End of 2008

The past few days are really tough for me. Somehow Renee start refusing going to bed. She would cry her eyes out. My latest failed attempt was today, when I tried to calm her down for good 20 minutes.

I am just not in the mood to write anything, to be honest. So here are the pictures that I have picked out.

Brothers, Exercises and Christmas Tree

We hosted a small party and two families brought their newborns as well. Renee did not really pay much attention to the little brothers. They had a sort of "sleep over", in three different bedrooms.







During the Thanksgiving holiday, I took Renee out to a nearby park and took some pictures. I am pleasantly surprised and proud to be able to raise Renee in such a nice neighborhood, away from the city crowd and closer to the nature.












Last year, we did not feel the energy to build a Christmas tree, with the new baby, moving, backyard landscaping and all. Renee likes it, but I am afraid that is as much interest as she has shown. She did, however, understand the request "pose and let's take a photo!"














Renee also learned to turn around in circles, and some exercises.



One Last Thing

Also, we just confirmed that Renee is going to get an upgrade and become a big sister next year. I might need to change the domain and name of this blog.

Just some details.

Disney on Ice, Golf, and Halloween

This month's blog post features many Renee's activities. It was really hard to keep the number of pictures small.

Disney on Ice

We took her to see Disney on Ice, first time for all of us. We did not find time to dress her up like a princess, as many have done. Next time, I think the trend will be the tinker bell.












In the past, Renee has been scared of big scene with lots of noises. We were prepared to take her outside at any sign of stress. However, she enjoyed the whole show, well, at least before she fell asleep and missed this grand closing. Is this a sign of her growing up?

Signs of Growing Up

Renee shows the signs of growing up every single day and has brought a lot of joy to our life.

She has learned to use the spoon herself. Occasionally she will miss and spill all over. But we just have to let her, because she would fight fiercely if anyone tries to help her with the spoon or put a napkin around her neck.












When she feels like it, she will drink like this. Half of the time she will make a mess. The good thing is that she is very focused, so you can hold the plate without she noticing it.







"Tai Chi!" She learned if from her grandfather, who plays it everyday in the yard.








"Pat your butt." Renee knows her body parts now. She responds to request and can pat her belly, touch her hair, pat her leg, pat her foot, etc. Of course, our favorite remains at she patting her butt.








"Bow, please". She picked it up from a game we used to play as kids. Sometimes she will crouch on the floor instead.








Golf

She went to see a Golf tournament. Of course, she enjoyed the grass and the outdoor more than the game. It was pretty windy so we suited her up.








This is Renee on the lookout for the incoming golf ball. Actually, she just happens to look in that direction.








Pumpkin Patch

Renee put on her bumble bee outfit, and went with us to the pumpkin patch. She got very excited at the sight of all the pumpkins on the ground. In all excitement, she did not forget to perform her latest ritual, sitting on anything that is shorter than her.





Her mom grabbed a cart and Renee immediately started pulling it. Not sure where she was planning going, but she sure pulled it with a purpose.








We loaded the pumpkin to the cart, and put her on it. We also let her put on the hat of the bumble bee now that she is sitting, so that the front would not fall down and cover her eyes.







She also took off her bumble bee outfit and did some serious pulling.








We took Renee to the little maze, although I am not really sure that she got the idea. Nevertheless, I walked her through it. Renee spent most of the time on the trip trying to figure out what these things are made of.







It did not take her long to warm up to the playing ground, and learn how to use the big shovel.







When we were about to leave, we visited the pumpkins again. This time, Renee start trying to pick them up. I found one that is small enough for her to carry, and she carried it for quite a distance.







Trick or Treat

I took her to trick-or-treat at the market place. To be honest, I am still not sure if she got the idea. At one point, she was taking candies out of her bucket and putting it to the container that the store put outside for the kids.






At the end of the day, I took her to Lianxin's office and did a bit of in-office trick-or-treat.