Holiday time

We learned that Lucia is a good traveler!  We are very fortunate so far.  

The past couple of days she's been mesmerized by the hubbub of activity surrounding her 3 little boy cousins.

Yesterday, we enjoyed an extended family gathering very much.  There were enough children to take a photo just of them.  We'll try to post pics later.

Hope everyone's cherishing their time with friends and family this weekend.  We sure are!

She's making lots of lists and checking them twice

Call me OCD, planner, control freak, whatever.... I've always been a list person and at this point have made 3 different lists for this day.  Since my tendency is to forget whatever important thing I have to remember to pack, do, have, etc... I jot things down.  I started a list on the computer of things we need to pack last week.  A few days ago, I started a list of things to purchase prior to our trip.  Today, I started another list of things to make sure are done prior to actual departure.  I'm sure I've forgotten something anyway.

A few minutes

Recently in a conversation with Troy's sister who has three children, she said in passing "it's amazing what you could get done if you just had a few minutes."  Right-on!  I've thought of that several times since.  This morning, for example, with Troy holding the baby, I made four business phone calls, even sounding reasonably intelligent, in a matter of a few minutes. Emailing is wayyyy easier for a mom of a newborn.

Most annoying is this spasmodic cough that persists.  It's still dry, although yesterday it seemed like it was starting to change.   Once I start, though, it's hard to quit the series of coughs.   Water seems to help but overall, it's just annoying.

Whoops!  Baby just woke up.  Later, everyone!

Just heard:

"My apologies, my sincere apologies.  Would you like that in writing?"

Daddy carrying baby, trying to put her to sleep.  When he walked into this room, he stopped for a few seconds, and of course baby starts wailing because she wants movement. 

Happy birthday

to my wonderful husband and Lucia's awesome daddy.  We love you!

Mother Nature's gift was timely -- a two hour delay of your exam.

Commercials worth watching

Dual Citizenship

This very interesting podcast interview of a breast oncologist diagnosed with the disease is well worth a listen.  She details her experience, reasons why the breast is so sensitive to hormonal and environmental insults, and why genetics really is a very small portion of the cause of breast cancer today.

Certainly, I've been highly motivated to eat clean, drink water, breathe, watch my weight, sleep well (yeah, I know I have a newborn!), exercise, keep free of stress, and  this podcast has renewed that desire again.   Of special concern is our daughter who has breast cancer history on both sides, and my goal is reduce her risk and much as possible.  Ironically, aside from a few years of undue stress and one year of poor sleep, I really shouldn't have much cancer risks, either.  Sigh.

Holiday cheer

Sometimes, it's nice to be reminded of the kindness and generosity that should fill our lives EVERYday!

Milestones

Our baby hit several milestones last week.  She's neither really early nor really late on anything.  She's regularly picking up stacking cups with her hands, often with just her fingers and sometimes using her body.  She's used her hands to pull the plastic donuts off the cone, and then once picked up the plastic cone, too.  We've given her daily tummy time, most of which simply elicits screeching, but hopefully soon will motivate her to roll over.  Her personality is starting to blossom and she's definitely hitting the fun stage!  she is not afraid to tell you what she wants or doesn't want.  One of the best things is walking into the room, making eye contact with her and watching the huge smile of recognition light up her face.

After watching some youtube videos of a 3-year-old boy conducting Beethoven's symphony, a 5-year-old Korean violinist playing Vivaldi, a 6-year-old pianist featured on various television programs, I felt somewhat sad for them.  On one hand, it's amazing to watch such talent from a little tyke, but on the other hand, it seems like a big burden to place on a little child.  I will be highly satisfied if our daughter is average in all skills and intelligence, but above average in happiness and work ethic.

Weekend plans upset

Friday night, I developed a tickle cough and felt a sharp tightness at the end of deep inspirations.  Typically my motto has been "if you ignore it, it will go away."  Nowadays, I'm finding myself being more cautious.  Saturday, I decided to hop down to the office and check my oxygenation level and see if someone would listen to my lungs.  I felt totally fine otherwise.  My exam was normal, but in the interest of completeness, an EKG, labs and chest xray were done.  All is fine, but I was sad to miss the cookie exchange.  Since two huge containers of ginger snaps remained, we shared them with our meeting family this morning and also Lucia's aunt and uncle.   Given Troy's workload for finals and my coughing fits, we had opted to stay home from the office holiday party Saturday night.  Oh well, all's well that end's well.  The fire is roaring in the fireplace, supper is cleaned up, the baby is napping, and I even have time to blog.

Baby weight -- gone!

This morning I officially got down to my goal weight, which is my wedding weight.  I've heard some vague statistic about Americans gaining about one pound per post-marital year so I've had a vague goal to keep the weight off.  But I had gained about 3-4 pounds since being married, then thirty pounds with baby.   Obviously chemo is not a recommended weight loss plan, but it does work to diminish the appetite.   One of my biggest problems was the habit of eating big portions and eating often while pregnant, and then trying to break that habit.  Not easy!

The mind that won't quit

Those of you who are engineers, married to engineers, wish you were an engineer, and/or think like an engineer will appreciate this morning's quickly made-up contraption (excuse me, it's a PROTOTYPE) to entertain the little girl.  While I was saying out loud "white and nerdy," I was secretly impressed with the brain that can imagine such a portable entertainment center that's fully adjustable, too (note the second photo)!

NICU

Our thoughts and hearts go out to those who have babies in intensive care.  Congratulations to our friends Cara and Rob on their baby son, born 2 days ago.  We know he will thrive and be home very soon.  We look forward to meeting him!

We also have been thinking about little Logan.  We wish for all the answers and all the best care!

Having endured even one night in the hospital with our baby, we can only imagine what our friends are facing these days. 

The sockless wonder

She's quite active, constantly moving her legs and arms.  Needless to say, keeping socks on this girl is a major feat.  We've tried booties, tight ribbed socks, looser socks tucked into pants, longer socks, even onesies with socks (a definite "not like").  Shoes over the socks work but we're Korean and Swiss so shoes in house is a rarity.  The only thing that stay on are the booties her daddy had as a baby.

Bye bye

Halmoni and Halabuhjee left today.  We were all tearful, thankful, happy and sad that they could go home.  Halmoni hung out with us for 3 months straight!

Today's solo adventure with Lucia was relatively uneventful since she took several good naps.  I pulled out the stacking cups we had been given and started playing with them, hoping to get her to understand object permanence.   We changed clothes 3 times today, though, with a fourth one coming up right now!

Lucia also experienced her first snow over the weekend, which she really liked as the flakes clumped on her eyelashes.

Mini in the red

Since we planned to visit Daddy's school today, we dressed Lucia in the reddest outfit we could find, which is a Minnie Mouse outfit straight from Disney World.  Thanks, Delaney!!

Four month check

Lucia smiled broadly and shrieked at the doctor today.  She's growing well in weight 13#1oz (30th%tile) and height 25.25 (80th%tile), which is more than before (25th and 50th, respectively).  Of course the shots caused her to cry but just for a little bit.

At Target for baby's rice cereal today.... PACKED!  It seemed like excessively more people than a Thursday afternoon would normally draw.  Always makes me wonder if there's something I'm missing out on.

Our kid on TV

UNC-TV finally released the podcast of their November 23rd edition of NC NOW, which features a short clip of Lucia, her grandpa and mom! They were at the State Farmer's Market in Raleigh. Click on the image below and check out the 5:27 minute mark. (They just brought home fruit, by the way.)

Lucia's been the star of plenty of video chats with Grandparents, but she's already moved on to the big screen. Where does time go?!

The costly photo

I spent the morning apologizing to my 4 month old baby.  It wasn't the first parenting mistake I made, and it definitely isn't the last.  I tiptoed into the bedroom where she was sleeping deeply and thought, "what a great photo."  So I tiptoed back out, grabbed the camera, thoughtfully turned off the flash since there was plenty of natural lighting and I didn't want to wake her.  Framing her perfectly in the lens, I pushed the button and the world's LOUDEST camera click ever went off!  Oh BOY!  She startled awake, looked at mama very crossly, cried and closed her eyes as I quickly put the pacifier in her mouth, rubbed her forehead and said "sorry, baby, sorry, baby."  After a minute she opened her eyes again and smiled really big.  WHEW!  We have a girl with an awesome personality.

Thanks, giving, and crockpots

We enjoyed our long weekend very much, just relaxing, napping, eating and being entertained by baby.   This is a good time of year to think about all the things and people we are thankful for, and our list this year is very long.  To everything there is a season, and it seems our season right now is to receive more than give.   But we can always give thanks.

I've graduated!  At last, the final infusion is over.  Let the hair growing begin!

Overheard at the doctor's office today:  "I have seven crockpots and used them all for Thanksgiving."  I am impressed with that number, fellow infusion lady.

The Grandpas and Grandmas

We've enjoying a very relaxed holiday weekend, with no plans nor agenda.  Not even shopping.  We avoided the crowds and took our cues from the baby -- eat, sleep, eat and sleep.   Lucia Sora is basking the in the attention of all her grandparents, while her mom is taking advantage of the opportunity to rest.  We also combed through more of Lucia's clothes bins as she is growing out of clothes quickly.  That was fun but now we need more hangers!

Happppppy Thanksgiving

I am thankful for leisure time, because it means I can post on this blog while Youngin plucks the eight grey hairs I have developed this semester. As many of us will be reminded by hanging out with our life-experienced relatives today, leisure was not always the privilege of the middle (or lower) class. Thankfully, I know they're not making this up because I had the spare time to take a (required elective) class called Leisure and Wellness, which confirmed that leisure is, in fact, a relatively new concept for us peons. Unfortunately, I took the leisurely pace of the class too seriously, resulting in a grade that was worse than all of my real classes. I am thankful for this lesson because it taught me that I do not have time for leisurely activities.

Reading and Relaxing

I am one of two or three grad students who showed up today at school. Technically, we're supposed to treat this like a job and show up even when we don't have classes. It's been quiet and I've knocked out some homework this morning. Now I'm looking forward to a good Thanksgiving break. The only homework I have is a (large) reading assignment. If I can complete that and work in some time to relax, I should be set up fairly well heading into our finals!

So close

Yesterday's treatment went well, but I felt worse than usual afterward.  A little more nauseous and tired, I went to bed early and slept late.  This morning I am much better, though am still taking it easy.  I'm happy I haven't felt like this the whole time!  And thankful again for my parents who are so wonderful with our baby.

Thanks to everyone who commented yesterday.  Appreciate all your thoughts.  Every positive one helps us to stay positive!

6 out of 6.2

Youngin has her (almost) last treatment today! She'll follow up next Monday with an additional treatment, but it will only be a single drug.

Thank you for all your support so far! And don't be bashful - leave a comment to let Youngin know you're reading along.

(tg)

Ladies Lunch, Starbucks, and the Pink Beret

We enjoyed a wonderful ladies lunch yesterday at Macaroni Grill.  We all "happened" to show up wearing various shades of pink, and found much to laugh, eat, and talk about.  Lucia sported a hot pink beret, which she also wore this morning with a fancier dress.   We've also been sipping on Starbucks' peppermint mochas this weekend, taking advantage of their BOGO sale.  Troy worked outside around the house, replanting some trees which hopefully will grow up quickly.

May your worries always be so small,

and your battles so trivial.  A wealthy suburb of Chicago is in an uproar over lightbulbs, and how much outdoor lighting should be allowed....

Fresh eyes

The world looks completely different these days with a baby as everything is new and interesting to her.  Today, she stared out the window at the gentle rainfall which caused golden and reddish leaves to fall off the tress.  She was mesmerized for about 10 minutes watching her first autumn.   She definitely has her daddy's observational skills.

Guess who loves her daddy?

Happy week

...and now the weekend has swung in already.  This week started with finishing round 5 of treatment without too much trouble.  Tuesday, we walked Lake Pine, and then today also wandered the trails of Umstead State Park.  Lucia thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors in the sunshine and slight breeze.  Her current favorite form of carriage is the Baby Bjorn.  She's also graduating to the bigger 8 ounce bottles.  She's out-growing her clothes by the week!  Lucia had a teeny bit of left upper eyelid swelling and a minimal about of discharge earlier in the week, but now her eyes are clear.  Thankfully she didn't catch our colds.

We also shopped at the mall in honor of veteran's day weekend.  Some stores are having a special sale where 5% of sales go to a charity of choice.  Good reason to shop, eh?  So, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society received a tiny donation from us -- and what do you know??  I got a thank-you email from them already.

I tried running some more this week, which went slightly better than last week when 3 driveway lengths was my max output.  This morning, I ran 1/4-1/2 blocks at a time.  The elliptical a the gym was much easier yesterday but the fresh, crisp, sunny autumn weather is a big pull for the outdoors. 

Lucia Sora's Baek-il (Part II)

For part one, see our previous post. This post is just an addendum to show a great photo taken by Christian Chapman. (Thanks Christian!)

Lucia with Rice Cake, Rice Cake Treats, Candy, and a Chocolate Layer Cake Disguised as a Giant Cupcake

Fastaurant?

Ever hear of it?  Want to know what it is?  Read this article on Konglish to find out.

Lucia Sora's Baek-il

Happy 100 Days, our beautiful daughter!  We love you so much!

Tablescape -- of course, in pink

Roses from Daddy

Cake table--of course, pink

Cake by BlueMoon Bakery

Table with food

Aerial view of cake table

Spring rolls with peanut sauce -- Halmuhni cooked all afternoon!

Daddy grilling the marinated ribs

Beautiful girl in front of her cupcake cake

Family!

Lucia is excited to meet her cousins from Ohio, and of course to see Grandma and Grandpa.  The photographers at the studio worked hard this morning to snap some good smiles.  We look forward to seeing the photos.

Tonight we celebrate Lucia Sora's 100th day, which is officially on Monday.  This baek-il (100 day) hallmarks the health of a baby, and is celebrated with rice cake.  Of course, we've added our American touch and created a cake table, complete with a cupcake cake.  Pictures to follow;  Please check back!

Me and mini-me

Midweek musings

At the grocery store, I stood in line in complete awe of the woman who was checking out in front of me.  Her cart was full of groceries and her 1 1/2 year old son sat in the front of it, totally chill.  She then presented the cashier approximately 30 coupons, paid $53 and saved about $100 according to what the cashier read off the printout.  I didn't even mind the extra 5 minute wait as each coupon was scanned just because I was trying to wrap my mind around how this woman managed to do all that, most especially with a baby!!  ME?  I was simply happy to run to the store (alone) and grab milk and eggs.  Period.  Seriously, how do these women do it?  I'm lucky to fold clothes real quick during baby's nap session before the next round of diaper change, feed, burp, play and nap.  And that's with Grandma around helping me!

Baby's perspective on life

1) I have to look at the world moving backwards, whether I'm in a car seat or being carried.  Seriously, people, don't you remember riding backward in the back of that station wagon and how much you wanted to face forward?  No wonder I'm getting neck cramps trying to turn my head to see straight.
2) I get the same thing for every single meal.  Bor-ing!  But I'm hungry enough to not complain.  (at least not too loud)
3) I wear pink.  No matter what.  No one ever asked me if I even like pink.
4) Are you adults really that happy about every burb and belch I make? 
5) So I like ceiling fans and lights.  Although if you keep making those funny faces and weird noises, I might have to stare at you instead.
6)  Yep, I will smile at you, if only to see your reaction.  Gotcha again!

Eenie meenie miney mo...

A girl can't have enough shoes!

Tree Cutting Day

Seriously COOL Lunches

The bar has just been raised sky-high for school lunches.  This woman is a super-woman in my book, if she can makes lunches look like this.  Kudos to any busy mom who can put forth this effort.  And this mom of four is doing it!

Round 4

Just done with the fourth round of treatment... which is 2/3 of the way!  It's rather interesting to meet people while getting the infusions.  Everyone is quite friendly, like joining a fraternity of sorts.  Today, two older gentlemen were having a detailed conversation about their surgeries and hospitalizations.  In any other setting, it would called TMI (too much information), but inside the clubhouse, it was like the two men were conducting their own support group.  Another lady who was dressed very nicely came with her adult daughter also dressed very nicely.  They looked like they had just been made over by Stacy and Clinton.  We got into a conversation about my shoes.   Since I have to lounge for 6 hours, I prefer to be in comfy clothes, myself.

Thanks, Grandma Gilmore!

I love my outfit.  I miss you and Grandpa, and can't wait to see you!  Love, Lucia

MAANGCHI, aka hammer

Maangchi (means hammer in Korean) is the nickname of a woman who lives in NYC, who has created Korean food cooking videos.  I discovered her last year, but yesterday got back on her website for ricecake recipes which are an important part of a baby's 100 day celebration.  Guess who is going to be 100 days old soon?!   Today, Mom and I watched several of her videos and I'm finding it way more interesting to watch it with her since she can give me her input too.

Interesting blogs

I've been surfing the web more lately (wonder why??!!) and have run into a couple of blogs which are of interest to me.  Both are for mommies, one based on saving money written by a woman who started writing the blog based on her experiences as a new mommy while hubby was in law school.  That blog is now making her money, and she's been recently interviewed by Dave Ramsey.  The other (kokoliving) is geared for Korean-American women which I bumped into today while looking for Lucia Sora's baek-il (100 days) party ideas. 

Gratitude

1) For my wonderful husband who tells me I'm beautiful even with a bald head, keeps me laughing, and truly encourages me in every aspect of my life.
2) For a beautiful daughter who is healthy. I am thankful everyday that you didn't have to share my strange chemicals in utero, and are growing as you should.  Your smiles and gurgling brighten my heart!
3) For parents, brother, sister-in-law and family who would do anything to help us, no matter what the experience.  Their assistance has made these past months so much better. I'll never hear "you are my sunshine" again without picturing some singing and dancing in our living room.
4) For my in-law family who have loved and accepted me as their own from the beginning.  And lately, especially for Charlene who has gone above and beyond...
5) For my meeting family, friends (old and new, near and far) and neighbors who have called, emailed, texted, cooked, baked, stopped by, etc.  Experiencing kindness from others is an amazing, humbling thing!
6) For my work family who are bringing us meals twice a week.  Wow!!  Who knew that would be such a great help since my motivation for cooking has dropped off?!  Some things I hadn't thought about, but Tina sure knew what we needed.  And, I'm learning that everyone is a good cook!
7) For my doctor and nurse who keep me sane, and their office staff who are always upbeat.  And asking about our daughter definitely wins a mama's heart...

Troy's Google Webpage

I just created a new google webpage for my professional information. I've been wanting to do this for a while and the google site made it fairly easy! Just log in to your google/gmail account and start a new webpage using ready-made templates.

Here it is!

OH - and HERE'S the webpage currently linked to my name in the BAE Graduate Student Directory. Oops.

Lucia's New Dress

This beautiful hand-stitched dress arrived from South America today! We can't wait for Lucia to wear it.

Click on the images for a better view.

That girl's a genius!

Ok, Amberly and Lora, I know this may be embarassing....but....

CONGRATULATIONS!!!



Ag University = Practical Lesson Learned

I think the 30-year old paper added value to finding this gem in the hallway!

Halfway done!

Round number 3 went smoothly today, and only 3 more to go.  Numbers look good and heart is ok.  Woot!  Woot!

Is it too soon?

to teach your daughter the love of shopping?  Some would say yes.  But, after 4 different malls in 3 days, our girl is becoming familiar with the noise and scents of various stores.  She's a trooper! 

Auntie Celia's gift of Deglingos Mini Dog rescued the meeting this morning.  Lucia spent 25 minutes entertained by Mini Dog dangling in front of her.  Whew!  Thanks again, Celia!

Our beautiful boy....errr...girls!

The Princess Commandments

I.  Thou shalt respond quickly to any cry uttered from me, or else be subject to louder and louder crying.
II.  Thou shalt not sit while holding me, but stand.  Rarely, permission may be granted for sitting privileges.  (Yes, that makes for interesting meetings thus far!!)
III.  Thou shalt feed me the moment I demand it.
IV.  Thou shalt occasionally be blessed with a smile, if thy antics, funny faces and blubbering noises are worthy.
V.  Thou shalt not sleep more than four hours at a time;  see commandment I.
VI.  Thou shalt change my diaper as frequently as necessary, even within a minute if necessary.
VII.  Thou shalt be allowed to photograph or videotape, but may or may not be fortunate enough to capture the images thou desires.
VIII.  Thou shalt utilize other families members to assist in my care as required... two or three servants to perform a diaper change or bath may be expected.
IX.  Thou shalt hold me in the position I request, which shalt depend on my situation.
X.  Thou shalt not be loud.

Fusion Cuisine

Based on this information, I still think there's a chance to market my boston baked burrito - a scrumptious combination of beans and wieners in a tortilla! And it's not actually baked, the name just sounds better without including "bean".

From the NY Times:

That punch line has now become part of American children’s cuisine, fostering a legion of imitators and improvisers across the country. Spurred on by reruns, Internet traffic, slumber parties and simple old-fashioned word of mouth among children [click here] are all the rage.

Enjoy...

Good Morning!

FOUND: thumb

Thumb-gnawing in progress.

Two month checkup

Of course we have to dress up for the doctor!  10# 1oz (25th%) and 22.5 in (50th%).  Dtap #1, Hib #1, IPV #1, PCV #1

Cousins Weekend

Lucia Sora was loved up by her older girl cousins all weekend.  We enjoyed each others company, explored Marbles Kids Museum, played in a couple of Cary parks, hunted acorns, wandered the university campus, ate yummy food, sang and danced to Uncle Troy's guitar music, especially "You are my sunshine."  Minzie, very happy to finally have a cousin, came running and said "awww, it's ok sweetie" when baby was crying.  Minah often tottered over with a big smile, saying "ba-by."

Sunday with the cousins

Sunday morning near Red Oak, NC

(Thanks to Doug H. for the photo)

The cousins are HERE!

We have been excitedly awaiting Lucia's cousins from Wisconsin, and they've finally arrived!!!  Minzie and Minah definitely loved meeting Lucia, who stayed awake for their arrival.  It was fun to watch them all.  Much more fun ahead this weekend!

Give me a "GAH", Give me a "GOO"

I feel like a cheerleader for Team Lucia!   Our pediatricians office has an online developmental questionnaire to fill out prior to each check-up.  So, last week I filled out the survey for her two month check-up, and I realized she hasn't said "coo" or "gah."  She certainly makes noises and demands food with a distinct loud cry, but these specific sounds have yet to be uttered.  So, this week, I've been modeling those sounds for her.  "Say coo, coo.  Say gah, gah."  She smiles and looks at me as if I'm daffy.  At least she's entertained if nothing else.

Round 2, part 2

Today's infusion was easy breezy.  After being premedicated with solumedrol and benadryl, the rituxan went in just fine over 4 hours.  My next blood count is scheduled next week, and then round 3 the following week, if the numbers remain good.


The new buzz cut:

Round 2, Part 1

Today, I started my first dosage of rituxan, and also had the other 4 agents.  After about 30 minutes of starting rituxan, I started feeling a type of pressure that's difficult to describe from my epigastric area up through my chest and into my face.  So, we stopped the infusion, and I was given solumedrol.  I felt somewhat better but then started to have chills, and couldn't stop shaking.  I got some demerol to counter that and after an hour was feeling good.  The other 2 infusions went fine, and then the rituxan was restarted.  After a few minutes, I felt really warm and threw off all my blankets, and then at about 30 minutes, I noticed a scratchy throat, then a few minutes after that, my neck was itchy.  I thought it was related to my hair that's been falling out, and noticed there was a lot of hair there.  Then, my stomach was itchy, and when I looked, I noticed hives.  So, stopped the infusion, took benadryl and another solumedrol and eventually the hives disappeared.  Amazing how things make sense in hindsight...

Tomorrow morning I return for the rest of my rituxan bag.  I will be premedicated with more, and hopefuly will tolerate it well.

As I mentioned earlier, my hair has started falling out the past few days, which was expected but still is distressing.  So, tonight we decided to buzz my hair.  The cute bob haircut has been replaced with the buzz.  Pictures will be coming in a separate post.

Miss Giraffe

In the past few days, since Lucia has started to look around at things more, we lie her on the play mat with various figures hanging from it.  She starts from her right and stares at each object (especially the giraffe, who knows why?!) for awhile before moving onto the next; then when she's done with the left-most object, she'll start over.  Not only does she look like Daddy, she's exhibiting his systematic approach to life, too!  

Congrats to our Half Marathoners!!

Great work, Ken, Steve, John and Julie!!

Classic Traps

Last night was my first school-related allnighter since my freshman year at Akron, when I vowed it would never happen again for the sake of homework. The night before last, I was up until two in the morning getting ready for a test. And the night before that...

Somehow I've managed to fall into more than one classic academic trap which are well known to any serious sophomore. The first was the "oh, it won't take me long to write up a crib sheet" trap. The second was the "oh, I know how to do these problems, so I don't need to bother watching the lecture - or finish the homework until the night before" trap. And the third was the "I think I'll do this on scrap paper and then copy it over to engineering paper later" trap. Somehow twenty pages of hand calculations take longer than you think - especially when you realize most of the problems are only half done.

In an odd way, it was kind of fun. But at the same time, I do have weekend motivation to get a head start on next week!

...And an appreciation for Youngin's parents, who've been taking care of Lucia and letting us sleep whenever we get the chance!

Are you rich?

Apparently, that's a debate stirred up by a professor in Chicago when he posted a lament about how he and his wife are barely making it on $250,000.  Hmmm...see excerpt below.

Todd Henderson feels like he's barely making ends meet. He's a law professor at the University of Chicago. His wife's a doctor at the school's hospital. Their combined income exceeds $250,000. They have a nice house, a nanny, kids in private school, a retirement account and a lawn guy.
 

The Charming Lower Lip

Somewhere, somehow, Lucia has started crying with a quivering lower lip stuck out.  It's so cute and amusing!  It's not nice for parents to laugh at their kids, right?!

Haircut Day III

Styles we considered for Youngin

(minus the hair coloring)

What were we thinking?! We should have had a vote!

Well, it may not have mattered. She ultimately decided on the lowest maintenance possible.