Last set of Pics!

 

Nina in her makeshift "bed"

 

Nina on Aunty Shannon's lap, with Erin, opening one of the hound's Christmas presents.

 

Cousin Lydia and Nina. All smiles! :D

 

Nina with her Christmas present: a stroller pushing Mousey and Georgia around :D

More Christmas Pics

 

Grandma Russell and Nina in the kitchen.

 

Nina watching Grandma Russell make corn!

 

Nina and her makeshift "bed"

 

Some Christmas Pictures

 

Nina helping to bake!

 

Nina helping to put away groceries. Such a great helper!

 

Nina and Erin doing Almond bark covered pretzels! Yum!

 

- Thanks to Erin's Dad for the pictures -

Days before Christmas

A Merry Christmas from the chill of Minnesota!

News

One more final to go for this first semester to be done. We've been given the book The Goal by Goldratt to read over the break. I quickly read Professor William (Bill) Duggan's latest book: Strategic Intuition recently and learned some interesting facts about Picasso, the Google founders, and a few others.

On my parents' front, they are at a cross roads for all of the other tumors have been beaten, except for the original source. This one's ugly head has resurfaced and radiation is being considered.

December!

Erin and Nina are in Minnesota. I've been wrapping up classes, submitting resume/applications for jobs, and studying for finals. Unfortunately I will not be able to provide a picture of our Christmas tree since our digital camera stopped working :O!

Please send us a message! Merry Christmas!

Through the Night!

This morning, Nina woke up and her diaper was dry! She even had some water before going to sleep.

We are also looking forward to my parents visiting this morning. Tonight they will take the plane back to Singapore.

She knows what she wants

Nina knows exactly what she wants. Every night, she gets to choose a song for us to sing right before she goes to bed. We started with nice slow songs like Edelweiss, but somehow she started choosing songs like Old MacDonald. The latest request is yet more unusual for a bedtime lullaby: Feliz Navidad!

Every morning, Nina gets up and comes into bed with us to snuggle. This morning I requested a snuggle from Nina and proceeded to put my arm around her. I was quickly and sternly informed that, "This girl is only for Mommy."

My parents arrived on Tuesday safely. We're looking forward to time with them this weekend. Erin and Nina spent Wednesday morning with them. Nina really enjoyed herself and didn't take much time to warm up at all.

Our girl is growing up!

My Parents Are Coming

My Parents are coming. They'll be arriving tomorrow from Singapore (via Mauritius). While in Mauritius, they attended the wedding of one of my cousins.

Nina is finally recovering from her cold.

Next week, Erin's younger sister will be visiting for Thanksgiving.

An exciting next couple of weeks.

Christmas Tree

Today we put up our artificial Christmas tree in Nina's room! (It's the only room with space for it). Pictures coming shortly.

Graduation for Nina

Nina stopped using her booster seat at the dining table this week!

Day 3 Potty Training

Nina had another successful accident-free potty training day! Wooo hoooo! She is off of the timer and Erin and I are discussing the best way to get Nina to start using public restrooms.

P is for Potty Training

Yesterday, Nina did most of yesterday potty training. She had two accidents yesterday. She had her first "underwear" outing that was 15 minutes long! She was excited and loved the new found freedom.

Today, Nina went the entire day without an accident. We had the timer going and she had an accident-free day! Wooo hooo!

Nina and friend Dougie

Here are some pictures of Nina at the playground at Riverside Park. New York is amazing. They have so many parks available for kids, plus the playgrounds are really nice and new. They all have rubber or at least sand below the climbing equipment. They really bring out Nina's inner monkey! We often go with her friend, Dougie, and his mom, my friend, Alex. This week we don't have any big plans. We're going to Sakura Park Monday for a playdate, Tuesday we have yet another preschool tour and Thursday is Nina's music class.

This weekend we had a pretty good time. We're preparing for the arrival of Milo. We're flying him back with us at Christmas and he'll become a city dog! We're really looking forward to it! We're also awaiting the arrive of Nick's parents! They are going to in New York for two weeks around Thanksgiving. November is family visiting month because my younger sister, Shannon, is going to be visiting us over her Thanksgiving vacation. I'm just so excited to see familiar faces, not that I don't love New Yorkers...

Hope everyone is well and had a fun Halloween!
Erin

Some Recent Videos of Nina

Nina and the Salad Spinner, Wee! (18 sec)


Lighting of Mr. Smiley (the Pumpkin) (45 sec)


Nina in her Giraffe Costume

Pumpkin carving and our little giraffe...Its Halloween!

 

 

 

 

 

It's Getting Cold

It's getting cold here in the Big Apple. We have Halloween Pictures, lighting the pumpkin, videos of Nina at the park, and right now Nina is on a chair making proclamations. Unfortunately I am not completely fluent in Nina-speak.

A warm greeting to everyone reading this. Drop us a line!

BTW, since Halloween, Nina likes the candy: "Baby Muffin" which is a mini Reese's Peanut Butter! :D

It's P Time!

Nina is doing potty training today! She already goes #2 on the toilet, Erin's focusing on having Nina go #1. Nina was watching Bob the Builder and just told Erin that she needs to go. Quickly they hurried and she went! Congratulations Nina!

One Year Ago

It's hard to realize what a year is, in terms of development for someone as little as Nina. Check out the pics below.

 

 

Pics

 

 

 

 

Gone fishing

This morning Nina and I did something I would have never thought we could do in New York City, FISHING!

Nina and I walked to Harlem Meer in Central Park where they rent bamboo fishing rods to people for free. They give some corn to put on the hook and send you out to see what you can do. We didn't catch much of anything, but Nina had a ball! She held the pole like a pro and really enjoyed herself.

After our fishing expedition was over, we went to a very unusual playground in Central Park. It was all quite new, but everything was modern. It was supposed to be that way to give kids imaginations a workout. Instead of having obvious animals or things to climb on, there the kids could pretend they were on a boat, or a train, or whatever...

Tomorrow Nina and I will be starting our Music Together class. We attended a free demo to check it out and Nina adored it. She danced for about 45 minutes straight! I had to register! Afterwards, we'll be hitting our favorite sandbox at Sakura Park for a playdate. It is amazing how busy Nina and I are now that we're here in New York. There is always something to do or places to go. We're really enjoying ourselves and our New York City experience!

Sidenote: We're super excited to see my sister, Shannon, who will be joining us for Thanksgiving in New York this year. We'll actually be able to go to the Macy's parade instead of watching it on TV!

I hope everyone is enjoying fall. Nick and I have been missing our favorite apple orchard, Minnetonka Orchards, where we used to go every fall in Minnesota. So far, that's the one thing I can't seem to find in NYC! A nice apple brat and apple doughnuts, yum!

Sharon's Sorbet

We had purchased two pints of sorbet (in a 2 for 1 special) called Sharon's Sorbet. For dinner on Monday night, Nina had eaten really well so Erin gave Nina the choice for dessert, "Nina do you want the raspberry or coconut sorbet for dessert?"
Nina thought, said, "Um, raspberry." Each of us got a portion. After scrumptuously eating her portion, Nina then asked, "Bite of coconut!" :D

Of course she had to wait until the next day to try the coconut, which I might add is pleasantly and surprisingly rich and creamy! Coconut is DEEEEEEELICIOUS!

Yesterday Erin baked her famous Ginger Snap cookies. Yesterday and today, Nina has been gobbling them up after meals! For dinner tonight, Erin asked Nina what she would like for dessert? Erin was expecting Ginger snap since that had been the predominant trend. Nina responded with, "Coconut ice cream!" Memoire elephant!

TV stars

The story begins with Nina and my meetup group. We're just a group of moms on the upper west side that get together regularly. Our coordinator was contacted by the Tyra Banks show looking for models. Nina and I sent in our pictures and we got a call about it, but the clothes Nina was supposed to model for the show were way too small for her, so we ended up getting an invitation to be in the audience of the show. (One of our friends actually ended up being picked to model.)

This morning was the live recording of the Tyra Banks Show and Nina and I made our way all the way downtown to be in the audience. There was a line, but Nina and I were on the "list," so we were in! We had good seats, way in the back on top to see everything, but out of the way in case Nina didn't like it. Well, it turns out she loved it. She cheered and clapped along with everyone else. I have to say, though, the best part about it was the free stuff! Nina got 2 new dresses for next summer, California Baby soaps and lotions, a free Diaper Dude bag and some other stuff. It was an experience, but not one that I'll be wanting to relive anytime soon. The waiting was torture for Nina, the show itself was really boring and they paused taping WAY too many times to "fix" Tyra's hair, makeup or clothing! (Oh, and she really isn't that great looking in person!) My last comment will be that she needs to think about her clothing choices for the show. Today, for the toddler show, she wore a short black mini dress...then tried to get down on the floor to do baby yoga.

I'll post the date of the airing of the episode we were at if anyone wants to try and pick us out.

The entire thing was pretty ridiculous, but an experience that we'd only have in New York City!

Erin

F A O

 

 

 

Nina and her friend having fun at FAO Schwartz on the "BIG" piano.

Latest Picture

Dad & Mom. Notice Mom's hair, growing back nice and long. It's also reverted from white to black!

A great fall weekend

I haven't posted in awhile, but I thought that I should post about how much Nina and I are loving New York in the fall!

This past weekend was fantastic. The highs have been in the upper 60s and low 70s. On Saturday, we spent time at an outdoor far on Broadway. There was food (gyros, falafel, fried dough), some clowns that made balloon figures for Nina, and a great variety of people for people watching! Sunday morning we made our way to Queens for church, which takes up the morning and then in the evening we got take out from a soul food place, Rack and Soul. It was delicious! Even our mostly vegetarian, Nina, gobbled the bbq pulled pork!

Today, Nick was back to classes and events, so Nina and I were on our own for activities. We decided to head to Central Park, which means a train ride. We got off at 72nd and made our way to a small drug store where they have a great little Bob the Builder ride for kids. Nina got to ride it today and was thrilled. We then walked to Central Park and made our way to the carousel. Nina loved riding it so much, that we ended up going twice! It was the fastest carousel I've ever been on! After the carousel, we walked to the east side and went into FAO Schwartz. Nina was amazed at the giant stuffed animals...all bigger than her! She really enjoyed the huge piano on the second floor (from the movie "Big" with Tom Hanks). By the time we were done there, it was time to head home for lunch and nap.

So, as you can see, we are definitely enjoying our time in NYC! We'll be posting more pictures soon.

Hope everyone is well and enjoying their fall.

Erin

Some Nina-isms

Where are you little lamb?
On Nina's eating plate, it's plastic and has a picture of a little lamb on it. While eating pasta, she was clearing the food away by eating it, and saying, "Where are you Little Lamb?"

The Farmer's Market is every Thursday. We walked there and while returning home, I said bye and went to class directly. Later during the walk, Nina must have forgotten that she said goodbye to me, turned around and said, "Where are you Daddy?"

Garbage Out!
I got home from school on Thursday. I noticed that the garbage was smelling. Before I could react, Nina said, "Take the garbage out Daddy!"

Thursday
Today Nina began drinking out of a big girl cup without a lid or a straw

Bodumdiddy
Nina does not like the vacuum cleaner. She's afraid of it. She calls it a "bodumdiddy." The other day, she said, "No want bodum diddy by me" and Erin commented how clear the point was conveyed!

Apple
Nina loves apples. She loves applesauce, apple juice, etc. So I asked her, "Nina, how do you like apples the best? In apple sauce, apple juice, freshly cut?" She took a little time and said, "Apple with Almond Butter!"

The Attentive Ear
Nina listens to us when she's going to sleep in her room with the door open. If Erin coughs, Nina says, "Bless you Mommy!" If Erin and I laugh, Nina laughs too!

Nina LOVES to Wear Underwear

Nina really likes to wear her big-girl underwear! She pleaded with us this morning so that she could wear them.

She also pleaded for some Almond butter and pita last night for dinner.

We're already ready for the weekend over here.

We began my Managerial Stats class on August 27. Midterm is on Sept 17. Final is in mid-October.

In the Strategy Formulation class we've covered Ben & Jerry's, the Cola Wars, and yesterday it was Apple, Inc.

Nina Shares and Plays Exceptionally Well

Today, Erin and Nina had a Mom/Son come over for a morning play date. Nina did exceptionally well in sharing with Douglas! Nina had some learning to do in the past, but she was flying high this morning! Erin and I are both so proud of her!

Following a day of classes, whether it's journal entries from accounting, simple statistical portfolio risk analysis, or meeting new people with diverse interests, Erin and Nina keep me firmly grounded.

They remind me that family is more important than work. I work to provide for my family and that they will always be with me. I love seeing them each and every day.

Saturday Night

A Parisian cluster-mate of mine, Benoit and fiance Laure, invited us and other nearby cluster-mates to an informal French wine & cheese dinner. We went and had a wonderful time. We talked about Korea, Indian weddings (and the difference between Northern and Southern traditions), the French school system, and post-B school industries.

We're excited to have Shannon (Erin's sister) come over to NYC for ThanksGiving!

Blessings

My Mom's hair test results have returned with encouraging news. We are so blessed!
I know that I am blessed in many ways. Erin and Nina bring me so much joy! I look forward to spending time with them this weekend.

Thank you Lord!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Continuation

Nina came down with a cold on Saturday and had a stuffy nose. Erin and I now have that cold. :(

Nina's speech skills have advanced in leaps and bounds. Today, Erin began couting, "1, 2" and Nina continued, "3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10!"

Nina says, "Bless you Daddy" after I sneeze.

Long Weekend

Nina now sometimes refers to herself as "me" in the appropriate grammatical context.

For the long weekend, we stayed close to the area. We went to Mystic, CT and ate at Mystic Pizza. It was a quaint little town, however not many people smiled at Nina. Apparently it's a town that does not like little kids, especially non-rich ones. Stonington, CT was a smaller quaint town. It was nice. We were imagining a summer house there, overlooking the sea.

Nina

Nina got her new pink velcro fall shoes today! She loves running in them up and down the hallway. One of the play group's Mom's today was impressed when Nina said "Thank you" to Erin for having removed the pebbles from her shoes.

Later during a walk outside, Nina saw another little girl drawing with markers. The little girl was coloring both on the paper and on the table. Nina scolded her by saying, "No no, only on the paper, not on the table" and the other girl's Mom was impressed.

Nina and her counting

Nina knows how to count up to five, by holding her fingers up! Erin has been meeting up with Mom's of toddlers in the Morningside neighborhood.

A little bit regarding last week's orientation: Events were planned from 8am until at least 10pm (or later) everyday. I was happy to spend an hour each morning with Erin and Nina. I lucky to spend one additional hour during the day with them.

The undergraduate Freshmen arrived on campus yesterday. It was also our first day of classes for stats, learning Excel, business writing, and the case method.

In the morning

Nina looked so grown up in her new PJs this morning. She walked out of her room and said, "Miss You" while coming to greet us!

Orientation & Nina

I've been busy with orientation since Sunday night. This Tuesday morning, I was able to ask Nina about things she likes. Here are some of them:

- roti- prata
- apple sauce
- oatmeal
- dancing
- Every Move I Make (song) by Jennifer Carozza

Playing in Central Park

 

 

Saturday

At the CIMA event last night, I met a tall Chilean, another Argentinean, two West Point Academy Graduates, someone from Chicago, and a Frenchman.

Yesterday Erin and Nina tried their first New York bagels and loved it at Absolute Bagels. Thanks Greg & Bert for introducing it to me.

Today, the weather was absolutely perfect with a little chill in the morning air. We went to Whole Foods at Columbus Circle and spent the morning in Central Park. While there, a Dad and his son approached Nina and the son played with Nina. The Dad took pictures and two are above.

Below is also a video of Nina eating corn on the cob at Bert's place while we were there with Greg.

Friday

This morning, Nina and I walked to the Garden of Eden grocery store here in Broadway (NYC). We got tahini (for hummous) among some other items.

Erin, Nina, and I walked to North Central Park and discovered the pond there. On the way, there was a tv crew filming a conversation on the top of the hill. We walked/strolled quietly pass.

For lunch, we had soaked split peas (in honor of Greg's wonderfully delicious split pea soup), cooked it in the rice cooker under the low/soup setting during the morning, such that the soup was ready for us upon our return.

At lunch, I met with three more CBS students: a Venuzuelan, Jordanian, and someone from Michigan.

This evening I'll attend the Columbia Investment Management Association Happy Hour.

Birthday Cake

Continuing with tradition, Nina had a Choco - Hoto Pot for her birthday. Pictures to come.

Today

Nina likes to get lifted up on a leg. Today, I told her I would lift her up seven times, so I counted for each lift and Nina repeated. I said "One"
Nina said "One."
I said "Two."
Nina responded "Two."
...
I said "Seven."
Nina responded "Eight!" :D

Later during our post-dinner stroll, we asked Nina, "How old are you?"
She responded, "One"
and we replied "Two!"

This repeated about three more times until she realized that she should say "Two" also!

Nina's Birthday

Today is Nina's second (2nd) birthday! Wow. How time flies. She can pull the stool out, climb up, turn the water on, get some soap, rub her hands, rinse them, turn the water off, climb down, dry her hands, and put the stool away! Incredible!

Settling into the Apple, the Big Apple

We finally can see the floor in our apartment! Boxes have been put away and we have some odds and ends to store. Wow! It has been quite a few days of settling in.

Almost five full days ago, our furniture and boxes arrived. They were stacked almost to the ceiling. We finally have a semblance of a cozy abode.

Today we wrapped up the day with our traditional new home meal of Grandma's Hotdish. We went for a walk outside on MorningSide Drive afterwards where Nina got to take her Little Tikes Truck. She was pushing it and have a grand ole' time.

More Pics from New Ulm

More Pics from New Ulm including some from a parade.

     

Pics in New Ulm

Some Pics from our week in New Ulm in July.