Pardon my previous hormonal post.  I think I need a fuckin' Tanqeray and tonic with a twist of lime...NOW.

Unlike PastryMom who has to battle with her daughter's non-existent sleeping habits, I have to battle with demons that roam in my head at nights.  Some experts on parenting message boards say it is typical for pregnant mothers to suddenly wake up in the middle of the night and not be able to fall back asleep due to estrogen levels.  I don't recall that ever happening when I was carrying Sophia.  Maybe because I had a full-time job at the time and didn't nap often during the day.  Whatever the case is, this isn't the first time I've had a sleepness night.

 

Anyhow, I wasn't able to sleep thanks to my parents babbling last night about "what if they don't make it back in one piece."  They're leaving for my father's homeland to Hong Kong tomorrow and it's actually making me jittery.  They've never travelled alone together before, always together as a family.  My mother even scribbled in Korean what needed to be done, who to contact, where all the jewelry is located and all that crazy nonsense.   My father tells us he's hidden his combination number and sends us on a goose chase to find it should anything happen.  It was just really nerve-wracking listen to all of it.

 

One of the things that roamed in my head last night- all the things they've done for Sophia, is probably just as much as what my grandparents did for them when I was born.  My parents have babysat on numerous occasions.  They've fed her, bathed her, dressed her, played with her, hugged her, kissed her, took her out for walks, all that grandparents do.  They've whisked her away in a flash when I was dealing with postpartum depression.  They've given her the world on a gold platter.  Most importantly, they love Sophia unconditionally.  And of course, Sophia reciprocates the feeling.  My father didn't show his love with my sisters and I, but to see him open his heart with Sophia is probably one of the greatest rewards in life.  My mother who puts up barriers in front of her, lets them all down with Sophia.  It's unbelievable and amazing what a grandchild can do to open grandparents hearts.  There aren't enough words that could describe my gratitude, but to put it simply, I am pretty damn lucky to have the best parents in the whole wide world.

 

Alright it was a mushy post, but I'll be a nervous nelly for the next two weeks.  I just hope they get there and back safely.

"Always On Time", Ja Rule featuring Ashanti- I won a trip to Grenada (Caribbean islands) from Citysearch.com and took my sister Judy and her hubby, Rolly and Phil in February 2002.  All we heard in the car was this song every few hours.

This afternoon I had a brief conversation with an old friend, PastryDad.  I mentioned it was he who got me into listening to The Smiths, "The Louder Than Bombs" cassette.  Later on, I was folding the laundry and heard a song I hadn't heard in a long time (Let The Music Play).  Here are some songs/albums that reminds me of the glory days:

 

"More Than I Can Say", Leo Sayer- My parents claim I used to sing this 70s song all the time.  Like, non-stop.

 

"Let the Music Play", Shannon- Back in the 80s our friend, Mike, had a 16th birthday party at the Y and it was the first party I went to (I was 15 yrs old).  We danced to New Edition and one of the guys (who shall remain nameless) partially stripped down to Adam Ant's "Strip."

 

"Last Dance", Donna Summer- Sadie Hawkins dance in junior high school.  Girls ask guys to the dance.  So I asked my first boyfriend, Larry, to the dance.  We broke up that summer, but danced to Donna Summer once more at his senior prom. 

 

"About the Weather", 10,000 Maniacs- Long Beach (in Long Island) in 1988.  A bunch of us hanging out at the beach at night, drinking wine coolers and singing songs.  One of the guys, Charlie, decided to go for a swim in his boxer shorts and actually lost his boxers in the ocean.

 

"Black Celebration", Depeche Mode- Dicky took me to my first concert, first Depeche Mode concert and the best show ever (Book of Love opened) at Radio City Music Hall in 1987.  Dicky also loved listening to Billy Idol.

 

"You Mean the World To Me", Toni Braxton- driving back from Atlantic City in the early 90s, around 6a with Angela, Archie and Dave.  Dave apparently was singing on the top of his lungs while we were all half awake, half asleep. 

 

"Fine Time", New Order- My oldest, dearest, kindergarten friend, John, used to sing the line to me, "But you've got style, you've got class, but most of all, you've got love technique."  Yeaaahh baby.

 

"Running", Information Society- I had the hugest crush with Michael back in high school.  Not sure why this song reminds me of him.

 

Yesterday, Sophia and I were playing at our apartment's park.  Our security guard walked by, said hello and started chatting with me.  Sophia was not happy- when she wants attention, you better expect to give 110%.  First, she calls for me.  If I don't respond, she starts to sing anything from the "A, B, C's" to "Row Your Boat."   I've ignored all her tactics at this point.  She told the security guard to go.  Literally.  In your face (blunt like her mama).  The security guard was unfazed, still telling me this amazing story about how he was cured by a healer and was planning to bring his wife who has Alzheimer's to the healer.  Sophia is now pissed.  She doesn't throw tantrums or have a screaming fest.  Instead, she pulls out the emergency button.

 

Sophia:  "MOOOOOOOOOMMY, go shi-shi (pee pee in Chinese)"

Me:  "Okay, okay, we're going." (stopping the conversation with the security guard and packing up to leave)

Sophia:  "MOOOOOOOOOMMY, GOOOOOOOOOOOO SHIIIII-SHIIIIII"

Me:  "Okay okay!"

 

(We run back upstairs and I set her potty seat on top of the toilet)

 

Mommy:  "Well?  I thought you had to pee?"

 

No answer from Sophia.  I ask her again.  Still no answer, but this time, a smirk from her face.  That little beeeeeeeeeyatch!!!!!!!!!!  I've been conned by a 2.5 year old!

 

I later recount the story back to Phil.  He commented, "We have a rude awakening."  I said, "You should talk.  All those years you slicked everyone is now coming back to you.  She's your problem, not mine!"

For once this summer/fall, I've been busy this entire week.  I generally like to spread out my appointments and errands so I can rest (and nap) in between.  That obviously didn't happen this time around.  This is what I've done (and will do)-

 

Monday, I had a doctor's appointment.  Doc said I've gained four pounds since the last month, a total of ten pounds for the past five months of pregnancy.  We also talked about names for baby number two.  So far, nothing good has come up.

 

Tuesday, I schlepped into Brooklyn's Target (Tar-zhay) to make a return on Sophia's helmet that was recalled.  Afterwards, I treated myself to fish and chips at the Chip Shop.  It was fucking delicious.  Highly recommended.  I just wish I had more room in my belly for the English trifle.  I was in the 'hood of Robin's office, so I stopped by to say hello and to pick up a little gift she picked up for me while she was in London (thanks for the PG tips!).  Plus we thought of Claudia as a name for baby. 

 

Wednesday, I went in for a wax at Haven.  Afterwards, I met my girlfriend Karen and her son, Kadin for lunch at Hoomoos Asli for a falafel sandwich (it was fucking delicious too). 

 

Today, I attended a Whole Foods Baby lecture on feeding your baby and yourself natural and organic food.  I didn't really listen much to the stuff they discussed since I already knew all the good stuff one should eat (but who really wants to be a full-time granola, hippie fart?).  I just wanted the free goodies they were handing out (nothing fabulous- an organic diaper, Burt Bee's soap and lotion, coupons, Mothering magazine.).  The lecture was a block away from my office which I had to go in for about an hour. 

 

Tomorrow, I have another doctor's appointment back at the hospital for an anatomical scan (as previously mentioned on September 17, 2005) that was incomplete.  When we're done with that, we're meeting my aunt for lunch.

 

What a week.  Phew.

Sophia LOVES to sit in my closet, on top of storage containers filled with seasonal clothes.  She prefers the sliding door closed.  It reminds me of the time when my younger sister Kim did that when she was 5 or 6 years old, hiding in the kitchen cabinet.

We've just returned from doing a run/walk race down by Battery Park City.  I love this race because it's a quick, flat run (I walked this year since it's a little difficult to run in my condition), they have a BBQ at the end of the race and raffle (grand prize is two round-trip tickets on Continental).  Sister in-law Janice and niece Jessica and friend Johnny came out bright and early to join us.  Jessica managed to win an award in her age group even though she walked it with us.  Sophia ran the Pee-Wee race and received a medal.  We had a great time.

 

Yesterday, I had a scan done on baby to make sure every organ is working.  The doctor said everything so far is good, but I have to return again next week because the baby was in an odd position and the nurse couldn't get one area scanned.  She kept rolling and pushing down the scanner on my belly to get pictures of the baby's body.  At one point, she pushed right on my bladder, triggering the need to tinkle.  It's bad enough when the baby sits or nudges the bladder, making me run to the bathroom thinking I have a full bladder. 

 

(continued post at 10p)

 

Earlier, I was in my sister's room, blasting Depeche Mode on the computer's speakers (I'm prepping myself for December's concert).  "Dreaming of Me" was on and towards the end of the song, you can hear them singing, "ooh, la la."  Sophia of course, chimes in "ooh, la la" from the bathroom, while taking a bath.  Later on, "Just Can't Get Enough" was playing and Sophia quickly ran into the room, clapping and stomping her hands like the way I danced back in the 80s!  Totally hysterical.  Pictures to come on Grandpappy's camera.

The weather turned for the worst yesterday- it got muggy and humid (today too), so instead of turning the A/C on, I opted to turn on the fan in Sophia's room.  I was worried about her being cold and being hot, so I didn't sleep very well.  I went in to check on her,  changed her diaper and pulled her pajama pants off since her hair was a bit damp from sweating (the girl can sweat whilst napping WITH the A/C on, unreal).  I gave her some water, hoping the cough would subside.  Of course it didn't help because I woke up a few hours later  with the sound of her cough. 

 

I woke up at 8a, groggy than ever.  Oh, with an inherited sore throat and a semi-stuffed nose. 

 

Great.

Had a superb brunch on a cool, Monday morning with Heather L. at Clinton Street Baking Company.  They have the best pancakes (I ordered blueberry) and the best biscuits (Heather ordered Spanish biscuit sandwich).  We washed it down with herbal raspberry iced tea (very refreshing until my ice melted and diluted the drink).  It was great catching up with Heather- we used to work together at EEG and always have tons of gossip and stories to laugh about to this very day.  Thanks for brunch and conversation, Heather! 

 

I'm not sure if it was the weather changing from humid and hot to cool, breezy autumn weather or some nasty, dirty kid who coughed non-stop at Sophia while they were chasing each other at the park.  Whatever it was, she's coughing a bit and has a bit of a stuffy nose.  I gave her some Dimetapp to relieve the cold and Tylenol to cool her body down (her head and body is hot).  I generally don't give her juices often, but in this case, I caved in as she needs fluids in her.  And she's pickier than ever when it comes to eating.  I guess when you're not feeling well, everything looks and tastes like cardboard.

Four years ago on this day, I lost a colleague, a business consultant flying from his hometown Boston to our home office in Burbank.  He was aboard American Airlines flight 11. 

 

My desk was located outside of his office that he shared with several other consultants.  He would often tell a story on any music I played- whether he's seen that particular artist in concert or on a song that reminded him of a certain time and place.  He was an extremely gifted person- playing various instruments to thinking of a brilliant idea for a project. 

 

I remember the last conversation I had with him- he, Brian (my ex-boss) and Tom (another consultant) were heading into Brooklyn to have dinner with my boss.  I was on my way home.  We were talking about Phil, who at the time, tore his achilles tendon from playing basketball.  I commented on how Phil had a hard time using his crutches and carrying a water bottle at the same time.  He piped in and said someone should make a cup holder on crutches.  We all had a good laugh about it.

 

Ted (Edward) Hennessy (look Ted, I didn't type an "E" in your last name!), you are forever missed by your family and friends.

I wonder if I have any black maternity clothing for the DM concert...

 

(Bad news- The Bravery is opening for them- What a lame act!)

 

(Second bad news- I'll be about eight months preggers- will I be able to dance?)

A few days ago, Sophia and I were at the park.  A father was calling his son over and trying to get his son's attention, but his son seemed to ignore him.  Sophia, standing near the little boy, attempted to tap his shoulder, but stopped short because I didn't know she was trying to help the father.  The father commented to me how Sophia is very alert and her speech skills are very good (she can form sentences pretty well).  Pssh, I knew that...haha. 

Everyone keeps telling me Sophia is a very smart girl.  I don't doubt it.  After Sophia repeats herself several times with "What's that", the answer is stuck in her mind after that.  She picks things up pretty quickly.  Songs especially.  I believe she is a gifted child (don't all parents think that?).  I hope to send her to a pre-school that she enjoys and more importantly, learns.  One thing is for sure though, like a true Asian, she will be forced to learn an instrument (I'll let her choose). 

I'm heading into my 20th week (5 months).  Baby is doing somersaults (flutters they call it) in my belly and at times, I feel tiny kicks here and there.  Because this is my second pregnancy, I kinda know the difference between kicks and heartburns.  First timers often get confused.  I know I did!

I can still get away with wearing my regular pants, but the button needs to be unbuttoned.  I'm trying NOT to buy anymore maternity clothing.  I mean, what's the point- I'll only wear it for a few weeks before the weather starts changing once again.  I already have a bunch of maternity pants from my last pregnancy, but they're for the late fall/winter.  I hope the baby will hold out a bit!  I fear this child will be bigger than Sophia, which only means, c-section once again. 

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...

(baby MUST be born in the year of the dog- after January 29)

Since I'm strapped on cash, I'm in the process of looking for locations that will accept non-monetary items for evacuees.  I've searched high and low for three days and finally found some sites that are helpful.  Here are some sites if you are interested in donating-

 

http://beenthere.typepad.com/ (thanks Norm!)

 

(Also try www.craigslist.com for places- look under 'volunteer')

 

Many thanks to John, Drew and Dane, Robin, Julie, Winnie, Angela, Pat, HEATHER (sorry, I left you out!), Judy and Rolly, Kim for IM'ing/e-mailing/calling me to wish me a happy birthday! 

Yesterday was an excellent day- The sun shined, the September cool breeze was in effect and it was my birthday.  Sophia and I had plans to celebrate Kaden's second birthday party. 

 

We trekked up to Central Park to join Kaden and friends for a picnic and cupcakes.  Afterwards, we skipped over to Victorian Gardens for fun times.  The rides were crazy- most of them turned round and round, one went up and down, there was a mini roller coaster and two trains.  Sophia had a blast even though she got banged up on her head a bit (I swear, this girl can take pain).  I thought I was going to puke after sitting on the swings (just like the ones at Six Flags).  I am not a fan of rides that just go round and round- INCLUDING the carousel.  I absolutely hate them (Phil and I have fights about who will take Sophia on the carousel because neither of us wants to get on the ride!).  Being pounded by the sun left us feeling parched, so we left the party and got us some tasty Jamba Juice at the Time Warner Center.

 

I sent Sophia off to her grandpa's while I napped a bit.  Phil and I then met Judy and Rolly for dinner at my all-time favorite restaurant- Uncle George's Greek Tavern.  It's the only thing I ask of Phil on my birthday (and our anniversary)- to take me there for dinner!  I know, I'm such a cheap date.  I don't want cards, I don't want flowers, I don't want anything extravagant (Christmas though, I would like a nice gift...).

 

The perfect birthday.

Happy Birthday to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...

Everyone is quick to blame Bush.  Now I'm not saying Bush is doing a helluva job, but you know, you have to also question the local politicans.  Why wasn't there an evacuation plan put in place for the New Orleans citizens who don't have the means to escape?  And how certain black caucuses are quick to blame the government- if you feel so compelled to step up to the podium, rant and rave about how it's a "racial" and "social" thang, why don't you go out and volunteer?  Serve food!  Give out water!  Offer families your homes!  Quit flapping and do something about it!!!

 

If the Tamil Tigers can work together with the rest of the Sri Lankans during the tsunami recovery and the Americans can't seem to pull this feat off, something is definitely rotten in the state of Denmark.

Holy cannoli (thanks Rizzuto)!

 

Just found out Lou and Leigh Smith are having a bambino/a as well-due October 18.  Congrats to the both of them!

I am extremely disgusted on how there is lack of communication down in New Orleans and the Gulf areas.  People are dying on the streets.  People are in dire need of medical attention.  People are thirsty, hungry, especially the young and the infants (you know this holds close to my heart).  Tempers are flaring.  Hope is beginning to wane.  Where is the federal help!!!  At the end of this, there will definitely be fingers to blame. 

 

People from Louisana, Mississippi and Alabama helped us during 9/11.  It's time we repaid them.  Here are some links on where you can help:

 

American Red Cross

 

Let's hope all will be rescued and recover from this devastation.