New Year's Eve

For weeks we've been talking about plans for New Year's Eve. We all had a great time last year with the mystery dinner party and the thought of another was very intriguing. However, none of us really had the energy to plan it. So with a few day left, we decided on a slumber party. We'd enjoy dinner, play board games, watch the ball drop on TV, continue with the games or watch a movie into the early morning hours.

It was decided that the party would happen at the Millsers as Thanksgiving was our place and Steffen had just hosted Christmas. Since we all wanted to empty our freezers, the menu was composed of anything we could cook up with only ingredients found in our houses. Somehow the menu worked itself into being an Italian food fest, which was very tasty.

After dinner, the group slowly became smaller and smaller as individuals (Steffen, Akki, and Sabrina) scattered throughout the house to find their perfect napping spot. With ten minutes to spare we were all awaken and gathered around the TV. Maybe he was still a bit groggy, but Steffen did not time opening the small champagne bottle he had bought with the count down to 2010. Even so, we still enjoyed a few sips while wishing everyone a happy new years.

Button's Doctor Visit - 12 weeks

During this visit we got to hear Button's heart beat...still super fast (164 per minute). We discussed our trip to Sri Lanka with the doctor even though we had shared it on our prior visit. I was informed that I needed to drink 5 liters of water during the long plane ride and then 3 liters while in Sri Lanka! FIVE LITERS! I am barely at 2 liters right now.

The doctor was excited about our trip and was more than happy to take some ultrasound pictures for us to share with Ammi and Thaththi when we arrive in Sri Lanka.

We think Button was a bit shy because he/she kept turning away until I decided to hold my breath for a few seconds. Then we got to see our lil' gingerbread person.

When we shared the photo with Siew Gin and Alan, they shared the secret of orange juice right before the visit. We'll try that next time.

Third Month Update

Button is now 12 weeks old.

Still exhausted, but now I have the joy of waking up multiple times a night due to all the water I am drinking! But at least now it seems to be on a regular schedule, so maybe Button will follow this schedule after delivery (wishful thinking?!!?)

We've tried to keep the baby news a bit of a secret until we travel to Sri Lanka because we don't want his parents to be the last to know the news! And plus by then it will be close to the end of the first trimester.

But of course we each have a list of people we 'had' to share the news with...

* Akki, mainly because she was the closest blood relative and how could we not tell someone that very day! She was very excited for us and it was nice to share the news with her first; I think we bonded a little bit more :)

* Of all the times Brandie and I play phone tag, this time it seemed to last forever! But within a few days we were able to connect and both her and Lloyd are excited that LB will soon have a cousin.

* Then of course our best friends - Indy and Lisa. Both are extremely happy for us. It is a bit weird, but I find it comforting that Indy has taken such an interest in Button's progress.

* We decided to wait until after Button's first appointment before we shared the news with Dad and Starr. Although we were pretty confident of the pregnancy, we wanted confirmation from the doctor before letting them know. Dad's reaction - 'are you ready?' - kinda startled me but then I realized it's a typical dad reaction; plus Starr added more of the feminine touch when we talked and offered their congratulations and happiness.

* Siew Gin has asked almost monthly for an update and of course the month she stops asking, we are pregnant! We were happy that Evelyn was also in town and we were able to share the news with her as well.

* I really thought of all our Colorado friends, Steffen would know first because I was not attending badminton. But I guess our excuses seemed valid because when we shared the news with him he was all smiles!

Christmas 2009

We wish our friends and family a very safe and happy holiday season!

Christmas Eve

Tonight we hosted the third annual Mexican Christmas Eve dinner. This year since I had Christmas Eve day off from work, I prepared all but two of the dishes and even impressed myself in creating the right proportions as the party was small and intimate.

We even impressed the late arriving Siew Gin as the meal was ready prior to the 7pm party time! As we wanted to enjoy the full Christmas spirit, we set up the dinner table in the front room so we could enjoy enchiladas suiza, spanish rice, salsa, black bean salad (by Akki) and menudo by the Christmas tree. As I didn't want the house to spell of cooking menudo, I ordered it from a local restaurant recommended by Siew Gin.

When Alan went to put Tyler to sleep in the spare room, Steffen and Akki thought a nap was a great idea and found their own corners in the house to enjoy a few precious zzz's. After a bit, I couldn't even resist the comfort of a nap.

Happy Christmas Eve to all, and to all a good night!