ATHENA PICKS UP THE CHECK

That girl is one class act.

Zoe came too, but slept through the meal.

ATHENA EXPLORES HER BABY SISTER





Yes, there are some initial bumps, as the older sibling learns she no longer has exclusive claim to her parents'attention, as well as what's okay with the new baby (kissing, stroking) and what's not (biting, touching the eye).

It's especially tough as Zoe is a constant source of fascination for Athena, especially when Zoe's sleeping. It's perversing fun to watch Athena struggle. She knows she should let Zoe sleep and yet she... can't... resist... walking... closer...

Lately, Athena's been content to merely watch Zoe sleep.



Or, even better for us, take a nap at the same time.

PARTY TIME WITH ATHENA (with guest blogger Sally Ngov-Nordvall)



Athena with Kimmy at Jerry's 1st birthday banquet. Athena was very bashful at the beginning but she charmed everyone with her cute smile and adorable looks. But of course most of the guests remember her from Iris's baby shower (Jerry's mother) a year ago.

She was eating "trees" (brocolli) and shrimp with sugar crane. At first she had a high chair, but she insisted on being treated just like the big kids.

Last weekend, Sally's brother Nam came to visit with his kids Floyd and Sean. We went out to a Dim Sum place. (Check out that decor!) Here are some pics.





LUNCH WITH THE FOLKS

BABY'S FIRST (AND THIRD) HALLOWEEN

We recently had our first Halloween as double parents. Zoe didn't go out, although she did get dressed up.







Athena, however, had her candy bucket ready...



...although she's really into Trick-or-Treating more for the socializing than the candy. She especially enjoyed dancing with a guy in a gorilla suit.





And playing in an outdoor Halloween play area one of our neighbors set up.



She even found a tricycle someone left out (perhaps dropping a hint for Christmas).



In the end, she had so much fun, Daddy had to carry her home.