BBQ in a hot sunny, humid day

Hello Sweetheart,

How are you today? I heard it's been a very hot weekend in the Bay Area. Up there in Los Altos must be super sunny and warm. I hope they gave you enough water there. Did you see Daddy yesterday? He said there weren't too many people.

Mommy and your big brother celebrated your little auntie's 9th birthday at a BBQ and then dinner. She shared the same birthday as your Uncle, which is May 21. It was hot and humid, and we were drenched in sweat all day. Luckily, it was a cloudy day with a breeze, if not, it would be unbearable (at least for me).

Last year when we came back, we also came here for a BBQ. But then, it was winter, so it was much more tolerable. We had so much food: chicken wings, pork chops, kalbi short ribs, cheese-filled sausages, fish, corn, yams, and different types of fish balls. Of course we had desserts and fruits, too. Your brother was too busy running around, and actually didn't eat too much. He was playing with this huge remote control car that your granduncle bought him for birthday last year. We didn't bring that home and just left it with Ah Po's. Perfect, coz he could play that again this year.

All of your aunties were running around chasing your big brother. They all babysat for him, so Mommy got a chance to relax. But then, they also spoiled him rotten with snacks, presents, and juices, even soda! Oh my! He had sodas and he liked it, of course. I had to put a stop to it because your brother was acting crazy and was getting tired. Towards the end of the BBQ, your brother acted like he was drunk and crazy. That's a sign he had to go home for his afternoon nap.

He did sleep for almost 2.5 hrs and I had to wake him up (he definitely didn't like that) to your little auntie's place for birthday cake. It was a yummy fruit and chocolate birthday cake. Your brother couldn't wait to tell us to put candles on the cake, and even blew the candles before your auntie could. Mommy also had some yummy durian. I haven't eaten that in a very, very long time. I could smell it once I got to the apartment, even if it was stored in the fridge! We then went to a restaurant for a late dinner: it was 9 p.m. then. Your brother didn't want to go inside the restaurant at first because it was too noisy. It was really very noisy and smokey. I hated the smoke when I came back to Asia. The noise and the smoke worsened my headache. I took some Ibuprofen and it still didn't help until I got out of the restaurant. Your brother didn't sleep until 11 p.m. and of course, he woke up today before 7 a.m. again. At least, he's not jetlagged anymore.

Talk to you soon.

Bye sweetie,
Mommy

Busy Weekend!

Last weekend was a fun and busy weekend. We went to Palo Alto for Mel's annual bbq. It was Aidan's second bbq since he went last year as well. This time around, he had a lot more found. Instead of being stuck in a stroller, he was walking and running round. It was the first time he stepped on grass and he was walking like he was in new shoes for a second, before getting adjusted to the new sensation. Of course afterwards, he couldn't stop running on grass, then cement, then grass again. He also enjoys picking grass as well.

Another new fascination of his was football throwing. A few people were throwing football and Aidan just stood there, following the football with his eyes. He could stand there for more than 5 minutes (which was a long time for him), and just watched the guys play. I guess he's a true American and we should definitely introduce him to this real American sports. Unfortunately, mommy is not a big fan of football and this honorary coach task will be daddy's in the future.

Sunday, we met up with Leonor, Kyle and their new baby girl, Melanie. Melanie is such a cutie pie. She was in her best behavior (according to her parents, which doesn't happen frequent enough). On the other hand, Aidan was a little whiny and clingy. It took him a while to get used to them and started walking around in their house instead of clinging onto mommy and daddy. We spent some time in their house and Aidan got to climb up his first flight of stairs. He was a little scared at first, but then daddy said he went up twice! He still couldn't come down but with practice, he would be able to do so. Since we don't have stairs at home, his practice will be going to the playground and walking up the slide, which he loves play.
We then head to Santana Row for some lunch. It was such a nice and warm day, so different than the temperature that we're used to. I have to take off one of Aidan's shirt because he was sweating like crazy. After lunch, we split up and hopefully we get to hang out again. I wish we live closer to each other and we can hang out again more often. It's nice to share first-time-parent experiences.

Where is the nose running to?

Aidan has been having a runny nose since last Friday. While his nose is 'running', mommy is running after him to blow his nose. At least he has learned another skill during this whole ordeal... he learned to blow his nose while mommy said "1-2-3...brrrrr"

I'm looking forward to Mel's annual bbq this Saturday. Life with family these days mean lesser time to see my friends. And usually during this annual bbq, I get to see most of my friends there. Aidan hasn't seen his uncles and aunties in a long time. This year, he's old enough to walk around and we can take him to the playground. Last year, he was just sitting in his stroller. *mental note* Needs to bring lots of sunscreen.

Also on Sunday, we'll be meeting up with friends in San Jose. It's sort of like a play date since my friend had her new baby girl (not-so-new as she's about 10 months old now). I wish I have more friends that have kids and live close by. Hopefully, both kids are going to be in their best behaviors. I heard Melanie is quite a challenge and a feisty little girl. She better not beat up my Aidan! Or worst, Aidan beats her up! haha...

Work has been so crazy, I am so looking forward to my next few weekends.