Kaitlyn's Baek-il

In Korean tradition, on the 100th day after a child's birth, a small feast is prepared to celebrate the child's life. Baek-il translates to 100 days. Our family celebrated Kaitlyn's Baek-il with rice cakes (known as deok). I wonder if we will do the same for Noah???

Christmas time

The great thing about Noah's multi-cultural heritage is the opportunity to celebrate Chanukah and Christmas. Noah received lots of attention at the Min household and everybody seemed to agree that Noah looks nothing like his mother, but has the personality and looks of his father! Here is a family picture, what do you think???

Lighting candles

Noah celebrated his first Chanukah. Although he was asleep during the lighting of the menorah. he still heard Grandpa Barry sing the blessing. I wonder if he'll sleep through the next seven nights???

Halmoni's birthday

Halmoni turned 29 years old today (well add about 20 or so years) and she insisted on taking a photo with her grandchildren. What a scene, placing one crying baby and another who can barely hold his head up, in her arms. But it was all worth it... can't you tell by the joy on her face???

Mr. Moms

The last photo of Jawsh and Billy was at the grill... now they're holding their babies. They are both doing a great job helping Michelle and I out. Wouldn't it be nice (yet strange) if they could help out with breastfeeding???

Bubbe and baby

Bubbe and baby had their first meeting. It was great to see the joy on Caryn's face. She later said, "I'm in love." Who can blame her???

My guys

Here are my guys... Jawsh and Noah. Jawsh has been incredible throughout the whole pregnancy and even more so since we've been home. I absolutely love my guys... who knew love could be this grand???

First portrait

Noah had his first portrait done by his father. Noah was a great model, sleeping peacefully. Does Jawsh have talent or what???

Phototherapy

Noah has a slight case of jaundice which is common in many babies. We have been taking him back and forth to the doctor's office to check his progress and he is doing well! We have him placed in phototherapy blankets, which make a glow around his body. I think he looks like a Glowworm all swaddled up, but Jawsh insists ET. What do you think???

Hello Noah

Noah is the first grandchild on Jawsh's side and the first grandson on my side. Needless to say everyone is really excited that he is here. He had some visitors at the hospital... who will hold him more, Harabujee or Halmoni???

Noah Min Smith

Noah arrived today, November 25, 2006 at 5:00 AM. He is 7 lbs. 3 oz., 19.5 inches, and absolutely beautiful. We went into the hospital the night before around 10:00 PM and I thought they would send us home because I was not feeling any contraction pains. But we found out that I was already 5 cm dilated! They checked me in and my wonderful support team, Jawsh, and my doula, Michelle, helped me deliver Baby Noah. The birth went very well... all natural with no epidural! It went so great that it begs the question... will there be a next time???

Thanksgiving

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving at my parent's home. It was really nice to see family and friends before the baby arrives. It's weird to think that this will be the last holiday that Jawsh and I share as a twosome. What will it be like at Chanukah and Christmas when we're a threesome???

Library on wheels

Here is a picture of the baby's first library. We received the wagon from Grandma Tina and one of Grandpa Art's favorite books, Watership Down, is in the baby's collection. I wonder when Grandpa Art will read the book to the baby???

Professional pictures

Jawsh had been asking me to get pregnancy photos. I finally succumbed and we met with a great photographer who captured my very pregnant belly! What a fun and great experience... I wonder what the baby will think when he sees these???

Lucky 7

Today marks our first date anniversary! Jawsh and I have been together for seven years and to celebrate we went to one of my favorite restaurants, Ruth's Chris. Our first date was in San Diego... he took me to one of his childhood favorite restaurants, Corvettes, and then we watched a Mexican rock group, Cafe Tacuba, in downtown. Who knew that it would lead to this???

Piece #2

The baby has his second piece of furniture: his changing table. We really like the design because it can change into a small desk or shelf. What will be the next piece that goes in his room???

Dinner with the Deputy

"Deputy Commissioner" Joel and Kristie took us to dinner in Eagle Rock to a restaurant called Fattys. It was a great meal and nice to catch up with the man who married Jawsh and I just over a year ago and his lovely wife. Now that we're in the final stretch it's hard to meet up with friends, and we hear that once the baby comes it's even harder. When will we see them again???

Baby's bassinet

Jawsh assembled the baby's bassinet although we are not expecting him for another 5 weeks. We love the Stokke brand not only for the design but also because it converts to a crib and then a toddler bed! I also had to attach the sheep sound machine that will soothe the baby into sleep (we'll see). Will the baby fall fast asleep in his new bed???

Voting

Jawsh and I hope to teach our son how to make responsible choices for the betterment of our society. It's never to early to start thinking about these things. The baby and I went to the polls to cast our vote against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Will that be enough to get him out of office???

Harabujee

Harabujee means grandfather in Korean... and my dad has finally reached that stage. Here he is holding Kaitlyn under the watchful eyes of her parents. My dad loves kids and it's going to be so much fun watching him interact with both babies. He feels very fortunate that he will have one of each. Mark my words, the grandchildren are going to be spoiled. Just how much, who knows???

"Healthy baby"

This week we saw a different doctor in the practice. After my examination she said to expect a "healthy" baby. When pressed about what she meant by healthy, she replied, "don't expect a 5 or 6 pound baby." Jawsh is predicting 7.5 pounds. How big is the baby going to be???

Just breathe

Instead of passing out candy, we went to our last childbirth class at Cedars. We learned all about the different stages of labor, pain management, and of course, breathing techniques. Who knew there were so many different ways to breathe! I wonder how we're going to do???

Aunt Kelly

I was so happy to see Kelly this past weekend. She has been really busy working but she somehow found the time to host a baby shower for me. She was really surprised to see how big I have grown... sometimes I still can't believe it! I wonder what the baby will think of his Aunt Kelly???

My favorite things

As the pregnancy progresses, I am finding that my feet are growing and sore. Thank goodness for Aveda products! I really love the foot cream and the body lotion... especially the scent. I also started using cocoa butter for my stomach to help prevent stretch marks but I do not like the smell. How long will I have to keep this up???

Lakers' baby

Today we were able to spend a few hours with our niece. She is absolutely wonderful. I cannot describe how amazing it felt to hold her in my arms. And because she is Billy's daughter... she has a few Kobe outfits and a Lakers mobile! Too funny. What will our baby decor be like???

Angels

Recently Grandma Bella passed into the spirtual world to be with Grandpa Marshall. We were so fortunate to spend time with her on her birthday. She lived a fulfilling life and we will miss her dearly. We take comfort in knowing that the two are united. I will always remember how they told Jawsh and I the importance of "compromise." I wonder if they will be the baby's guardian angels???

Birthday blessings

We had a lovely birthday lunch for soon to be Grandma Caryn, or should we say Bubbe (Yiddish for Grandmother). Instead of cake, we had delicious lemon meringue pie. We were also blessed to spend time with soon to be Great Uncle Steve and Great Aunt Julia who were in town. I wonder when we'll make our next trip to Reno???

Bell(a) of the ball

We were so happy to celebrate Grandma Bella's birthday. We enjoyed all the sweet desserts... cake from a great bakery called Piece of Cake and cherry pie from Julian (famous for their apples). This was the first time I had cherry pie and it was really tasty. Will this be my next craving???

Moving

We recently moved into a bigger place. It was an easy move thanks to Zach and Cindi... if it wasn't for them Jawsh and I would have had a stressful time. Now that we have a second bedroom, the baby can share it with Jawsh. Will the baby be inspired to be an artist just like his dad???

Baby Kaitlyn

On Monday, September 18, 2006, Kaitlyn Min entered the world at 6:59 PM. She weighed almost 7 pounds. She is absolutely beautiful! Michelle is doing well and is recovering nicely (Billy is also doing well). Everyone is saying that Kaitlyn looks like Billy (Jawsh said that Billy and Kaitlyn had the same hair style) but we'll have to see. I wonder what she'll look like with her eyes open???

Cousins in the womb

Jawsh could not resist taking this shot of Michelle and I. Although Michelle is due at the end of the month, I think my niece wants out sooner than later. Michelle's doctor said she could be arriving anytime now. I wonder when my niece will make her debut???

Future dads

Here is a picture of future father's day and summer barbeques ... Jawsh and Billy grilling steaks. Although I have not eaten meat in the past two years, it officially ended last month. My mom made prime rib and I could not resist (or should I say the baby could not resist). Lately, the protein cravings have been hot dogs and meatball sandwiches, but not to worry as I only cave in occasionally. What will be next???

Doctor visit

I thought it would be nice to share an image of my doctor's visit. My doctor is really nice and thorough. I am happy to report that I have my weight under control (staying away from all the Caramel Macchiatos helped). This is a picture of my belly being measured. I wonder just how big it will get???

First day of school

Today was the baby's first day of school with me. We had a long (and hot) day! When Jawsh came home he brought a bouquet of beautiful flowers. I wonder if the baby will be a romantic just like his dad???

Golden slumbers

A few weeks ago, Jawsh purchased a book called Lullabies and Poems for Children. Jawsh has been reading and singing to the baby from this book and recently came across a poem called Golden Slumbers written by Thomas Dekker (1570-1641). The Beatles adapted this poem on their album, Abbey Road. Jawsh loves singing this song to the baby and he loves hearing it (we can tell by his movements). I wonder if the baby will recognize it when we play it for him later???

The Smiths

We just returned from visiting Grandma Bella. She was in good spirits and happy to see us. We had a great time sharing meals and stories from her past. The baby is so fortunate to have family so near. Here we see three generations of the Smith side and the baby will be the fourth! What will Great Grandma Bella say when she sees the baby???

Buddha belly

Here is a semi-recent picture of us. My sister sends me clothes from HM Mama but I prefer to purchase regular clothes, a few sizes up. Who knows how long that will last???

Near future

Here's a peek of the near future, courtesy of Jawsh and his Photoshop antics. I wonder if the baby's head will be bigger than mine???

28

For my 28th birthday Jawsh took me to Michaels in Santa Monica. The garden was very romantic, the food delicious, and the dessert out of this world. The owner went by every table to greet the guests, which was also a nice touch. Last year, Jawsh took me to Melisse, which was also spectacular. I wonder where he'll take me next year???

Doggy traits

Here is some more information about the Year of the Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006). People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other peoples confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit. I happen to be a horse, so will the baby be more compatible with me???

Chocolate oysters

Last week we were at Godiva and I tried the Open Oyster. It was one of the best chocolates that I have eaten... It's a creamy blend of finely ground hazelnuts and milk chocolate in a milk chocolate shell. Well I went back to Century City the other day and I thought I would indulge in another oyster but decided to go home. What a mistake! I was craving that oyster all night to the point of tears (it's the hormones). There is a happy ending... Jawsh surprised me with my very own box of chocolate oysters the next day. What will he bring me home next???

Practice makes perfect

We are taking several classes to prepare for the child birth. We went to a class this evening that was lecture style: we sat, watched, and listened. But one of the best ways to prepare is hands on... Jawsh had some time to practice with Baby Ashley. He was able to carry her and she didn't cry! Will Jawsh have the same affect on our baby???

GGA, GGT, and GC

We just spent the day with the baby's Great Grandpa Art, Great Grandma Tina, and Grandma Caryn. In the picture we see three generations (the fourth is on the way). The baby is so lucky to have family that already loves him. I wonder if the baby will be able to keep up with Great Grandpa Art down the slopes???

Raining babies

Michelle and Billy had a wonderful co-ed baby shower. Yummy food, good company, and plenty of pink gifts. There were several games that involved measurement, intellect, and common sense. Jawsh won two of the games: guessing the size of Michelle's stomach (Billy was way off) and using his sight and smell to figure out the different types of baby food. Jawsh's least favorite was the beef and rice. I wonder what type of food the baby will respond to???

Music to our ears

We went to the Hollywood Bowl to listen to some amazing jazz. Although Herbie Hancock was the headline performer, the baby was really impressed with Joshua Redman. When he played the baby kicked. We hope that the baby will have a love for music and play an instrument. I wonder if the baby will play piano (hopefully better than me), drums like his Uncle Jay, or a woodwind instrument like Joshua Redman???

A snake, horse, and a dog

Everyone knows how much I love dogs. Although I have Watts and Goldie at my parent's house, they are no longer "mine" because they now belong to my mom. However, Jawsh and I are fortunate enough to welcome a "dog" in our life this December. The baby will be born in the year of the dog. Jawsh is a snake, I'm a horse, and the baby will be the "dog" I always wanted. How will Watts and Goldie react???

Doctor's orders

We went to my checkup and found out that I need to slow down my consumption of sugar. The culprits: fruit juices and soda (and the caramel macchiatos with extra caramel probably didn't help either). So, I have made a vow to keep away from those liquids. Since Jawsh is working at FIJI, one would guess that I would drink that all the time. Well, now I am. I wonder how long I will be able to do this???

To the eXtreme

We went to the X Games to check out Jawsh's painted skateboards. He painted three skateboard decks that were auctioned for the V Foundation (a charity for cancer research). The photo shows Jawsh next to one of the three he painted. We wonder if our baby will want to participate in eXtreme sports or play baskteball like his uncles???

Pickles and ice cream

Many people ask about my cravings. In the past I have enjoyed tomatoes, canteloupe, and empanadas. Recently, I have been craving Caramel Macchiatos. I have never been one to go to coffee shops, it's not my thing. But in the past week I have been three times. No worries though... I order decaf. Any predictions for my next craving???

Super Jawsh

I just saw a glimpse of my future. This is Jawsh when he was just a toddler (hopefully the baby will look just like him). Didn't I say that he loved Superman???