Reno and Tahoe Trip

Dear Logan,

Since Daddy and your brother had no school or work the week between Christmas and New Year, we (more like *I*) decided to take a trip up to Reno and Tahoe to see some snow. We took your brother up to Tahoe once, but he was only 2 yrs old, and probably didn't remember anything. He's older now, and I think he would enjoy the trip a lot more. I was planning to take him tubing, but was worried that he's scared and wouldn't do it. Sometimes, it's hard to guess what he would and wouldn't do. He always surprises me.

So, we drove up to Reno on Dec 27, and arrived at Eldorado Hotel at around 4 p.m. The four-hour drive was a little longer, since we stopped for lunch and a few pit stops. When we stopped at Nyack Rd for a quick rest break, there were soooo many people. I had to wait in line for a very long time to use the bathroom. However, because of the wait, we also got to see some snowing (instead of just snow). There was already plenty of snow, and many people were playing and sledding. Mommy, personally, loves to see snowing, but your brother didn't quite know what to make of it, and Daddy was too concerned about driving conditions. So, I was the only one happy to see snowing.

The first day, we didn't really do much. We rested for a while after our arrival, and then headed over to Circus Circus Midway for some carnival games. Your brother has been here before, but now that he's played Wii Carnival Games, he's more into the different games and machines. He wanted to play all of the games (mainly only once), but wasn't always strong enough. Then we headed for some dinner, and then back to our room to rest. Later that night, Daddy tried his luck at the casino, and...

Our second day, Dec 28, we had a late start after a long, nice buffet breakfast at Eldorado, ended with delicious gelato. By the time we got to Northstar, it was already 11:30 a.m. Most of the parking spots were taken, and we only parked at the 2-hour village parking. It wasn't quite enough time for us to take the gondola up to mid-mountain to try out snow tubing. Instead, we just did some snow play. It ended to be incredibly fun, and a good way to start and re-introduce your brother to snow. Your brother was especially excited in throwing snowballs at Daddy and Mommy. Daddy showed him how to make snow angels, rolling down the hill, and to do all sorts of silly things. It was definitely a lot of fun. We then headed back to our hotel for an afternoon nap. The rest of the night, we just went back to Circus Circus for more games. It was so cold outside, we really didn't want to step out of the hotel.

Dec 29 was the last day of our mini-vacation. After checking out of the hotel, we headed to Boreal. This time, we really did some snow tubing. Since your brother isn't quite 42inches tall yet, he couldn't go to the adult tubing area, but the mini-tubing area. It ended up not a bad idea, as there was no line to wait, and it's a good introduction. Besides, since there's not magic carpet to take us up the little hill, Daddy and Mommy and your brother got some exercise by dragging the tube up. It's not that bad of a hike, it's just a little difficult to walk as we were wearing hiking boots and not snow boots. Your brother had a lot of fun, and definitely wasn't scare. He actually wanted to head up the magic carpet to the adult area, but I told him he had to be 4 years old to do that. Hopefully, next time we head up to Tahoe again, he would have gained another inch. Actually, no one was actually checking the heights of the kids. If we had gone up, I didn't know anyone would notice. After an hour of tubing, your brother had enough and we left. We could have played for another hour because the ticket is good for 2, but since we're all pretty tired, and I was a little sunburned, we opted to leave early.



That pretty much summed up our trip. After tubing, we just started our long drive back home. It was a short but fun mini-vacation. I am hoping we could go back up to the snow before this season ends. Next time, I think we should try some sledding, or even have your brother take a ski lesson. We'll see.


Love you,
Mommy

Christmas Update

Hello Logan,

Christmas has come and gone, and I didn't get a chance to tell you all the fun things that we did. It would be too long to list every single thing that we've done, so I am just going to write a little update. I think I might have to look at pictures we've taken to refresh my memory.

Christmas Eve:
- Started the day by making our annual gingerbread house. After going to several stores to locate a set, finally found one at Lucky's. So, your brother and I built our gingerbread house together.
- Went to Auntie Alex's house for lunch. Daddy and his coworkers still had to work that day, so they decided to all head over to Auntie Alex's house to work. Daddy made some huge burgers, and we had lunch there.
- At night, we met up with Uncle John and Auntie Katie for dinner in downtown San Jose. We were going to go to Old Spaghetti Factory, but it was closed. So we went to another restaurant around the corner.
- Headed over to Christmas in the Park. It was a lot of fun. I've been wanting to take your brother there to check out the decorations, trees and lights. I think everyone had a lot of fun. Daddy got Aidan a light saber as a souvenir.

Christmas Day:
- Of course in the morning, we opened Christmas presents. Your brother was eager to try out the big keyboard that Grandma and Yeh Yeh gave him. He couldn't quite play the keyboard yet, but he definitely knew how to play the recorded "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" after I taught him once.
- Then we headed over to see you and brought you. It was a busy and festive day even at your place. We see a lot of potted poinsettias around, and a few very decorated areas.
- Went to our annual Christmas Mass at St. Joseph. I knew we should go more often. Whatever I say would just be excuses excuses.
- After lunch at Cupertino, we headed home and tried to get your brother to sleep before heading over for an early Christmas dinner. Of course, the more we wanted him to nap, the more he wouldn't nap. He ended up falling asleep on our way to Auntie Karen and Uncle Greg's house.
- A love Christmas dinner with good friends. It was a nice way to end a busy Christmas Day.

That's all we did for Christmas. I'll tell you more about our Snow trip!


Love you,
Mommy

Merry Christmas!

Dear Friends and Family,

2009 has been a roller coaster ride for our family. We celebrated the new year by welcoming Logan home from the hospital, and the company of Virginia's parents. We also celebrated Aidan's 3^rd birthday in January. We enjoyed and treasured the family time we had, until things started to go downhill.

Logan has gotten very sick and left us in April. That was the lowest point of our lives. But instead of focusing on the negative, we have learned to think of the great things that Logan has brought us. He brought our family closer and friends together (those that we haven't had contact in the last 10 years!). He showed us how lucky we are to be surrounded by caring people. We had friends and family offering advice, prayers, food, gifts, and most importantly, emotional support. We are truly blessed. This is what we are going to remember Logan by.

In May, Hank stayed back in California to hold down the fort, while Virginia and Aidan went to Macau for a vacation. It was a much needed vacation and we were showered with love from family and friends we haven't seen in a long time. Aidan was totally spoiled by everyone! Grandparents, uncles and aunties, and little cousins all wanted a piece of him, and showered him with love, gifts and good food. No wonder he was so chubby then! Virginia also got to hang out with her old friends, to catch up, and to chat about life as parents. Most importantly, we were glad to be back when Virginia's mother had surgery, and Aidan was there to lift up her spirits.

Virginia finally went back to work in July, after an 8-month leave of absence. Life is somewhat back to normal, and work has been keeping us busy. Hank survived a round of lay-offs at Yahoo. We're lucky to still have jobs, while seeing many got laid-off.

We've seen Aidan grown up a lot since we got back from our Asia trip. There had been concerns at school about him not listening in class, short attention span and not sitting still. But for some reason, he seemed to have matured within our one-month vacation. He is able to express himself better in words, will sit down during storytime at school, and can hold a conversation. Of course, he is also very good at selective listening (translation: not listening to what we wanted him to do but continued doing what he wantsed to do). He has shown a little more interests in painting/drawing, but his obsession with numbers, cell phones, cameras and laptops has just gotten stronger.

In mid-November, we moved into our new townhome in Sunnyvale! Everyone was excited and nervous about this new change. Aidan was happy to have more room for him to run around, and stairs to climb up and down. He has his own room, yet he still comes over to our bed every morning and sleeps horizontally on top of us!

It's December now, and our new home is 80% furnished. We're glad to end this year on a positive note. In less than a month, Aidan will be turning 4! Time sure does fly!

Lastly, we want to wish you all a very Happy and Healthy 2010! Please stay in touch!

Love,

Aidan, Hank and Virginia

Welcome to Heaven, Monica!

Dear Logan,

Mommy received sad news today from work that my co-worker's sister, Monica, passed away last Saturday. Monica is the sister of Auntie Shelley, who I work with somewhat closely the past several years. Monica has Down Syndrome, and cancer took over her, and caused her a lot of pain. She spent the last days of her life in a hospice, but surrounded by her beloved family. I actually don't know Monica very well. I believe I probably only met her once or twice when she came to visit The Arc, and came to our client holiday parties. Even though she's not a client of The Arc, many of our clients know her, and were saddened by the news.

I remember talking to Auntie Shelley last Wednesday during the client holiday party that she's not sure when Monica would leave. My other co-worker, Auntie Kerry, and I were suggesting Auntie Shelley to take last Thursday and Friday off, not worry about work, but to spend more time with Monica. Auntie Shelley planned to work last week and possibly this week, but would spend time with Monica in the evening. We suggested her to just take the days off, and spend the time with Monica, plus her other sisters who were coming from out-of-town. I'm glad she really did take time off. Everyone at work was super supportive of each other, esp. during times like this. I know first hand what a great agency I am working for. I also told Auntie Shelley that even though one could be mentally prepared for what may come, when the time really comes, the pain is still there. I might not know exactly how Auntie Shelley feels, but I could guess. I believe she's relieved that Monica won't be suffering anymore. But on the other hand, she will miss her dearly.

So Logan, if you see Monica in heaven, keep her company and welcome her with open arms. Pray that her family stay strong during this difficult time, but know that love and support are just a phone call/e-mail/text message away.


Miss you,
Mommy

Holiday Cards...

Hi Logan,

This year, we finally did the cheesy thing. We sent out holiday cards with our picture on it. Yes, we did the unspeakable!

Ever since the birth of your brother, I've been wanting to do that. But I never did, thinking it was a little too cheesy to do that. Then last year, I finally wanted to do it, especially, since we have added you to our family. But then, I said, I'll wait for another year, because we didn't know when you would be out of the NICU. And by the time you were discharged, you still had your feeding tube and nasal cannula, so I canceled the thought again. I said to myself, I could do it next year when we could have a nice family picture. Year after year, I wanted to do it, but I didn't.

This year, after a minor internal struggle, I decided to finally take a family picture in front of our Christmas tree, and take that family picture. I felt guilty for doing it, because you weren't here. But then, I couldn't feel guilty every year, and kept on not doing things and not moving on, right?

Even though you're not in the picture, you're definitely in our hearts. Your spirit continues to live among us, and also in the special ornament that I purchased for you last year.


Miss you,
Mommy

Daddy's Birthday Recap

Hello Logan,

I'm sorry we didn't get to go visit you last weekend. It's been raining like crazy last week and I'm glad to finally see some sunshine this week. We'll definitely come see you this weekend.

Let me tell you how we celebrated Daddy's birthday last Sunday. We didn't do anything exciting, but I think it could be one of daddy's most memorable birthdays (at least I hope it was).

During the day, we met up with Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle John and Auntie Katie for the annual noodle meal to celebrate Daddy's birthday at his favorite Taiwanese restaurant. This is a family tradition that everyone in the family gotta have noodles for birthday. You know, long noodles symbolizes long life. So it's pretty important! I know if we didn't go out for noodles, Daddy would probably have noodles at Grandma's house. What made this meal so especially special, was that it was the first big family meal we had. You wouldn't know how significant this meal meant to Daddy, and especially to Mommy. We had waited for 4 years for this meal to happen. And you know, I think we were able to all sit down and enjoy a family meal because of you.

After lunch, we went home to enjoy some birthday cake. Uncle John and Auntie Katie went to a fancy bakery in Saratoga to get Daddy a delicious Mango Mousse birthday cake. Before we enjoyed the cake, we also looked through their wedding pictures taken in Taiwan. Such beautiful pictures, and Uncle John and Auntie Katie looked so happy together. Now we're officially a family!

At night, Mommy planned a surprise birthday dinner for Daddy. He thought I was just not telling him where we were going for dinner, but didn't know there's more to it. Mommy actually invited his close friends to this Afghan restaurant called Kabul, which is close to where we live. Definitely a surprise! We've never had Afghan food, and Daddy totally didn't expect it. He was honestly surprised to see all his friends sitting there shouting out "SURPRISE" when we walked in. What's better than good food and good company? A few of the friends came over to our new house to hang out after dinner, just chilled and talked.

Like I said, nothing exciting happened, but definitely a meaningful and memorable birthday. I hope Daddy had as great a time as I did.


Love you,
Mommy

Quick update

Hi Logan,

Sorry Mommy hasn't been writing to you lately. Life has been busy. The move, of course, is all done. But the packing and unpacking are not. Each evening after work, I'm so tired already that I just want to veg in front of the tv, and not unpack anything. Most of the rooms are unpacked, except for my office/guest room, which also serves as a storage room for now. However, we need to clear stuff for Friday. We have finally purchased a sofa and loveseat set, and a bunk bed. They are both going to be delivered this Friday, and we have to prepare for them to arrive. I just moved some of the boxes in my office to the bathroom. Guess where I stack them? In the bathtub! Perfect place to stack up all the boxes, since we don't use this bathroom often.

I hope there's still enough room for me after the bunk bed is installed. The bunk bed is mainly for Ah Gung and Ah Po when they come to visit. This will be their room. When Auntie Mena or Uncle Carlos comes, they can sleep there as well. Other times, it will be my office, which I don't really come in as much.

Daddy's birthday is this Sunday. We'll probably be having lunch with Grandma and Grandpa, plus Uncle John and Auntie Katie. Then at night, we'll celebrate ourselves. We'll probably stop by and come visit you as well.

This week has been very cold. Can you believe it actually hit the 20s and 30s at night? Luckily, we are in the new house with heat and double-paned windows. It's actually not too cold when all the windows are closed, even without the heat on. But we still have the heat on, esp. for your brother since he still comes over to our bed every night and sleeps on top of the blanket. We don't want him to be cold.

Just a quick update for now. Once we get the couch and bunk bed, I'll take some pictures for you to see.

Take care now.


Love,
Mommy

Thanksgiving

Dear Logan,

Thanksgiving has come and gone. This year, I am thankful for good health, happy and loving family, great and supportive friends, a new home, jobs, and most importantly you. Even though our time spent together was short, but you have made a great impact on us all. You have made Daddy and Mommy stronger. Even your brother remembers you. He sees flowers, and he remembers we buy you flowers and even suggested me buying you flowers today and visiting you, instead of going shopping.

Last Thanksgiving, Ah Gung and Ah Po were here to spend it with us. Daddy and Mommy visited you at the hospital, and brought you a little turkey picture and taped it to your crib. We took a picture with you when you still had your nasal cannula, and IV on your head. It still hurt me when I saw that picture, esp. your IV.

This year, it's only Mommy and your brother. Daddy was in Taipei with all the other relatives for Uncle John's wedding. Luckily, Mommy and big brother got invited to a Thanksgiving dinner by Uncle Paul and Auntie Rachel. On Friday, we hung out with Uncle Kyle, Auntie Leonor and Melanie during the day, and had dinner with Auntie Shelley and her boyfriend. Mommy didn't do any Black Friday shopping. I was researching online but didn't really see anything that I absolutely wanted. Today, Saturday, was my shopping day. Mommy took your brother to Gilroy Outlet in the morning, and was able to buy him some clothes and a pair of shoes for myself. Then we went to Costco and did more shopping. Tomorrow, will be more shopping, and maybe taking your brother for a little train ride. Not quite sure yet.

I think we might also come by to visit you tomorrow. I want to bring back the poinsettias home for the holidays. Did you like those bright and cheery flowers we got you for Thanksgiving? I don't want the gardeners to take them away and I might not have time to stop by during the week before 5 p.m. to see you. So, it's best to bring that home tomorrow. I'll bring you another bouquet of lovely flowers, ok?

Take care, sweetheart. Mommy will come see you tomorrow.


Love you,
Mommy

A frustrating day

Dear Logan,

Aside from the fun that I had at Matthew's 5-year old birthday party, today has been a frustrating day for me. First of all, this whole curtain-shopping for the new house is driving me crazy. I've been to the Tanforan JCPenney and Cupertino JCPenney back and forth for like 10 times already. I still couldn't find the perfect curtains. Mainly because they don't sell the 95" or 108" ones at the store, and they had to be ordered online. Then I went back and forth on what I like. And you know, your dad and I have very different tastes as well. On top of that, other people kept on giving us unwanted opinions and it's making things more frustrating. I couldn't help but threw a fit today at Penney. I finally decided to order the ones I like online, and guess what, they are all backordered until next January!! It's really driving me crazy.

And the most frustrating event of the day was what I found out when I came to visit you. This week, they're not supposed to clean up your area because it's your birthday week. But when we went to see you, we noticed that your potted flowers, pinwheels, balloon and little pumpkin were all gone. Luckily, the little planes were still there. I was very upset. It didn't help that I was already very frustrated from the previous Penney trip, and that I am PMS-ing. I really had to email them and ask why. I wonder if they forgot about your birthday, or people have taken stuff away. I was told that there are people who would come into the cemetery in the middle of the night and steal things. But then, nothing taken away was precious enough for such a deed. I bet the people mowing the lawn and clearing the area just forgot it's your birthday. But, they should have taken everything away right? It's such a mystery.

Oh honey, let's hope Mommy's hormones won't keep on going crazy, and your big brother will actually listen to us. Maybe he does have too much laptop and tv time. He's been driving me crazy. Or maybe, my patience is just running low.

Next Thursday is Thanksgiving. Daddy won't be here, but I will bring your brother to come visit you.


Love you,
Mommy
When I came home with your brother from Matthew's birthday party, I was tired and pissed off again. Your brother wasn't in the best behavior in the evening. I know it was because he hasn't been sleeping well, didn't nap, and recovering from his sickness. But still, he is becoming more and more like a spoiled brat. We haven't been really disciplining him. I think it's time for some time-outs, or more serious consequences.

Happy One Year Old, My Little Red Lobster!

Dear Logan,


You would have turned one year old today. I can't imagine it's been a year already. I still remember clearly the day you're born, without refreshing my memory by reading my blog. I am not sure if I would be able to remember everything next year.

Sorry I was unable to visit you today. I thought about taking the day off from work. But then, what am I going to do all day? I think I am more productive at work, instead of dwelling in sorrow. It's best if we could celebrate your birthday as a family, and not just me visiting you. That's why we chose to see you yesterday instead. I hope you're not angry with me. I've never forgotten you, not even a day.

I do hope you enjoy your presents and birthday cupcakes that we brought you. Mommy's not a talented baker (or a baker or cook), so I didn't really bake the pumpkin spice cupcakes from scratch. I used the Trader Joe's cake mix, and got some store bought frosting. Daddy and I baked them on Saturday night after your big brother went to bed. I was happy to say that the cupcakes turned out pretty good.

We also bought you a Mickey Mouse "Happy Birthday" balloon. Your big brother picked that one out for you. Did you see the two little airplanes? Dear Auntie Judy from Texas sent them to me a couple days ago. She said they are presents from your little friends, Kevin and Alan. She wished the planes would soar with your spirit at your new home. Receiving such thoughtful gifts brought tears to my eyes. When we visited you, the pumpkins and Halloween decorations were still there. Actually, for the month of November, they would not be clearing presents and flowers because of the different holidays. First week of Nov is All Souls Day; Second Week is Veteran's Day; Third week is your birthday; and Fourth week is Thanksgiving. I am happy that the decorations could stay longer and won't be cleared every week. That's why I chose to get you potted flowers, instead of just a bouquet. The potted flowers would surely last longer, and they were such beautiful Fall colors.

I know it was weird that I kept on taking pictures at your home. According to Chinese traditions, it's a big No-No. But how can we not take a family picture on your birthday? Besides, this is how I can document everything, with words and pictures. Mommy also received a nice email from Auntie Ta Ta in Hong Kong. Even though she has never met you, she has read all about you. She knew it's your birthday today and wanted Mommy to give you big hugs and kisses. She wanted you to know that she loves you. Actually, many of Mommy's friends all miss you. They all felt like they've known you all your life.

Logan, you're loved by many. Though your life on earth was short and painful, it was definitely filled with love.


Love and Miss You,
Mommy

We moved and I miss you.

Dear Logan,

We finally moved into our new home. It's been a long day, and there will be longer days to come with the unpacking and organizing.

I just finished watching my recorded Grey's Anatomy. This episode is all about patients in Pediatrics. Whenever it's about kids in a medical show, I always cry. This time it's no difference. Mommy misses you so much.

You should be sharing a room with your brother. We bought this place because of you. But you're not here to share the joy with us. You won't be crawling on the floor like Makoto today.

I miss you.

Love,
Mommy

What a Surprise! You got your door!

Dear Logan,

Did you like the little pumpkin that we left for you? We decorated it with the stickers that your brother got from his goody bag at school, and the rubber ducky and the spider ring were also from the goody bag. We were SO surprised to see your new door. I didn't get a phone call, or email, notifying us that it's ready. That's why when your brother visited you today, he couldn't find you! Then Daddy noticed that your new door has arrived. I was glad that it came right on time, and actually earlier than expected. However, it also sealed the deal. It solidifies the reality that you're really no longer here with us.

Today is Halloween, and we had such a fun, and busy day. But first off, before we came to see you, we went to get our flu shots. We spent the night down in Sunnyvale, just so that we could get up early and head to Kaiser for our flu shots. This is the only Kaiser in the area that opens on Saturday for flu shots from 9-4 p.m. We missed it last week, so we specifically planned to be there today. Your brother immediately recognized the hospital was where you stayed. He still remembered you were there and spoke about it. When Mommy tried to tell him the plan for the day, I usually liked to say, Number 1 ...... , Number 2......, Number 3..... Today, he said this himself, "No. 1 get shot, No. 2 see Logan, No. 3 bouncy house". Just because we're at the same hospital, that's why he put you as No. 2. Your brother never forgets about you. He still remembers you, but unfortunately, it seems likes his last memories of you were the visits at the hospital.

Mommy has been super busy with work and with the move. I actually haven't been too emotional lately when thinking about you. Trust me, I still miss you a lot, especially, when I see other babies that are around your age. The pain is still there, I am just too busy to feel it right now.


Miss you,
Mommy

Been a busy few weeks

Dear Logan,

I am so sorry Mommy hasn't been writing to you as often these days. The last couple weeks have been pretty busy. First of, we got the new house!! We signed all the papers, got the key, and actually started moving things in. Daddy has been diligently bringing stuff to the new house everyday. Mommy has actually been slacking off, and not really packing as much as Daddy. Unfortunately, I also got the cold or maybe flu, last week. Still not feeling 100%, but slowly recovering. I think I might get your brother sick too, but luckily, he seems to recover from the cold a lot faster that I do.

Last weekend was a busy weekend. We spent most of Saturday down at the new house. Remember I told you that when we came by? Your brother was so tired that day from the excitement of being in the new home, and being fascinated with the washer and dryer. He has actually never seen me do laundry, so he's excited to hear the beeping sounds, and see the lights and spinning. And because of all the new things, he was too excited to nap. Afterall, he's on Albuterol, which got him hyper. That's why by the time we came to see you, he was too exhausted and wasn't in the mood to sing and dance for you. After we move, we would be SO much closer to you. I am happy about that, and I could swing by to see you on my way to work, if time permits. When daylight savings is over, your place will only open from 8-5 p.m.

*waiting for Karoke and singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star*

Last Sunday, we went up to San Francisco Yerba Buena Gardens area for the Target Family Day event. We got free admission to the Zeum, but stayed there for less than an hour. They gave out hourly ticket, and we didn't want to wait in line to get another ticket to go in. At least he got to do Karaoke up at the top floor of the Zeum. Too bad I forgot to bring my camera! Your brother did have a lot of fun at the huge slide at the play area, and surprised Mommy by sliding down the tallest one without chickening out. Your brother usually wasn't that brave. But after sliding down once with Daddy, he's fearless!

We plan to do another yard sale this Saturday and try to get rid of our stuff. We have so much stuff that we don't need or want anymore. Just as I told you before, the stuff we couldn't sell, we'll just donate them. Mmm.... I wonder if I should bring my unwanted items back to The Arc, or just bring it to Goodwill. Need to check with work.

On Sunday, we're having a pumpkin carving party at Uncle Greg and Auntie Karen's house. I already got you a small pumpkin, and will bring that to you on Halloween day. Maybe I can try to do something special to it, so it's not just a plain, simple, mini pumpkin.

The next few weeks will be busy packing and unpacking. We're all very excited. Even your brother kept on saying "We won't be at 820 anymore. We'll be at 215" our old and new home street numbers). The look on his face when he went up to the second floor was priceless. He had his eyes, mouth and arms wide open. It was hilarious!

Mommy will keep you updated on our activities and the move.

Take care, honey.


Love you,
Mommy

Asthma again

Hi Honey,

Yesterday I noticed that your brother was coughing intermittently after he got home from school. I was a little concern that he might have caught a cold. I also saw his classmates almost all have a runny nose, too.

So of course, I gave him his routine asthma treatment: nasal spray and 3 puffs of Albuterol. He was fine until around 3:15 a.m. He started coughing on and off, for about an hour. I knew it's his asthma again. I gave him everything I could do to soothe his cough: 3 puffs of Albuterol, water, Chinese herbal cough syrup, and even open the kitchen door to the backyard for some cool (and very rainy) air. Nothing really worked, and of course, none of us slept well last night.

Coincidentally, today was the scheduled follow-up telephone appointment with the pediatrician. What great timing. I told him what happened last night, and told him that your brother was doing a lot better since 2 weeks ago, up until last night. Pediatrician prescribed another inhaler for your brother, Flovent (which is a steroid). He said to use that twice a day for two weeks. Pump up the Albuterol to every 4 hrs again for 1-2 days, continue with Claritin and nasal spray. He said he's fairly sure your brother has asthma. It seems like his asthma is not hyperactivity-induced, as he doesn't really cough too much when he was running around. It might be inflammatory-induced. It's very likely that Aidan did catch a cold, and that triggered the asthma again. Pediatrician said the Flovent, though is steroid, is actually a lower dosage even using it everyday during the flu season than the rigorous 5-day treatment needed in case his asthma gets worse. He also referred us to see an asthma specialist, to give us more information. I hate to see that your brother dependent on all these inhalers for the rest of his life. Pediatrician said that it could be a lot worse than asthma. I knew he was right, coz I immediately thought of you. What your brother has to go through is nothing compared to what you have gone through. I just have to continue keeping an eye on him, and be pro-active with his asthma treatment.

Let's hope your brother's asthma will get better, and he will outgrow that when he gets older.

On a happier note, we signed all the papers for the new house, paid the down payment, and will VERY soon become homeowners! We're expecting to get the keys by the end of the week. Then we can take your brother down to the new house, on our way down to visit you.

I hope your home is not flooded. We've been having a big rainstorm and it's not pretty. Luckily, we chose your home to be slightly uphill, and hopefully you won't get too wet.


Miss you,
Mommy

Melanie's 3rd Birthday Party

Dear Logan,

Last Saturday when we came to visit you, there were a lot of people! It was the first time I saw so many people close to where you are. I then found out that it was Korean Thanksgiving. Your place is right below the Korean section, and many visitors brought blankets, food, flowers, and just hung out like they're having a picnic. That gave me an idea that maybe for your birthday next month, we could bring some cupcakes, a picnic blanket and hung out there to celebrate. Hopefully by next month, our allergies would be a lot better. Coz even though we took our medication before visiting you, we could still feel our nose tingling and eyes watering.

After visiting you, we headed down to Bounce-a-Rama for Meli's birthday party. It was such a fun location. Your brother had so much fun bouncing and jumping, and sliding down the big Lightning McQueen structure. It was great that all the kids could just run around and do whatever they want, and not be confined in the party room the whole time.

When it was time to eat, we all headed up to the room for some yummy food. I was starving at that time, and probably ate a little too much. There were yummy chicken wings, corn dogs, chicken nuggets, many pizzas, and best of all, ice-cream cake! That Coldstone Ice-cream cake was sooo delicious! And yes, I had two slices. I just love how smooth the ice-cream was! Of course, your brother didn't finish up his food, and then started eating the ice-cream. Surprisingly, he didn't eat as much as I thought he would, esp. since it was pretty late for lunch (our standard) and he's been using up a lot of energy.

After food, we headed down again for more jumping and sliding. Auntie Leonor was kind enough to give me extra token cards for the arcade games outside. I was able to drag your brother out to the arcade area and spent some time there. He is no stranger to putting tokens in the slots, and pressing down buttons.

It was a super fun day. On our way back, we headed to Ranch 99 for some groceries. By the time we head back home, it was 4 p.m. already and your brother couldn't help but fall asleep in the car. Actually, Mommy fell asleep, too. I was still sleep when we arrived home, but your brother was awake and would not continue to nap. I think he only got maybe a 30-minute cat nap.


Love you,
Mommy

Day 4: Texas Trip - Time to go "Bye Bye"

Hi Logan,

The last day of our trip was an easy one. We woke up, went down for our free continental breakfast (which was a pretty good selection with a waffle maker), and then went back up to our hotel room to pack.

After we checked out of the hotel, we headed back to Granduncle Thomas and Grandaunt Cerina's house. Daddy printed out the online check-in confirmation, so that we didn't have to wait in line at the airport. We hung out with the other relatives, such as Grandma, Great Grandma, Grandaunts, and aunties. Most importantly, your brother was able to play with the piano and keyboard again, and of course the super cute little puppy, Oreo.

The flight back was fine. I continued to keep your brother busy with my Ipod Touch and Gameboy. Luckily, it was only a 3-hour flight. Grandpa came to pick us up and we were home in less than 10 mins.

It was a fun, but definitely tiring trip. I felt like we didn't get to do a lot of siteseeing or fun stuff. Next time we get to go back, we definitely have to do more toursity stuff.


Love,
Mommy