Week 120: Floating Pool in Brooklyn heights

Monday Michelle gave birth to a baby girl. Michael spend 3 nights to play at our place. Sophia and Michael even had bath together. This way Michelle can get a little break from two kids at the same time. Now Sophia thinks about her little sister ( the doll names Sophie...)

Saturday we went to Prospect Park after the morning swimming class. We set up the tent and had a little picnic. Sophia naturally play with a kid named David who is 2 year old. It was nice weather and Sophia very much enjoy running in the lawn.

Sunday we went to a floating pool in Brooklyn Height. The pool is in a boat dock along the east river. Sophia thought the water was too cold. She only spend 3 minuts in the pool. She had a lot of run to play water on the deck.

Week 119: Jeremy's Birthday & Sandy Hook Beach

Saturday we went to Jeremy's birthday party in Prospect Park. After
having the cake, Sophia, Jeremy and Devin running around in the lawn.
Near by there is a big American flag spread out and many kids running in
and out under the flag. It must burned Sophia lots of energy. She had
3.5 hour of nap after that. She played with Michael after she wakes up.
We went to book store and had pizza.

Sunday we went to Sandy Hook beach in New Jersey. Sophia enjoyed half
day fun on beach. When we get back we run into traffic. Sophia was too
excited that she didn't have much nap time. After dinner we went to
Loews to buy flowers for about balcony. Sophia was so tired. She fall in
sleep right after we get into the car.

Week 118: Long Wood Garden, Sesame Place & Coney Island

This Wednesday was July 4th holiday. We took one day off to have a mini
vacation. We went to Longwood garden on Tuesday and stay at Philadelphia
airport hotel. Sophie really like the garden. But in the evening when
the firework started, she was very tired. She fall in sleep when the
firework thounding around her.

Wednesday we went Sesame Place. Sophia was so excited to see Elmo in a
live show. She climbed on a huge net tent. She was fearless. Kids who
are older than her won't like to clime on it. After lunch I tried to
give her some nap time. She refuse to sleep. We had to go back to play.
She enjoyed the swimming pool and water slid. We left around 6 pm. She
fall in sleep right after sitting in the car seat.

Saturday Sophia just had a simple picnic in prospect park after nap. I
mad some number cookie and she was running after Frisbee. Sunday we went
to Coney Island to meet with Katiya and Sophie. We first went the New
York City Aquarium. Sophia loves the man made water fall. Later Sophia
and twins enjoyed kiddies rides. Oliver did Cyclone ride.

Week 117: Lido Beach & Visiting Bronx

This Saturday Sophia had her first beach visiting for this year. We went
to long island Lido beach with our friends (Jeremy and his parents,
Christen and Reese and their parents). Sophia had lots of fun on the
beach. When we suppose to leave, we found out that there is a playground
next to the beach. She can not leave without enjoy the play ground.
Another one hour of fun...

Sunday we went to Bronx to visit our friend Larry and his new house. He
had a barbeque at his back yard. Sophia enjoyed to play with other two
girls (9 and 7 year old). She was a little frustrated that she couldn't
bouncing the ball on a racket like the other girls.

Week 116: Central Park Zoo & Visit Katia & Sophie

Sophia haven't been in Manhattan for a while. So we took her there on
Saturday. We went to Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. There she
met a boy name Salomon who has the same birthday as she has. They two
played together nicely. We visited central Park Zoo after finishing the
museum. Sophia loves the polar bear.
Sunday we visited Sophie and Kateya's home. The three girls had good
time. After dinner Sophia didn't want to leave. They play in the court
yard and end up having bath with the twins at their bath tub...

Week 115: Many accidents and I want "time out"

This week was Sophia's first diaper free week. She had 3 accident before Saturday. And 3 accident on Saturday. Once after she had the accident. She went to her bed, hands hold her head and act as the she was depressing. On Sunday morning we didn't let her watch TV. She cried a little bit and told us: I'm having time out. She walk to her bad room and sit on her bed by herself.

Saturday afternoon we went to carousal in Prospect Park. On our way back we caught in rain. We waited in a Pavilion in the park. Sophia had good time to play with a little black boy Sean. Daddy put Sophia to sleep while mommy meet with Karen Brody on Saturday night. It was the first time that Daddy solely takes care Sophia for dinner, bath and sleep. A new change for Sophia.

Sunday Sophia went to Pete's music together class for a visiting session. She became one of the big kids in the class. A lots of new faces we don't know. After that class Sophia ask me where is Katie and Sophie. I will plan a play date with the twins next week.

Week 114: Diaper free

We arrived back to JFK on last Sunday evening. Monday and Tuesday I was very exhausted and we couldn't play with Michael. Sophia was very happy to get back home to play with her old toys. She didn't have any problem with jet lag. We went to an open house on Thursday on 16th street. Sophia walked to the play ground in the park after the open house and walked back after play there.

From this Friday I took off Sophia's training pant. She is formally diaper free. Over the whole weekend she had one accident. I held her and said: Sophia, your pants are wet. She told me: My pants wet because I pee peed. It was the first time she used the word "because". A new phrase started in her toddler's life! Saturday we went to South Street See port to meet with Swan and Jeremy. We went to China town for Lunch. Sophia acts like a big girl.

Sunday there was a Gay Proud street pair and parade in the evening. On the street fair Sophia did the jump tent the first time. She likes it. In the evening we were on the balcony and watch the parade. One of the gay crowd yield to us: baby, it's time to sleep. Sophia heard it, went to bed after that.

Week 113: One week in Germany

Monday we had a lunch function for all our family and friends in Dortmund. The party last 6 hours. Sophia was very happy with other 6 little guest. Sasha's two kids is 3.5 and 2 years old. Sophia was mainly play with them. Fabian and Timor are teenagers, they took care of Sophia while she play with them. Mario's mainly didn't like to play with girl. But stood next to him while he played PC game. She liked her green dress and white dressing shoes. She didn't even take nap for 8 hours.

Tuesday we went to a coal mine museum in Bohum. She enjoyed the coal mine tunnel at the beginning. But later she told me she's scared. We had lunch in the museum and dinner at grandpa's place.

Wednesday the rain finally stopped. We took Sophia to a big play ground near the town center. The facility was very impressive. Sophia was fearless. She went on a tall castle like slide and slide down. In the evening we visited Oliver's friend Frank's home. He has 3 kids. His place was full of fun toys. Sophia was attracted by playmobil post office. She literally don't want to leave Frank's place.

Thursday is mommy's birthday. Sophia went to grandma's office with her and got a little playmobil toy in a toy shop. After lunch in a plaza we went to a dessert place for birthday cake with grandma & grandpa. Oliver took us to a casino on a top of a mountain.

Friday we went to Dortmund zoo in the afternoon and Oliver's friend Alex place in the evening.

Saturday we mainly play at home and visited Oliver's friend Mathias in the evening. Mathias has a big tin toy collection and his wife is expecting a baby in Nov.

Week 112: Going to Germany

We left for Germany on Friday. Sophia had an easy flight. The plain took off around 6:30pm. She played two hours and fall in sleep until the plain landing. We kept her sleeping schedule the same as in New York. Because of the shutter, she didn't feel much different. Saturday afternoon Grandma had BBQ for us. Sophia loves the garden. But it was raining later. Sunday we went to grandpa's place. Also because of rain, we stay indoor all the time.

Week 111: Stoop sale -- Angelina Ballerina


Sunday we went out to visit Pete's after his class. HE invited us the drop by to his class later. On 3rd street we saw a big whole block stoop sale. I bought a pack of Angelina Ballerina doll toys for $10. We came home and played. Sophia pick up couple small toys and but them in her back pack. She to me: Take to nanny's place...

Sunday was Mommy Daddy's wedding anniversary. We let Michelle looked after Sophia for two hours and had some coffee at near by coffee shop's back yard.

Week 110: Bronx Zoo

This Saturday we took Sophia to Bronx Zoo through Subway after swimming class. It's more than one hour each way on the train. I told her that she better sleep and when she wakes up we will be in the zoo. She followed my advice and closed her eyes. Two minutes later I checked, she slept! She had good time in the zoo. In Congo village. We saw a Gorilla family. Sophia pointed out to the gorillas and said: Mammy gorilla, daddy gorilla ands Sophie gorilla...
This week is a family work out week. On Tuesday Oliver went to Gym after work. I did a spin class on Thursday when Oliver took Sophia to the playground. Sunday when I went to see dentist in the noon time Sophia and Oliver went to Dumbo to check Brooklyn Design Week and Dumbo playground. AS the weather getting warm. Sophia's weekend became all outdoor activity time. We stay outside all and Saturday and two playground hopping on Sunday...

Week 109: New Shoes

Tuesday I had Condo board meeting hosted at our home. Sophia went to Michael's home with Oliver. Thursday night Oliver got home early to look after Sophia. We went to playground together later. Friday morning I had a meeting at 7:30am. Oliver takes care Sophia in the morning. From this week on, Oliver will look after Sophia two nights a week.

The high light of this week is a pair of new shoes. She was so excited that she won't let us get her shoes off. The shoes gad good gripping sol. She climb ladder easily. We went to east village Thomeskins Square park on Saturday. She climbed a ladder more than 2 meter high. We hanged around the park till 4 pm. She came home and ride tricycle in the back yard. She felt sleep at 8:30pm and waked up 8:40am next morning...

Week 108: Costco, Toy R US and Cherry Blossom

This week we had a busy schedule everyday. Wednesday Sophia spend whole day with daddy and grandma. She was in the playground whole morning and fell in sleep on the lunch table. After that 3 hours nap. We went to Costco for grocery shopping in the evening. Thursday we went to Toy R US to exchange some toys. Sophia enjoyed play around in the store. It's very hard for her to leave. Saturday Sophia did her morning swimming class. She now can swim cross the width of the swimming pool. We visited Katya and Sophie's new home in the afternoon. Sunday we went to Brooklyn botanic garden for the cherry blossom festival. Afternoon grandma left for Germany.

Week 107: Grandma visiting and Washington DC

Friday Sophia's grandma visited us from Germany. The moment Sophia saw her, Sophia remembered and called her "grandma". Grandma was very happy. From Saturday to Tuesday we visited Washington DC. On the way to DC, we stopped by at Baltimore. Sophia had bad allergy (running nose, watery eyes, hay fever) I gave her Banderol and she basically slept all the way. Sunday we walked alone the national mall and monument. Monday we visited Michelle's father office and got a tour of Capitol. Tuesday we visited Arlington National Cemetery. Sophia had a fun trip.
The whole trip Sophia only used 5 diapers. She can hold pee pee when we were on the road. I'm pretty happy with her progress.

Week 106: Daddy put Sophia to sleep

This week there is a big change in Sophia's sleeping routine. From Wednesday Oliver put Sophia to bed. He didn't talk to her much. Let her read book and advice her to lay on bed do her reading. First night Sophia fell sleep while she hold her book. Second night she was about to sleep and Oliver walk out of her room and turn off the light. The third night, he walked out of the room when she still reading her book. 2 minutes later, she drop the book we asked her if it's ok we turn off the light. She knocked her head and we turn off the light while she still looking at us. It was 4 nights in the roll that she was peacefully fell in sleep without crying. Oliver was very proud of his achievement. I was very happy that she became a big girl and I don't need to deal with the crying when we turn off the light. It was a big change since she turn two. She is easier to get reasoned and modify her behavior.

Saturday we went to zoo after swimming class to meet with Katya and Sophie. Sophia had good time to play with the twins. We had semi picnic lunch in the zoo and left the zoo when toddlers all fell in sleep. After her nap, I took Sophia to the playground. Since we knew that Sunday will be a heavy rainy day, we better do all out door activity on Saturday. Sunday we stayed at home whole day. Sophia was so bored at the end, she "called" Michelle couple time to ask Michael come over to play. So at the end we got Michael came over they had really good time. They play together very well and I don't need involve with them that much. It's do good that they became more independent.


Week 105: 2 Year Old!

On Wednesday Sophia turned two year old. Same as last year, we took a day off and though a party for her at home. We had twins, Michael, Drew and Carly and Sebi came over to play. Nanny was with her as well. Sophia dressed in a red Chinese dress that YeYe, NaiNai bought for her from Beijing. She had a good time.
Friday I took her to see pediatrician for her check up. She was 29.6 pound and 35.5 inch high. Doctor said she developed quiet well.

Saturday we had another birthday party for her. This time we invited all Chinese baby. Christen, Reece, Erica, Isaac, and Jeremy. This time because there are more boys in the party. Much more toys were scattered everywhere. It was fun to see Diane ( Erica's mom) again.

Sunday was Easter. We played egg hunting game at home. (outside was very cold. It has snow in the afternoon) We cleaned our home while we did the egg hunting game. I can not believe that two year has past so fast...

Week 104: Busy and fun weekend


This weekend I gave Sophia all the 4T size dress. It was perfect. I have a feeling that if she didn't wear them now it will be too small in the fall season.

This week is the last week of Sophia in one year old.

Saturday we took Sophia to swimming class as usual. Oliver took her to swimming pool. She didn't cooperative with him. She actually left the class earlier than anyone else. Afternoon I prepared food and she played with dolls. She first gave Baby doll Mary a bath. She went to the bathroom found the Shampoo and powder for the doll. She did everything I did to her. She played the bath baby for almost an hour. I was amazed that she can enjoy play by herself for a long time.

Sunday Sophia didn't have her music class. 10:30 am we took her to Brooklyn Botanic Garden for a walk. We had a little early lunch in the cafeteria. She run around in the three green houses. Sometime she stopped running and smell the flower. When I took her out of the green house she really don't want to go... We took her to prospect park boat house. There they have a Easter egg craft class. I made two egg necklace for Sophia and her friend Michael. She fell sleep when we walk home around 1:45pm. 4:00 pm Sophia waked up from her nape, her play date Jeremy arrived with his mom Swan. 6:20 pm when Jeremy left, Michael's mom called and Sophia went to her apartment to play with Michael. I had dinner with Oliver for 2 hours. Sophia had a none stop fun for the full day!

Week 103: Playground hopping and squirrel

Last weekend Sophia did all the typical activities for the weekend as a toddler in park slope. Saturday we started with gym/swimming class, nap, lunch, afternoon playground near 11th street, B&N bookstore and snacks. We run into two families for all those locations. Sunday music class, followed with lunch and play at home. While she took a nap in the stroller we took her to boat house for a afternoon coffee, walked around Leffert Garden, she waked up and played in a playground near boathouse, followed to another play ground near 3rd street. We met Swan and Jeremy at the 3rd street playground. There we saw an amazing squirrel climbed into Sophia's diaper bag and looked for food. When Oliver walked over to the stroller, the squirrel hided inside of the diaper bag and only jumped out when Oliver real close to him. Every laugh about it.

Week 102: Children's Museum of Manhattan

This week's weather was very strange. Monday was very warm and I took Sophia to our back yard to play after I got back from work. ( because of the one hour time change. The day was still bright for her to play at 6:30pm). Tuesday we stopped by Drew and Carlyle's home at 1D. They have very fancy toys and Sophia enjoyed to play with them. I chatted with Sara about PS 107 preK program. Apparently we won't get in because they only have one class. But for Kindergarten we might get a chance. Wednesday it's getting cold and we played at Michael's place. Thursday and Friday was bad rainy snow day. Michael came to play with us. On Saturday the snow piled everywhere, we couldn't get our stroller out more than one block. We didn't go for the swimming class and music class. Jeremy's mom offer to take Sophia and me to Children's museum in Manhattan. That was a fun place. We only explored the third floor for about two hours. Sophia and Jeremy really don't want to leave. Somehow Sophia sensed that Daddy didn't go with us. During lunch time she asked me for Daddy. I said we will go home to see daddy. She told me that she want to go home to see daddy. I feel she is getting more sensitive to social environment.

Mar. 11th, It was the day light saving time change day. To get Sophia adjust to the new time. I took Sophia out to play from 2 Pm to 9 pm. She first slept an hour. Then we went to B&N and she was very happy to play there for 2 hrs. When we went to Starbucks to have some snack. Oliver came join us. When we walk pass the Berkley Carroll. I told her" this is your school". She said" my school, let me in". She seams can not wait to go to school.. When we were in the play ground it was already late. We tried to get her leave play ground and she holed a play ground pole and resist. Then she saw a 2 year old girl run in front of her. They start to say hi to each other and then hugged. Apparently they both want to play and not go home. After dinner we went home. She fall on bed without any trouble.. Too tired.

Week 101: Chinatown playground

Mar 3rd. It was a very warm day. We took Sophia to Playground. She haven't been there for a long time. After that we went to Swan's home for a play date. It was a very pleasant day..

Mar 10th, after swimming we took Sophia to Chinatown to meet with my client turn friend Michael. Sophia was sleeping when we had out lunch. She waked up right after we done with our food. I took her to Columbus playground in the China town. She was happily play there and didn't want to leave.

Week 100: Chinese Reading Garden

Feb 24th We took Sophia swim in the morning. Noon time we went to Korean town for a Chinese reading garden opening party. 5PM we had a Chinese new Year party with Anita, Flora and Michelle.

Feb 27th, we got the news that Berkley Carroll accept Sophia as 2 year old group. In September She will go there 3 days a week. Another two days Ms. Chen will look after her.


Week 99: Berkley Carroll Daycare application

We stay overnight for applying Berkeley Carroll Daycare for Sophia. There are more that 35 PP on line. We were no. 14th. Someone started on line 6pm. We were there 8:00 pm. I was there from 9:00 pm to 12:oo am. Oliver slept a little and he stayed from 12:00 am - 7:00 am. It was an interesting experience. We met Sophia's swimming classmate Rosy and Hanna's parents. I just found out that Rosie's mom is half Chinese.

Week 98: Chinese New Year

This weekend was Chinese New Year. On Saturday I dressed Sophia in a silk red Chinese traditions jacket. We had web conference with Grandparents in China. Sophia loves her Chinese cloth so much she couldn't sleep and refuse to take tit off for taking shower.

We had a baby Chinese New Year party at home on Saturday. To decorated our place I bout two lantern and window décor from Chinatown. Totally 4 Chinese mom came with 5 babies. Each baby got a red envelop. I made dumpling and steam fish. Sophia was very fascinated about a 3 month old baby. I was very tired to prepare the party food and organize everything.

On Sunday we went to Sue and Richard's home for another party. There Sophia played with 2 4 year old kids. She was much happy to play with them and their toys. At Sue's place we met a Chinese Children psychologist. She opened a Chinese reading garden in Midtown. We were invited to go visit them.


Week 97: Montessori playgroup interview

This Thursday Sophia had her first playgroup interview with Montessori international school.

To prepare the interview, I took Sophia to office daycare on Monday. It was the coldest day in a year. It was very tough to get her there for both of us. In daycare she had a lots of fun. Because the toddler's group was small and all other babies were younger than her. I took her to preschool kids group. She played with 5,6 year old girls and really like it.

At Montessori, she was much better than other interviewed babies. She enjoyed the whole program. She even went to their music class without us to company. (that was the school policy). One little draw back was that when we leave the Montessori, one grandparent told us this school was not good and let children cry. We felt bad about it. I took 1 day off for Sophia's interview. In the afternoon Sophia went to her nanny's place. I use the time to assembled her new toddler bed. From that night she sleeps on her own bed. No more crib!

Saturday I didn't take Sophia to swim. We took her to Guggenheim Museum instead. She slept most of time when we were in the museum. We had our Chinese play date afterward at Swan's place.


Week 96: Daddy is cute

Last weekend I helped Oliver to fix a button on his coat. After I fix it, I asked Oliver to try it on. Sophia looked at her daddy and said: Daddy is cute...

Over the weekend Sophia had another Chinese play date with a 18 month old boy Jeremy. His mom Swan came from Taiwan. She was very impressed by my toy collection. We will try to keep a Saturday afternoon play date with Jeremy as much as we can.