The festivities of Christmas Begin

 So many activities and events began to start right after Thanksgiving.  I took Amber and Amber's best friend Camilla to a snow play at Pamela Park.  They got selected by the purchaser at Mattel to receive 2 big stockings filled with toys and they each received barbie dolls.  It was a bit hectic because I was carrying Ashley too but I am glad that happened because it got really crazy and lines were long to do anything else.  They played a little bit on the snow and we had to leave - the crowd kind of scared me. 

The next day, Adam and Alice went to this even in Venture with Annie/Sophie.  They were gone most of the day and came back way after bedtime.  They had the best time just being spoiled with lounging at an igloo and snow tubing. 

We got to be super productive that day and Scott finished up putting up the Christmas lights and Amber and I started to decorate the tree and took out all the Christmas decors for the house.

Alice and Amber @ The Nutcracker / Thanksgiving Weekend

 The week of Thanksgiving seemed unusually long.  Adam and Alice had no school so they were home for the week, even though it was a short work for work.  Alice and Amber  participated in the Nutcracker ballet for the 2nd time.  Alice decided to join just for the show but it didn't seem like she had an interest in ballet.  Alice took on 2 roles at the show - the Soldier and Mother Ginger.  Amber was just a little mouse in one scene.  We scheduled ourselves near West Covina for the 3 days of performances with 5 shows back to back.  We all went to watch the last showing on Sunday at 6PM.  It was really nice seeing them enjoying the scene that happens behind the show.  The girls loved being in their costumes, getting their hair done and doing all the arts and crafts with the other girls.  

Amber finished after Act One and I was able to pick her up to watch Act Two on Sunday.  She really enjoys watching these shows and I need to remind myself to take her to watch these more often.  She really pays attention to the details on stage and she is able to keep her eyes at the performance better than I could.  During the show, while I was holding Ashley in my arms, she told me that Ashley is going to be beautiful at the show.  She also said that the dancers were so beautiful.  I just had to tell her that the most beautiful dancer - is you. 

On Saturday, we also picked up Adam's best friend, Nicholas and ate at Ninja Sushi for his birthday.  These boys love sushi.  Nicholas eats like a normal kid but Adam was eating more than me!  I love how he has such a great connection with his first best friend.  They always seem to have the best time together.

As for Thanksgiving, I was going to make Prime Rib for the Tangs but that plan fell through and I am kind of glad it did.  First I ordered the Prime Rib from Costco, but it actually got cancelled so I would have had to buy it elsewhere.  Second, my father in law had surgery on his neck so it was best to just not gather this year.  

On the actual Thanksgiving day, we spent the day at my moms and made Bacon/Corn rice, Brussel Sprouts, Nabe pot with spam/mushrooms and Hoang made Char Siu ribs. Joyce brought this ube cream brulee pie for dessert and my mom bought the stroop cookie ice cream which was way too sweet!

Birth Story of Ashley Tang

 The weekend of Ashley's Arrival.  This was the weekend of Caroline's wedding in SF - Bryan's cousin's wedding.  We were not planning to go initially but I knew the kids would have so much fun at weddings and I dont want them to miss this party.  Just because I shouldnt go, they can still go.  The plan was to have them fly with my mom and we would drive if the baby is still not here.  The weekend came and we were ready to go.  That was also the weekend that Scott's parents came to stay with us because their house needed to be fumigated. 

On Saturday morning at 8am, Scott, Amber and I left pretty promptly for our Nor Cal road trip.  We needed to be there by 4pm for the ceremony.  Amber was great being in the back seat all by herself, unlike all the other days.  She just sat quietly and listened to music.  We made a pitstop about 3 hours later and ate mexican food.  She didnt like her quesadilla.  

We arrived at the hotel at 4PM and hurried to get dressed to catch the shuttle at 4:30PM.  They all got dressed and I got to explore downtown SF a bit.  It was the best roaming around the busy streets with no agenda.  The downside was my belly was super heavy and walking uphill and downhill could have been easier.  I had to say for the number of people I saw there that night, I was the only pregnant woman there.  

I walked to the mall and got a really good drink at the metro station.  It was a grapefruit and mango? I have to go back to get another one someday.  There was only so much to see with so little time before things closed.  I went to eat a bowl of duck noodle at a thai restaurant and, that was the last meal before Ashley.  

I have been feeling not the most comfortable so I laid down that night by 8PM.  The next morning, I had a bloody show at my first trip to the bathroom and I knew it can come ...soon.  So we packed up quickly and left the hotel by 9AM.  Went to get breakfast at a really nice bakery.  I didnt want to eat so much because I was really paranoid of pooping during my labor!  We dropped off Bryan at the airport and we were on our way home.  Stopped by San Jose and bought more Banh mis and got home a little after 3PM.  

By then, I havent had much contractions yet but I could feel that it was getting heavier. It was also getting bloody on my bathroom trips.  As usual, it was Sunday and the Tangs were coming over to eat curry.  Contractions were starting by the time they came.  To be honest, I didnt remember how the contractions felt like.  This time around, the peak of the contractions was my first sign of pain and gave me the signal that - yes, it was time.  

Picture taken at 6:34PM: The cousins as always were loud and crazy.

Picture taken at: 7:34PM - the last photo with Ashley inside.

We arrived at Kaiser - Baldwin, with our masks, walked in to the hospital.  This time was different because of covid.  Scott had to wait downstairs until I got admitted.  I waited in the room to get checked.  The wait was long - about 30 mins?  She checked me and I was 7cm.  Still had to wait until they get the room ready.  Scott was getting impatient because he was still downstairs so when I got to my room, I had to tell him which room I was.  

With the mask on and contractions coming strong, the nurse was getting me situated in the bed.  Then came the covid test.  That was unbelievably painful.  With contractions coming and the swab way up the nose, I think that was the most memorable part of my labor and delivery.  

The contractions were getting more painful but bearable.  I also know that she is coming soon.  I kept telling the nurse that I think the baby is coming soon.  She decided to check me and I was 10cm. They came with the midwife and spread open my legs super wide.  For some reason, I felt I was most aware and conscious during this labor because it happened during a time that I would normally be awake.  

They positioned my legs side open, we were all waiting for my next contraction to come.  Then comes the first push - I felt the baby exiting.  It did not hurt but I can FEEL the baby is coming out - soon.  I pushed again and you can feel more weight in the area.  A few minutes later, we waited for the 2nd contraction and I pushed again.  This time, her head was out - 2nd push and she came out.  I knew my eyes were closed and clenched my jaw the whole entire time.  In my mind, I was asking myself - what is it going to be - boy or girl.  Finally - when they baby came I looked at Scott and the nurses held up the purple baby toward me.  ITS A GIRL! I have to admit that I was ready for a boy since everyone said its going to be a boy.  Girl it is! 

This little tiny human on my chest and we couldnt come up with a name yet. She looked so afraid and I would be too.  The last few weeks with her, I could see the bewilderment in her eyes that everything seem so scary and strange to her.  A few minutes on my chest later, I tried to see if she would eat and just immediately, she latched on like a pro.  

There she was and there she is.  I just can't wait to know her and learn all about her.  

The 5 weeks before Ashley's Arrival

The fourth pregnancy was different from all the other three.  More nauseous than others, like I was completely dysfunctional after 9PM.  Sleep was the only medicine.  The biggest difference was I had gestational diabetes.  I couldnt believe I had to prick my fingers 4 times every single day for the 8 consecutive months.  I did and it's over.  I wish I took a picture of the mason jar of all those needles and strips before I threw it away.  Alice was the best at keeping me in line with my diet.  She was like my diet coach, didnt let me eat any pizza and reminded me that I will fail if I ate rice.  

The 4 weeks before Ashley came was the hardest and most awkward.  I didn't fit into any other clothes anymore and my belly was unconcealable with any type of clothing I wore.  Since all the maternity clothes I had were gone, I only really bought 3 pair of pants and 1 pair of shorts which thankfully lasted through my whole pregnancy.  Even the maternity shirts I got was getting too small!

So the weeks prior to Ashley's arrival, we did as much as we could.  

Weekend of my birthday, we camped at Newport Dunes with Brenda and her family.  We put up our tents in what felt like was an RV campground since we were the only ones sleeping in tents.  Amber fell asleep first by 9:30PM and the rest of the kids slept shortly after that.  I just remembered how clean the bathrooms were.  It felt like a 5 star hotel type of bathroom.  

The next morning, we ate 85 degree breads for the breakast and went to the waters.  The kids had a blast getting on the obstacle course and spend about 2 hours in the water before we left for lunch.

The following weekend, we set up the crib and went to my sisters for the pool with the kids before the summer is over.  I think this might have been the last swim of 2021.

Then, the hottest weekend came.  My sister planned a whole extravagant picnic by Pasadena Picnic Company at the Michilinda Park. It was very dreamy and the whole setup was over the top.  Too much food and we tried to save it from all the flies that were attacking us.  

The day after continued to be SUPER hot.  I forgot where Scott and Adam went but it was so hot that i decided to take the girls to Seal Beach for ice cream.  It was SO worth it because it was 20 degrees cooler there.  It also happened to be a craft event so the kids had so much fun.  When we walked back to our car, we even ran into a Mermaid! She was dressed in a costume and she looked so real.  

The weekend of Sept 17, 2021.  We participated in the Camp out with the city of Monrovia for the 2nd time.  We went in 2019 and it was the best first time camping experience because the rangers cook and served us with food and end the night with a hike and stargazing.  We did it again with some of our kid's friends - Iris, Penny, Stewie and met some new families along the way.  There was another family with a pregnancy mom who brough a rottweiler with them. 

Adam finally started with AYSO.  Best decision ever! I remember we picked up the flyer at the Old Town streetfair and I signed up with them.  I told Adam to go on the first practice and see if he likes it.  I told him if he doesnt like it, we won't go again. (Really this wasnt an option), but he just has to try and see.  Sure thing, after the first practice - he gave me a thumbs up. 

The last weekend of September - we signed up for the Kid's Rush at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.  We were the only ones who signed up and Logan and Camilla were able to join last minute and then also Dora at the VERY last minute.  Adam was hyped up to get his 2nd medal and the girls were super excited to join this time to get their first.  

We ended the morning at Kura Revolving Sushi for lunch.  The kids eat sushi like it's free!

 

Scott's 41st Birthday

And just like that, Scott turned 41 this year! He wasnt physically present on his birthday since he went to Vegas for a bachelor's party, but that was all the kids could think about this weekend.  Alice missed him and wanted to call him several times.  Amber also was counting the days of when he will come back.  We all missed him being around.

We started the day at 85 degree and had breakfast after I dropped Adam off at Nicholas' house for a playdate.  Then we went to the Torrance State Beach and hang out with Dora and Ahana for 2 hours before we had to drive back and pick up Adam from their house.  

I know I am going to miss spending time with these three when #4 comes.  But I think we are all ready to meet this new addition to our family. 

We celebrated the weekend before Scott's birthday at his parent's house with Lin's Club and the Milk Berry Cake from Portos and everything loved it!

I think Adam was the most exited to sing the traditional birthday songs to his Baba.  They all love him so much. 

North Cal Road Trip

We took our vacation in Northern California during the peak of the pandemic - when everything was closed, restaurants were offering take-out only and no one was really venturing out.  It was planned about 2 months prior and we were planning to visit my sister in Sacramento who we havent seen for a long time.  BUT with obvious reasons that I won't talk about here, that didnt happen.  

Nonetheless, after driving 2100+ miles, everyone had the best time and these photos were only a glimpse of our memorable trip of 2021.  

Our first stop was the Sequoia park.  We arrived around 8PM and learned that the Wukasachi Lodge was closed due to a covid outbreak or short staffing issue.  We booked a night at the Comfort Inn which still had vacancy and all of us checked in after our dinner at the Pizza Factory. 

That night, Amber didnt have an appetite and just wasnt herself.  She did manage to eat a few bites of the pizza but the rest of the night, she was complaining about her tummy ache.  In the middle of the night, she threw up and thank goodness she fully recovered by the morning.  We didnt know what it was but maybe it was just the long car ride going up to the mountain.  

We started early the next morning and entered the Sequoia Park.  It was quiet, serene and just amazing to be next to these giant Sequoia trees.  

Next stop was Yosemite Park.  We drove another 3-4 hours from Sequoia to Yosemite and arrived an hour before the park was getting dark.  There were a lot of cars lining up to enter the park.  We went straight to one of the most popular sights and hiked only a little bit before we had to go because the trail was closing at 5PM.  We did see a moose/elk walking along the trail with us and the kids had fun just being with nature.  

That night, we drove across town and went to stay at Dunsmuir.  We stayed at a little cabin which was so quiet and the boys had the best time playing the nintendo Mario Brothers.  The girls also had fun going up and down the stairs and sleeping in the childrens room. 

The next morning we went Ice Skating with the kids right next to our cabin.  We were one of the first group to enter when it first opened.  I didnt know how to ice skate so Scott was on ice with Adam and Alice.  

From there on, we stopped by a very popular bakery and got coffee, croissants, and cookies before we went straight into Sacramento Zoo.  We spent a few hours at the zoo and drove to Chico to stay for the night.  

Here, Amber finally got the macaroni and cheese that she has been asking for.

Airbnb at Chico.  We went to Walmart that night and got Thai Food for dinner.  

The next morning, we drove to Lassen and almost froze our toes off!

The nap after each hike/trail was very refreshing.

That night - we stayed at the Railroad Hotel Resort.  The reviews for their breakfast were really good..except we got there on the day that the kitchen was closed.

We explored into Mt. Shasta the next morning and ate at a really nice coffee shop.  I still remember the croissant sandwich!  We drove straight into Lava Beds and the trip there was really quite and we were really at the northern tip of California, just miles away from Oregon.  

This cave visit was really my favorite.  It was so quiet and it was just amazing going underground and into the caves.  We didnt see any bats because they were hibernating.  

After Lava Rock, we made a big U  and passed Oregon to go into the Redwoods.  We stayed at Crestline at an Airbnb that was owned by a chinese family.  It was big, a lot of rooms and we also just ate japanese food at a parking lot in Oregon.  We arrived at the house pretty late in the rain.  The kids took a warm shower and went straight to bed.   After a load of laundry, we all went to bed for an early start to our final hike!

We went to the Tree of Mystery first which was so much fun.  The entire park was so quiet, we were really one of the 3 families there.  We were walking through the park with a slight drizzle which didnt bother any of us.  The trees helped to cover most of the rain.

We were to 2 trails and enjoyed our instant noodles at the picnic tables.  Then we drove down to Petaluma and stayed at a Parisien bed and breakfast.  I got a room and also an airstream which the kids loved.  Amber and I stayed in the room and the bed was so comfortable!  The place served crepes for breakfast which was also very good!

We made a stop to see Amber's friend - Camilla and also Scott's cousins before we head back home.

We stopped by San Jose to pick up the best banh mi for lunch!

The only accident we had was Amber hit her eye at the corner of a counter at the gas station.  She left with a black eye and it stayed for almost 3-4 weeks.  Besides that, we went back home and spent Thanksgiving at home because we were not allowed to gather with anyone outside of the household and also everyone was scared of us because we found out that Jennifer had Covid.  We got some food from Joyce and also got some to go from Lin's Club.  It was nice to be home after the long car ride.