Boys' Photo Reel

Here are the promised 42 pictures.

(click on the slideshow for fullscreen)

Observations on the Eldest Child

Titus, or Taide (泰德) as he is often called, is usually a charming 26 month-old. Some of his unique qualities include:

1. Persistent concern for guests at the dinner table.

He will not rest until everyone has food on their plate. If someone's plate is empty, Titus feels responsible for serving that person. I did not say that the service is tidy.

2. Bilingualism.

I am surprised at how much Titus comprehends in Chinese and English. We recently read a children's picture book. I quizzed him, "Where is the ___?" in Chinese, for every noun in the pictures. 100% correct. Then again in English. 100% correct. Granted, it was a 6-page board book.

3. Whining all the day long.

Today he was wonderful. But some days I wonder if this indefatigable mewling indicates that something is wrong with the kid? Or is this normal? Help.

4. Grandparent-mania.

Some kids get hooked on Disney, Legos, Thomas the Train, Tickle-Me-Elmo, et al. Titus is fixated on Wai-Gong, Wai-Po, Ye-Ye and Nai-Nai.

5. Kisses as apologies.

Titus whacks Mom on the head with a book; kiss ensues. Titus steals toy from friend, who begins crying; kiss ensues. Titus spins bucket around the living room like a wrecking ball, battering the furniture; kisses on dents and dings ensues. (By the way, Titus will kiss on command, even when bid to kiss strangers, and yes we do that when befitting.)

Observations on the Second Child

Mikey's Chinese name is yet undetermined at four months of age, but he is affectionately known as Mai-Mai (麦麦). About Baby:

1. Please stay this mild forever.

I recall a time when I thought babies were hard to care for...did I really think that once? I heard that some babies are difficult. Not this one. He is like his father: feed me, hug me, let me sleep and I'm happy.

2. Smiling, Laughing.

At this stage in life Mike is particularity keen on having his cheeks and lips tickled by his own toes, accompanied by some high-pitched baby talk. Laughter eruption.

3. Teething?

I used to wonder why baby outfits often come with a matching bib. Now I know, it's for drool-meisters like Michael. Could this, paired with fussing, foretell the appearance of a tooth?

4. Grabbing for toys.

Mike has reached a developmental stage where he is amused to sit and grab for whatever object is placed within reach, followed by tasting the object.

5. The life of the second-born.

Compared with first-born, he is picked up less quickly when fussing. His diaper is changed less immediately. He is bathed about 90% less than first-born was. Mozart, tummy-time, reading, baby massage and other essential activities also wane for #2. But he is well-loved, yes, we cherish our handsome, dark-eyed, hairy Michael.