First Trimester - summarize - what a journey

June 22, 2011 - 14 weeks pregnant (size of a lemon)

4-6 weeks - elation

• surprised by the + sign.  I was certain I was NOT preggie and even booked a trip to miami.  this was a good reason to cancel
• not feeling any effect of the pregnancy Yeepy - hoping this time I will be less sick 
• told both of our parents on Easter (skyped my parents and gave Jaime's parents an Easter Egg with a baby message).  They were so happy

6-10 weeks - Yuck

• nausea, vomiting, more nausea and so TIRED.  sleeping 9 hours a day and naps 1-2 hours
• all food taste horrible. yuck.  sweets, even fruit left a bad taste.
• clothes are tight already so wearing sweat pants or pregnancy stuff 
• TV was my friend so I can watch something and eat at the same time (my own MATRIX)
• first OB appt gave me some hope
• developed a routine to eat 6 meals a day and get Jaime to help with decisions about food.  better to eat and then puke than not eat at all.
• only saving grace was boobs.  I immediately grew in size.  Jaime was happy 

10-12 weeks - anticipation

• started enjoying fruits again - a blessing
• CVS appt - a little painful and very tiring
• more nausea less vomiting.

12-14 weeks - final wait

• stressing about results
• nausea doesn't seem to stop, but then starting to by close to week 14.  crossing my finger
• normal CVS result - thank you!
• More boobs - I think I am getting bigger than last time.  I feel for those people who have large boobs all the time.  killer on the back
• finally can tell people.  hard to hide this enormous bump I got going.

I am happy and just waiting for nausea to go away. 

- Lei

CVS results

June 20, 2011 - 13 weeks and 5 days

The genetic counselor, Amy, didn't call until 1:15pm but good thing when she called she started with "I have great news for you."   Ahhh, what a relief.  It has all 46 chromosomes.

Now I can tell people I am preggy.  Yeah.  Keep it hidden has been lonely and hard.   Now I can focus on the future - a Dec baby.  What a gift!  Also looking forward to the near future - end of first trimester and hopefully end of nausea.  I can't wait to get my taste buds back and enjoy food again.  It's been a long journey.

- Lei

Food I hate

I seem to have a stronger aversion with this pregnancy than last time. It's 14.5 weeks.  I still feel nausea in the afternoon and evening.  Overall, here are the food I hate

• Anything tomato based - sphagetti, pizza with tomato sauce.  funny thing is I can eat tomatoes but the smell of tomato sauce makes me think of puke basically.  Not great when I attend parties that only serve pizza.  Luckily there was vegetarian pizza that had no tomato sauce in it.    It was actually delicious as long as I do not focus on the nearly pepperoni pizza with tomato sauce. I think it's the acidic nature of it.
• Smell of curry - yuck.  I can actually eat chicken tika masala for some reason, but can't eat most curries. 
• Cherries - yuck tried a few times but tasted awful when I puked it out
• desserts - luckily for me, all sweets are off limits still - hoping this will change as my birthday is in 8 days.  Only thing I can eat is some fruits at certain time of the day. No muffins, no cheesecakes, no pastries.  only thing I can do are almond pastries

hoping this will end soon.  crossing my fingers.  

Lei

stressing

June 19, 2011  Father's day - 13 weeks and 4 days

I try not to talk about it but all weekend I was stressing about the results.  I had slight fevers after the CVS.  Only 99.0 degrees but it worried me.  I was also so tired.  Well I get the results June 20.

I am waking up at 3 or 4am every night now to eat or just stretch.  I think I am just tense when I am sleeping and it's so tiring. ONE MORE DAY.... Let it be okay

- Lei

My 2nd OB visit

June 17 2011 - 12 weeks and 2 days -> 13 weeks and 2 days (I will explain)

The OB appt was so smooth.

• found parking right away
• didn't have to wait
• OB told me my ultrasound from the CVS says I am one week ahead, so due date moves to Dec 21, 2011 and C section would be on Dec 15, 2011.  One less week of first trimester is great news
• She found heart beat at 160+ a min.  a relief.  After the CVS, I was so nervous that everything is okay with baby, but she said it sounds super strong.
• I am getting big quick - great! not really but she says this is common for second pregnancy.  at least my weight gain is normal
• 130 1bs

I was so happy when I drove home that I started to play music loudly like a teenager in the car.  But I wanted to contain my happiness as my CVS results are not in yet.  I switched from smiling to all of a sudden crying.  I realized how nervous I was about the results.  I mean it's only 1% chance anything is wrong, but I am so attached to my baby already.  It's size of a lime already.

I guess it's hormones but I actually started praying to the universe, energy, god, mother earth, fate, whatever, to make sure my baby is okay.    Crying also help me relieve some pressure from the stress of waiting for news I guess.  crossing my finger that I get good results

- Lei

had a scare

June 16, 2011 - 12 weeks 1 day

I took a friend to her doctor appt in Oakland.  Waited two hours and then took her back.  On the way back driving on the bridge, I felt "a kick" in my stomach.  no way - it's too early.  Or was that a contraction.  It happened 3 times one min apart.  I started crying after the 3rd one out of fear.  they were NOT painful but I know the baby is too small to make me feel a kick.

I called the nurse immediately and laid down when I got home.  She asked me how much water I drank since it was super hot that day.  I realized less than 8 oz in 5 hours.  She said you are okay but dehydrated.   Just make sure you drink 80 oz of water every day.  I drank about 24 oz of water right after the call.   I didn't realize I was really thirsty.  Lessons learned.  at least the baby is okay.  a relief.

- Lei

Just when I think

June 15, 2011 12 weeks (size of a lime)

Just when I think I am getting over the hump, my pregnancy reminds me that nothing is predictable.  I was doing so well - 10 days without puking is a record for me.  Nausea everyday still but puking has not been as easy this pregnancy as the last one.  Sometimes it really hurts.

Well, I was starting to celebrate that perhaps I am over the hump of my first trimester, but wait it's not over.  I started puking again quite violently Sunday and Monday of this week.  Once on Sunday and twice on Monday.  The only thing I could think of is I didn't eat eggs those days. I was trying to change it up as I eat 2 or 3 eggs in the mornings.  Well, I started eating eggs again yesterday and no puking.  Probably unrelated but I am just holding on to any hope right now.

I also have been sleeping pretty well up to last night.  8 or 9 hours at night and 1-2 hour naps.  I have been super tired.  Well, that's been affected in the last two nights.  It's 5:11am and I woke up from stress dreams - vague ones.  I must just be stressed about

• the CVS results (I get them early next week) - crossing my fingers and toes for my little "lime."
• whether I will be able to work before next June, 2012.  I didn't really think through the fact it may be hard to get hired for only a few months if you are pregnant - oops.  

This forces me to work on the business which is good but it's unnerving to think I am going to see my bank account go down for another year. ugh.  I truly respect entrepreneurs who can risk it all for their business.  It takes a strong stomach and risk tolerance.  I am almost doing it now by default.  It's probably good for me as I love what I am doing with the business and would only going back to work for the money.    If I am forced to do the business, it may be a blessing in disguise.

-Lei

CVS procedure - necessary and a little traumatic

Due to the detail nature of this post, read at your own risk!

June 10, 2011 - 11 weeks and 2 days

I went in for my CVS procedure since I am almost 39 and we want to make sure the baby is perfectly healthy.  I have been pretty nervous about this procedure even though most women over 35 now take it.  I have never done it and hear all about the long needle etc...  I think I dreamed about it all night the night before although I am glad I didn't know all the details before I did the procedure (stop reading now if you think you will have a CVS in the future).  I would have been more nervous.

First the statistics

• nationally 1 in 400 of CVS end in miscarriage due to infections from the procedure (I was worried that they would puncture the baby or sth but it's not true).  Luckily this clinic's risk rate is only 1 in 1000
• At my age, there is an avg of 1 in 82 chance the baby has a serious genetic disorder - wow - this is why we want to do the CVS to make sure.  
• there is a 10-20% chance the placenta is not in the right place for the procedure.  They have to go through the stomach or vaginally to get a sample from the placenta.   If the placenta cannot be accessed then, they have to make another appt later or do the Amnio.  One of my friends went 3 times and then had to do Amnio.  Now I really understand how anxious and frustrated she must have felt.  You won't know until you experience it
• 1% chance the CVS test will come back inconclusive.  After all that, 1% chance you may still have to do the Amnio to make sure.  Happened to another friend of mine.  Amnio has to be done at 16 weeks or later so those 4 weeks in between must have been hell for her.  Her baby turned out perfect though and is now 4 years old

Now my CVS procedure

The good

• We spent 50 min with genetic counselor who was great and very calming to answer all our questions
• the nurse spend 15 min doing ultrasound and gave us all kinds of photos of the baby.  It has all the parts.  We saw it moving and has both arms and legs.  It's 5.6 cm long from head to rump now.  They said it's a little bigger than 11 weeks 2 days and my OB can readjust the due date when I see her next Friday.  Current due date is Dec 28, 2011
• nurses and doctor were all very calming and quick at what they did
• my placenta can be accessed through the lower stomach so they will do a transabdominal procedure.  I was the most worried about that one but c'est la vie

The not so good

• they gave me local anesthetic.  The needle was at least 1.5 inches long and they said it was like a bee sting.  I would say it's like a long bee sting with a cramp at the end, but ok
• Then they launched right into the procedure.  good thing is they blocked my view with the ultrasound handle on my tummy so I couldn't see the real needle but I know it's long because I can see it on the screen.
• The worst part was probably more startling than just painful.  I felt pressure and pinch when the needle went all the way into my placenta but no one told me they have to basically jab the needle in different places in the placenta to get a good sample.  So I watch in shock for a few seconds while the doctors push and pull the needle around.  OUCH! but more it was shock as I thought maybe something is wrong although he looked calm.  It was maybe 30-60 seconds but seemed forever
• When he pulled the needle out, he said let me make sure we have a good sample otherwise I have to go in and get more.  I was praying by then and luckily he said it looked great and I was done

I was still in shock by the pulling and pushing motion I saw on the screen and the cramping pain during it, but at least Jaime was there and told me to squeeze his hand the whole way.  I almost told him it was optional for him to go. so glad he said he would go.  It would have been much worse without him.  

I walked slowly to the bathroom after that and realize the anesthetics was wearing off.  I was feeling pain. I was told to go home and sleep for 2 hours and stay home lying down all day.  If no infection by the weekend, then I am out of the risk zone.  It's sunday morining now and I feel almost normal again, just tired a bit more but I am hoping for good results and no fever or anything from now on.  I will take it easy. I get the results on June 20.   I hold the image of my little baby in my head and I tell it that all will be okay.  I can't believe I am growing a baby inside again.  The second time is just as miraculous.

Lei

Should be called Afternoon Sickness

May 19, 2011 - 8 week and 1 day (size of a kidney bean)

I think my first trimester should be called Afternoon Sickness as mornings are the best time for me.  I feel rested, not bloated, with good appetite.  I have my diluted watermelon juice and then by 9am - Pancetta (fried) with fried eggs on toast.  yumyum.  Then I try to eat something every two hours.  By 3 or 4pm is when I feel tired, bloated, and the nausea starts sometimes for a little bit, sometimes until I sleep. Yuck....

I guess I must be Chinese, the time I am feeling sickness is Morning time in China.  Haha...  Well, It's been 2.5 weeks like this, at least I am coping better and expecting it.  TV, movies, going out to eat has been helping a bit.  just need to distract myself with other stuff, then I am good.

Crossing my fingers on a good OB appt.!

- Lei

Isabel is a monkey

After going to mygym for 3 months now, isabel has gotten really agile.  She can get her feet all the up to the bar and hang like a monkey and climb rope ladders all by herself.

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Sensitivity Training

June 8, 2011 - 11 weeks (size of a fig)

No matter how loving your husband is, they still have NO IDEA what you are going through in the first trimester UNLESS you TELL THEM.   I was commiserating with a good friend on the phone.  She found out because she asked me and I decided that I won't lie if people ask.  She has two kids and I was telling her how awful my first trimester is right now.

She said she totally remember being completely exhausted by 3pm every day.  By then she had one kid to look after all day already.  You know what her husband said " he pulled up the charts showing her the size of the baby at that time and said how can something so small make you this tired."    Not the most sensitive thing to say and he loves her dearly.  And it's their second kid.  It just shows that guys have NO IDEA what it's like in the first trimester unless you tell them and ask them to help (without blaming them).

I was somewhat good at this although the blame did come out still as my hormone makes me much more emotional and needy now.  But luckily for me, Jaime listened past the initial comments I made and realize that I needed his emotional support and understanding to make this easier.  All I sometimes needed were

• he to tell me what to eat as my taste buds were shot and I was tired of trying to decide what would make me vomit or not 6 times a day - he understood it. thanks honey
• let me cry when I want to and not worry as I tell him that it's just hormones and I feel better afterwards
• let me talk to him about worries regarding having another kid
• allow me to decide last minute what to eat and where to eat for dinner

It was not easy to build this understanding but I am so thankful I talked to him and he listened and is helping me.  I don't feel alone anymore in the pregnancy even though I am the one carrying the baby.  We are doing it together and in spite of my daily nausea, I smile when I think of my hubby and our second baby.

- Lei

My 6 meal diet per day

May 26, 2011 - 9 weeks and 2 days (size of a grape)

my solution to fight nausea and vomiting - eating 6 or 7 small meals a day.  here is a sample

8:30am - thin toast with fried egg and fried pancetta or thin toast with 2-3 boiled eggs and soy sauce (love the yolk and not so much of the whites)

10:30am - fresh turkey sandwich (half) from Lee's or pesto chicken half sandwich from sellers market

12:30pm - Naan with chicken tika masala (i love naan and something spicy) or rice with steamed cod fish 

3pm - other half of the sandwich or tacos or sth

4pm - nap (an hour or so) I am always exhausted by this time and nauseous, so sleeping helps a bit

5:30pm - eat some snack - left overs or sth

7pm - eat light dinner (anything with meat and starch - not too into seafood or veggies)

9pm - sometimes will eat a little instant noodles with a egg yolk.  just a little to be full enough to sleep

9:45pm - asleep 

Between 3pm and 9pm is the worst time, usually sour stomach or nausea - my taste buds these days are completely shot.  for someone who really enjoy food, this is a slow torture that I am just accepting now as a temporary thing - about 4.5 weeks more :-(.  I am using work and TV to distract me.  At my co-working space, no one knows I am pregnant so I have to act normal and focus my mind on work when I eat and sometimes plans lunch dates so I can distract myself.  I usually get home at 4pm to nap and then eat while watching a good show helps me just shove food down.   Some people don't eat at all in first trimester.  I can't do that.  If I don't eat, I am more likely to vomit and then it is really painful because there is nothing there to throw up - I don't recommend it.  I rather eat and throw up - more productive haha.  I have to laugh to get through.

Well, this six meal diet has been working - no vomiting for 5 days straight. wow.  pretty awesome.  Still counting the days when I can taste food again.

- Lei

First Trimester - How I am coping

May 10, 2011 - 7 weeks - size of a "blueberry"

By the time you read this and if everything goes well, I will be in my second trimester.  I maybe bigger, but at least I will have my tastebuds back and more energy.  Ahhh.  wouldn't that be nice?  This post is a little descriptive, so read at your own risk.

Right now, I am in food hell.   And as a foodie, that's like taking away part of my happiness.  I feel like I am having a permanent stomach flu.  Nothing taste good.   I don't know what my body wants to eat although I seem to be hungry all the time.  I have a permanent bad taste in my mouth.   ugh I am only 7 weeks pregnant, another 7 weeks of this before it's suppose to subside.  wow.

I am starting to adapt a bit.  I am accepting that

1. my normal food instinct is blocked and I can no longer tell what I want to eat
2. I may buy food that I will then throw away after first bite because it actually taste disgusting to me
3. I will eat and then may barf it out an hour later.  
4. I will be envious of others who looks like they enjoy their food so much

It's been 10 days like this already and I guess at least I am more adapted.  Jaime has been extra supportive and allows me to change my mind 100 times on what food we will eat together.  Last night, Agnes made brocolli beef and the simple smell of boiled broccoli almost made me barf, so we went out for ceasar salad soup and some meatballs.  

I realize now distractions are a must.  Because I don't work for someone, it's actually harder to not dwell on my physical state, so I am learning to 

• force myself to go to my co-working space to work every day.  no one knows there so I have act normal and not complain.  It actually helps to not think about it
• watch TV when I eat so I don't think about what I eat and whether I am going to puke
• talk to friends about their issues - distract me from my own - Ha!
• continue salsa dancing.  I take it easy but I still go.  The fact I dress up and can still dance take my mind off.  I stay for at most an hour now but the sweating helps so much with hormones
• cry when I feel like it at home or in the car.  It again releases my hormones.  I cried a few times during Tangled (which we watched as a family last night).  Isabel loved it and so did I.
• not burden my hubby with any whining - He has enough on his plate and is already supportive.  I am lucky.  Whining helps no one anyways. 

An idle mind is a dangerous one in first trimester, so I am just going to have to keep it busy and let my body adjust in the main time.   It's starting to work.  Crossing my fingers.   My first doctor appt is on May 19 - next Thursday.  ugh, it seems like forever for now.   I can't wait to see my little baby in the ultrasound.  I think they can get a heart beat by then.  That's the happy thought I am holding onto right now.

- Lei

Cravings

May 3, 2011
already I have cravings and dislikes

Likes
- those sour plums
- congee or chinese bread and salted eggs
- Pizza
- boiled eggs with soy sauce
- watermelon
- coconut water

Dislikes
- curry (same as last time)
- smell of fried eggs (new)
- anything too acidic.
- any artificial sweet drinks

Let's the ride begin. I can't wait for my appt with the OB on May 19th 2011. Sometimes I still wonder if I am just feeling sick and not pregnant. Like I have the stomach flu or sth. Well, I hope 3 pregnancy sticks are not wrong. I will feel better when I see the image on the screen of my baby's heart beat.

Wow - crossing my fingers
- Lei

my 1st OB visit

May 19, 2011 - 8 weeks and 1 day (size of a kidney bean)

I love my OB, Dr Jane Fang.  She goes above and beyond to care for her patients.  She came back on her night off after a charity event to do my C section in 2008 at 9:30pm.  I was so relieved to have her there and see her again today - my first visit for this pregnancy

It's been 3 years so I wasn't sure what to expect.  How quickly we forget.  I was hoping to have an ultrasound and had a list of questions.  She was so calming.  here are the results

• There was an ultrasound - the baby looks like a small almond.   She said it's 8 weeks and a day based on measurements.  I was hoping it was a bit further along, since morning sickness has been a bxxch. Oh well, at least there was only one embryo found - no twins.
• She recommended CVS for me given I will be 39 soon and the other blood tests take too long.  Not looking forward to it but at least it gives me a milestone to focus on besides puking everyday.
• told me I will show sooner this time given it's my second one - great - even harder to hide.  don't plan to tell anyone until after 12-14 weeks.  that's up to 6 weeks from now.  ugh
• she calmed me and told me all my nausea and vomiting is normal and healthy.  It will subside by 14 weeks.
• I have so far gain about 1.5 pounds only although I feel so bloated.

all in all, really nice visit.  My next one at 12 week on June 17th, but first I gotta schedule my CVS.  Called the same day and got an appt on Friday June 10th.  3 more weeks

- Lei

Is second time different?

May 3, 2011 - 6 weeks preggie (size of a lentil)

Since I found out I was pregnant so early, I had no symptoms - just a little feeling between nausea and hunger. I still worked out last week - same amount and I was started to be hopeful that this time around will be different, less nausea and tiredness

well, I thought too soon. First week was great. I still did Anti-gravity yoga and even did a new Hiking Yoga for 90 minutes. All seemed fine. Second week, by Thursday April 29th, it hit me. Nausea and bloating. ugh... Isabel's bday party on May 1 was pretty hard. I needed to look good and I was pretty exhausted after, but it was so much fun.

Now I need to sleep 9 hours at night and nap during the day. I would nap for 90 min and get up feeling dazed and have all these crazy dreams. Welcome to pregnancy. Just feeling really tired. I guess my little "blueberry" - that's how big it is right now - needs a lot of nutrition and rest.

Oh well, so much for different. I guess I should enjoy. A miracle is taking place in my tummy. and on the positive side, I get to eat whatever I want. Another baby Wow - I know I wanted another but it's still a shock that it's happening.

- Lei

Those Cheap Ovulation Strips Do Work

April 23rd, 2011 - 4.5 weeks preggie

From September 2010 to Feb 2011, we just didn't prevent and I was disappointed after getting every period. Now I understand just a little bit of the anxiety of not being able to get pregnant.

In March, we decided to really try - precision helps. I was using the ovulation strip day after my period and at first I was NOT so sure it was working. 1 daily for 12 days and no positive results. I thought they were faulty, well it turned positive on April 2 or 4, I forget. hey, at least it worked. We are lucky it worked in the first month.

Also a good thing is I found a cheap way to buy these tests (40 ovulation strips and 10 pregnancy test strips - all for $10 total on Amazon free shipping). Here is link for anyone who may need these :-) http://www.amazon.com/Wondfo-40-Ovulation-10-Pregnancy/dp/B001FYLNVU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1304444211&sr=1-1

- Lei

Grounded

April 20, 2011 - 4 weeks

Since I can't publicize this news until late June, I thought I still put down some of the events between now and then for future consumption :-)

I really was sure I was not. I checked on April 13, negative, and again April 17, 18th, still negative. So I told Judy we are a go and we reserved flight tickets and hotel in Miami for weekend of May 14th.

Everything changed though on April 19th when I came home and noticed the stick I discarded in the trash was facing up and had two lines on it. I took another test that morning April 19th and only waited for 30 seconds. No second line, so I threw it away in frustration. I thought perhaps now there is a second line becoz it's just been there too long, so I reread the instructions - two lines means positive even if the second line is faint. No, it couldn't be I thought. I have just been telling people in the last two days that I am not and it's just late.

So on Tuesday April 19th evening, I took another test - again two lines after about 2 minutes. I thought perhaps the test is faulty. Too bad it's past 9pm. Have to wait until Wed morning to buy the EPT one from Safeway to confirm. 8:30am Wed morning, got the test, peed on the stick, a + sign within 30 seconds. Well, it's official. I am PREGNANT! Ahhhhhhhhhh

Unfortunately, no more Miami in mid May. given I had pretty bad nausea last time, I didn't want to fly there and be a party pooper. So we cancelled the flight and hotel today Wed April 20. At least it was early enough and we were not charged any fees. oh well, looks like I am grounded for a bit. :-)

- Lei

Nihao Kids - Isabel's first day of school

Wow, time flies and she is a big girl.  Isabel's first day of school was today - It was emotional for me and pure excitement for her.

9:05am: We (Agnes and I) arrived a little late - last min preparation for the stuff she needs.  Drop off is usually between 8:30 and 9am.  Daddy had to work so could come with us since we are sticking around the area today to make sure Isabel didn't need us.

9:10am: We were out the door - she quickly scanned the room to find toys and pretty much ignored us as we left and said goodbye.  I started to cry when I walked out the door.   She didn't see me.  I didn't expect to cry.  I was fine the night before and even this morning.  I was actually worried that I wasn't affected enough.  Well, I was affected.  My little girl is grown up and for the first time left in someone else's hand outside the family.

9:30-10:30am:  Breakfast at Home Plate with Agnes.  I crank dialed the school at 9:35am and hung up realizing I was giving it enough time.

10:30-12pm:  Shopping for Isabel at Baby Gap.  Called the school for real at 11:30am to find out she never cried and has been actually helping the teacher sooth another girl that was crying.  Wow, what a good girl!

12pm-1:30pm: Lunch at Plutos.  Around 1:15pm, we dropped by Isabel's school to check on her without her knowing.   School's nap time starts at 12:30 and goes to 2:15pm.  She was sound asleep in a corner looking happy and comfy.  Weiping, the head teacher told me, she originally tried to sleep in the front room but it was too noisy as some kids didn't take naps and were playing.  She was moved to the corner of the back room and fell asleep by 12:40 pm.  What a relief for me.

2pm: I drove home to take a nap myself.  Isabel woke us all up at 6:30am this morning.  She was so excited to go to school, so I was exhausted physically and emotionally.  It was 85 degrees and hot but luckily I fell asleep until 3pm.  I called the school before I slept to remind them where I put the other bottles of water we brought.  They told me she woke up at 1:55am and was smiling.  That kid is so great and happy.

4:10pm: I arrive back at school to pick Isabel up.  Pick up time is 4-4:30pm.  I guess I was expecting her to run to me, but she didn't even notice me at first and when she did.  All she said was "I want to play some more" in Chinese.  According to the teacher, she was speaking a lot of Chinese today.  They know that's what I want to hear so will see how much it's true as she goes.  She did seem to understand more as I only spoke Chinese to her.  I let her play until 4:30 and picked up her thing.

Only one drawback today: She was so excited, she only drank half a bottle of water all day. It was so hot, I was concerned.  The teacher said she didn't want more.  I told them to insist next time she drinks at least 1-2 bottles as I think she just wanted to play.  I made her drink a whole bottle before we left for home and changed her shoes to saddles so she can cool off a bit.

She asked for music in the car and was smiling and dancing as we drove home.  What a day!  She had a blast I think.  I was relieved but almost sad that she didn't seem to miss me.  Well, that's motherhood.  I need to already start to let her go a bit.  She may be my kid but she is beginning to live her own life a little.  I am so proud.

- Lei

First day of school videos and photos

It's official.  Isabel started school

We also took a few videos for today. This one is walking into school in the morning.  She was so excited.


This was how we left her at 9:10am.  One kid was whaling in the background and 3 parents were standing behind us.  At least 2 stayed for an hour as they were worried.  Weiping, the head teacher, said she seems fine so we should go.  We didn't want to linger in case she starts to miss us so we left.

Such a little girl now

Lei

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Big girl drinks milk from a cup

We just started a few weeks ago to give her milk in a cup since she is starting school soon. She is really getting the hang of it now.

Travel Tip: How to Rent a car seat

Here are a few handy websites for things you can rent for traveling needs (baby and toddler).

http://www.travelbabees.com/

http://www.babysaway.com/products.html

http://us.zilok.com/c-700300900-rental/baby-car-seats

Lei