***MARCH NEWS***

I Have a New WebHome!

If you can read this, you've come to the right place, www.emisworld.com. We moved because the website address is easier to remember, there is more flexibility for website programming (Daddy is learning a new web language called PHP), and the AT&T server was not meeting our needs. So you should expect a guest book that works soon. We apologize for any delay.

Also, we are all getting new email addresses soon. Will let you know. Emi.


Tuesday, March 25

Hunting for Easter Eggs

On the morning of Easter Sunday, Mommy, Daddy, & I attended an “Easter at Eola” service that was held at the outdoor Lake Eola Amphitheater in downtown Orlando. While the music and sermon were appropriately targeted to older folks, the main event for me was participating in the Easter egg hunt for children that followed the service. There must have been zillions of plastic colored eggs around;  a special area was set aside judy for us kids aged 0 - 2 years. Inside these eggs were sweet items that I am not allowed to eat. Although the sign advertising the event said “Egg Hunt”, it was fairly obvious that one only needs to possess rather rudimentary visual skills to get this job done! 




I may not as mobile as the older children, but I don't need to be - there are eggs, eggs, everywhere no matter where I sit. A great first Easter for me, if you ask me.


Monday, March 24

Easter Weekend

Hope you all had a Happy Easter! Although this weekend I did participate in some Easter activities, I won't have any photos until tomorrow, because Daddy forgot to bring his camera home from Yi-Por's place! Don't want to spoil anything by blogging about an event without the appropriate photo, but didn't want to neglect my blog either. For the time being, this clip art courtesy of Microsoft will have to do.


Saturday, March 22

Movin’ On Up . . .

That's right, I'm movin’ on up, not just developmentally, but heightwise, from a Bébé Pod into an Eddie Bauer Wooden High Chair! We received it as a gift from our friends the Kuntarafs (thank you again very much Aunty Kathleen & Uncle Jonathan) when I was born, but it was only now my folks felt ready to take it out of the box and assemble it for my use. Now I am feeling more and more like a grown child, eating real food and sitting in a real chair. If only I could just talk. . .


First time in a high chair with evidence of cereal all over my mouth.


Friday, March 21

With Uncle Doo, Aunt Vannee, Diamond, and Smoky

Our weekend trip to Chicago nearing an end, we made our last stop to stay with Uncle Andrew (Doo-doo, or “little brother,” as Daddy would call him) and wife Vannee for one evening. Although their two grown children, Mark & Megan, don't live at home now, they still have two other children, canines Smoky and Diamond. Vannee is an expert at sewing and knitting (see the February 15 blog) and knitted a teddy bear for me this time. I also got the chance to experience the two dogs very close and personal. And with that said, all good things must come to an end; we said our goodbyes, and on Monday, left Chicago heading for the warmer weather back home.






Top: These soft and cuddly bears are almost as cute as I am! Middle: Aunty Vannee gets to revisit holding an infant while I get hands-on experience with Smoky. Bottom: I believe I was a little hungry when this picture was taken...or wet...or just crabby for no apparent reason.


Thursday, March 20

With Uncle Koko & Aunt Diana

Friday and Saturday evening we stayed with Uncle Koko (pronounced gaw-gaw), who is Aunt Stella's oldest boy, and his wife Diana. I call him Uncle Koko (although his English name is Milton and Thai name is Tada) because Daddy has been calling him him Koko (which means “older brother”) ever since he was a kid. They live in Mokena, a southwest suburb of Chicago. Uncle Koko loves to tell stories of when Daddy was a little boy, such as how he once poured soy sauce all over himself. Aunt Diana is originally from the Philippines. Most of our time was spent relaxing at their home, telling stories, and of course, playing with me!




Top: Exchanging smiles with Uncle Koko; Bottom: I know it doesn't look that way, but I am happy, really happy to be with Uncle Koko and Aunt Diana.


Wednesday, March 19

Sawadee from Chicago: Bonding with Aunt Kesara and Uncle Danai

Definitely the highlight of our trip was meeting all of my Chicago relatives; they are really much more like family. Today, my blog is about Nai-nai's second-oldest sister & her husband: Great-aunt Stella (she is also known by her Thai name, Kesara) and Great-uncle Danai. Although technically two generations above me, I will call them Uncle and Aunt for brevity's sake.

Aunt Stella is a nurse by training and lived much of her adult life in Thailand. That's where she met Uncle Danai, and eventually they moved with their two boys to the Chicago area in the early 1970s, where they have remained ever since. They sent their sons, Milton and Andrew to live with Nai-nai and Yeh-yeh to attend high school, so Daddy's older cousins took care of Daddy when he just a toddler. And because Yeh-yeh and Nai-nai lived only about two hours' drive from Chicago, Daddy would always look forward to the times when the family made a trip out to visit Aunt Stella. Uncle Danai is a wonderful cook and made the best kway teow and fishball soup. Today they are retired in Oak Lawn, just outside the city.




Top: With Aunt Stella and Uncle Danai in their home in Oak Lawn. Bottom: Aunt Stella puckers up while I try to figure out what she's up to.


Tuesday, March 18

First Airplane Trip

Hello everyone, I'm back from our long weekend in Chicago! What fun, to travel to new places, and to meet more relatives! In today's blog, I'll talk about my experience on the airplane. And to change the format a bit, today I have my imaginary interviewer, Demetrius Parnakopoulis, asking me about my experiences on the aircraft. The transcript follows below:

DP: So, your first plane ride. Tell me about those preparations.

EH: We left Friday evening with two goals: one was that Daddy could attend a meeting on Monday. The other was to see my Chicago relatives for the first time. Our itinerary called for us to fly Ted non-stop to O'Hare. Because departure wasn't until 8pm, my folks were concerned that I would be irritable since we'd be on the aircraft past my bedtime. They also didn't know how I'd react to the change in cabin pressure during descent. We also had all sorts of stuff: stroller, car seat, and the seat base. Daddy didn't know how all of this stuff could be managed on the flight. Lastly, it was cold in the Windy City relative to home, and they didn't know how I'd react to the weather. Remember, I had never left Florida before this.

DP: But as it turned out, everything went smoothly, is that right?

EH: Yes, it went well, much better than anyone thought. We got to the Orlando airport with plenty of time to spare, checked in the seat base, and went through security with no problem. Before boarding, we gate-checked the stroller and the car seat. Interestingly, the United attendants did not call for families with small children to board first. However, since this is Orlando, half the passengers seemed to be small children. The flight was full, and I was sitting in Mommy's lap in the seat by the window. But I was the best-behaved kid in the entire flight, it seemed. Did some napping, some breast-feeding, looked around the aircraft - it was all good. And I didn't cry, even once. In fact, a gentleman, an attorney, sitting next to Daddy in the aisle seat remarked as we touched down in Chicago that he would not have expected a baby my age to be so well-behaved, and that if he ever had to sit by another infant, that he would want to sit next to me!

At the airport baggage claim, I met Uncle Ko-Ko and Aunty Diana and got all our stuff. It wasn't that cold either. Daddy fitted the base onto the minivan, and after about an hour, arrived at their home safe and sound. By that time, I was out. My worrying parents should have known better.

DP: I heard that you had some different experiences going home. Tell me about the return trip.

EH: I was hoping you wouldn't ask, but yes, the return trip on Monday evening was different. I guess I felt like I knew what it was like to be on an aircraft before, so I decided that behaving wasn't necessary. I decided to soil my diaper, to fuss and cry, and keep my parents frustrated. It was so bad that Daddy had to walk me up and down the aircraft to calm me down. Using a pacifier seemed to minimally help. Though I barely napped during the 2 hour flight, I seemed to do well during the descent. Oh, this time Mommy was in the aisle, and the woman in the window seat was very gracious, stating that she had some grandchildren of her own and that I actually behaved quite well.

DP: Any lessons learned during the flight?

EH: Yes, for my parents. Be prepared for everything, for I can be unpredictable.






Top: With plenty of time to spare before boarding, we had dinner at the Orlando Airport Macaroni Grill, including my share of pureed sweet potatoes. Middle: At Gate 40, calling all passengers! Bottom: Taken just before takeoff to Chicago. At least for the outbound flight, I was a very well-behaved baby.


Monday, March 17

Photo of the Day


Taken at O'Naturals restaurant on Sunday, March 9. Nikon D40, 23mm, F/5,  1/100s, no flash, ISO 800, program mode.


Sunday, March 16

In Car Seat Then, In Car Seat Now

Apologize for posting these blogs early. It's just that we're away this weekend and at this point, blogging can only be done from my home computer. But I'll be back soon for some updates from the weekend from the city of Chicago! In the meantime, here are additional “then and now” photos using my car seat as point of reference. Have a great weekend!




Are you sure we're the same person? Who is the scrawny little person with no fat and much more hair on her head in the top picture?


Saturday, March 15

Tiger Woods

Too bad I wasn't there personally to see Tiger Woods. I was in school. However, Daddy & Aunty Aileen took off Wednesday morning to watch the professionals at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club, a few miles south from our home. This was the day before the actual tournament began, called the Pro Am, where lucky amateurs pay big bucks to golf with the pros and raise money for charity. Below is one photo that Daddy took of the world's greatest golfer. Maybe one day I can meet Tiger, or his daughter Sam Alexis, who is just two months older than I am.


A smiling Tiger Woods accompanied by caddy Steve Williams on the 16th hole of the Bay Hill Club on Wednesday, March 12. Tiger ended up winning the tournament in dramatic fashion by one stroke on Sunday.


Friday, March 14

On Boppy Then, On Boppy Now

Just to give you an idea of how fast time flies by, we thought it would be fun to compare photos of me at one week old and now - just over six months later. Although it's obvious I'm growing and gaining weight, the changes that occur aren't necessarily apparent on a day-to-day basis. However, just look at the difference a half-year makes! The change is more dramatic when a photo is taken with the same object; we'll use the Boppy cushion for this comparison, taken in approximately the same location as the first. I'll show you another before-and-after comparison later this month.




Then and now: pictures taken at one week compared with six months. Yes,  yes, I'm not so petite anymore, but hey, what can I do, I'm growing!


Thursday, March 13

Typing a Blog All By Myself

There's a confession I need to make to all my readers. No, not on the same level as New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, but a confession nonetheless: I don't really type my own blog, I have someone do it for me. You probably knew that already. However, today is different. I actually did my own keyboard typing, and am so proud of this accomplishment that I wanted to share it with you. So here it is below, minus all the extra spaces and lines that random key hitting will produce. You will need to do your interpretation. I think it says “I love Mommy & Daddy with my whole heart!”

s/　xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

\].]]]0op’;’’’’’’  cV’c

/’

1    q\\        z

       Vb

              ./k         0

?A

d@sza. Bv c x           y



Blogging at the keyboard with assistance of Mommy. Daddy is trying to figure out how I typed the question mark (?) and 'at' (@) signs, which require the use of two hands simultaneously.



Wednesday, March 12

Eating, Naturally

Last up on the Orlando tour was a restaurant called O'Naturals. We had already eaten soup noodles earlier in the day, but why not take a break at a new, hip, and organic fast food joint? This restaurant used to be in a facility that was a bank, creatively designed as a 3-in-1, with separate counters for coffee, food, and ice cream. Menu includes organic soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza, and Asian noodles. You can read a review in the Orlando Sentinel here.

O'Naturals. 44 E. Central Blvd., Orlando. Open 7 days. Phone (407) 872-7422.




Top: Enjoying the view, being held up high by Mommy against the menu backdrop. Bottom: Cup of creative mocha that was soon to be enjoyed by Daddy.


Tuesday, March 11

Rosy Cheeks . . . Caused by a Virus named Parvo?

For the past few days I've had a cough and upper respiratory congestion. The usual cold symptoms without fever, but now with the new appearance of very rosy cheeks. Now it has been rather chilly outside, but I think there is a more likely explanation: parvovirus B19, otherwise known as fifth disease. In addition, I've had some rash on my arms that also fits with this syndrome. This is a disease that normally doesn't cause us any major issues; it goes away after a few days. However, it can cause problems for the fetus of a pregnant mother, so I need to be sure to stay clear of anyone that might be pregnant. Where did I get it? It's transmitted from person to person, and you guessed, I probably got it at school. You can read more about this virus and the disease it causes on the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/respiratory/parvo_b19.htm.


My cheeks are redder than normal, almost looking like a “slapped” cheek appearance. Coupled with some upper respiratory symptoms and some rash on my arms, I think this could be consistent with a parvovirus B19 infection. Not to worry, it goes away by itself.


Monday, March 10

In Search of Knowledge at the Local Library

Our next stop in downtown Orlando was the library. Wow, I've never seen so many books before! Prior to visiting, my world only consisted of a dozen or so books. This is going to be so exciting. Never mind that I can't read yet, Mommy & Daddy can check out the books, bring it home, and read it for me! I encourage you to use your local library.

Orange County Library, Downtown Branch. 101 E. Central Blvd. Open 7 days. (407) 835-7323.




Inside and outside: Exploring the wonderful world of books in the Children's Library. To be sure, I can't read yet, but it's never too young to explore and to begin to feel comfortable in these environs.


Sunday, March 9

Taiwanese Beef Noodles - In Downtown Orlando!

Visitors to Orlando should realize that there is much more to see than the theme parks. Downtown Orlando is a great place to hang out. Today Mommy, Daddy, and Yi-por took me to see the sights and sounds of downtown, and here is my first report in a series of places to visit in downtown Orlando.

Today's blog is written for the benefit of Daddy. He loves a special type of  beef noodle soup, or written in Chinese, 紅燒牛肉麵. It's a dish that is very popular in Taiwan but not found in Orlando - until now, that is.  A new restaurant, Bento Cafe, modeled after popular eateries in Taiwan, opened up in Downtown Orlando about a month ago, which serves pretty authentic soup, among other items. Decor is modern, prices reasonable. I have this feeling we're going to be visiting there on a regular basis.

Daddy's Review: Bento Cafe, in the Plaza Towers, ground floor, on Orange Ave. between Pine and Jackson. Open 7 days. Phone: 407-999-8989. Serves boba teas, sushi, bento boxes, and noodle soups, and other Asian specialties. Szechuan Beef Noodle Soup, $6.95, 4 of 5 stars.


Taiwanese-style beef noodles. I'm staring at the big-screen television.


Friday, March 7

With Uncles and Aunty: Jason, Alwyn, and Linda

Chinese culture traditionally dictates that I address anyone who is at least my parents' generation “uncle” or “aunty” regardless of blood relation. Earlier this week, we had a dinner at Chinatown Restaurant, courtesy of Aunty Aileen. It was nice to meet her brother, Alwyn, and his son Jason, both from the metro D.C. area. Now it just so happens that I am blood-related to them. Because Nai-nai and Aunty Aileen are 1st cousins, that makes Jason and Daddy 2nd cousins – to Uncle Jason, I am a 2nd cousin once removed.

I also really enjoyed being held by Aunty Linda (“Dr. Lukman” to her oncology patients). Although not blood-related to me, she treats our family like we're part of her family. When my parents first moved to Orlando in 2004, it was Aunty Linda who took them into her home and helped them get settled. She has always been there for her friends who need her. And the compassion and expertise she has with her patients is first-rate. Just ask anybody in town!




Top: The gang at Chinatown restaurant this past Sunday. Uncles Jason and Alwyn are 3rd and 4th from left, respectively. Below: Held by renowned hematologist-oncologist, Dr. Linda Lukman. But to me she's my aunty, and also a great baby-sitter!


Thursday, March 6

All Scratched Up

Ever since birth, I have had a bad habit of scratching. I scratch my legs when my diaper is changed. I scratch my face when I get tired. Frankly, this is not good for me cosmetically and has my parents worried. When I was smaller, they would keep my hands from doing this by putting on mittens. However, I can remove them myself now. They also can put on long pants so I can avoid scratching my lower extremities. But how do they protect my face unless I'm being watched 100% of the time? They've used aquaphor to keep my skin moist and kept my nails trimmed. But to no avail. Please, no ski masks!


One of those times where scratching is obvious. As you can see I'm a very happy girl, but the skin on my face reflects the abuse that my fingers have given them.


Wednesday, March 5

Introducing Spoons and Solids

Another milestone reached: I am now six months old. After feeding exclusively with breast milk, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that I can now slowly begin to start solid food. Mommy has started to feed me with rice cereal, after which she will then introduce mashed veggies, and then mashed fruits.

It took a while to adjust. First time with a spoon was rough. Gradually over the next few days, I've started to get comfortable with this utensil. It's still messy of course (bib is essential), but with each passing day I can eat a bit more cereal. In fact, I'm starting to use the sippy cup as well.



Top, first day of spoon feeding: This isn't fun, why is mommy trying to put some object into my mouth that doesn't feel like a nipple? Bottom: Gradually, I get used to a spoon and can see real potential for taste in the future.

(c) 2007-2008 Vincent Hsu