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November 12 Dylan's life as a three-year-old
The biggest news is that I will soon be a big brother! I am going to have twin sisters next March. I must say that I really wanted a brother, but I can always dress them up in my boy clothes and teach them how to play ball and do all the things I love to do. With me around, they won't have time or the desire to play with dolls, ha. I go to preschool four days a week -- 2 days a week at a fun, interesting preschool down the hill from where I live, so I walk to and from when the weather is nice. Ha, when I walk to school, I explain to people, "I need my exercise." The other is a Chinese immersion preschool that I honestly don't understand what they are saying...Everyone is smiling and enjoying themselves, but I do feel a bit out of place because I don't understand as much as most of the other kids in my class. But, the food is good, the playground is large and I can count to "20" in Chinese so far... I am also speaking many words and sentences compared to a year ago at this time. Not sure, but I think my very first sentence was, "Trick or Treat" because it really paid off! Since then, I can ask for food by name, even though my parents think sometimes my pronunciation is funny or cute. For example, whenever I say the word "hamburger", they think it's funny when I pronounce it "hang-a-bur." But, that is better compared to when I say, "Screw me" for "Excuse me."…I just don't know why that is so funny. My "Grandpa," whom I pronounce, "Crap-pa" is lots of fun because he puts me on his shoulders and I am the tallest person in the land! I am making many friends these days--mostly from school, but I did make two friends last night...We went to a college reunion dinner in which there were five of us kids there...Two girls and three of us boys....For some reason, the girls were sitting quietly, well behaved and looked like "breathing rocks" in my opinion. But our boys were having lots of fun -- So much that the table next to us had to tell our parents to make us stop having so much fun. But, since they were pretty old, all they had to do was turn down their hearing aids as far as I was concerned! The other two boys were much older than I -- more than twice my age and then some. But, I was pretty proud of myself because they listened to me when I gave them directions on "who would play what." For example, I was Batman, the 7 year old would be a policeman and the 8 year old would be a fireman. They did change roles after I suggested they play those characters (one wanted to be Robin and the other the "bad" guy), and it was still fun. We all hugged each other when we left the restaurant. Also to my credit, I did say "Excuse me" to one of the old people who gave us a "stiff" face as we were having fun, but I think it sounded like "Screw me" instead...Oh well...I can get away with it for my age, so why not be cute? For Halloween, a pack of us went out all dressed up and got lots of candy (most of which my Mommy ate). I scared lots of people with my Devil outfit because I saw a photo of My Mommy dressing as a devil years ago and it scared me! Today, I don't have to remind Mommy of the scary photo anymore since I became a devil and scared others...What fun! Today was an exciting day because I got to try out my new Jeep! My parents were so proud of me because I was able to freely share my Jeep with other kids, even though it was my first time driving it. We didn't roll it, crash or fall out! Sharing really can be a lot of fun, even though I don't always feel like sharing. I look forward to more fun adventures in the future with my friends and little sisters! May 06 Dear Dylan, you are 3 years old today!!!DYLAN BY AGE 3: FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Playing with cars, trains, 60-piece puzzles, now drawing (fortunately not on the table much anymore). Dylan is a very fast runner and can run for an hour at a time, easily. Loves to play at McDonalds’ play area, then fell in love with “Happy Land” where he can run with a pack of boys (whom he picks out instantly). He no longer uses a stroller and can keep up with us in the dog park walk by about age 2 ½. By three, we have a hard time keeping up with him. Swimming—Dylan is really taking off and making huge improvement each and every swim lesson he takes. At age 3, he began his official swimming class and could swim by himself about 6 feet after his 4th lesson. He loves it! FAVORITE SONG: By Dylan’s later 2-year mark, “Old McDonald had a farm” is a repetitious song he enjoys singing many times throughout the day. He is also starting to sing his “ABC’s” with 90 percent accuracy. FAVORITE VIDEO: Dylan watched the movie “Cars” day after day, for about 8 months until it finally stopped working. He then evolved to Thomas Trains, Little Einstein, Teletubbies, PBS Kids, and various other videos we check out at the library. SLEEPS: An average of 13 hours a day. A later afternoon 3 hour nap, and goes to bed from approximately 8:30 PM to 6:30 AM. He is pretty good about going down for naps in his later 2-year old era, and very good about going down for bed. He loves his “aquarium” music box that helps him prepare for sleep. FAVORITE FOODS: Dylan is also known as the “clam monger.” On more than one occasions, he has gobbled down all but a few clams in a large bowl that feeds 4-6 people,—And never got sick! Once he ate all of 4 lbs of clams with the exception of five for others…I believe he could have eaten more. Still eats just about everything, but starting to get picker. Won’t eat left-overs, cranberry sauce, onions, garlic, potatoes, olives or cereal, but will eat brussels sprouts, broccoli, and other good things. Over all, Dylan is a very good, healthy eater. FAVORITE TOYS: Cars, cars, cars & trains. Dylan LOVES to take all of his toys and create impressive “cities.” Some are quite creative and amazing! VOCABULARY: After a class and some 1-1 speech therapy, Dylan’s speech seemed to erupt from saying about 10 words by his 2nd birthday to 3and even 4 word sentences about three quarters of the year after his 2nd birthday. It is fun to listen to his thoughts, as he is very inquisitive. Dylan also notices a lot of detail…If things are “missing” off balance, or not working properly, he will say something like, “This piece missing - Where go?” One of Dylan’s first long sentences ever was, “More nuts please” and “Go back home.” HEIGHT WEIGHT: 38.5” tall and 35lbs. Above average in weight (but Dylan has a LOT of muscle and is definitely not fat) and about average in height. HAIR EYE & SKIN COLOR: Medium brown hair, green mixed with some blue in the eyes, beautiful olive skin tone. POTTY TRAINING: Dylan was “school ready” about two months before he turned three years old, although we still put a diaper on him during naps and night time. His biggest motivation (well, only motivation, really) was to be potty trained so that he could go to the “Big Kids’” school. With the help of Teacher Gillian, Dylan was invited to watch the children go potty and be their official “toilet flusher” so that he got the idea that if he wanted to go to this fun school, he also had to use their potty…This technique was very, very successful with Dylan, and I am proud to say that he will be starting the “Big Kids’ School” July 6th, 2009 half days, three days a week. TEMPERMENT: Amazingly happy little guy! Dylan has a “sunny” personality, is gentle, sensitive and very sociable. CUTE TIDBITS: --Just after his 3rd birthday, Dylan was playing at “Happy Land” when a bully kid started to hit him for no reason. The bully’s’ Mom did nothing but tell her child to stop. Mama got up to take care of the problem, but by then Dylan has shied away and it was over. Mama then said to Dylan, “Never start a fight, but if someone hits you, then hit them back.” Within minutes, Dylan marched up to the little bully and started hitting him while saying, “Look Mama, I hitting him” with a big smile on his face. Needless to say, Mama was very embarrassed J --Another day at McDonalds’ Land, a pack of older kids were running around in which Dylan followed. One little boy said, “Does anyone want to be the monster?” Dylan quickly volunteered say, “I monster, I monster” over and over again. Unfortunately, the older boy did not notice Dylan’s desire to be elected “monster.” However, the group quickly broke up anyway and every body went their separate ways so Dylan did not seem upset. --Because Dylan was so very, very good at puzzles and putting 25, 30, 40 & 50 piece puzzles together with ease, I decided to challenge him one day by buying a 100 piece puzzle of a cat cartoon that quite frankly was not easy for adults to put together. After about 5 minutes of pondering, Dylan suddenly said, “This puzzle hard!” --Dylan loves his dog and likes to run after him and play. January 06 Dylan's 1st argument in public!
I just couldn't believe it...There I was, sitting at the playhouse in
McDonald's doing some bookkeeping while Dylan was having a good
time...suddenly I heard a little girls' voice saying over and over, "My
Turn, Me first."
Away with chivalry and the "ladies' first" era as I heard baby Dylan arguing
with her, "No, Dylan's turn...Dylan's turn first!"
Of course, she was another head taller than Dylan and about twice his age.
so we all know who would come out ahead in this match.
Nonetheless, Dylan kept chirping like a parrot over and over until the
little girl gave in--probably because her mother told her to "let the little
guy go first."
Not this Mom--I wanted to see what would happen.
Would Dylan continue to speak his mind and stand up for what he thought was
right?
He certainly did and marched ahead of the older girl.
Next, he wanted to play with her.
How quickly they forgive and forget.
Guess those speech classes are really helping Dylan with his life skills!
November 20 Dylan got laid off （赵娃娃被裁员了）Well, you know the economy is really bad when our "baby-man," unemployed model Dylan loses his job! Although the jobs never paid well, nor has he had any auditions in quite some time. Nonetheless Dylan took We perceive his reaction as being a calm and optimistic little guy… We went down for a "talent review" yesterday at the modeling agency he worked for. After many attempts to shoot his photo and get his attention, Dylan chose to play with a toy truck instead... At least the owner was honest and straight forward. She said that because Dylan could not take her instruction well and could not sit still long enough to be a good candidate for a photographer/client. After telling us that this was the worst year in her 20 years of business, she did say that Dylan’s behavior was typical for kids his age. But, we know that his previous interviews were similar to this experience, thus photographs taken in his auditions must have looked like a blur. She did invite us to check back with her if Dylan can follow instructions down the road...But by then, I'm sure our boy may start another business, who knows? To ease the painful truth and sudden lay off, we looked for entertainment at a good price. Therefore, we set out to Costco. One can play with its merchandise for hours and nobody cares. The perfect "play-date" without messing up anyone's home or dealing with kids not willing to share :) After he enjoyed Costco's mini-motorized car and rocking horses, Dylan worked up an appetite. He then enjoyed the hard, chocolate-covered biscotti that nearly broke my tooth (but at least he will have more teeth later on), yet snubbed his nose at the tortilla soup (can't blame him after trying it). Nonetheless, he will feast on the delicious, roasted chicken all week long. In this tough economic time, even the youngest workers are getting laid off...Count your blessings if you have a job--or better yet if you don't need one! May 16 Dylan's First Haircut (赵娃娃第一次理发)(The story was written by my godmother Kathy as I haven't learned how to write yet :)
I was two years 7 days old that day and FINALLY my first hair trim (cut).
It was a sunny warm morning at home along the coast with my parents, Grandma Strange and Godmother Kathy and we were all having a great time. We went for a ride in the car and ended up at this unusual place with a black and white checkered floor. I was not sure what would be up but it could not be good so I just sat on the floor and started crying...
Well I got soft when they offered me a candy sucker and Mom picked me up and placed me in this cool looking car chair with a steering wheel and big tires. Mom started talking to Christina, the pretty hair stylist, and pointing to my hair. I was listening but not sure what they were talking about. Christina places this cool looking plastic cover over me with animal prints on it. She was touching and combing my hair and I started to see my hair coming off. Well it didn’t seem to hurt but after a couple of minutes I figured I had been very patient. I could not sit still and wanted out of this chair. I was offered my milk bottle in one hand and my candy sucker in the other but she was still combing and trimming my hair. I didn’t like my hair being combed at all. Now I had my milk bottle, a candy sucker and Mom was showing me a book all the while Christina was trimming my hair! Okay now I was really getting anxious and could not control my crying.
Finally it all stopped for a minute or two but the break did not last long enough and Mom decided to hold me while Christina finished up. I could not help myself and could not stop crying even Grandma and Kathy shed a tear or two. Good thing they did not see me when I got my shots from the doctor. Sometimes I just cannot help myself when I start to cry. Christina gave my parents nice card with a few locks of my hair for a keepsake. I guessed she was not so bad as she also invited us back once in awhile just to say hello and get a candy sucker.
I finally escaped this place and we were off to have lunch. I was very happy then laughing with all my loved ones around me and good food. We headed back home and I got a chance for a well needed nap. That was very exhausting for me. I’m good to go until next time. It wasn’t so bad after all.
The photos show before, during, and after. Enjoy :). I
May 09 Celebrate our boy's two years life journey 庆祝赵娃娃两岁的生活历程！Well, I just turned two years old on May 6th. My doctor says I'm in good health and about the right size, but maybe a little heavier than most kids my age. I don't talk much--well, hardly at all--but there really isn't a need. Pointing my finger and grunting get me whatever I want--and better results compared to screaming or crying.
My hobbies (in order of priority) include: Eating, drinking milk, kissing and hugging my parents, playing rough w/Grandpa, books and running on the beach every chance I get. I do like my toy trucks, but unless I can drive them, there are only so many things a 2 year old can do. Mama's computer, her phone and other household items are much more interesting because SHE likes them. If nobody in the family is interested in my toys, why should I?
I also enjoy the pool. Truly, I was having a great time until my Mom was urged to let me “sink or swim”. After finally getting to the edge on my own, I hated the pool after numerous "drown proofing" sessions. I think Mom could feel my pain, so we took a six month break. Ha, you can imagine how embarrassed my Mom was when I yelled and screamed at the top of my lungs when we started again after the break. Fortunately for her, she thought to find me a nice ball to enjoy in the water. The pool has become more fun these days.
Physically, I am darn cute! Even though my weight is 80% more than most boys my age (31 lbs), they do not have the muscle I have. As you know, muscle weighs more than fat, so that is my excuse. Besides, the most fat I have on me is in my cheeks (well maybe a little in my gut and butt as well). All I know is that other mothers roll their eyes as they strain to pick me up and tell my Mom that I am so much heavier then their kid...then quickly comment that I am "very solid," whatever that means. Since I'm not wild about being held most of the time, they rarely ever pick me up again, ha.
I have been a model, but currently unemployed, as it is really hard for me to sit or even stand still--and the photographers probably get tired of chasing and taking blurry pictures of me. Well, that's what I want to believe anyway.
Personality-wise, I hope to make it on that alone if all else fails. I have one sparkling personality that is sure to open doors when needed down the road of life. For one thing, I laugh at other people's jokes (because I really do think they are funny). Furthermore, I am always offering help to anyone who will take it (except the dog is reluctant to accept my help since dumping the bowl of water on him). I am usually very happy except when I get tired or hungry and can even smile on command! Nor am I very demanding-- unless I am hungry or tired, of course. I like animals and people for the most part, but I do not like cranberry sauce or red bell peppers...Other than that I'll eat anything!
Lastly, I am also called the “Master of B”. To translate, that means all my favorite words usually start with a B. For example, ball, book, bird, balloon, and broom just to name a few. I would estimate that 90% of my vocabulary begins with the letter B. Perhaps if they would have named me “Bob”, I could say my name by now, who knows? March 04 Dylan's first encounter with a "lady" his age...因为各种各样的原因，已经很久很久没有更新娃娃的博克了。九到我都不好意思更新了。。。像许许多多其他的娃娃一样，我们家的娃娃这些日子也在茁壮成长着，长肉肉，长身高，长心计，长脾气。。。不好意思的是，22个月的娃娃说话的本领没见长，迄今只会说hot, up, 和balloon，算是个落后分子吧。。。
话说这个周末带着娃娃出去遛狗狗，巧遇一个和娃娃同龄的小lady，见到娃娃后如同恶虎扑食一般，毫不吝惜地就对嫩娃上下其手，摸了头发摸脸蛋儿，摸了脸蛋儿捏胳膊，捏了胳膊拽小手，拽了小手搜娃身，搜完了身开始脱娃衣。。。整个“骚扰”过程让娃娃妈全程摄下，以备日后举证之用J
可怜我们家没见过世面的嫩娃，整个一个不知所措，既不知反抗，也不知迎合，呆呆的一动不动，一对无辜的眼睛甚至不敢正视那个小lady一下，和平时那个窝里横的小“造反派”判若两娃。。。
November 14 Dylan's first REAL modeling experience!
Well, my Mom has told me that I did a better job today compared to the last time I worked.
Unlike last time, I didn't feel like running around like a wild man at the studio and was quite content playing with others' toys and the little boy who was also being photographed.
The job I did for Pottery Barn Kids' was very professional, clean and interesting. Mom drove me to downtown San Francisco and found parking so easily that we were about 15 minutes early!
My first shooting session was OK until I bumped my head on the crib and couldn't stop crying. They suggested I take a break, so I ate some cheese sticks and drank water.
Then, they asked me to change my two piece knit jacket, shirt and pants outfit from the navy blue to lime green. Everyone said I looked better in the lighter colors, so they shot a whole bunch of photos on my second shooting.
I had a good time being entertained by four adults all trying to crack me up with toys, songs and sounds, but my favorite was a "jack in the box" that popped up after cranking the handle. THAT was really cool!
After being there for 2 hours and 15 minutes, we were done. Mom said I made more money per hour compared to their C.P.A. So I guess working for quality department stores can really pay off.
Guess they will have me in Pottery Barn Kids' spring catalog coming out in February or early March, 2008. September 07 The milestone of baby Dylan's swimming experience!Well, my parents were a lot more impressed with my first swim tonight than I was, I must admit...
OK, I've been able to hold my breath underwater for a couple of months now, but to expect me to "swim" on my own was a bit ambitions, I must say...After all, I just turned 16 months old just yesterday!
Ha, they think I was "swimming" to the side of the pool, but the truth is I just wanted to get away from those obnoxious older kids hitting me in the head with their rubber balls and my Mama (who I thought loved me) letting go of me in the water over and over again!
At least I got one little boys' ball away from him since it came right to me, but there were too many others that I just couldn't take on...Next time I'll try to remember to bring a safety pin, ha, ha, ha.
Now you know why I was kicking my legs and starting to move my arms so quickly for the first time--To get the heck out of there!
I did get lots of aplause and smiles from my folks so at least I got something out of it.
But, when Mama wanted me to "swim" one last time before we left, I protested.
After three little "swims" I'd really had enough and was ready to hit the warm shower.
But, I guess I'd better get used to this because I really do want to grab all those kids' rubber balls coming my way next time!
August 06 Baby Astronaut's Spacecraft Adventure :)
What? Mechanical failure??!!!!
Where is the "panic button"???
What?? There is none???!!!
This is really frustrating!!!!
Mommy, help me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! October 27 My First Trip to TahoeLights, camera and action! After Mom checked me into a luxurious hotel in Lake Tahoe, she dragged me across a casino to get cash. Unfortunately for her, she couldn't teach me how to count to "21" by showing me how to play "black jack”. A security guard who looked like he slammed his hand in a car door before reporting to work stopped my Mom before she was about to make a bet...After politely being told that it is against "Nevada state law" to bring babies like me into any gaming area or bar, we had to leave...My Mom questioned the authority, but authority won. However, Mom got around that by taking me to a restaurant because it is O.K. for kids to be there. Only this restaurant happened to be right across from the slot machines....From there, I could watch Mommy play exciting games! Mommy liked winning money but I liked it when the bells, whistles and colors went off instead. Once again, another security guard came up to us... Only this one was much nicer because he made silly faces at me and let me play with his keys! Too bad those keys didn't fit the casinos' vault or else I'd have a lifetime supply of baby food! Mom would have taken a photo of me in the casino watching all the entertaining sights and sounds, but we knew another security guard would have caught her and possibly taken away her camera...I was happy to be let stay up until 2:20 AM the next morning since I had a "power nap" almost the whole drive there (4+ hours). Needless to say, I was ready to see Lake Tahoe! The next day was sunny but cool when we drove past the "Do Not Enter" signs to reach a popular, secluded beach just past the casinos...There, we saw pristine, clear blue water amidst a forest of green trees surrounding Lake Tahoe. It is a popular beach in the summertime, but closed in the winter...However, my Mom felt it wasn't winter yet and since the gates were still open, she wanted to show it to me just for a few minutes--or long enough to take a photo shoot. After that, we proceeded to head towards home. But on the way, my Mom found another beach--Only this one was actually open to the public! There was even a little play area just for kids like me overlooking the lake! My Mom and I even went down a slide together. After some young adults finally got off the swings, it was my turn. First, Mommy put me on her lap and swung me back and forth, but I liked having my own swing better because it was the first time I got to swing all by myself! Lake Tahoe was a blast and I can't wait to go back! September 06 Godmother Kathy's words about Baby DylanDylan is reaching for his feet now and is trying to hold on to his toy as you see in the picture. He enjoys being in the swimming pool for about 15 minutes to 1/2 hour. He tries to talk and makes sounds. He holds his two fingers and sometimes his whole fist in his mouth. He might be starting to cut some teeth. Also, he slobbers a lot so Mama keeps a bib around him because his little shirts were getting all wet. The next time I see him in October he will probably be turning himself and cutting teeth. It has been a pleasure being his Godmother... June 17 Visiting my GodmothersLast Sunday, Mom took me and my doggie brother Rembrandt to visit my godmothers Kathy and Lisa for dinner. We brought some beautiful flowers that are still in bloom a week laterJ… Of course I was the center of attention the whole night and loved to drink my formula. I had two bottles while I was there. Yeah, I am a growing boy! After seeing Angelina and Brad’s baby in People Magazine, everyone said I am much more beautiful. Well, I think I am just cuteJ. Godmother Lisa held me up to a mirror and I was very fascinated. I had a lot of facial expressions, was very alert and smiled a lot. Gee, I wish I could talk… Also, I was starting to hold up my head, which amazed godmother Kathy considering my age. Enjoy the photo of me snuggling over godmother Lisa’s chest… |
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