Happy Morning

Here's a video of Emmett laughing this morning. I am going through the camera and will be posting some older pictures and videos soon.

Emmett Digs His Name

Either Emmett really likes his name or he thinks his name is really funny.

Work and more

I started my new job about 2 weeks ago. It's a smaller clinic (2 providers including myself). It has been a bit stressful, adjusting to the new job and being away from my precious little guy. He's changing so much, and I feel like I'd miss everything. When I was at home, not working, I was feeling so guilty for not being able to provide for our baby. And now I feel guilty being away (and leaving the baby!) most days of the week. It must be part of the mom syndrome! I hope like most things, a routine will form and I will get used to it. Since it's a smaller operation, I don't yet have a medical assistant. Which means, I room my own patients, take vitals, and draw blood as well. I haven't done that in years! All the while, speaking medical Vietnamese! But with practice, everything is getting easier. I successfully drew blood on everyone this past week, and I'm learning all these new Vietnamese words: pancreas, thyroid, prostate... Needless to say, there are more awkward moments, but I find that the Vietnamese patients are more.. um.. patient with me. But once Adventist Health takes over this clinic, there will be more resources and support available. I'm grateful for the organization and their flexibility. So I just have to remember to be flexible myself, at the moment.
Baby Emmett laughs, sits up, and tries to roll over now. He's in 6-9 months clothes. And he sleeps through the night! He didn't seem to have much problem with transition to being with a nanny instead of mom and dad all day- with the exception of sleep schedules at the moment. But we're working on that. Being a mom really do test my patience and tendency to have high expectation. He's a champ though. I thank God everyday for blessing us and entrusting us with him.

Laughing at Q's office
Sitting up in the Bumbo
Nice and warm for a walk

Emmett Having Fun with Aunty Tina

Emmett at 12 weeks enjoying time with aunt Tina.

Dr. Seuss

Story time fun with Daddy.

Emmett

Our baby boy is 12 weeks old today. Life is completely different, interesting, exciting and exhausting since he arrived. He's gaining plenty of weight and we're sleeping training at the moment. In the last week, Emmett has slept through the night (meaning 5-6 hours stretch)! There is still one fussy period at around 9 pm but we can deal with that. Looking at him, I really can't believe that he's ours. What a blessing and miracle he is! God is so good to us.

On Advent

I (Chau), think I understand the meaning of the advent season a lot more this year. For generations, the Israelites have been waiting for the Promise, the Messiah, the Christ, who will deliver them. The anticipation and the stories of their past are repeatedly told at each family gathering, at meals. They are reminded time and time again that the Lord is coming. And when He's here, all will be well again. That is the reason why the angels sing and Mary called herself blessed.

We are also celebrating advent of another kind. I'm 38 3/7 weeks pregnant today. The little guy is technically cooked, mature and full term. We are just waiting for his arrival. The anticipation has me tickled with excitement and apprehensive with the unknown of it all.

This is the 4th year that we are participating in Advent Conspiracy. We are trying to be more purposeful with our resources. Instead of getting caught up in consumerism that occurs around this season, we are joining our church in using that money in a more meaningful way: building wells in 3rd world countries, serving Portland, Kosovo, and Haiti.



Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you find much joy during this advent season.