Melody is 9 weeks.

Nine weeks along and Melody is developing nicely. She will take roughly 2-4 ounces at every feeding. Melody is still growing at quite a rapid rate, but has slowed down a bit with respect to her milk consumption. Tomorrow she's heading to the doctor for her 2 month shots.  Let's hope all goes well with that. You know, baby sister is so strong. She's got so much strength in her legs that she can almost stand (too bad she doesn't have any balance yet). Another week in the books.

Here's Malcolm showing off his crayon claws:

Thank you Nuna!

Melody turned 8 weeks today, crazy to think that time has flown by already. She's growing everyday and really she's been such a good baby.  She's eating and sleeping like a champ, we're all keeping our paws and fingers crossed it continues.

We received a special surprise in the mail the other day, a package from our cousin Geum in Korea. She was so kind enough to send Melody's "dol" Hanbok and a pair of runners for Malcolm. Thank you very much "nuna" 누나. Here's a picture of the beautiful dress, it looks so much like Tracey's hanbok that they'll be a perfect match come November.

Happy Birthday Tracey...

What a wonderful day it is today

The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing

All helping to celebrate the day

Your family loves you and wants the best

Too bad we can't just let you lie down and rest cause there always so much to do

Taking care of us is a full time job and we all know that's the truth

At least tonight you'll get to forget about all of the spit-up and maybe have some vermouth.

 Love Obi.

7 Weeks...

Whoa, 7 weeks already. She's growing like a weed still. Last night wasn't very restful as she woke up to feed around 3:40am and didn't go back to sleep until just after 7:00am. It's tough on Roger and Tracey, but good news is that it's not affecting Malcolm at all. I don't know how he does it, but he's able to sleep through it all, despite having the door open to his room. Perhaps it's the white noise in his room drowning out the crying.

Oh, here's a picture of baby Jayden from Toronto. Meena and Jody are in town showing off their little bundle. Jayden is exactly 2 days older than Melody, but from the picture it looks like she might beat him up for his milk money.

6 weeks and counting...

Life with two children in the house can be at times what is called a "work in progress". For the most part the addition of little Melody to the family has gone off without a hitch. Malcolm has been very good working and adapting with the change. Yesterday, we even saw a flicker of "bigbrother-dom" when we witnessed him holding her hand to comfort her crying. I too have adapted well; although, I can say that I'm not a fan of the incessant crying, let's try and keep that to a minimum huh? I'm also always reminded that things could be much worse. We're all very thankful that she's been such a good baby.

Melody is growing by leaps and bounds, weighing in at 11.57 pounds, 22 inches in length, and has a head measuring 15.35 inches. She's a bit ahead of Malcolm when he was the same age, just wondering if she'll ever slow down. All that nutrient rich mother's milk I say.

What a difference 3 years makes:

Melody 5 weeks today...

Wow looking back at the pictures of Malcolm when he was 5 weeks old really pales in comparison. Melody has already overtaken her older brother by leaps and bounds. She's definitely bigger than him and even has him beat in the sleep department. I'm sure it's also because Tracey and Roger are more experienced second time around. Here's a side-by-side comparison picture for your viewing pleasure. I think Roger's photo technique has improved a bit too.

새해 복 많이 받으세요, Happy New Year!

What a year it's been. With the arrival of a new member of the family things will only continue to get better. Again, on behalf of our family to yours we wish you the very best in 2010.

Christmas...

What a Christmas it was!  Stockings were hung by the fireplace with care in hopes that Saint Nick soon would be here.

We were a bit sad this year as Malcolm didn't want to take a picture with the Mall Santa. In fact,  he wanted little to do with Santa at all. Even getting him to take the yearly picture with the Polar Express stuffed Santa took a lot of coaxing (aka bribery) although you wouldn't know that from the picture.

We're not really sure how much he understands, but one thing he really enjoyed this Christmas was opening all the presents. We would like to extend our heartfelt wishes of health and happiness to all those who read this blog:  family, friends, and supporters. Happy holidays to you and best wishes for 2010. Here are some pictures and video from the day:


Christmas 2009 from Obiwanhavanese on Vimeo.

Stanley Park Train...

The family got out to the Stanley Park train again this year. They bundled everyone up including little Melody to take part in the annual festivities. As always, Malcolm enjoyed seeing the lights and riding the choo choo. It wasn't as cold as years past, but certainly chilly. All tummies were warmed with a dose of hot chocolate and churros. Roger particularly enjoyed the dancing gingerbread man this year.

Melody is 3 weeks old...

Our sleep patterns are still a bit messed up, but luckily Roger's going to be off work for the next week. Now at least they can spell each-other off while the other one naps.  Melody has been a solid sleeper throughout the day, but has still been a bit fussy around 2-4am. Roger and Tracey have been experimenting with trying to bottle feed her so it will give a little more freedom to Tracey. We'll see how it goes, but first tests have been going well.

Malcolm had a rare treat today, he got to go over to Joseph and Nicole's house on a play date. Uncle Glen came to the house bright and early to come pick him up. It seemed like he had a great time. Here are some recent pics and a video of Malcolm rocking out on the guitar:

Guitar Solo from Obiwanhavanese on Vimeo.

Help-Portrait Vancouver

Roger got to participate in a world-wide event yesterday called Help-Portrait. The Vancouver event was a huge success servicing over 400 individuals in the lower east side.  It all took place at the Salvation Army's Grace Mansion on Hastings Street. "There were so many smiling faces, such a great experience for all involved".  Roger hopes the H-P will become an annual event. See below for more information:

Event Link
Here are some video links shot by videographer Steve Tan:
Help-Portrait Vancouver Video Link

The annual Christmas Santa photo.

So Malcolm hasn't been to keen to take a picture with the mall Santa, but at least Roger and Tracey convinced him to take it with the stuffed one again this year. Oh and here's an outtake with me and Melody as well. Tracey thinks she looks too frightened here. It's tough to get a 12 day old baby to pose for pictures!

Melody 9 days old...

Life with a baby sure changes things, but we've sure been lucky to have a good one so far. Her poor brother Malcolm on the other hand has come down with a cold, his eyes are watering, nose running, and well.... quite a little bear to be around. He's certainly been the mayor of Crankytown these past two days. We're all hoping that he'll feel better soon. Here are some recent photos, much thanks to Leah and Travis for their generous gifts.

First trip outside with the baby...

Tracey and Roger re-enacted their first trip out with the baby and went to Metrotown. Here are two pictures almost exactly 3 years apart. Tracey looks great, doesn't she?

Happy Birthday Carol!

It was Carol's birthday yesterday, she came over with Mom to have some cake. Malcolm enjoyed one big piece and even ate both chocolate straws that were on top. Happy 16th birthday to cousin Carol, we love you very much.

Malcolm...

Everyone always asks us how Malcolm is adjusting and the short answer is pretty well. I'm not exactly sure what he thinks about his baby sister yet, but all in all he's been pretty good. He did get woken up by her crying the other night, but other than that the evenings have been good. Maybe he can become a deeper sleeper as time goes on.

It's been a big adjustment for everyone, but things have been much better. It probably has to do with the second baby thing, Tracey and Roger are more relaxed and more experienced. Melody is so cute, her temperament seems different and the biggest difference is that Tracey has been able to breastfeed, something that never materialized with Malcolm.

She's here!

At 12:39am, Saturday November 28th we had the pleasure of welcoming Melody Margaret Janey to the world. She weighed in at 8pounds 3.5ounces and was 21 inches in length. I am happy to report that both baby and mom are doing just fine. Here are some pictures from the first day. Per usual, Tracey did a tremendous job in delivering the baby in record time. In fact, it was less than 2 hours for her to bring Melody into this world (that's from first contraction all the way to birth).  

Christmas is around the corner...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at our house. With the baby now officially late, the family has decided to get a jump on decorating for the holiday season. Malcolm is a lot more involved this year with curiosity and exploration quotients at a all time high. We're still hoping that baby sister will arrive in the next few days. Special congratulations are in order for our next door neighbours Danny and Andrea and Meena and Jody in Toronto both welcolming their new bundles of joy. Stay tuned for our announcement.... hopefully it will be soon.

I'm famous...

The family went to Walmart yesterday and look what they found. They hijacked a picture of me! No, it's not really me, but isn't there a close resemblance? I'll be expecting a royalty cheque from Bissell in the mail soon.

Still waiting...

Now that the finishing touches have been made to the baby's room, we're now all just waiting for her to arrive. Tracey is 39 weeks today and according to the doctor can go any-time now. It's interesting how different it is this time around, more anticipation, more waiting and more pressure kicking and pushing on Tracey's belly. It will all probably happen in the next few days, so we'll keep you posted on any developments.

Funny thing, we asked Malcolm yesterday what the first thing he'll say to the baby is and he said: "I'm going to say, Sorry". We asked why? He said, "Because I'm sorry that baby sister will have to go back into Mommy's tummy". I don't think Malcolm's level of anticipation is the same as ours.

Here are some pictures of baby sister's room.