The Beginning of the Home Stretch

Here we are--the third and final trimester!

This morning we had Baby C's 3D ultrasound. Not only was it so cool to see how this little baby has grown (his/her weight is in the 75th to 90th percentile right now), it was even more awesome that Jess and Sage "joined us live" via Skype on my iphone!

Although some of the images were not super clear for them, it was still just blowing my mind that Kyle and I were able to share this event with one of my sisters who was 6,600 miles away and 14 hours apart--in real time. AMAZING.

Enough babble--you logged on for the pictures, right?!  It seems Baby C is about as big of a fan of "bright and early" as his/her father:

Not a morning baby. Look at that pout!

Facing left, plugging nose with pointer finger

Pointing at forehead 

The dark areas are parts where the 3D technology--although very advanced--runs into difficulty "imagining" all the dimensions of the image as it constructs it from a 2D image. (Or something).

25 weeks

28 weeks

:)sbc

Like Water for Chocolate (plus Oil)

First chocolate:
After arriving at work on Valentine's Day, Kyle emailed me, "Um, well, several different ladies gave me candy for Valentine's Day. Must be a Korean thing?" Smiling as I wrote back, I asked if he was supposed to bring items for them. He wasn't sure. As foreigners, we are easily forgiven for these missteps, but I thought it best to do some research.

Whew! In the clear. For now. On Valentine's Day--or Black Day as they call it--the women give the men candy. Then, one month later on March 14--on White Day--the men give candy to the women, usually white chocolate.

Delicious!

Definitely a win, as he brought home some very good chocolate!

Next water:
Flower Class offered more carnations. Eww.  Actually, it wasn't bad and I like the end product. We mostly focused on vines and hydrangeas, and Haesook also was proud to demonstrate how we keep our hydrangeas alive and well. Just add water!

Working hard

Katie (Dorie's daughter) was home from school

Susan and Haesook

Getting there?

After being under water for one hour

Now oil: 
Art Class has me almost finished with project number one.  I just have some final touches and I am done!

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Then I start my next project. I have to pick a few photos/pictures/landscapes that I would like to recreate. Fun times!:)sbc

Modern Technology

It's Sunday here, and we were up and at 'em early (much to Kyle's dismay) to get to Costco before the other 13,000,000 residents of Seoul.

In our haste, we missed calls from Jess on both Vonage and Viber.  Something must be important!

Once we were in the car, I reached Jess and learned that Skype now has the capability to group video chat (even on a capable mobile device like my iphone), and she wanted to give it a go!

It was a lovely drive, chatting at once with Gram and Beepa in DeWitt , Jess & the girls in Royal Oak and Kyle and me in Seoul. We are still working out the kinks of the group video call, but I think we are just one software upgrade away from perfection!

Bite? Who, me? Samkins (Feb 2010)

Thank you Skype, thank you Viber, thank you What's App, thank you Vonage.

It's because of these marvels of modern technology that Kyle and I are able to see and talk to some of the people we love and miss so much.

I don't know how, but somehow it these easy connections make it easier to be so far away (however, it is a challenge no matter where you are to show the baby bump in while in a vehicle ;-) ).

Modern technology allows us to share in big and littlest happenings in everyday life, and today allowed us to have a hilarious face time conversation with Sage after she told us Kyle should "have Sami naughty all by himself," (referring to when Jess asked if we wanted to take care of her b/c Sami was being naughty pants and bit her sister and left a bruise):


Me: Where'd mommy go?

Sage (Feb 2010)

Sage: She's putting Sami to bed. Sami had to go right to bed, right to bed without a snack.

Me: Why no snack?

Sage: Because, she can't have a snack because she bit Sophie. She was biting.

Me: So, Sami wanted to have Sophie for her snack, sounds like (laughing)?

Sage: Giggles

Me: So, if you have a bite of your sister, then you don't get to have a bite of a snack?

Sage: No. No, we can't bite our sisters (in a clarifying tone as if to explain, 'No, Shelb, you are confusing a snack and a bite, they are different. You can bite a snack but you can't bite your sister').

She smiled, then we lost our connection.

Modern technology.

:)sbc

Blank Canvas

A few weeks ago, I started art class. Yes, art class.

Lily giving us the story behind each work

I was inspired by my friend Lily (and by the fact that I actually have time to take an art class so why not). Lily moved here with her husband and, like many "trailing spouses" (a term from my friend Susan), she signed up for several classes, including an art class. She thought she could learn a little something and have fun items to possibly display a little color in her home.

Lily liked it so much that she made it her focus. Four years later, she's earned her Bachelor of Arts from a university here in Seoul and is now selling her work.

Lily's work

More of Lily's work

Charcoal work

I simply hope to learn a little something and add some color to our house.  I talked to several teachers on signup day, and decided to go with the woman who told me that experience wasn't at all necessary and that she would "teach me the skills to use your materials so you can work at home when your baby sleeps."


I arrived at class. Sunim asked me to sit. There were no other students. She gave me a pencil and asked me to draw what was in front of me: A headless, mini Venus de Milo type thing and two pieces of dried something. I told her I didn't know where to start, she said that's ok, just start drawing.  Yikes!

We did some exercises drawing light to dark, dark to light, looking at my paper, not looking at my paper at all--over and over I drew it. Soon, I was quite comfortable. Then she gave me charcoal. And we drew again. The end result wasn't a masterpiece, but I actually felt I had learned quite a bit. I was encouraged when Sunim said, "You'll do well! You understand shadow and light."

Van Gogh

The next assignment was to pick a piece to recreate. I chose Vincent Van Gogh's The Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum at Night.

Studio, students and Sunim

This week there were two other students. I don't know what was more intimidating, being alone in the studio or being with two other, more advanced students.

It was great fun, It really was.

I am overcoming feeling a little dumb and out of place, and just enjoying wearing my apron, learning to prepare and wash the canvas, mixing colors and learning how to recreate a piece. It doesn't look like too much yet, but we'll see.

Work in progress

More progress

:) sbc

The Rabbit Personality (Who Doesn't Love an Ox?)

THE RABBIT PERSONALITY
A person born in the year of the Rabbit possesses one of the most fortunate of the twelve animal signs. The Rabbit, or Hare as he is referred to in Chinese mythology, is the emblem of longevity and is said to derive his essence from the Moon.

Over on this side of the world, we are celebrating the Lunar New Year, which begins the Year of the Rabbit. (Last year was the year of the Tiger).

So, knowing that little Baby C will be born in the Year of the Rabbit, I decided to do a little research. Guess who else was born during the Year of the Rabbit?

Me!

Dad (Horse--cheerful, popular and quick-witted, perceptive and talkative. Changeable nature may lead to be hot-tempered, rash, headstrong at times), Me

The Rabbit symbolizes graciousness, good manners, sound counsel kindness and sensitivity to beauty. Luckiest of all signs, you are also talented and articulate. Affectionate, yet shy, you seek peace throughout your life. So marry a Sheep or a Boar. Your opposite is the Rooster.  

Oopsie, married an Ox. Works for us!

Ox & Rabbit on our wedding day

Baby C and me, both rabbits?  Maybe this means it is a girl?  Might make some sense--Jess and my Mom are both Year of the Pig,  (This is the sign of honesty, simplicity and great fortitude. Gallant, sturdy and courageous, a person born in this year will apply himself to an allotted task with all his strength and you can rely on him to see it through. Outwardly, he may appear rough-hewn and jovial, but scratch the surface and you will find pure gold.) So True!

Babies are cute

Here's what one website tells me about our "baby bunny":

THE RABBIT CHILD
A child born in the Rabbit's year will have a sweet disposition. Even-tempered and obedient, he will be sensitive to the moods of his parents and act accordingly. He may or may not be talkative, but he won't be rowdy or offensive. He can sit quietly and concentrate on one toy or game at a time.  He will be easy to discipline and should have little trouble fitting in at school. He learns his lessons well and with ease. He can grasp both sides of a question quickly and debate his point with intelligence.
He will be able to fend for himself and protect his possessions. Remarkably observant, he can calculate his chances for getting his way. Instead of directly resisting rules, the subtle Rabbit will carefully devise ways around them. In short, this polite little angel is going to bargain for a better deal every time.

He can take reproach with a defiant or philosophical sort of indifference. Shrugging off his setbacks, the Rabbit will patiently start again from square one. Helpful at home, conforming in school and well-tuned to his environment, this child will know his way around people and problems. Rest assured he will be well-liked and accepted in all circles.

Kyle (Ox)

Meanwhile, Kyle was born in the Year of the Ox (I'll say). Check this out:

THE OX PERSONALITY
The Ox or the Buffalo sign symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work. A person born during this year will be dependable, calm and methodical. A patient and tireless worker, he sticks to routine and conventions. Although he is generally fair-minded and a good listener, it is difficult to make him change his views as he is stubborn and often has strong prejudices.

Still, because of his steady and trustworthy character, the Ox person will be entrusted with positions of authority and responsibility. He will not fall short where duty calls. As a matter of fact, he should be careful not to get carried away. Beneath his somewhat modest but neat appearance, the Ox shields a resolute and logical mind. His intelligence and dexterity is hidden by the reticent and undemonstrative front. But in spite of being basically an introvert, his forceful nature can turn him into a commanding and eloquent speaker when the occasion arises. In times of turmoil, his presence of mind, refusal to be intimidated and innate self-confidence will restore order. He walks with his head held high.

A person born under this particular sign is systematic. He adheres to fixed patterns and has great respect for tradition. In fact, he tends to do exactly what is expected of him and is so predictable, that he may be unfairly criticized for a lack of imagination. But the dutiful Ox knows that only through doing things in their proper order can he hope to achieve lasting success. His is the uncluttered mind. You won't find him muddling through life depending on his luck to pull him through. What people born under the other signs may accomplish by guile and wit, the Ox-born will by sheer tenacity and dedication. You can rely on his promises; once he gives his word, he will stick by it. Public opinion means little to him. He will apply himself wholeheartedly to whatever task he is doing and finish the job. He detests loose ends.

Happy New Year!

:)sbc

More than Kimchi

Prep area with class binders (serious business!)

On Fridays at the home of our teacher Mrs. Moon, who dresses in full Hanbok, we meet for Korean cooking class.

February 3 marks Lunar New Year--a very big deal and the focus of last week's class. This is the highest of holidays for most Koreans. Although it's not a celebrated holiday of Christian Koreans, the tradition is still recognized and participated in on most levels. Lots of travel to see family, lots of gifts (don't get me started on the spam gift sets).

We handled mostly dessert items, which are very necessary to have on hand for all the unannounced comings and goings of family, friends and neighbors. The desserts were pretty, but I would rather have chocolate (so very American).

Persimmon with pine nuts, dates with honey and walnuts, pretty little pine needle decorations

Rice cake and dumpling soup (surprisingly bland for Korean food)

Angela, Anne, Mrs. Moon, me

While we're discussing tradition, ingredients and culture and trying our hand at preparing several desserts, Mrs. Moon's assistant is preparing a delicious lunch of various traditional korean dishes, so the house is filled with yummy smells. After instruction, we sample lunch.  The rule (much like the one I grew up with at home), is that you have to at least try everything, but don't have to love it.  I really liked everything except the seaweed and squid pancake.

Too many to name, but mostly delicious

Sidenote: I signed up for this cooking class last session, during my first trimester, but wisely decided to defer, b/c I thought I might not be able to handle all the smells and tastes. After one class, I know I made the right decision, I would have been in the bathroom the whole time.

Various persimmons (orange), ginko nuts (green) , raw chestnuts (white-ish)

:) sbc

25 Weeks and Counting

Baby belly

Well, here we are, 25 weeks into making little Baby C! We're more than half way through the pregnancy, but not quite to the third trimester.  Our next doctor's appointment is in late February, where we'll get a 3D ultrasound. That should be fun!

Baby C has gone from swimming/fluttering movements to distinct motions/kicks (I giggle with each one). On Saturday morning, he/she was super active, so I had Kyle put his head on my belly. Almost immediately Baby C moved and Kyle said, "The baby kicked me in the head!" I thought it was cute, but Kyle thought it was a strange experience.

Last weekend, I convinced Kyle to participate in a antique goods tour organized by Ann, a very experienced Seoul guide.  She is the woman behind korea4expats.com and was the leader of the first tour class I took after moving here, so I knew we were in good hands.

Very ornate daybed that we like (as a bench) 

End tables we're seriously considering

A really beautiful hutch

Bench for entryway

We took the subway to our meeting place and traveled about an hour southeast of Seoul. We are looking for some "bigger ticket" items and got some great ideas, but decided to wait until our household shipment arrives to make any big decisions. The antique shop owners hosted our group for a delicious Korean lunch and then we shopped some more.

Kalbi (beef), kimchi, spinach and egg, wheat noodles

I heart this table

It was fun, we bought some decorative items (that I've yet to unwrap) that we'll put to good use.

:)sbc