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???