Tis the Season

Last week first thing Sunday morning Zeth was suddenly miserably sick with another round of teeth pushing through. Fever, runny nose, yeast infection, sleepless, the works so by Wed when he starting rubbing his ears I knew what was going on with him already. The doctor confirmed his ear infection so he's on the juice. Luckily he actually likes orange flavored Amoxicillin and despite resisting it at first is really getting the hang of sucking it down now. Tender mercies. He is recovering nicely and got one new tooth through. This guy's got tough gums. Hopefully all this work will result in really strong teeth.

As a result of my crazy sleep-deprived schedule the past few weeks compounded with Zeth's sickness I got a cold last week and it's really a drag. Waaa. On the bright side, I've got a really husky voice that just makes people laugh. Maybe I'll start carrying around a guitar and singing 'Smelly Cat' like Phoebe. I did manage to hold myself together through the worst of it and even went ice skating with my daughter & friends for her birthday last Friday then did a performance of Gayla Peevey's "I'm the Angel in the Christmas Play" at our Ward Christmas Party that night. I don't think anyone got pictures or video of me in action but that's just as well.

So Zana is now a six year old and couldn't be more thrilled. She is partial to even numbers (I personally don't have a preference but it's important to her at this stage) so that works out nicely for her. She had birthday crepes for breakfast much to her delight. Her birthday fell on the last day of school before the Christmas break and was just a half day so it was lots of fun. I picked her up at 11a and we headed out for pizza and to the Ice Palace to go skating with a bunch of her friends. This was her second time on ice skates and it was a hit. Then back to our house for cake and ice cream then to the ward party. Our ward loves to dance so after the dinner & show, we all cleaned up and just danced the night away. Lots o fun. I went home and crashed from exhaustion.

I was unsure how the visit with my parents would go because it's been so long but despite a few little age, lifestyle and environment differences between us, so far so good. I'm learning more about them and who they are. It's good to have them here. Today I'm back at work and they kept Zana home with them. I was hoping she'd somehow resist it but lil Zana finally caught the cold too and is coughing just like me now. Hope they're having some good bonding time.

Scared of Santa

Zeth is terrified of Santa Claus. I don't remember ever doing a Santa photo as a family before so I figured it was about time we tried something new for the kids. Sitting down next to the jolly ol' guy was no easy feat as Zeth twisted and squirmed to get as far away from the big red & white furball as he could. I love the constipated look on Santa's face as he sat merrily twiddling his thumbs. Now I remember why we never wasted $$ on this sort of thing before. Too funny.

Today is one of my very very best friend's 40th birthday. I just want to give a shout out to one of my favorite people and wish her a very happy birthday. All 40 of those things I wrote on your gift were true. Yes, even #23.

Last week we had another major storm dump on our island only this time there was a lot more rain compounded with debris washed down from the mountains blocking a couple of key sewage drains. Our little community had some of the worst flooding in recorded history. There were numerous homes with 2-4 feet of water inside. Luckily our home is high enough and were spared from any flooding or damage. We're counting our blessings and praying for all our friends who lost just about everything.

Last night we were doing sit ups as a family and Zeth decided to join us. He laid on the ground, put his hands on top of his head and began doing butt lifts next to his sister. It was just too cute. Then he demonstrated a new trick which just came out of nowhere but his own natural athletic instincts. He began throwing the soccer ball up and bouncing it off the top of his head. Just one bounce for now but we were stunned that he would even think to do that with such a big object at this point.

A happy shot from last week at Zana's year-end gymnastics recital. I've almost conceded that I'm not going to get around to sending out Christmas cards this year. We've had house guests for the past week who will leave tonight after we host our FHE gang dinner and program in our home. My parents arrive tomorrow night and I'm just not sure what I'll end up being able to accomplish in the next week so if you don't hear from me via the USPS, please don't think I've forgotten about you. Much love! xoxox

Didjya Miss Me?

It's been a busy month and so much happening and yet for some reason I haven't felt much like writing so here's a recap of the past month starting with today. Zeth is 15 months old today. Six teeth, 22 lbs, has lots to talk about in his own incoherent dialect but mostly likes discussions involving balls. He is working on his elocution skills. Last night he was especially gassy (too much curry?) and had a rough night. This morning when he got up he let a big one rip then looked up at me and said "Ba-boom". I laughed so hard and said "You got that right." Zana had her final gymnastics recital of the year this afternoon. She's learning skills and enjoying herself but isn't a gifted gymnast prodigy by any stretch of the imagination. She is loving all the performance opportunities her Tahitian dance group is getting this month. All told last month and this, she has something like 7 Tahitian dance performances. Last week she marched and danced in a pretty big parade with her hip-hop dance group. I was skeptical that she'd go the entire 2-miles without begging to be carried but she was energized and rockin the whole time. I'll remember that the next time she tries to 'play' me and begs to be carried. She is looking forward to turning 6 next week and going ice skating with her friends. She is also very excited that my parents are coming to visit next week to spend her birthday and Christmas with us.

I had a pre-cancerous spot removed from my back last week Thursday and while laying on the table asked my Dr about the callous on the bottom of my foot that I've been sanding off for the past couple years now. He told me it was actually a wart and asked if I'd like to take care of it now too. I said 'Sure' not thinking about the implications. I had a planters wart frozen off as a kid but forgot how painful not just the process of freezing it was but the residual effect for the next week. I was going to dance in the parade with Zana but there was just no way I could have done the distance. Hurts like crazy. But this morning, 5 days later, as I was walking into the office I suddenly realized I wasn't limping anymore even though it's still a little sore. Lesson learned. What fun.

Last month I participated in my first triathlon. It was a team-tri so I only did the 1-mile swim which despite the crazy stormy weather system dumping on us, was fun. It was organized by a college student who wanted to do a triathlon but couldn't find one not on Sunday, so he planned his own. The weather really was crazy that week and a lot of the athletes assumed it would be cancelled on account of the conditions so it was a small group of die-hards. I was just glad not to finish the swim in last place. There are plans to do it again next semester and I'm actually considering trying to do the entire thing on my own so I can add Triathlete to my official list of accomplishments. The 10k run will kill me for sure, the 24 mile bike ride is still an unknown factor.
We celebrated Thanksgiving this year with the church singles ward my DH is serving in currently. Actually this was our 3rd year feasting and giving thanks with the 100+ single students and was the most fun by far. The difference? My attitude and contribution had a lot to do with it. I finally convinced myself that I should be thinking less about what I'd like to be doing on Thanksgiving and focusing more on others. Made spending what is a very traditional holiday in an unconventional setting much more fun. The kids and their toys helped liven up the party too.

We just took some new family photos last week with a budding young amateur photographer friend. Now I need to get around to turning the results into Christmas greetings and get them mailed out. I'm feeling pretty unmotivated to rush to the PO still. So sneak peeks are scattered throughout this post in case my Christmas greetings turn into Valentine's cards. :)

I love the fatherly love these depict.
Love that we live in a tropical paradise and this sort of December photo shoot is even possible.

Oh Those Eyes

Oh that face. Zeth is now 14-months old, incredibly charming, has 5 teeth, a pitchers arm and can almost bend it like Beckham on the soccer field.

In addition to chucking balls and any other small item he can grip, he's throwing tantrums already when he doesn't get what his mind is set on - like going up & down stairs or eating crayons. Not a picky eater, he loves everything but especially chomping on baby carrots, apples & grapes. Even after finishing a meal, if someone else is eating something, he wants some. He's saying a few new words including: that, this, thank you, poop, doggie, daddy and my favorite, mama.


We gave Zeth his first hair cut last weekend. His head was just getting too nappy and we figured it was time. My DH held him while I gave him a #2 buzz. He never flinched or fussed. Thank goodness. I've been cutting my families hair for the past 15 years but I've never trimmed a little boy before. I'm sure he'll resist more down the road but the first cut went well.
Before - notice the nappy point on the back of his head and the beginnings of a mullet
After - what a difference a shave makes.
Zana is doing great in school. She got the Super Student of the month award for her class in September and received all high marks for her first quarter report card. She finished out her first AYSO Soccer season last weekend. She scored 1 goal this season so she's not the top player on the team but she got a taste of what soccer is about. She said she had fun & wants to play again next year.





She is also prepping for upcoming performances with her Tahitian and Hip Hop dance groups. Looks like I'm going to be walking and dancing with her hip hop group in a Christmas parade in 3-weeks. I figure if I'm going to expect her to walk the 2-mile parade route I should be willing to do it too since her teacher wants parents to join in and help out on the route. We had our first practice tonight with the parents and it was fun.

I can't believe it's just 6-weeks til Christmas already. I can't believe the year of the Rat is three-quarters over. It hasn't been a bad lunar-year overall, well, financially it's been a bit rough and we have had problems with rats trying to take over our laundry room which never happened before (coincidence?), but not at all what I was anticipating. I need so many more amazing things to happen before my golden year is over. I gotta get busy in the next 3 months to make sure I maximize my Chinese horoscope & collect on all the good luck I'm banking on. Top of the list would be to finalize Zeth's adoption, God willing.

It's just 9-days til my first team triathlon. I swam the course a week ago and am comfortable with it. It's just about 1-mile long in a normally calm bay. We have a high surf advisory up currently so you know I'm praying we don't get another early winter swell next weekend and the bay stays flat for the event.

Halloween Hoopla-Go-Go-Kronos

It's my favorite day of the year. Halloween brings out the creative genius in so many people I just love it. This year for Halloween I dressed as Kronos from Greek mythology. Kronos is the timekeeping system I'm responsible for maintaining at my company so I've been labeled the "Kronos Queen" for years. I decided it was time to cash in on my title and make it real.

After a bit of research on the name I'm not so sure I like the title afterall. Chronos (actual spelling) was Zeus's father (so technically I'm breaking office policy about no cross-dressing but oh well). Well when Chronos was given a prophecy that one of his children would someday kill him, he ate all his children. Nice. Except his wife ran away and hid herself and their last child Zeus who she raised alone. Eventually Zeus came back and beheaded his father and all his siblings came walking out of Chronos's neck and he was banished to a pit somewhere. Pretty crazy story but there it is. And here I am with my All-Purpose-Fairy friend.

Modeling the new along with the ancient model of Kronos timeclocks
With some office buddies
And just my upcoming team-triathlon teammates

Zana is a "Go Go Girl" from the 60's, Zeth is a rookie basketball player and Ram is his coach (which is just my creative way of saying he's once again, himself). Zeth was pretty tripped out by the change of scenery at our church 'Trunk-Or-Treat' last night. We tried to get him to wear the afro but he just wouldn't do it. So Daddy was a hero and wore the wig for him. Good coach.

Here are some of my other favorite shots from last night.




Zana only walked around trick-or-treating for about 10-minutes before coming back and asking if she could hand out candy with me. She even gave away all but about 10-pieces of her own candy. She sorted her loot and chucked everything back into out give-out bowl except for a few lollipops and Skittles. It's just crazy how she doesn't like chocolate still. But I'm not going to push it, I'm just relieved we won't have a huge pile of sugar this year like last if all goes as planned tonight. Speaking of which, it's time to go trick or treating now... again.

After Bath Aftermath

I just love the joy that bath time brings. What mother could deny their kids the thrill of throwing ping pong balls at each other and dousing their sibling with cups of sudsy water. They love their time in the water and I can't say I blame them. Here's their happy squeaky clean faces after one recent bath time.

I'm all energized today because a few days ago I was invited to join in on a local half-Iron Man (triathlon) next month. Turns out it's a team triathlon so each person on the team does only one of the events. I have 'Participate in a Triathlon' on my personal 'Bucket List' and after reading more about this event I knew this was the best starter tri I'll ever find. So I found 3 able athletic friends (all teams are required to supply one volunteer to help staff the event) and we formed a team. I'll be doing the swim portion which entails 3 laps around a buoy in a bay. I'm just a little nervous because I've swum around this particular buoy once and it was no cake walk. I'm not sure what the actual total swim distance is yet but I know it's gonna take a lot out of me. I can't wait.

I've been a swimmer since the age of 12 when I joined my first swim team, the Anderson Aqua Gators, in northern Cali, and have stuck with the sport throughout my life. I'm fortunate to work on a college campus which gives me free access to a pool which is an employee benefit I can't put a price tag on. I have been swimming laps during lunch time 3-days a week pretty regularly the past several months so I have a good base to build on. Today I set my baseline and swam one mile in 35 minutes.

In reviewing my daughters homework assignment recently, I got hung up on one word she misspelled and couldn't figure it out until I read the whole sentence. This explains why she usually mispronounces "problem" and it comes out more like she spelled it. I love how she says it and don't want to correct her on this one just yet.

Dubble Bobble

Caught a glimpse of Zeth's 2 newest dental arrivals. Looks like just in time for Halloween, he'll have 2 full & 2 half teeth to grin at fellow trick-or-treaters with. I have given up looking for a Tigger costume for him. I searched the stores here for weeks and went online but found nothing I liked. I could go with the basic Jack-o-lantern but that's too obvious. I think I'll stick with the ball theme from his 1st birthday and just go simple this year ala NBA or something.

He's dealing with the teeting pain really well. He's his normal jovial self busily climbing up everything he can get a toe on. However, as the night grows long, "take 2 bottles and call me in the morning - around 3a.m." seems to be the prescription working best for him.

Lucky 13

Keeping with the tradition for a little while longer, Zeth is 13 months old today and it's time for a little update on his progress and activities. Up to this point the word Mama has only come out of his mouth on rare occasions of extreme need. I'm usually referred to as Dada, Baba or my personal favorite, Yaya. But this week, he's been catching on and using Mama a lot more much to my delight. He's a smart little jokester though, he knows how cool I think it is so he plays with me and refuses to say it but instead gives me a dramatic head turn away tease or responds by calling me Dada again. I think he knows he's being funny cause he gives me that little giggle that just says, 'Haha, I'm playing with you!"

While walking, climbing, throwing and dancing have come fairly naturally to him, growing teeth has been his biggest challenge. He finally got his 3rd tooth a week ago and #4 will be coming soon, I hope. This week I also noticed he's starting to try to sing along with music. Like during General Conference last weekend, every time the Mo Tab started singing, they had his full attention and he would try to sing along. So cute. He loves playing the piano too.

I learned something new about yeast infections a couple weeks ago. I thought the week following his 1-year immunizations Zeth was having a reaction to the shots or maybe he was just teething really hard or a combination of the two because his mouth was swollen and unusually red inside. After a few days I noticed what looked like blisters and he was obviously very uncomfortable. At the same time he had diaper rash which is pretty uncommon for him. So off to the doctor we went. Turns out he had yeast infections in his diaper and in his mouth! I had never heard of an oral yeast infection. So we went through 10-days of medicine 4-times daily which he hated but he has improved a lot. His mouth is still a little pink but it's looking better and he's not fussing anymore. Thank goodness. The things you learn as a parent.

Yes on Prop 8

I don't live in CA but I feel it is every American's responsibility to get involved, stay informed and spread the word about what Prop 8 on the ballot next month in CA means for all of us. “The door’s wide open now. It’s gonna happen, whether you like it or not!” unless we all do something about it.

If this proposition fails to pass, a huge house of cards will crumble and all sorts of freedoms we have today will be attacked. In my belief, marriage is not just about 2 people in love, it's a sacred institution meant for one man and one woman to be united in a relationship with God at the head. Homosexual couples are within their rights to chose their partners but it is not their right as a minority group to redefine the institution of marriage for everyone to fit their lifestyle. This proposition is not about punishing same sex couples or taking away their civil liberties, it is, among other things, about protecting every American's freedom of religion, of speech, of moral standards taught in public schools, and certain service agencies ability to continue to pursue their objectives and not be sued for discrimination.

When the same issue was pounding on my state's door some 10-years ago, I stood in support of the fight for traditional marriage and am happy to say that it worked in my state. So the gay and lesbian agenda organizers packed up and went looking for another cracked door to open in a different state. This time it's California's turn to take a stand on a political issue so important to all that I believe in. While I can't vote for the measure in CA, I hope you will if you are a resident.

Even if/when Prop 8 passes in CA, I know the issue will just keep moving on looking to pass in another state, but we as individuals and as a nation cannot just stand ignorantly by and do nothing. Please spread the word and get involved.

Birthdays

I'll be the first to admit that I'm terrible about doing/sending things for other people's birthdays. (just one more reason I have no excuse to feel let down by my own) It's not that I forget, in fact, I usually remember and have all sorts of great intentions to send something or call to let people far away from me know that they are still near to my heart and I hope they are happy. I usually remember all day and think about ways I should reach out and just let them know I care. But more times than not, especially if the person is not in the same town as I am, I just let it slip by without a word. Terrible, I know.

It is one of my good intentions I wish I was better about acting on and plan to improve on...someday. I know I'm not alone in this. Everyone is uber busy these days but It's been on my mind a lot lately. Maybe it's just that September has the highest volume of birthdays in my circle of friends. Something about those cold Christmas holidays or New Year's Resolutions had something to do with that I'm sure. hohoho hubba hubba

So here's a belated happy birthday wish to each of you who I failed to send a shout out to recently (or in one nephew's case 2-days from now). Hope you have a great un-birthday today! Please know that I'm thinking of you and sending you warm tropical happy thoughts and that you may be out of sight but definitely not out of mind. :)

Peeled Grapes

This morning I watched Zeth as he was eating grapes and just got the biggest kick out of it. First bite always gets a sour face from the sweet juicy zing. Then he sets about sucking out the stem end just a bit to loosen it up, then starts peeling the grape with his 2 teeth (yes, he still only has the bottom 2 but the upper 2 will be appearing shortly). He peels the grape until it's completely flat then nibbles out the fruit then finally chews up the peel. The whole event takes him about 3-5 minutes. Pretty meticulous for a 12-month-old.

Sign Seeker

I love finding the bizarre, unnecessary or otherwise just odd sign in random places. There's one on a highway near me that says "Stay In Lane". It's so random and I don't believe it's near a no-passing or double yellow situation at all. It just makes me laugh.

This afternoon at my gym I found one taped to the front desk that is sure to illicit a grin.
Guess some of the girls I work out with don't know how to deal with their jealousy over my rock hard abs very well.