Joshua's new costume

All I can say is that we have one wacky son. While I was on the computer, I heard him call out to me from behind, saying, "Hey.. Daddy, I'm a superhero!" Can you guess which superhero he is? Of course, it's Silk Spectre II from Watchmen! Evidently, he found and "borrowed" Aunty Casey's boots for the costume. I recognized the character right away because he's been recently fascinated by the Watchmen movie trailers on our Apple TV and YouTube.

I know, I know, it wasn't right to show the kiddies those violent movie previews. But then we'd miss out on moments like this. : )

Elena Soo's First week!

Baby Elena Grace Soo was born on Tuesday morning, August 25, 2009 at 3:14 AM. Mommy was timing her contractions from the night before. It started around 9:30 PM at about 15 minutes apart. Moved to 10 minutes apart by 12:30 AM. During this time, we installed the baby carseat and got ready. By 1:45 AM, we decided to give the doctor a call, and headed to the hospital. Note for all pregnant moms out there, it's much more painful to go through the contractions while laying on your back. Much more manageable on a toilet or standing. By the time we got to the hospital at 2:10 AM, the contractions were already 6 minutes apart. After signing paperwork and checking in to see the triage nurse, mommy was at 6.5 cm dilated and time was about 2:30 AM. After 15 minutes of monitoring, nurse was ready to move us to the labor and delivery room. By this time, however, contractions were much stronger. Had to wait through one at 2:50 before I could walk to the delivery room. Thank goodness it was only about 20 steps away. Once there, had two more contractions. Once before trying to lay down to be checked. Had to hold onto hubby for support through this one. And felt the urge to push. Nurses quickly tried to get mommy onto the bed. Of course, another contraction came and this one was STRONG. Mommy said "I think the baby is coming". Quickly lied on the bed on right side. Phil saw the baby crowning and doctor wasn't quite there yet. Luckily he got there soon enough. After a couple more contractions, a gush of water, and relief; a new baby entered the world at 3:14 AM.
Elana shortly after birth. Umbilical cord had wrapped around her neck 2x. Doctor had to cut it during delivery.
After a long morning's work.
Home on day 4, getting neck cleaned.
After one nursing session on day 3.
Proud, happy, but weary dad holding Elena.
Sophia enjoying one of her new birthday presents.
Sophia and Joshua making wonton dumplings with Aunty Casey on day 4.
Baby Elena doing a photo session.


Visitors enjoying Ni Hao Kai Lan or Hercules on day 4 (Aiden, Joshua, Leah, and Alice).

The Soo family has moved!

In mid-June, we relocated from Fullerton to Sierra Madre, which is about 35 miles north. Phil is thrilled to be only 8 minutes from work and loves coming home for lunch with the family. Sierra Madre seems to be quite a green and lush place compared to most of LA, probably because of its microclimate.

Our new place is a house built in 1945, and so is quite a bit older than our previous condo. Yet, it has a charm all of its own. Hue appreciates that there are no stairs to contend with and the kids enjoy having a little yard to run around in. Below, you will see some of the photos we shot with Hue's phone before signing the lease.

Before we moved, we had the chance to explore Sierra Madre Vista Park and the downtown area. The downtown area has character, with lots of small boutiques, coffee shops and gourmet restaurants. It is a nice change from the franchise-dominated landscape of suburban Orange County.

Now we just need to figure out what to do with all of the junk we've accumulated over the 7 years we lived in Fullerton.. : )


A view of our backyard.


Our living room.. no carpeting in this house!


Guest bathroom.


The kitchen gets plenty of sun.


Designated play area for the kiddies.


Master bedroom.


Master bathroom.


Kids' room.


Joshua and Sophia trying to help unpack.


Joshua posing at downtown Sierra Madre.

Trip to our local Farm

After reading about Clifford and his friends going to the farm, mommy decided to take Joshua and Sophia to Tanaka Farms. It was a nice warm sunny day and we got to experience yummy fresh, organic vegetables while riding on a tractor ride. We tasted raw celery, spinach, green onion, carrots, and cilantro. Joshua and Sophia's favorite was the celery (believe it or not!).

Afterwards, we went to picked some yummy strawberries. Mommy said they tasted a little oniony (because they grow green onions with the strawberries to ward the bugs off). Sophia just loved picking strawberries no matter what colors they were (green, pink, red, small, large). Joshua, enjoyed looking for red strawberries and filled up a whole basket by himself! Unfortunately, because mommy only had two hands (and both were occupied holding baby and strawberries), we don't have pictures of the berry picking experience.



Two tired kids patiently waiting for the tractor.



Yummy veges!!

Shopping Helpers

Recently, we went grocery shopping at our local Henry's.  Boy was it fun with Joshua being such a great helper and Sophia our cheerleader.  We had a nice picture list, where Joshua made sure mommy didn't stray away from.  The only exception was two smoothies - one for us as a treat for our hard work and one for daddy because daddy works so hard!

Not only did Joshua help mommy find the items from the list but he also helped pick out fruit.  When picking pears and apples, he learned to pick heavy ones with no soft spots.  Overall, we had a great time!

Oahua - Family Vacation

We spent the first half of our trip in Oahua, staying with our friends, the Yees. Most of the trip was relaxing at home and taking a short excursion each day. We went to Ko Olina (SW Side of Oahu) for one day and North Beach on another day. We also visited Chinatown on the first day and the Dole Plantation on the 2nd or 3rd day. We enjoyed some YUMMY pineapple soft serve. We also made our own at home from frozen fresh pineapple. Unfortunately, we don't have pictures from these two trips =(

Joshua and Sophia loved reading with Zachary and his daddy (Galen).

Building a sand mound at Ko Olina Lagoon.

Giddily playing in the water!

Sophia fascinated by a new discovery.

Silly Chinese smile!

It was a very nice, secluded beach. Not like Waikiki.

Silly faces while waiting for Thai food.

More silly faces!

Of course, we couldn't leave North Shore without trying some yummy shave(d) ice with macadamia nut ice cream!

We also got a chance to visit our outer friends - Monica, Steve and their two kids. It was great to be able to visit all our friends on the Hawaiian Islands.

Maui Family Fun

The family spent 5 days in Maui.  The first was just to relax at our Ohana and get settled in.  We had dinner with some friends on the island.  It was a very festive affair.

On day two, we hung out at our friends' place where the kids got a chance to drink and taste some coconut water and meat.  It was a new experience for them to see the coconut get cut in front of their eyes.  Afterwards, they took us for a short hike to a waterfall.  The kids enjoyed it, especially Joshua, because of the water, the narrow pathways, the rock climbing. We also got a chance to see a crazy guy jump from a height of 20 feet into the pool.  That was scary to see.  (some of these pictures are from our friend, Anna).

Heading on the hike with energy and zeal!

Jumping like the Hulk (taken by Anna)

Reaching our final destination - we all relaxed and enjoyed the view and refreshing water.

Curious by what's inside a coconut  - Sophia takes a cautious approach.  Turns out later that she is allergic to coconut meat & milk (but not the water).

Coconut Hugger.

Coconut Lover.

Enjoying a little snack while watching a very captivating show on TV - don't remember what it was though, maybe Sleeping Beauty?

On day three, we headed to a resort in Wailea (SW part of Maui) to enjoy their shallow warm pools.  Sophia met her love (no, not Doug - the water).  Kids had a great time and adults got a chance to be kids again by sliding down the waterslide.  Pix by Anna.

Sophia shows her glamorous side with these hip glasses and no smile.

Joshua takes a little horse ride.

Aunty Andrea & Uncle Kieran Visits!

At the Santa Ana Zoo.. thanks to Andrea for narrating the kids antics!

Biking at Santa Monica. In the second part of the clip, I love how Andrea tries to change the subject while talking with Joshua on the bike.