Spring Day at the Zoo

We decided to spend the first 60-some degree day at the zoo. So did everyone else in Milwaukee. Despite the crowds, we were were impressed by the zoo, and loved watching Violet's joyful interest in the animals. I think she particularly liked the fish.

Violet's Baby

Violet's "Auntie Anne" sent her a baby doll with a soft hand-sewn nightgown and blanket, and needless to say, Violet loves it. She carries it around giving it kisses and hugs. Anne managed to find Asian dolls for Violet and Helena. Thanks Anne!

Playing With Light

The amazing Betty Brinn Children's Museum

What a treasure to have this Museum so close by. Violet and Helena had such a good time. It has enough range of activities to keep a child interested from one to ten years old, including a artificial flower shop, puppet stage and vegetable patch (fake veg. of course). We eagerly bought a yearly pass for $50.

Happy Easter...now where's spring?

We spent a very happy Easter with Gma, Gpa, Uncles, Aunts and cousins. Violet received her first Easter Basket from the Bunny, and was eating the crayons in no time. I can sense Spring on some days, and the next day we will be back in the depths of winter. Only in Wisconsin...

Violet walked across the room for the first time over the Easter weekend. She is a deliberate and cautious walker. We better get more baby gates. Bob and I were the proudest people on the planet, like she had just become president (well, she is a few steps closer now). Funny how parents feel about their children's accomplishments.

March 2008

Yes, the whole month clumped together, because it slipped through my fingers somehow! Violet and I went to my parents house to cheer up my dad who broke his arm slipping on the driveway. Between Violet and the Vicodin, I think he felt much better. We had record snowfall in March, so we were marooned indoors a lot of the time. But here's a snapshot of last few weeks.



When we did venture out, we met up with Anna and Helena the coffee shop.








Butchered Bangs


OK, so I didn't know it was so hard to cut bangs. I have a whole new respect for hairdressers. I believe this is what Violet was thinking:

"I'm NOT showing anyone."


"Let's see, how will I get back at you?"

"I guess you did the best you could."

Auntie Nell knitted me this gorgeous scarf, but I'm not quite sure how to put it on..."


"Like this?"

"Got it!"


We celebrated Chinese New Year with other members of Families with Children from China (FCC). A huge affair with dancers, a market, food, and crafts. Violet and Helena will join a Chinese class when they are three. Bob is thinking about learning the language for business. I fell asleep during a French class exam in high school, and won't be attempting to learn the most difficult language on earth.

Violet and Helena's First Birthday Party

Violet apparently enjoys chocolate cake!


We observed a Chinese tradition of putting different objects, representing professions, in front of a baby on her first birthday and seeing what she choses. Violet chose a Buddhist Prayer Spinner, representing something spiritual (perhaps a monk?), and Helena chose crayons (artist).