FORE!

Noah joined the men at the driving range this past weekend. He had a nice time playing with the golf balls and tees. At one point, Dean gave him a club to drag around. Will Noah be the next Tiger???

Jay and DeLee

Uncle Jay and Auntie DeLee came to the westside to help celebrate Jawsh's birthday. We found ourselves at Lazy Daisy Cafe and succumbed to 31 Flavors right after. We hope that Noah will have another little buddy to play with soon. Did you get that hint Shields???

Happy 31

Jawsh's birthday was spent enjoying the Venice sun and ending the day in Santa Monica for dinner. It seemed like we just celebrated the big 3-0. Time flies fast, doesn't it???

Kaitlyn's Park

It's been two weeks since Kaitlyn and Noah hung out and boy did they miss one another! We ventured over to a park near Kaitlyn's home and they went down the slides and walked around together. When will Kaitlyn come and visit Noah in LA (hint, hint)???

Dejavu (sorta)

We were back in Palm Springs but this time Bubbe and Zach were also there. We had such a nice time visiting GGA and GGT and this time the good old Palm Springs sun was shining. Noah got to swim with Uncle Zach and Dad... it's been about 6 months since he's been in a pool! Noah was a little scared and enjoyed laying out on the chair a bit more, can't you tell???

Date Night

It's only taken us 14.5 months to go out together sans Noah! Auntie Cathy offered her babysitting services so we could enjoy a romantic dinner for Jawsh's birthday. We went to Wilshire where we enjoyed the organic fare and adult atmosphere but I still found myself cutting up food in small pieces! According to Cathy, Noah was the "best" because he ate all his dinner without fussing (and you can tell by his smile how much he loves his Auntie)! When will be the next night out???

Murakami

Uncle Zach is back in SoCal, which makes us happy because Noah gets to spend more time with him! We all went to see Murakami. In my opinion, it was Noah's favorite museum experience so far... lots of vibrant colors, interesting designs, and cartoons! The museum also had a Louis Vuitton store in the museum (due to Murakami's collaboration with the handbag designs). The bags only cost a few thousand dollars but we decided to forgo those and purchase a plush toy for Noah. Money better spent, wouldn't you agree???

Zayde and Grandma Tina

We love the fact that we get a chance to see Zayde and Grandma Tina in So Cal during the winter months. We love traveling to Palm Springs and enjoy the peacefulness the town brings. This visit Noah had his first taste of pizza from a place called Rocky's. It's great that Noah gets to share some of his "firsts" with GA and GT. What will be the next first???

Welcome to the Parker

Our experience was nothing like the Bravo reality show. It was calm, relaxed, and beautiful. We enjoyed the grounds with Noah (who happen to pick up every leaf that he passed). Here is a great shot of him sinking, I mean sitting, in the hammock. It was such a nice experience. When will we return???

Beachtime with Bubbe

What a beautiful day we had at Huntington Beach. We ate at the pier and actually saw dolphins in the water (a first for me). We can't wait to stroll down the boardwalk again. Noah loved hanging out with Bubbe and watching the kites fly by. Wonder if we'll see the dolphins again next time???

Wednesday

We look forward to Wednesday evenings because we get a chance to take Noah to Gymboree. He really enjoys all the activities (except pushing the air log) and we think he may have a crush on the instructor. Lately, Noah has been going down the slides, crawling up the steps, and he likes playing behind the large curtain (which is actually a big hit with all the babies). What will he do next???

Happy New Year!

On New Years Day, we spent time with the family eating Thok-Gook (dumpling soup) and watching both babies run around the house (well Kaitlyn's running and Noah wobbles). Noah and Kaitlyn dressed in their hanboks and bowed to Harabujee and Halmoni. They both received money, symbolizing good luck and good wishes. 2007 was such a memorable year, what will 2008 bring???

Ouch!

The first major fall was bound to happen now that Noah is walking... it was quite traumatic for both of us. He fell and cut his bottom lip! It seemed like the bleeding wouldn't stop, but it did. Will there be another fall???

Bop bop song

We were driving to Gymboree and Noah started to sing! At first we weren't sure what he was doing but he kept the same rhythm and we figured it was a song he wanted to share with world. American Idol here we come!!! Would you vote for him???

Xmas 07

It is so nice to spend time with the family over the holidays. Noah received many presents and had a nice time playing with Kaitlyn (when she wasn't trying to bite him). Uncle Bill gave Noah his first basketball hoop and Aunt Michelle bought him his first desk. I know, I know, spoiled already. I wonder what Noah will like more???

Top Chefs

Post by Jawsh
Kaitlyn received a plethora of presents this Christmas, but by far the coolest one was the kid-size kitchen replete with realistic looking appliances, sound effects, and a variety of fun-size plastic food. Noah went over to play Iron Chef in Kaitlyn's fully equipped kitchen stadium, and helped prepare spaghetti with meatballs. Kaitlyn then tried to feed Noah a piece of bacon, but he wasn't havin' it. He's kosher.

Photo shoot

Noah was cast for his first modeling job for Innovative Baby. He was modeling designer baby clothes along with a few other children. Noah did well considering that he missed his afternoon nap due to the call time. Here he is standing next to Aidan... both sporting the summer line. I wonder how the pictures turned out???

Gym time

We recently signed up Noah for play class at Gymboree and boy does he love it! Every time we go in he loves to crawl to the slide (crawling is faster) and then he likes to walk up the ramp and go down. Noah also loves bubble time. Is this the beginning of enrichment classes???

Happy Chanukah!

Our menorah plays music and of course Noah enjoyed dancing along to the tune. It's hard to believe that last year he was only a few weeks old and now he is a big boy! Every night the candles were lit and every night Noah tried to touch them. I wonder when he'll be old enough to light a candle with us???

First steps

Noah recently took his first steps at my parents home. We were in the family room and he just started to walk towards my dad. It was amazing... his first steps and everyone got to watch his little feet move. Now that he can walk he tries to keep up with his cousin Kaitlyn, who is too fast for her own good. Wonder when Noah will be able to catch her???

November 25, 2007

After a fun filled evening at Yongsusan for Noah's Tol we weren't sure if he was up to going out for his first birthday. But after he chose the paint brush at the toljabee (not once, but twice) we knew that he had to see his first Barry McGee art show at Redcat in downtown LA. Uncle Zach joined us and we had a nice time viewing his creative art work. Will Noah's art be influenced by McGee's work???

The best gift

I think one of the best gifts that Noah can have is a cousin his own age to play with. Kaitlyn is two months older and she is such a joy to have around him (although Noah likes to have his space). After we changed Noah out of his hanbok, he was dressed in his gold trimmed Adidas outfit and Kaitlyn was dressed in her pink trimmed one. At the end of night, she gave him a Happy Birthday kiss... isn't that sweet???

TOL

Noah's first birthday was such a wonderful celebration. We feel so blessed that we were able to share this time with so many people who adore Noah. The room was filled with golden balloons, Korean rice cakes, fruit, and of course items for Noah to grab during the toljabee. There was a book (scholar), stack of money (fortune), string (long life), stethoscope (doctor), and paintbrush (artist). I wanted Noah to grab the money and Grandpa Barry even taped a small toy to the stethoscope in hopes that Noah would choose that, however, Noah made it clear what he wanted: the paint brush. Needless to say, Jawsh was very proud. Although there were many highlights throughout the evening, we will never forget how he danced on a chair on cue in front of everyone... he is very special indeed. Wouldn't you agree???

Gobble, gobble

We are so lucky this year to be celebrating Thanksgiving twice. Julia, Mary, Seth, and Zach arrived Friday morning and we had Thanksgiving #2 at Bubbe's home. The twins found new ways to make Noah laugh and enjoyed spending time with him. It was great to see everyone together this special night around a home cooked meal (I'm sure Zach enjoyed that the most). What will Chanukah bring???

Gobble

Noah's first Thanksgiving at the Min house was full of family, food, and fun. Noah and Kaitlyn were the center of attention and they played the piano very well together. It's hard to imagine that this time last year, Noah was in my belly and just about ready to come out! My mom and sister cooked all morning from Barefoot and Martha recipes, which turned out delicious. What will we be having for Christmas???

65 and feeling fine

We celebrated my dad's 65th birthday! I can't believe he is 65 because he definitely does not look that age. I think eating all that kimchi keeps him looking young. Noah and Kaitlyn were there to help celebrate... Noah did a little dance for my dad and Kaitlyn gave plenty of kisses. What will they do for him next year???

8 years

It has been eight years since Jawsh took me out on our first date in San Diego. Jawsh washed his car, brought me a cd by Lauryn Hill, and looked in my refrigerator before we headed out for the evening. We ate in Hillcrest at a 50's joint called Corvettes and then proceeded downtown to watch Cafe Tacuba perform. We enjoyed eachother's company so much that we went out the next night to see American Beauty. In honor of that date, we took Noah to Cafe 50's by our home and enjoyed a chocolate malt. Who knew it would lead to this???

GGA and GGT

We had a wonderful time with GGA and GGT at Bubbe's house. Of course, Noah was the center of attention. GGA sang old classics to Noah (like Stardust) and GGT enjoyed watching him crawl up and down the stairs. By the time Noah sees them next, he'll be on his way to taking his first steps and possibly singing Stardust right back to them. When will we see them again???

Self feeding

Noah is learning how to feed himself... sometimes he uses his fingers to pick up crumbs, other times he uses his spoon, and when he really loves what he's eating he likes to lick the bowl clean. Wonder how he'll react to his first Baskin Robbins sundae???

Kissing cousins

Noah and Kaitlyn like to kiss, but don't worry he won't be like George Michael and she won't be the next Maybe (it's an Arrested Development reference). Isn't this just too cute???

Sneak peek

Noah's first birthday is approaching quickly and Halmoni has been helping us get ready for the big day. Here is a sneak peek of what Noah will be dressed in... a beautiful silk hanbok. The hanbok has many layers so the pink will not show (dad was worried about that). Wonder what he'll choose at the toljabee???

Moo!

My parents enjoy singing a Korean nursery song called, Songe-Ah-Gee (translated to Spotted Calf) so we thought it would be appropriate for Noah's first costume to be just that. We took him to a pumpkin patch in Santa Monica and he loved touching the pumpkins. At one point, he lifted himself up and then let go of the pumpkins, standing up, unassisted, for a few seconds! His first steps are just around the corner... doesn't time just fly???

Reading machine

Jawsh loves to read and I think that Noah is following in his father's footsteps. He really loves his Eric Carle collection (thanks Lise) and sometimes we catch him "reading" by himself. Here is a great shot of Jawsh reading a goodnight book to Noah. I wonder what type of literature Noah will prefer???

Kicks

Noah got his first pair of shoes... black Converse for babies. What a production! His little feet were measured (size 4.5) and he even received a balloon (gotta love Nordstroms). The Converse are perfect for his little feet and the soft soles make it feel more like socks. Jawsh really wanted the Vans, but for now Noah's feet will display the classic star emblem. When will Noah take his first steps???

Chusok

Chusok is a Korean "Harvest Moon" festival. This day is kind of considered like Thanksgiving in Korea. The celebration starts with a family get-together at which rice cakes made of rice, beans, sesame seeds, and chestnuts are served. Although there are many components to this special day (like visiting ancestoral graves, wearing hanboks, and dancing) we put a different spin on it and celebrated Cindi's birthday. Wonder what she wished for???

Jammies

Just had to share this shot of Noah in his dino jammies! Isn't he so cute???

Happy Rosh Hashanah

This year we were very fortunate to spend the high holidays with the Rubin clan in Reno. We had a nice time at the services where Noah slept through the blowing of the shofar! Back at home, Jawsh and I enjoyed the yummy brisket and matzo ball soup while Noah had a great time being the center of attention! When will we see everyone again???

Kaitlyn's Tol

We celebrated Kaitlyn's first birthday with family and friends. Jawsh made an incredible slideshow that reflected upon Kaitlyn's first year of life, games were played, and the food was enjoyed by all. A highlight of the evening was the Toljabee. Laid out in front of Kaitlyn was a golf club, pencil, thread, and money. It's said that the child's future is predicted according to what they grab (the first and second items are considered the most important). Kaitlyn grabbed the thread (signifying long life) and the pencil (future successful scholar). What will Noah pick when it's his turn???

Driving Ms. Kaitlyn

Halmoni bought a car for the babies to share and ride, but this is not just any car, it's Lightning McQueen from CARS! Kaitlyn loved driving with Noah so much she gave him a kiss on the head! When will Noah reciprocate???

What's wrong with this picture???

One word. Harabujee. Yes, he actually put Noah in the sink with his clothes on! What will he, my father, do next???

Summer fun

Noah and Kaitlyn love the pool! What a cute picture, huh???

29

Today I was under the weather, feeling ill and tired. No, it's not because I am now officially 29, rather, I caught a virus. The day was uneventful but I did manage to enjoy the Barefoot Contessa cake my mom made. Wonder what flavor I'll get next year???

Mozart

When Noah was in the womb, I played a classical cd in the car when I would drive to and from work. When Noah has his moments of fussiness we play the classical music cd and we have noticed that he calms down. With tears in his eyes, he cocks his head, and listens. So we were not surprised to see him take a liking to the piano. Will he be the next Mozart???

Swinging

We decided to watch the sunset in Santa Monica. Noah got to go in a swing and we walked by Shutters and witnessed a wedding from the boardwalk (now we know what it felt like to be watched during our nuptials). It was so nice to be at the beach... when will Noah go in the ocean???

The worm

Noah is in the beginning stages of crawling. At first he was doing the worm to get to here and there. It slowly shifted to a caterpillar crawl and now he is able to raise up on his arms a bit more. I'm hoping that I will be able to witness his first crawl before I have to go back to work. What are the chances that I will get to see this???

Water baby

Noah is used to swimming in kiddie pools, so imagine his reaction when he took a dip in Bubbe's pool. He had such a great time he did not want to come out. Is this the making of an Olympic swimmer???

Kaitlyn news

Kaityn will be one soon and everytime I see her she is doing something new. She started crawling weeks ago, saying appa and oma (dad and mom), and she even points to the birds in the sky. One thing that hasn't changed is her pterodactyl scream and her dog growl (yes, this petite little baby really makes these sounds). What will she do next???

2

We went back to the exact spot where we were married (7-24-05). Yes, it's been two years! We enjoyed all the good things that we had at the wedding and of course, Jawsh also had to have a Patron margarita. Last year I wrote, "When we celebrate our second year anniversary, we'll have another person joining us at dinner... anyone able to babysit???" but we decided to take Noah with us and we were glad we did. He was wonderful the whole night (he could not keep his eyes off the beach long enough to take a picture). Will he join us again next year???

D'oh

In anticipation of The Simpsons Movie, we went to Apu's Kwik E Mark (a converted 7-11). There was actually a line to get in and once we got in we had to stay in another line for a Squishy and a pink sprinkled donut. Noah was mesmerized by Ralph and Homer. I wonder which he liked best???

Not so rosey

Noah went through his first bout with illness: roseola. In usual Noah style he took it in stride. We're glad that it passed and we are hoping that we won't have another illness anytime soon. Anyone know where I can buy a bubble for Noah???

Reno Rubins

Aunt Julia and the twins were back in Cali for a short visit. It was nice to spend time with them and we wish they lived much closer. Although the Noah's Ark exhibit was a little too kiddish for Seth and Mary, we still managed to have a nice time there. When will we see them again???

A penny for Noah's thoughts

What is he thinking???

Fourth

It's amazing to think back to last July 4th... Michelle and I were at the Hollywood Bowl, pregnant, pushing eachother up the hill to get to our seats. Now we're almost back to pre-pregnancy bod, making sure Kaitlyn and Noah don't push eachother! It was such a wonderful experience to be pregnant at the same time. What are the chances of that happening again???