1st Birthday Weekend - 2011

When I hear parents talk about their kids, many of them can't believe how fast time has passed. I feel this way about my own life before Calleigh, but now I just feel the time that has passed has been jam packed with more memories and it has made life quite fulfilling. It's sensory overload. A year has passed and life has become increasingly more interesting as I have had to go through so many changes with my daughter and the rest of my life. It's a strange feeling because it's like this new vertical in my life which is already filled with other verticals.

The video posted here is of Calleigh's big Birthday weekend. She still isn't walking as I had planned, but I hope she will before her Aunt's wedding day. But no loss here. I see some of me in her. Calleigh does what Calleigh wants to do....when she's good and ready.

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Hmmm....Keeping Promises

I have not yet given Calleigh her birthday present. Truth be told, there isn't really anything to give her more than I already do everyday, but there is one promise I made to her the day she was born. It is a promise that has occupied my mind on and off and I know it is something that I need to follow through on. Knowing myself, I know I will expect myself to break promises to Calleigh, both intentionally and unintentionally for various reasons I can only imagine. But, I think as a parent, you try to keep the promises that matter. If you are keen on knowing what this promise is, keep in touch with this blog as my promise to my daughter will be fulfilled this year.

Stanley Market

Calleigh and I headed to Stanley Market hoping to catch the dragon boat races. Mom was still out in Florence. The main beach area is where all the activity was happening and it was packed. Maybe the stroller wasn't such a good idea trying to get on the beach, but it did in fact come in handy in the 88 degree heat.

Too many people so we took a bunch of photos and videos and then headed to my Aussie mate's cafe to grab a burger and fries, which they dump sour cream, bacon and chives on top. Yummmmm.... After Calleigh had her milk and playing around for a bit, the heat got to her and she slept for a couple hours while Pops had a couple of beers.

Hmmm...Beaches Preparation

I didn't really expect the Dragon Boat event to be near a beach. But it got me thinking, strollers and beaches...leave the stroller at home/car or bring a crappy one. All the sand will just muck up the wheels. When I do take Calleigh to the beach I can imagine brining a bunch of other things, mats, umbrella, water proof suntan lotion, change of clothes. Or, just be spontaneous and get her naked!

Bangkok

Calleigh's first time to Bangkok. It was a short, short trip. Decided to tag along with Uncle Jim and family. Stayed a night and a full day, booked on miles, and Uncle Jim stayed for 3 days. It was a fun trip but there is only so much you can see in Bangkok in one day.

Hmmm...Traveling in Southeast Asia

There is always the fear of a child getting sick from food or water in Southeast Asia. But you can only worry so much. Buy name branded bottled water, just in case there are those people who you try to sell bottle of water filled with tap water. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly with bottled water. Try to avoid street foods that may not look well cooked. Calleigh had her baby jar food so the only concern was water if we had to give her formula. But Mom was around to break open the tap on the milk well.

Cypress Hill

Here is a little clip I forgot that I had. It was made for Uncle Dave. He knows the song from Cypress hill. Thought to have a bit of fun getting Calleigh into Hip Hop early. It was in a mall in Bangkok.

Hmmm...Generation Gaps

It's pretty cool that a lot of the music I used to and still dig has been remade or played still at current bars/clubs/radio. Having the next genration dig it as well is pretty cool. Rock Band and Guitar hero has definitely helped to link different generations. Therefore, I wonder if Calleigh would like the same music I like. Thank goodness for MP3's I can now ditch the rest of my Vinyl and have all my music to share with her one day. Or I can keep some Vinyl for memories, but I no longer have a turntable. If she does like my music taste at least I can feel we have something in common, especially when she is a adult. So the hmm is using music to bridge genration gaps and have something in common with your kid.

Sleeping Tigers

A year has almost passed since Calleigh was born. The year of the Tiger and it seemed fitting to take a picture of my baby sleeping next to, or as close as I could get, sleeping baby tiger. Here is another pic of Me and Calleigh hanging with the Asian Elephants.

Hmmm...Take 'em Anywhere

After coming to Hong Kong, I have to say, I really hate the stroller. So hard to maneuver. I'll still do it, but I'd rather pouch my baby or make her walk, if she could. The Bjorn isn't the most ergonomic of the baby packs but it does the job fine and I've dragged Calleigh all over Asia in that thing. Luckily she is still small. One thing I love about the Bjorn is that I use it on a plane and put her to sleep on my chest. So I can sleep and not worry about dropping her. But if you have the luxury of having a bassinet or better yet, a business class seat, leave the Bjorn packed!

Calleigh's First Swim

We took Calleigh for her first swim. It's way overdue because we could've taken her a long time ago. She loved it....splashing her hand in the water and the feeling of floating seemed quite new and exciting for her. Grandma got her a cool swimsuit and we threw on a pair of little swimmers for protection. One thing we still need to get next time is some sun protection lotion.



Hmm...Water World
It seems most kids are fascinated by water. Calleigh used to like the bath a lot but lately she's been crying every time we dump her into the tub. But she loves watching water fountains and the sound of the water faucet. After taking her swimming, she seems to be better about baths now. So I guess getting her used to water, especially having water splashed in her face will get her used to getting wet in the bath.

Randomness by CJ and friends

My nephew Joshua put together this fun clip with Calleigh in it, so I thought I'd share it on Calleigh's Blog. Thanks Josh!




Hmm....Other Creative Works
As busy parents, sometimes it's a chore to get that camera or video out to capture the moments in your child's life and when you do, it takes even more effort to sift through the footage and post them. Make use of the people around you that are already doing this work for you and make sure to have them send you copies so you can pick the ones you like and add them to your album. You don't know how many times I wished I had my camera for a shot but was too lazy to bring it along.