Lucas is Finally Walking!

Lucas took his first few steps earlier this week. Here's a clip of the steps he took today. Still somewhat wobbly, but he's getting there!

Orange County Fair

We came here today to have Lucas experience his first fair. Thought that we'd only stay for a couple of hours but ended up being there 6 hours.

When you enter, the first thing you will notice is that wafting through the air are the scents of barbecue and grease. I was pretty excited and had a mental checklist of what I wanted to eat: barbecue brisket, jumbo corndog, fries, funnel cake, and barbecue corn. I even skipped breakfast! But, as is always the case with me, I get so full so fast. After eating the brisket sandwich I didn't feel like chomping down on the corn, let alone even think about the corndog. The brisket was that good though!

After a couple of hours enjoying the petting zoo and the pig races, I was ready for the funnel cake. This time, Lediya and I shared it. Sweet strawberries and the powdered sugar complimented the fried though nicely.

All in all a great experience. Lucas enjoyed the petting zoo immensely, he was hitting the goats so hard was surprised they didn't hit back. Will return again next year!

San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park

Just got back from a quick weekend getaway to San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. Lucas enjoyed both very much. He especially liked the pink flamingos and the monkeys that were wrestling around with each other.. We actually visited the zoo twice in one day - he got tired in the afternoon so we went back to our hotel to rest and returned to the zoo in the evening when there were much less people. Best exhibits: elephants and the monkeys.

The next day we had breakfast at Papaleccos and then drove over to Balboa Park. It's a very nice Spanish-themed urban park, with numerous museums in the area. We went to the free Botanical Gardens and checked out the lily ponds. We also treated to Lucas to a miniature train ride that he liked a lot.

All in all a great weekend down in San Diego. We stayed at the Double Tree hotel in downtown that was very close to the attractions where Lucas had a chance to play in the pool for a bit. We'll come back again when Lucas is ready for Sea World.

Biking and Hiking with Lucas

This weekend we biked and hiked with Lucas for the first time. We're introducing him to more outdoor activities so he can get used to it and we can all go biking and hiking as a family together. For biking, we installed a bike seat on Lediya's bike so he is sitting in front of Lediya. We also got him a helmet. We biked around the neighborhood and he seemed to like it. Next we'll take him to the beach. Today ,we went hiking at the El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach. I have an REI kiddie hiking backpack where he can sit in the backpack behind me. We did the 2 mile hike to test it out. It worked great, except for the fact that I probably won't be going on longer hikes because having a 20+ pound child on your back gets tiring after a while. But, if I can build my strength in that area then maybe Yosemite might not be out of the question.

We're hoping that he gets used to these outdoor activities. He seems to like nature a lot so it's a good start. Next up: camping!

Lucas' First Haircut

Lucas got his first haircut today at Cool Cuts 4 Kids in Brea. His hair is starting to get long and unwieldy so we decided it was a good time to get it cut. We were somewhat concerned with how he would react to the experience, but we realized that since the place specialized in children, it shouldn't be a problem. They put him in a "car" seat with a TV playing Elmo, which distracted him enough for the stylist to use the clippers. At first he didn't like it, but he got used to it and the whole process actually turned out to be pretty easy. Lediya thinks his hair is a bit too short for her liking, but I figured it was ok since it will grow back anyway. He now has a clean cut! The price was a little steep ($20 with tip) but they do save some hair for you for safe-keeping and the lady was really patient with Lucas. Plus, we probably wouldn't be getting his hair cut for a while. All in all a fun and memorable experience for all of us.

Lucas' 1 Year Old Photoshoot

Click here to see proof photos from Lucas' 1 year old photo shoot taken on 4/19/08. With his preppy outfit, he's looking like a big boy now! This was our last session with Jill Peterson, and we are very satisfied with her work.

Lucas Firsts Video

Lucas experienced a few "firsts" these past couple of weeks. Last weekend at El Dorado Park he experienced his first ride on a swing. He liked it a lot. Today, he experienced his first beach day at Mother's Beach and also his first dip in the pool at my cousin's house in Anaheim. He likes water a lot, especially splashing it. Sand was different though - he was at first cautious with it but he gradually realized it was nothing to be afraid of. Next weekend hopefully we can get his first haircut!

Lucas Video Montage

Here's a three minute clip of what Lucas has been up to. He loves chasing his firetruck around the living room. He also shows that he can now furniture-walk, and he just loves being filmed!

One Year Old

Today is Lucas' first birthday! We already celebrated his birthday this past Sunday and we had a lot of fun. Today he had a lot of fun as his cousins Kaelyn and Madelyn visited him. Key milestones: he's now furniture-walking, he's eating more and more table food, we're now brushing his four teeth and gums, he's trying to climb everywhere, he drinks water on his own using his sippy cup, and he knows how to "tell" us that he's hungry.

He has his one year wellness appointment tomorrow so more shots and we'll know his height and weight. His favorite TV program is Sesame Street and we're going to start him on cow's milk soon. He'll also be sitting in his car seat facing forward starting this weekend.

Here is a picture of him when he was just born at 6:00 p.m. last year and another picture of him today exactly one year later also at 6:00 p.m. What a difference a year makes!

Lucas' First Birthday Party!

Click here for more pictures from Lucas' party!

We celebrated Lucas' first birthday party today at Monte Verde Park in Lakewood. There were lots of good food like grilled pork sticks, egg rolls, fried noodles (pancit), lemongrass beef skewers, grilled vegetables, and other goodies. For dessert, we had very special cupcakes courtesy of Charmed Cupcakes, Jimmy's soon to open bakery. Delicious flavors like chocolate banana, Andes mint, strawberry shortcake, cookies and cream, and red velvet.

We had our families from both sides there, as well as friends and co-workers. Lucas enjoyed the pinata event, as well as his special cupcake (although he didn't know how to blow the candle yet). We loved the venue because it provided security for the children because they can only exit the park from the front.

Overall it was a great and very fun event, we can see that Lucas is loved by many and that he seemed to enjoy the festivities. It was funny seeing him figuring out what to do with his cupcake! Hard to believe that our baby boy is now one year old!

Lucas' 1st Birthday Party

Just a reminder to please RSVP to Paolo or Lediya for Lucas' first birthday party on Sunday, April 6, 2008 at Monte Verde Park in Lakewood. We hope to see you there!

Eleven Months Old

Lucas turned 11 months old today! Key milestones: his top two front teeth have now come out, he loves table food, he's moved on to size 4 diapers, he's starting to stand up on his own, he's crawling everywhere, and he imitates our hand gestures. He's also talking a lot more. One more month till the big 1!

Here are some pictures from Santa Monica from this past weekend.

Lucas' 10 Month Old Photoshoot

Click here to see proof photos from Lucas' 10 month old photo shoot taken on 1/18/08. He wasn't too enthusiastic about the whole thing since it was early in the morning. He sure knows how to pose though!

Lucas' 1st Trip to Mammoth (and Snow)

Despite Dad feeling a bit under the weather, we went ahead and drove up to Mammoth for the weekend. Lediya and I wanted to go snowboarding again after two seasons off, and we also wanted Lucas to experience snow for the first time. Boy, did we pick a perfect weekend to do it. There was a major snowstorm that happened to hit the eastern Sierra so we got plenty of snow - 48 inches in 24 hours in fact. We had to dig out our car just to get out of the parking lot. It didn't stop snowing the whole time we were there. The snowboarding was great also with fresh powder on all the runs (but with some white-out conditions ). It was tough at first because we hadn't gone in a while, but then it sank in again, just like riding a bike.

Lucas' reaction to the snow and cold was kind of funny. He didn't know what the falling snow was so he tried to grab it and eat it from the air. When we gave him a snowball to play with, he grabbed it, and realizing that it was really cold, he didn't want to grab it the second time. Now he doesn't want to touch snow at all!

We'll try to make our trip to Mammoth an annual tradition. We can't wait when Lucas gets to go up to the slopes with mom and dad!

Lucas Playing With Dad

Here's a short clip of Lucas playing with me the other night - We were playing peak-a-boo.

Ten Months Old

Lucas is 10 months old today! He can now crawl commando-style. He's also eating Phase III of the foods (heartier and chunkier). His top teeth are also coming out, which may explain his recent night time fussiness. Other than that, he's growing heavier and taller, and is blabbering a lot more now also.

Lucas Scooting

Here's an overhead video of Lucas scooting. He's getting to be so fast now!

Two Lucas Videos

Here are a couple of Lucas clips - the first one is him scooting (not quite crawling) and the other one is bath time!

Nine Months Old

Lucas is nine months old today. Key milestones: waving goodbye, putting his hands together to motion hello or goodbye in Cambodian, starting to drink diluted apple juice, and being a mischievous little boy. We're seeing the doctor on Thursday for his nine month wellness check and we'll find out his weight and height at that point. 3 more months till he's 1!

Here's a clip of him playing his congo drum.

Lucas Collection of Videos

Here's a 4 minute montage of Lucas' videos for the past month. He loves showing off his two bottom teeth and he loves it when mom makes funny animal noises!

Lucas' First Christmas

We celebrated Lucas' first Christmas with family! He received a lot of nice clothes and toys. Mom and Dad contributed extra to his 529 plan so it can grow. We also got him a Tickle Me Elmo, but he won't be able to play with that until later. All in all, it was a very fun first Christmas for Lucas!

Lucas and Santa

Here's Lucas' first pictures with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus!

Eight Months Old

Lucas is eight months old today! Key milestones: he now has two bottom teeth! He also is rolling around a lot (but not yet crawling). His legs are getting stronger as he's wanting to stand up longer. He's also eating a lot more as he's growing through a growth spurt. This month he'll celebrate his first Christmas!

Here's a clip of Lucas rolling round and round on our living room floor.

Lucas' 7 Month Old Photoshoot

Click here to see proof photos from Lucas' 7 month old photo shoot taken on 11/09/07. He's now sitting up and posing for the camera!

Lucas and Kaelyn Playing

Here's a video of Lucas and cousin Kaelyn playing and "talking" with each other.

Lucas Saying "Da-da"

Here's a 2 minute clip of Lucas saying da-da, as well as other random blabberings.

Seven Months Old

Lucas is seven months old today! Key milestones: he's now sitting up, and he's also babbling a lot. He knows how to open or close his hand. He's probably close to 19 pounds now and he's growing taller too. His hair is also growing back. Tomorrow he has his photo shoot with Jill so we'll see how that goes!

Lucas' First Halloween

We celebrated Lucas' first Halloween at my cousin Eric's house. They had a party there for my nephew Jethro's 9th birthday. Lucas came dressed as Tigger, and we went trick-or-treating with Kaelyn around the neighborhood. He came away with a nice stash of candy! He seemed to have enjoyed his first Halloween, even though mom and dad will be eating his treats.

Lucas Enjoying His Bath

Here's a clip of Lucas thoroughly enjoying his bath! We might need to give him swimming lessons sooner than we thought.

Lucas Playing a Real Piano

Here's Lucas having his Beethoven moment on Auntie Nancy's piano. He's so focused! Maybe we need to upgrade his xylophone at home to something better.

Lucas Tearing Up The Sunday Ads

Here's a clip of what Lucas does when he thinks the prices on the Circuit City Sunday ads are not good enough.

Six Months Old

Lucas is half a year old today! Milestones in the past month: he's eating solid food twice a day now, rice cereal and fruits/vegetables. He's eaten applesauce, pear, banana, sweet pea, and he tried carrot today. He's also moved up to size 3 diapers. Oh yeah he can also put his toes in his mouth!

To celebrate, we ate at a Chinese buffet yesterday with his grandma, uncle Lyno, godparents Pam and Ben, and cousin Kaelyn. Afterwards we went to Rancho Los Cerritos and took a guided tour of the nearly 200 year old home. We also used his new lightweight stroller, a Chicco C5.

This Friday he has his six month wellness checkup where he will get more shots and will be weighed and measured. He's probably close to 17 pounds and maybe 27" long. We're going to need new convertible car seats soon!

Lucas Is Sitting Up, Almost

Here is a picture of Lucas sitting up! Well, not quite. He did this by himself for 5 seconds. But we think he will be able to do it for real pretty soon.

New Stuff For Lucas

We went on a shopping spree today at Babies R Us for new stuff for Lucas. Since he's eating solid foods now as part of his diet (applesauce, pear, banana, and rice cereal), we wanted to get him a high chair. We originally were going to buy the Fisher Price RainForest Healthy Chair, but decided to go for the Fisher Price Space Saver High Chair instead. It's more portable, and since we don't have much room in the kitchen, it saves us a lot of space by enabling us to hook the chair up to a dining room chair. Plus, it's $50 less than the Healthy Chair with essentially the same features (3 way recline, height adjustable, easy clean tray, and washable seat pad).

We also bought a Sealy Baby Soft Premium Crib Mattress. I had assembled the crib yesterday and we plan to eventually transfer him from our bed to his crib. His crib is still in our room though so it should be okay.

We also bought him some larger onesies and warmer outfits, especially since we'll be heading to chilly Boston next month. While we spent a bunch, it helped that we had several coupons to use today, saving us about 20 percent off the total.

Lucas Playing The Piano

Seems that Lucas might be musically inclined. Watch him play his newest toy, a four-key toy piano.

Lucas Blowing Raspberries

Lucas has learned a new skill: blowing "raspberries." He does this when he eats his rice cereal and applesauce, and you can imagine how the food gets all over the place. Here's a short video of him practicing his newfound skill.

Lucas Romping

Lucas really enjoys playing in his Exersaucer as you can see in this video.

5 Months Old

This weekend, Lucas turned five months old! He now eats solid food at least once a day (rice cereal and/or apple sauce). He is now almost 15.5 lbs. He laughs more actively and rolls to his tummy (but he can't roll back yet). He likes to suck his fingers and does not use his pacifier that much anymore. He likes to read! We bought him several new books and he just likes when we read to him. He likes to hit the pages with his hand to indicate that it's time to turn the page.

He's also "talking" a lot now. Check out this clip from our trip to Santa Barbara.

Lucas' 4 Month Old Photoshoot

Click here to see proof photos from Lucas' 4 month old photo shoot taken on 8/11/07. As you can see, he's growing to be a little boy.

Lucas August Tidbits

With his second cousins Emma and Julie:

Lucas' Baptism

Lucas was baptized yesterday at St. Pancratius Church. He wore a white tuxedo outfit that we found at Babies R Us. His godparents are my sister Pam and brother in law Ben. After the ceremony, we had a reception at our home for family. We served pork barbecue sticks, barbecue chicken, grilled veggies, beef stew with French bread, macaroni salad, egg rolls, and chicken curry. It was all so delicious.

Click here to check out more pictures of the baptism and party.

Lucas Eating Solid Food For The First Time

Here's a clip of Lucas eating rice cereal for the first time on his 4 month old birthday. Seems like he doesn't really like the taste. We purchased Gerber rice cereal with DHA.

4 Months Old

Lucas turned 4 months old today! On Monday we went for his 4 month wellness check up and everything is going great. He is now 14 lbs, 4 ounces, which places him in the 50th percentile (meaning that he is lighter or heavier than 50 percent of babies his age). He also is now 26 inches long, placing him in the 90th percentile, so he is taller than 90 percent of babies at his age. We have a feeling that he will be long and lean.

The doctor also told us to that we can start supplementing his diet with rice cereal, so we will be looking into that. He also got his second round of immunization shots, which didn't please him at all. And, he's still fighting a blocked tear duct at his left eye that is causing him discomfort. Hopefully that will go away soon.

He has since moved up to size 2 diapers, so he's growing fast. He can hold up his head really well now and his favorite position is the "Superman" position in which I hold him on his chest, tummy facing the floor, like he's flying. We call him "Superboy" when he does it. He is doing really well and it's amazing how fast he's grown so far. Looking forward to his big day this Sunday!

Excersaucer

This past weekend I put together a new toy for Lucas - the Excersaucer