Week...end

Saturday, dinner, Lina, Sunhee, Peter, soju, tired, hoi, Jake, Lina, fun, morning, Ohana Music, nana, botanical garden, picnic, bread, ducks, nap, dinner.Sunday, me, surf, Jake, omma, home, bathers, home, clean, play, Costco, Kate, birthday, Tiki's, dinner...sleep.

Song of the Day: Pigeon John: Hello Everybody

Laxitatiousness

Just realized it's Jake's "birthday." He's 20 months old, in his 21rst. Crazy. Jake, you're growing up fast, you really are.

Don't know if it's the holiday or that I feel a little sick (stomach feels sour), but I have no energy; no desire to do much of anything. Didn't really affect our day with the Jakers, but did affect my posting last night, which didn't happen. I apologize Jake. Went to the (final) baseball game. I think that had something to do with it. Always seems like I don't post on baseball days. Yesterday Jakers had Ohana Music in the AM. It was just me and him as omma felt kinda sick. Laters we went to meet Odin's new brother, Keagan. Whilst there he played with Odin for quite a while. We had dins together.

Today we had french toast for breaky (thanks omma), then did something that Jake enjoyed immensely: bought a new vacuum cleaner. He loved spending time in the VC area of Sears...loved it. Our old model was there and he kept saying "Appa!" whilst pointing at the vacuum. He was laughing too. Loved it.

Afters we ate lunch and went home for a whole family nap. Swam after the nap. He was on cloud nine for sures.

Interesting fact about Jake these days: Every time we drive by a bus, a Chevron station, the playground Jake and I sometimes play at before picking up omma (in Kahala/Kaimuki), or the smoothie place on Monserrat, Jake points and says "APPA!!" as in, "Appa, there' a place we go together a lot!" or, "You taught me what that is, a bus!" It's amazing to me and blows my mind that he knows/recognizes these things/places. Crazy.

Song of the Day: Cold War Kids: Hang Me Up to Dry

Bummmmmmmmer

Majorly bummed. I wrote a long post about the weekend yesterday before heading out for dinner. I spent the whole day with Jake b/comma hung out with her friends for mother's day.Oh well, I can say this, it was great to be with him all day and I'll cherish these alone times. We bonded for sures!

I'll tell the rest of the weekend in pictures:

Saturday:

Sunday with me...

Song of the Day: MGMT: Kids

The Long and Winding Weekend

Not only did I not post on Friday, I didn't even take a picture! My apologies Jakey. It was a long day and I didn't get home until late. Jake went with omma and nana to eat dinner while I went to the baseball game. Apparently it didn't go well. He was fussy the whole time. They left early actually. Jake wasn't feeling well and we thought he was getting sick. He woke up Saturday OK, although he does have a cold.

Saturday was long and fun. Ohana Music in the AM. Jake was pretty active this week and behaved well. I love watching him interact with the other kids. There are too many though, they shouldn't have such a large group. Afters we met nana, went to Target and had lunch in Kapolei, where we went to a store for organizing stuff. In the afternoon we went to the AMST picnic for a short time. Omma wanted to meet Sunhee, so I went to the baseball game. Afters I went over to their place. It was 9:00 and Jake was still awake. He was obviously tired, but kept playing. He eventually went into Lina's room and laid in her bed (she was sleeping in the living room). Jake asked me to lay next to him and I sang while he fell asleep. It is and will be one of the greatest memories I have with him. Incredible.

Today was Leah's baby shower. Jake got to play with a lot of friends so he was happy. He was also pretty fussy too though. He threw a couple of tantrums, mostly for not getting what he wanted. Worries me when that happens. Don't like to see him so emotional. Seems like it was just a today thing though. I hope that's the case.

Song of the Weekend: The Verve: Lucky Man

Bizzy J

Internet was down last night (again), so no post. No worries, yesterday's pic is below.

Busy 2 days. Yesterday nana and I took him shopping and to Whole Foods for some chow. Nana made dinner for all of us.

Today was the typical busy Saturday. Ohana Music first thing, then swim. Jake was up for the music, but he gets tired at swim time. We're not going to sign him up for next session. He's still too young for it. At Ohana Music Jake was kind of shy again, but he warmed up toward the end. He's a good kid. We're really lucky. I can't express enough just how blessed I feel to have him in my life. I love him and I love Sujin. I'm very, very lucky.


In the eve we went to see Jang, Sa-ik at the Korean temple in Palolo with Lina and 'rents. It was fun. but Jake wasn't too interested. He got to play though, so he was happy.

Song of the Day: The Fixx: Red Skies

Abada

Finally blogging at home (decided to plug in the router regardless of whether they are done or not), but the stress continues. Gmail is painfully slow on my comp for some reason so it took me about 15 minutes to download these pix, should have taken me 2 minutes. Ho hum.

Long weekend, here are the highlights:

Friday:

Jake was asleep by the time we got home from the game. He had fun with nana, but they were both tired.

Saturday:

Ohana Music first thing. Jake was a bit shy, and, much to our chagrin, he had a fever again. He perked up toward the end, but the fever continued. We decided to take him swimming (his fever was slight enough and he seemed up for it) and he liked it. He was a bit down, but he had fun. Afters we had lunch, Shillawon, then went home to clean the dirty, messy, stress-inducing house. We were all exhausted so we napped. Dinner with Myoung-hee and boyfriend for his birthday. Everyone said he was a "great baby because he's so well behaved." He actually was pretty calm the whole time.

Today:
Early AM surf with Matt at Barber's. First time in months. Jake swam, felt good (no fever) and played happily in the sand. Brunch at En Fuego, then we went to the baseball game with Dave and Karen. Jake made friends with the people around us and at one point the guy behind us said, "You have a very well-behaved son, you're lucky." Wow. I guess we are. Dins at home, we were all tired, but b/c Jake had 2 naps, he didn't want to sleep and was pretty wild right before bed. Speaking of tired...I'm exhausted. Out.

Oh, and for some reason, Jake loves to say "abada" whenever he's doing something active. We have no idea what it means.

Song of the Day: The Sugar Hill Gang: Apache

East of Ewa

First time since I started this thing that I didn't blog for two consecutive days. Couldn't help it, the house is still all messed. Did take the pix though and will post them here.

Saturday he felt better for sure. Started his Music Together back up (switched to Saturday), then we did some shopping and such. He was definitely more fussy, perhaps it was the post-sickness mood. We got a new washer and dryer at Sears in the late morning. Admittedly it was perhaps one of the most trying times I've had with him. He wanted to wander and pull stuff off shelves and such. I lost my patience because I realized he has very few limitations. He does what he wants and when he doesn't get it he screams. I decided then that we have to start being more stern with him in terms of not getting everything he wants. I don't know, maybe he's too young, but he's in the beginning stages of being spoiled, and I don't think that's a good way to be. He slept several hours during the day, which at the time was great, but Saturday night was perhaps his worst night ever in terms of sleep. The first time he woke was about 12, then he never really slept for more than 20 minutes after that. It was bad. He had no fever, so we thought maybe it was just that he wasn't tired, perhaps hungry (he didn't eat a big dinner), or just not feeling well.

Sunday was Easter, and his fever was completely gone. Had brunch at Duke's in the AM. He was still fussy though and made Lina cry several times by taking stuff away from her while they were playing at Odin's house. We went there for egg coloring and dinner. It was fun, but his fussiness is worrying us a little.

Song of the Day: Sea Wolf: Middle Distance Runner

Shiftful When He’s Swimless

No blog last night. Mom and I went to see a k-pop concert with Peter and Sunhee. We didn’t pick up the Jakers until 10. He was awake when we arrived at the babysitter’s place. He was probably waiting for us to get there before sleeping. Sujin swears he was angry when we dropped him off. Not so sure about that, but it’s possible.

The day was fun. In the early AM we went to the KCC farmer’s market. He had no swimming due to a scheduled day off. We didn’t know that until we got there, but it was cool; he slept in the car on the way home. We hung out at home until we left at 3.

Today was a typically fabulous Sunday. Last Ohana Music of the semester in the AM. It was weird b/c there were only 3 other families there. Usually it’s like 10. Nice though b/c it was intimate and I think everyone there got into it a bit more than they would have otherwise. There was an atmosphere of finality to the class, which translated into a carefree feeling that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone there. Jake even got into it in terms of the dancing part. He usually wanders, but today he was really involved. He danced all around and by the end of the class all the kids were playing a running and falling game. It was kind of sad; I think everyone, including the teacher, wanted to stay and hang out, just watch the kids play. Jake is fond of the teacher (Stephanie) actually. During the “sleep song” he went over and climbed on her stomach. He doesn’t usually do that. He’s not shy, but he’s timid in the sense that he has to get a feel for the person before he commits to doing something like sitting on their stomach.
Afters we had a hamburger at Teddy’s, then came home for a nap and rest followed by some cleaning. Nana came over after work and we went to the park for some playground fun. Afters we got hungry and had kalbi. A fabulous, fabulous day with our Jakers.
Song of the Day: Led Zeppelin: Ramble On

Kaimana Kid

Great Sunday. Fabulous day.

1. Started with a nice sleep in. He slept longer than me, a first in his life I think. Granted he woke in the middle of the night crying, but he slept until 7:45-ish.

2. Ohana Music in the AM. As per usual he kind of wandered around and got into it at the end. I think he loves it, but is the kid in the corner who dances in front of his mirror at home but can't bring himself to do it in public. Lina was there so he spent a lot of time with her.

3. Toys R Us afters, where we bought him his first computer and trike. He's obviously a novice at both, but he'll grow into them.

4. Lunch at home (mac and cheese) followed by a nap. He had trouble sleeping, but I'm proud to say I got him to sleep with my soothing voice (hardly).

5. Nana came over and we went to the beach. He had an absolute blast playing in the sand and making sand castles. It was great to see him so happy.

6. Dinner at Buca Di Beppo's, where I had one of those moments. He was just awesome the whole time, eating and smiling. This is kind of rare b/c these days he's all about wandering. Tonight he sat the whole time, smiling and making faces. At one point it hit me that, this is my son; my only son. He brings such unbelievable joy to my heart. I felt so joyous. I could have cried. Seriously. (Maybe it was the wine :)

Song of the Day: The Beach Boys: God Only Knows

The Challenge

What should have been a fantastic day was a bit tough. It was all me, but I had a stressful day with the Jakers. It wasn't that there was anything out of the ordinary, he was his usual self until about 5 when he reached his maximum tiredness due to lack of sleep.

The day started out well; we went to Ohana Music, he was great. He did this amazing thing, he grabbed some other father's shoes and took them over to him. We were all shocked. Only THAT GUY and Jake knew they were his shoes. It was totally amazing. Rather than sharing in the class though, he was taking stuff from other kids. Not maliciously, but he was.

We were to meet Jen and Brian for brunch at 10:30. Long story short, we actually ate at about 12:15. It was really difficult with Jake. He was in no mood to hang out and wait. He definitely wanted to wander. It was challenging.

He should have slept a lot after all that action, but he only did for about 20 mins in the car on the way home. He woke when we got home and think this was a very bad thing. I realize now he really needs his sleep. Odin came over to swim and they had a blast as usual, but at one point Odin wanted to use Jake's shopping cart, but Jake was in no mood to share. We kinda forced him to and he wailed. He was extremely cranky, but it wasn't his fault. The challenge continued.

We finished by eating dinner at Brant and Erica's. It was nice except Jake was in the mood to, well, not stay still again. He needed rest and we basically made him to play all day. By the time we got home we were all ready for a rest.

Today was one of the more challenging days as a parent for me.

Song of the Day: The New Pornographers: Challengers

Kitchen Klear

As per all Sundays, Jake had Ohana Music this AM. Last week he made us proud by sharing with the other kids in the class. This week he did the same and we couldn't have been prouder again. During the instrument play-along-with-the-song segment, rather than play with instruments, he picked up everything around him and handed them to one of the moms. He must have given her 10 things throughout the duration of the song. After the class he offered hugs to the teacher and a couple of friends. One of the moms said "He squeezes!" when Jake hugged her.

As I write this I'm thinking that you, the reader, are rolling your eyes, thinking to yourself that I'm gushing about something that most kids do. True, but I've never felt this kind of pride for a child, someone who is, I guess, a reflection of oneself. It's really nuts. Yes, he fusses, and yes, he's stubborn sometimes, but he never makes me lose my temper or get mad. He seems to know something. Gushing or not, it feels good.

In the afternoon the fam spent several hours clearing out the kitchen making room for the new one that will be built this week, hopefully.

Song of the Day: Stretch and Vern: I'm Alive

Super Bore Day

This AM was our favorite part of the week: Ohana Music. Jake was a little rusty after a week off, but by the end of the class he was moving. It was a great class. "Free Dance" was The Song of the Day!

In the afternoon Odin came over for a play date. They were awesome together. They seemed to be communicating well and the giggled and laughed all day. I was proud of both of them for being so nice to each other. They share and never get fussy or possessive. They even hugged when Odin left.

Oh, the Super Bowl. Watched it, exciting game, but blah.

Song of the Day: The Smiths: Ask

Super Sunday Plus

Typical busy Sunday for the Jakers. Ohana music in the AM, then he went to Leah and Odin's for a little play time. I didn't go with, but mom sad he had a blast. I spent some fun time with him in the afternoon while mom was sleeping. We played the peek-a-boo game that he likes so much these days. He hides behind the couch and pops his head up. Giggles uncontrollably. Got to see nana at dinner time. I know that most kids amaze their parents, but Jake truly does amaze me. Seriously. This morning I couldn't find my glasses so I went into the kitchen and said simply, "Jake, where are Daddy's glasses?" He took me--without hesitation--strait to the bathroom sink where I usually keep them, and pointed. This blew me away b/c I thought he only understood Korean, but apparently not.

Song of the Day: Liz Phair: Whip-Smart

Sunday Sun day

Jam-packed day for the Jakers. Started with his first Ohana Music class for this "semester." The class is a chance for him to let loose a little by singing, dancing, and playing with instruments. He doesn't sing too much, but he likes to move and most of all play with the instruments. He also likes to stare at the other kids and parents. The teacher, Stephanie, is great and makes all the kids feel happy.

It knocked him out so mom and dad snuck lunch at Islands Burgers. Decadent as hell, but delish. Jake had sushi from Shirokiya when he woke.

Rested at home for a while and waited for nana to come over. Decided to go to he park for a walk and to play and run. Went to Kapiolani, brought some balls and big plastic golf club/ball. From the time we hit the grass, Jake was BEGGING for the camera and whining when he didn't get it. One thing is clear, as of right now, he is definitely more interested in gadgets and pushing buttons than anything else. I really wonder it's a sign of things to come. It'll be great if he is interested in machines, but I hope he's well rounded and likes to romp outside as well.

Song of the Day: Daft Punk: Da Funk