Happy Father's Day

Dearest Isabelle,

I remember it was just yesterday when Daddy held you for the first time, trying to calm you down with my voice. You are growing into a beautiful flawless little angel, Daddy is so proud. Everything about raising a baby girl is very new to daddy, trying to be the best father I can be. I do receive mixed messages from all of our friends, whether you look like your old man or your beautiful Mommy. I really hope you look like your mom, a girly version of Daddy is not good. I do apologize for not being able to tuck you into your bed every night, but I will make it a routine to give you a kiss every night. I will always be there for you, you can always count on me. I hope I can inspire you one day through my work, you can fully understand why daddy loves cooking. I do not update the blog often as Daddy works a lot, I will put in more effort. You are the best gift a father can ever receive, thank you for making this day special. I will always love you.

Your Dada

Daddy Peanut & Baby Peanut...do we look alike?

Funny ABC's

Dear Isabelle,

I am glad you find Mommy's singing voice so funny...



Love, Mom

Bittersweet Day

Today is a bittersweet day for Mommy. Mommy is officially a stay-at-home mom. Bitter because Mommy really enjoys her work but sweet because this is a rare opportunity that many moms wish they could have.

We went into Mommy's workplace today to let our boss know our decision and say goodbye to our colleagues. Mommy has decided that we cannot trust anyone else to take care of you and so it's just you and I, babe...Mommy will never ever leave your side! I also don't want to miss any of your milestones and your every "firsts".

You are only this age once and I count my blessings to have this opportunity to watch you grow. I look forward to all our days together, Isabelle!

Love, Mom

Happy Birthday Zoë!!

Zoë turns 7 today, Isabelle! In dog years, that's about 49 years old...she's older than all of us! Zoë is one of the best dogs we ever had. Mommy used to have another dog, she was a silky terrier and her name was Duchess. Duchess was a smart dog too...but Duchess was more of a sibling. Zoë is Mommy's fur-baby just like you are the human-baby!

We hope that you and Zoë will grow up to be good friends. We can already tell that Zoë is starting to be quite fond of you. She brings you her soccer ball once in a while and is always kissing you now! You are also getting more and more aware of your Zoë. You smile when she darts around the room like a crazy woman. You love it because now you see her, then you don't, then you see her again! It's like magic!

Mommy can't wait till both you and Zoë start interacting more. I am sure that there will be opportunities to record many funny videos...the adventures of Izzy & Zoë!

Love, Mom

Happy 16 week birthday!

Hi Izzy!

You are a curious little monkey. Everything seems to fascinate you. You love walks outside because you are able to see all the different sights and hear the different sounds. You also get a kick out of looking at yourself and at Mommy in the mirror!

You chuckle so much more and way louder now. Even Mommy feels like a true comedian because you laugh at me all the time! I love it when you do...it's music to my ears!

You have picked up quite a few new hobbies as well this past week. You love to "stand". You always do it in my lap when I am trying to put you down to sit. Your legs are so strong!

Your other hobby is putting your blanket in your mouth. It's a great help to Mommy that you are trying to wipe up all that extra drool you are making nowadays!

You are a chatterbox as well. Your sentences are sometimes 1 minute long! You love telling Mommy stories or you are just complaining. Your facial expressions are so funny...your eyebrows are the best!

You seem to not like your pacifier or the bottle anymore. Why?? Mommy has to always nurse you to sleep now. Daddy used to be able to put you to sleep but he hasn't been able to lately. All you want is me. That's ok, Mommy knows it's a comfort measure and even though Mommy is exhausted, I will always be here to comfort you and make you feel safe.

Love, Mom

My Love

A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.
– Agatha Christie

Today I realized that you make me stronger than I thought I could ever be.

Ni Hao, Kai-Lan

Dear Isabelle,

Seems like you really enjoy watching the cartoon, Ni Hao, Kai-Lan. You were glued to the TV all day while you were sick. Don't think that this is going to be a habit because it's not! Mommy only let you because it seemed to make you feel better and entertain you.

Hope you at least learn some Mandarin this way so you can speak to your 爺爺 and 奶奶!

Love, Mom