Election 08

When Micah was born we were in the hospital room watching the news of the 7 billion dollar bailout. Now only six weeks later we were in our living room watching history being made again. This time on a more positive note... Barack Obama won the electoral and popular vote to become our 44th President. Finally a step in the right direction. Wonder what will happen next???

Keep ya head up

Micah is starting to lift up his head on his own... wonder what milestone he'll hit next???

Gordon-o-Lantern

In honor of Noah's fondness for Gordon the Big Express Train, a character in the Thomas the Tank Engine series, Jawsh carved the pumpkin in his likeness. Noah really enjoyed helping de-seed the pumpkin and blowing out the candle inside. What will Jawsh carve next year???

Trick or Treat

We took Noah to the mall to go trick or treating. The first stop was See's Candy where they were passing out their milk chocolate gold coins. Unfortunately, Noah did not understand the whole concept of trick or treating just yet. He was intent on holding one piece of candy (the lollipop) and did not care to collect anymore. What will it be like next year???

Watch me ride

Here is Dada and Noah at the park on Noah's new tricycle. He is slowly learning how to pedal but at this point he just keeps his feet steady on the pedals. We really like this Radio Flyer model because Jawsh can help Noah steer. When will he ride solo???

Aunt Michelle

Here is a picture of Aunt Michelle and Micah. Don't you like the way Micah is posing in his sleep???

"Open eyes Micah"

"Open eyes Micah" is something that Noah likes to say a lot. Here is a shot of the two brothers smiling at each other with their eyes open! Isn't this precious???

GG2

Grandpa Art and Grandma Tina drove all the way from Reno to meet their new great grandson. They have nicknames for all their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Noah is GG1 (great grandson 1) and Micah is now referred to as GG2. Micah had a great time being held all afternoon by Great Grandpa Art... when will we see them again???

Perfect Pumpkins

Today we went to Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch with the family. Micah is now three weeks old so we thought it was time he ventured out in the world... although he was wrapped up in the stroller for most of the time. We had a great time picking out pumpkins and watching Noah and Kaitlyn play in the huge pumpkin jumper. What will we dress the boys up in next year???

Cousin Kaitlyn

When the family came by the hospital to meet Micah, Kaitlyn was asleep in her stroller. When she finally met Micah at my parents' home she was a little shy, but in true Kaitlyn fashion she warmed up quickly. She likes to say "shhhh baby" and she also likes to touch his feet. Here she is helping me burp Micah (and the good thing is that Noah wants to help out more when he sees Kaitlyn interacting with Micah). I wonder how Micah will react to Kaitlyn???

Kaitlyn's Gym

This week Noah got to visit Kaitlyn's place of play called My Gym. Jawsh really enjoyed it there because it was a change of pace from Gymboree. Noah enjoyed the ball pit, hanging from the bars, and playing with Kaitlyn. When will he go back???

Happy Birthday Bubbe

Today we spent the day with Bubbe to help celebrate her birthday. Noah had a great time with her at the park and we all enjoyed lunch and Sprinkles cupcakes. Wonder what Bubbe wished for???

Dimples

Per Kelly's request... here is a picture of Micah with his eyes open. And as you can see, he has dimples... isn't he adorable???

Aunt Kelly aka E-mo

Kelly was in town for about a week. We're so glad that Noah got to spend some time with her while she was here. Not only did she buy him a butterfly shirt (which he loves) she also spoiled him with Pinkberry and See's candy while they were at Century City together. Here they are at our place playing with his toys (and you can see his new haircut). When will Noah get to visit her in DC???

Third times a charm

My mom and sister came over today to drop off some food and to spend time with Noah. Originally they had planned to go to Gymboree but I made a special request for them to take him to the Yellow Balloon for a much needed haircut. In the past, Noah screamed and cried but this time around I heard he was as cool as a cucumber. Who knows if it was because he has been there before with the same stylist, or maybe it was because my mom was holding him. But upon further examination, it looks like he had a cookie in his hand so maybe that is the reason he didn't freak out. Either way I'm glad he didn't cry. Will he be cool with getting his haircut from now on???

Phototherapy (again)

Micah has a slight case of jaundice so we are back to using the phototherapy blankets. We have been taking him back and forth to the doctor's office to check his progress and this time around it's not as stressful because we went through this with Noah. Will all second time experiences be less stressful since we've been through it before???

Brothers

Today went a little better. Noah came by the hospital with Halmoni and Bubbe and he was calmer than the day before. We were also better prepared. Jawsh went to the hospital gift shop and bought some gifts to give Noah from Baby Micah... a balloon and a wooden train. This helped a lot! Here they are... the Smith brothers. I wonder if they will have a great relationship like Jawsh and Zach???

First family picture

Noah came by the hospital today to meet his new baby brother. We were concerned about how Noah would react... he came in and immediately wanted to leave. We think he was a bit overwhelmed with everyone in the room and of course trying to figure out who this baby was. Jawsh made him a shirt that said, "I'm a big brother now" but Noah doesn't get that just yet. Here is the first family photo of us. Although Noah is not at his happiest, I think this is the perfect picture of my new family. Wouldn't you agree???

Micah Min Smith

Micah arrived today, September 27, 2008 at 8:16 AM. He is 6lbs. 14 oz., 19.5 inches, and absolutely wonderful. We went into the hospital the night before around 11:00 PM and I thought they would send us home because I was not dilated enough, but by morning I was ready to have the baby! My wonderful support team, Jawsh, and my doula, Michelle, helped me deliver Baby Micah. The birth went very well... all natural with no epidural! This was such an amazing experience! How will Noah react to his little brother???

Make a wish Kaitlyn

I know this video post is a little late... but hey we've been busy =) This post is especially for Kelly. We didn't want you to miss your niece blowing out her 2nd birthday candle. Isn't it great that she can do this by herself???

35 weeks

I am now 35 weeks pregnant. Here is a shot of me and my two boys... don't you like the way Noah and I match???

Uncle Z

Zach came by tonight for dinner and spent some time with Noah. Here they are watching a show. I love this image of them... isn't is great how Noah is copying him???

Kaitlyn's 2nd Birthday

Today we celebrated Kaitlyn's 2nd birthday. The theme was Thomas the Train and the whole house was filled with balloons and streamers (Billy even rented a Thomas the Train jumper). There were lots of kids and even more adults... it was a day full of fun. Noah's 2nd birthday is approaching... wonder what we'll do for him???

Chuck E Crazy...

We took Noah and Kaitlyn to Chuck E Cheese's today. I would love to say that they had a great time there but that would be stretching the truth. I think they were both overwhelmed by the lights, the rides, the kids, the noises... basically everything! We did manage to find a few things they liked to do, but this was a clear sign that we are holding off on amusement parks until Noah gets older. When will that be???

BaRACK the vote

At 22 months, Noah knows who the next president should be! Will our country agree???

Butterflies

We took Noah back to the Natural History Museum to say farewell to the Butterfly Pavilion which ends in a few days. Noah had a great time and his fascination and love for these flying bugs continues to grow. Will he want to be a butterfly for Halloween???

Pediped's photo shoot

Noah had a photo shoot for Pediped footwear in Santa Monica. He modeled two shoe styles that are coming out in Spring 2009. Here he is with another model showing off the shoes that will be featured either in the catalog or online store. I wonder if he'll make it in the national campaign???

30

Here is the official 30th birthday photo. My mom made some good Korean BBQ and a yummy chocolate cake! Noah and Kaitlyn took turns blowing out the candle, but I still made a wish. Wonder if it will come true???

GGA and GGT

Great Grandpa Art and Great Grandma Tina are in So Cal visiting for the weekend. We met up at Shoreline Village in Long Beach where we enjoyed a nice leisurely stroll and yummy treats like yogurt, ice cream, and caramel apples. It's always so nice to see Noah with his great grandparents. Tomorrow we head to the beach with them... wonder if they will go in the water with him???

Surprise!

Jawsh threw a nice surprise party for me (with the help of Cathy, Cindi, and Zach) for my 30th birthday. Jawsh arranged for Cathy to watch Noah while we were out having a nice lunch at Spago's (little did I know that they were setting up while we were gone). Jawsh really pulled out all the stops... he even made Noah a shirt to wear for my party. It was great to see a lot of my friends there to help usher me into my 30's. What will this 30th year bring???

Forward facing... finally

We recently moved Noah's car seat so it is forward facing. We know that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a child be 20 pounds and one year of age before switching them to a forward facing car seat and that he qualified a long time ago, but we were happy to play it safe. I will say this, Noah really does enjoy his new view in the car and feeling like a big boy. When will we install Baby #2's seat???

It's a miracle!

My parents are the hardest working people I know... and it's a miracle that they took a day off of work to go to the beach! Of course, they loved every moment with Kaitlyn and Noah. They enjoyed taking them in the water and watching them play together in the sand. Kaitlyn was on her best behavior... she didn't throw sand at Noah this time. When will go back again???

Hello Sophie!

My cousin, Robert, and his wife, Mina, welcomed baby Sophie today! According to the news, "she arrived at 10:01 am, weighing 6 pounds 2 ounces and 19 inches long. Sophie and Mina are doing well and Robert is surprised how much she looks like him!" We are so happy for them. Robert is a proud papa... he is constantly sending new photos everyday (this is one of my favorite pictures). When will Noah get to meet Sophie???

Let's go fly a kite

This was our last day at the beach with the Reno Rubins. Aunt Julia brought a kite and helped Noah fly it. When will see them again???

Fun with Julianna

Today we went to the Old Zoo at Griffith Park to picnic with Julianna and her folks. We had a nice spread of food, plenty of space for the kids to run around, and enjoyed the cool evening breeze. When will we see them again???

Carousel

The twins are visiting from Reno for a few days and we have been beach crazy. When we weren't as Seal Beach we were in Santa Monica and Noah got to take his first ride on a carousel with them. He was a bit pensive but when the ride stopped he did not want to get off. What ride will he conquer next???

Noah loves the water

Noah finally got in the water at the beach and boy did he enjoy it! Can't you tell by the look on his face???

Now I know my ABCs (almost)

Noah has been practicing his ABCs for a while now and he is slowly incorporating more letters each time he tries. When he first started he missed about half the alphabet but now he almost has it all with the exception of the "L and N." When will he say the whole thing???

3

We went back to the exact spot where we were married (7-24-05). Yes, it's been three years! Sadly, the food has changed and we had to order different entrees from our original menu . Last year I asked, "Will he (Noah) join us again next year???" but we left him at home with Auntie Cathy. Next year, we may decide to go to Shutters for brunch instead of dinner with both of our sons... will that happen???

Playdate with Nathan

We finally made it out to Playa Vista for a playdate with Nathan. We met him at Gymboree months ago and found that the boys are the same age (both born in November) and get along very well. Noah had a blast going down various slides and copying little Nate. When will we head back???

28 weeks

I am now 28 weeks pregnant! Time is flying fast. Here is a shot of us at the doctor's office (Noah loves going with me and playing with the water cooler). How will he react to his little bro???

Happy Birthday Stacey!

Today we celebrated Stacey's birthday! My mom made an orange creme cake which was absolutely delicious. Noah and Kaitlyn were mesmerized by the candle... wonder what she wished for???

Bubblemania

We love the Zimmer Musuem! Every Wednesday they have a special program for the tots and this week's focus was on bubbles! It was really interesting to see all the different ways bubbles could be made. All the children got an opportunity to go inside a bubble at the end of the show. Wonder what Noah was thinking???

The next Tiger

Noah really enjoys playing in my parents' backyard when he visits them. He usually plays with the sprinklers, waters the vines, and picks fruit. Lately Noah's been practicing his golf game. As you can see, my dad was pretty impressed with his skill. Tiger Woods was two years old when he made his television debut on the Mike Douglas show swinging his clubs... when will Noah make his debut on Letterman???

Beach time

Noah went to the beach for the first time with his sidekick, Kaitlyn. They had a fun time building sandcastles. Let me retract that, Noah had a fun time building and Kaitlyn had a fun time knocking them down. But in reality, I think the two biggest kids, Jawsh and Bill, had the most fun. Everytime I checked on them they were digging tunnels, making holes, and carrying buckets of water back and forth, while Noah and Kaitlyn sat and splashed in the sandcastle. It was great fun. Noah liked to be by the water, but was not ready to go in yet. When will he want to go in???

Happy 4th!

This Independence Day was spent with family and friends. My mom made kalbi and Bill grilled hamburgers and hotdogs... needless to say a great BBQ. Dan provided the fireworks and everyone had a fun time exploding them in the backyard. I did not allow Noah to go outside while they were playing with the fireworks, but he was able to play Guitar Hero! Will he get to go outside next year???

Haircut #2

We took Noah back to The Yellow Balloon for his second haircut. This time around he did not cry as much but he was definitely not happy. As his hair was being cut he kept saying, "all done." He must of said that at least twenty times. Jawsh was pretty pleased with the cut... what do you think???

Special visit

Kaitlyn made it out to the westside to visit Noah. We went to Gymboree's freeplay time and boy did those two have fun. Kaitlyn really enjoyed crawling and jumping over things and Noah liked following her (for a bit). Here they are mesmerized by the bubbles. When will she visit again???

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???