gifts. I received mostly toys, which adds to my already huge inventory. But who doesn't like toys? (Even Daddy likes his, described as electronic gear that are far more expensive than mine.) One big item I received was a red wagon, given to me by Nai-nai and Yeh-yeh. We took it outside for a ride, although it seems I enjoy pushing it as much as riding inside! In the afternoon we visited Yi-por's home for Christmas dinner with the rest of the gang, showing off all the new toys I received. Well, off to bed now. Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas. I did.
Top: Opening my first Christmas present. What could it be? Eventually Mommy needed to help me open it. It was a cell phone! 2nd: Daddy & I both engaged in checking out our new toys. He got a rachet tool kit. I'm trying to do some text messaging. 3rd: Helping Daddy put together my new wagon, which we eventually took outside. 4th: Some of the gifts I received. 5th: Our family Christmas photo, taken at Yi-por's home. Bottom: Everyone together before Christmas Dinner. I want to thank everyone for their gifts to me. Merry Christmas everyone!
Thursday, December 25
’Twas the Night Before Christmas
Christmas Eve was a relatively quiet event. In contrast to my noisy cousins in Maryland who were all excited opening gifts and fairly noisy as usual, our Christmas Eve was a quiet affair with the extended relatives. Turkey, chicken, a meat pie, veggies, and pumpkin pie were part of our dinner fare. I'm not yet at that age to get excited about gifts - a good bath and being held to sleep is what I appreciate most.
Top: Christmas Eve at my home with (from L to R) Granty Linda, Gruncle Ed, Yi-por Serena, Great-Aunty Paz, and Great-Uncle Philip. Unfortunately Granty Aileen was working that evening and unable to attend. Bottom: Propped up on a big present, playing with one of the non-fragile ornaments. Daddy & Mommy learned real quick which ornaments are placed beyond arms' reach!
Monday, December 22
Scared of Santa
Tis the season to be...scary? We were walking down Park Avenue in Winter Park one evening last week when we happened upon a big tall white-haired dude in a red suit. And then of all things, my parents shoved me into his big arms. What a shock to be treated that way! Then they expected me to be very happy while bright lights flashed in my eyes. You get the "picture." Not funny.
My first photo with Santa this season, followed by a family photo with Santa. By the third photo I had somewhat felt more comfortable, even venturing to grab a candy cane from him. Hey, it takes time to warm up to someone who looks like that!
Sunday, December 21
My 2008 Holiday E-Card: Emi's Christmas Commentary
With only a few days left before Christmas, I finally got my holiday greeting card designed and ready to send out. This year I wanted to convey the message of thanks; with so many people who have lost their jobs or are having financial difficulties in 2008, I am a very fortunate little girl.
The photos above were taken at the Chrysanthemum Festival in Shihlin, Taiwan. The e-card design was created using Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 and Microsoft Publisher 2003, and converted to JPEG. Click the e-card photo above or here to see a full-size version. Below, next to a chrysanthemum topiary shaped as a Christmas tree. Merry Chrysanthemum, everyone!
Sunday, December 7
I'm Back, Rested, and Ready for Christmas!
Change, even going back to what it once was, doesn't come easy. When we first arrived back home after our two-week trip to Singapore and Taiwan, I looked at my home like I'd never seen it before. I cried the first couple of days going back to Loch Haven Daycare. I woke up at 4am bright-eyed and wanting Daddy to play with me (which he obliged, because he himself was likely jetlagged). In short, the first few days were tough. And of course no one was in the mood to take photos of me as my folks were all catching up at work. But this first weekend at home is a great respite for us. Daddy's going to put up the tree and I met Santa Claus for the first time this season (unfortunately no photo available). And my sleep? It's back to the normal, wake-up-every-few-hours pattern. But at least I get back to sleep at nights in a reasonable period.
Since I have no new photos since our trip ended, I'll leave you with some more that we took our last day in Taiwan.
Last day in Taiwan before heading home. Top: Sitting on a stool taking a break between some of the condo cleaning that I tried to help out with. 2nd: Sitting again, in an unusual position, trying to perhaps close the overstuffed travel suitcase full of things we bought? 3rd: Eeeye! Granduncle Jerry gives me a smooch after our last dinner at a Sichuan restaurant with the entire family, just hours before our 11:30pm departure. Bottom: Might as well entertain myself while waiting...at the Taoyuan International Airport Children's Playground waiting for our China Airlines flight to LAX.
(c) 2007-2008 Vincent Hsu
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Emi's Blogs
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- Nov 2009 Autumn fun (2)
- Jul-Oct 2009 No blog (sorry)
- Jun 2009 Pennsylvania (3)
- May 2009 With cousins (9)
- Apr 2009 Seattle take two (6)
- Mar 2009 Skyping away (2)
- Feb 2009 January's news (6)
- Jan 2009 San Francisco (7)
- Dec 2008 Holiday Spirit (7)
- Nov 2008, II. Asia Again!
- Nov 2008, I. Visited DC (8)
- Sep/Oct 08 More travel (9)
- Aug 2008 First birthday (10)
- Jul 2008 Cruising along (17)
- Jun 2008 Getting mobile (12)
- May 2008, II. Going home (11)
- May 2008, I. Tpe-Penang (15)
- Apr 2008 Seattle-Taipei (18)
- Mar 2008 Airplane trip (19)
- Feb 2008 New milestones (17)
- Jan 2008 On the road (17)
- Dec 2007 First Christmas (11)
- Nov 2007 Feeding issues (12)
- Oct 2007 New experiences (9)
- Sep 2007 A new blog! (5)
- Link to Emi's Travel Blog
- Dec 2009 Holiday E-card
- Dec 2008 Holiday E-card
- Aug 2008 Birthday invite
- Feb 2008 CNY E-card
- Dec 2007 Holiday E-card
- Oct 2007 Emi's Close Call
- Sep 2007 Birth announcement
- Sep 2007 Emi Arrives!
- Feb 2007 We're expecting
- Dec 2006 No news Xmas
- Dec 2005 Settling down
- Dec 2004 New homeowners
- July 2004 Moving to Florida
- Jan 2004 Love the Northwest
- July 2003 Moving to Seattle
- Dec 2002 Always on the road
- July 2002 Honeymoon
- May 2002 In Atlanta (pdf)
- Feb 2002 Just married (pdf)
- Dec 2001 V&G wedding
- Mar 2001 Introducing Shawn
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