Monday, March 31, 2014

Simon’s lunch of mini corn dogs, strawberries, raspberries, grapes, and a fortune cookie. We had ice cream cake last night and Simon still wanted a fortune cookie after dinner but we thought it’d be too much sugar for so late in the evening so I said I’d pack one for him for lunch and he said “okay”. In general, Simon is a pretty reasonable boy and will accept plausible explanations. This isn’t the case when he is tired though, then he would just throw a tantrum demanding a fortune cookie and stomp and kick his feet.

Iris is curious about what Simon does at this table all day. He likes to draw and has been using crayons and markers. His favorite things to draw are cars and planes. Occasionally he will draw zebras and our family. For now, Iris just likes to grab at his crayons and markers.

We have brought out a lot of Simon’s baby toys for Iris to play with and Simon is always “trying” them out again. An expected “regression” but we tell him they are toys for babies and he has his own toys for little boys. He still likes his ride-on car but is definitely too big for it.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

The kids never tire of playing peek-a-boo with this tent with Simon inside and Iris outside.

Daddy Ron needed to make a trip to Vacaville to pick up something so we all headed out with him to have lunch and do some shopping near the outlets. Ron installed Iris’ convertible car seat as she is over 20 lbs now and the infant carrier was getting a little tight.

Simon might be ready to move on to a booster seat as he is over 40 lbs now but I still need to verify with California law because I faintly remember some talk about changing the requirements recently. He is getting a little snug in his car seat too.

Both kids fell asleep on the drive.

We arrived around lunchtime so went to have In ‘n’ Out burgers and fries. Iris’ first time eating french fries and she seemed to enjoy them. We got her a grilled cheese and she ate about a quarter of the bread with cheese and some tomato. Simon gets a simple hamburger with a single patty, lettuce, ketchup, and their secret sauce.

After lunch, we did some shopping before heading back home. Simon has outgrown most of his PJs so we got some good deals at the Carter’s store, Simon also got some new sneakers for running around, I got to visit the Sanrio store, and Ron got himself some new work shirts and shoes. Iris didn’t need anything this time around as I have plenty of clothes for her up to about 24 months.

We dropped by briefly at home before heading out to dinner for Grandma Tam’s birthday at Hung’s Kitchen in San Ramon. They are known for their yummy steamed dumplings (xiaolongbao 小籠包).

Grandma Tam’s birthday song and Simon helping her to blow out the candles.

A nice evening with family.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Simon had swimming class this morning. I am so glad we found an indoor swimming facility so that he wouldn’t have to miss classes due to the rainy weather we had today. It seems like his swimming strokes and floating are improving but he still has a ways to go. He enjoys his class though so I think that’s the most important.

After class, I had a lunch date with my friend Vicki for her belated birthday celebration. The weather was terrible but we had a good time indoors at Chez Panisse Cafe. Lunch was delicious and we had a good opportunity to catch up. We shared a salad, the duck entree, the pizza entree, and the ginger cake dessert along with their house red wine.

Iris enjoying her meal in her high chair. Yummy blueberries and bread.

Simon was happy with his belated birthday presents from Auntie Vicki and Uncle David.

Daddy and Simon made tortilla pizzas for dinner tonight.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Simon’s lunch for today of pickled cucumbers, hot dog croissants, grapes and apples.

Simon’s class is learning about the seasons so some parents helped to arrange a field trip to Spiral Gardens in Berkeley to learn more about growing plants and check out the rest of their garden. I volunteered to drive and had a total of four kids and one of the teachers with me. Good thing the garden was close as the kids were very excited so therefore very loud. We all met in front of the garden.

Then the kids had the opportunity to plant something. They chose a pot, filled it with potting soil and put in some beans that they could take home and see if they would grow.

Simon and his friend having fun and a hug.

Then they checked out the greenhouse but Simon didn’t really like it inside because it was so warm.

Then we got to see their chickens and ducks. They were eager to eat some fresh kale and we got to see their fresh eggs.

Then they checked out their “worm box”. Most kids were grossed out by the smell and the worms!

After their field trip, we headed back to school so the kids could have lunch. I took the afternoon off to run errands before picking up Simon at school. Today also happened to be Pajama Day so the teachers helped them change into their PJs at lunch. Simon was sad to have missed the previous PJ day so was excited to be able to wear his Planes PJs at school.

First thing we did when we got home was to water the plant.

Hello Iris!

Siblings playing together.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Iris still woke up two times last night but at least didn’t panic when she found that I was nearby. She was in such a happier mood and actually ate breakfast instead of just eating a few pieces of cereal then crying to be held. I brought out a snack cup filled with Cheerios and she had fun exploring it although doesn’t know how to reach in yet to grab one.

I even had time this morning to make “pigs in a blanket” using Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, cheese slices, and mini sausages. I packed a few for Simon’s lunch with strawberries, grapes, baby goldfish crackers, and some animal crackers.

Simon’s class had been visited by some firefighters who gave them each a fireman hat. We brought it home yesterday but he wanted to wear it to school today. Yes, I know it is backwards but he insisted on wearing it this way.

Iris so much happier.

Mommy happier too seeing her peacefully go to sleep.