Singapore Baby Shower

We are so blessed to have wonderful friends on both sides of the globe. This past weekend we were given another amazing shower for the peanut. Our friends planned a wonderful shower and BBQ! There were games, fun, and wonderful friends. Everyone's gifts were so thoughtful and amazing. We even received a book that is made especially for the baby, using her Vietnamese name and everything. Then to top it all off, at the end of the evening we were presented with an amazing gift, a Rocking Chair. It has already gone to good use, and we know that it will when she comes! Thanks to everyone for the shower, and to Li and Mary Jo for organizing it all!

What a beautiful Cake!

Becky and Tuffli arriving at the shower.

 A wonderful card filled with all sorts of heartfelt messages!

 

That evening; Mary Jo, Mike, Rupert, Roger, Meg, Andrew, Li Chin, and Becky

Awwww what a cute couple- Roger and Meg

Rupert manning the grill, it was all delicious!

Later that evening. Around the circle starting on the left- Li, Rupert, Meg, Roger, Mike, Vikram, Padma, LiChin, Andrew, Becky, and Tuffli- and we are missing the photographer- Mary Jo.

 

 

Even later that evening, Tuffli preparing the rocking chair!

36 Week Check Up!

Well, two more weeks have gone by...the peanut is continuing to grow at a healthy rate! We are very pleased. In this ultrasound she even was sucking her thumb, guess she takes after her mom on that front! The image is a bit hard to see, but if you look in the center of the picture you may be able to see her side of the face and her fingers in her mouth. We will see Dr. Paul on the 23rd of December for our next check up, and we are anxious for Barb's arrival on the 29th. It will be a race to see who will arrive first, either the grandmother or the grand-daughter. Either way we will be excited to see them both. 

First Half Marathon

Last Sunday, December 6th, I completed my first half marathon in Singapore, the longest distance (to date) I've ever done.  Although the race course was considered fast and flat, it was one of the most physically & mentally challenging things I've done.  I felt great after 18 km, but then it quickly went downhill for me.  It didn't help that I ran past every drink station available on the course and relied solely on my fuel belt (32 oz of Gatorade), which I didn't completely finish.  Becky is still a bit peeved at me for this.  Needless to say, the last few kilometers felt like an eternity, but I tried to focus on the finish line and kept my legs churning.  3 months of training left me with a finishing time of 2 hours and 18 seconds, which I'm pretty happy about.  My worst case target time was 2 hrs 10 mins. Here's a pic of me towards the finishing area with a painful look on my face.

If that wasn't enough, here's a link with video of my finish:  http://www.marathon-photos.com/scripts/event_entry.py?event=Sports/2009/Singapore%20Marathon;match=40084

If that wasn't enough, here's a link on how I faired up against the rest: http://www.runpix.name/sin09/00/finord.php?LastName=40084&lan=&aset=0&dist=21

I think I'll stick with 10km runs for a while now, but I'm sure I'll find the half marathon (or even full marathon) itch in the future.

Week 34 Check up- she shows her face!!!

Hello all, we hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We certainly have a lot to be grateful for! We went for our 34 week check up, and Dr. Paul is please with the baby's growth. He even commented that she is going to be tall- judging by the length of her thigh bone- I guess she takes after her dad! Much to our delight, our little one showed her face today. Previously she has been shy and stayed away from the limelight, but not today. As the scan proceeded Dr. Paul moved the sensor- and there she was! We even got to see her blink and stick out her tongue. So all and all a good Doctor's visit!

So who do you think she looks like??? :-) 

32 week check-up

Greetings from Singapore! After a wonderful, albeit seemingly short trip to the US, we have been back for just over a week. We had our 32 week check-up/scan this week. The peanut is doing well, her heart rate is good and her growth is normal (She now weighs two kgs). In this scan you can see her head on the left and her back on the top of the picture. Dr. Paul is pleased with her growth, and we now will begin to see him every two weeks! It is amazing how quickly time flies. Mommy is feeling well and is very excited that she can continue to workout; in fact Dr. Paul said that it is very good for the labor process. We continue to feel so blessed by everyone's outpouring of concern and love and we are anxiously awaiting the birth of our first daughter!

Farewell New York (for now...)!

Greetings to all...we arrived safely back in Singapore yesterday morning after an amazing, yet short visit in New York City. The trip was filled with time with friends, working, and unfortunately for me, getting over a cold. I am happy to report that the cold is going away and I am feeling much better.


Monday, Tuffli worked and got time to reconnect with the New York office. That evening he had a really nice dinner at Fig and Olive with Scott, Erin was under the weather, Anand and Beth, while I stayed at the hotel and slept. Tuesday night we got to spend some time with Carrie and Jeremy, at one of our favorite upper west side eateries- City Grill. Wednesday I had some time with Kristen to hang out in the city, including getting a “spooky” manicure in time for Halloween- blue was certainly stepping outside of the box- even got some comments in the elevator of our hotel! Wednesday evening Tuffli and I had dinner with Alex at Pig Heaven- a little taste of Singapore. Our last day in New York was finally sunny, after several days of rain. I was able to walk from our hotel down to Chelsea Market and get our coveted 8 year old balsamic vinegar. After work, Tuffli and I met up with Chris and Bethany for a delicious dinner at Quality Meats. It was a quick bite before we had to head to the airport for our 11 pm flight back to Singapore.

So there is a quick run down of our few days in New York. It was great to see everyone and we are looking forward to visiting again some time soon. The next time, however we will be a family of three no longer two.
The baby is readjusting to Singapore time and is trying to figure out when I need to eat. Her kicks keep me vigilant.


Thanks to all for a wonderful journey to the states. We really feel so blessed to have each of you in our lives and are looking forward to many more times together.

Hello New York!!!

After a white knuckle flight from Detroit to JFK yesterday, Becky and I finally settled in the Days Inn at midnight on the upper west side. However, it was well worth the trip as we were welcomed by family and friends on Sunday. My day started at 6:45AM (after 4.5hrs of sleep) getting ready to run the 5 Mile Poland Spring Marathon Kickoff in Central Park. I was greeted with a sunny crisp fall New York morning where I met Lena, Bernard, Kerry, and some of Lena's friends for a nice casual run. I spent most of my run chatting with Bernard and Kerry, exchanging running and triathlon notes :). Good luck with your upcoming marathon and half marathon in Philly!!!

After the run, Becky and I met up with Uncle Bill & Aunt Gerry, from Vermont, to enjoy a tasty brunch at our favorite spot, Good Enough to Eat. The bacon waffles were divine and the strawberry butter was to die for :). After brunch, we strolled around the upper west side and soaked in some rays. Boy it was a beautiful day out today! Afterwards, Becky and I checked into the Hilton and took an afternoon siesta to gear up for the rest of the fun filled day. At 4pm, Becky's NY friends, mainly from TC, organized a baby shower at Carrie's apartment. Thanks Carrie for hosting another shower for Becky! Meanwhile, Uncle Bill and I enjoyed some suds at Soldier McGee's, watched some football, and had some guy time.

The day ended with a fantastic dinner at Carmine's, another one of our favorite spots, with Uncle Bill, Aunt Gerry, Carrie, Jeremy, Chris, Lena, Marcus, Joe, Lesley, Katie, and Kristen where we enjoyed stories, laughs, and Uncle Bill's "Birthday" :-). We are only here for five days, but this was a fantastic first day back in New York and welcome from our family and friends. Thanks to all for the memorable day!

The runners after the Poland Spring Marathon Kickoff: Left to right - Lena, Tuffli, Bernard, Kerry, Lena's friend, Lena's other friend, Alison

The beautiful cake that Kristen made for the baby shower.  Very impressive!

Katie, Lesley, and Kristen hanging out.

Aunt Gerry & Lena enjoying the cake Kristen made

Becky appreciating all the amazing gifts for the baby.

 

Uncle Bill's bday cake!!

Aunt Gerry & Uncle Bill

The TC Girls: Top - Lesley, Carrie, Becky, Lena; Bottom - Kristen, Katie

The dinner crew.  Good times!