Christmas! Gifts Galore!

Emma wonders when the snow will ever end...

Here's a video of Eden and Emma having a great time in the snow. The snowfall that came down in Salem was the most its ever been in 40 years. As thankful as we were for the fluffy stuff to be around, we were more thankful when it finally started melting the day after Christmas. No more tire chains, no more icy roads and no more crunchy gravel!

We praise God that Paw and Lara made it up safely on Sunday, the 21st. They drove up from the Bay Area during one of the worst snow storms in Oregon. They took their time and came up here without much of a problem.

Christmas Eve was a blast! The roads were clear enough that we were able to get a Christmas tree for the house. Emma didn't really understand why there was a giant tree in the house, but she went along with it anyway. We trimmed it with lights and ornaments. Some of the favorites for the girls were a giant crab (this one Emma likened to Mr. Krabs), and a Mr. Hanky the Christmas Poo from South Park (Lara gave this to Paw this year for one of his stocking stuffers). Christmas Eve dinner consisted of homemade crabcakes and clam chowder. I had a grilled cheese sandwich. :) After dinner we started putting gifts under the tree. The cutest thing was watching Emma as we put the gifts down under the tree. She thought each and every one of the gifts was for her! She kept saying, Mine? Mine?, like those seagulls from "Finding Nemo". Below is a video of Emma playing with one of the boxes we received that was full of gifts. Take a look at the box and you can almost make out who gave us that box!

After putting the gifts under the tree, we opened stockings and put on our annual Christmas pajamas! Once we were all comfy and cozy in our new pajamas, it was Paw's turn for the tradition of reading, The Night Before Christmas. We got the PG version this time, since Emma was listening this time.

After the story, it was bedtime for the girls! Off they went to sleep, and wake up to...

CHRISTMAS MORNING!!!

Emma may not understand the whole concept behind Christmas, but she definitely understands how to open gifts! She had a blast opening up her own gifts, and even helped everyone else open theirs as well. One of Emma's gifts was a Spongebob and Detective Emma book that my sister gave her. On every page is a picture of Emma fighting crime with Spongebob! It was a great gift. Thank you Tita! She also received a wonderful dollhouse from her Grandma and Grandpaw! Every morning she wakes up to it and says, "House!", and immediately wants to play with it.

Once the Christmas gifts were all opened, and the mess cleaned up and put away, it was time to go to Grandma Belle's house for Christmas dinner! We had a beautiful spread that consisted of prime rib, eggplant parmigiana, twice-baked potatoes, peas, and cranberry-jello salad! To top it all off, homemade PUMPKIN PIE for dessert! YUM!

On a slight sad note, Joy went in for her 3-hour glucose test Christmas Eve, and we got the results on the 26th. She came in high on all three tests which means she does have gestational diabetes. While it's not a terribly huge surprise, we were just hoping that it wouldn't happen this time. We just ask that you continue to pray for Joy and the baby and for everyone as we get through this one last time.

Thank you so much to everyone for all of the wonderful gifts that we received. We loved all of them very much. We are so very fortunate of the family that we have, and we praise God for each and every one of them. Thank you again for reading!

Snow Days!

Emma dressed for her first day at Grandma's Bible Study Fellowship

Since our last mega update, a lot has happened! We're still all praying for Joy and her gestational diabetes. We hope that it's not as serious this time as it was when she was pregnant with Emma.

Last Saturday was the annual "Holiday" party at Willamette. It was nice to go out for a night and dress up with the girls. Eden and Emma were perfect little ladies as we walked around Goudy and met a lot of Joy's coworkers. They had a cookie decorating station for the kids and a HUGE chocolate fountain for dessert. You could dip anything from marshmallows to waffle sticks to mandarin oranges into the fountain. I'll let the pictures say the rest:

Since Joy's last update the weather here has been turning from cold to downright frozen. Saturday of last week was the first time it snowed in Salem and actually stayed overnight. Sunday didn't make anything better while it snowed the ENTIRE DAY. Eden was overjoyed to say the least. She didn't have school Monday... or Tuesday... or Wednesday... or even today! With the weather the way that it's going, she probably won't be going back until January! Emma didn't really know what to make of it, but she had fun out there stomping around in the snow. For obvious reasons Joy didn't come out and play, she was the one taking the pictures from the safety of the porch.

Lastly, here are a couple of videos of our snow romp. Thanks again for reading and enjoy!

FAIL

I found out that I didn't pass my glucose test and will need to return for my 3 hour test. This isn't suprising news since I developed gestational diabetes while carrying Emma and the doctor told me that if I get pregnant again I would develop it. There could be far worse things that could have gone wrong but it just isn't fun being on a strick diet while being pregnant, plus I have a HUGE sugar tooth. My 3 hour test is scheduled for Dec. 24th.

OWWWW

I had my doctor's appointment today and also my gluecose testing. Nothing like starting the day off with having to drink a thick, flat sprite like fluid and then getting your blood taken. I will have my result later on tonight. I am hoping for a "negative" result. My regular appointment went well. The doctor says the baby is about 3 pounds and I am progressing beautifully. I am feeling the baby move more and more. I swear I have a break dancer in here. LOL

With only 72 more days left, I am feeling more anxious for this new bundle to join us. I haven't done much in the way of getting ready, no crib has been set up, nothing really has been purchased. Were planning on using most of Emma's baby things with the exception on clothes if this baby turns out to be a boy. It is hard preparing for a surprise. I did buy the baby it's first outfit though. At Gymboree they have all these new clothes designed with pandas (my fav. animal) on it. I bought sneakers, jumper, jacket, socks, and hat. Sooooo cute. Total: $68.00 I know, I splurged on that purchase. Crazy how clothes add up but I am a sucker for Pandas!

Long overdue

Look, I'm not the only one expecting! Just Kidding!

Hi everyone...

This post has been long overdue and in our absence realized just how popular our family updates have become. Thank you all for reading and taking an interest in our lives. Lets begin...

Since Eden's birthday, we prepared for our "surprise" journey back down to the Bay Area. The whole week we could think of nothing but seeing missed family and friends, local eateries and fav. places to visit, and enjoying the nice California weather. We were in secret conversations with Inay about this visit since it was intended to surprise EVERYONE which dwindled down to just surprising Papa Abet since someone told someone who then told someone else we were coming. (those names will be withheld but you know who you are) LOL

Tuesday- We made our departure early that morning on the day of Papa Abet's birthday and arrived early to surprise him for dinner. On the way down we had a chance to visit with my sister since she was driving UP to Oregon for Turkey day. It was so nice to squeeze in that visit as well. We had a great surprise and enjoyed dinner. We went to the Nav's house for dessert (sort of... I suggest staying away from the apricot/mango ice cream from Rite Aide, *cough Inay*) and surprised them as well. That evening we had a fun time figuring out where everyone was going to sleep. Eden slept in Inay's room and Mommy and Emma got the futon and Daddy got the floor... hehe

Wednesday- was the big Costco run to prepare for Thanksgiving since Campos Sr. was hosting this year. We got in and grabbed what we need along with the Happy Birthday cake for Papa, Eden, and Emma. There were so many people there. Lets just say it was not the same Costco experience we have in Salem. I noticed people down in the Bay Area are more aggressive and demanding... I got cut in line and given the evil eye while waiting for a sample... I got lost in the sea of people in Costco. The original plan was for Albert and the girls to go and get the cake and Mama and I were to wait for them in line. I turned my back for a second and I lost Mama. Come to find out she decided to make a stop and look at the books. /sigh ... oh Mama! LOL

The weather was horrible, rained all day. Inay came home early and we went and ate at our FAV place for noodles, VH in Ranch 99 in Albany. It was soooooo yummy. After that we got our boba fix on. Can't find boba in Salem. =(

That evening Albert and I were invited to a pre-thanksgiving potluck. It was great to see Myk, Bobby, Jon and others there but talk about feeling a bit out of place. I know Albert and I are a bit ahead of our other friends (marriage, kids) but being the only preggers among young single adults made me feel soooooo old. It reminded me of the scene in Knocked Up where the older sis tries to take Higel's character to a club and she is like 7 months pregnant. Hahaha. I also got to try my first Turdunkin (spelling?). It was very good I do have to say. The sleeping arrangement that night was Daddy and Emma on the futon, Eden on the floor, and Mommy on the couch.

Thursday- Thanksgiving... We watched the Macy's parade and cleaned the house. Lots to cook and get ready. Everyone started showing up around 5 and also brought presents for the girls. Eden and Emma had fun opening gifts and visiting with family. Emma told her dinosaur story, her carousel story where she rode "daddy", sang the wheels on the bus song, and danced. She was the life of the party. I am so thankful for all the blessing God has given us this past year and for the new blessing He is creating inside of me.

Friday- Newark/Fremont/Mt. View/Milpitas day. Also the day that my Gma Belle turned 93! It was nostalgic to drive down to Newark/Fremont. It seemed like it was another day driving "home" after visiting San Pablo. We took our usual route and exited Dumbarten bridge, cut through Jarvis, and drove past our old apartment. We drove past Eden's old school, Albert's old job, took our car to get fixed, and headed to Mt. View for the best ramen in the Bay, Ryowa. We found this place thanks to yelp. Yelp is a good tool but hasn't helped us out so much in the Salem area though, whomp. We met up with the Aunts and Uncles and got treated to some good ol' fashion Filipino food. We ate crispy pata, fresh lumpia, sinigong, rice, sisig.... Boy was it good! We were all so full we had to head to the Great Mall and work it off at Dave and Busters. This was Emma's first time and she went CRAZY! Now every time she sees an arcade she thinks we are at D&B. How can anyone not love all the lights and buttons to push... It was her ultimate playground. She ran around screaming Yes! Yes! It was so cute, you had to be there to see it. Sleeping arrangements, Eden and Emma on the futon, mommy and daddy on the couch.

Saturday- We went to Ikea since they were having a huge sale... I know, I know... Us shopping in California seems ridiculous but we went anyway. While we were there we picked up a few items for Emma for xmas from her Lolo and Lola. We ate lunch at Kamakuras in Alameda and topped it off with ice cream from tuckers! The rest of the day we rested since our trip was coming to an end and we were getting ready to leave the next day. I was determined to get a good night sleep so mommy and daddy on the futon, Emma and Eden in Tita's room! Ha!

Sunday- We woke up and ate a little breakfast, it was time to go home. We loaded up the van, packed the kids, and said goodbye. Not a minute later we got a call from Inay saying we left Eden's shoes, we turned around and picked them up. Another goodbye and were off. Again another call from Inay and she said we forgot something else... Nice try, Inay... not playing that game anymore. LOL

The trip back seemed to take forever, more traffic, grumpy Emma, and just anxious to get home and out of the car. 10-11 hour car trip can do that to you. We made our usual stops at Starbucks in Willows, rest stop near Mt. Shasta, get a quick bite to eat in Weed. We also got to meet up with my sis again. Albert was a trooper driving all the way down and back again. He is such a great husband!










Monday- Happy 2nd Birthday Emma. Our precious Emma has turned 2 and boy does she know what birthdays are all about. She said Happy all day long and tried to sing along with us when her cake came out. My mom made her yummy mac and cheese (one of Emma's fav foods) and we had a great time celebrating. My mom also make her a white cake with animal crackers all around to make it look like a carousel. Emma loved it! The cutest thing was when she took her tambourine and placed a tower of Lego blocks on top and walked over to me singing "happy... happy" She made a birthday cake for me and wanted me to blow out the candle. She is so smart and sweet!








I think this brings you up to speed for now. I do have my doctor's appointment tomorrow in which I will have to take another glucose test. Please keep me in your prayers and I will let you know what happens. Thank you all for reading!

Eden's Birthday Weekend Extravaganza

Happy Birthday Eden! She's officially 11 years old! Happy Birthday to you!! We celebrated her birthday by having a weekend blast for her. It started off, oddly enough, with Emma and having to clean her room. We put her little Dora tent in her room. It comes with a mesh tunnel that she can crawl through. Needless to say, it was ME doing the cleaning, and her doing this...

So onto the party. We celebrated Eden's birthday on Saturday by having some of her friends come over for a sleepover! Aubrey and Holly came over and they had a great time. They watched movies, ate pizza, and had cake! Thank you Grandpaw for the yummy cake! It was a very DELICIOUS gift!

We even set up the karaoke mic that my parents "left" at the house. And although the girls didn't use it, Emma and I did!

Mr. DJ!! Mr. DJ!! You don't believe me? Try to listen to the video..

After all of the events of a great night, Eden opened up her presents from Joy and me and her friend Holly. She received a DVD player and a High School Musical 3 CD/DVD combo from Joy and me, and her friend Holly gave her two comics and a wind-up dancing robot. Eden has really great friends!

Sunday Morning was a real treat. Her friends left at 9, which was REAL early for them, since they were still up around Midnight the night before. Eden's grandparents had a really great surprise for her birthday...

THE BEACH!!!

Granted, it was foggy when we left Sunday Morning, and really cold (it was around the low 50s), it was a great day to go to the beach. There was hardly anyone there, and the sun was still out. We went to Seaside, Oregon, which is (obviously) on the coast. It's about 20-25 miles south of Astoria, which is at the very top of Oregon. This is where the famous explorers Lewis and Clark ended their trail. We headed down to the beach so Eden and Emma could play in the sand. Then we walked down to the street shops to see what they have.

One of the main streets near the beach held a lot of tourist shops and rides and stuff. They had a carousel that Emma wanted to ride on. Guess which animal she chooses to ride on...

Note the HUGE smile on her face. This one doesn't go up and down though, which she likes better than the ones that do. After the carousel, she just HAD to ride on this...

This was the FUNNIEST thing to watch. If you watch the video, you'll see part of what I'm talking about. The train goes around 4 laps around the track. On the third lap, the car that Eden and Emma were on jumped the track and the wheels came off for a bit. No one was hurt, but the guy had to stop the ride and put back on the track. SO GHETTO! LOL! Everyone on the train got a free lap for that incident.

After that we walked back to the beach. Here are more pictures.

Emma is running after Eden who has some kind of seaweed-type whip. It's probably a dead eel or something, but she had a great time with it whipping the sand.





These next pictures are by far my favorite ones of the girls. They came out really nice!

The girls walking towards the water.

Time to go home, Emma!

We had such a great time in Seaside. Thank you to Grandma and Grandpaw for a wonderful time!

Lastly, to all of our family and friends all over. We miss you and love you. Eden and Emma have one last thing to tell you all:

Thanks for reading!

Dog of the Year!

Salem - 2 Years old Black Lab

Hours of training: Countless

Number of pheasants retrieved hunting with Paw: 2

Getting caught in a tomato cage: Priceless

Yes, she's actually through the entire cage. As is the custom every night, Joy's mom lets the dogs in to relax on the carpet and get some warmth before going into the garage for the night. A couple of nights ago after letting the dogs into the house, Joy's mom let them in like usual. It was dark outside, and also in the living room, but she noticed that there was something wrong with Salem. She was acting very strange and it worried Joy's mom. She called over Paw to see what was the matter. I followed to, just to see if there was anything I could do. The pictures above just show you the hilarity of the events that ensued. I couldn't stop laughing and almost peed my pants! I barely had enough sanity to take these pictures. Needless to say, Salem was gracious enough to sit still long enough for me to take them. Paw had to use wirecutters to get the tomato cage off her.

This was the perfect ending to a very weird day. I wish I had my camera to capture ALL of the events that happened that night. That same night, Joy spilled her bowl of chili all over the table, floor, chair, and even some on Emma! Eden and Paw went to a movie and Eden left her purse (they called later that night and said that they found it).

Other than that, it was a great day! :) Until then, thanks for reading!

100 Days

100 days left till our precious baby arrives.

100 days till I become a mom to a "new" baby.

100 days till we have our third edition to our family. 100 days left till this baby develops fully into a human being.

100 days

It seems like a long time but then looking at it again, it isn't. 100 days is significant to Korean people because that is when we celebrate the 100 day celebration party for a child. It is tied into a sad part of Korean history since most children didn't live past 100 days and if they did, there would be cause for a celebration. Now 100 days is significant to anything in Korea. Korean couples celebrate when their relationship lasts 100 days, when you keep a job for 100 days, and so on. Eden and Emma didn't celebrate their 100 days in this way but Emma did celebrate her Tol or first birthday with a mix of Korean and Filipino traditions. There is much to do in these last 100 days, I hope were ready for you.

Movies

This weekend was filled with gloomy, wet, rainy weather. Albert and I got ready and headed to the DMV to take our test for our drivers license. I was a bit nervous since I haven't taken this test in ages and I failed at my first attempt back in the days. I hate memorizing all the rules and limits and other things they ask you in this test. Thank goodness we don't have to take a drivers test. By the time we got there, there was an hour left before testing ended and we didn't have correct paperwork. We'll try again next week. Oh darn. =)

After leaving the DMV we decided to try and take the girls to the movies. This would be Emma's first time in a theater and we were kinda nervous. There is a theater, Northern Lights close to my parent's house that offers older movies at $3/ticket (free for kids under 2) and you can order food and eat it while you watch you movie. Between each row of seats are tables and you have plenty of room to stretch out. I think this is a pretty cool concept. We opted to watch Wall-E and ordered some lunch. Emma wasn't scared and watched for the first 20 mins. After that she got bored. She began waving at the people behind us, had to go and change her diaper twice, and I had to bring her to the back so she could just wander around without bothering everyone. Wall-E didn't hold her interest. Maybe we will have better luck with Madagascar 2.
On Sunday, Albert and I snuck off after having put the girls to bed to go and watch an "adult" movie, Tropic Thunder. This was a funny movie.... not my type of humor but none the less funny. It was nice to get out just the 2 of us.

Story Time!

Every Wednesday at the Salem library they have story time for little kiddies. Emma has gone to a couple of them and she loves it, albeit she's a bit apprehensive at first to join in on the fun. This week I went along to see what all the hubbub was about.



Apparently we have to ALWAYS say hi to the fishies. She can kind of say "fishie"...


The "infamous" phone booth. She would not leave this little booth. It's a replication of old-school phone booths where there's a chair and a little rotary telephone that the kids can play with. Below you'll see the video of her talking on the phone.





Here's Emma after she was "kicked out" of the phone booth by some other kids. She was able to build a tower that was 6 blocks high! She was just as impressed with it as I was!












Overall, she had a great time. I would've taken pictures of the actual story time, but I couldn't. The librarians didn't want me to "distract" the other kids. There were a ton though! And only one other dad there. Figures... The librarian read two books, Binky Gets a New Car, and some construction book (I can't remember the title, but Emma wasn't interested in it either). They sang a bunch of songs like "The Wheels on the Bus", "6 Turtles" which she REALLY got into. She shook her little booty to that song the most.

Anyways, enjoy! Thanks for reading!