Finding Dory

Today we ventured to the Long Beach Aquarium with Bubbe. A lot has changed since I visited in 1999... they now have touch tanks, lorikeets, and a water area for the kids to play in. Jawsh was unimpressed by the aquarium (Sea World ruined him) but Noah liked walking up the ramps to the tanks with Bubbe and looking at the lorikeets. What will they have to add to impress Jawsh... Shamu???

Not so raging waters

Uncle Bill bought a small Elmo sprinkler for Kaitlyn and Noah to play in and to cool off. Kaitlyn has no problem running through and jumping on Elmo but Noah likes to take it easy. When will he run through on his own???

In N Out

In N Out is one of our favorite places to eat hamburgers. Jawsh always orders a double double, whole grilled onion, extra pickles, mustard, and ketchup (no special sauce) and I usually order a cheeseburger, no onion, and extra pickles. Noah had his own burger, but only ate half. He was more interested in taking the hamburger apart. What will he order when he gets older???

Zimmer Museum

Today we went to the Zimmer Museum which is an interactive space for learning, play, imagination, and exploration. Noah had a great time splashing at the water table and playing at all the different exhibit rooms. There is also a public library, although not that large, adjacent to the museum. When will we head back???

Summer solstice

It's always great to see Jay and DeLee. DeLee is also pregnant and expecting a little boy this November. We met up in Venice and had a nice dinner catching up. I wonder if their baby's birthday will be the same as Noah's birth date (November 25th)???

The Butterfly Pavilion

Today my school had a field trip to the Natural History Museum. After my students were dismissed, Jawsh and Noah came by and we went to the Butterfly Pavilion where Noah got to see plenty of butterflies flittering by. He really enjoyed pointing and staring at nature's pretty little creatures. Now the question is... should we go to the Spider Pavilion when that opens???

Happy Father's Day

We celebrated Father's Day with surf and turf on the grill. It was great to spend a leisurely day with family. Jawsh and I even managed to play a game of Scrabble. Can you tell by the picture who won???

Happy Birthday Sookmo!

This weekend we celebrated Michelle's birthday. We had some good Thai food and a yummy chocolate coffee cake afterwards (made with love by Barefoot Min). Wonder what she wished for???

What happened to 7?

The other day Noah started to count to ten! It was amazing. He first started with "one" and I echoed him and he continued on to ten. The first couple of times he tried to say seven but now he just omits it and goes straight from six to eight. My theory is that seven being a two syllable word is difficult for him to pronounce. But we still think it's pretty neat that he's counting. When will Noah say seven???

S + D

We ventured to Santa Barbara for Spencer and Delmy's wedding. When they were at our wedding almost three years ago, we knew that these two love birds would tie the knot eventually. The ceremony was at the Santa Barbara courthouse (really beautiful) and the reception was held at the Canary Hotel on the rooftop where we had a 360 degree view of the city. It was absolutely stunning. Wonder which one of our friends will get married next???

Happy Birthday Grandma Tina

Grandpa Art and Grandma Tina came to visit us in So Cal for Tina's 81st birthday. We were so excited to see them today. When will we get to see them again???

Typography rocks

Well if you're married to a graphic artist then you would say the same thing! Jawsh had a few pieces showing in Hollywood at the Rodin vs. Griffith store. When will be his next show???

Baby boy #2

We are so happy to announce that we are expecting a little baby boy this October. We are really excited that Noah will have a best friend to share his life with. I always thought that I would want a girl but after having Noah I think boys are excellent. Poor Jawsh wanted a little princess, but we'll just have to spend more time with Kaitlyn. Wonder what we'll name him???

Money, money, money

Kaitlyn and Noah both have little piggy banks and we saw Kaitlyn do this when she received money... so naturally Noah picked it up as well. This piggy bank was painted by cousins Mary, Seth, and Rebecca, which is why we love it so much. How much money does he have in there???

LA Zoo

We took our first trip to the LA Zoo and now that we are members we definitely plan to go again. The weather was overcast so it was a perfect day to walk around and see the animals in action. The lions were playing, the orangutans were climbing, and all the marine life was splashing around. Jawsh and I really enjoyed the lions because they were actually moving around and we think Noah really enjoyed the sea lions because he tried to climb the fence to go in the water with them. What will we see next time we go???

Mom's Day

Here is my Mom's day card already posted on the fridge. Do you think Noah got some help from his dad???

Step It Up and Dance

There should be a Bravo show dedicated to Noah and all his dance moves. Here he is jamming to good old jazz. I wonder how he will react to Mariah Carey???

Auntie Lise

We had a nice time celebrating Auntie Lise's birthday at Paco's Tacos. As you can see, Noah loves her very much. Will all her birthday wishes come true???

31 Flavors

We went to Baskin Robbins for a small treat and as you can see Noah really enjoyed the chocolate. What will be his favorite flavor???

Big Brother Noah

This is the official announcement that we are expecting Baby #2 in the fall. Although many of you have known about this I felt it's finally time to set it in stone in the blog. We are really excited and now that I am past my first trimester the nausea and the dry heaving has just about ceased so I am feeling a lot better. Now the big question... will the blog name change to Jawsh and Kim plus two???

Baby Evie

We finally got to meet the newest addition to the Venti Family... Genevie Lily! She is absolutely adorable! She has the biggest blue eyes and the fairest skin. It was great to catch up with the proud parents. When will we make the next play date for Noah???

Speed Racer

Kaitlyn brought over her red wagon Radio Flyer so Noah could take a ride (fully loaded with cup holders, canopy, reclined seating, and easy steering). They had a great time going around my old block and they even managed to share a kiss. When will we get one for Noah to bring to LA???

Passover

We had a lovely Passover at Bubbe's house... Jawsh led the Seder while Noah posed liked Zoolander. This year Uncle Zach got to look for the Afikomen, I wonder if Noah will get the chance next year???

Photo shoot (update)

Last December Noah was in a photo shoot. The pictures are finally up on the website and you can go to www.innovative-baby.com and sign up for a catalog to get the print. When will his next shoot be???

Hi Uncle Marty

Uncle Marty was in town for the day and got to spend some time with us. It was so nice to catch up with him over some yummy Chinese food! When will we take our next trip up to Davis to see the whole family???

Oma

The sweetest sound is Noah saying oma (Korean word for mom). We were at home in the living room, he looked up at me, and said, "oma." It is the BEST sound. He's saying a bunch of new words now like apple, this, pizza, pasta, and dada. And he knows that a dog says "ruff ruff" and a sheep says "baa." What will be his next word???

Chop chop

This is a difficult blog for me to write because I still can't believe that we allowed someone to cut Noah's hair! We finally took him to the Yellow Balloon, a children's salon in Santa Monica, and Noah sat in my lap as his hair was being cut. Noah was not pleased at all... he cried and screamed. After the haircut, they gave him a yellow balloon, a certificate, and a cookie. When will his next appointment be???

Yum... watermelon

We have been teaching Noah sign language, which has been great because he communicates well. However, we are anxiously waiting for him to talk! Many people have told us since he is exposed to several languages (Korean, English, and Sign) that he will take his time to communicate verbally. Lately, he has been exploring with sounds and at Bubbe's house he was very motivated to say, "yum...watermelon" (the watermelon was laced with a pinch of sugar). Will we have to sweeten things up for him to speak???

Great day

It's so nice that we live so close to Santa Monica Beach. After I returned home from work we went and had dinner with Uncle Zach and walked along the boardwalk. Noah had a great time walking in the sand and pushing his own stroller. I think he's ready to ditch the stroller, but we still love using it. When will we go back???

Baby Bach

Noah loves to play the piano. Instead of banging the piano with both hands, Noah likes to play individual keys. Will Noah be the next Bach???

Wolfy

Jawsh painted a wolfman for the release of the new manga, Motor City. His work was on display at Melt Down Comics in Hollywood and you can also purchase his pocket sketchbook there. That's right... it's being sold at the comic book store! Anybody interested???

Happy 26

Happy Birthday Uncle Zach!!! Wonder what you wished for???

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???