Karis is starting to eat more regularly. Mom is happy about getting more regular naps and bigger blocks of sleep at night.
She has only been crying when she is hungry or has gas. And she had gas quite a bit. Lena has cut back on the gallon of milk a day diet, and surprisingly, much less gas for Karis. I jest, she did cut out as much milk product and it seems to be working.
Dad is fighting a sinus infection at the moment. No fun! I want to love on Karis but not with my sneezes, snots, and coughs.
I will be working tomorrow for our first set of Christmas services. I don't know what it'll be like getting up for work... it feels like it has been so long. I'm sure it'll be tough being away from our baby girl. I so want to just stay at home with Karis for another week... but I'm also torn because Christmas is such an important time at church. I also want to be there to help people get connected.
It so does NOT feel like Christmas is this coming Thursday. Yikes!
Saturday, December 20
Monday, December 15
Karis' special talents
As a kid (or as an adult), have you ever laughed so hard that milk came out your nose (or soda)?
We discovered Karis' first "talent" Sat night after leaving her cousin's party when we stopped at a co-worker's house to drop off a key (Leo is great for covering for me while I'm out). We carried her in her car seat covered with a blanket as we're moving into winter in California (50s-60s). We got her inside their place... set her seat up on the counter for the best viewing... started the drum roll and revealed Karis. Ta dah! Oh wait! Let me conceal her again as she had a stream of breast milk from her nose down her cheek. We got a quick laugh. Then later as we were placing her in the car seat to leave, I bent her legs to get her in and she shot more milk out both nostrils! For a moment, I actually thought her legs were functioning as a milk pump. Scary site, but it doesn't seem to bother her much. No crying.
Talent #2 is something that daddy first experienced. It was Sunday early morning. After I set her down in the crib, she looked as if she was going to stretch and yawn. There were facial expressions and arm movements... but no yawn. I quickly jumped in on the opportunity to shadow box with her. Then it turned into more of martial arts thing (her more than me) and she was blocking my strikes with some nice defensive arm movements that even Uncle Marzano would applaud. She kept up the facial gestures without crying or stopping to yawn. I was digging it. We had another brief stint of play fighting later. =)
Sunday, December 14
Party Girl
Yesterday, Karis went to her first party. Her cousin turned 12 years old and was having a party at the house. Karis didn't take part in the laser tag, pizza and ice cream cake, but she was able to meet all five of her cousins. The oldest ones showed the least amount interest -- partly because of the birthday festivities, but partly because it was just another baby (in a family of five, a new baby is no longer a novelty!).
She checked her out and learned the word "gentle."
Eventually she warmed up to her and even posed for the camera.
Jessi has four older brothers, so we're looking forward to when both she and Karis get older and become good friends.
Jacob was the most excited to meet Karis. His excitement was so cute.
Jessi was a little hesitant... Uncle Derek's attention was now divided and there was less room on his lap (she is very attached to Uncle Derek). She wasn't sure what to make of Karis at first.
She checked her out and learned the word "gentle."
Eventually she warmed up to her and even posed for the camera. 
Jessi has four older brothers, so we're looking forward to when both she and Karis get older and become good friends.Saturday, December 13
What Dirty Diaper-changing Daddy is learning (not ALL about diapers)
All newborns have a God-given reflex for protection called the Moro Reflex. When they are startled (noise, tilt angle, etc.), their arms quickly reach out to grab something. It scared me at first, but now I think it's further proof of how God loves us and wants to protect us. She has not yet fallen, but instinctively Karis knows what to do to protect herself. It's cool. She has startled me quite often while I've been simply holding her. More than once the reflex has kicked in sending a baby fist in the direction of my face. =) Two things I've learned: 1. Keep her swaddled. 2. Admire her from a distance of greater than 4 inches.
If we don't wrap her tightly while she is resting, I've found that she'll sleep with her arms up and not touching her body. More specifically, in a karate position ready to strike. Hilarious... and even more so when her hands are covered with cute little mittens. What could she possible hurt?
What am I surprised with so far?
I'm surprised she doesn't spit up more. This morning was the first I've witnessed it. Maybe she'll grow into it. What I have noticed is that she seems to regurgitate instead of letting it flow out of her mouth, she struggles to keep up with swallowing it. Parents, have you also witnessed this? Doctors, is this normal?
I'm surprised by myself. I'm really a go-getter when it comes to changing diapers. I had never changed a diaper prior to Karis. I had tried with my nephew and niece (not you Cooper and Kelsey... thankfully your parents didn't leave me alone long enough with you when I visited) on several occasions. My persuasive argument with the kiddos to behave extremely well, to better prepare me for my own some day, did not work. All the fuss frightened me away. With Karis, however, I'm pushing Lena aside and asking to change the diaper. Guilt over her delivery pain? I dunno. Probably more of the guardian in me wanting to ensure Karis is well cared for.
God is using this baby experience to mellow me out. I can tell that already. Within 3 hours of being home from the hospital, Karis had a large amount poopy and it somehow decided to come up and out the front of her diaper. That stinks (pun intended) on three levels. One, what a mess. Two, poopy mixing with female anatomy. Three, poopy in belly button. I could have freaked out easily. I think I stayed rather calm. We handled it well as a team. I could have been better. But I surprised myself with my take charge attitude. I thought I'd be more indecisive not knowing what to do. I knew we are not encouraged to use alcohol wipes on umbilical cord. I knew we were supposed to keep it clean. (What could be worse than a bunch of poopy on it?!?) And I knew we weren't supposed to get it wet. Alcohol wipes are okay to clean... but natural drying out is best. Dry Q-tips worked well, too. I did call the doctor to ask for direction by the way.
Other than that, it's been pretty mellow so far. Karis is sleeping next to me now. She's a farter... lots of gas just like her paternal side of the family. =)
I'll be posting some videos soon. Took a bunch... just need to review and maybe edit them first.
Keep coming back for more.
If we don't wrap her tightly while she is resting, I've found that she'll sleep with her arms up and not touching her body. More specifically, in a karate position ready to strike. Hilarious... and even more so when her hands are covered with cute little mittens. What could she possible hurt?
What am I surprised with so far?
I'm surprised she doesn't spit up more. This morning was the first I've witnessed it. Maybe she'll grow into it. What I have noticed is that she seems to regurgitate instead of letting it flow out of her mouth, she struggles to keep up with swallowing it. Parents, have you also witnessed this? Doctors, is this normal?
I'm surprised by myself. I'm really a go-getter when it comes to changing diapers. I had never changed a diaper prior to Karis. I had tried with my nephew and niece (not you Cooper and Kelsey... thankfully your parents didn't leave me alone long enough with you when I visited) on several occasions. My persuasive argument with the kiddos to behave extremely well, to better prepare me for my own some day, did not work. All the fuss frightened me away. With Karis, however, I'm pushing Lena aside and asking to change the diaper. Guilt over her delivery pain? I dunno. Probably more of the guardian in me wanting to ensure Karis is well cared for.
God is using this baby experience to mellow me out. I can tell that already. Within 3 hours of being home from the hospital, Karis had a large amount poopy and it somehow decided to come up and out the front of her diaper. That stinks (pun intended) on three levels. One, what a mess. Two, poopy mixing with female anatomy. Three, poopy in belly button. I could have freaked out easily. I think I stayed rather calm. We handled it well as a team. I could have been better. But I surprised myself with my take charge attitude. I thought I'd be more indecisive not knowing what to do. I knew we are not encouraged to use alcohol wipes on umbilical cord. I knew we were supposed to keep it clean. (What could be worse than a bunch of poopy on it?!?) And I knew we weren't supposed to get it wet. Alcohol wipes are okay to clean... but natural drying out is best. Dry Q-tips worked well, too. I did call the doctor to ask for direction by the way.
Other than that, it's been pretty mellow so far. Karis is sleeping next to me now. She's a farter... lots of gas just like her paternal side of the family. =)
I'll be posting some videos soon. Took a bunch... just need to review and maybe edit them first.
Keep coming back for more.
Friday, December 12
A little more about Karis and her journey to us...
Karis is Greek for grace. And that's exactly what we received from God as she was delivered with her umbilical cord around her neck. Heijah was Lena's mother's name. Karis is very healthy... Mom is great, too. 'Twas only 3-1/2 hours of labor, and only 4 pushes until she joined us. =)
The day started at a regular doctor appt. on Wed when Karis' heart rate seemed slow. Doc hooked Lena up to heart monitor to be safe. Karis' heart was decelerating during/after contractions (down in the 60-80 range when 140 is healthy) so we were ordered to hospital immediately and told to prepare for a C-section as Dr anticipated the cord was being compromised. Karis' demeanor changed at hospital (for the good) so we ended up waiting around to have a normal delivery. Doctor was bewildered until the actual delivery where she saw cord around her neck. By God's grace she is fine. =)
Lena shot from 5 cm to 10 cm in less than two hours. We (including me) could see Karis' head waiting to come out. We had to call the doctor and ask her to rush as we were waiting on her. She did get an epidural but they didn't check her dialation before hand. So she got it 20 minutes before the baby dropped into position. Eh, at least it helped for the delivery.
Visitors were great. Multiple interruptions from nurses and other staff (photo greeting card service, cleaning crew) made it tough for Mom and baby to get good sleep beyond Karis' own efforts.
I'm a pro at changing diapers... it surprises even me. I was a champ during delivery - meaning I didn't pass out. =)
That's all for now.
The day started at a regular doctor appt. on Wed when Karis' heart rate seemed slow. Doc hooked Lena up to heart monitor to be safe. Karis' heart was decelerating during/after contractions (down in the 60-80 range when 140 is healthy) so we were ordered to hospital immediately and told to prepare for a C-section as Dr anticipated the cord was being compromised. Karis' demeanor changed at hospital (for the good) so we ended up waiting around to have a normal delivery. Doctor was bewildered until the actual delivery where she saw cord around her neck. By God's grace she is fine. =)
Lena shot from 5 cm to 10 cm in less than two hours. We (including me) could see Karis' head waiting to come out. We had to call the doctor and ask her to rush as we were waiting on her. She did get an epidural but they didn't check her dialation before hand. So she got it 20 minutes before the baby dropped into position. Eh, at least it helped for the delivery.
Visitors were great. Multiple interruptions from nurses and other staff (photo greeting card service, cleaning crew) made it tough for Mom and baby to get good sleep beyond Karis' own efforts.
I'm a pro at changing diapers... it surprises even me. I was a champ during delivery - meaning I didn't pass out. =)
That's all for now.
And Then There Were Three
Introducing Karis Heijah Robinson
Born 12.10.08 at 10:32 pm
8 lbs. 2 oz.
18 1/2" long
Born 12.10.08 at 10:32 pm
8 lbs. 2 oz.
18 1/2" long
Thursday, December 4
Saturday, November 29
A Family Tradition
For many years, the entire Hong family (my mom's side of the family) has gathered together each year to celebrate Thanksgiving. The number of people gathered has increased by leaps and bounds over the years. Of the seven children my grandparents had, five of them and their families live in either Orange County or LA County. This year, we reached an all time high of 53 people.
Most of my cousins are married, yet they still manage to go to their in-laws' Thanksgiving celebrations earlier in the day or even on Friday. Whatever the arrangement is, everyone makes it to the Hong family dinner. Thanksgiving is the only time I get to see some of my cousins. It's great to catch up with them and it's always a challenge to recall all of the little ones' names. They change so much -- it's hard to recognize them!
Last year, Derek and I celebrated Thanksgiving in Arizona with his Mom, Uncle David and Aunt Penny. This year, Derek's mom flew out to join us for Thanksgiving. We thought about going back out to Arizona again this year, but just starting my 37th week of pregnancy, I was advised by my doctor to stay close to home. It was great for me to be with my family and with Derek's mom.
This year we had dinner at David and Amy's house. It's probably the only home now that can fit us all in comfortably. As usual, it's a great big potluck with turkey, ham and all the fixings. I made creme brulee and pot de creme for dessert. Pictured below is Derek carmelizing the sugar on the creme brulee.
We typically have a short service before or after the big feast. This year, Derek was invited to share a devotional. He shared about the healing of the 10 lepers and how only 1 returned to thank Jesus. It was a great reminder of how we ask God for so many things -- big and small -- and so often we forget to thank Him aftewards for what He has done. We were given a few moments to think about the things we are thankful for and then we shared them with one another. As always, we talked about how thankful we are for our oldest uncle who worked hard to get the entire family to the U.S. and also for starting this Thanksgiving tradition. We are all also thankful that we come for a long line of Christians.
Overall, it was a great evening. The only thing that would have made it better is if my other sister and Dad were there as well. Maybe one year, the entire Kim family will be able to get together for the holidays...
Last year, Derek and I celebrated Thanksgiving in Arizona with his Mom, Uncle David and Aunt Penny. This year, Derek's mom flew out to join us for Thanksgiving. We thought about going back out to Arizona again this year, but just starting my 37th week of pregnancy, I was advised by my doctor to stay close to home. It was great for me to be with my family and with Derek's mom.
This year we had dinner at David and Amy's house. It's probably the only home now that can fit us all in comfortably. As usual, it's a great big potluck with turkey, ham and all the fixings. I made creme brulee and pot de creme for dessert. Pictured below is Derek carmelizing the sugar on the creme brulee.
We typically have a short service before or after the big feast. This year, Derek was invited to share a devotional. He shared about the healing of the 10 lepers and how only 1 returned to thank Jesus. It was a great reminder of how we ask God for so many things -- big and small -- and so often we forget to thank Him aftewards for what He has done. We were given a few moments to think about the things we are thankful for and then we shared them with one another. As always, we talked about how thankful we are for our oldest uncle who worked hard to get the entire family to the U.S. and also for starting this Thanksgiving tradition. We are all also thankful that we come for a long line of Christians.
Overall, it was a great evening. The only thing that would have made it better is if my other sister and Dad were there as well. Maybe one year, the entire Kim family will be able to get together for the holidays...
Monday, November 24
36 1/2 Weeks - Almost there!
This is me at 36 1/2 weeks. I am still feeling pretty good, just tired from not sleeping well at night. Walking can also be uncomfortable since the baby dropped a couple weeks ago and is now face down.
I had another check up today and everything continues to look good. I am 2 cm dilated and the doctor said I could go into labor ANY DAY now... but I'm also very aware that it could still be three more weeks...
I'm excited that we have selected a name! After much back-and-forth and discussion, Derek emailed me the other day and asked, "How about [INSERT NAME]?" (It was one of our top six names we had on our list). I said, "sure" and it was a done deal. It seemed so simple. It's been a long process and I never thought we would want the same name on the same day. We're only telling our family until the baby is born, but we're also reserving the right to change it from now until then. =)
It's crazy to think we'll have a baby in our home very soon, but I'm very excited. I've read the books, gone to the classes, heard countless stories from other moms/parents... now I'm want to experience it all myself!
Friday, November 21
Reasons to be thankful
So I added this status to Facebook recently, but figured I'd add it to a blog so that it'd perhaps be easier to look back on later.
"Derek is envious at how his wife always (yes ALWAYS) gets awesome discounts... and, tonight, a free meal for 4. But I'm even more thankful. =)."
Just to add another example of how God is looking after us financially through my wife... oh heck, I'll give you two examples. Tonight, Lena acquired us a Queen size bed for us for free... the one we currently sleep on was given to us and we've now seen the end of its usefulness.
And, we've been looking for a TV stand as we have to get rid of our entertainment center. Lena's had it for 7+ yrs (doesn't include the years it was owned by a previous roommate). The weight of the TV is bending the wood and we don't want it to break and harm a young child. We have been eyeing a stand at Ikea and she saw an ad that if we buy it this weekend, we get a $50 gift card. Not bad. But then she spotted an ad on Craigslist for new in the box for just under 1/2 off. We bought it tonight and I saved us another $10 with my strong negotiation tactics (if you don't know me, that's a joke. I was like, "um, would you possibly consider taking $160?").
While I'm at this... I have other examples... many.... During my unpaid (financial supporters) internship, we got married. We received an immensely discounted cake from Ritz Carlton, discounted videographer as she was just getting started, discounted photography from a friend of a friend, along with other big savings throughout. AMAZING!
Found a 10 yr newer motorcycle with 20,000 less miles for only $1,000 more. Steal of a deal!
Recently, I saved over $50 on a new motorcycle helmet. The other was past its safety effectiveness prime.
We have not had to spend $1 on baby gear or clothes. All given as gifts or purchased with gift cards. Crib donated. Car seat, stroller, and dresser are all gifts (as will be the pack and play).
All the damage to my car from the fallen bicycle and Lena's car windshield cost us only $200 thanks to insurance.
The VW transmission may not be going out... I added some premium gas and some oil and we haven't experienced the "stumbling" transmission.
Maybe I'll add more later. It's late. I'm headed to Disneyland tomorrow with the Irvine team to celebrate all God has done through us at the Irvine campus these past 6+ months.
Praise be to God alone!
"Derek is envious at how his wife always (yes ALWAYS) gets awesome discounts... and, tonight, a free meal for 4. But I'm even more thankful. =)."
Just to add another example of how God is looking after us financially through my wife... oh heck, I'll give you two examples. Tonight, Lena acquired us a Queen size bed for us for free... the one we currently sleep on was given to us and we've now seen the end of its usefulness.
And, we've been looking for a TV stand as we have to get rid of our entertainment center. Lena's had it for 7+ yrs (doesn't include the years it was owned by a previous roommate). The weight of the TV is bending the wood and we don't want it to break and harm a young child. We have been eyeing a stand at Ikea and she saw an ad that if we buy it this weekend, we get a $50 gift card. Not bad. But then she spotted an ad on Craigslist for new in the box for just under 1/2 off. We bought it tonight and I saved us another $10 with my strong negotiation tactics (if you don't know me, that's a joke. I was like, "um, would you possibly consider taking $160?").
While I'm at this... I have other examples... many.... During my unpaid (financial supporters) internship, we got married. We received an immensely discounted cake from Ritz Carlton, discounted videographer as she was just getting started, discounted photography from a friend of a friend, along with other big savings throughout. AMAZING!
Found a 10 yr newer motorcycle with 20,000 less miles for only $1,000 more. Steal of a deal!
Recently, I saved over $50 on a new motorcycle helmet. The other was past its safety effectiveness prime.
We have not had to spend $1 on baby gear or clothes. All given as gifts or purchased with gift cards. Crib donated. Car seat, stroller, and dresser are all gifts (as will be the pack and play).
All the damage to my car from the fallen bicycle and Lena's car windshield cost us only $200 thanks to insurance.
The VW transmission may not be going out... I added some premium gas and some oil and we haven't experienced the "stumbling" transmission.
Maybe I'll add more later. It's late. I'm headed to Disneyland tomorrow with the Irvine team to celebrate all God has done through us at the Irvine campus these past 6+ months.
Praise be to God alone!
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