Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Mung-mung!
My sweet little Tay has learned to bark like a Korean puppy...a mung-mung-ee. As soon as we get video footage of it, we'll post it on youtube! :) She met a cute puppy yesterday and since then, she's been pointing at every four-legged animal and going "mung, mung!" :) So cute!!!!!!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
My baby is ONE
My sweet little Tay has turned one! It's unbelievable how quickly the time has gone by. It seems like just yesterday that I was lying in the hospital waiting for her to come out and she is already walking around and calling me Umma. This past year with her in our lives has been such a blessing and filled with surprises and endless smiles and laughter. It's funny to think that I wondered about my own abilities at being a mother only up until she was around four weeks old. After that fourth week, I KNEW in my heart and mind that I was the best mother and caretaker that she could ever have in her life. I was confident and I LOVED being her mother. That was the turning point for me.
Tay's first birthday, March 10, 2009, was actually spent on an airplane flying from Incheon to Atlanta where we were to celebrate her "Dol" with all the family. I felt badly that she would have to endure such a long flight on her birthday (and I was quite anxious about the whole ordeal as well - I had visions of myself walking up and down the aisles following her and keeping her from falling over or grabbing someone's hair...), but she did spectacularly on that flight to Atlanta. She slept almost the entire flight, save an hour or two. She slept in my arms for part of the way and lying across the middle seat between Jeff and me part of the way.
The first part of the trip was spent at Stone Mountain with the Ryals clan - the entire family came up to celebrate with us and the girls just had a blast playing with each other. Tay loved kissing and hugging all of her cousins (as long as they didn't try playing with any of the toys she wanted to play with...). It was fun to see Lu-Lu and Tay together, mostly playing side-by-side, but occasionally interacting with each other. It's funny to see how similar all the girls look, at the same time, how differently they look and act from each other. We took all the girls and climbed Stone Mountain (Tay got to climb it twice!) We all reached the top, relaxed a bit, and made our way back down. We also hit Atlanta's children's museum (Imagine It!) and the Georgia Aquarium (Titanic Aquatic) - the largest aquarium in the United States! The girls absolutely loved the museum because there was so much to see and do without much restriction. Tay's other side of the family (the Kims) came down from VA for the celebration, and really enjoyed getting to meet the young Lady Taylor. :) They couldn't believe how much she had grown since the last they met her and what a little personality she was developing.
The celebration was held at Sydney's Buffet in Duluth, GA. The spread was amazing - such a variety of food, all very tasty. The reserved room was filled with beautiful decorations and lots of loving family and friends...it was quite a stressful moment for Jeff and me, but I think Tay (even with jetlag) was enjoying all the attention...mostly. I think the funniest part of the night was when Tay had her "dol-jab-ee" and she grabbed the money almost immediately and waved it around showing the crowds. :) She even handed me a twenty as if she was saying, "good job, keep the change." Anyhow, we think everyone enjoyed the event, and after it was all over, I was so relieved...I was very happy it happened, but it was truly a very stressful event for me. I think if I could do it over again, I would have thought it through a little better and organized it from start to finish...but all in all, the event was wonderful and I'm looking forward to seeing some pictures from it soon!
After the hubbub, we went back to the hotel to relax and pack because the next day, we were off to Bristol, VA...hitting the Cabbage Patch hospital (factory) enroute. When we got to the factory, we got the brief introduction and then we wandered through the "museum." Tay picked out her own baby almost immediately - she picked it up, hugged it, and wouldn't let it go! Of course, Jeff knew he was "adopting" that one...we named her Cvjeta Riley Ryals. We then went on to Bristol for some relaxation. We spent most of our time in Bristol decompressing from the first half of the trip and doing some leisurely shopping (Target!). It was good to spend some time with my folks and let them spend time getting to know Tay and falling in love with her. :) The time seemed to fly by and it was already time to go back to Atlanta for our flight back to Korea. Ugh...
On our way down to Atlanta, we decided to stop by the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, TN, because it was about half way and a good rest stop (and a fun place to see!). Tay was a little tired through this aquarium, but it was a nice break from the road for us. I only wish there weren't so many people at either aquarium... Once we got to Atlanta, we checked into our hotel and just relaxed for the night before our flight in the morning.
The flight back was a little more grueling (15 hours instead of the 13 it took us to get to the states)...and Tay did not want to sleep this flight. She was awake for over half the flight, but there was also many other babies (and a poor little dog) on the flight, so we didn't feel so bad when she would occasionally yell out. I think she just couldn't get comfortable...
We got back safe and sound, Tay ran a bit of a fever on the flight back (we even almost got quarantined) but I think it was just because of all the traveling and exhaustion. She's still fairly jetlagged now (four days back)...she still (we all still) wakes up around 2am and falls back asleep at 5am...only to be passed out most of the day. Ah well...eventually we'll get back on track.
Today we went to the hospital to get her one-year check-up. Tay's standing tall at 2.5 feet (30 inches) and weighing in at 24 pounds. She's got a little bit of a rash on her tummy and back, but the doc says it's a very common viral rash that'll just clear up on its own. Likely she picked it up in all her travels. She's otherwise healthy, developmentally on track, and was in a great mood when she saw the doc (even gave him a shy smile!).
I am thankful. So very thankful to be her mother. I am thankful to God for the blessing that she has been in our lives...every minute I look at her, I think of her, I can't imagine what life was like without her. I'm so very very thankful. It's been an incredible first year with Tay and I look forward to the many many years I hope to spend with her (God-willing).
Tay's first birthday, March 10, 2009, was actually spent on an airplane flying from Incheon to Atlanta where we were to celebrate her "Dol" with all the family. I felt badly that she would have to endure such a long flight on her birthday (and I was quite anxious about the whole ordeal as well - I had visions of myself walking up and down the aisles following her and keeping her from falling over or grabbing someone's hair...), but she did spectacularly on that flight to Atlanta. She slept almost the entire flight, save an hour or two. She slept in my arms for part of the way and lying across the middle seat between Jeff and me part of the way.
The first part of the trip was spent at Stone Mountain with the Ryals clan - the entire family came up to celebrate with us and the girls just had a blast playing with each other. Tay loved kissing and hugging all of her cousins (as long as they didn't try playing with any of the toys she wanted to play with...). It was fun to see Lu-Lu and Tay together, mostly playing side-by-side, but occasionally interacting with each other. It's funny to see how similar all the girls look, at the same time, how differently they look and act from each other. We took all the girls and climbed Stone Mountain (Tay got to climb it twice!) We all reached the top, relaxed a bit, and made our way back down. We also hit Atlanta's children's museum (Imagine It!) and the Georgia Aquarium (Titanic Aquatic) - the largest aquarium in the United States! The girls absolutely loved the museum because there was so much to see and do without much restriction. Tay's other side of the family (the Kims) came down from VA for the celebration, and really enjoyed getting to meet the young Lady Taylor. :) They couldn't believe how much she had grown since the last they met her and what a little personality she was developing.
The celebration was held at Sydney's Buffet in Duluth, GA. The spread was amazing - such a variety of food, all very tasty. The reserved room was filled with beautiful decorations and lots of loving family and friends...it was quite a stressful moment for Jeff and me, but I think Tay (even with jetlag) was enjoying all the attention...mostly. I think the funniest part of the night was when Tay had her "dol-jab-ee" and she grabbed the money almost immediately and waved it around showing the crowds. :) She even handed me a twenty as if she was saying, "good job, keep the change." Anyhow, we think everyone enjoyed the event, and after it was all over, I was so relieved...I was very happy it happened, but it was truly a very stressful event for me. I think if I could do it over again, I would have thought it through a little better and organized it from start to finish...but all in all, the event was wonderful and I'm looking forward to seeing some pictures from it soon!
After the hubbub, we went back to the hotel to relax and pack because the next day, we were off to Bristol, VA...hitting the Cabbage Patch hospital (factory) enroute. When we got to the factory, we got the brief introduction and then we wandered through the "museum." Tay picked out her own baby almost immediately - she picked it up, hugged it, and wouldn't let it go! Of course, Jeff knew he was "adopting" that one...we named her Cvjeta Riley Ryals. We then went on to Bristol for some relaxation. We spent most of our time in Bristol decompressing from the first half of the trip and doing some leisurely shopping (Target!). It was good to spend some time with my folks and let them spend time getting to know Tay and falling in love with her. :) The time seemed to fly by and it was already time to go back to Atlanta for our flight back to Korea. Ugh...
On our way down to Atlanta, we decided to stop by the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, TN, because it was about half way and a good rest stop (and a fun place to see!). Tay was a little tired through this aquarium, but it was a nice break from the road for us. I only wish there weren't so many people at either aquarium... Once we got to Atlanta, we checked into our hotel and just relaxed for the night before our flight in the morning.
The flight back was a little more grueling (15 hours instead of the 13 it took us to get to the states)...and Tay did not want to sleep this flight. She was awake for over half the flight, but there was also many other babies (and a poor little dog) on the flight, so we didn't feel so bad when she would occasionally yell out. I think she just couldn't get comfortable...
We got back safe and sound, Tay ran a bit of a fever on the flight back (we even almost got quarantined) but I think it was just because of all the traveling and exhaustion. She's still fairly jetlagged now (four days back)...she still (we all still) wakes up around 2am and falls back asleep at 5am...only to be passed out most of the day. Ah well...eventually we'll get back on track.
Today we went to the hospital to get her one-year check-up. Tay's standing tall at 2.5 feet (30 inches) and weighing in at 24 pounds. She's got a little bit of a rash on her tummy and back, but the doc says it's a very common viral rash that'll just clear up on its own. Likely she picked it up in all her travels. She's otherwise healthy, developmentally on track, and was in a great mood when she saw the doc (even gave him a shy smile!).
I am thankful. So very thankful to be her mother. I am thankful to God for the blessing that she has been in our lives...every minute I look at her, I think of her, I can't imagine what life was like without her. I'm so very very thankful. It's been an incredible first year with Tay and I look forward to the many many years I hope to spend with her (God-willing).
We love you, Shingil Taylor Ryals.
Love,
Your Umma and Appa
Thursday, February 26, 2009
First Major Injury...
I think I spoke too soon last night when I wrote that this year has been relatively healthy for Tay. My little baby was getting excited and walking around with a toy when she fell foward on it! She now has a cut and bruise on the bridge of her nose. It breaks my heart to see it...what can I do? I can't do anything for her but keep it clean and hope and pray that it doesn't scar. My baby's perfect little face has a nasty little gash on it...it just makes me so sad...
The next photo is when she had some blueberries and she just...had a heyday...:)
After the blueberry mess, we had to give her a bath and she is seen here brushing her six little teeth...
The next photo is when she had some blueberries and she just...had a heyday...:)
After the blueberry mess, we had to give her a bath and she is seen here brushing her six little teeth...
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
11 and a half months already...
My baby girl is almost one year old...already. I can't believe that this past year has flown by so quickly...I wish I could rewind it and play it all over again...in slow motion. I blinked and my baby girl is already walking around on her own two feet and calling me Mama. We have been so blessed...Tay has had two colds and one episode of running a fever due to some antibiotics I had to take for my appendicitis. Other than that, she has been quite healthy and growing like a little weed. The last time she weighed in, she was 10.5 kgs (23 lbs, 2 oz.)...but we didn't get her height. I'm hoping to get all her measurements before we head to the states for her first birthday party. During her first year, Tay has traveled quite a bit...we took her to Bristol, VA, Atlanta, GA, and Melbourne, FL. She also traveled to Koh Samui, Thailand, when she was almost six months old. Then she traveled to the Philippines when she was eight months old. Now as she is about to turn one year old, I think of when she was first born and how much she needed me...completely helpless to do anything by herself. Now she is already turning into a little independent lady who wants to do things herself...but lucky for me, she still needs me some of the time...:) hehehe...
I love her so very much...I miss her tiny-ness, but I am so proud and happy that she is becoming such a beautiful little lady.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
First Steps!!!
Our little Tay has taken her first steps! Last night, 14 Jan 09 around 7:45pm, Tay happily toddled over to my open arms and gave me a huge hug! In a frantic response, I hollered for her Dad to come over with the camera to see if she could do it again. SHE DID! :) We got a great clip of her posted on youtube taking her first steps.
http://youtube.com/srosaryals
She's half dressed, though, because we were getting ready for her bath when she took this huge developmental leap!
I can't believe it...my baby's growing so quickly!!! I don't know what to think...
http://youtube.com/srosaryals
She's half dressed, though, because we were getting ready for her bath when she took this huge developmental leap!
I can't believe it...my baby's growing so quickly!!! I don't know what to think...
Saturday, January 10, 2009
10 Months Old...
My little Tay...she has already turned 10 months old today. I can't believe how fast time flies and how quickly my baby has grown up. I can't imagine what our lives would be like without her...she has been such a sparkling gem of joy for Jeff and me. She brings smiles and laughter into every day.
Her latest activities include cruising all over the house...including along the wall, pointing at what she wants and saying "goh" or "gok," clearly calling me "Umma" and waking daddy up by giving him a big wet open-mouth kiss. :) Jeff loves that...especially when it's at 4am. :) She is also getting two teeth on top now, but they're not right next to each other! She's gotten the left front and not the right front, but then the one to the right of where the right front one will eventually come in...:) She's also great with hugs and her favorite game these days is playing "hide-and-seek / peek-a-boo" behind your back while she hangs on and pokes her head around your shoulder. :)
I love her. She's so interesting and amusing...and loveable. I want to spend every second of every day with her...
Happy 10-month birthday, my Baby. I love you.
Her latest activities include cruising all over the house...including along the wall, pointing at what she wants and saying "goh" or "gok," clearly calling me "Umma" and waking daddy up by giving him a big wet open-mouth kiss. :) Jeff loves that...especially when it's at 4am. :) She is also getting two teeth on top now, but they're not right next to each other! She's gotten the left front and not the right front, but then the one to the right of where the right front one will eventually come in...:) She's also great with hugs and her favorite game these days is playing "hide-and-seek / peek-a-boo" behind your back while she hangs on and pokes her head around your shoulder. :)
I love her. She's so interesting and amusing...and loveable. I want to spend every second of every day with her...
Happy 10-month birthday, my Baby. I love you.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Our beautiful family had a wonderfully cozy Christmas morning together. Tay woke up around 4am, but we coaxed her back to sleep for a while and finally woke up with her around 6am. We lazed around in the bed with her and took some funny pictures...:)
She was only pretending to sleep here in this photo...
She was up and playful only seconds later...
Jeff's the one who had a hard time waking up. Tay was so ready to get to the presents...:)
We started the morning by taking a family photo by the tree and then we proceeded to open the presents. Tay enjoyed helping tear the wrapping paper off, but didn't have much interest in the presents themselves...at least not for any length of time.
I made some "breakfast grains" with blueberries (off of weelicious.com) for Jeff and me, and Tay just had some frozen blueberries to chew on in her mesh teether (which stained her little chin blue...).
Jeff also made his fabulous cheesecake today and I made some chocolate chocolate chunk cookies. Very chocolatey...
Tay's getting so good at pulling up and standing without holding on to anything. Her balance gets better every day. I'm worried that she might start walking very soon...early walkers tend to fall much more, so I want to avoid that as much as possible...that precious little head of hers...I don't want her to bang it up any more than absolutely necessary. She's also gotten quite efficient at crawling. She can make her way around the house with no problem.
She also has started pointing at things she wants and trying to call out for it...mostly just ooo's and mmm's, but it's so adorable when I'm feeding her lunch and she points at her sippy cup and goes "ooo, ooo" because she wants a sip of water. :) I love her so much! It's amazing how quickly she is developing and growing...it seems like just yesterday when she could only lie there and coo. I LOVE how interactive she is, and Jeff's really getting a kick out of the fact that every morning when she wakes up, she points and him and goes "ba-ba" or "da-da" and flashes her beautiful two-tooth grin at him...:)
Every day is more and more exciting and I only wish I could spend every moment with her so as not to miss a thing...
Merry Christmas! Hope your holidays are filled with joy and love!
Love,
Rosa, Jeff, and Shingil
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