Ba!

We picked up Ba Ngoai from the airport yesterday! Rosie chatted with her on our way to Ba U's house and serenaded us with her ABCs. We spent some time wandering around in Ba U's secret garden searching for frogs, and being silly with Uncle M. Ba was determined to pick some tasty nectarines for Rosie and ended up on a ladder with a rake! Very resourceful, Ba! Rosie was there to assist.








Rosie likes artichoke! She hasn't tried one since more than a year ago when we sat in the front lawn of our Iris Ct house back when Rosie wasn't even walking yet:


After a feast the family was kind enough to indulge us in a game of Go Fish:


It was nice catching up with Ba U, Uncle M, and R and B. The timing worked our perfectly to catch Ba U before she headed off to a retreat.
When we returned home Rosie jumped right into wanting to play pirates with DaddyO. When Ba disappeared Rosie went searching for her and then the fashion show began! Here is Rosie in a dress worn by Di T and mommy. Amazing to see her in it:


Rosie the Giraffe:


Rosie cam:


Glad Ba is here!

102.1

While in SF Rosie started to heat up a bit, and we spent the trip home with her asleep in my arms while on BART.


When we got home she had a 99.1 fever and could only stomach water and Popsicles. I dropped Rosie off at Tia's, where she vomited what little she had in her little belly. Tia quickly took her to get washed up and in a cool bath. As I drive away I found myself again so grateful that I could leave Rosie in such loving hands. We later took her home where she was a hot potato cuddle monster. We had to unfortunately miss our weekly dinner with Vavô and Vavó. Cousin JL was kind enough to bring the feast to us.

Despite her now 102.1 fever, Rosie's been funny, sweet, and super affectionate. What a trooper. She's had a tough week.

But nothing a little cousin JCL love can't help with. We've been watching one of his latest videos of him calling Rosie on a slice of cheese. Precious!

Butterfly

Spent the morning with Mommy's good friend RG in San Francisco. It was a sunny day, great for relaxing in a secret garden backyard and playing in the park.

Door and Uncle LB

We have a new door! Daddy's been daydreaming of putting our doors in place of a window in our family room to lead out to the backyard. After a few quotes, he decided we could do it ourselves. Super proud of DaddyO for leading a successful project, and appreciative of the help from uncle LB, Vavô, Vavó, and cousins A and A for coming over to help.

First phase. I had a lot of fun learning during the whole process. Super satisfying.

 Such a good view:

 Before and after:

After a long day, Uncle LB joined us for dinner. Rosie really loves her Uncle LB. She introduced him to Daddy's invention: explosive kisses! One of the many sources of laughter and fun that day.

elbow

We had a usual start to Sunday morning pretending to be turtles in the ocean that is Mommy and Daddy's bed (Chico the crab-turned-turtle made an appearance) then heading to breakfast, in anticipation of an exciting day of home remodeling. However, our morning took an interesting turn when Rosie managed to tweak her arm while being assisted up from slouching under the table. Nothing seemed unusual but Roie was complaining that her arm hurt. While it was pretty clear nothing was broken, after not too much time, we realized something was definitely up when she wouldn't move her arm except for when we'd ask her to.


It being Sunday and with Dr. Uncle G out of town (who we go to with most of our health questions and concerns), we ended up at the emergency room in Walnut Creek. Rosie being a little one, they admitted us through rapid care (apparently different from urgent care), and we zipped right in. Rosie was awesome, able to slowly high five the nurses, but still complaining and pointing to her elbow. When the doctor came in to see us, she told us what we'd expected, that her elbow was most likely popped out of the joint and would need to be set back in. Rosie totally fell for the doctor's trick of asking her about her age as she rotated and bent Rosie's elbow up and back into place. Rosie whined a little bit but that was it. Just like that, Rosie was hugging DaddyO around the neck with both arms with ease. Huzzah!

So. Take aways from that morning:
-You give them (elbows) an inch, they take a mile. It took very little force to pop that baby out of place. Good reminder.
- While the trip to the hospital was pretty smooth-sailing, it made us appreciate how much Uncle G does for us and our health, especially for our baby. Feeling grateful.

Cousin zoo time

Mini-cousin day at the Oakland zoo. Anthony had class and couldn't join us, but Rosie was sure to name the baby doll after him so he wouldn't miss out. It was a beautiful, clear day.


We did some creative problem solving with one of the team on crutches. Everyone had a turn pulling:


After a full morning with the animals, we grabbed lunch at a taqueria as Rosie napped. She woke up just in time for a boba stop and car games while stuck in traffic. The cousins are so sweet with each other. Love them!

School, jokes, all around sweetness

Yesterday I took Rosie to check out an in-home preschool nearby. Rosie has been very excited for school, and she was clearly ready. The kids and teachers were warm and welcoming, all swarming near to say hi. Rosie got to participate in circle time, where she raised her hand at just about every opportunity, copying the kids. She shared her library card during sharing time (only thing I had on me worth sharing!). We then went for a walk with then around the block. When we got back it was writing time. Rosie got to explore a little more and was very upset we had to go before trying out the playground out back. Rosie gave Ms. T a big, long hug before leaving. Everyone was very sweet. It was great to see Rosie so engaged. Makes going back to work easier knowing she's ready and needs that environment.

On our way to meet up with Daddy, Rosie was helping me tell stories, sing songs, and even practice spelling! She kept trying to get my attention on one word that she was particularly proud of: "Mommy! Mommy! E-I-O-S spells poopy. Mommy! E-I-O-S spells poopy!.....Mommy?" I wasn't sure how to respond to her first toilet humored joke. After reading an article by Uncle M about the importance of allowing kids their dark side, I think next time I'll at least thank her for sharing and dig out the picture book "Everybody Poops" for her to explore.

Lastly, Rosie was on fire last night with her sweetness. She was being really fun and silly. We made a stop at Lowe's, and Rosie had a blast in the door department.



Rosie runs up to the model window, sticks her head through and asks, "Daddy, would you like a treat or a lollipop?"

morning playdate

It's hard to get both cuties to look in the same direction at the same time, but sometimes it's better that way.

30 months

Yesterday marked Rosie's official "two and a half" status!

More to come later.

friends and family

This weekend we got to spend some quality time with friends and family. Saturday started at the Farmer's Market, reading books outside the cafe:

Then a nice run-in with Vavó and Vavô:

That evening we invited new friends over for dinner. Mama C, Papa P, little J, and baby O spent the evening with us enjoying the warm weather. Little J shared his scooter and strider. Rosie was particularly fond of scooter:

 It was a really pleasant evening connecting with new friends. On Sunday we had a calm morning at home, having breakfast outside, and Daddy and Rosie gardening. We've been enjoying more time at home instead of rushing out the door in the mornings. Later in the afternoon though, we hit the road down to San José. We took Rosie for a walk nap in our old neighborhood and saw old neighbors. Then it was dinner with BFF P. Each time the girls hang out, the more in awe we are at how grown up they are becoming.

 The girls were pretty hilarious during dinner. They were closely monitoring each other, making sure to try and regulate behavior. It was like listening to little versions of us. They were very interested in using the potty, which resulted in two Potty Party sessions. We'll be saving this picture to embarrass them come prom night:

Portrait of a Mother

The other day Rosie drew a portrait of me. This was the first time she was able to draw something somewhat discernible after step-by-step guidance. She has a knack for details!

 

Soccer championship

Went to watch the girls soccer team at daddy's school win a championship. Rosie got in on the glory:



Rosie got to spend time with a new friend, "Yella." They were so cute together snuggled under the stands, probably the best spot away from the howling wind.

Do re mi revisited

Rosie's made a lot of progress since last July

Motor skills

Stopped by LUCHA today and Rosie got to try her hand at some of the timeless yard games (jump rope, not a big success)






Burned off some energy, made up for it with a trip to Bambu

Sissy's bday

Celebrated Rosie's cousin "sissy" today on her 15th birthday!

Snapshots

New sensation on the swings:


Horizontal stripes somehow made her look taller:


Treats at the new market down the road:


Flamingo:


Warming our hands by the pretend fire at the park:

New Leaf

At the New Leaf Community Markets opening day. Got to visit Tia!

Mama Day

What a beautiful day. We had family over for brunch, with daddy's no-mommies-cooking rule. Head chef Daddy, Vavô on the grill, and sous chef Tio.






We facetimed with Ba Ngoai, who was enjoying her Mother's Day in the garden with Di T.


After a much needed nap the three of us had dinner in downtown Livermore, soaking in more nice weather. Rosie couldn't resist the water fountains!





DaddyO and Rosie gave me such a nice day. Rosie was a total sweetheart, being sure to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day. She came over to cuddle with me multiple times, wishing me a happy Mother's Day and giving me kisses. She is the best gift a mother could ask for. So grateful for my wonderful family.