FALLing into Place

My dearest Elizabeth,

We’re nearly halfway through November already, which means you and Mom have been out of the house for just over two weeks. I’m still adjusting to the early mornings; I haven’t been very good at getting to bed early enough, so it’s been bumpy. But except for one day, I’ve been able to get up at least to get you girls to work and preschool, saving you the time and hassle of busing it.

But oh my do I love having all this time. I feel a bit guilty, in fact, with your mother working all day, then still having most of the responsibility taking care of you. But I’ve done more than my share as well and believe I’ve earned this. Most important, it’s for a good cause, allowing me to catch up on all the stuff I’ve wanted and been unable to these past many months, including not only keeping the house in order but also numerous projects around the house, and especially getting my business more firmly off the ground.

As I’m still adjusting and trying to make the most of the time I now have, I haven’t gotten around to getting back to swimming, or getting much exercise at all for that manner, but I have been reading again, playing drums a bit, and taking lots of naps (to make up for the lack of sleep—not out of laziness). I still have a lot of discipline to acquire before I can manage to get everything done in a day that I’d hoped for. Baby steps.

In just a few days you are going to be two years old. How the time has whizzed by. And lucky for me I’ve been here to witness most of your little milestones. I’ll be out of town all weekend for a Toastmasters conference, so we’re going to have to put off the celebration a bit. But we will commemorate the day nonetheless, and a bash it will be.

For now, here a slew of photos taken over the past couple months, including some from out little family trip to Sun Moon Lake, a few of the last few times just the two of us shared before Mom was in between jobs, some more family beach fun, a trip to the Taipei Zoo, and just good ol’ cute little you being you.

Love,

Dad

Sporting your new Osh Kosh

A sweaty day at the park

Sun Moon Lake cruise

At the top of Ci En Pagoda

Sun Moon Lake cable car

The gesture that accompanies with your favorite question: “Where?”

Wearing Daddy’s clothes

At Qianshuiwan

Matcha ice cream—yummm!

“Baby’s glasses”

 

Living It!

Hi there,

I’ve been meaning to write for a couple days already, but just haven’t been able to slow down enough. I have the afternoon off and your mother is taking a nap, and I’m caught up with pretty much everything else, so I thought I’d catch you up on what’s going on with us.

We had quite a long weekend. I took Friday off, so we headed to Houtong, a small village near the coast known as the “cat village,” where dozens of well-cared-for stray cats have taken refuge and are the main attraction. We’ve been meaning to check it out for some time. From there we fought our way through traffic to have dinner at Bossa Nova, on the northwestern coast, overlooking the ocean. To top it off, we headed to another favorite seaside spot, Youngdoor, for dessert and tea, then capped the night off visiting friends at Alleycat’s in Tianmu.

 

On Saturday we had dinner at The H.O.P. with a friend who’s back on the island, visiting from Saudi Arabia, and his wife. Not having to drive, I relished in the joint’s exquisite imported beer selection, having more than my share and loving it. I’ve never been a big drinker anyway, but having not had wheels for so long, I’ve recently had to pass on the occasional drink due to having to drive. So since we were having dinner not too far from home, we took the bus and I enjoyed myself as much as possible. Selina did too, stuffing herself with pizza, salad and buffalo wings.

After being out and about the past two days, a lazy Sunday at home was in order. And your mother caught up on some much-needed extra sleep. I spent much of the day in the kitchen, something I too enjoy immenselybut have had so little time to do lately.

You’ve been kicking a lot, Selina tells me. I’ve begun reading a bit to you while we’re settling into bed for the night. When I stop, you resume kicking. And last night you seemed to have shown a liking for Miles Davis. As soon as I switched from the radio to it, you began kicking up a storm. We guess you were dancing.

Your mother’s belly has been stretching ever so fast. Some of her favorite dresses are going to need to be retired very soon, or put away for a while. I’m still enjoying this process a lot.

Love,

Dad