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???