Enter here for the LeapFrog LeapPad Giveaway. But don't even bother because we're destined to win given the image of the device above *wink*.

[Video] New play kitchen

This video maybe long kinda boring because J is just playing quietly...but he's doing it for 3 min which is like eternity in the toddler world!! The play kitchen was only $20 -- it's a bit wobbly and doesn't have any sounds or lights. Speaking of awesome play kitchens, check out what That'sSoHuang's husband did with an Ikea EFFEKTIV furniture and LED lights. Show-off, just kidding, love them!

From IhackEA (husband's blog), More photos here

Anyways, my husband's like, "Maybe we should buy a more expensive one that has sounds and lights since J likes this one so much...He could have two!" Let the spoiling begin...

[Video] Fun on Black Friday

We went to the mall on Friday around 9:30am, and thank goodness, it wasn't as crowded as I had feared. Believe me, I was SCARED/NERVOUS, etc. J just wanted to ride the elevator up and down, and up and down again.

What did you on Black Friday?

Attempt at making peking duck

Remember I traded a guacamole recipe for a peking duck recipe last week? Well...here are some pictures of my first attempt at roasting a duck...

I bought the duckling frozen at a local Korean supermarket. It took me a while to decide how I was going to hang a duck to dry for 6 hours. I looked for metal hooks at the store but couldn't find any. So I decided to use trussing pins (is this what they're called?) and kitchen string.

After several attempts, I stuck a pin through the neck bone, out the other side, and looped the kitchen string around the pin several times. Here's the duck in the just-boiled water. I scooped the water over the top of the duck and the skin started pulling against the duck (tighter, I guess). The underside started cooking a bit.

I hung the duck out on the deck using a very sophisticated system of two chairs and a honing steel from the kitchen knife set. I put a bowl underneath to catch the drippings. Luckily, Thanksgiving was a very nice day (no snow this year on the East Coast) and was actually quite warm in the afternoon.

No neighbors were freaked out because (1) the duck had no head and (2) was hung low enough that you couldn't see it behind the railing of the deck. After 6 hours in the sun, the skin did feel thinner, like paper, and slightly crispy.

I roasted this duck for only two hours in the oven at 375F (the recipe originally called for 300F). The crispy skin was easy to remove. There was still fat under the skin, but it was easy to scrape off. The meat may have been a tad on the dry side. Mmmm...drumsticks!

I served them with steamed (plain) buns, which were thicker than I wanted but fine as a substitute.

I cut up scallion and served the duck with "sweet flour sauce" mentioned in my last post.

The reviews by my husband and sister-in-law were good. If I ever did it again, I'd...

1. Have a pair of food-tweezers to help with the cleaning process, i.e., plucking the remaining quills.
2. Wait until after the drying process to remove the quills. After it dries, the quills "pop" out more so they're easier to spot and remove.
3. Find metal hooks.
4. Perhaps baste the duck (so many drippings/fat) so that the skin is darker.

Did you try out a new recipe this Thanksgiving?

Man, Coco's getting big

Me: Man, Coco's getting big
My husband: Yea, I noticed too.

To myself, "I wonder why?" and even before I get a chance to ask the question aloud...

My husband: It must be the extra food I've been giving her -- instead of a scoop, I've been giving her one and a half scoops.
Me: What?! How long have you been giving her extra food?
My husband: Um...a few months now....
Me: Well, I guess that explains it.
My husband: I guess it does...Oops.

Coco's back to one scoop at mealtime, which is still twice a day, so don't be too sad for her.

(Unofficial) face of YoBaby

Put your child's face on the lids of YoBaby's yogurts. Mine's here. You could also be chosen as one of two weekly sweepstakes winners and get a month's worth of free yogurt plus a real YoBaby 4-pack (no yogurt inside) with your child's photo on it. We could use that -- J eats a yogurt a day! Goooo probiotics!

Reminiscing

Can you believe that my husband and I were already reminiscing about J? We were saying things like, "Remember when he was xx old and he did this and that?" He's only 15 months! I can't imagine what sorts of things we'll be saying when he's 5 years old, 10 years old, 20 years old...I'm getting ahead of myself.

This blog is sorta a repository for all the memories we have of J, and it's so fun to read old posts. But the number of posts is just going to be too many to read one day, so I've decided to start a list.

Infant 0-6 months:

1. You were born with the longest, skinniest arms and legs.
2. Grandpa said you'd be President one day.
3. As a newborn, you clenched your fists when you cried but always left out an index finger as if to say, "Whaaaat do you thiiiiink you are doooooooing?!"
4. The first two weeks home from the hospital, nothing could wake you.
5. After that, nothing could make you sleep!
6. You hated baths until you were allowed to be submerged.
7. Everyone loved when you feel asleep in their arms.
8. You enjoyed your 1-month celebration and weren't bothered by all the noise/excitement.

9. You had pretty bad eczema. Every morning, Daddy rubbed Aquaphor on your skin while you stared at the jar. You loved that jar.
10. Daddy also made sure to rub your belly so that you wouldn't have stomach aches. He believed in good circulation.
11. The first winter in Maryland, the heating system in our rental was messed up for months. It was 85F upstairs but 45F downstairs. You were always dressed in two layers and a cap and maybe a blanket too.
12. You had (and still have) the most beautiful smile. Grandma still calls you Little Sunshine.

13. You loved sucking in your top lip repeatedly. Wish we had a video! 

Baby 6-12 months:

1. You sure loved to read with us! The textures, the colors.

2. You started exploring the world on your own.
3. Lots of milestones - mastering pincer grip, rolling over, sipping from a cup, crawling, first teeth, standing, and first words.

4. And of course you did so good on your first birthday! No meltdowns :).

Toddler 12-18 months:

1. Started daycare. Mommy was so sad (and so were you) when you first started, but now, we both have great attitudes at the goodbye.

2. Second word - Daddy's favorite ;)
3. When you got excited, you'd bang your head against the nearest surface -- wall, floor, toy.
4. You really liked to watch objects spin -- stacking rings, coasters.
5. Your mode of transportation was pushing a truck or holding our hands.
6. You played A LOT more with us -- cat & mouse, hide & seek, riding on Daddy's shoulders, chicken dance, dancing in general.

7. You started feeding yourself with a spoon.
8. You took your first steps!
9. You gave hugs & kisses.
10. You had this love of fleece. You liked to rub your cheek against it! Hahaha...

All dressed up, somewhere to go?

This time of year all the stores start pushing their pretty party dresses on us girls, and I'm always like That's so cute...except I have nowhere to go!

Well, we have an annual PSU-alum holiday party but that's pretty casual. But I'm feeling like sequins this year (or anything sparkly) even though J will probably yank them all off. I got the inspiration from ExtraPetite.com.

From top left clockwise (you can also click on the images above for the links to the retailer too):
1. Old Navy Sequin-front camis in sandstone, also in black and white, $22.94
2. Victoria Secret's Sequin racerback tank in plum, oyster, cobblestone and black, $59.50
3. Forever 21 Sequined tank top in green, also in red and black, $13.50
4. White House Black Market Allover sparkle top, $78
5. Banana Republic Sequin party shell in bronze, also in black, $49.50, now 30% using BRPARTY

I think they're fun without being too formal when paired with some jeans.

Attending any events for the holidays?

What will you be wearing? 

It was nice out

After J was feeling better, we finally got outside! It was so nice out even though there was no sun. There was no wind. The humidity was just right. And it wasn't cold (see, no jackets!). We went out once in the morning (picture above). And once in the afternoon/evening (eerie picture below). We love being outdoors!

P.S. Love my new iPhone and Instagram. Follow me at lisacng.

First steps

We're making it official and J has taken his first steps at 15 months! It's so cute to watch him wobble -- first one or two steps, and now five or six. This boy really wants to run before he can walk! And to think, just 3 weeks ago we were wondering if we should be concerned that he wasn't walking yet!

Best guacamole recipe EVER!

Today, I traded recipes with a co-worker. I'm going to attempt to roast peking duck for Thanksgiving and she's going to make the best guacamole EVER. Thanks for letting me post this, Sister-in-Law!

Guacamole:
You'll have to eyeball/add-to-taste on these ingredients. Believe me, it's gooooood

• Avocados, as many as you want - Both my sister and sister-in-law are pros at selecting the best ones, soft but not too soft. They even know the different avocado types! If you only happen upon too-firm ones, put them in a paper bag and let them sit out on the kitchen counter. They should soften up.
• Sea salt, Pepper
• Garlic, one per avocado
• Fresh squeezed lime juice 
• Paprika 
• Cilantro 
• Jalapeno pepper
• Plum tomato, cored, one per avocado used

Mash all ingredients with a fork to preserve a chunky texture. Serve with tortilla chips...or my favorite, pita chips!

Peking duck: 
So simple, will it work? This preparation is for a 5-6 lb duck and will need 8 hours.

1. Clean duck.
2. Fill large wok/pot with water and bring to a boil. Remove wok/pot from heat. 
3. Dip the duck into the hot water for approximately 5 minutes. Or you can scoop the water over the entire duck for approximately 10 minutes. This step makes the skin taunt on the duck.
4. Hang the duck in a cool place for 6 hours where there will be some air movement. I'll be hanging mine on the deck. It'll freak out the neighbors! The skin should already feel crispy at the end of this process.
5. Preheat oven to 400F.
6. Place duck on roasting rack, breast-side up. Beneath the rack place a pan filled with 2 inches of water to catch the drippings. (Maybe the steam from the water will do something too. I don't know. My source didn't divulge.) You can also place an apple inside the duck for a nice aroma.
7. Roast at 400F for 30 minutes. 
8. Turn oven down to 300F and roast for 2-2.5 hours.
9. Use sharp knife to cut off crispy skin. Place meat and skin on a prewarmed dish. Serve with hoisin sauce (update: My source tells me that "Sweet Flour" sauce is what peking duck is traditionally served with. Though if you can't find it, hoisin will do fine.), scallions (cut into 2 inch-long pieces), and buns (Chinese or mooshu-type ones).

I can't wait to post pictures at my first attempt to roast a duck!

Starbucks BOGO

From November 17-20 from 2-5 p.m., when you buy one holiday drink, you'll get another one of equal or lesser value for free. Man, I wish Salted Caramel Frappaccino was still around :(.

[Video] J says, "I may be sick, but I still love my fruit!"

I may be sick, but I still love my fruit!
Where's the rest of it?
Give me more, woman!

[first video taken with iPhone 4S, exciting]

Stop the time-change madness!

It seemed like forever ago that we switched back to Eastern Standard Time (EST). The fury that ensued when it occurred is a faint memory now. Maybe that's why no one has ever successfully lobbied to stop the time-changing madness. Once it's over, we move on and forget it about it. But not me! I still hold a grudge.

The switch back to EST was awful because it made our son tired. We'd put him to bed later but he still wanted to get up at his usual time, 6am, which was then 5am to us. So he started his day off earlier and was then tired all day. And this compromised his immune system and he got mad-sick. Ugh!

You know, it wasn't until I lived overseas that I realized that the whole world does not follow daylight savings. Heck, there aren't even time zones in China!

So what's the deal with Daylight Savings Time (DST) in the U.S. anyways? (Well, only Arizona and Hawaii don't follow DST. Another reason to move to Maui right?) Wikipedia says (so does Scientific American, which is way more trustworthy than Wikipedia) something about saving energy and promoting afternoon activities. That's great! So why can't we be in DST all the time? Who needs EST?

You know what happens every time we have to switch our clocks? Google "daylight savings psychology" and you get headlines like Daylight-Saving Time Leads To Less Sleep, More Injuries On The Job and Detrimental Effects of Daylight-Saving Time on SAT Scores. Did someone say SAT scores? Why aren't the Asians revolting yet?

I "liked" three Facebook groups against DST until I realized, with help from a co-worker, that I like DST. It's EST I don't like.

So seriously, how do we get rid of this time-changing madness?

Any political-minded friends out there know?

It's better to be super than to be perfect

When I was young (not that I'm old now, right?), I dreamt of being the perfect girlfriend. I would put on makeup, dress pretty, act demure, send my BF sweet notes and gifts, and show him what a perfect wife I could be.

Pfff!

When I was less young and engaged, I dreamt of being the perfect wife. I would put on makeup, dress pretty, act demure, send my husband sweet notes and gifts, cook, clean and show him what a perfect mother I could be.

Pfff!

When I was even less young and married, I dreamt of being the perfect mother. I would put on makeup, dress pretty, act demure, send my husband and kids sweet notes and gifts, cook, clean and show them what a cool person I could be.

Pfff!

Some people are either (1) really strangely perfect...or (2) hiding/faking it real well. Bravo to them.

Then there are those that poke fun at themselves, like Ilana Rosengarten, hilarious author of Mommy Shorts (no, they are not the shorts version of mommy jeans like my sister thought). Here's part of her list of  Supermom skills. Guess I could be Supermom but not Perfectmom ;).

[source]

I love #241 because it's so true. Kids do love goldfish crackers!
#243 made me crackup because it's like wrestling an alligator, slippery too when he's all covered in Aquaphor, into anything -- PJs, shoes, socks, etc.
#247 my husband and I have been known to catch spoons, bowls, cups, and food in mid-air
#248 hilarious -- I always smell it before my husband does

What are Supermom or Superdad skills?

Importance of reducing a fever

[source]

This post is gonna be short because it's been a long day. For myself, I tend to either under-medicate or use no medication at all. I admittedly try to do the same for J.

But not after today. Today, I came to fully understand the importance of keeping a fever down in a young child.

Right now, J is on a cycle of ibuprofen and acetaminophen -- we will even wake him up to give it to him. I know, I would gasp too if it weren't my own son.

In brighter news, J tried to take several more steps on his own today. If only it weren't for our puppy, who thought this was an invitation to jump on him, maybe J would have taken more. Oh well! Plenty of time to practice tomorrow as we stay home from daycare.

Small Business Saturday, November 26th

Vocalpoint has asked bloggers to encourage their readers to shop local on November 26, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Take the pledge here and be entered to win a $25 American Express® Shop Small Gift Card. 


Find local businesses
Like them on Facebook


P.S. If you're a blogger (and even if you're not), join Vocalpoint to get samples, coupons, and share your review of new products!

Update on convertible car seat

 in infant car seat, rear-facing (tight fit, huh?)

in convertible car-seat, forward-facing (he's happier than he looks)

Last week I posted that we bought a convertible car seat. My husband installed it rear-facing because we want to abide by the AAP's recommendation to keep a child rear-facing until he/she is two. But his legs were scrunched up against the back seat, so we decided to switch it forward-facing.

J now has plenty of room, enjoys watching the traffic, and I think, still a bit confused at what he's seeing.

Do you have a child under two sitting rear-facing?

When did you make the switch to forward-facing?

Month 15

This week, J had his 15-month well-visit. He had 3 shots coming, plus a flu shot.

I asked the doctor if J would need a 2nd one (booster) since it'd be the first time he's getting the flu shot. The doctor said, No, he had two last year.

Me: What?! He did?! How do I not remember that?!

Seriously, how do I not remember that?!

Anyways, J's growth is steady. Still big. Still tall. But not above the 90th percentile anymore!

15 month
Height 32.25 in (quarter-inch longer than at 12 months) (75th percentile)
Weight 26 lbs, 14 oz (two lbs heavier than at 12 months) (75th percentile)
Head circumference 18.5 in (no change) (50-75th percentile)

*** Online percentile calculator

At J's 9 month checkup, the doctor had suggested we call the Infants and Toddler's program in Maryland because J hadn't started crawling or using his pincer grip yet. We didn't call. At J's 12 month checkup, he had another evaluation of his gross motor, fine motor, communication, problem solving, and social skills. He scored well, so the doctor gave us no worries that time :).

This time, he suggested we call Infants and Toddler's because he's a bit behind walking. The daycare teachers say he's fine, he's a boy, and boys just tend to walk (and talk) later. But they'd be happy to host a visit from Infants and Toddlers if we want.

So we're going to schedule a visit, just to make sure. Funny thing is, he took a few steps toward me just two days ago. And my husband and I are "passing" him back and forth while he takes steps. And they practice a lot at daycare...so...I'm sure J's fine. Maybe he's just unsure or really likes to crawl and push his truck around.

When did your kids talk and walk?

We have nothing to worry about, right?

Cost of kids

According to Parenting.com, J will cost us $29,400 in the first year and $724,000 up the time he graduates college (assuming he goes to private university). Here's their breakdown:

• Housing: $202,600, not including the mortgage
• Food: $150,000
• Transportation: $52,000
• Clothing: $28,000
• Healthcare: $46,000
• Childcare & Education: $48,000 (we're well on our way with this one
• Miscellaneous: $60,000
• Higher education: $138,600, this estimate goes down to $73,000 if he attends a public university

When someone breaks it down like that, it seems daunting.

But imagine if you could put a monetary value on first smiles, first words, first hugs, first kisses, first steps, first giggles, and all the subsequent ones to follow in 18 years, I'd bet we'd come out on top!

Remembering to enjoy parenthood, 
Lisa

Gifts for toddler, gifts for Mom

For my little toddler who will be 17 months around Christmas...

The Great Big Toys R Us Book (10/30-11/23)

Five Below $1 to $5 toy book (11/5-11/13)

Kmart toy book (now-12/16?)

Of course there will be legos...I'm an engineer!

More trucks, please!

And we would love to find a used kid's picnic/art table -- if you know of any available -- otherwise, we'd buy one.

And now, gifts for Mom...honey, you taking notes?

Please don't me bad be mad that I'm bringing up the holidays already

[Video] Using a spoon!

When the teachers at daycare said that J was getting good at feeding himself yogurt with a spoon, I really wanted to see it for myself. Unfortunately, it was weeks after this comment that J started doing it at home. First, with oatmeal...and then finally with yogurt! Enjoy!

Making life easier

If you have kids and/or dogs, heck -- even if you have neither, you know that weekday mornings (and probably other times of the day as well) can be a whirlwind.

We have to feed J breakfast, get him dressed, get his lunch ready, and try to leave at the same time everyday. Luckily, he can't get out of the crib yet so dressing him is relatively easy. But when it comes time for socks, shoes, and a jacket, he can't stop crawling away. Ugh!

We have to take both dogs out to relieve themselves. And they can't seem to keep to their own sides, crisscrossing in front, creating a tripping hazard in the dark. Try finding their "gifts" camouflaged with fallen leaves/branches, also in the dark. And did I mention it's frigid outside? After they're done, the dogs need to be fed. And before we leave for work, the puppy needs to be cordoned in the kitchen with a mentally-stimulating activity so he doesn't chew the place apart. In the middle of the day, we also come home to let the dogs relieve themselves again.

So, yes, we were both stressed...maybe me a little more…

So my husband devised a plan...and then we revised that plan and think we've got a pretty good one.

We've been blessed to both have jobs close to home. We also found a daycare really close to my work, so commuting isn't a factor. I have horrible road rage.

I've also been blessed with a husband that will alternate grocery shopping and cooking responsibilities.

So, the week that _____ cooks:

• The other gets J ready for daycare in the mornings. 
• _____ takes the dogs out in the mornings. 
• _____ comes home at lunch to take the dogs out. 
• And this is my favorite part...during lunch, since we live so close to work, _____ has time to prep ingredients for dinner. _____ can wash/cut vegetables, marinate meat, set the timer for the rice cooker, etc. It makes the afternoons soooo much better. We can eat sooner and J is less cranky because of it. And a happy baby is a happy family.

Just goes to show that with a open communication (thanks hubby for initiating this conversation!), we can make our lives a bit simpler and more efficient.

What small (or big) steps have you taken to make your life easier?

Choosing a convertible car seat

Even though the weight limit on our current car seat, Graco SnugRide, is 32 lbs. (not sure of the height limit), J is getting too big for it especially if he's wearing a jacket. I thought he might be able to use it until he was 2, at which time we'd buy a forward-facing car seat, but I was naive.

So...

No need to buy an infant car seat with a weight limit greater than 25 lbs. 

J is over 90th percentile in height and weight, and we could have easily gotten a lighter infant car seat and made the switch to a convertible car seat earlier. J is currently 15 months, but he could have made the switch to a convertible car seat at 6 or 9 months.

Now you may say,

"Why don't I just forgo an infant car seat and just get the convertible car seat?"

Thanks, BlogHer.com

I'd like to thank BlogHer.com for increasing my pageviews today (146). An all time high.

{click on images to enlarge}

And from different parts of the world!