Fourth of July

This year, 4th of July was pretty quiet. Andrew mentioned in the morning that we should be social and try to find out what friends were up to but since Sophie and I were still recovering from the stomach flu, we spent most of the day as a family relaxing. Instead, we watched tv, played outside and rested. Late in the afternoon, post naps, we headed over to my aunt and uncle's house for an early dinner and then off to my parents house to watch the fireworks at the country club ... which is tradition!

Blake's first 4th of July!

The sweetest little American!

Sophie - my American girl!

Steak for dinner ...

... and Lamb!

My mom's apricot and mulberry tart creation

The 4th of July diners

The firemen were sitting on their truck watching fireworks ...

Happy 4th of July!!!!

Mia & Francois's 60th Birthday Party

I've often written about my super creative friend, Mia, and her amazing Children's Club on Sophie's Blog and last Saturday, we celebrated Mia and her husband, our friend, Francois's 60th birthday with a very grown up dinner party. And a wonderfully amazing party it was ...

Now, if you wonder what a 60th Birthday party means for the Viljoen's ... it means 30 + 30 = 60 signifying that the age that my (very young) friends are turning this year!

Their theme was breakfast and they served dishes reflecting not only the breakfast goodies but also paying tribute to South Africa, where they are both from.

Amazing Table Setting
All the chairs were different ...

Yummy Orange Juice drinks that greeted us!

Yummy Appetizers

35 of the Viljoen's closest friends celebrating ...

Our friends, Dana and Dave Clausen.
Their daughter, Alexa, is Sophie's friend
and Baby #2 (due in December) will be Blake's friend!

Happy 60th Birthday Mia and Francois!
Fun fact: the dress that Mia wore was the dress she made
for her high school prom that she went to with Francois!

"Eggs" = Lemon Cupcakes
The theme was Breakfast so this was so creative
Even the "full egg" had a yolk in it!

Mom and Dad's first night out since Blake's Birth
(though the secret is that though Sophie stayed with the grandparents,
we brought Blake with us ... just in case!

Grandad and Nana Came to Town

Since Andrew is from New Zealand, it is a very rare treat when family comes to town. Fortunately, Alan, Andrew's Dad, otherwise known as Grandad, goes to Europe several times a year so we're very lucky to see him quite often. This trip, Erin, Andrew's Mum, otherwise known as Nana, came along so they could stop by to meet the newest Jamieson, Blake.

It was a great visit ... filled with good eats, lots of visiting and many many cuddles.

Coffee-stop!

Grandad, Nana and Blake

We tried to get both kids in the photo but Sophie refused.
Instead, she chose to stand in the corner so she could still be in the photo

Sophie wanted Daddy to join the photo

... and this is what happened when I got in the photo ...

My sweet little boy!

Sophie checking out the ocean at Palisades Park

Route 66!

Sophie going on a walk with Blake and Daddy!

My funny girl!

Hope you come back to visit soon Nana and Grandad!

Father's Day

After such an adventurous start to the weekend, with Blake's hospital stay, Father's Day was almost restful ... with the exception of our celebratory dinner ... which was unforgettably chaotic.

Father's Day, this year, was very special. It was Andrew's first year as a Daddy of 2 ... and of course, a day for my Dad, who remains the man who inspires me every single day.

We began the day with our "Special Occasion Breakfast"
"The Kids" (aka Mommy) made bacon, eggs, sausage and toast.
Daddy made the coffee ...

Sophie gave her Daddy her card for him ...

Then as soon as Blake woke up from his nap, he gave Daddy a card too!

It is not the "Chinese way" to brag ...
my mom would be ashamed ...
but I cannot help it - it is the proud mom in me ...
My son is seriously the cutest little guy!

This is how we found Sophie ..
On her step, with her snack ...
The cheddar goldfish were in their new home -
the pond, otherwise known as our sink.
courtesy of Sophie ...

I think dinner should be talked about.
Originally, we had made reservations at Lawry's Steakhouse but when we realized the WHOLE family was coming - aunt, uncle, cousins, us ... we decided to head to Monterey Park for a yummy Chinese banquet. Nothing too unusual ... that is until we showed up and saw the line outside the restaurant. As we were entering the restaurant, I heard other patrons grumbling, "Let's go somewhere else!". Thank goodness for reservations!

And when the food came - it came ... all at once, one right after the other - there was no breath between dishes. Sophie loved it - so much action and so much to choose from! But at some point, my aunt and I agreed that we should not talk, just bury our heads down and eat. There wasn't even time for a breath! It was almost hilarious ... and likely one of the most memorable Father's Day meals we've ever had! Completely and totally unforgettably chaotic.

Sophie and Daddy pushing Blake to dinner

Don't talk ... just eat.

I brought a pie.
The waiters thought it was someone's birthday.
Happy Father's Day.

My little pie lover!

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there.
What would we do ... if not for our Daddies ...

Happy ONE Month Blake!

My Sweet Blake,

One full month has gone by since your birth ... WOW! It's so hard to believe how quickly time has just flown by! I still consider you a newborn ... I guess no matter what, time will always stand still in this moment and you'll always be my baby!

You are an awesome baby - so sweet and mellow, very easily calmed. You love to be held and cuddled but are also okay with being left alone, checking out the world. You are not easily distracted by noise, which is actually pretty lucky for us because your big sister is LOUD! Speaking of Sophie, she loves you - always wanting to hold you touch you, love you ... always in your business. I kind of feel sorry for you and always seem to be trying to protect you from the Booms but you seem to take it all in stride and just let her do her thing. You are a really, really good baby.

It's remarkable how much you sleep. I feel like you're only awake a few hours during the day and then back to snooze. Perhaps a bit like how you were in my belly. I hope that this doesn't mean bad things for when you are teenager. My fingers are crossed but we'll cross that bridge when we get there!

Overnight, from the start, you have been a very good sleeper ... for a newborn. I feed you right before Daddy and I head off to bed and you usually only wake up once. It is actually quite remarkable because since your birth, you've actually slept through the night 2 times already. Now, if we could only have you repeat that every single night ... that would be great!

I guess the most exciting thing that has happened in your first month of life happened on the last day of your first month. You were admitted to the hospital.

For the last week and a bit, I had noticed that you tended to choke while feeding and then your lips would turn blue. So, so scary. The first time it happened, a Wednesday night, and I was home alone with you and Sophie. I didn't realize what was going on and by the time I sat you straight up and thumped you on the back, your face was turning a shade of blue as well. I panicked and of course your nosy sister ran over to see what was going on with "Baby Bake". Fortunately, within seconds, your color came back and you seemed back to normal ... way to scare your mama! But after a week of this, I decided this was not normal in the least so I called your pediatrician and made an appointment. At first, we thought nothing was really wrong but after an x-ray (just to make sure), there was something abnormal there and Dr. Bui sent us to the hospital to be admitted - where you and I are now. The radiologist ruled out pnemonia and the blood work ruled out the rest so we were kept overnight as a precaution. They suspect you have reflux, which is common for little babies like yourself.

Admittedly, when we found out you were a boy while I was pregnant, I wasn't so sure about having a boy but you have stolen my heart. You are absolutely the best type of boy to have. I love you oh so very much my sweet little man. Thank you for being such a wonderful you ... I love you forever and ever!

Yours always,
Mommy

Swim Party!

I have made some of the best Mommy-friends since Sophie's birth. The funny thing is that many of them have a daughters around Sophie's age and either have sons as their 2nd child or are pregnant with boys ... it is totally bizarre. These women have become some of my closest friends ... their daughters (and Max!) have become Sophie's best friends ... and hopefully their sons (and Alexa!) will become some of Blake's best friends. The sad thing is that many of them are moving away from LA ... and it's so sad because Sophie will ask where Kylie or Kobi are (her best girlfriends). Kylie moved to Orange County with her family a few weeks ago and in August, Kobi will be moving to Northern California. But, until then, we are enjoying our time together ... starting with a pool party at the Arguello's house! Devin and Charlie moved to Oak Park (about 45 minutes from LA) a few months ago so it was nice to be able to see them again. Unfortunately Christine and Kylie (who is Sophie's bestie) couldn't make the trip up from Orange County but it was still so great to see everyone else!

Blake was such a good little guy
He slept all day long!

Max and Alexa on their way to the pool!

Kobi is pool-ready!

Splish ... Splash!

Sophie's bestie ... Kobi!

Girlfriends ... Sophie, Kobi and Charlie!

You think my daughter is overly photographed?
I figure she will appreciate the photos when she grows up!

My version of a group photo ... complete chaos!
Alexa, Max, Kobi, Charlie and Sophie

Last day of Mommy & Me

Last week was Sophie's last day of Mommy & Me. I can't believe this year has gone by SO quickly ... maybe the end came more quickly for me since I missed the last few classes because of bedrest and my hospital stay with Blake. To have Andrew and my mom bring Sophie to Mommy&Me without me was kind of bittersweet ... it was sad to miss out so much ... but I am SO thankful that Andrew and most especially my mom was able to take Sophie to class so she could have fun and not miss out! Luckily, however, I was able to make it to the last 2 weeks - the final classroom class and the Mommy & Me party at the park.

Mommy & Me has been amazing for my sweet Sophie. She has gone from a quiet and shy little girl, who hardly left my side ... to this amazing grown up little girl who runs to class and loves "school". I'm so proud of Sophie and can't wait for her to start preschool in the fall ... and yes, I will be the mom that will be crying as I drop her off!!!!

Breakfast of champions ... doughnuts!

Playing and eating her doughnut

Sophie's favorite thing to do at the park ... SWING!

Singing the "Goodbye Song"

Hugs for Miss Nakeya, Sophie's teacher.