Casual Saturday, Simple Fun

Hello Logan,

It was a beautiful day here in South SF today. I looked up the temperature, it's super hot down there in Los Gatos. We had a casual Saturday, after a rather rough start in the morning. We couldn't decide on what to do. Mommy wanted to do something fun, like going to the beach, or a museum or Great America. But Daddy wasn't up for it, mainly because of our finances. We should really cut down on our spending in anticipation of our mortgage payments in the near future. I totally understand that, but on the other hand, I think I was trying to over-compensate, by wanting to give your brother the most fun activities. I guess because your brother will be my only living child, I want to give him the best. Afterall, it was a beautiful day today, and I don't want to be stuck at home. Knowing all of us, we would just end up being in front of the computer, playing the Wii or gameboy.

However, we ended up with a nice, casual itinerary. We went out to our familiar Orange Memorial park for some park/playground fun. We actually brought our Spiderman soccer ball, which Daddy got your brother for Xmas and we never played with it outdoors. It was your brother's first real attempt at playing soccer. I have to say, I am pretty proud of him. He had a lot of fun and he wanted to play some more next time. This would be good exercise for all of us. Then we took a little break and played with some bubbles. You should know by now how much your big brother LOVES blowing bubbles. Did that for a little while, and then it's some simple playground fun.

We stayed at the park for less than an hour, and then we headed to the Farmer's Market by SSF BART station. This is the first time we go to the Farmer's market at this new location. It used to be at Orange Memorial Park. Aidan wasn't very interested at first, because we dragged him away from the park. But once we got there, he couldn't resist the temptation of all the delicious, organic strawberries, nectarines, white, and yellow peaches. They were all very sweet and juicy. We ended up buying 3 small baskets of strawberries for $6, and a few white peaches. We also saw some nice, pink carnations for a pretty cheap price, and we got them for you. We'll bring these lovely flowers to see you tomorrow, ok?

After that, it's lunch time. Your brother wasn't very hungry after all the fruits. He had a most unhealthy lunch: fries and a few pieces of terriyaki chicken, plus apple juice. We hung out at the Tanforan mall for a little while, so that your brother could head to the children's play area. He used to play in there a lot when he was younger. We would go there on a Sunday early morning before the 10 million kids arrive. It's always very busy there, especially on rainy days. Your brother also got to ride some coin-operated car and roller coaster.

We really didn't go anywhere special. All these places are just our usual hang out places, but I felt that we had a pretty good day. I guess it really doesn't cost a lot to have fun. I just need to remind myself of that. Besides, your brother is pretty low-maintenance. The simplest of things make him happy. He would be happy blowing bubbles all day long, if he could.


Love you,
Mommy

Final post in Macau.......at least for 2009

Dear Logan,

Tonight is our last night in Macau. In less than 12 hours, Mommy and big brother will be on the plane flying to Taipei, and then back to San Francisco. It's been a long, fun, memorable vacation for us. Mommy is really glad to make the decision to come back to Macau. It would be a perfect vacation if Daddy could have come with us. I bet Daddy can't wait to see us home!

It was a busy day today. Mommy had to buy some food to bring home, met up with relatives and family for a late lunch. Then we headed to Wynn Hotel, so that Auntie Mena could finally purchase that dream wallet from Gucci. Ouch, expensive! But it was subsidized by me and Ah Gung, because her birthday is coming up next week. Then we met up with Auntie Eliza and little Ethan for some fun at Hac Sa Playground. Your big brother got to ride the scooters again for half an hour, and run around the playground. He also got to ride little Ethan's Thomas the Train tricycle. Now that your brother is a little older (I think he's matured a little during this trip), Mommy could let him run around the playground by himself without following around. He knew where Mommy was, and would periodically check-in with me. I just needed to keep an eye on him from away. While doing so, Mommy was able to chat with Auntie Eliza, as Ethan played nearby.

After that, we headed to our long-expected, fancy buffet at Four Seasons Hotel. The food was good, but not super, duper exceptionally good. If you like cold seafood, esp. lobsters, then it was great. But I think the hot food selection was so-so. I think the best parts were the freshly- prepared pasta section and the dessert section. Your brother even asked for a second helping of pasta after he finished one. He was actually very hungry. He also had two slices of pizza (first and last pizzas in Macau). I think either he was super hungry, or the food was super tasty for him. He didn't even play his game or ipod during the meal, up until the very end when he's done eating. He was actually feeding himself! Wow! He really enjoyed the meal. And then the desserts. One of the best dessert sections I've been to. They have quite a variety of different desserts, and most of them were pretty delicious. And, I think their service was top-notch. I think this is the best service I've ever had at a buffet. Waiters and waitresses were attentive and polite, without being overbearing. No wonder everyone said their service was good.

Is the buffet worth $404? Well, that depends on how many lobsters you can eat, and how much you like seafood. It was a nice meal for all of us, and I am glad I was able to enjoy that with my beloved family.

After that, Uncle Carlos headed to work, Ah Gung, Ah Po and your big brother went home. Auntie Mena and Mommy went over to New Lisboa Casino to try our luck. Mommy was a conservative gambler and I was prepared to lose MOP$500, and that was my maximum. Luckily, Mommy was able to win a little, a grand total of MOP$200, while playing Big/Small and War. Enough for brunch tomorrow!

I think Mommy is almost done packing. Just need to charge all of my electronics tonight, in preparation for our long flight back home. Also need to pack some minor stuff tomorrow morning. Aside from that, I think we're all set. I am SURE I will forget to pack some stuff. Luckily, nothing is irreplaceable (most of the time).

Ok, honey. Mommy won't be able to write to you for the next day or two. I'll write and visit you when I get back home. For now, take care and watch over all of us. Make sure Mommy and your brother have a safe trip back home.


Love you,
Mommy

Another child?

Dear Logan,

Ah Po is home! She's discharged from the hospital today. Don't worry about her, she's in good spirits and health. Now Ah Gung doesn't have to go back and forth, to and from the hospital, and can actually stay home and rest. Ah Po also reminded me that June 4 marks the 49th day of your passing. I believe according to the Chinese customs, 7 weeks x 7 days is an important day. So, we will have another mass for you at 7:30 a.m. that day. Do you know June 4 is also a significant day in Chinese history? This year, it marks the 20th anniversary of the TianAnMen Massacre back in 1989. News have already started talking about vigils and celebrations of this day. I remember in 1989, Mommy also participated in demonstrations in Macau to protest the massacre. I can't imagine it's been 20 years already.

It's a simple day today for Mommy and your big brother. We met up with one of Mommy's old friends for lunch at Pokka Cafe. Then Mommy took your big brother to the New Yaohan shopping center for a little while. We just went to the supermarket floor, so that your brother could sit in the little car, while Mommy shop around. I bought some Hokkaido Homemade Ice cream. It tasted ok, but I prefer the smoother and creamier texture of American ice-cream.

In the afternoon, Mommy and your grandaunt #6 took Aidan to the playground at "2 Dragon Monkey". Upon entering, there's a small store that sold bubble guns. Of course, knowing your brother, he has to have it. So we bought him one and he spent a good amount of time playing with his bubbles. I was glad to see him playing with another boy, who is probably 6 yrs old. They were playing with their bubble guns, on the slide and running around. It's nice to see your brother interact with other kids, even though they couldn't really communicate.

However, upon seeing this kid, it got me thinking of your brother's future. This kid came to the playground with his dad, who was on his crackberry the whole time. This boy obviously needed attention and desperately wanted to play with other kids. If Mommy decides not to have another baby, would your brother end up being like this older boy? He seems lonely. I don't want your brother to grow up feeling lonely, or spoiled, because he doesn't have any siblings. We don't have many relatives in the Bay Area, and he won't have cousins to play with. But, I just can't fanthom having another baby. Mommy is scared. What if another baby also has the inherited DNA mutation? Mommy and Daddy, Ah Gung, Ah Po, Grandma and Grandpa, we couldn't bear losing another child.

It's still too early to think of having another child. Mommy first needs to meet with the Geneticist when I go back, to get the result of the blood test. Until now, there have been different people suggesting us trying to have another child in the future. Each time, Mommy responded "NO". That's it. But seeing this boy today, reminds me of how lonely your brother could be. I know Aidan could be a great big brother. He was great with you. He was tender, copied what we said and did to you, and he's not selfish. He always was the first to come to you when you cried, then patted you, and said "Ng hou mung" (don't be mad). That was priceless.

The weather forecast said it might rain for the next few days. Which means, cooler weather. That's a relief, but I like sunny skies.

Are you enjoying life in heaven?


Miss you,
Mommy

My son works hard each day!

Dear Logan,

How's it going, honey? Daddy told me that your new home is so hot that all the potted plants are wilting. I think we're going to either get you new ones, or we'll just get your bouquets of flowers instead. With just the flowers, we don't have to worry about them being thrown away when Daddy doesn't go up there every Wednesday, and we can get you new ones each week. It's difficult for Daddy or Mommy to come up every Wednesday, esp. when daylight savings is over and their closing hours become earlier. What do you think?

We're going to Hong Kong tomorrow and it's pouring outside. I think a storm is coming and it's not gonna be good for our trip. You think you can put in a good word for us and see if The Lord can work his magic and give me some cloudy weather for the rest of the week? Wow, I just heard thunder! Please, pretty, please!

Look at the following pictures? Your brother has taken up a new interest, cleaning! He saw Ah Gung mopping yesterday and wanted to do it. He kept on saying he wanted to help and that he's like Auntie cleaning. He's working up a sweat! He was having so much fun with the broom and the mop. He actually did a good job. He moved his new potty (the blue one on the floor) to mop the area behind it. Too bad he still resists using the potty.

We took your brother to the playground this morning after dim sum. He actually came to this playground last time. But back then, we had to be with him the whole time as he couldn't quite master going up and down the stairs like a pro, yet. This time area, he can run around the play area all by himself. His attention span was really short with each exercise apparatus. He played for 10 seconds, and then moved on to another one. At least it kept him entertained for a while, and he didn't run off.

Unfortunately, after all that exercise, he still didn't take a nap this afternoon. I tried for over an hour, yet he was still twisting and turning, and just wasn't tired. We're going out for some Japanese food tonight, just Ah Gung, Ah Po, Mommy and big brother. Your Uncle and Auntie have school and work. Let's hope your brother won't fall asleep while eating, and won't act crazy because of the lack of the afternoon nap.

Mommy won't be able to talk to you for the rest of the week since I'll be in Hong Kong. I'll tell you all about it when I come back, and show you lots of pictures, ok? In the meantime, please pray that we will have decent weather. Thanks, honey!


Miss you,
Mommy

Free fun at interesting places!

Memorial day weekend wasn't super exciting, but it was nice family time.

Aidan got to play at two different places with other kids. One of our favorite places is the Tanforan Mall. They have this children's playground where Aidan can run around and not get hurt (unless a big kid runs into him or pushes him). When he first went there with daddy, he was unsure of what to do. Daddy had to climb through the tunnel to show him what to do. However, this time around, he wanted Mommy to hold onto him so he could walk up the little slide (as there were no steps). That's what Daddy showed him last time. He's not as timid and actually felt quite at home in the playground. We go to this mall almost every week and it's only recently that we let Aidan play in the play area. Daddy is always worried about other kids getting him sick or him being too young to play there. Mommy could never win the argument. Now that we've taken him there, it's a load of fun for him. I think he definitely needs to hang out with more kids around his age, especially boys. At day care, he hangs out with 2 girls, one's 3 years old, and the other is a month younger than he is. At the playground, he got to hang out with other kids, especially boys that are about his age. But we noticed that he usually checks out other girls instead ;)

Last weekend, we also went to Ikea. The trip was mainly for my wedding shopping for tealights and holders, and other misc. stuff. However, we love Ikea because of how baby-friendly the place is. You can't beat all the children play areas throughout the store. We tried to find the blue-ball pool that Aidan played in before, but couldn't find it. But that's quite ok, we found another play area that's even better... the children's section! He's old enough to climb up the little slide and slid down by himself. Mommy was so proud of him. Because of the bad habit of walking up the slide at the Tanforan playground, he wanted to do the same at Ikea. Mommy had to redirect him a couple times to go through the back where the steps were, instead of up the front and blocking other kids. I think he had tons of fun. Doesn't hurt when Ikea has free diapers and wipes, bottle warming station, baby care and family bathrooms... oh, and the Swedish meatballs.