sundays are son-days

As an educator, I spend most of the weekdays teaching and caring for other peoples' kids. I don't mind (I chose the job, right?), but now that I'm a dad, I find a lot of my thoughts are still with my son even during the workday. Is he asleep or awake? What's he eating? Is he being fussy or happy? How's his acid reflux?

It's only on days like Sunday, when the volume of my thoughts actually converge with the time I get to spend with him. In typical Asian dad fashion, I spend more time "doing things" than actually talking... holding him, bouncing him, changing him, bathing him, and yeah, even feeding him. It's still all new to me, so I enjoy it... honestly, I hope it never bores me. Any time I love all the time I get to spend with him.

Even looking at his face, I can already see him growing, getting a little bit bigger each day. His two month birthday is coming up!

 

Gideon's first movie

Good afternoon to you! Gideon and I went out today to watch a fantastic movie in the theater. My friend suggested that we go to the Mom's movie at the Lincoln Square cinema. I was hesitant at first but I thought it would be a nice change in pace. We went to see "Easy A." I know you must be thinking what an amazing movie to take Gideon to but hey it was actually not that bad for a teen flick. Emma Stone is so adorably cute. I met a few moms from the First weeks group. It was nice to see some familiar faces.

Gideon did pretty well considering that I didn't give him his usual medication in the morning for his acid reflux. He is on new medication to help him become less unhappy. Hopefully it will work. (crossing our fingers) Gideon slept through most of the movie. Gar would be proud since he would say that it wouldn't be a movie that would be worth watching. Gideon woke up for a snack and fell back asleep but woke up suddenly due to the reflux. He was crying for the last 20 minutes of the movie. I went to the exit ramp and watched from the side. Overall he did pretty well. Maybe we'll go again, only if it is a good movie.

Gideon's first smile is still on the lookout. He smiles in his sleep but I don't consider it a genuine smile. Hopefully it will come soon.

week 5 and week 6 pictures

Here's some more photos of everybody's favorite Chan...



Week 5







Week 6







Some things we notice:

• Our boy is getting bigger and heftier (about 10 pounds now)
  
• His grip is strong and he likes to try to grab things (especially necklaces, hair, and hoodie draw strings)
  
• He can definitely push and kick stronger too

mom's first group meeting

I am learning to type with one hand since gideon sleeps better on someone or carrying him. so bear with me and the typos. Garrett will be posting, week 5 and week 6 pictures of Gideon. Also an awesome Father-son picture that I am sure you will like.

My friend Adrienne invited me to "First Weeks," a place where moms and their babies from 0-12 weeks could come and discuss any baby/parenting issues. It was comforting to know that other new moms had the same frustrations or uncertainties of parenthood. Adrienne encouraged me to come and bring Gideon along since many babies come hungry, fussy or just crying. I was apprehensive since Gideon's acid reflux was just diagnosed and Garrett and I were still learning to cope with it.

Fast forward a week, Gideon and I went to our first weeks meeting. We had lunch with our friend Adrienne and she continued to shower many encouraging words. She walked me to the meeting room and said that you'll be fine. I went in and I was one of the first two moms there. I signed in and sat on a chair that was part of the open circle. Many moms started to come in and I had the opportunity to talk to a mom that sat next to me. As the class began, we introduced ourselves and our babies. Ann, the facilitator, asked me if I was here last week. I said that this was my first time. She welcomed me with a friendly smile.

An Asian lady came in late with her baby and Ann, the facilitator, asked if she was here last week. She said no and said that this was her first time. I was thinking in my head, "Hmmm.. an Asian mom must have come last week and she can't remember what she looked like." Five minutes later, another Asian mom came with her infant and Ann asked the same question: Were you here last week? The same answer of no, this is my first time ensued.

When I told this story to Garrett, he laughed out loud. I guess it was kind of funny if you think about the circumstances.

I guess with these First weeks meetings, many of the participants happen to be Caucasian. Gideon and I had a good meeting considering he cried for most of it, but I made an acquaintance that has positive potential. Until next week.

happy one month birthday!

Gideon turned one month old yesterday... we took pictures and Yin Yin and Auntie Ginger came to visit.








 

getting a little bit bigger

Gideon has been eating a lot lately and gaining weight. Here's some pictures for proof.


There pictures were taken during the 3rd week of August.



These pictures were taken on September 2nd, 2010.

When Gideon was born, he weighed just 6 pounds 14 ounces. At the last visit the pediatrician, he now weighs 8 pounds 12 ounces. Wow!