third month

In keeping with our monthly development chronicles, here are some things that happened during Exie’s third month:

• 8/31: Exie went to her first formal event: Ben & Serene’s wedding. Exie was a superstar the whole time; almost zero crying. She slept through the ceremony and was a trooper through the reception. We left early ’cause it was really loud, and went back to the hotel, where Exie spent her first night away from home (not counting the hospital, of course). Then the next day we hung out with folks until about 2pm, with Exie again being a star the whole time. She obviously met a lot of new peeps, including Susan’s long time friend Poot and his wife Corrina. (Celebrity note: Exie got a smooch and some cuddles from Aisha Tyler, who attended the wedding.)

Poot, Ben (groom), Corrina, & Serene (bride)

with Spencer & Stella

looking sharp with mommy the following day

• 9/3: She’s really starting to “talk” a lot more. She seems to understand the concept of conversation. She says something. Somebody else says something. Then it’s her turn again. Granted, the conversation participants sound more like tiny hound dogs than anything else since her only real word at the moment is “aaaooo.” (When I get organized I’ll post a video of this, which is pretty funny.)
• 9/6: Another wedding (this time for Yes & Nicky) – Exie is quite the socialite! This one was pretty much the exact opposite of the last one. Instead of being a fancy city wedding, it was a homegrown out-there wedding. It was held outside in Inverness (near Point Reyes), certainly the farthest Exie’s ever been from home and the longest she’s sat in the car. She wasn’t quite as calm during this one, probably because of the long car ride, but she was still nonetheless very cooperative in general. Great for Exie to meet some people we haven’t seen in a while, most notably Yes & Nicky, Mike & Kenly, and Kevin and his folks (who were kind enough to put us up for the night). The wedding was extremely creative and moving – and I was surprised and honored to be asked to participate in the Thai Water Ceremony portion of the wedding (Yes is half Thai). During this ceremony, the elders are asked to speak briefly, offer advice, or say a prayer for the couple. Dang, now I’m an “elder” (albeit the youngest one).
• 9/7: Had an excellent post-wedding day hanging out with Kevin, Mike, and Kenly.

Nicki & Yes (just married)

with Kevin, Mike, & Kenly

with Olinda

• 9/13: Met Olinda for the first time, who also brought some yummy treats for the starving new parents.
• 9/15: Starting to vary her sounds more, experimenting with different mouth positions.
• 9/16: Starting to stare at her hands, which consistently makes her cross-eyed. Also getting a lot better at getting her hands to her mouth, though it’s still somewhat hit and miss.
• 9/19: Susan’s dad is here from Taiwan for a quick visit, so Exie got to meet him today (they’d previously “spoken” via Skype, but obviously this is a lot beter). It was great to watch Ama & Akong (Grandma & Grampa) play with Exie (not to mention getting a break from carrying her for a while).
• 9/26: Today Exie rolled over (from front to back) by herself for the first time. Then she did it again. And again. And again. And then she collapsed from exhaustion. (Note added a week later: And since then, funnily enough, she’s hardly done it at all.)


Akong is home from Taiwan! (and it’s Jody’s birthday, too)

• 9/26: Had Susan’s immediate family over for Jody’s birthday party. Jody, like me, likes the simpler things: we had pizza. And there was some dancing (started by Belle, who loves to dance). In my opinion, the highlight was when Exie did an impression Jody stirring-the-pot.
• 9/27: In our effort to try to continue to live normal lives, we went to Spencer’s birthday party, so Exie stayed up a bit later than usual. We still left early, but we’re trying not to be that-couple-with-a-baby that vanishes from the social scene. In this group of friends, however, we’re the only ones with a child, so it is somewhat difficult; we’re certainly wresting with different issues (and really, how long do other people want to talk about poop schedules and stroller technology). But everybody is awesome with Exie and they’re very supportive and helpful, so that’s really great and makes us feel good.