Being Changton

First time dental visit

2009-09-12T11:25:00.002+08:00

Changton has turned 2, it’s time to visit a dentist. Mom was a bit nervous about this because Changton doesn’t like blushing teeth at all! To make him to agree to brush his teeth, we need to use a ‘garbage car trick’: Telling him that a garbage car is coming to collect a tooth decay kid! Even so, it takes a lot of time and energy to complete the almost impossible mission!

So how could he be cooperative with his dentist? Mom started to wonder minutes after making a booking! But she was wrong! Changton only cried in the first 30 seconds when the dentist asked mom to place him on the dentist’s lap (he is still too young for the dental chair). Thanks to the presence of mom and dad who cheered him on with lots of clapping and two thumbs up. Changton even made the dentist and nurse laughed every times he gave himself two thumbs up!

Playing at the waiting area, completely unaware of what would come next!

The dentist showed how to brush his teeth, after checking and applying fluoride on his teeth. As seen from this picture, Changton was preparing to give himself another two thumbs up!

Good job Changton! We’ll go back again after 6 months ;-)

Finally, Changton goes to school!

2009-09-10T14:39:00.001+08:00

As for kids’ first time going to school, it’s a historic moment for their parents! So mom couldn’t help but snapped, snapped, snapped his pictures ;-) Here are some of Changton’s first day going to his pre-school.

Carrying a school folder in one hand and a car key in another, Changton was more than ready to go to school!

With his nanny, Yai Jee, who was as proud as mom on Changton’s first day to school.

His backpack is big. But don’t worry. It’s mom who carries it. As he is only 2 year-old, he needs nappies and a new cloth. Then he has a water bottle, snack, hat, school communication folder, etc!

In class with Ms. Karolina, his teacher, introducing him some new toys.

Bored with his new toys, looking for something new! Painting may be?

This is a waiting area where kids are seated, waiting for parents to pick them up. Mom notices Changton is very tamed at school. Even he saw mom snapped this picture, he still sat and waited patiently for a call from his teacher.

Yeah! It’s my turn! Changton got up after his teacher called his name.

You’ve done a great job Changton! We are proud of you :-)

Changton’s Pre-School Time: another lesson learned that things not always go as planned!

2009-09-10T12:04:00.001+08:00

After a long search for Changton’s first school, mom enrolled Changton at Tiger Tots. It’s an international pre-school with a good reputation as it has been opened for 30 years. Best of all, it’s so close to our house, like a throwing a stone distance from our house to his school. The excitement of sending Changton to school had built up few months before his school actually started! Yep, it was purely mom who was excited about it!

First off, what should Changton be called at school? As he already has Thai (Changton and Thirakhun) and Chinese name (Hsiao, Hong-Po) and that these names are meaningful, appropriate to his date and time of birth, mom doesn’t want Changton to have another English name. Too many identities for him. So in the end, we settled for Thirakhun, his Thai, First name: Thi-ra-Khun. May be his friends can conveniently call him Thira. More importantly, Thirakhun was the name on his Thai passport used to eligible enroll Changton into his school. So Thirakhun that is! The name part was decided, mom then planned her schedule and everything to accommodate Changton’s school schedule. Then she went shopping, searching for his FIRST bag pack, shoes, water bottle, snack menu, etc.

Then the moment of truth! Dad fell sick and was hospitalized on Changton’s orientation week (August 17-21), then Changton fell sick on his first school week (August 24-Sept 2). Worries, frustration, and exhaustion totally wiped out happiness and excitement of Changton’s first pre-school. Then into the third week of school, mom fell sick! Yes, sometimes things weren’t go as planned and this fact remains the fact! whether it’s in Past, Present or Future Tense…Live goes on.

So here we are smiling at each other, and to you :-) As dad is still at his early stage of recovering and mom’s still struggle to adjust her life in Taiwan, we are now counting one Happy Day at a time. Shall we :-) ?

Changton’s 2nd Birthday: At home

2009-09-04T16:29:00.001+08:00

Finally Changton brought a much-needed joy to our families:-) as we continued to celebrate his birthday throughout the day!

Changton’s BD cake. Mom did a last minute decoration. Promised to do it better next year, son!

Happy BD boy:-)

Learnt from the morning celebration, the boy knew what to do with the candles!

A few blows but without success. Poor little boy, mom got the unblowable candles for him, causing a big laugh from everyone including his two lovely cousins at the back.

Tontan, a daughter of Auntie Ly and Uncle Steve showed up in a lovely princess dress to present a BD gift to mom's little cowboy!

But the cowboy was too shy to receive the gift! Changton kept running away from Tontan!

Finally the boy took the present after Auntie Ly lent a hand. Thank you Auntie Ly and Uncle Steve:-)

Played the LEGO.

At last, mom and dad's BD present, a 3 wheeled bike. Changton already had one from Austin but he is too short for that one. So mom bought this one for him to ride during the meantime. It comes with safety ring.

Dad presented another gift. Guess what it is?

It's a waste system car! Believe it or not, Changton loves to watch the garbage car passing by every nights!

Some nights mom brings Changton to see the garbage car in action! This simple thing makes the boy happy;-)

Yai Jee, his nanny gave Changton, according to her words, "what Changton love the most!", the MONEY! Yai Jee seems to know Changton to well!

The boy called the party off by giving some cutie bum sign!

Happy Birthday Changton!! You are our world!

Changton 2nd Birthday: A school party

2009-09-04T15:54:00.001+08:00

On September 2, Changton celebrated his 2nd Birthday with his new friends at Tiget Tots in the morning.

Changton's BD muffins to celebrate with his pre-school friends. His teachers made crowns for everyone to wear. The Birthday boy has a special crown, of course!

As dad is recovering and resting at home; he could join the boy's BD party at school. Lucky Changton!

His teacher, Ms. Karolina brought the BD basket for Changton.

At first, Changton did not know what to do with the candle!

So his teacher, Ms. Kristine came to help him;-)

Umm, yummy, yummy….

Enjoyed the muffins with his classmates. He has 10 classmates but usually 6-7 kids show up. What do you expect for a 2-year-old class, right?

With his lovely teachers and TAs.

Mobile update

2009-08-01T17:24:00.001+08:00

Changton's blog has not been update since mom has started her Mandarin class 7 months ago. During these past months Changton has grown up so much. Everyday he says new words and showing us his new discoveries. Trying to keep his blog up and run, mom is now trying to write his blog on the go. So here is the first post from here G1phone! Hope it works! Send!

Trip to Thailand: A very exhausted one!

2009-02-08T19:25:00.001+08:00

On Jan 16-24, Changton was in Thailand visiting his families. Mom was hoping this trip to be a very relaxing and rejuvenating one for her; she desperately needed a good big break! However, this trip turned out to be a very exhausted one, emotionally and physically, thanks to a few unfortunate events that happened from the beginning to the end of the trip: a few lost & found stuffs, a gone for good IRC visa entry card (mom almost failed to entry Taiwan), flight delay and then cancellation and, the nasty flu (mom got it first and then Changton got it on the way back to Taiwan!). What made things worse was mom's brave decision to let Changton's nanny having a week off!! The result??? An extremely exhausted trip, ever!!!

Anyway, we managed to have a good time on our first day in Thailand, before mom got a flu and things went down hill from then on :-(

Chill out with a funky boy

2009-01-26T21:44:00.001+08:00

The weather in Taipei is getting colder so mom bought Changton an ear piece to keep his ears warm. However, Changton wears it as a headphone. He dances and runs around the house wearing the ear piece and carrying not only his dear monkey but also his lion that Na Som gave him.

Our first visitors of the year

2009-01-26T21:20:00.001+08:00

On Jan 6-10 Changton welcomed our dear guests from Australia, Grandpa Peter and Grandma Del (mom's supervisor and his wife), from Thailand, Grandma Maliwan (mom's dearest friend) and Pa Jeab, who was on her business trip and happened to fly on the same flight with our guests. So our house was packed with happiness and laugher.

Changton was shy the first time he met the Grands; he spent his time observing the guests. The next day he got better, though not yet himself; he started to play with the Grands, especially Grandma Maliwan.

The Grands came with the gifts for the boy. Thank you very much!

A cute Aussie Koala and a book from Grandpa Peter and Grandma del.

Grandma Maliwan presented the gift for Changton. Mom wanted to take a photo. After mom said "Pose!" Changton quickly crossed his arms. No, he didn't mean to reject the gift. He was just posing for a photo...ha ha! Grandma Maliwan gave him a few handsome clothes. Unfortunately, Changton has to wait for another year or two before wearing them.

On the Grands' last day in Taipei, Changton had a chance to join them for Yang Ming mountain and Beitou, the hot spring area. The weather was so cold. When we reached the top of the mountain, it was only 2 degree!

The hot spring in Beitou.

Felt the hot spring!

Group photo in front of the landmark clock at Yangmingshan Park.

A little picnic up in the mountain. We had sushi and hot tea to keep us warm.

Our group photo taken by daddy.

What a good time we had together. Thank you for coming to visit us in Taipei. Can't wait for our next reunion!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-30T10:11:00.001+08:00

Merry belated Christmas everyone :-)

Yes, we did have our very, very little Christmas moment (the word 'celebration' is far too big to use!) at home. Dad bought a Christmas tree and mom's Taida friends helped decorating it. Mom bought Changton a little Disney capsule-ball vending machine for Changton. Mom has to admit that this toy is mom's childhood dream! She wanted to own one when she was little. When she saw this little vending machine, she knew she has to get it for Changton. Mom got it long before Christmas, she had been waiting impatiently for the occasion to give to Changton.

Finally, it's Boxing day. Lazy to warp the gift, mom placed the whole bag beside our little Christmas tree, wanting Changton to spot it himself. Not a good idea, Changton was more interested in the blink blink Christmas lighting and ornaments! Great!!

Ten minutes had gone and Changton still played with the little Christmas ornament bell, great!!!

Finally, someone spot the toy and asking mom to take it out from the bag!

One hand on the toy, another still held tight on the Christmas bell. Ah...not a good sign. Mom's excitement started to fad....

Yes, finally...both hands on the toy!

Merry Christmas Changton! Mom was so happy and proud that you are able to walk, talk, and play the toy on this Christmas.

Again, where's the updates?

2008-12-30T09:04:00.001+08:00

This month mom has started her Mandarin class at Taida. Mom loves going to class but the whole Mandarin thing really takes a big chunk of her time away for her poor Changton and almost definitely from updating the block! Each day mom needs to spare at least 8 hrs or so for her Mandarin endeavor! 3 hrs for class, 2 hrs on the road and other extra hours for homework and study. So basically, she is a full-time student!!

As a result, ones might notice that Changton's block has been more of a Hallmark block recently, since most of our lovely people born on November - December. Though mom has no time for updating the blog, she makes sure that Changton, our little messenger, delivers birthday wishes for our love ones ;-)

Well, now that we have only 2 days left for recapping what has been happened to Changton's life during the past month, let's get on with it, shall we?

Happy Birthday Grandpa: Khun Ta Kai

2008-12-21T01:32:00.001+08:00

Today is December 21! It's my beloved grandpa's birthday! Happy birthday my dear grandpa:-) Too bad that I can't be with grandpa this year. Unlike last like last year, I helped grandpa blowing the candles.

Grandpa, although I can't be with you this year, I'm sure that you would be delight to know that I'm no longer an innocent baby! I'm much more mature now!! I'm old enough to deliver red roses to the ones I love.

And yes, the very first person to receive my red roses is my grandpa, Khun Ta Kai.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KHUN TA KAI. Changton, mom and dad wish Khun Ta a healthy body and mind so that Khun Ta could be in his best conscious during his monkhood's time. We love you very much and we are very proud of you.

Happy Birthday Pa Jeab

2008-12-08T22:42:00.001+08:00

Hello Pa Jeab! This is the second time of my life that I can celebrate your birthday. If counting numbers this way, you are so young and fresh, just like me!

On Pa Jeab's BD last year I was in a dreamy and sleepy state so I didn't do much for you on your big day. Look, I have the proof! I was THAT sleepy last year!

This year is different though; I have gotten my mojo working!! So this year I'm going to do something groovy for my beloved auntie's birthday.

Here is a groovy birthday dance for Pa Jeab from Changton;-)

Ready?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PA JEAB!

PS. I hope Pa Jeab doesn't mind if I take this opportunity to wish Grandpa Bird, who also born in Dec 8, a happy birthday. Thank you "Bird Bird" (actually that's what I usually call him) for singing me songs and teaching me new dance moves everyday. See you in your next concert!!

สุขสันต์วันพ่อ

2008-12-05T00:04:00.001+08:00

สวัสดีครับคุณตา วันนี้ช้างต้นเป็นตัวแทนแม่แต้และพ่อปีเตอร์มากราบเท้าคุณตาด้วยความเคารพรักและระลึกถึงพระคุณของคุณตาครับ

และเพื่อให้คุณตาชื่นใจเป็นพิเศษเนื่องในโอกาสวันพ่อ แม่แต้ก็พาช้างต้นไปตัดผมมาแล้วครับ ผมเลยมีภาพหล่อๆ มาฝากคุณตาแทนความคิดถึงครับ

พอตัดผมสั้น ผมก็เปลี่ยนจากเด็กหน้าหวานเป็นเด็กซ่าส์ทันทีเลยครับ

เหวย...คุณตา...เหวย.....เดี๋ยวช้างต้นจะโทรไปหานะครับ

คิดถึงคุณตาที่สุดในโลกเลยครับ

Happy Birthday Grandpa Peter and Grandma Del

2008-11-27T13:56:00.001+08:00

Ah haaaa...

I have to keep the Happy Birthday spectacles on as I have quite a few birthday wishes to deliver this month :-) This time round is for Grandpa Peter and Grandma Del whose birthday is on November 24 and November 27, respectively. Though I haven't met Grandpa Peter and Grandma Del personally. I think I'm quite familiar with their voice ;-) Nope I'm not kidding! It was when we were in Canberra, Australia and I was right there...in mom's womb!!

Mom has told me a lot about her supervisor, Prof. Peter Clayton and his wife, Adela for their continued support throughout her study. This is especially for the time that I caused mom the terrible pregnancy sickness while she was about to submit her thesis.

Through their kind support and understanding, mom had the courage to wrap up and submit her thesis.

So here is my Thank you message to Grandma Peter and Grandma Del: I thank you for letting me having a Phd-stay-at-home MOM!! I'm such a lucky kid! As she got PhD, she can do lots and lots of things for me like cleaning my pooh-pooh, cooking baby meals (she cooks for dad, too!), burping me, etc. I reckon she can't be this good without PhD, ha ha ha. By the way, may I ask, is it really true that mom got PhD in Communication? She can't understand my language!!

Oh, time to deliver a birthday message to both of you:)

As you two have retired early to enjoy life 365 days a year, I wish your next 365 days are filled with happiness, wonderful memories and healthy body and mind. And as I am a little fortune-teller, I can tell you that during Jan 6-10 next year, you will have the best time EVER! You are to meet the most gorgeous boy on earth and some familiar faces that you haven't seen them for a year or two. You will be traveling to a little island called Formosa, a place that even your familiar faces know very little of, both language and places. Best of luck;-) That's when all the fun begins!!!

Happy Birthday to you :-)

Happy Birthday Grandma

2008-11-25T00:40:00.001+08:00

Ah haaaa.....

Today is November 25 and I know too well that it's my beloved grandma's birthday! So here I am wearing a Happy Birthday spectacles just for you, grandma:-)

WHAT MOM??? What do you mean 'not special enough for grandma's big day' ? Ohh...NO!! It's a major headache for a one and a few months old boy like me. What should I do?

Yes!! Got the idea. How about this? A 'shy-yet-I-am-so-cute-and-innocent' smile. The one that helping me to get away with anything.

WHAT MOM??? Not enough for grandma's special day? Mom, you must be joking!

Ummm...let me think for a sec..............

I know, I know. I can entertain grandma with some funny faces!

Ready, Set...and here you Go!

WHAT MOM??? Not enough for grandma's? Don't do this to me. I'm just a little cute boy, OK? I'm running out of talents!!!

OK, one last attempt. I'm singing a birthday song for grandma...

"Happy Birthday to my Grandma...Happy Birthday to my Grandma...bla...bla...bla..."

You see, I'm clapping my hands, too! I also closed my eyes while singing a song so that I could build my emotion and feel the song...sounds like a pro, huhh??? Oh, I'm so proud of my self:-)

WHAT MOM??? Oh, I see. You've been waiting for me to present grandma her birthday cake. You should have told me earlier! This is so easy. I love this part!!

Here is the cake especially for our grandma from Changton, mom and dad.

Oh, this cake is a bit heavy! Let's sit and eat, shall we?

WHAT MOM??? We have to wait for grandma?

Well, well, well. I'll email to ask grandma for her permission to eat!

I'm too tired to fight with mom about the cake. More importantly, this is grandma's birthday and I'm so determined to be a good boy for my dear grandma. So let me make a little speech for grandma.

"Hello grandma. I am here to wish you happiness on your special day and to tell you that you are loved much more than any words I could think of!!!"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA :-)

My First Halloween

2008-11-03T22:48:00.001+08:00

How did a one-year-old boy enjoy his first Halloween? Dressed in a fancy outfit and played 'Trick-or-Treating'? Umm...may be a bit too soon for the boy who can only pronounce 'tik, tik, tik'!

Though Changton was too young to enjoy Halloween, mom got Changton to wear a Devil headband for the occasion. He didn't like it and took the headband off a few times. Mom then used a biscuit to draw his attention away from the headband she put on his head. What a trick! After eating the biscuit, he seemed to forget about the headband worn around his head. In fact, Changton wore the headband for almost the entire time that we were out.

Changton put on sunnies to complete his Halloween look.

The little devil on the run!! Both on legs and wheels.

Bored with the ride, the boy asked his mom for going out. He tried to climb up to his pram.

Well, mom was about to take you out! Changton had an appointment for vaccination! It wasn't planned for Halloween but somehow it happened to be on Halloween. Poor Changton:(

We went to see his pediatrician, Dr.Sofie of Dr. Bear's family clinic. The clinic has 4 doctors plus lots of teddy bears to cheer kids up. While waiting to see the doctor, Changton had several rides in the play area. This was the first time that mom let Changton played at the clinic. Besides that he is now old enough to play, there were no kids playing in the area. Mom doesn't want to bring Changton up in a germ-free zone; she neither wants to put him in an overly-exposed-to-germs zone, like ones in the clinic.

Here Changton had a Pokemon ride, followed by a penguin ride and a hose ride.

Then, the moment of truth! For this visit, Changton had 2 jabs: MMR and Flu jab. The boy cried after the first jab and continued to the next. But he stopped right after the second was done.

Changton with Yai Jee in front of the clinic. He gave up his Holloween headband and still wasn't in the mood.

After the jab, we went to Chili's for lunch. This time round mom ordered a kid meal for Changton for the first time. He had a grilled chicken burger. He ate half of the burger (tiny bit at a time) plus a bottle of milk!

When we came back, mom closely observed Changton for any signs of pain or fever, given that he had two jabs at one time. Mom continued to monitor Changton during the night while the boy slept soundly! Yes, once again the boy survived the jabs. Changton is a very healthy boy. He has never been sick since he was born. TOUCH WOOD!!!!

My first pair of sunglasses

2008-10-29T23:44:00.001+08:00

Changton loves sunglasses so much. He is surrounded by four-eyed people. So whenever we are off guard, he pulls the spectacles right from our faces. On his birthday pick ritual, he also picked a pair of spectacles first! Given this, mom has been searching a pair of sunglasses for Changton. She hopes that when he has a pair of his own, he will leave our eyeglasses alone.

Today mom spotted and bought a cute pair of kid sunglasses, a red, Sesame Street one. When she gave it to Changton, he gave mama plenty of his sweet, 'oh-I-am-so-happy' smiles. Here are some photos of him with the new sunnies.

Changton spent quite a bit of time in his new sunnies.

"Dear Paparazzi mom: LEAVE ME ALONE!!!"

Fisherman Wharf: Taipei

2008-10-28T16:29:00.001+08:00

Last Sunday dad took Changton, mom and Yai Jee to the Fisherman Wharf near our shop in Danshui. The Fisherman Wharf was an important fishing harbor in the early history of north Taiwan. Nowadays, while there are still some local fishing activities, the Fisherman Wharf is better known for its weekend destination for Taipei people and tourists. Most of them are here for fresh seafood, boat ride, bicycle ride, and beautiful, romantic sunset on the Lover Bridge, what a name!

For us? We did none of it! Ha..ha...

We arrived around noon, too hot for doing anything fancy. Nevertheless, we had a great time, as long as we had Changton with us:-)

This is the Lover Bridge.

The boy looked out to the sea.

Walking down the Lover bridge, holding a girl's hand? Forget it! Letting dad dragged my pram down the bridge's steps is much more fun. I love the bumpy ride, yeah...yeah...

At the boardwalk.

We had lunch at another branch of Waterfront. This one is decorated in Mediterranean style, while the one we usually go in Danshui is in Balinese style.

Changton checked out the menu.

'Drinking-from-a-cup' lesson from Yai Jee

We didn't do what the Romans do when coming to the Fisherman Wharf. As for the food, we traded seafood for some German-inspired food including a German sausage salad with yummy, tangy balsamic dressing, and a crispy German pork leg..ha ha..

We ordered a creamy soup in a bread bowl for Changton, and for us too!

Changton was bored sitting on a high chair, mom took him to play in a vacant seating area. Changton tried to get some attention from the cat painted on a wall!

Changton had been so energetic since we left home in the morning until 2 pm, the time we left the Fisherman Wharf. Soon after we got inside the car, he fell asleep...so so deep!

This Sunday was Yai Jee's day off (that was why dad took all of us out...ha ha). When we got home, mom asked Yai Jee to go and get some rest. Rejuvenated, Changton asked mom to go out again! What??? Mom was so tired. But Changton kept bugging her. To have a fair go, mom took Changton to her favorite, Japanese coffee shop, Haaya's Coffee! It was a win-win situation though. This time round they had a big basket full of toys for Changton to play. Interestingly, the boy started up with a book--making his mama proud:)

The afternoon coffee set arrived. Changton shared some Chicken pie with mom, while the rest went down to mom's tummy. On the way to and from the coffee shop, mom made bubbles for Changton to catch, using a bubble gun. Changton liked it very much; he didn't want his mom to stop making bubbles. So a 5 minutes walk to the coffee shop took 15 mins, each way!!

Oh, what a day we had!

Visit the shop

2008-10-28T16:26:00.001+08:00

Dad had another Sunday off and so we were out again! This time we went to Fisherman Wharf, the north of Taipei. Before then, we popped in our shop to say hi to Uncle Johnny to thank him for coming to work on Sunday and so dad and mom could take Changton out. We also wanted to say Happy Birthday to Ilan, too!

Watching the fishes outside the shop.

Turning the bed into his play zone.

With the elephant painting mom asked an artist in Thailand to paint for Changton's bedroom. But it somehow ended up at the shop! Sorry Changton. Mom will get you a new one later.

Changton was playing with the birthday girl. Happy Birthday Arh Eee, Ilan :-)

Here are some pictures of our Feelgood Living shop in Danshui, Taiwan.

Int' Food Fair at Taipei American School

2008-10-25T23:11:00.001+08:00

Today mom took Changton to the International Food Fair at Taipei American School. Mom heard about this fair from Juanita, the lady she met at Pretty Nails in Tienmu--thank you for letting us know about this fair. We had a great time.

The minute after dad dropped us at TAS, we first checked out some food. That was the whole purpose of being there, wasn't it? There were food, food and food. Thai, Japanese, Italian, French, German, Indian, Mexican and so on. Once having some ideas on what we wanted to eat, we then checked out other things. There were many play areas for kids, but Changton was too small to play.

Changton checked out a few castles!!

Say Hi to Mr. Tiger.

The boy was scared of Mr. Friendly Tiger...but then decided to be a Master Tiger, too!!

The Pokemon and Doraemon ride.

Listened to an outdoor concert, played by TAS students. Lots of parents were there to support their kids. Soon mom will join them too!!

The boy enjoyed the school choir; he clapped his hands along.

Mom's favorite dance girl. Cute face and hairdo!!

Thai papaya salad!

Although there was Som Tam (Thai papaya salad) corner, we opted for Mexican food, something we cannot cook at home! Mom also bought some avocado salsa dip for dad's midnight snack!

As for Som Tam...Voila!!! We made one soon after we arrived home and our Changton fell asleep!!

Som Tam and grilled chicken!! A great afternoon snack!!

Ohh...What a day we had!!

Ice cream time, again!

2008-10-25T23:04:00.002+08:00

Recently we had lots and lots of ice cream and most of the time, Changton joined us. Last night dad took us out for some ice cream again. Mom asked Changton what he wanted to have. Changton flipped every single page of the menu, pointing at them and saying "Arh, Arh, Arh...", Changton's word for "want, want, want".

Then he got bored and started to walk around on the sofa.

Since Changton chose everything on the menu, there were some decisions for dad and mom to make...ha ha!

The ice cream arrived and we were ready to attack!!

Yum, yum...Changton's mouth was covered with ice cream!

Oh so yummy...when will be the next time, dad?

Play time in a bathtub

2008-10-24T23:31:00.002+08:00

The bathtub in mom & dad's room hasn't been used since we moved into the house almost a year ago. And, it was Changton who made a debut, in a true, Changton style!!

Riding his boat!

Riding a boat in a bathtub?? No, no...it wasn't our plan. Our actual plan was a grand ride in the pool. As a reward for being such a good boy, mom took Changton down to the pool. Dressed in a swimming gear and with his boat in mom's hand, we were more than ready to jump in the pool.

Unfortunately, the moment we reached the pool, a gardener was spaying some insecticide around the area. Soon after we saw it, we fled! We were so lucky that we came just in time. If we came a bit later, we wouldn't have known about the insecticide and that could be very dangerous for Changton's health.

As the time between going down to the pool and coming back up happened so quick, Changton didn't have time to comprehend what had happened and why we were back so soon. So the boy did not cry or protest. All he had was a 'What-the' face!! Didn't want to upset her little boy, mom decided to let him play in a bathtub instead.

However, Changton was too small to play safely in a bathtub. So mom placed him in the boat. Our bathtub is too small for the boat make a turn, we can manage only backward and forward. Anyway, the boy seemed to have a great time. It was so joyful to watch Changton playing in the bathtub. Our boy is growing up everyday. Soon he will be ready to have a bath in the bathtub, playing with the floating ducks! Just like a mom's dream of kiddy bath ritual.

Yai Jee helped pulling and rocking the boat.

For the record, we saw the rainbow arching over Yang Ming Shan 3 times during these few days. Yai Jee said when we saw the rainbow 3 times and at the same place, we can make a wish. Yai Jee told mom that she already made one. At time, mom did nothing but laughed. Why there are so many beliefs and sayings about the rainbow? But when she finished this this post, she started to think...what would be her wish if she had made one? Interestingly, all the wishes that ran through her mind was all about her Changton!! How could a little boy taking so much space of mom's head???

What is your wish?

Another trip to Yu Kids Island

2008-10-23T13:23:00.001+08:00

Recently mom has more times at home. She has quite a bit of work to do at home. But she couldn't resist the temptation of going out with Changton. So on one sunny day, Changton, Yai Jee and mom went out in the afternoon. We started the day with some yummy ice cream, to indulge adults' appetite! Changton also enjoyed the treat. But he preferred to eat the warm, fluffy waffle that came with the ice cream. And from time to time, he reached out for some decorative biscuits and chocolate.

Waiting for the ice cream!

While waiting for the ice cream, Yai Jee fed Changton his favorite afternoon snack, apple.

Stole a biscuit from mom's plate.

After the treat, we visited Yu Kids Island again. This time round there were three Japanese girls playing at the Balls & Balloons area. So mom took Changton to to a little merry-go-round area. When the girls spotted Changton, they came running to him. The big girl, in a white dress, was especially fond of Changton. She was hugging and holding Changton during the entire time there. May be she was too fond. Hugging was more like wrestling and so the boy was frightened at first. One time, mom was frightened too. The girls hugged Changton too hard to he lost a balance and fell on, thank god, a soft floor!!

The girls started to come...

Changton tried to move away...but it seemed impossible.

Oi, headlock???

Can I have some times alone, please???

Yes, the girls granted Changton 5 mins alone.

The girls were back with some balls, to make friend with Changton.

This trick seemed to work!! They sat together and played for good 10 mins.

Then they got bored and moved to other areas. But the girl rarely left Changton alone.

After 40 mins, they girls had gone. Yeah, yeah, it's was Changton's time! The boy climbed the stairs up and down for almost 10 mins.

Changton tried to stop his Paparazzi mom!!

After almost 4 hrs outside the house, we came home. Mom and Yai Jee were exhausted. But Changton asked to go out again!!!! He pointed at the door and said Pai-Pai, Go-Go, and Chi-Chi. Sorry Changton, we were too exhausted to take you out...not even tomorrow..ha ha!!

Yang Ming Shan Visit

2008-10-20T13:19:00.001+08:00

Finally dad had a Sunday off (Oct 12). Although we wanted dad to have a good rest at home, it was very tempting to ask dad to take us out. After dad woke up, Changton, who was already dressed in his weekend outing cloth, showed daddy the car key and said Chi-Chi, Pai-Pai and Go-Go, his first tri-lingual word.

How could dad let the boy down! Dad happily took us up to Yang Ming Shan, the mountain right behind our house, for a fresh air. We also wanted to show Yai Jee a natural scenery. So far we only showed her a Taipei city life! Well, some people call Yang Ming Shan National Park, an urban forest. Sounds good to city people like us...ha ha.

"What dad? Back seat? I want to drive. I got the car key!!"

Yangmingshan is situated in the north of Taipei. It's known of its volcanic activity over 750,000 years. We didn't go to the top of Yang Ming mountain to visit its famous park. This time we only visited one of its several geothermal areas around Yang Ming Shan National Park (see the bottom ground below Yai Jee).

Before going down to visit the geothermal area, we took a picture together. The wind was pretty strong so our eyes were barely opened.

We reached the bottom ground. Here Yai Jee posed with an information board. This area was affected by the volcano eruption. We saw many burnt rocks in the area.

We saw many pipe lines connected the hotspring from this geothermal resource to many hot spring bathing places.

Changton enjoyed the scenery in daddy's arms.

This place is also a popular spot for wedding photo shooting!!!

After the visit, we went to our favorite (or mom's) Chili's for lunch. Then we went to Auntie Aiwen's place to collect some of Austin's toys and things that auntie kindly gave to Changton.

A cutie dress

2008-10-17T14:13:00.002+08:00

Grandma and Pa Jeab bought this little light blue dress for Changton. Mom found Changton looks super cute in it!

A beautiful rainbow and a good-10-steps-walk at home

2008-10-17T14:08:00.002+08:00

Changton spends most of his time at home, of course!! If the weather is good and if mom has times, she likes to take him out for a walk. Changton is a Go-Go-Go boy, he loves going out. In fact, "go go go" is the first word he says when he wakes up each morning! Umm... a mental note for mom: teaching her son a proper morning greeting!

Recently the weather is so Autumn. It's gloomy, windy and rainy. The poor boy cannot go out much. This morning, we saw a good sign of going out. Though it was raining a little bit, we started to see a clearer blue sky. Plus, from the balcony, we saw a beautiful rainbow arching over Yang Ming Shan, a mountain near our house.

Mom wanted to show Changton the rainbow but Yai Jee warned her of a superstitious belief of not using a finger pointing at the rainbow. This reminded her of the old days when mom used a finger to point at a rainbow and her sister said, "You are going to die in 7 days!". Mom knows it's silly but she can't help obeying to the warning. So she tried very hard to show Changton the rainbow, using her head instead! She hoped that Changton could actually see the rainbow. At best, she hoped that Changton knew what a rainbow is? Sometimes mom just amazes the amazingly development of human beings. Changton's tiny brain is absorbing new things every single second!! What a daunting job ahead for the little boy!

Talking about the new things, new developments. Since he reached his one year old mark, Changton has been thriving to achieve one of his biggest milestones, WALKING. Only then, he will be called a toddler, not a baby, according to his mother's criterion.

On this rainbow day, Mom observed Changton walking unsupported for good 10 steps. GO, GO, GO, son. "Yes, you can", Uncle Obama has been saying this to him everyday!

"Enough walking for now!"

Crawling is still his main move!

My first time to Yu Kids Island

2008-10-08T22:09:00.001+08:00

Changton's nanny took a day off. Mom had to figure out how to keep Changton occupied for the day! She decided to take Changton out, as it was less tiring and more fun than staying at home. We arrived the shopping mall too early as dad dropped us on his way to the company. So mom took Changton to McCafe nearby first. While mom sipped a cup of coffee, Changton took a look at a magazine!! Umm, mom had found her cafe companion!

At 11 am sharp, we entered Shin Kong Mitsubishi department store. Our destination was the kid floor. Urhh...actually it was mom's destination! As the weather is getting cooler, mom wanted to get some long sleeve shirts for Changton. When we walked pass Yu Kids Island, mom had a better idea. She thought Changton should be old enough to play in this kiddy land. Once Changton was permitted to enter Yu, mom knew she had found a paradise made for mother and son! ha ha:-)

Changton was super excited as much as his mom. Seeing him so pleased and enjoying his time at Yu, mom had a bigger plan...Disneyland!!! It must be really really fun for us. Mom can't wait to spend time with Changton and daddy in the big D. As for the meantime, Yu Kids Island is now officially our playground.

Finally, I'm riding an elephant!! Yeah, yeah, yeah:-)

After Yu Kids Island, we went out for lunch at the same old Chili's and went home, happily.

For the record: After came home, mom observed that Changton was still excited by Yu's. He didn't want to go to bed, kept saying Pai Pai Pai (Go, Go, Go). And when he slept, once or twice he woke up and smiled with his barely-to-open eyes. Then he woke up at 3.30 am and played until 5am. Mom was exhausted and dad was complaining at mom, of course. He said Changton was too young to expose to the over-stimulated Yu's. Since the Yu visit, Changton keeps asking to go out all day, and everyday! Is Yu is too much too soon for our Changton? Mom starts to wonder!

The MD Grandpa and Grandmas' visit

2008-10-08T22:06:00.001+08:00

Changton is fortunate to have his very own medical team, right from the day he born. As Changton is now one year old, it was about time for the MD grandpa and grandmas to pay him a visit.

Surrounded by the Grands. From left to right: Dr. Patcharaporn (Yai Mohr Out), Dr. Pisanu (Ta Mohr Nu) and Dr. Pacharee (Yai Mohr Pach).

Yai Mohr Pach was here for the HIV conference at National Taiwan University for a few days. So mom took Ta Mohr Nu and Yai Mohr Out for sightseeing around Taipei. Mom was a bit anxious, yet excited to take them around Taipei by herself! Like our guests, it was mom's first time around Taipei too!! Luckily, we were great travel mates. Yai Mohr Out posses good Mandarin, Ta Mohr Nu has a good sense of direction and mom, a smart duck!! ha ha. So overall, we had a great trip, hadn't we? We went to a few places including those of Tzuchi.

Each morning before we left home, the Grands spent their times with Changton. The popular spot that the Grands liked to play with Changton was at the animal mobile. The mobile was hung under the light above the dinning table since his birthday. No one but the Grands spot the mobile as a potential amusement for Changton! Each morning, the Grands took turn to life him up for catching the animal mobile.

Playing with the Grands was fun and addictive! So we suspected Changton called his friend Jungmi to visit Taiwan. As Jungmi was a strong typhoon, the government announced 2 typhoon days. At the beginning, it seemed the typhoon day was Changton's gain. The Grands were stuck at home, not knowing what to do...so it was play time for Changton!! ha ha...

Ta Mohr Nu, why are you soooo big?

After playing with Changton for a few hours, the Jungmi Magic faded and the Grands recovered from the typhoon's bad news!!! They decided to include Observing Typhoon as part of their sightseeing! Ha ha...so the Grands decided to go out and about, despite the typhoon day warning. Sorry Changton!!

Here's Yai Mohr Out with Changton

After the close observation and examination, Yai Mohr Out, Changton's pediatrician, confirmed the boy has a healthy mentally and physically. Plus, a tricky and playful mind, like his mama!!

Yai Morh Out especially brought a special birthday gift for Changton. It was a cute gold elephant! Mom was trying to let him hold the elephant while she took a photo. But he always wanted to eat it!!!

Thank you very much Yai Mohr Out. I'll ask Mom to keep this cute elephant as a dowry for my future wife...hee hee;-)

Grandma's visit

2008-10-08T22:03:00.001+08:00

The day Pa Jeab left Taipei, Grandma flew in. But she spent her first 5 days and 4 nights visiting Taiwan's national health insurance and Tzuchi. As first we weren't sure if Changton could remember his grandma. He did! In fact, he was totally abandoned his favorite nanny!! He preferred to spend his precious time with grandma. He was a very tamed and sweet to grandma, making his grandma very happy and proud. Unfortunately, his time with grandma was reduced by Jungmi, another typhoon to hit Taiwan. Grandma decided to leave Taiwan one day earlier to avoid the big airport delay.

The boy adored his grandma.

We miss you grandma. You have to come back more often!!

Auntie Jeab's September visit

2008-10-08T22:00:00.001+08:00

Auntie Jeab (Pa Jeab) was in Taipei again to attend her conference. This time, we expected to spend more time with Pa Jeab, given she planned to come on a weekend, ahead of her conference. But the typhoon forced Pa Jeab to postpone her flight and so she arrived just in time for the conference-no spare time for us again!

Never mind, Changton and mom managed squeezed some times from Pa Jeab's busy working schedule.

Unlike Pa Jeab last time when mom and Changton camped out in Pa Jeab's room at Hyatt for 4 days and 3 nights, this time round we could manage only a one day visit. This time we had Yai Jee, Changton's nanny with us. In the morning after dad dropped us at the hotel, Changton took Yai Jee to Taipei 101 and several shopping malls around there. Changton and mom was fun but Yai Jee got a headache-she wasn't a shopping mall person.

At Taipei 101

Two landmarks in one place!!

Go toy shopping.

We stopped by our favorite Chili's for lunch. Changton could do some drawings now. We kept him busy to avoid his attack on our food!!

Checked out his new wallet which came with his first ever credit card!

In the afternoon, Changton went back to the hotel for an afternoon nap. Yai Jee gave Changton a bath. In preparing him for the bath, Changton peed on a bed sheet!! It was his first time ever!!

What did I do mom?

When Pa Jeab came back, mom asked "Guess what did Changton do to your room?" "He peed", said Pa Jeab. Mom was surprised that Pa Jeab had her guessing right. "How did you know?", asked mom. "That is one of a few things he is capable of, isn't it?, replied Pa Jeab. Mom was !?!? "Hey, how could you underestimate your nephew?", mom quickly asked her big sis.

Well, after all, Pa Jeab has every rights to think so. Mom had a big talk about Changton's new moves to Pa Jeab. But since her arrival, Changton had yet to show any of it!!

After the bath.

Rejuvinated after a power nap. We revisited Taipei 101 again in the late afternoon. We were planning to go up to the observatory area. But mom decided to wait for Changton's MD Grandpa and Grandmas who were coming to Taipei soon. So we just hung around at the ticket booth area!!

Changton enjoyed both Taipei 101 Day and Night scene!!

Exhausted from walking around, we came back to the hotel again. Before going to the room, we took Changton to play at the pool.

Pa Jeab finally came back from work...only to start working again!!! Changton decided to help Pa Jeab with her work!!

"What stocks should I buy?"

"Let me ask Mr. Bloomberg".

On Pa Jeab's final day in Taipei, Changton went to see his doctor for a one-year-old check up and a PCV jab. No cry again for the brave boy. So we took him out for lunch at his favorite Chili's (actually it's mom favorite ha ha!). He ate a bit of grilled chicken, pork ribs and one piece of french fries. Now he likes the crayons but he couldn't resist adults' gadgets.

"Hi, dad, we are at Chili's. Do you want some ribs?"

It was time to say goodbye to Pa Jeab.

The limousine came to pick up Pa Jeab. Changton couldn't let Pa Jeab go.

Bye bye Pa Jeab. See you soon!!

A monthly update?

2008-10-08T21:57:00.001+08:00

Obviously mom has failed to update Changton's blog on a weekly basis. May be a monthly update is more like it!!! Let's hope that Changton's blog will not be a quarterly update or, worse, a yearly update...ha ha! There were so many things happening in September, Changton's Birth month. After celebrating his first BD, mom and dad went to Thailand for a business trip. Changton was home with Grandma (Yai) Jee, Changton's nanny, and Yeh-Yeh and Nei Nei who live next door.

This was a sad, sad situation for all of us, mom especially. She called back from Thailand and learnt that Changton was crying so hard and so long during the first night. Yai Jee told mom that he kept calling for his Mae (mother). When mom heard this she was ready to catch the first flight back home. Thanks to Changton's grandpa who reminded her that Changton is old enough to learn that sometimes dad and mom cannot be home with him. As grandpa predicted, the next day Yai Jee told mom that he was fine at night and played happily during the day. May be mom forgot about Changton's short-term memory--that he can live happily as long as he has his yummy munchies.

To make up his lonesome week, after dad and mom came back, Changton had many visitors who took their turn to show up each week until the end of the month. The first visitor was Pa (auntie) Jeab, followed by his grandma and his MD grandmas and grandpa. So in the following posts, mom recorded Changton's moments with his visitors who are near-and-dear to our hearts.

I like beautiful lady

2008-10-08T21:56:00.001+08:00

Our building held a mid-autumn feast. Mom and Yai Jee took Changton down to join the party. We had quite a few yummy food there.

Then, unexpectedly, we found Changton's temporary baby sitter. It's a beautiful granny. Mom has poor memory, she forgot her name but this lady is the grandma of a boy who born one day after Changton. Changton was so drawn to her that he only wanted the beautiful grandma to hold him throughout the night! It was a happy situation for all of us: the beautiful grandma who was proudly carrying Changton around and mom and Yai Jee who were free to sit and enjoy the feast!!

Thank you beautiful granny:)

The day after my birthday

2008-10-08T21:54:00.001+08:00

On the day after his birthday, Changton woke up in the same birthday outfit to reassure his mom that money well spent! He began his first day as a one year old boy playing his most favorite BD toy, the blue singing elephant.

As last night Changton was busy checking and tearing other BD gifts that were wrapped nicely with colorful paper, there was one BD gift that he rarely touched. Yes, the gift from his mom!!! So mom gave his the last chance for checking out his BD gift.

For a record: on the day after his birthday, Changton reached another milestone. He declared "Independent Day"!! He said NO to breastfeeding!!! No matter how much mom had tried to feed him, he ran away!!! He didn't seem to miss a thing!!! Unlike his mom who misses the breastfeeding time so very very bad:(

Yai Mohr Out, his pediatrician, said that saying NO to breatfeeding means Changton has learnt the idea of separation--that he is not attached to his mom. So mom was right, it was his independent day!

The birthday boy and the cake

2008-09-05T00:16:00.001+08:00

Finally mom was able to retrieve the cake session shots from her camera. Here is the boy and his first birthday cake.

With Yeh Yeh and Nei Nei (Grandpa & Grandma - dad's side)

Pick my future (Birthday cont.)

2008-09-03T01:27:00.005+08:00

Besides letting Changton ate noodles on his first BD, we had another Chinese ritual of birthday grab for him. According to the tradition, a set of items are placed on the toddler's first birthday so that the toddler may pick whatever they fancy. Whatever item they pick may be an indication of the child's future career. Umm, the ritual sounds great to Changton's superstitious mom! So on his BD, mami placed several items following the Chinese traditional birthday grab including a book, a stamp, a knife, a bag of rice, money, a ruler, onion, etc. She also added a few items of her own, including nintendo game, a computer mouse, and an eyeglass.

Once the items were placed, Changton was allowed to pursue the objects. Normally Changton loves to crawl and grab everything he sees. But when the birthday grab kicked off and he was free to crawl, he sat and watched the items instead. He must felt the pressure, as we all watched and cheered him on. After a minute or so, he started to crawl towards the items. He paused and examined all the items. Then he carefully used his tiny fingers to grab the PEN! Phew!! Everyone sighed!!!

"The pen means that Changton will have a career in the literacy", said Auntie May. "Yes, he's a smart boy, he will be a young man of talent", added dad who couldn't be prouder!! Mom thinks that the pen pick really suits Changton's Chinese name, Hong-Po, which means a scholar. Hong-Po was name after Nei Nei (Changton's grandma) brought Changton's date and time of birth to consult her fortune-teller.

The first pick was done. We let him go for the second pick, which determines his hobby. Changton picked the "eyeglass". As this item was added by mami, no ritual explanation for this one. So mami came up of her own, "Changton will love reading, like his mom", and "it's in the gene, what can you expect when both dad and mom wear eyeglasses!".

Changton was then asked to go for a final round. He picked a 1000 bank note. He turned to us and waved it in the air. Instead of giving a translation for his third pick, everyone begged Changton for the red pocket!! Well, who needs translations when the action was loud and clear of Changton's future!!

Happy birthday, Changton. You have brought us so much joy. Whatever you want to be in the future, dad and mom will always be there for you.

Changton's Birthday (cont)

2008-09-03T01:21:00.003+08:00

It's a party time. Dad and mom had a big yummy cake with a cute elephant drawing and a wording saying, "I'm One" for Changton. Due to some technical problems (aham!), please revisit this post to see Changton's birthday cake.

We put a sparking-while-burning candle on the cake to get Changton's attention. Though he was looking at it, he seemed a little scare and didn't want to come closer to the cake. The HBD song we sang had finished for a while and the candle almost burned out, Changton still took no action. Eventually, mami helped him blowing the candle. The BD cake part did not seem to excite Changton. Given he likes to put just about everything, food or non-food, into his mouth, mami expected to see him enjoying his cake time. Wrong. He is a grown up boy. Changton was more interested in playing balloons, popping bubbles and playing new toys.

Mom was lazy to wrap his BD gifts, as she bought him so many things including clothes, educational toys and silly toys. She thus placed everything in a big basket and wrapped it at once. Result? Changton didn’t seem to care. Lesson learned Number Two: don’t put all eggs in one basket! Risky, yes. Too many things can be equal to nothing. Anyway, there was one gift he was particularly interested in. It’s the musical elephant from Auntie May and her families. Thank you Auntie May for the lovely toy.

Checked out his new buddy.

Mami was busy recording the video throughout the party. Then she realized that she needed one. But Changton still wanted to play. So this was the best shot she got from the birthday boy.

It's My First Ever Birthday!!

2008-09-02T13:30:00.004+08:00

Now I have some numbers to count on!!

Start with Number One...yeah, yeah,yeah!!!

Time has definitely flied. Our little boy is now one-year-old. Happy 1st birthday to our gorgeous boy!!! Although Changton will always be our baby no matter at what age, he is now indeed a baby! To qualify for a "toddler", he has to be able to walk, right? Anyway, no rush! Mami knows soon enough you will be able to walk, and yes RUN!!

We'll be right back with more updates on Changton's birthday celebration!

A rare family picture

2008-09-02T13:08:00.002+08:00

As dad is always busy and doesn't like to be in a photo for the same I-am-not-ready-to be-in-a-photo reason as mami, so far we have less than five family photos!! Out of five, mami likes this one. It was a very amateur snap shot but for some reasons it looks like a family portrait. Doesn't it?

(Photo taken when Changton was 4 months old)

I like a big bed

2008-09-02T13:07:00.002+08:00

Changton loves to be in bed with his dad and mom because it is spacious, soft and cozy, unlike his baby crib. However, don't ever think that our baby size buddy only needs a baby size space. Each and every night, Changton occupies half of our king bed size!!

The walker: Mami's best friend

2008-09-02T13:05:00.002+08:00

Mami loves the baby walker. It gives her free hands to get things done and not worrying about his potential falls. When he is in a good mood, in his walker, he loves running around and bang on the wall or anything that blocks his way. But when he isn't, he would cry and keep kicking his legs to avoid being placed in the walker. But mami manages to place him in anyway!!

Now that he is one year old, a walker serves another purpose...

CLIMBING!!!

A baby girl?

2008-09-02T13:00:00.002+08:00

Before getting pregnant, mami always wanted a baby girl. But she was converted right after the 4D ultrasound clearly showed it was a baby boy. But somehow when people (as much as 9 out of 10) mistake Changton for a baby girl, mami (and papa) is secretly pleased;-) Why not? What's wrong with having a boy with a pretty, sweet face?

One day, mami got curious. What if she had a girl? What would her baby look like? With help of Auntie May Siao, mami got the answer. Umm....not looking so pretty!!

...too big to be a pretty girl!

Grandpa's Birthday

2008-09-02T12:58:00.005+08:00

Ta Tuad's birthday post reminds mami of another birthday that Changton witnessed! It was Grandpa's birthday. Changton was 3 months old at time.

Grandpa donated a lot of baby blankets on Changton's behalf.

It's time to blow the candles! Happy Birthday Grandpa:-)

First visit to a hair salon

2008-09-02T12:58:00.004+08:00

At 7.5 months old, Changton's hair got very long and messy. On our second visit to Chiangrai, grandma took Changton for his first hair cut. As mami found it's hard to let go his lovely locks, we agreed for a front trim, instead of a whole cut. Whether or not Changton would sit still during the cut concerned us at beginning. But with a help of a little toy, it was a smooth operation.

He first observed the hairdresser, and then a wooden turtle.

Here's the finished look.

Ta Tuad's birthday

2008-09-02T12:54:00.002+08:00

It's Great Grandpa's (Ta Tuad) 91th birthday. We had a ceremony in the morning and a lunchon. Although Ta Tuad was the man of the day, Changton (at time was 7.5 months) somehow stole the show.

Changton's second visit to Thailand

2008-09-02T12:52:00.002+08:00

After spending 2 months in Taipei, mami had a reason to go back to Thailand. It's Great grandpa Birthday!

At the airport, after checked in.

With grandma Sri (who came to help mami looked after Changton for 3 weeks-thank you very much!)

Are they look alike?

The boy always flies first class!

With grandpa Lit on Cheng Meng Day.

For Changton, everyday is a play day.

Evening walk with grandpa

A rare photo with mami;-)

A model for Combi

2008-09-02T12:48:00.002+08:00

When we went shopping for his pram, he fell asleep. As he got heavier, mami put him in one of the displayed pram. He slept so still that other customers thoughts he was a mocked up baby doll. Thank you Pa Jeab for the wonderful pram!!

Pay respect to King Meng Rai

2008-09-02T12:47:00.001+08:00

After spending his first 3 months in Chiangrai, grandpa took Changton to pay his respect to King Meng Rai (The king who founded Chiangrai) before flying back to Taipei.

Out grew his clothes

2008-09-02T12:45:00.003+08:00

Buying baby clothes can be costly as babies grow very fast. Here are some examples of what happened in less than 3 months time (see Changton's thigh fillet as an indicator!).

That's why mami now buys only on sales baby clothes. No sales, no buy.

It seems that Pa Jeab has adopted this strategy long ago. She bought so many outfits for Changton. However, there is one mistake that Pa Jeab needs to learn. That is, not all blue clothes are for baby boys!!! Look what she'd done to Changton! Look at the Barbie-doll sleeves!!!

Another lesson learned from buying clothes on sales is that most of the time the size is not right. Mami tends to buy a bigger size. So, now Changton has too many "future" clothes, too little "present" ones. Worst, some future clothes were forgotten! Oops, mami hopes that dad misses out the last few lines.

Mother and son photos

2008-09-02T12:41:00.001+08:00

A chance to have "mother and son" photos is rare. One of the main reason is that while Changton can always pull his fresh looks, mom can't!! As Na Gun was in town, mami grabbed the chance. Here is the first (official?) mother and son's photo set. It was taken when Changton was one and a half month. Thank you very much Na Gun.

The first three months in Chiangrai: sleep, play and visitors

2008-09-02T12:37:00.002+08:00

What would babies do in their first few months of life? Rather predictable, isn't it! Apart from his daily breastfeeding and sleeping routine, Changton played and welcomed a few guests.

Playing time...

Greeting visitors.

First time get away

2008-09-02T12:30:00.002+08:00

When Changton was 1.5 month old, he had his first get away. Na Gun of Sydney visit us in Chiangrai. So mami and grandpa took Na Gun to Doi Tung and Chiang Sean. Changton loved the ride, so he well behaved. It was a pleasant trip for mami too, though packing up Changton's stuffs was a nightmare. P'Green, Changton's lovely caretaker, also came with us. So mami could sneak out and have a drink with Na Gun at night. Interestingly, the first hotel that Changton stayed called Anantara, which means Elephant! So Changton had every rights to stay here. The hotel is decorated in a very exotic, yet comfortable style. Mami loves it so much that a month later she revisit with dad minus Changton! Sorry Changton:(

The best thing about going out with Na Gun is that he's photo taking enthusiast. Na Gun is such a pro who always delivers WOW shots. Everyone knows Na Gun's mandatory rule. That, to get the best shots, they need to follow Na Gun's commands, no compliant whatsoever. Something like, give me a big I'm-so-happy-smile-but-hide-your-teeth smile, lift your chin up a little (too reduce his workload of retouching people's double chin), turn your face to the left at what degree, bla...bla...bla... Then he will give the very last but most important command, STAY STILL!

To Na Gun's nightmare, Changton was uncomprehending to his commands. Na Gun tried to get Chiangton's smiley shots but they were so hard to obtain. Na Gun got a bit cranky, so as Changton. Mami observed a cute 'rival' act between them. While Na Gun kept referring Changton as a 'little devil', never before had mami seen Changton stuck his tongue out a few times towards Na Gun. Well, after all, they'd just been friendly!

Here are some shots that Na Gun took.

Burping time

2008-09-02T11:49:00.001+08:00

How Changton'd spent his first three months in Chiangrai was simply predictable. Like ordinary babies, milk time and sleeping time occupied his days. Sounds simple, but it wasn't. Though breastfeeding Changton every 2-3 hours was bearable, burping wasn't. To minimize chances of colic, burping is a must. The boy cannot lay down until we heard a heaven-sent burping sound. But burping could take ages. Luckily, mami had good helpers, either the nurses or grandma Sri. The latter one was especially keen. Grandma Sri often came round during breastfeeding and kept asking "has he done?" So in many burping shots we found Changton on Grandma Sri's shoulder.

A boy with highlighted hair-do

2008-09-02T11:46:00.002+08:00

When he born, Changton had lots of hair, with golden brown tips. His hairdo is thus one of our showing off lists!!

People often thought we took him to a baby salon. Yes, it's a Womb Salon.

One month old Buddhist ceremony

2008-09-02T11:45:00.001+08:00

When Changton reached one month old, we held a Buddhist ceremony for him.

In the morning, Grandpa offered food and flowers to our family's ancestors, Changton's guardian, and the house spirit.

In the late afternoon, monks came to perform the ceremony. Changton was cooperative as he slept in his crib throughout the ceremony!

Mami was very honor and grateful that Than Jao Khun (of Pra Sigha Temple) performed the ceremony for Changton. Mami has known Than Jao Khun since she was a little girl, going to his temple with her classmates for medication.

Grandpa donated a pair of china white-blue vase to Pra Sigha Temple on Changton's special occasion.

Changton with Khun Ta Tuad (grandma's dad).

Changton: A boy who came from grandpa's dream

2008-09-02T11:43:00.002+08:00

Thanks to grandpa's dream, Changton has his own tale!

Here's the tale, according to grandpa's words. One morning in early January, while waiting for his visitors on a couch facing the main entrance of the house, grandpa snoozed and had a dream. In his dream, he saw a tall, well built, young guy riding an elephant, which was adorned splendidly, towards the house. When approaching the house's main entrance, the guy made the elephant stopped, climbed down, and walked into the house. When he approaching grandpa, he bowed at Grandpa's feet. Then the phone rang. Yes, it was a call from mami from Australia, telling grandpa about her pregnancy.

This dream together with a fortune-teller who said to grandpa few months earlier that he would meet someone whom he'd related to from the past life makes grandpa to believe strongly that Changton has followed him from the past life. Whatever it is, mami loves the drama! At time when she heard about the dream, she still didn't know about the sex of her baby. But grandpa insisted that the baby is definitely a boy (plus the fortune-teller whom mami went to see a month early also predicted that she will have two boys and stressing that she would get pregnant within a few months time - oh, what a superstitious family;-)

Although we didn't know the name of the young guy who rode the elephant, mami was struck by the name Changton which grandpa used to call the type of the elephant the young guy rode. Since then, mami's unborn baby boy has his nickname, Changton.

Here's Grandpa and Changton. Reunited happily in this life. Ha ha ha!!

This photo was taken when Changton was one and a half month old.

Changton is here!

2008-09-02T11:42:00.001+08:00

After a nine-month long wait, Changton was born by C-section on a Sunday morning of September 2. The thought of being operated in a chilling green room was somehow frightening. However, mami felt at ease because she had familiar faces around (through they put on marks) including Changton's dad and grandma, Ta Morh Nu (Dr.Pisanu), Yai Morh Pat(Dr.Patcharee), and Yai Morh Out (Dr. Patcharaporn). In fact, these people are the reason why mami decided to give birth in her hometown, Chiangrai, in the first place. Although mami wished Changton's grandma to perform the C-section (but she retired long time ago), having been in hands of none other than the Great Dr.Nu was equally as great as having grandma's. After all, Ta Morh Nu and Yai Morh Pat is our extended family as mami always feel that they are her godfather and godmother.

While dad did a motion record, Yai Mohr Pat did the still. Some of her shots are very (medically) professional...

Yai Morh Out wanted Changton to have mami's milk as soon as possible.

First time in grandma's arms.

A few hours later, we are reunion for good.

First time in daddy's arms.

After long awaited, grandpa cheerfully embraced Changton.

Then Pa Jeab, who sets to be Changton's best mate as Changton started to make funny faces in Pa Jeab's arms.

Changton was being fed with mami's milk exclusively during his first few days of life. Then his weight dropped almost a kilo. We assumed that he had enough milk but it wasn't. Poor Changton, his face and body was yellowish. Therefore, he was undergo colour therapy. He was so cute, lying naked in the sun bathing machine.

Out grow the crib

2008-09-02T11:39:00.001+08:00

Before Changton born, grandma bought him a yellow baby crib. Here's how he has out grown the crib during his first year.

In the crib for the first time when he was one week old.

One month old

Three months old, time to say good bye for the crib he slept in during the past three months

Seven months old. While waiting for his car seat, he some times napped in the crib. Changton always falls asleep in the car.

A growing up boy

2008-09-02T11:36:00.001+08:00

Time definitely speedily flies . Our little boy is now one-year-old. Happy birthday gorgeous boy!!! Although Changton will always be our baby, he is still called a baby! As he still cannot walk, he's yet to qualify for a "toddler". Here is a quick recap of how he's grown during the past year.

His first debut to the world. He born on Sunday, September 2, 2007. He weighs 3250 grams with 54 cm in height.

One month old

Two months old

Three months old

Four months old

Five months old

Six months old

Seven months

Eight months

Nine months

Ten months old

Eleven months old

...and a one-year-old-boy

Changton's First Birthday: A Thank You Note

2008-09-02T11:17:00.001+08:00

It's been a year since Changton brought so much joys to our families. Though having a baby had always on top of mami's mind and that she'd mentally and physically prepared for motherhood, to actually have one in tow was somewhat overwhelmed in the beginning as everything was new to both mami and Changton. To see him grow up happily and healthily these days recalls mami a wonderful squad who lend their helping hands, especially during the first few months of Changton's life. Therefore, on Changton's special day, mami would like to express her gratitude to her special squad.

Besides great helps from our people at home and on-duty-nurses, mami especially want to say thank you...

To Changton's grandma (Khun Yai) particularly for sharing her cheerful words and listening to mami thoughts and feelings (picture taken when Changton was two days old)

To Changton's grandpa (Khun Ta) for making sure yummy and nutritious food is on the table (picture taken when Changton was one and a half month old)

To grandma Sri for her untiring helping hands (she was so keen that she took over our day-shift nurses' job when Changton reached 2 month-old, though not dare to make an offer for the night shift-picture taken when Changton was 3 months old)

To Ta Mohr Nu, Yai Mohr Pat and Yai Mohr Patcharaporn for their generous call-me-anytime-and-I-will-be-there supports (pictures taken when Changton was about two months old).

To Na Tong for his taking off his job hunting time for looking after Changton whenever mami's need help (picture taken when Changton was 3 months old)

And finally, to Pa Jeab for her willingness to do nothing but play with Changton, even when he wants to sleep! (picture taken when Changton was one week old, no one but Pa Jeab dare to put him in this position and rocked him).

A Cheer-Ta-Tuad-Up Trip to Thailand

2008-07-29T13:19:00.001+08:00

We went to Thailand unexpectedly because Changton's 90 yr old Grand Grand Pa (Ta Tuad) was hospitalized. Ta Tuad fell down and is now unable to walk. Ta Tuad was really upset as doctors said there is a slim chance that he can walk again.Soon after we heard the news, we rushed back to Thailand to cheer him up. This decision was worthwhile. After hearing our home coming news, Ta Tuad started to beam, according to Grand Ma Sri's words.

As this trip was unplanned, dad couldn't come with us. The thought of traveling alone with a 10 month old baby worried mami at first. Then she convinced herself that it was just one of her day outs with Changton. Actually going out with Changton is less tiring than staying at home. Changton loves to go out, and most of the time, he is well-behaved. So mami kept her fingers crossed for this trip.

Thailand, here we come...

Our flight was 2 hrs delayed and Changton got a bit cranky. Mami exhausted from keeping him entertained. Yielding and crying was the last thing she wanted Changton to do the plane. So whatever Changton wanted, he got it!!

The flight was not as bad. He played about 30mins, had milk, slept about 1.5 hr, got up and played again. Changton occupied the first class area, which was on the floor, right down mami's feet. He could sleep longer if the baby bassinet was bigger. Every time he turned and stuck, he cried. So mami needed to bring him up from his first class area and let him sleep on her shoulder. When Changton was smaller, he normally slept comfortably throughout the flight in a baby bassinet.

Check out the seat

check out the view

sleeping time

play time

Making a blogger debut

2008-06-29T15:47:00.000+08:00

Finally, after researching and reading other people’s blogs, mom has a courage to produce her own blog.

Why it took so long for her to get started? Well, there are a few things that kept mom thinking, thinking, and not acting!

First, location, location, location. Where to host Changton's blog? Mom is a very low tech person. She needs a low-tech friendly blog. After a long search, she settled on this exact location!

Second, language, language, language. Mom is Thai, dad is Taiwanese and we use English at home. We hope that Changton will be tri-lingual. But if he can't cope, we have to have English and Mandarin as his primary languages. Anyway, it's not Changton's problem. It's mom's. It is her broken English. She kept asking herself whether or not she is ready for public humiliation for attempting writing her blog in English. After a long thinking process, ready or not ready, she has to be ready. Otherwise, dad and Changton cannot be part of this blog. Dear readers, please accept my apologies for the broken English. Think from a positive side, mom's English will be improved! Mom needs to keep up with her English because she is soon to attempt another language, Mandarin. Gosh, feels like being a duck. Can swim, can walk, can fly but only a little of everything.

Third, a daunting job ahead. There are so many many things to catch up…way back to her very first pregnancy news!!! This daunting task somehow has discouraged mom to write. So here the deal. Mom will write the current ones and if she has time, she will get back to the past ones.

No more mumble. Need some actions here. See you in the next post:)