Blazin' Sunday Afternoon

Today was Chris' Baby Shower, which turned into a baby celebration since Boogie decided to bust her way out earlier than expected. The planned due date was July 18th. Thanks to the Nguyen family's party expertise, the party was a kick-ass success. Hitting 85-90 degrees, everyone was able to settle down with food under shade, overlooking the lagoon while eating from the all you can eat taco truck.

Boogie was so well behaved all day and she did not fuss at all. Took her food like a champ at all feedings and slept on schedule. The first night we had Boogie, she did not allow us to sleep for more than 2 hours at a time. Maybe it was her getting used to her new environment.

Thanks to everyone who attended the party. It was great to catch up with everyone since we have been out of the country for a while. A big thank you to U, DMC, Tim, Minh, Minh Hang for all their help in getting that dirty house in order for the party. I would've helped more if we didn't have so many issues in the hospital. The decorations, the cupcakes, the idea of the Taco truck, the location, etc, everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves kickin' back on a Sunday afternoon.

While everyone was cleaning up, some of the kids decided to stay behind for a little backyard Boogie dance party. Note: Look who is asking his new girl interest to come out and dance.

Overcoming Milestones

Hearing test passed! It's a relief when everything goes by the textbook. I knew everything would be fine since she was already responding to my voice.





Also passed the car seat test. Boogie had to sit in the seat for 1 hour and was monitored to see if the seat disrupted her breathing.









Light Jaundice levels. CJ only had treatments for 1 day. Her complexion is awesome now.

Innie or Outie

After 13 days, CJ's tied up umbi cord dropped off today during her bath. It' hard to determine, but it looks like the belly button could be an outie. It seems to stick out a bit, but maybe it will change when she grows.

Another piece of good news that happened today was that the doctors at Mills determined that CJ would be ready to go home in two days! But CJ would have to continue to prove she can gain weight. Today she hit up 75ccs of milk in one feeding, a record high, and she gained 3 OZ in one day!

Huge panic emerged from my pores because there is so much to do before CJ comes home. I'm excited but nervous because my time is not as flexible and non-structured as it used to be. I had thoughts of throwing CJ in my Baby Bjorn and flipping the XBOX switch on or even doing WII Sports at the same time. It's going to be interesting.

What do you think? Innie or Outie

June 28 Update - Met with the pediatrician today and she said the belly button is still herniated so that is why it is protruding. So the verdict is still out on whether it will be an innie or outie.

Event of the Day:

For the first time since 1930, an American squad won a World Cup group

Read more:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/soccer/world-cup-2010/wires/06/23/2010.ap.soc.wcup.us.reax/index.html

Father's Day?

It feels very fulfilling, being on the other side on Father's Day. Each year, I would always think of my Father on Father's Day; What to do, what to get him, etc., which I still do. But today was a milestone in my life which felt different than others, such as a birthday or anniversary. Today, it was not about me being a Father, it was about my family, especially my new daughter, CJ.

Today, I was feeling good on many different levels. Achievements were made individually and as a family.

The past 10 days, CJ was hooked up with a tube in her nose to help her eat when she couldn't take all the milk from bottle feeding. Earlier in the morning, my wife was successful feeding a full 35+ccs. I was happy because we both worried about not being able to feed her well when we take her home as we became so comfortable with the wonderful nurses at Mills Peninsula.

In the afternoon, it was decided that the tube would be out today. She would have to fight and work at every bottle feeding or else they would stick the tube back down her nose. I could not feel anything but support and encouragement because I wanted CJ to have the confidence to finish all of her milk at each feeding.

After pulling out the tube and before feeding CJ, my wife washed CJ's body and I washed her hair. It was just as soothing to me as it was to her and she just looked at me as I scrubbed/massaged her head and after her bath I was able to feed 48ccs in one sitting. Man, she was going at it really good.

Later in the night, she took another 50ccs but this time it was a bit of a challenge because she needed a diaper change midway. After trying to pee on Mom during the diaper change, she finished the rest of her milk.

My wife and I walked out of the nursery and I had to give high fives to her. What a feeling of accomplishment as parents. I know it's just the beginning but I'm just looking at baby steps.

Cries and Sighs

The first video catching Calleigh crying and it was such a sweet sound, which ended in a sigh from me.

Ed

Watching Calleigh get a bath was quite fun. She still has to get used to the concept but she seems quite happy once her whole body is clean. Combed up her hair for a little style.

This image makes her look much bigger than she is in person. She looks like she could be some other baby. In fact, my wife describes her to look a bit like an "old little man". Therefore, we have titled this picture "Ed".

Calleigh Jenna Lee

What a week it has been for me as I've watched an 8 day old infant learn the basic coordination skills of eating and developing basic bodily functions. As each day goes by, I wonder what she will learn next and the most challenging task is to learn behaviors which is the only form of communication.

This world has much to offer and this little girl will have much to offer the world.