Today, on a regular scheduled pre-nadal visit, some things were not normal. Vanessa's BP was 150-110, and the baby was lacking oxygen. So, a decision was made to do C-sec immediately.
Our baby Kimi was born at 12.50pm, 7 weeks premature. She weighs in at only 1.3kilos, but was otherwise OK for her age. She will be in ICU for the next 4 weeks or so.
It is a miracle for Vanessa and I to become parents to begin with. It is also a miracle that we moved our scheduled doctor's visit up one day, or the baby may be gone. Thank God for this!
I am happy and worried at the same time. We need your prayers for baby Kimi's recovery and growth. Hope she will do OK for the next few weeks, so we can finally take her home come June.
Thank you all!
Paul aka SpringRite & Vanessa
Amazing, wonderful, awesome, Boy am I glad for both of you. Congratulations! What a happy day it must be for, and what joy, finally life from your own flesh, and she is healthy too.
Of course my prayers are with you all, and also my extreme joy, and I will sure as hell, take out a bottle of my best champagne to celebrate this glorious event. Give a big huge to Vanessa from me, and a tiny but loving one for Kimi. I love that name.
Keep us posted my friend, and may God bless all of you.
And please as soon as possible pictures! ;D
Quote from: Harry on May 08, 2008, 12:31:52 AM
And please as soon as possible pictures! ;D
No pictures for a while since I don't even get to see the baby for all this time. They are really guarding her tightly.
I am going back to the hospital shortly and will stay with Vanessa for the next 3 days.
Quote from: springrite on May 08, 2008, 12:46:09 AM
No pictures for a while since I don't even get to see the baby for all this time. They are really guarding her tightly.
I am going back to the hospital shortly and will stay with Vanessa for the next 3 days.
As I said give her all my love, and tell her that I am happy too, that all is well so far.
My prayers will be with you all the time.
I will light a few candles in my church too!
Congrats! I hope everything works out .........
Paul & Vanessa - congratulations on becoming parents! I hope everything works out fine with little Kimi, and that this initial worry will pass, so that you'll be able to really enjoy your new and wonderful (I know) status.
Johan
Congratulations, Paul & Vanessa! God give you all joy!
Congratulations, Paul (and Vanessa)!
Well, good luck with everything......
Congratulations, Paul & Vanessa! All the best to you. :)
Paul and Vanessa, I congratulate you both on little Kimi's birth and will pray for her continued good health. Our daughter's name is Kim and I often call her Kimi as a sign of affection.
congratulations! enjoy the new member of your family :)
Congratulations, Paul and Vanessa. I'm sure you can't wait until you can hold Kimi in your arms. :)
Many congratulations. I hope you will soon be home as a family and everything going along normally. DO keep us up with how you all are.
Mike
Hey, congratulations! And best wishes for Kimi's continued improvement and good health in the coming weeks. I am optimistic!
--Bruce
Paul and Vanessa - fantastic new, congratulations. And hoping for all the best in the next weeks. How hard it must be for you, Paul, not to be able to see Kimi - but it is all worth it a million times over!
Congratulations to both of you, Paul and Vanessa! Many wishes for Kimi; I'm sure everything will turn out OK and you'll be with her at home sooner than you hoped.
Paul and Vanessa, congratulations! Yes, I will pray for Kimi's recovery and good health.
(http://www.latribunedelart.com/Expositions/Expositions_2006/Sarto_Femme_enfant_small.JPG) Andrea del Sarto
Congrats!
Peter
Congratz! What's Kimi's name in Zhong Wen?
Congratulations! :)
Happiness all around, Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and in no time, Baby Bear will join in the snug den and all will be well!
Sending good thoughts!
Lis
Best wishes, Paul, for you, Vanessa, and Kimi.
Paul - first, congratulations to both of you w/ the 'sudden' appearance of your daughter -second, hope that all goes well and that you can bring her home as quickly as possible - best wishes & good luck - Dave :)
Dear friends,
Our Kimi stopped breathing twice last night. But with her determination (a tough little cookie just like her dad), doctors revived her both time. She is still critical, and if all goes well, she will be in ICU for the next month or two, and then come home. I am not a religious person. But I believe in the power of prayers. I am sure all the love from around the world is something she can feel, and it is giving her the power to fight on.
Vanessa is about three hours away from being taken off the critical watch. She had a hard time last night as well, with her BP being high for some reason, and the pain was overbearing. She was able to sleep a little bit this morning, and had her first sip of soup. She will be fine.
I was sent home to get a little sleep. I will be back in the hospital in a few hours.
Thank you all!
Paul
Paul, What an exceptionally difficult time for all of you. It is hard to find something to say that would be of any use. We are indeed thinking of you all. I hope you will have good progress to tell us about when you come home again. Best wishes and good health to you all.
Mike
Quote from: springrite on May 08, 2008, 07:53:04 PM
Dear friends,
Our Kimi stopped breathing twice last night. But with her determination (a tough little cookie just like her dad), doctors revived her both time. She is still critical, and if all goes well, she will be in ICU for the next month or two, and then come home. I am not a religious person. But I believe in the power of prayers. I am sure all the love from around the world is something she can feel, and it is giving her the power to fight on.
Vanessa is about three hours away from being taken off the critical watch. She had a hard time last night as well, with her BP being high for some reason, and the pain was overbearing. She was able to sleep a little bit this morning, and had her first sip of soup. She will be fine.
I was sent home to get a little sleep. I will be back in the hospital in a few hours.
Thank you all!
Paul
My dear friend, you cannot imagine how painful that is to hear, but my constant prayers and that of others will do good as you said.
Keep heart!
Harry
Amen, may God Bless and be with you all during this time. 0:) 0:) 0:)
Your post gave me a start, Paul.
Good thoughts coming Kimi's, Vanessa's and your way NOW.
Johan
Paul, you and your family are in my prayers. 0:)
Quote from: springrite on May 08, 2008, 07:53:04 PM
Dear friends,
But I believe in the power of prayers. I am sure all the love from around the world is something she can feel, and it is giving her the power to fight on.
She has our prayers, Paul.
Sarge and Mrs. Rock
As a confimed atheist, my prayers would not be useful (indeed, they might only serve to inflame the almighty's ire, in the unlikely event that he does exist). However you and your family are in my thoughts. I am hoping for the best in the long road ahead.
My heart goes out to you and your family. Stay strong!
Just discovered this thread.
You and your family are in my thoughts too
All strength to you
Jeffrey
Kimi had done OK for the past 2 days and nights. She can breathe on her own. Her heartbeat is strong. On the bad side, she does have infections, and her digestive system is not doing well at all. She can't seem to take in any food. She had 10mm on the first day, which was good. But she had to have enema to help her. Then she had only 2mm on the second day and 1mm on the third day. Now she has lost some weight, from 1.35kg to 1.30kg. But the doctor reassured me that she is expected to maybe lose some weight. In fact, just about breaking even in the first 3-5 days is not too bad. The most important thing is that her breathing and heartbeat is good so far. The rest are easier to deal with.
Another good news. Vanessa should have milk for Kimi tonight or tomorrow. That will be a huge help for her as it is more likely that she will be able to tolerate mother's milk and it is better for her. Vanessa is weak but we are working so hard to try to get her to lectate. We are making progress. Dr. expect her to have milk in a week or less. We are almost there after 3 days.
I want to thank everyone from around the world who have sent prayer for Kimi. Folks in my grandfather's hometown called to tell me that they have gone to my grandparents' tomb to send offerings and pray for Kimi. With so many people behind her and so much love, we are more and more confident that Kimi will pull through just fine.
Love,
Vanessa and Paul
Thank you for reporting back, Paul. Judging from what I read, the situation is far from ideal (to put it mildly) but manageable, with good prospects ahead... I hope and trust everything will turn out fine in the end.
The three of you are in my thoughts.
Johan
Good news, Paul! I'm sure Kimi will get better, just takes some time......
It is heartening to hear such good news on this Mother's Day morning, Paul.
My best wishes and prayers are with you, Vanessa, and Kimi.
Quote from: springrite on May 11, 2008, 12:20:02 AM
Kimi had done OK for the past 2 days and nights. She can breathe on her own. Her heartbeat is strong. On the bad side, she does have infections, and her digestive system is not doing well at all. She can't seem to take in any food. She had 10mm on the first day, which was good. But she had to have enema to help her. Then she had only 2mm on the second day and 1mm on the third day. Now she has lost some weight, from 1.35kg to 1.30kg. But the doctor reassured me that she is expected to maybe lose some weight. In fact, just about breaking even in the first 3-5 days is not too bad. The most important thing is that her breathing and heartbeat is good so far. The rest are easier to deal with.
Another good news. Vanessa should have milk for Kimi tonight or tomorrow. That will be a huge help for her as it is more likely that she will be able to tolerate mother's milk and it is better for her. Vanessa is weak but we are working so hard to try to get her to lectate. We are making progress. Dr. expect her to have milk in a week or less. We are almost there after 3 days.
I want to thank everyone from around the world who have sent prayer for Kimi. Folks in my grandfather's hometown called to tell me that they have gone to my grandparents' tomb to send offerings and pray for Kimi. With so many people behind her and so much love, we are more and more confident that Kimi will pull through just fine.
Love,
Vanessa and Paul
Well, some kind of relief!
We all hope it will be fine with her, and that things will turn normal, first steps are always the hardest.
Keep faith.
My heartfelt best wishes for the three of you, Paul.
----------------
Listening to:
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / Ferenc Fricsay - LvB Op 125 Symphony #9 in d 5th mvmt
Hang in there, Paul and Vanessa. We are all pulling for the three of you. Paul, I know you are very busy. Thanks for taking the time to update us.
Vanessa was released from the hospital today. She is doing well, except for stress (as you can imagine) which is giving her HBP (150/110). She's never had hypertension before. But she is better today.
Kimi is still in the same condition. Her breathing and heart is good, but with some infections and her digestive system does not function. I am waiting to deliver milk to Kimi at any time as a professional medical massage specialist is coming to the house to help Vanessa with milk. The doctor has said that even a few mm will help. This is our hope at the moment.
Good news is Kimi is stable. We are hopeful for better developments soon.
Paul
Thanks again, Paul. I hope this thriller will turn into a fairy-tale very soon.
Quote from: Jezetha on May 12, 2008, 02:16:46 AM
Thanks again, Paul. I hope this thriller will turn into a fairy-tale very soon.
Yes, for we are also stressed about it, believe me!
Thinking of you and your family Paul, and barracking for the wee one.
Just read this thread, and just wanted to send my best wishes to you and your new family. I am rooting for you all!
Breaking the speed limit but otherwise more or less obeying traffic regulations, I sped through the city of Beijing to deliver the first batch of mother's milk to Kimi. Now we await news of whether Kimi's able to take in some milk.
The massage that was delivered was very painful and we were told it's worse than childbirth. But it is so effective. After the massage, about 30 mm of milk was produced, and more on the way.
Now finally time for an exhausted momma bear and papa bear to have some food.
Your updates are much appreciated, Paul.
Quote from: Jezetha on May 12, 2008, 06:24:35 AM
Your updates are much appreciated, Paul.
Absolutely!
Thanks for the update, Paul.
Paul, Thanks for taking the time to keep us up to date, we are on the collective edge of our seats. Good news really soon I hope and that you have no relatives or friends affected by the earthquake.
Mike
Paul - been reading your thread regularly, and glad that your dear wife seems to be recovering quickly - give her out best wishes; also, Kimi seems be doing better - this medical field of dealing w/ premature infants has improve so dramatically in the last few decades that the outcomes can just seem miraculous at times - hoping for the best to you & family! Dave :)
Finally, good news to report. Kimi took in some mother's milk last night. She did not eat much, but her tummy, which was hard as rock before, softened considerably. This is a sign that she is reacting positively to it. Starting today, they will start trying to feed her every three hours and see how she reacts. She still needs enemas but maybe she can do some of that work herself soon. I will deliver milk twice a day starting today. Her infections are still the same, but anything other than worsening is considered good news.
We have hired someone to cook for us once a day so I can get at least some rest. Vanessa wanted the maid for both lunch and dinner because she fears I may be too exhausted, especially considering my recent heart condition. But I know how much Vanessa loves my cooking so I will cook once a day, at least one special dish of her choice a day.
I have restricted my work to one lecture a week, so I can spend just about all my time helping the family. Tomorrow I am giving a lecture to Olympic volunteers. I am also contacting people to see if I can do some volunteer work for the earthquake relief effort. I will minimize my work but I want every bit that I do to be truly meaningful.
We are far enough away to not be affected by the earthquake. Everyone here 1500 km away felt it but us. I guess we were both too dizy to know the difference.
Paul
Well that is really good news! :)
Kimi, Vanessa and you are in our thoughts daily.
Take care of yourself too Paul.
And the Avatar is really rocking, it made me grin big time! ;D
I am glad too at the better news. :)
Quote from: Jezetha on May 12, 2008, 11:08:47 PM
I am glad too at the better news. :)
Good news, Paul! Thanks for updating us on Vanessa & Kimi's condition.
Excellent news, Paul, thanks for keeping us abreast!
Paul, I didn't know Vanessa gave birth to a cat.......
Thanks for the news, Paul.
Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on May 13, 2008, 05:17:44 AM
Paul, I didn't know Vanessa gave birth to a cat.......
That's no cat.... Some babies are just born with more hair than others. ;D
Paul, glad to hear Kimi and Vanessa are improving. :)
I just went through my most difficult 48 hours, but it ended reasonably well.
First of all, Kimi has not been able to eat at all, although I do deliver milk three times a day in case it is needed. They doctors and nurses try to feed her four times a day. She could take in about 2mm a day.
Then, early yesterday morning, doctor called to tell me that there will be a doctor's conference with specialists from all fields, including surgeons, to decide if Kimi needed surgery or other more drastic measures. I was shaking. What trauma that would be for a premature baby of less than 3 lbs!
I did not tell Vanessa about it because I knew what that would do to her. But taking it all on my own shoulders was very very difficult emotionally. I did not sleep.
This morning, we finally get the good news that specialists all agree that Kimi does not need surgery and we will continue with the conservative measures. She made some slight progress today.
Finally, we did something really really special in behalf of Kimi.
We donated $1000 in Kimi's name for helping babies in the earthquake affected areas. This makes Kimi the youngest donor, as I was told. We also wrote a letter on Kimi's behalf to the babies in the disaster area, including passages like this:
"Even though I am going through very trying times, I feel the love from my loving parents everyday. I am surounded by the best and most loving doctor's and nurses. I feel like the most blessed baby on earth. But there are babies in the disaster areas who have lost their parents. They are in far more needs for help than I am. I want to donate my toy money to them, so they can feel the love, from one baby to another. We babies can make a difference, too. Please tell them that, when I grow a little older, I will ask my parents to take me to your area so I can make some friends of kids my own age, and I would like that friendship to last a lifetime."
I feel so much better after that donation. I would have gone to the disaster area to volunteer if not for having to take care of Kimi. Now Kimi has done that for me.
I will let Kimi know about this when she is older. I want her to live her life as a loving and giving person.
You communicate your emotional roller-coaster very well, Paul, almost too well... And I am moved by the donation and the idea behind it.
Thinking of Kimi, Vanessa and you,
Johan
Thank you Paul for the update.
In the weekend there will be a special service in my church for the victims in Burma, and China, I will be there and ask for prayers for Kimi too.
Keep faith in a good outcome.
Am very pleased to hear of progress here.
Long may it continue
all strength to you
Jeffrey
Just caught this thread for the first time this morning Paul. Continued love and prayers to you and your family.
I'd missed this thread too, until this point. Paul, my thoughts are with you and Vanessa, as is my deep admiration for your dignity, nobility and courage through it all. My congratulations for your daughter's strength: I hope that it will never fail her.
Major MAJOR improvement!
Yesterday, Kimi was fed 1/2 mm of milk 6 times a day (3mm in total) and for the first time she took it all in. Even better news is last night she had bowel movement on her own for the very first time! I am drinking half a bottle of Merlot to celebrate! I am ecstatic! I am so happy I am in tears, sobbing uncontrollably! It is like ten days of capped emotions finally coming out!
Thank God! Thanks to all of you who have sent your best wishes!
Paul and Vanessa
Excellent news, Paul!
(Did you ever think you would see the day when a little turd was such a cause celebre? :D
8)
----------------
Listening to:
Schubert * Symphonien - Staatskapelle Dresden / Sinopoli - D 944 Symphony #9 in C 4th mvmt - Allegro vivace
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on May 17, 2008, 05:49:50 PM
(Did you ever think you would see the day when a little turd was such a cause celebre? :D
'
For a second there, I thought you meant
minor third rather than
little turd . . . .
Quote from: karlhenning on May 17, 2008, 07:48:37 PM
For a second there, I thought you meant minor third rather than little turd . . . .
We are hoping by tomorrow, we will have the
minor third in question.
Paul,
I am so happy for you and Venessa and little Kimi. Take care! My continued prayers are with all of you.
YES! :) :) :)
Delighted to hear this news :)
Quite a relief Paul!
We are happy with both of you. :)
Paul, This sounds like really good news at last. We are looking forward now to the first photos, not too long delayed now I hope.
Best wishes,
Mike
Quote from: springrite on May 17, 2008, 05:28:44 PM
Even better news is last night she had bowel movement on her own for the very first time!
Thanks for giving us the latest poop on Kimi's poop.
Quote from: springrite on May 17, 2008, 05:28:44 PM
It is like ten days of capped emotions finally coming out!
You must be pooped out.
Welcome news, Paul. How's Vanessa?
Quote from: DavidRoss on May 18, 2008, 05:47:53 AM
Welcome news, Paul. How's Vanessa?
Vanessa is relieved! She has been under so much stress, and blames herself so much, which she really shouldn't. Now it is like a huge weight being lifted off our shoulders. Of course, Kimi is not over the hump yet. But this is a significant development and should lead to better things to come.
Good news! :)
btw, you have to save this post for when Kimi gets older, even if it's only this part:
QuoteEven better news is last night she had bowel movement on her own for the very first time! I am drinking half a bottle of Merlot to celebrate! I am ecstatic! I am so happy I am in tears, sobbing uncontrollably! It is like ten days of capped emotions finally coming out!
;D
Excellent, excellent, excellent.
(http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=9175;type=avatar)
Kimi rocking to Mozart
Go Kimi...go Kimi...go Kimi....break it down Wolfie....
Quote from: springrite on May 18, 2008, 05:51:42 AM
Vanessa is relieved! She has been under so much stress, and blames herself so much, which she really shouldn't. Now it is like a huge weight being lifted off our shoulders. Of course, Kimi is not over the hump yet. But this is a significant development and should lead to better things to come.
The stress must be hard on you both--thank God you have one another. Our prayers are with you all.
Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on May 18, 2008, 05:52:27 AM
Good news! :)
btw, you have to save this post for when Kimi gets older, even if it's only this part:
;D
Oh, I sure will! She will hate me for that for a while, but truly appreciate it later, maybe when she becomes a parent herself.
Paul, that's wonderful news!!!!!
Quote from: Keemun on May 18, 2008, 07:50:10 AM
Paul, that's wonderful news!!!!!
Seconded. Excellent to hear. :)
Hi Paul, I've just caught the thread.
Congratulations to you and to Vanessa. I hope for the continuing improvement in your baby's condition :-*
Kimi has been doing quite well for more than two days now.
Doctors told me to expect a few rounds of infections in the coming weeks. This is expected and the doctors are very experiences in dealing with them. After that, Kimi will slowly gain some weight and be ready to go home. BUT her release date is still quite far off due to her low weight and her inability to eat for so long. So I was also told to be very patient about it, as well as expect a substantial bill far exceeding what we had budgeted for. But for us, there is no such thing as a budget when it comes to Kimi.
I had planned to go to the earthquake area to volunteer, but was talked out of it by my colleagues. Instead, I will be doing a daily radio broadcast to the earthquake area starting on Thursday. This will be a 3 hour daily broadcast for the next three months or more. I have several volunteers at my disposal to do the milk delivery and other chores when I couldn't do it myself.
On my first broadcast, I will for sure read Kimi's letter to the people there.
Quote from: springrite on May 20, 2008, 05:05:41 AM
Kimi has been doing quite well for more than two days now.
Doctors told me to expect a few rounds of infections in the coming weeks. This is expected and the doctors are very experiences in dealing with them. After that, Kimi will slowly gain some weight and be ready to go home. BUT her release date is still quite far off due to her low weight and her inability to eat for so long. So I was also told to be very patient about it, as well as expect a substantial bill far exceeding what we had budgeted for. But for us, there is no such thing as a budget when it comes to Kimi.
I had planned to go to the earthquake area to volunteer, but was talked out of it by my colleagues. Instead, I will be doing a daily radio broadcast to the earthquake area starting on Thursday. This will be a 3 hour daily broadcast for the next three months or more. I have several volunteers at my disposal to do the milk delivery and other chores when I couldn't do it myself.
On my first broadcast, I will for sure read Kimi's letter to the people there.
Thank you for the positive update from our Kimi........ ;D
Excellent news, Paul!
Having patience is nothing to what you and Vanessa have gone through, I think. And if you have the money, any expenditure pales into insignificance compared to that new precious life.
Quote from: Jezetha on May 20, 2008, 06:11:02 AM
Having patience is nothing to what you and Vanessa have gone through, I think. And if you have the money, any expenditure pales into insignificance compared to that new precious life.
That is so true!
I did some calculation and I am quite sure we do have enough money to cover things, assuming that Kimi will be in there for another 4 weeks or so. If not, there is my music room studio that is worth quite a bit. BTW, I am donating my fees for the next month or more to earthquake relief.
Don't donate your fees if it means you can't afford t pay for Kimi! This is all excellent news - I am very relieved, so I can't imagine how you must be feeling.
Quote from: Guido on May 20, 2008, 09:09:13 AM
Don't donate your fees if it means you can't afford t pay for Kimi! This is all excellent news - I am very relieved, so I can't imagine how you must be feeling.
Yes, incredibly relieved!
As for the donations, I've got a house and a small studio. Thousands of babies need milk. Millions of people need tents. If we need to spend more on Kimi, we can manage. Besides, I still have some earning potential when needed.
Kimi stopped eating today due to discomfort from a new round of infection. Doctor says there are early indications of sapraemia, but doctors are fighting to fend it off.
That's all for today. I am tired. Tomorrow and for the next few days I will be doing LIVE broadcasts to earthquake areas to offer the people help.
O dear. :(
But I remain hopeful.
Keep your spirits up
All strength to you
Jeffrey
Paul,
Your heart to focus on others in time of great need while you yourself are facing great challenges speaks volumes of the parents Kimi is so fortunate to have.
Good news!
This afternoon, Kimi started to kick her legs for the first time. Also, she smiled and is able to show several different facial expressions. Her weight is 1425g, up from 1350. The infection is still there but better.
This afternoon I did two one hour LIVE radio programs directed towards the earthquake areas. Tomorrow (Saturday) I will do another three. On Sunday there will be a TV program to help reporters who experienced the disaster first hand at the front line and are traumatized. On Monday I will do another TV show to tell people about how western countries deal with disasters and what we can learn from their past experience and expertise. After that I go back to the radio on an almost daily basis, except on Thursday when I will do a workshop for Olympic volunteers. It is so good to be doing important work AND knowing that Kimi is improving.
Paul and Vanessa
Good news :)
I am so glad to hear it, really it will make my weekend a bit better, quite a bit. :)
Excellent! What a relief. :)
Hopeful news, indeed! Thanks for keeping us posted, Paul.
Good news indeed!
Kimi sounds like a feisty little fighter :D.
Quote from: DavidRoss on May 23, 2008, 05:45:27 AM
Hopeful news, indeed! Thanks for keeping us posted, Paul.
He took the words right out of my mouth. Truly good news. Thanks for keeping us posted.
Thanks for taking the time to keep us in the loop. Things seem significantly better, but no doubt you will feel a real longing and are impatient to reunite your whole family.
I hope the work goes well.
Mike
I am happy for you to hear that things are going so well with Kimi.
Nothing new to report, which in itself is good news. May it continue.
Today I did three hours of live broadcast to the earthquake region on the topic of helping children in the earthquake areas, include orphaned children, helping them deal with their trauma, adoption, and the problems that may come up later, etc. From the call-ins and messages we can see that it is a very important program that addressed some important needs. I was asked to talk about Kimi's donation to the children there. But I declined. This is not a time to draw attention to myself or Kimi. It is about the children in the earthquake regions.
Vanessa found a "Diary of a Premature Baby Girl" on the Internet, posted by the mother. It was so funny that it gave Vanessa very good mood. I read it last night. It was good!
Anyway, I probably won't be updating that regularly for a while, with my busy schedule and, Kimi is probably going to be stable an uneventful for a week or so.
Quote from: springrite on May 24, 2008, 03:39:47 AM
Nothing new to report, which in itself is good news. May it continue.
Today I did three hours of live broadcast to the earthquake region on the topic of helping children in the earthquake areas, include orphaned children, helping them deal with their trauma, adoption, and the problems that may come up later, etc. From the call-ins and messages we can see that it is a very important program that addressed some important needs. I was asked to talk about Kimi's donation to the children there. But I declined. This is not a time to draw attention to myself or Kimi. It is about the children in the earthquake regions.
Vanessa found a "Diary of a Premature Baby Girl" on the Internet, posted by the mother. It was so funny that it gave Vanessa very good mood. I read it last night. It was good!
Anyway, I probably won't be updating that regularly for a while, with my busy schedule and, Kimi is probably going to be stable an uneventful for a week or so.
Thanks
Paul.
Quote from: springrite on May 24, 2008, 03:39:47 AM
Nothing new to report, which in itself is good news. May it continue.
Anyway, I probably won't be updating that regularly for a while, with my busy schedule and, Kimi is probably going to be stable an uneventful for a week or so.
That's more like it! :)
First of all, good news. Kimi has passed the 1500 gram milestone. She has gained 250 grams so far. She is eating well and more active.
Of concern though, is the beginning stages of sapraemia, which doctors has put under control but also hoping to reverse the course. It will take probably two weeks.
By my calculation, if they can reverse course on the sapraemia successfully, she should be out of the hospital in three weeks.
Another good news is that my mother's cancer scare is over. I have kept that bit of worry from Vanessa so far, but I told her about it after the all clear from the doctor.
I will be doing a lecture for Olympic volunteers tonight, followed by three days of LIVE radio broadcast to the earthquake areas. I am hoping to have the weekend off, but there will be a one hour radio interview and possibly some TV work. I also need to put final touches on my book which is due out in two weeks. Finally, some much needed money for Kimi!
Urgent phone call from doctor. Kimi has anemia, but she has a rare blood type and they are unable to find blood for her transfusion. Right now, with the earthquake and the hundreds of thousands of wounded, blood is in short supply and rare blood types are almost impossible to find.
I have just called my friends in the healthcare field who will all be working around the clock to find blood for Kimi.
Clock ticking. Finger crossed...
What a terrible obstacle course... Crossing fingers with you.
Quote from: springrite on May 26, 2008, 09:57:54 PM
Urgent phone call from doctor. Kimi has anemia, but she has a rare blood type and they are unable to find blood for her transfusion. Right now, with the earthquake and the hundreds of thousands of wounded, blood is in short supply and rare blood types are almost impossible to find.
I have just called my friends in the healthcare field who will all be working around the clock to find blood for Kimi.
Clock ticking. Finger crossed...
O, dear........
Success! Success! We have found the right blood for Kimi!
:) :) :) :)
Quote from: Jezetha on May 26, 2008, 11:00:57 PM
:) :) :) :)
As I told Kimi countless times from outside her little enclosure in the hospital: "Kimi, never worry. You can always count on daddy!"
Where did they find the right blood, Paul?
Quote from: springrite on May 26, 2008, 11:02:52 PM
As I told Kimi countless times from outside her little enclosure in the hospital: "Kimi, never worry. You can always count on daddy!"
O, man you scare me all the time, I need a strong Ristretto now, to cover my fright at this situation.
Quote from: Jezetha on May 26, 2008, 11:07:23 PM
Where did they find the right blood, Paul?
At the blood bank. I have a feeling it was always there, except that in this special time, it is only reserved for life saving situations and not released under usual medical circumstances.
Quote from: springrite on May 26, 2008, 11:09:13 PM
At the blood bank. I have a feeling it was always there, except that in this special time, it is only reserved for life saving situations and not released under usual medical circumstances.
Phew! I think I'll fortify myself with a Brian symphony...
Quote from: Jezetha on May 26, 2008, 11:12:36 PM
Phew! I think I'll fortify myself with a Brian symphony...
Better the Ode of Joy from Beethoven, that fits the bill for me, Alle menschen werden bruder, Gotterfunken, and all that. :)
Quote from: Harry on May 26, 2008, 11:16:52 PM
Better the Ode of Joy from Beethoven, that fits the bill for me, Alle menschen werden bruder, Gotterfunken, and all that. :)
I'll play that when Kimi gets the all clear. Now I want the invigorating fighting spirit of the immortal Havergal.
Quote from: springrite on May 26, 2008, 10:52:34 PM
Success! Success! We have found the right blood for Kimi!
Paul - just another note of encouragement in your hour(s) of need! :-*
Glad that Kimi is improving, gaining substantial weight, & that the blood was found! Good luck & best to you & family! Dave :)
I should ask the Chinese KGB to find out this donor's identity and follow his whereabouts for the rest of his life.
Glad to hear the good news, Paul. Thanks for the updates. :)
Thanks for keeping us posted, Paul. Much appreciated. Here's hoping the news will always be good.
A sudden and dramatic turn for the better today!
Maybe because the blood transfusion vitalised her. Maybe her digestive system finally is finally fully well. Kimi suddenly decided that she is hungry and for the past two days she took in just about as much milk as a normal baby. In fact, they run out of mother's milk (that I had delivered) and had to use formulas. She is eating, kicking, smiling and generally looking really well!
The pump will be used every three hours from now on and I will make an extra delivery of milk to the hospital everyday. This weekend I will clean the house and get ready, in case the doctor finally says: "Well, proud father of Kimi, she is ready to go home."
There is still the matter of blood infection to deal with. But all signs points to that fight being won at the moment.
I am so happy.
Wonderful news, Paul :) :)
I'm just so full of admiration for you - for all three of you - and the way in which you are dealing with this impossible time.
Quote from: springrite on May 29, 2008, 04:51:55 AM
A sudden and dramatic turn for the better today!
Maybe because the blood transfusion vitalised her. Maybe her digestive system finally is finally fully well. Kimi suddenly decided that she is hungry and for the past two days she took in just about as much milk as a normal baby. In fact, they run out of mother's milk (that I had delivered) and had to use formulas. She is eating, kicking, smiling and generally looking really well!
The pump will be used every three hours from now on and I will make an extra delivery of milk to the hospital everyday. This weekend I will clean the house and get ready, in case the doctor finally says: "Well, proud father of Kimi, she is ready to go home."
There is still the matter of blood infection to deal with. But all signs points to that fight being won at the moment.
I am so happy.
Absolute smashing news, I am happy too! :) :) :)
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
Quote from: springrite on May 29, 2008, 04:51:55 AM
A sudden and dramatic turn for the better today!
Maybe because the blood transfusion vitalised her. Maybe her digestive system finally is finally fully well. Kimi suddenly decided that she is hungry and for the past two days she took in just about as much milk as a normal baby. In fact, they run out of mother's milk (that I had delivered) and had to use formulas. She is eating, kicking, smiling and generally looking really well!
The pump will be used every three hours from now on and I will make an extra delivery of milk to the hospital everyday. This weekend I will clean the house and get ready, in case the doctor finally says: "Well, proud father of Kimi, she is ready to go home."
There is still the matter of blood infection to deal with. But all signs points to that fight being won at the moment.
I am so happy.
Now that Kimi seems to have no problems sucking, if at all possible Vanessa should go to the hospital and try to breast feed. Pumping milk is good, but it's no substitute for the real thing in establishing milk flow. It's also important for emotional reasons as well. Both Kimi and her mother will greatly benefit from the skin to skin contact.
Best of luck; I am so happy to know that Vanessa and Kimi are recovering from the effects of toxemia.
Quote from: Bunny on May 29, 2008, 06:12:18 AM
Now that Kimi seems to have no problems sucking, if at all possible Vanessa should go to the hospital and try to breast feed. Pumping milk is good, but it's no substitute for the real thing in establishing milk flow. It's also important for emotional reasons as well. Both Kimi and her mother will greatly benefit from the skin to skin contact.
Best of luck; I am so happy to know that Vanessa and Kimi are recovering from the effects of toxemia.
We hope she can come home soon so breastfeeding can start. Right now no one outside of the medical team is allowed contact with Kimi.
That is so difficult! There is some very new clinical evidence that cuddling and massage reduce stress and actually are of benefit even for extremely premature infants born between 28 and 31 weeks. However, most neonatal units do not allow contact with parents, because this is still undecided. Hopefully, even if Kimi is not released soon, they will allow you more contact with her. Here's a link to the BBC article (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7417316.stm) I recently saw. It refers to research done at McGill University (Canada) that you may be interested in.
Paul, Marvelous to read the latest news.
Mike
Paul,
I'm so glad everything is going so well for all of you. Thanks for the email.
In our town and general area there is a group of women quite proficient in breast-feeding who are available to help the new mother and will come to her house. They belong to the La Leche League. The new mother must learn to relax so the "let-down reflex" of milk occurs. If the new mother is uptight or nervous about the procedure, not enough milk may be produced. Best wishes to Vanessa.
Take care!
Great news, Paul--sounds promising, indeed!
Quote from: Anne on May 29, 2008, 03:39:14 PM
Paul,
I'm so glad everything is going so well for all of you. Thanks for the email.
In our town and general area there is a group of women quite proficient in breast-feeding who are available to help the new mother and will come to her house. They belong to the La Leche League. The new mother must learn to relax so the "let-down reflex" of milk occurs. If the new mother is uptight or nervous about the procedure, not enough milk may be produced. Best wishes to Vanessa.
Take care!
But will the La Leches go all the way to China? Glad to hear things are looking so well, Springrite.
Quote from: Sforzando on May 29, 2008, 06:13:28 PM
But will the La Leches go all the way to China? Glad to hear things are looking so well, Springrite.
They won't go to China but there may be a similar group already in China.
Quote from: Anne on May 29, 2008, 06:52:26 PM
They won't go to China but there may be a similar group already in China.
You are quite right. We have hired one to live-in with us for 3 months as help.
Have been away for a few days, so just read the good news. Am very happy to hear this. :) :) :)
Kimi's recovery in the past few days has been nothing short of remarkable. She is eating well, very active, and gaining weight and strength. She is smiling a lot. Yesterday, the doctors told me that Kimi will have a blood test and liver function test on Tuesday afternoon and, should everything be OK, she can come home by Thursday! I couldn't believe it!
Today, I baked a lot of muffins, some cookies and a large brownie and brought them to the hospital as a treat for the doctors and nurses. Then, in the afternoon and early evening, I did my final two radio shows. I told National Radio that I will be unavailable for a while as I will devote most if not all of my time to Kimi for a while. They are very understanding of this and gave me their blessings.
We will do some shopping tomorrow and have a couple of cleaning ladies for the afternoon to give the house a thorough cleaning. Kimi's room will be up to hospital standard by the time Kimi comes home.
Finally, the family will be together. I have been praying for this moment for the past four weeks, as many of you have on our behalf. This day will finally be here.
I feel blessed. I feel whole.
Quote from: springrite on June 02, 2008, 07:26:48 AM
Kimi's recovery in the past few days has been nothing short of remarkable. She is eating well, very active, and gaining weight and strength. She is smiling a lot. Yesterday, the doctors told me that Kimi will have a blood test and liver function test on Tuesday afternoon and, should everything be OK, she can come home by Thursday! I couldn't believe it!
Today, I baked a lot of muffins, some cookies and a large brownie and brought them to the hospital as a treat for the doctors and nurses. Then, in the afternoon and early evening, I did my final two radio shows. I told National Radio that I will be unavailable for a while as I will devote most if not all of my time to Kimi for a while. They are very understanding of this and gave me their blessings.
We will do some shopping tomorrow and have a couple of cleaning ladies for the afternoon to give the house a thorough cleaning. Kimi's room will be up to hospital standard by the time Kimi comes home.
Finally, the family will be together. I have been praying for this moment for the past four weeks, as many of you have on our behalf. This day will finally be here.
I feel blessed. I feel whole.
Blessed is the day indeed, I will open this instant a Riesling wine from 1968, a price bottle, and drink it to Kimi and family.
Uncle Harry is pleased, and very happy for you too. :)
Quote from: Harry on June 02, 2008, 07:30:58 AM
Blessed is the day indeed, I will open this instant a Riesling wine from 1968, a price bottle, and drink it to Kimi and family.
Uncle Harry is pleased, and very happy for you too. :)
I am sure you have pricier bottles, which I would gladly drink with you when I visit the Netherlands!
Quote from: springrite on June 02, 2008, 07:36:19 AM
I am sure you have pricier bottles, which I would gladly drink with you when I visit the Netherlands!
No, Paul, this is the single priciest bottle I have, and I will not make you the wiser what this bottle would fetch, but what I say is this, you could buy easily a few hundreds cd's with it, if sold. It was my last bottle of this wine.
Doctor told me to cut back in the drinking, so I am slowly drinking my cellar empty. ;D
But when you come to visit, I will surprise you with a very good wine, that will linger in your taste buds for a very long time. ;D
Cheers. ;D
One of my best friends who passed away a few years ago, was an opera buff and a wine lover. After one of his operations, I visited him and saw him drinking a large quantity of wine.
"Are you supposed to drink wine after surgery?"
"The doctor told me to drink 12 glasses of fluids a day. He did not specify, and I was not all too eager to ask him to clarify, either. As far as I know, Merlot and Pinot Noir are both fluids that fit the description of what the doctor told me."
Quote from: springrite on June 02, 2008, 07:58:14 AM
One of my best friends who passed away a few years ago, was an opera buff and a wine lover. After one of his operations, I visited him and saw him drinking a large quantity of wine.
"Are you supposed to drink wine after surgery?"
"The doctor told me to drink 12 glasses of fluids a day. He did not specify, and I was not all too eager to ask him to clarify, either. As far as I know, Merlot and Pinot Noir are both fluids that fit the description of what the doctor told me."
Good, very good, what a marvelous person that must have been.
I am still giggling over this, and will keep this in mind! ;D ;D
Tremendous news, Paul! Family life can now start in earnest for Kimi, Vanessa and you. Wonderful! :)
Johan
Good luck Paul! Btw, the real work starts when you bring the baby home, especially for the mother. ;)
Minor setback today, which will delay Kimi's homecoming for a few days. But nothing to be overly concerned about.
Yesterday, Kimi was taken out of the incubator for the first time to get her accustomed to the outside encvironment. For the first time she is dealing with minor temperature changes, air flow, and having the body partially covered, which was never needed before. Apparently she was a bit upset about that, as her body language clearly showed. Then she began to have a small fever (not bad) and, later, a minor infection. Doctor assured us that it is nothing major. She will be day-to-day and may come home in 3 or 4 days. This will make her homecoming on a Chinese Holiday, exactly one month after her birth. Of course, she could come home a day or so early or late, depending on her progress.
Tomorrow we will go get her registered. This will make her an official person when the sensus time come. I guess that makes the population of China 1,300,000,001.
Step by step Kimi is getting there. And registering her tomorrow is another momentous event.
Congratulations, Paul and Vanessa!
Hang in there, Kimi, Vanessa & Paul!
Quote from: karlhenning on June 04, 2008, 05:20:36 AM
Hang in there, Kimi, Vanessa & Paul!
This saga is lasting forever! But we have patience. We have gone through the most difficult part already. We have the coming decades to enjoy our lives together. For that, a few extra days wait is worth it. ;D
Entirely the right spirit! :)
Lets pray that everything will be okay :)
Quote from: Harry on June 04, 2008, 05:41:58 AM
Lets pray that everything will be okay :)
Yes from me too. All strength to you all.
Well, just to complicate things, the nanny we have hired had a family emergency and left this morning for her hometown. We will be searching in earnest for a qualified certified nanny with experience with premies. That would take some work in such short notice. Most nannies are booked almost as soon as the expectant date is known. To do so at the last minute now is difficult. That will be my assignment for the next two days.
Best wishes to all of you! I hope you take a lot of pictures.
Good luck on the search, Paul! May success attend your efforts!
Hope you find a good nanny and that Kimi can come home soon. Little girls are absolutely the best 0:).
Bring her to me, I will take good care of her, and my home is clean and air purified to Hospital standards, so what are you waiting for.
Children love to be with me! ;D
Quote from: Harry on June 05, 2008, 04:36:31 AM
Bring her to me, I will take good care of her, and my home is clean and air purified to Hospital standards, so what are you waiting for.
Children love to be with me! ;D
yeah, until they knock down a pile from your CD collection and get crushed to death! :o
Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on June 05, 2008, 10:55:46 AM
yeah, until they knock down a pile from your CD collection and get crushed to death! :o
Life is all about taking risks.
Oh, I thought it was a box of chololates.
Mike
Quote from: knight on June 05, 2008, 12:31:33 PM
Oh, I thought it was a box of chololates.
Mike
Milk chocolates to be exact! 8)
Kimi was scheduled to come home this morning. I did not announce it here because I wanted to wait till she's actually home, knowing that things change at the last minute. Surely it did. About ten minutes before we were about to depart home to pick her up, doctor called to tell us that she had a cut (more like abrasion) on her arm and will be held a few more days for her protection. Instead of picking her up, we just delivered milk. As it turns out, it's a good thing she did not come home. This amazing girl always knows best.
First, let me go back to tell you about the day she was born. On May 8, Vanessa woke up at the middle of the night sweating, waking me up to tell me that she had a nightmare, in which Kimi told Vanessa that she "can't breath" and is about to choke to death. "Let's go to the hospital right away!" Vanessa said. I, being a psychologist, should usually calm her down to tell her that it was only a dream. But I said "let's go!". At the door, I said "drink a glass of milk before you go". But Vanessa said: "There is no time! We have to rush!"
We got to the hospital at 6:30. We were the second patient saw by the doctor. After checking Vanessa, the doctor made the decision to do emergency surgery. Because we were at the VIP clinic, something people thought was a total waste of money since it costs several times over normal cost for no waiting, Vanessa was sent to surgery right away, basically cutting in front of other patients already scheduled for surgery. Another reason we could do that was because Vanessa had refused that glass of milk. Had she had the glass of milk, the surgery would have to wait till the afternoon. When Kimi came out, her cord was already off! She was literally minutes away from "choking to death" because she "couldn't breathe", just like the dream. Kimi sent Vanessa a dream that saved her life!
Now, back to this morning. We were disappointed that Kimi did not come home. But on the way home, there was a hugh traffic jam and we were at one intersection for one hour. Had Kimi been in the car, this would have been impossible for her. She needed to be delivered home with speed and could not stay in the car from almost two hours where it'd be either incredibly hot or with air conditioning blasting. She's too delicate to be able to take either for too long. The car probably would overheat when stopped for over an hour but air conditioning running at full blast. It would have been a disaster! But her little cut prevented this impossible situation. Once again, Kimi knew something we did not.
Yesterday, we saw Kimi for the first time as doctors trained Vanessa and I about holding, feeding, etc. Kimi is beautiful! Vanessa is a but jealous because Kimi looked like my "mini me". Her head is enormous, her ears huge, and she likes to glance at people from the corner of her eyes, with an air of arrogance. Vanessa was afraid to hold her because she was so small. Doctor said for the first two weeks, she was like "fruit jello". I was brave enough to hold her for half an hour. She never cried. It was difficult to feed her because her mouth is so small. She has to be bottle-fed because nipple would not fit in her mouth at all. She eats very slowly and with some difficulty. But she could finish the prescribed amount eventually.
Kimi will decide when it is best to come home. I have learned to trust her. Kimi knows better.
Moving, Paul. Yes, always read the signs, obey the signals. Sometimes it's reason that clouds your better judgment.
Amazing, honestly I am really surprised how nature sometimes works wonders...... 0:)
Paul, despite all of the apparent set-backs and how things haven't gone exactly as planned, it is wonderful and amazing how things have worked out for the best. :) But I'm sure you already know this. ;) Thank you for the update.
Quote from: springrite on June 07, 2008, 02:17:18 AM
On May 8, Vanessa woke up at the middle of the night sweating, waking me up to tell me that she had a nightmare, in which Kimi told Vanessa that she "can't breath" and is about to choke to death. "Let's go to the hospital right away!" Vanessa said. I, being a psychologist, should usually calm her down to tell her that it was only a dream.
When Kimi came out, her cord was already off! She was literally minutes away from "choking to death" because she "couldn't breathe", just like the dream. Kimi sent Vanessa a dream that saved her life!
That's really weird....... i've had dreams before where something similar would happen (very unpredictably) the next day, but that's really specific.....
Thanks for the update, Paul. Kimi truly is the wonder baby.
Kimi is finally home!
I tried to post a photo but it says I can only post photos 500k or less. How do I post Kimi's photo? Please help!
Quote from: springrite on June 09, 2008, 10:38:06 PM
Kimi is finally home!
I tried to post a photo but it says I can only post photos 500k or less. How do I post Kimi's photo? Please help!
Upload it to say Photobucket, and then it should work if you post it on GMG.
Quote from: Harry on June 09, 2008, 10:59:19 PM
Upload it to say Photobucket, and then it should work if you post it on GMG.
can you post it for me?
Quote from: springrite on June 09, 2008, 11:00:25 PM
can you post it for me?
I will try! DONE, I am surprised at all I did that!
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/NieuweafbeeldingKimi.jpg)
This guys is Kimi!
Quote from: springrite on June 09, 2008, 10:38:06 PM
Kimi is finally home!
Great news!!
Edit: just saw the photo... WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CHILD (can't keep dry)
We will have a full schedule everyday, from feeding every 2 1/2 hours, to medication, supplements, and injections twice a week for the next month or so. Then it becomes more "normal".
Paul, you must be so happy to have her with you! She is absolutely beautiful - what a fine photo that is.
She is the background picture on all my computers. My secretary is already gloating, and her eyes are almost popping out!
Och, and ach's are coming out every second! ;D
More good news, Paul! And thanks for sharing the pic--she is beautiful, indeed.
Such a beautiful baby, and such a fighter! This is wonderful news!
Paul - great to hear the news! :D The Kimi pic looks beautiful - good luck to you all - Dave :)
What a beautiful little girl! She looks perfect. So happy to hear that the family is all home and together.
Paul, that's wonderful news! Beautiful girl you have there. She's sure to be a daddy's girl. :)
Our first glimpse. She looks lovely. I had thought she would not look too well, but she looks great.
Mike
What a beautiful baby!
Congratulations, Paul and Vanessa! So glad that she is finally home with you.
Welcome to GMG, Kimi!
What a little sweetheart! She is so beautiful and angelic as she sleeps. How much does she weigh now? (in pounds and ounces if you can, please)
She is beautiful indeed, Paul. Congratulations, and may this be the end of your travails; I think you deserve it. :)
Quote from: Anne on June 10, 2008, 06:40:41 PM
What a little sweetheart! She is so beautiful and angelic as she sleeps. How much does she weigh now? (in pounds and ounces if you can, please)
This morning: 2.1kg (4 lbs 7 ounces)
Quote from: springrite on June 09, 2008, 10:38:06 PM
Kimi is finally home!
I tried to post a photo but it says I can only post photos 500k or less. How do I post Kimi's photo? Please help!
It's a bit tedious but if you capture the picture to your clipboard, open MS Paint and crop it, and then save to a JPEG - you can usually reduce it to under 100K. If you have software like PaintShop or PhotoShop that can scale the original image, that will also help.
Quote from: springrite on June 10, 2008, 07:14:28 PM
This morning: 2.1kg (4 lbs 7 ounces)
Irfanview (http://www.irfanview.com/) is easy to use freeware for rescaling photos.
Quote from: Harry on June 09, 2008, 11:11:42 PM
This guys is Kimi!
What a beauty! Congratulations, again,
Vanessa &
Paul! :D
Quote from: DavidRoss on June 10, 2008, 08:23:37 PM
Irfanview (http://www.irfanview.com/) is easy to use freeware for rescaling photos.
Paul - I agree w/
David above - I've also used
Irfanview for years! The program is free & quick - ideal for cropping & resizing large (i.e. megapixel size) images to either upload to a 'photo sharing' site on the web or to attach to your posts; however, I'm not sure which computer you are using? Irfanview works only w/ Windows OSs - good luck & congrats again! Dave :)
I used Photobucket to post Paul's picture of Kimi on GMG, and there was no need for rescaling, although the easy possibility was there to do it. :)
Thanks, Paul. Much appreciated.
Paul, I have been following this thread throughout the ordeal of getting this little girl here...I am overjoyed you guys have gotten through these difficult early weeks and are all finally safely together. :D
She's adorable and she is looking great! Lots of color in her cheeks, and breaking 4 lbs is quite good, won't be long and I bet she will have doubled that!
God bless you and your family, you guys are troopers. Congratulations to you and Vanessa, and enjoy lots of cuddles while she's still a wee one! ;D
-Greta
Took Kimi to her twice a week injections. I can't stand seeing Kimi cry as they stick needle into her. But as soon as she's back in daddy's arms, she's fine.
A devastating news. One of my students in last year's EAP certification class dies a couple of days ago. He went to the earthquake area to do crisis intervention and counseling. He has been working 20 hours a day for over a month. Then, two days ago, apparently because he was overly exhausted and went to sleep at the wheel, he was killed in a crash. He left a wife and a child still 3 weeks away from birth. We will help with the baby and help his wife and family in this difficult time.
Quote from: springrite on June 12, 2008, 01:32:00 AM
Took Kimi to her twice a week injections. I can't stand seeing Kimi cry as they stick needle into her. But as soon as she's back in daddy's arms, she's fine.
A devastating news. One of my students in last year's EAP certification class dies a couple of days ago. He went to the earthquake area to do crisis intervention and counseling. He has been working 20 hours a day for over a month. Then, two days ago, apparently because he was overly exhausted and went to sleep at the wheel, he was killed in a crash. He left a wife and a child still 3 weeks away from birth. We will help with the baby and help his wife and family in this difficult time.
Life is fickle, and made of great happiness, and also great sadness and pain.
I feel extremely sorry for his wife and still unborn child, and am happy that you will be able to help her, and the unborn child.
This is really sad!
Terrible news about your student, Paul.
Quote from: springrite on June 12, 2008, 01:32:00 AM
A devastating news. One of my students in last year's EAP certification class dies a couple of days ago. He went to the earthquake area to do crisis intervention and counseling. He has been working 20 hours a day for over a month. Then, two days ago, apparently because he was overly exhausted and went to sleep at the wheel, he was killed in a crash. He left a wife and a child still 3 weeks away from birth. We will help with the baby and help his wife and family in this difficult time.
I'm always scared of doing that......
Quote from: springrite on June 12, 2008, 01:32:00 AM
A devastating news. One of my students in last year's EAP certification class dies a couple of days ago. He went to the earthquake area to do crisis intervention and counseling. He has been working 20 hours a day for over a month. Then, two days ago, apparently because he was overly exhausted and went to sleep at the wheel, he was killed in a crash. He left a wife and a child still 3 weeks away from birth. We will help with the baby and help his wife and family in this difficult time.
What?!
What frail creatures we are. And how resilient at the same time.
Very sorry to hear this, Paul.
Paul--how are you and Vanessa and Kimi doing these days? I presume no news is good news...?
Quote from: DavidRoss on June 18, 2008, 03:46:56 AM
Paul--how are you and Vanessa and Kimi doing these days? I presume no news is good news...?
Yes, I had been thinking about you three, too. After the rollercoaster of the last weeks, it's eerily/happily silent...
Kimi has been home for a little over a week. She has been such a joy! She smiles in her sleep, and has the loudest cry you will ever hear from someone so small. She seems to understand a few words, as everytime we mention "medicine", "hospital", "injection", she starts to cry.
Two days ago she had one of those days when she cried loudly every few minutes for half a day. We knew something was not right, but did not know what. Finally we went to the hospital. It seems she has gained quite an appitite and was eating more and more. But her digestive system was not ready for such an overload. So we were ordered to feed her less per meal. Now she cired because she's hungry. When she wakes at night, all you need to do is to hold her hands or feet to make her feel safe. Then she goes back to sleep.
She now weigh in at 2.28kg.
Wonderful, Paul! God give you all joy!
Thanks for the update, Paul. Sounds as if she's getting stronger--at least, if her appetite and lung power are any indication!
That sounds really good, Paul. I am very glad for you all!
Wow, finally some rest for us poor buggers, worried to smithereens by the health of little Kimi. ;)
Quote from: Harry on June 18, 2008, 04:58:43 AM
Wow, finally some rest for us poor buggers, worried to smithereens by the health of little Kimi. ;)
Yes, we suffered a lot! ;D
Quote from: springrite on June 18, 2008, 04:23:31 AM
Kimi has been home for a little over a week. She has been such a joy! She smiles in her sleep, and has the loudest cry you will ever hear from someone so small. She seems to understand a few words, as everytime we mention "medicine", "hospital", "injection", she starts to cry.
Two days ago she had one of those days when she cried loudly every few minutes for half a day. We knew something was not right, but did not know what. Finally we went to the hospital. It seems she has gained quite an appitite and was eating more and more. But her digestive system was not ready for such an overload. So we were ordered to feed her less per meal. Now she cired because she's hungry. When she wakes at night, all you need to do is to hold her hands or feet to make her feel safe. Then she goes back to sleep.
She now weigh in at 2.28kg.
Wonderful piece of info! I shall pass it on to other new parents in hopes it will work for them. I had never heard of that before.
Glad everything is working out so well for all of you. Is Vanessa still nursing? Thanks for the update, Paul.
These two photos taken two days before Kimi left the hospital and on the first day that we saw her, give you a better idea her size. She had two tubes inserted through her nose into her stomach and one needle stuck onto her head. She weighed 1.8kg or 1.9 kg at the time.
Paul, wonderful pictures! Thanks for sharing them and keeping us updated. :)
What a little sweeite!
Paul--- I rarely check the Diner, and I had no idea you had become a father But now that I'm aware of it, I'm happy for you, and I wish little Kimi all the best.
:)
Wonderful pictures Paul, as co parents here on GMG, we are proud. :)
:)
Only a few weeks old, Kimi is already a sneaky little kid. She has to take medicine several times a day, 8 different medicine in all. First, she cried everytime we gave her medicine. Then, she figured out that it was not a good idea because we gave her medicine as she had her mouth open. So when she sees medicine, she cried with her mouth closed. After a few days, realising that we are going to feed her her medication no matter what, she got really smart. She stopped crying and took in the medicine with a smile. Then, she held the medicine in her mouth without swallowing, and acted really cool and natural, like nothing every happened. Then, after a minute or so, when you are not looking, she'd spit it out and smile.
I thought I was good when I invented that trick when I was 3!
Quote from: springrite on June 22, 2008, 11:12:19 PM
Only a few weeks old, Kimi is already a sneaky little kid. She has to take medicine several times a day, 8 different medicine in all. First, she cried everytime we gave her medicine. Then, she figured out that it was not a good idea because we gave her medicine as she had her mouth open. So when she sees medicine, she cried with her mouth closed. After a few days, realising that we are going to feed her her medication no matter what, she got really smart. She stopped crying and took in the medicine with a smile. Then, she held the medicine in her mouth without swallowing, and acted really cool and natural, like nothing every happened. Then, after a minute or so, when you are not looking, she'd spit it out and smile.
I thought I was good when I invented that trick when I was 3!
;D
They learn fast, don't they?!
Quote from: springrite on June 22, 2008, 11:12:19 PM
Only a few weeks old, Kimi is already a sneaky little kid. She has to take medicine several times a day, 8 different medicine in all. First, she cried everytime we gave her medicine. Then, she figured out that it was not a good idea because we gave her medicine as she had her mouth open. So when she sees medicine, she cried with her mouth closed. After a few days, realising that we are going to feed her her medication no matter what, she got really smart. She stopped crying and took in the medicine with a smile. Then, she held the medicine in her mouth without swallowing, and acted really cool and natural, like nothing every happened. Then, after a minute or so, when you are not looking, she'd spit it out and smile.
I thought I was good when I invented that trick when I was 3!
Lovely story, made me smile big time..... ;D
Kimi is a timid little girl. She gets scared everytime she burps or farts, and starts to cry.
She also has a short fuse. She looks like me but has her temperment from her mom!
Quote from: meh on May 08, 2008, 02:57:59 PM
Congratz! What's Kimi's name in Zhong Wen?
Her Chinese name is: 尹依思 （Yin Yi Si）
Quote from: springrite on June 18, 2008, 04:23:31 AM
Kimi has been home for a little over a week. She has been such a joy! She smiles in her sleep, and has the loudest cry you will ever hear from someone so small. She seems to understand a few words, as everytime we mention "medicine", "hospital", "injection", she starts to cry.
Two days ago she had one of those days when she cried loudly every few minutes for half a day. We knew something was not right, but did not know what. Finally we went to the hospital. It seems she has gained quite an appitite and was eating more and more. But her digestive system was not ready for such an overload. So we were ordered to feed her less per meal. Now she cired because she's hungry. When she wakes at night, all you need to do is to hold her hands or feet to make her feel safe. Then she goes back to sleep.
She now weigh in at 2.28kg.
Pu, I don't know what you are feeding Kimi, but if it is true that she is already understanding words and able to devise strategies to avoid her medication, then you have quite a little genius there! You had better watch out because by the time she is 3 years old she will look up from her math homework and say, "Daddy you just don't understand," and it will probably be true!
At 2.28 kg, Kimi knows just what she is doing when she tries to eat as much as possible: She's trying to grow strong and healthy for her parents.
Pu, there were also many times when my daughters would go through periods where they had increased appetite and cried a lot. I thought they were sick, but they were having a growth spurt (period of rapid growth). If Vanessa is breastfeeding, don't try to limit the milk as it will interfere in the milk supply. Just let Kimi nurse on demand and she will not ask for more until her stomach is empty. If you are supplementing her diet with formula or cereals, then try to increase the nursing if at all possible. Breast milk is the most digestible food for a baby, and it's also the healthiest. 100,000 years of evolution really can't be wrong. ;)
Thanks!
She's eating well. Now she takes in about 600ml a day, or a little more.
Quote from: springrite on June 26, 2008, 07:53:01 PM
She gets scared everytime she burps or farts, and starts to cry.
lol
Quote from: springrite on June 26, 2008, 07:53:01 PM
Kimi is a timid little girl. She gets scared everytime she burps or farts, and starts to cry.
She also has a short fuse. She looks like me but has her temperment from her mom!
Well, I imagine your wife will be ecstatic that you managed to disclose so many of her habits in such a very short post. 0:)
Mike
Quote from: knight on June 28, 2008, 08:07:24 AM
Well, I imagine your wife will be ecstatic that you managed to disclose so many of her habits in such a very short post. 0:)
Mike
His wife will be ecstatic that he only disclosed Kimi's habits and not hers. >:D
I am not so sure about that; seemingly Kimi takes after her mother.
Mike
Ah yes! a hit, a palpable hit! Good luck to Paul if Vanessa ever reads this. ;)
I am too lazy to try to figure out how to reduce the size of photos so I will just give a tet update. She is more than 2 1/2 months old now, and will soon reach 100 days which in China is cause for a huge celebration. So many people have offered to plan and host it. But we will keep it simple and private.
I speak English to her exclusively. She really likes my voice and always listens attentively. I am also learning some more Spanish and English so I can teach her those as a second language years later. (Chinese and English will be co-native language for her).
I also composed two short songs for her, one of which is very effective in putting her to sleep (better than the horror of "when the wind blows the craddle will fall" of the English/American tradition!).
Kimi, Kimi
Sweet sweet little Kimi
Kimi goes to sleep
having a beautiful dream
Mommy and daddy
we both love you so
Together with Kimi
The family is whole
Kimi, Kimi
Sweet sweet little Kimi
Kimi goes to sleep
having a beautiful dream
Great to hear from you, Paul!
I am glad to see things are working out well for you all, Paul!
Quote from: springrite on May 08, 2008, 12:24:51 AM
Today, on a regular scheduled pre-nadal visit, some things were not normal. Vanessa's BP was 150-110, and the baby was lacking oxygen. So, a decision was made to do C-sec immediately.
Our baby Kimi was born at 12.50pm, 7 weeks premature. She weighs in at only 1.3kilos, but was otherwise OK for her age. She will be in ICU for the next 4 weeks or so.
It is a miracle for Vanessa and I to become parents to begin with. It is also a miracle that we moved our scheduled doctor's visit up one day, or the baby may be gone. Thank God for this!
I am happy and worried at the same time. We need your prayers for baby Kimi's recovery and growth. Hope she will do OK for the next few weeks, so we can finally take her home come June.
Thank you all!
Paul aka SpringRite & Vanessa
Paul and Vanessa
A belated congratulations to you both. I'm absolutely over the moon that you're now parents, and I can only speak from my own experiences over the past ten months when I say that parenthood isn't just life changing, it's life enhancing. You will, of course, have found this out for yourselves by now. :)
Quote from: springrite on July 28, 2008, 07:49:36 AM
I am too lazy to try to figure out how to reduce the size of photos so I will just give a tet update. She is more than 2 1/2 months old now, and will soon reach 100 days which in China is cause for a huge celebration. So many people have offered to plan and host it. But we will keep it simple and private.
I speak English to her exclusively. She really likes my voice and always listens attentively. I am also learning some more Spanish and English so I can teach her those as a second language years later. (Chinese and English will be co-native language for her).
I also composed two short songs for her, one of which is very effective in putting her to sleep (better than the horror of "when the wind blows the craddle will fall" of the English/American tradition!).
Kimi, Kimi
Sweet sweet little Kimi
Kimi goes to sleep
having a beautiful dream
Mommy and daddy
we both love you so
Together with Kimi
The family is whole
Kimi, Kimi
Sweet sweet little Kimi
Kimi goes to sleep
having a beautiful dream
V good news and sweet poem :)
A few photos taken via mobile phone:
Ah, what a wee beauty!
Quote from: springrite on July 28, 2008, 07:49:36 AM
I also composed two short songs for her, one of which is very effective in putting her to sleep (better than the horror of "when the wind blows the craddle will fall" of the English/American tradition!).
Kimi, Kimi
Sweet sweet little Kimi
Kimi goes to sleep
having a beautiful dream
Mommy and daddy
we both love you so
Together with Kimi
The family is whole
Kimi, Kimi
Sweet sweet little Kimi
Kimi goes to sleep
having a beautiful dream
And if that doesn't work, you can always try playing Bax's symphonies!
You guys ought to like this one as well
Awesome Paul.....
Kimi is over 10 lbs now, and more than 100 days old.
Lovely pictures, Paul! Good to see her so healthy and strong! :)
Paul - what a wonderful change - glad that all is turning out so well - congrats! :D Dave (BTW - like the bears!)
Paul, thanks for sharing the photos, she's adorable. :)
i wonder how those bears teleported on and off the bed inbetween pictures........
Kimi with Olympic spirit:
Quote from: springrite on August 30, 2008, 11:53:28 AM
Kimi with Olympic spirit:
Kimi is too young to join the Olympics. Sorry.......
Quote from: GGGGRRREEG on August 31, 2008, 03:04:51 PM
Kimi is too young to join the Olympics. Sorry.......
Not for the Chinese gymnastic team ;)
Quote from: Szykniej on August 31, 2008, 03:32:13 PM
Not for the Chinese gymnastic team ;)
She was officially born on July 8, 1996. She will be 16 by the time of the London Olympics.
Quote from: springrite on August 31, 2008, 05:57:48 PM
She was officially born on July 8, 1996. She will be 16 by the time of the London Olympics.
;D
Quote from: springrite on August 31, 2008, 05:57:48 PM
She was officially born on July 8, 1996. She will be 16 by the time of the London Olympics.
Uh-oh, everybody watch out! 8)
Today is Vanessa's birthday. Here are some photos of Kimi. The first one is her Santa Maria pose. The second one was taken during a walk in the garden. The last two are of Kimi swimming.
Wait a minute! Since it IS Vanessa's birthday after all, I should post a photo of Vanessa, taken during the Paralympics at the Bird's Nest. All photos were taken via my cellphone, thus the small size.
I wish Vanessa a happy birthday, and I hope you Paul and Kimi will join in the fun.
I am glad all is well with the three of you.
Happy Birthday to Vanessa and nice to see Kimi taking a dip :)
Many happy returns for Vanessa and - great Kimi pics!
Ain't she cute?
Kimi was cute, is cute, and will be cute.
What a sweetie.
Quote from: springrite on June 26, 2008, 08:00:53 PMHer Chinese name is: 尹依思 (Yin Yi Si)
Hmm. Does every Chinese have chinese and non-chinese name?
Quote from: Wurstwasser on November 10, 2008, 12:43:00 AM
Hmm. Does every Chinese have chinese and non-chinese name?
No, usually not. But since she will be bilingural from the beginning and given both Vanessa and I have spent much time overseas, we thought she should have one.
Of course, technically, it's a Finnish name. ;)
Quote from: springrite on November 10, 2008, 01:43:14 AMNo, usually not. But since she will be bilingural from the beginning and given both Vanessa and I have spent much time overseas, we thought she should have one.
So I reckon your wife Vanessa has a different name? Does this international name have some kind of official character (i.e. it may be in the passport as well) or is this just some personal thing?
Quote from: Wurstwasser on November 10, 2008, 01:55:33 AM
So I reckon your wife Vanessa has a different name? Does this international name have some kind of official character (i.e. it may be in the passport as well) or is this just some personal thing?
It is just a pesonal thing, and a name that can be easily pronounced by non-Chinese.
Kimi is adorable!
Vanessa just learned a trick or two about photo editing:
...and there's no stopping her now:
Quote from: springrite on November 10, 2008, 04:31:59 AM
...and there's no stopping her now:
I'll PM Rob to ask him to invest in a bigger server.
You must be a very lucky man. :) I wish I were as lucky as you :) But probability is getting worse and against us, additionally as we're going towards 40 meanwhile.
Quote from: Wurstwasser on November 10, 2008, 04:47:16 AM
You must be a very lucky man. :) I wish I were as lucky as you :) But probability is getting worse and against us, additionally as we're going towards 40 meanwhile.
My wife and I became parents at 38... There is hope yet.
Quote from: Wurstwasser on November 10, 2008, 04:47:16 AM
You must be a very lucky man. :) I wish I were as lucky as you :) But probability is getting worse and against us, additionally as we're going towards 40 meanwhile.
Vanessa is 41 and I am 45. What's a young lion like you worried about?
Well, it's not as easy. Just in short (and unprecise because of my english): In theory we could have 10 year old children meanwhile. But no luck. Maybe gods decision.
Additionally, most medical methods which support fertility are expensive (1000 EUR+), seems like doctors can make a lot money there ;). It's a lottery. Also, the German state decided to cut his financial assistance massively, the state leaves after a few tries, so what happens in reality is, people try hard until they have no more money. And I haven't god a lot money any more.
It's difficult, especially because the society thinks "childless = career targeted droids" and demands childless to pay more for families. If you ask a "normal" family with maybe two children, very likely you'll hear that the childless assholes should pay more for them.
Oh, don't want to mess here in the lovely Kimi thread :)
Quote from: Wurstwasser on November 10, 2008, 05:16:28 AM
Well, it's not as easy. Just in short (and unprecise because of my english): In theory we could have 10 year old children meanwhile. But no luck. Maybe gods decision.
Additionally, most medical methods which support fertility are expensive (1000 EUR+), seems like doctors can make a lot money there ;). It's a lottery. Also, the German state decided to cut his financial assistance massively, the state leaves after a few tries, so what happens in reality is, people try hard until they have no more money. And I haven't god a lot money any more.
It's difficult, especially because the society thinks "childless = career targeted droids" and demands childless to pay more for families. If you ask a "normal" family with maybe two children, very likely you'll hear that the childless assholes should pay more for them.
Oh, don't want to mess here in the lovely Kimi thread :)
I feel for you. I remember how it was and, you are absolutely right that we are lucky, when the odds were 33 to 1 against us. You still have time and I hope in the end you will be successful.
I remember the day before we were to find out that Kimi has been conceived, when Vanessa asked worryingly about what my reaction would be if it was again not a success, I said something like this to Vanessa: "If God had told me that I may not be able to have a child, but I will have Vanessa for the rest of my life, I would take it without hesitation." As a Taoist would say: See the blessing you have already been given, and you can then receive more. Have faith. You have my prayers and more.
Kimi's a little sweatheart, Paul!
She's unbelievably cute! Congratulations!
You are a very fortunate man, Paul :) :)
I would love to have had children :(
Need to find a wife first though ;D
(I should add that when I say this to my friends who have teenage children they frequently offer to sell me one of theirs :) :))
Quote from: springrite on November 10, 2008, 04:31:59 AM
...and there's no stopping her now:
Really nice photos. Lovely to see her looking bouncy and well :)
1/2 year old Princess Kimi
Uncle Harry,
How would you like this postage stamp on the next piece of post you receive?
Quote from: springrite on November 23, 2008, 03:48:53 AM
1/2 year old Princess Kimi
Wow! ;D
That would be awesome!
Kimi at home
She really IS a beauty, Paul!
Translation of the caption in Chinese for the first photo:
Wow! This world out there is full of fascination! -- Kimi
:)
My fingers still taste better than that awful Gerber stuff!
Let go! I can walk, I tell ya!
OK, left, right...
As always a delight to see pictures of our adopted child.
Just keep them coming, its nice to see her grow up.
Kimi always liked to listen to music. But just now, I was playing for her a DVD of piano playing (van Cliburn competition). She was mesmerized by it and watched attentively while moving her fingers as if she was playing. The scene was so wonderful, so moving that I had tears in my eyes. This went on for about half an hour. She had her attention on the screen and the piano playing at all times, moving her fingers to the music. When it's time for her bath, she was very reluctant to leave the video.
Now time to check the budget...
... After the bath, Kimi was brought back to the DVD. She watched for a minute and then started crying, very very unhappy. Then she stopped. Then, she started again.
Soon I understood. Everytime the piano playing stopped and people started talking -- jury, van Cliburn himself, announcement of the semi-finalists, etc., she got upset and started to cry. As soon as piano playing re-start, she's happy again.
I will play a piano recital DVD tomorrow, probably Libetta.
Our daughter (22 months) has a rapidly expanding vocabulary and one of her words is "sick!" meaning "music, please!" (In Dutch the word music had the emphasis on the 2nd syllable, that's why.)
She is also quite a little DIY-er, being aware what the button on the right of the living room cd-player is for. She's on her toes and points her little index finger and pushes PLAY, and if it so happens there's a cd in the Naim she's done enough to start the music. (We don't approve of this, but that's another matter.)
These are grey and dreary winter days, and she's fairly bored sometimes at being unable to take walks outside.
Nice pictures, Paul!
I love this thread :)
she's so cute :) just like when my little brother was a baby. and boy, the first words he said weren't Chinese, unfortunately. well, its was mama I guess but it was such a long time ago. He's 8 now and growing up fast!!
oh, by the way, congrats and I hope you the best with Kimi and your family. :D :-*
I nearly died when I was a baby :o
When A. was just a little tot her main music resource was our singing. I remember singing Tchaikovksy waltzes to her as I held her in the morning dark. Not all that easy really. We never did "Mozart for Einstein" or something. If we played cds at all it usually was calm, friendly Haydn, rather than wild Mozart.
However what I thought was intruiging was how soon she was clued in where the music came from. As soon I picked up the remote control, she looked at the cdplayer and speakers, waiting for the music to start. This cause-effect insight was all the more remarkable because devices like remote controls are the source of another fascination to her, just like pocket calculators and all things with rows of buttons.
They're make-believe telephones. She has her own little play calculator, which she uses exclusively as a telephone. I say "ting! ting!" and if she's in the mood she picks up the 'phone, wedges it under her chin and starts having a make-believe conversation with a friend usually called Muck (very close to her old word for milk), complete with silences allowing Muck her story and a polite "dag!" ("bye") at the end.
Kimi can't really talk much yet. But she does call out Mama and Daddy, although her version of Daddy can be anything from Daddy to Dada to Dida to Daidaidaidai. In any event I knew that was me! The few words she speaks are in English and Chinese, since I speak only English to her. Once in a while she'd say a word that surprises you. Two days ago, she said "come back!" Yesterday, as Vanessa was reading her a nursery rythm I had written "Little bear, baby bear", as soon as Kimi heard "Little Bear" she said "Toe Bear", taking the second half of the word "little" as the first part of "bear", thus "tlebear". She said it twice and it took Vanessa a few seconds to realise why she had said that. That was funny.
Quote from: springrite on January 13, 2009, 04:17:59 AM
Kimi can't really talk much yet. But she does call out Mama and Daddy, although her version of Daddy can be anything from Daddy to Dada to Dida to Daidaidaidai. In any event I knew that was me! The few words she speaks are in English and Chinese, since I speak only English to her. Once in a while she'd say a word that surprises you. Two days ago, she said "come back!" Yesterday, as Vanessa was reading her a nursery rythm I had written "Little bear, baby bear", as soon as Kimi heard "Little Bear" she said "Toe Bear", taking the second half of the word "little" as the first part of "bear", thus "tlebear". She said it twice and it took Vanessa a few seconds to realise why she had said that. That was funny.
oh wow that is so cute!!!!!!! I just want to hug her ;D How old is she? :D ;) :) ;D
Quote from: jchen on January 13, 2009, 04:20:05 AM
oh wow that is so cute!!!!!!! I just want to hug her ;D How old is she? :D ;) :) ;D
She was born May 8, 2008, 7 weeks premature. So she is 8 months old now, 6 months from her supposed expectant date.
Quote from: springrite on January 13, 2009, 04:17:59 AM
Kimi can't really talk much yet. But she does call out Mama and Daddy, although her version of Daddy can be anything from Daddy to Dada to Dida to Daidaidaidai.
A born variationist!
Quote from: springrite on January 13, 2009, 04:21:54 AM
She was born May 8, 2008, 7 weeks premature. So she is 8 months old now, 6 months from her supposed expectant date.
ok. I was born early too. I was supposed to be born in Sept. Mom said she had the hardest time giving birth to me :P
Among the 88 selections I ordered from BRO, in case anyone wondered, these two are for Kimi:
52. NPD 85668-NEWPORT CLASSIC
Schickele, Peter: 'Aesop Suite'
82. NCD 60153-NEWPORT CLASSIC
Flagello, Nicolas: 'The Piper of Hamelin' Children's Opera
Flagello! More, more!
One of Kimi's new outfits for the New Year.
Quote from: springrite on January 28, 2009, 08:32:05 PM
One of Kimi's new outfits for the New Year.
Hello! Good to see you back and happy new year :D.
Kimi's looking very well these days. Hope she got lots of dosh over the new year ;D.
Paul, great picture! :) Happy to see you are back. 0:)
Great photo :)
Welcome back, Paul - great picture & starting to look like a young lady! Dave :D
Hello, Paul! Happy (Chinese) New Year and thanks for the Kimi pic (lovely, as always).
Welcome back, Paul. Kimi proves the existence of miracles. How else to explain your role in creating such a beauty? ;)
That was mean. ;D
Quote from: G$ on January 29, 2009, 11:26:55 AM
That was mean. ;D
Not at all. That's a back-handed compliment of the sort American men typically make in banter among friends. I regard Paul as a friend, and believe that he has spent enough time in the States to recognize the spirit in which the comment was intended, as an expression of intimacy and approval rather than the insult it might seem superficially. I even appended a smilie to make sure.
If, however, I am wrong, then I offer an advance apology to Paul for the misunderstanding--but I believe that he already knows how much I admire and respect him. He's the kind of guy I'd like to be if I ever grow up.
Wow, she is growing like crazy!! :D How old is she now? Her hair is sooo cute. ;D
Paul,
Kimi is so cute! Won't be long before she creeps. Are you ready for a mobile Kimi? Good to see you back!
Quote from: Anne on January 29, 2009, 05:26:06 PM
Paul, Kimi is so cute! Won't be long before she creeps. Are you ready for a mobile Kimi? Good to see you back!
Paul, hey
Anne is correct - crawling babies can be a potential disaster to an 'unprotected' music collection - ;) ;D
Our son was born in 1973 when I was a radiology resident - just had a 'small' collection of LPs at the time (and cassette tapes) - well, once he got to his crawling mode, I'd come home from work and all of my LPs would be spread on the floor, records removed from the jackets, and both the jackets & LPs chewed up on the edges - laughing in retrospect! ;D
Fortunately, I did not have a major investment back then and CDs in the early 80s allowed to to make the transition - he was old enough then to start being interested in collecting music himself - good luck! Dave :)
Quote from: DavidRoss on January 29, 2009, 03:18:53 PM
Not at all. That's a back-handed compliment of the sort American men typically make in banter among friends. I regard Paul as a friend, and believe that he has spent enough time in the States to recognize the spirit in which the comment was intended, as an expression of intimacy and approval rather than the insult it might seem superficially. I even appended a smilie to make sure.
If, however, I am wrong, then I offer an advance apology to Paul for the misunderstanding--but I believe that he already knows how much I admire and respect him. He's the kind of guy I'd like to be if I ever grow up.
I know what you mean, I've heard it before. Just joking around. ;D
Well, I hope Paul comes back to the forum....
Quote from: DavidRoss on January 29, 2009, 07:11:18 AM
Welcome back, Paul. Kimi proves the existence of miracles. How else to explain your role in creating such a beauty? ;)
Well, trust God to make this work, or we'd be in BIG trouble! Kimi's got my eyes, only bigger; She's got my lips, only fuller; She's got my hair, only finer; She's got my hands, only longer fingers; She's got my nose, only less upturn of the nostrils. You see, God corrected all the minor mistakes from the time I was made, and we thank God for this!
Quote from: SonicMan on January 29, 2009, 05:39:52 PM
Paul, hey Anne is correct - crawling babies can be a potential disaster to an 'unprotected' music collection - ;) ;D
Our son was born in 1973 when I was a radiology resident - just had a 'small' collection of LPs at the time (and cassette tapes) - well, once he got to his crawling mode, I'd come home from work and all of my LPs would be spread on the floor, records removed from the jackets, and both the jackets & LPs chewed up on the edges - laughing in retrospect! ;D
Fortunately, I did not have a major investment back then and CDs in the early 80s allowed to to make the transition - he was old enough then to start being interested in collecting music himself - good luck! Dave :)
This will be a huge problem for me. I do have the option of moving all my CDs and LPs to my other place -- my work studio across the street. But some has to be put in boxes. She's not crawling yet, but she loves to get a hold of anything with the purpose of throwing it down. She giggles and considers that to be a great accomplishment and source of joy which reaches its apex when the object hit father on the head.
A new facial expression a day...
Awww, what an adorable little child........... :) 0:)
Kimi welcoming Daddy home from work:
Quote from: springrite on February 09, 2009, 04:14:45 AM
Kimi welcoming Daddy home from work:
"Hail to the Chief"!
Kimi's favorite items for sticking into her mouth: Hand and Foot
Dad: Kimi, Daddy will not go to work for the next week and will spend the whole week at home with you.
Kimi: Oh, really? Are you serious? Not kidding me?
:)
Quote from: springrite on February 09, 2009, 04:14:45 AM
Kimi welcoming Daddy home from work:
Lovely photo. My wife and daughter always respond in that way when I arrive home 8)
Quote from: springrite on February 09, 2009, 04:24:37 AM
Dad: Kimi, Daddy will not go to work for the next week and will spend the whole week at home with you.
Kimi: Oh, really? Are you serious? Not kidding me?
hehe :)
I tried to get Kimi to like books. But instead of Mother Goose, she really likes philosophy.
Music book! Now, that's more like it!
Ain't she happy?!
Absolutely delightful pictures, they charm you to bits.
What a beautiful girl!
Kimi and Daddy
Quote from: springrite on February 28, 2009, 03:25:39 AM
Kimi and Daddy
That's it Paul, for torturing me with gorgeous pictures of Kimi, she will have all her holidays at my home, and I will have her for myself until she is 25, 4 weeks a year.
No discussion possible. ;D
Quote from: Harry on February 28, 2009, 03:29:36 AM
she will have all her holidays at my home, and I will have her for myself until she is 25, 4 weeks a year.
No discussion possible. ;D
You got yourself a deal!
I love the way she spreads her toes to help hold the book. (When she's done growing, she'd be able to do an octave with them toes!)
Quote from: springrite on February 28, 2009, 04:34:54 AM
I love the way she spreads her toes to help hold the book. (When she's done growing, she'd be able to do an octave with them toes!)
I love this last shot - she looks so engrossed :D.
You have a lovely daughter, springrite! Seeing photos of you two together makes me feel fuzzy inside. :)
Kimi reading
(From left to right: IPQ; Blue Days; IPQ; Nietzsche, Men's Mental Health written by Daddy)
Superb postings springrite. Just looked through them. Posts like this make one humbled and warm to be human.
Your daughter is a real treasure, the mascot of GMG. :)
I think it's about time that the happy grandmother gets some exposure around here, too!
Since everyone says Kimi looks like me, I will post a photo of me at around age 3. Kimi is 10 months old now, so it is not exactly same-age comparision. But maybe you can see something here:
:)
:)
Quote from: springrite on March 23, 2009, 04:04:44 AM
Since everyone says Kimi looks like me, I will post a photo of me at around age 3. Kimi is 10 months old now, so it is not exactly same-age comparision. But maybe you can see something here:
Paul - great pics! :) But, now you've given me an idea for a completely 'new' thread - we already have one on 'what do you look like' - now, how about 'what did you look like as a youngster?' - :D Dave
10 Days. This will be my longest stay away from Kimi since she came home from the hospital. I miss her already.
On the way to Deyang from the Chengdu airport, a 90 minute drive on the freeway lined with trucks shipping concrete, bricks, building material, is quite something. On the side of the freeway I see newly constructed factories, apartments, bridges, etc. This is a place devastated just 10 months ago. 10 million people displaced. Now most if not all of them have their living space. Jobs are coming back. I can see the hopes in people's faces. I will be training classroom teachers who will be better placed to help the students who have broken families. I will come back frequently in the next five to ten years.
The reason this is in this thread is because I will be meeting a boy next weekend. The boy was born on the day Kimi was supposed to be born. (Kimi was 7 weeks premature). When he was born, his father had already passed away, on the line of duty as a volunteer. You see, the boy's father was one of my students. So this child is not just someone else's child. He means something to me. I have offered to be the child's substitute father. "Uncle Paul" if you will. I will be seeing Kimi's special "brother", for the first time. The mother came to my training in Beijing last year and have now become one of my students as well. I will assist her in taking charge of her late husband's business -- the business of helping people. She has the heart for the job and, based on what I saw at the training, she now has quite a bit of the skills as well. This place may be reconstructed in a couple of years, but the hurt that is in people's heart and mind will last decades. I am glad there are people like her here.
We will have the two kids meet in a year or two.
Continued hope and prayers for the work you and others do, Paul. The little fellow is lucky to have you in his life.
It is an honor to know you, Paul.
Quote from: Bogey on March 27, 2009, 07:11:06 AM
Continued hope and prayers for the work you and others do, Paul. The little fellow is lucky to have you in his life.
Seconded :)
Tomorrow I will take care of Kimi all by myself for the whole day, from 7am. I am really looking forward to it. The nanny is taking a vacation. When everyone is available, Kimi always prefers me. So that is a good start. I am familiar with all the duties, having performed all of them with reasonable efficiency. However, doing it all by myself is a bit challenging, considering she can move around quite a bit now. I also need to cook for her since she has moved to some solid food and she likes handmade noodles.
Today, she said her first English word that is not "daddy", or "mine!". I took her out for a walk and she said "doggy" and pointed at a pug that a neighbor is walking! She does understand much of the English I speak to her. But she understands far more Chinese than English, and knows more words in Chinese.
She will be one year old on May 8th!
I love this thread!
I know it is not Friday, May 8th in most of the world yet, but it is here in Beijing, early early morning. Today is Kimi's first birthday. We just bought a new Canon 500D camera. For the next three days we will be celebrating Kimi's birthday and take lots of pictures. I will sure put some up here.
But first, who are some of the composers, musicians and other notables who share Kimi's birthday? What are some of the music I should play for her during the birthday bash/weekend?
Look forward to these. Tchaikovsky was May 7th, but couldn't find any May 8th composers.
Recently discovered that Korngold, Xenakis and Albeniz share my birthday!
She does however share a birthday with David Attenborough it turns out, who is probably the greatest living person! ;D
Quote from: springrite on May 07, 2009, 10:20:13 AM
But first, who are some of the composers, musicians and other notables who share Kimi's birthday? What are some of the music I should play for her during the birthday bash/weekend?
Here is a site that will help a little bit, "Any Day in History" (although it's not complete, and usually stops with people born in the 1970s):
http://www.scopesys.com/anyday/
Didn't find many composers of note for May 8, but some others showed up:
Oscar Hammerstein (lyricist)
Ezio Pinza (bass)
Roberto Rossellini (director)
Don Rickles (comedian)
Heather Harper (soprano)
Peter Benchley (novelist)
Keith Jarrett (pianist)
Felicity Lott (soprano)
--Bruce
Quote from: Guido on May 07, 2009, 11:45:53 AM
Look forward to these. Tchaikovsky was May 7th, but couldn't find any May 8th composers.
Recently discovered that Korngold, Xenakis and Albeniz share my birthday!
:(
why you??? why not me???
Happy birthday, Kimichka!
Quote from: springrite on April 29, 2009, 03:57:30 AM
Tomorrow I will take care of Kimi all by myself for the whole day, from 7am. I am really looking forward to it. The nanny is taking a vacation. When everyone is available, Kimi always prefers me. So that is a good start.
You're probably aware this may change at some point. Our daughter's two years old and has currently bouts of "No, daddy! No!" if she can choose between her parents, which took some getting used to. Most of the time however she's as sweet as ever.
Oh, and happy birthday, of course.
Quote from: Bahamut on May 07, 2009, 03:56:05 PM
:(
why you??? why not me???
No particularly good composer birthdays for your birthday but Ravel and Hindemith died on it!
Quote from: Guido on May 08, 2009, 11:01:30 AM
No particularly good composer birthdays for your birthday but Ravel and Hindemith died on it!
Bwa-ha-ha-haaaah!
I will post the new photos when I have the time to learn how to do so with the new camera. But for now, let me tell you about an interesting Chinese tradition.
Traditionally, on a child's first birthday, the parents are supposed to find some interesting items and place them all at equal distance from the child, and see which one he or she grabs first. This is supposed to give us a glimps into the child's future. For instance, if the child grabs the abacus, then the child might get into business. If the child reaches for a musical instrument, the child might get into music, etc. While this is nothing more than an old wife's tale, it is nevertheless an interesting game to play.
This is the result for Kimi:
First thing: The Remote Control
Second item: Pen
Third item: pencil
Fourth items: makeup pencil
Fifth item: Cell phone
From what I can see, she simply reaches for all the things I wouldn't let he touch before. But other people offered the following interpretations:
Kimi will be a literary person just like her dad, except that she will be more controlling and a more sophisticated social darling.
Quote from: springrite on May 12, 2009, 08:39:58 AM
This is the result for Kimi:
First thing: The Remote Control
I predict: television talk show host!
;D
--Bruce
Quote from: bhodges on May 12, 2009, 08:43:56 AM
I predict: television talk show host!
;D
--Bruce
Judging by how fast she changes channels, she might be the harshest TV critic as well!
;D
Seriously, that's a lovely little tradition--one I hadn't heard before. Thank you for sharing it, as well as Kimi's results.
--Bruce
My prediction: Moderator at a classical music forum! ;D
Paul, isn't this the method used by Tibetans when they search for their next Dalai Lama?
Quote from: Brünnhilde forever on May 12, 2009, 10:42:39 AM
My prediction: Moderator at a classical music forum! ;D
Paul, isn't this the method used by Tibetans when they search for their next Dalai Lama?
Well, this AND political intrigue, murder, blackmail, etc. ;)
Quote from: Guido on May 08, 2009, 11:01:30 AM
No particularly good composer birthdays for your birthday but Ravel and Hindemith died on it!
:'(
;D
My first birthday!
Kimi is a happy girl!
Puttin on the new hat mommy bought for my birthday!
Daddy! Look at the conductor! You are NOT following my beat!
The pictures of little Kimi make me happy. Thanks for posting them.
Now, this things is better than any toys you guys spent a fortune on!
Finally...CONTROL!!!
Cake...hummm...
Sunday in the Park with Mom
Delightful!
Thanks for sharing these happy moments. I'm getting vicarious warm fuzzy feelings! Lucky child, lucky parents.
How can you not smile, looking at those photos? Thanks for posting...love the conductor pose.
--Bruce
Thanks for showing the pictures, Paul. I had not realized how much time had gone by. She's a little sweetheart.
Quote from: springrite on May 15, 2009, 05:28:06 AM
Now, this things is better than any toys you guys spent a fortune on!
Yep! Great pic, too. Next thing you know we'll be seeing college graduation photos!
Quote from: DavidRoss on May 15, 2009, 03:12:38 PM
Yep! Great pic, too. Next thing you know we'll be seeing college graduation photos!
Oh, yes. Thank you for reminding me to go back to work and make money for her! :D
Can't you just hear the whip a-cracking?! ;)
Delightful.
Hello mom? When are you coming home?
Hey! Who changed the setting on the TV?
Oh, did I do that?
The next Great Pianist Kimi Yin gets ready to play her very first note...
I want more cake! I want more cake!
As it turns out, there are some important musical names for Kimi's birthday, such as:
May 8
Died 1960: Hugo Alfven, composer, born May 1 1872
Born 1932: Carlo Cossutta, tenor, died Jan 22 2000
Born 1921: Marie-Madeleine Duruflé, organist, died Oct 5 1999 [wife of organist/composer Maurice Duruflé]
Born 1872: Ilona Eibenschütz, pianist/teacher, died May 2 1967 [pupil of Clara Wieck Schumann]
Died 1986: Georges Georgiadis, pianist, born Sep 8 1912
Born 1829: Louis Moreau Gottschalk, composer/pianist, died Dec 18 1869
Born 1930: Heather Harper, soprano
Died 1996: Ludwig Hoelscher, cellist, born Aug 23 1907
Born 1945: Keith Jarrett, pianist
Died 1991: Jean-Marie Langlais, blind organist/composer, born Feb 15 1907
Died 1991: Gaston Litaize, composer/organist, born Aug 11 1909
Born 1947: (Dame) Felicity Lott, soprano
Died 1951: Charles Marshall, tenor, born Sep 14 1885
Died 1985: Karl Marx, composer/teacher, born Nov 12 1897
Born 1908: Martha Musial, soprano, died Oct ?? 1995
Died 1984: Arnoldo Rebello, pianist/teacher, born Jun 7 1905
Died 1996: Celedonio Romero, guitarist, born Mar 2 1913 [father of guitarists Celin, Pepe and Angel Romero]
Died 1991: Rudlf Serkin, pianist, born Mar 28 1903 [father of pianist Peter Serkin]
Born 1901: Vladimir Sofronitsky, pianist, died Aug 29 1961 [born Apr 25 1901 old calendar]
Born 1745: Carl Stamitz, composer/violinist, died Nov 9 1801
Born 1950: Lepo Sumera, recording engineer/composer, died Jun 1 2000
Born 1928: William Jay Sydeman, composer
Born 1901: Mihály Székély, bass singer, died Mar 23 1963
Born 1906: David Van Vactor, composer, died Mar 24 1994
Born 1913: Maria Von Ilosvay, mezzo-soprano, died Jun 16 1987
Most notable for me would be the great pianist (no, I am not talking about Keith!) Sofronitsky!
Quote from: springrite on June 01, 2009, 08:19:28 AM
Died 1985: Karl Marx, composer/teacher, born Nov 12 1897
For a second there, I thought that was a joke.
Paul, check PM! :)
springrite, she's beautiful!!
Absolutely delightful pictures, you can really not go wrong with little Kimi.
Quote from: springrite on May 15, 2009, 06:13:31 PM
The next Great Pianist Kimi Yin gets ready to play her very first note...
Les cinq doigts begins with just one . . . .
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on June 01, 2009, 08:42:23 AM
Les cinq doigts begins with just one . . . .
I hope she does better than her dad, who only went from one to 1+1 chopstick style. ;D
Her first note was C?
Kimi was the first place winner at the First Annual Beijing Premie Crawling Contest!!! Yeepee!!!
(She was on the news but we did not see it)
Gee, you get the feeling he likes this kid?
Paul, she's a real sweetie.
Kimi and her best friend greet each other:
.
Yesterday afternoon, Kimi suddenly had a high fever. We took her to a hospital and she had medicine and fluid put into her. When she stablized, we came home. In the car just before we got home, we took her temp and it was 38c. Not too bad. But a few seconds after she got home, she suddenly went into seizure and she was like a fireball. I used my limited medical knowledge and immediately used lots of alcohol to cool her body. She had two seizures within 10 minutes, each lasting about 3 minutes. By that time Vanessa has called the ambulance and we took her back to the same hospital. Her life was in danger at that point. After some emergency procedures she stablized again.
At about 3 am we transfered her to the International Children's Hospital, the best pedi hospital in China. That took some past midnight telephone calls to people I have good connections with and needless to say lots of cash. She had a viral infection and the doctors feared that it has infected her brain. They gave her a spinal tab in the morning.
Once again, Kimi fought very very hard. At this time, I just got home having had no sleep and no food for more than 24 hours. But I am happy in the knowledge that brain infection has been ruled out. She will be kept in the hospital for about a week and we need to monitor her temp every 15 minutes and never allow it to go over 38c. There were some tough battles today and we kept it at 37.9. At 38 she might have another seizure and possible brain damage.
I will sleep for about 6 hours tonight and go back to get Vanessa off the shift. But Kimi is more or less out of danger now.
Do pray for her. Thank you all.
PS: I did buy a pack of cigarrette and smoked about half a pack. Please do not hit me over the head for this. Now the worst appear to be over, I do plan to get back on the quiting plan.
Can't even imagine the worry you and your family must be going through, springrite. What a relief to hear that Kimi is relatively stable now. Don't forget to take care of yourself either.
Paul, you can be assured of my loving and supportive thoughts being with you. :-*
Kimi has proved in the past that she is a fighter, she'll get through this crisis also. 8)
Kimi and Vanessa need you as relaxed as possible, not as frazzled and fidgety, having the desire for a cigarette foremost on your mind. Go ahead, do have that smoke without a guilt feeling!
Lis
I'm keeping her in my thoughts. Don't worry about the smokes.
Just saw your message Paul, and I was and still am shocked from what I read. My love and prayers go your way, and whatever strenght you need from me, its yours.
Little Kimi is in my thoughts every moment of the day.
Paul - sincerely hope that all goes well w/ Kimi - infections in infants can really have dramatic generalized effects. When our son was about 1 y/o (back in the mid-70s), he caught a viral infection, developed a high fever, and pretty much became comatose - he had a spinal tap in the ED, which was also negative, but was admitted (to the hospital where I was doing my residency); fortunately, he was smiling & jumping in the hospital crib w/i a couple of days - really scary, so I can understood your feelings. Good luck - Dave
Hi Paul,
The pictures of Kimi are so cute! She's a little Doll. So sorry to hear about her illness and hope she continues to improve.
Take care!
I am home for 5 hours to get some sleep before I go back for the overnight shift. During her second day in the hospital, Kimi's temps are generally higher than the first day, peeking at 39.4 when I was there. We managed to get her back to below 38 usually within about 15 minutes. I was worried as her body begin to twitch but it did not develop into full blown seizures. My feeling is if we get her over the night tonight on my shift, she should begin to improve. We are near the bottom now, maybe about to pass it. This morning there was some irregularities in heart beat and T wave, but that is probably temporary condition due to the virus. We will check that 2 weeks after she recovers.
One line that has a calming effect on her is "Kimi, trust daddy. "
Sorry if my previous (deleted) post seemed callous. I was skimming over the photos and completely missed your post about Kimi's condition. i am keenly sympathetic to reports of sick children, for reasons it would be insensitive to talk about now. I don't pray, but I am pulling for the little one. Keep us posted when you find the time, Paul.
Paul, my son suffered a feveral seizure when he was about Kimi's age. He was rushed by ambulance to our local hospital and then transferred to Children's Hospital in Boston. That episode was the most frightening experience of my life, so I can empathize with your current situation. The good news is, everything turned out fine and my boy is now a strapping 15 year-old quarterback/lacrosse player. I have faith things will turn out equally as favorably for Kimi. You have my prayers. -- Tony
Tony, thank you for the encouragement. Kimi is doing better.
Joe, no offense taken at all. I have not subjected Kimi to Carter yet. I am sure I will someday but I am not optimistic about the outcome. ;)
Quote from: springrite on July 01, 2009, 07:22:40 PM
Joe, no offense taken at all. I have not subjected Kimi to Carter yet. I am sure I will someday but I am not optimistic about the outcome. ;)
She'll probably like Michael Jackson. >:(
I am glad to read her condition has improved. Another friend of mine has a young son who is suffering from severe acid reflux. Now I can go back to worrying about him full time.
Quote from: Joe Barron on July 01, 2009, 08:20:27 PM
She'll probably like Michael Jackson.
She does. She was dancing to it last month. In classical music, she likes piano music and seems to like opera as well. I have only played some 20th century stuff for her and she seemed intrigued by Webern and she likes Adams. But generally speaking she likes rythmic music which may be the reason why she liked Adams. She likes music she can dance to. Of the voices she likes low male voices, maybe because I sing for her a lot so she likes the mature male voice.
Last night she slept well with no fever. The fever came back in the morning but was quickly knocked back. For the first time, Kimi is getting the upper hand!
Two images stick in my mind. The first is the look in Kimi's face when I held her down so that doctors or nurses could proceed with a medical procedure. But the most devastating look is when the nurses were holding her down, with me looking on. Kimi would stuggle hard, trying to get loose. But when she realised that it won't work, she would suddenly stop struggling, look up at me, and then stick out an accusing finger pointing at me, and tears run down her face as she cries, as if saying: "Oh, daddy, How could you? How could YOU? How could you let them do this to me and you just look on without helping me free?" It tears my heart! When it is done, I'd hold Kimi in my arm and talk to her, telling her we were all trying to help her. "Trust daddy, Kimi." After a while, she'd forgive me and put her head into my chest, and eventually look up at me and smile.
Kimi has recovered sufficiently to leave the hospital and come home! She's lost a bit of weight, with her ribs showing in places, but otherwise she's in very good spirit, smiling all the time. It will take a week or so to get her more or less back to normal. She can't eat most food right now other than the baby formula. But that will get her weight back up and give her the energy she needs.
Thank you all.
I slept about 16 hours in a week. I am off to catch some sleep.
Quote from: springrite on July 06, 2009, 01:12:32 AM
Kimi has recovered sufficiently to leave the hospital and come home!
:)
Glad to hear Kimi is getting better. Quite a worrying situation you had, Springrite. Are this the first signs of her enjoying music? Is dancing the first reaction of a baby hearing music?
Henk
Thinking of you. V glad to hear of Kimi's progress :)
Jeffrey
*heaves a big sigh of relief*
Interesting: the friend I mentioned earlier, whose son is sufering from acid reflux, had an experience silimar to yours, Paul. The boy was being held down for a procedure, and he looked up at his father with that same epxression, as if to say, "How can you let them do this to me?"
Maybe nothing of the kind was contained in the expression. Maybe the meaning arises from the parent's own sene of empathy and helplessness.
Some of you may have noticed that I have been away for several days. I don't have much time right now after 5 days with a total of 5 hours of sleep, but I will give you an update. Kimi was in the hospital fighting for her life. She was declared critical. Now this tough little girl has won the battle and is recovering so fast in the past 24 hours that even the doctors were surprised. That is all I have time to give now as I will need a few hours of sleep before I get back to the hospital in the morning.
All strength to you, your partner and Kimi - I am truly sorry that you have to go through so much anxiety, but she is evidently a tough fighter. My thoughts are with you.
Jeffrey
I was out of computer contact when Kimi had her medical crisis, so this is the first I knew of it. I am so glad that she is recovering well. I will keep her in my thoughts and, yes, prayers.
Paul my dear friend, Kimi and you and your wife are in my constant prayers. May it do all of you good!
Just got back from the hospital. Apparently, Kimi choked on a piece of food which fell down her wind pipe and into her lungs. That caused very fast spreading infection throughout her lungs causing difficulty to breathe, which in turn led to beginning stages of heart failure. The quick and decisive action by the chief doctor at the Naval Hospital saved Kimi's life.
She is recovering well. Thank you all for your prayers.
So, no brain damage Paul? Surely glad to hear she is gaining strength.
What a relief to read she is OK. You really got to watch what kids put into their mouths. (Later what they put into their heads.) Popcorn, beads, etc. can cause trouble. There is a modified Heimlich maneuver for young children. It should be online. Could be a lifesaver for parents and caretakers to know about. From what I remember it's supposed to be a mistake to turn young children upsidedown.
ZB
Paul, being inactive in the forum for the present, I had not caught the latest news on your daughter - but I am happy indeed to read of her ultimate recovery. She is indeed a tough little one, and looks set to one day become a very determined young woman! :)
Indeed we are lucky that there is no brain damage. She's as smart and as cute as ever.
Once again, thank you all!
Springrite, I'm curious, do you know if there are people with blonde hair in SE-Asia (I'm saying south east Asia cause I don't know where you're from)? -not Albinos- Or reds? I've never seen such hair color there.
Quote from: Wurstwasser on July 23, 2009, 08:18:50 AM
Springrite, I'm curious, do you know if there are people with blonde hair in SE-Asia (I'm saying south east Asia cause I don't know where you're from)? Or reds? I've never seen such hair color there.
I am in China. There are some blondes and red hair in western China, where some of the ethic people originally (2000 years ago) came from Hungary or thereabout. Some of them have blue eyes as well. That would be the only group that I am aware of in this part of the world who have blonde or red hair.
Do you know the name of that group of people?
Sly and the Family Stone
Quote from: Greg on July 23, 2009, 09:37:02 AM
Do you know the name of that group of people?
The Uygurs.
My next guess, Paul! :)
Hah, found this interesting Blog http://www.sinosplice.com - a China lover and language geek. Interesting, it really seems possible to learn chinese ;) I can read greek and kyrillic letters and understand a few words, but chinese, hey, this is another league :D I mean, you must be a painter or an artist to do something like this: 确率数
Quote from: Wurstwasser on July 23, 2009, 10:58:56 AMI mean, you must be a painter or an artist to do something like this: 确率数
Well, those are all somewhat common characters (at least, the last 2 are), and all the parts are common, so with a little practice, nah... ;)
Compared to those, Kimi's name is easy: 尹依思
My name is slightly less so: 尹璞
Vanessa's name is a bit more complicated: 藏锡芳
Well, I think I'll have a closer look at it when I'm retired, bored and on drugs ;) Interesting! But human lifetime is soo short :(
Quote from: springrite on July 23, 2009, 07:11:06 PM
Vanessa's name is a bit more complicated: 藏锡芳
Does one write that first ideogram in 19 strokes,
Paul?
I was close :)
Kimi has recovered enough to be released from the hospital and come home today! Unfortunately, Vanessa has a cold and she is not allowed to come close to her. She is staying in my music/tea studio across the street. This shouldn't take longer than three days. But having not been allowed to see Kimi for a week already, she is not happy and calls Kimi every hour or so. Kimi is so happy to be back home. I am going to the kitchen now to cook for her!
A bit of bad news as my sister Sherry has a brain tumor and needs an operation. I will line up the best surgeon in the country for her. She should be fine.
I am happy little Kimi is in the clear, I worried quite a bit about her. But I am sad at the same time hearing from your sister. Every piece of happiness seems by necessity partnered to something bad.
Quote from: Harry on July 31, 2009, 02:13:59 AM
I am happy little Kimi is in the clear, I worried quite a bit about her. But I am sad at the same time hearing from your sister. Every piece of happiness seems by necessity partnered to something bad.
Me too and my very best wishes for your sister's operation.
Jeffrey
Prayers and best wishes for all, always, Paul!
Quote from: springrite on July 31, 2009, 02:03:15 AMA bit of bad news as my sister Sherry has a brain tumor and needs an operation. I will line up the best surgeon in the country for her. She should be fine.
我最良好的祝愿！
Quote from: springrite on July 31, 2009, 02:03:15 AMI will line up the best surgeon in the country for her.
You can
do that?
Quote from: Joe Barron on July 31, 2009, 09:38:58 AM
You can do that?
In my line of work, I get to know some of the best medical people in the country. If I do not know the right person directly, chances are someone I know can get me connected. It helps to know the right people.
If I may butt in on the baby topic, our two-year old (plus 4 mos) was using a Bert & Ernie sketch on You Tube as a focusing aide when she was drinking her milk around last Xmas; then there was these Spanish kids' songs (Canta Juego) she really liked while drinking milk. And now, suddenly, she's watching segments from a Sleeping Beauty dvd, preferably the Paris Opera Ballet version. First we go to the Rose Adagio ('the girl with the flowers') and then to the Bluebird pas de deux ('the girl and the boy'). Encouraging squeals and yelps are par for the course. Additionally she points out every time 'the girl' gives 'the flowers' to 'her mama' - the latter said with great satisfaction.
As we're watching these pieces three or four times a day now, there's a serious risk of burnout on my part (and changing to another Sleeping Beauty video is not appreciated), but just now I'm happy to see her delight.
So she's lost 15% of her body weight, but our Kimi has recovered and is as energetic and as cute as ever!
She's also talking a lot, and very good at picking up things that we say and use it appropriately. Earlier tonight, as I told her not to be picky about her food (Now, be a good girl and eat what I give you) she said:"You kidding!"
Any resemblance to her daddy?
Kimi needed a one inch portrait photo for her new medicare card. But the doctor recommend that she does not go to public places for another week or two at least. That means we can't take her to a photo studio. So Vanessa took these photos at home, with a white bed sheet hanging over the sofa as background. It is amazingly good, almost professional level stuff!
Adorable!
Quote from: springrite on August 11, 2009, 09:06:57 AM
Any resemblance to her daddy?
Paul - that resemblance is pretty amazing! :) Glad all is well - that weight should returned quickly, I guess - Dave
Quote from: springrite on August 11, 2009, 09:06:57 AM
Any resemblance to her daddy?
You both look like Bobby Darin.
(http://www.bagthebluff.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/bobby.jpg)
I took care of Kimi for a day today as the nanny went for a minor surgery, for which she needs 3 days or so to recover. This is nothing compared to my sister Sherry's brain surgery last week, which lasted 13 hours. The tumor is big (5cm) and wrapped half way around the brain stem. Most surgeon won't dare to operate on this type of tumor, as the chances of success is very low, and if successful, the chances of loss of major functions such as vision, swallowing, speech, etc. is always certain. But we had the best brain surgeon on the planet who is also a friend of my schoolmate (a fellow brain specialist). They did excellent work and Sherry is now out of danger and recovering well. There is some partial paralysis of one side of the face but with rehab she is likely to recover most of that as well. Sherry has been in excellent spirit throughout, even helping encourage other patients. She is very popular in the hospital. I am so proud of her!
Just before the surgery, Kimi said: "Auntie get well. Play with Kimi soon."
Excellent, Paul!
I am delighted to hear that your sister's major operation went well - I hope that she recovers well. You have been through a lot! All strength to you and your family. :)
Jefffrey
Hi Paul! I haven't contributed a lot to this thread lately, but I have been following it. I am glad to see your sister's operation went well. :)
Quote from: springrite on August 31, 2009, 04:31:40 AM
But we had the best brain surgeon on the planet who is also a friend of my schoolmate (a fellow brain specialist). They did excellent work and Sherry is now out of danger and recovering well. There is some partial paralysis of one side of the face but with rehab she is likely to recover most of that as well. Sherry has been in excellent spirit throughout, even helping encourage other patients. She is very popular in the hospital. I am so proud of her!
Just before the surgery, Kimi said: "Auntie get well. Play with Kimi soon."
I'm so glad to hear that your sister's surgery went well and that her prognosis is good. I hope she will be playing with Kimi soon!
My sister is recovering remarkably. Two days after the surgery, the doctors expected her to stay in the hospital for a month and a half. Four days later she was able to come home. Now she can talk, go to the bathroom on her own, etc. She can eat anything without difficulty. I will go see her later this week. She will call me before I go to "order" what she'd like to eat and I will then buy the ingridients and cook for her!
This must be the year of surgery in this family. I will go under the knife on September 28th for a small tumor that is now infected on my right lower buttock. It is exactly where the weight goes to when I sit, so it is killing me. I had no time to treat that before now because I have Kimi and my sister to take care of first. Now it will be my turn.
I will have some new Kimi photos to share in a week or so, and maybe a photo or two of my sister.
Quote from: springrite on September 07, 2009, 11:24:23 PM
My sister is recovering remarkably. Two days after the surgery, the doctors expected her to stay in the hospital for a month and a half. Four days later she was able to come home. Now she can talk, go to the bathroom on her own, etc. She can eat anything without difficulty. I will go see her later this week. She will call me before I go to "order" what she'd like to eat and I will then buy the ingridients and cook for her!
This must be the year of surgery in this family. I will go under the knife on September 28th for a small tumor that is now infected on my right lower buttock. It is exactly where the weight goes to when I sit, so it is killing me. I had no time to treat that before now because I have Kimi and my sister to take care of first. Now it will be my turn.
I will have some new Kimi photos to share in a week or so, and maybe a photo or two of my sister.
Good news about your Sister and I trust all goes well for you too on 28th September and that you will be able to sit down in comfort after the op. :)
For whatever reason, I can't post photos here. So I will e-mail Kimi's recent photo to a couple of people and maybe they can post it here.
First one of Kimi, isn't she beautiful?
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/IMG_0400.jpg)
That's grandma, my mother in the front. ;D
Second one! Yummy
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/IMG_0400-1.jpg)
"Just Pretend I am Listening"...
Kimi showing a bit of attitude there!
Third one. She is a marvel.
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/Nieuweafbeelding.jpg)
Quote from: Harry on October 12, 2009, 08:06:32 AM
First one of Kimi, isn't she beautiful?
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/IMG_0400.jpg)
Yes :)
Updates:
Kimi is now 1 and a half year old. She loves music and dance. Her favorite song is the one I sing to her every morning, the "aria" from "Oklahoma!". She loves it when I let the last syllable of "Everything's going my WAAAAAAYYYYYY" go on forever. This week she's suddenly into counting, and can count up to 10 in Chinese, English and Spanish. I don't remember actually teaching her that, but she just picks everything up so quickly, one has to be careful. Last night, after she counted to 10, I jokingly said "Jack, Queen, King..." and the next time mom asked her to count, she counted to 10 in Chinese and Spanish and in English she added J, Q and K! My bad!!!
Kimi sounds like a very bright little girl. She will keep you hopping.
It was not until just now that I understood you wanted her pictures posted at GMG. Sorry about that. I'll be glad to do it anytime in the future.
A few more gorgeous pictures of Kimi
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/5880c7fd.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/IMG_0384-heyyou.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/IMG_0404-walk.jpg)
A hearty thank you to Uncle Harry!
The girl in the first photo is Vanessa's niece.
:)
The most beautiful model I can imagine! ;)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/2.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/waiter2.jpg)
Isn't it cute that she stood up to call for the waitress?
Kimi is talking a lot now, and she is a trickster. As Vanessa was changing diapers for her, she commented something about "who created this awful smell". Kimi said: "Daddy poo poo, mommy faint!" In fact, she has a habit of laying the blame on others all the time. As soon as she let go of some gas, she'd say: "Mommy farts." When she drops or breaks something, she'd say "nanny screwed up". She's the Ronald Reagan among babies.
Quote from: Harry on October 13, 2009, 01:02:10 AM
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/IMG_0404-walk.jpg)
This one reminds me of this:
Quote from: springrite on October 15, 2009, 05:42:40 AM
Isn't it cute that she stood up to call for the waitress?
Kimi is talking a lot now, and she is a trickster. As Vanessa was changing diapers for her, she commented something about "who created this awful smell". Kimi said: "Daddy poo poo, mommy faint!" In fact, she has a habit of laying the blame on others all the time. As soon as she let go of some gas, she'd say: "Mommy farts." When she drops or breaks something, she'd say "nanny screwed up". She's the Ronald Reagan among babies.
Soon she'll be saying, "There you go again!" ;)
Quote from: Harry on October 13, 2009, 01:02:10 AM
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/IMG_0384-heyyou.jpg)
Lol, I like this one. ;D
She's darling. Paul, are you and Vanessa writing down these cute sayings? You think you will remember them but so many others follow that you can't.
Quote from: springrite on October 12, 2009, 08:18:12 AM
Updates:
Kimi is now 1 and a half year old. She loves music and dance. Her favorite song is the one I sing to her every morning, the "aria" from "Oklahoma!". She loves it when I let the last syllable of "Everything's going my WAAAAAAYYYYYY" go on forever.
Interesting. This was my favorite song when I was a child, though I was a little older than one and a half.
Oklahoma was the first movie I saw on a big screen. The film was released in 1955, but I wasn't born yet, so I must have seen a revival.
They are wonderful pictures, thanks for sharing! She looks like a little charmer. :)
Papa Paul was very active on Sunday! ;D
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/smile2-1.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/smile33.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/smile4.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/smile5.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/Wangjing2.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/zebra.jpg)
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/smile2.jpg)
Lovely photos :) :)
Today, not more than five seconds after I told Kimi "don't try to run before you can walk well", she ran and fell in the living room.
Me: Kimi! What did Daddy told you?
The Master of Deflecting Responsibility: Slippery floor! Daddy go wipe!
You could just eat her with a spoon.
LOL, she looks and sounds like the cheekiest wee thing. :)
Jealousy. I am Kimi's favorite and when I am around, no one can get her away from me. Every morning, whether I am home or not, she's be outside my study knocking the door, calling out daddy. Now this has developed one step further. Now she does not allow Vanessa to get close to me. If Vanessa touches me, rests on my shoulders, holds my hands, or kisses me, Kimi gets very upset and tries to pull mommy away from daddy. She even does not want others to talk to me.
"Mine!"
You'd better fix that. ;D
She'll be a CEO someday.
Quote from: MN Dave on October 22, 2009, 09:16:47 AM
You'd better fix that. ;D
I am now forced into turning my marriage into an "office affair" as the office is the only place where we are safe from Kimi's prying eyes. It makes me feel like I am cheating!
Well, OK so this is NOT Kimi, but a friend from Ohio who worked with me in Sichuan earthquake area earlier this year for the Mental Health Fascilitator training became grandparent the BIG way -- his daughter had triplets! Here are the 2 girls and 1 boy 5 months later. They are so cute I thought I'd post them here.
I am the one without the long ears.
Two weeks ago, Kimi saw a kid in the yard who has a teddy bear. Now, with several dozen teddies, she must have thought ALL teddies SHOULD belong to her. So she asked for it, and the other kid would not give it to her.
Then, the funny thing happened. She walk around a bit so everyone is off-guard, then suddenly grabbed the teddy bear and took me by the hand: "Daddy! RUN! FAST!"
Gracious! She'd be a deadly moll in Chicago Gangland!
You've got to admire the beauteous simplicity of it, though: of course all teddy bears belong to Kimochka . . . .
This is all normal behavior. I went through a similar phase in my early forties.
That's a girl after my own heart! ;D
Poor Kimi is hospitalised again, with temperature hovering around 40c. She came through the first 24 hours and her temp is finally under 39. She will be in there for about 5 days, we think.
She's quite a talker. After she vomited, she said: "Oh, what is wrong with this little child?" And when the nurse gave me a lot of medication for her to take, she took one of the packages and asked the nurse: "What is the meaning of this?" The doctors and nurses just love her because of all the cute things she says!
I wish her a speedy recovery!
Quote from: springrite on January 06, 2010, 03:10:55 AM
The doctors and nurses just love her because of all the cute things she says!
Well, she gets her articulateness from her parents, I'm sure. I do hope the fever is nothing serious.
Paul, how old is she? Not even 2 years old ? And she talks like that ??? :o
I see my 2-year old granddaughter grow every day. She does all those cute, sometimes amazing things. But she still baby talks. God bless your child, Paul. Watch her intently in every thing she does. These are fast-forward memories !
Quote from: Barak on January 06, 2010, 09:07:24 PM
Paul, how old is she? Not even 2 years old ? And she talks like that ??? :o
I see my 2-year old granddaughter grow every day. She does all those cute, sometimes amazing things. But she still baby talks. God bless your child, Paul. Watch her intently in every thing she does. These are fast-forward memories !
Kimi is one year eight months old now. She does have very good language ability, it seems. She talks mostly in Chinese. She can understand most of the English I say, and prefers to identify/call certain things in English, like most animals, etc. Sometimes she says things that are certainly NOT mimicking grownups. She's making up her own sentences now. She's certainly way ahead of me at her age!
Yowza!
Hope she's better now Paul.
Jeffrey
Kids are wonderful.
So much so, in fact, that I've noticed that even people who don't have kids spend a lot of time talking about other people's kids.
Last week, we took Kimi to the hospital to get an EEG done because the doctor suggested it be done to rule out brain problems. The result came out today and it was abnormal. Her occasional jerks and sudden eye movements were mild seizures, apparently. This is causing much worry and Vanessa especially is nervous. We will observe her at home for a few more days and then possibly get her on medication. If all goes well, this problem will go away when she's 5 years old. Oher than that, she has been well. She talks all the time, in Chinese, English and a few occasional word in Spanish (nada!), German (Guten nacht!) and French (Moi?). She's giving us so much smiles and laughter. This little problem will go away, I am sure.
She sounds wonderful. You are a lucky man!
Quote from: Joe Barron on January 11, 2010, 09:13:26 AM
Kids are wonderful.
So much so, in fact, that I've noticed that even people who don't have kids spend a lot of time talking about other people's kids.
People who have kids like to think that everyone is interest in their kids, but it is generally not true, in my experience.
Paul, she is in my prayers all the time, my wonderful Kimi.
You take good care about her.
Quote from: Scarpia on February 02, 2010, 09:19:55 AM
People who have kids like to think that everyone is interest in their kids, but it is generally not true, in my experience.
Doesn't stop them from talking about their kids, though, does it? When I was up visiting my sister and Thanksgiving, she and her husband, who have no children of their own, spent a lot of time talking about their nephew and niece and their nephew and niece's kids. I have never laid eyes on any of these children, even in photographs, and it was very hard to feign interest.
On the other hand, I am always happy to see pictures of Kimi.
I don't pray, but Paul, I wish your little one all the best.
Now, be fair: it's obvious to the meanest intelligence that in this thread, Paul is going to talk about Kimi.
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on February 02, 2010, 11:23:35 AM
Now, be fair: it's obvious to the meanest intelligence ...
I guess that would be me.
How is Kimi doing, Paul?
Yes, Paul, how is Kimi doing? We're in this with you! :D
Quote from: secondwind on February 04, 2010, 01:15:18 PM
How is Kimi doing, Paul?
We will get a second opinion/interpretation of the EEG on Tuesday before deciding on a course of action. She is doing just fine. Her episodes are very frequent but very short with hardly any noticeable physical signs. No one would notice anything. We will know soon. Thank you all!
Continued warm thoughts!
I'm glad she's doing well. It sounds like this is more distressing for you and Vanessa than for Kimi, which is as it should be. As my sister-in-law used to lecture my brother: "parents can't be wimps!" So you two have to tough it out. I'll keep you three in my thoughts.
Kimi will be two years old tomorrow. I hope to have some photos next week. I have been her nanny for the past week. Let me tell you, it is the happiest moments in my life. This morning, I took her out on a double decker bus, riding on the front row on the top deck. She loved it. After lunch out, we came back by subway. I have had little sleep in this past week. But I will never trade this time for anything.
I want to share a story from a few months ago. After telling her a story about tails -- how the baby fox and little squrrels have big tails and the huge elephant has (relative to their body size) very small tails, I had to go to the bathroom. I closed the doors but did not lock it. She barged in and looked at me, pointing: "Daddy's tail. Very very small!"
Huzzah!
Quote from: springrite on May 07, 2010, 06:43:05 AM
"Daddy's tail. Very very small!"
Ouch! You must be very comfortable with yourself, Paul, to share this little tidbit. ;) Wonderful story, and one that will probably be retold for many years to come. 8)
Paul - LOL! ;D Kids say the darndest things - brings back memories of the old Art Linkletter shows! Dave :)
Quote from: DavidRoss on May 07, 2010, 07:11:01 AM
Ouch! You must be very comfortable with yourself, Paul, to share this little tidbit. ;) Wonderful story, and one that will probably be retold for many years to come. 8)
Well, it is no match for the fox's tail, to be sure.
Luckily she does not seem to be suffering from tail envy at all. :) What a great story!
Great story, springrite! I'll be laughing all day without being able to explain why!
Well, by definition it was sufficient to get the job done. ???
Quote from: Scarpia on May 07, 2010, 09:21:17 AM
Well, by definition it was sufficient to get the job done. ???
Since Kimi is a test tube baby via in vitro... I can't claim that the evidence is able to stand up.
:D
Sounds like a story a professional comedian would come up with.
Quote from: springrite on May 07, 2010, 09:33:46 AM
Since Kimi is a test tube baby via in vitro... I can't claim that the evidence is able to stand up.
:-[
Paul asked me to post this for him, doesn't she look gorgeous.
(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb79/walboi/Nieuweafbeelding.jpg)
These were taken on my birthday, not Kimi's birthday. She's 2 year 4 months old.
Quote from: springrite on September 29, 2010, 07:36:43 AM
These were taken on my birthday, not Kimi's birthday. She's 2 year 4 months old.
She seems a very smiley child! Lovely photos.
Love the pink sneaks.
I love the crown--and she wears it well! :D
She Stoops to Conquer
At birth: 1.35 kg (3 lbs) at birth
Now at 2 1/2 years: 16 kg (35 lbs)
Not bad, huh?
Quote from: springrite on December 22, 2010, 05:03:30 AMAt birth: 1.35 kg (3 lbs) at birth
Now at 2 1/2 years: 16 kg (35 lbs)
Not bad, huh?
I'm not an expert at this :)
Springrite, in another thread you wrote you were in Beijing; are you living there? I was under the impression you are from South Korea... Now I read your name is Paul so I may be completely wrong.
Quote from: Tapio on December 27, 2010, 10:57:31 PM
I'm not an expert at this :)
Springrite, in another thread you wrote you were in Beijing; are you living there? I was under the impression you are from South Korea... Now I read your name is Paul so I may be completely wrong.
Yes, I do live in Beijing. I was born and raised here, but spent 22 years in the US until I came back in 2002. Now I am settled in Beijing and, as the Chinese saying goes, the leaves never fall far from the tree. I have returned for good.
Quote from: springrite on December 28, 2010, 07:49:59 AMNow I am settled in Beijing and, as the Chinese saying goes, the leaves never fall far from the tree. I have returned for good.
Which is good.
Interesting saying,by the way. In germany we have "The apple doesn't fall far from the stock." You say it when you see descendants reveal the same characteristics (behaviour, look) as their ancestors.
Tomorrow is Chinese New Year's Eve, Today, Kimi was singing and dancing in the living room while humming. I wasn't paying attention at first. Most of the time when she does that, she sings children's songs (Apple round... Mary had a little lamb...), but then to my surprise, she was humming classical music!
In order, they were:
Beethoven Ode to Joy
Morning Song from Peer Gynt
Brandenburg Concerto #5, first movement
Visi D'Arte
She has heard them, I guess, when I played the music. But how surprised I was to see that she was paying attention and memorized them!
Had some incredible photos of her but the files are huge. I have to figure out how to post them. Incredibly good photos!
No, she did not sing the Berg Violin Concerto that I played last week, In fact, she asked me to stop it.
Go, Kimi!
I have one photo of Kimi singing Visi D'Arte, and one of her conducting Ode to Joy. Let me see if I can post them.
Here's one:
Another:
And:
We had a pre-celebration at another couples house. Much fun. They served this for desert, a Chinese New Year cake which is a glutinous rice cake:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4333136433_201117e7a7.jpg)
I enjoyed the taste, but the texture took a bit getting used to. :) We are planning an outing this Saturday to the Far East Center in Denver. They will have the fireworks and CACHC Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe like they do each year and we usually have a lot of fun if the weather permits.
Happy New Year to you and your family, Paul!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4XC2W5tuXJs/TR6g34LWD2I/AAAAAAAAG0k/xkVQae8ggtk/s400/7573652-2011-the-year-of-the-rabbit-in-chinese-astrology.jpg)
Quote from: Bogey on February 01, 2011, 07:22:38 AM
We had a pre-celebration at another couples house. Much fun. They served this for desert, a Chinese New Year cake which is a glutinous rice cake:
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/4333136433_201117e7a7.jpg)
I enjoyed the taste, but the texture took a bit getting used to. :) We are planning an outing this Saturday to the Far East Center in Denver. They will have the fireworks and CACHC Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe like they do each year and we usually have a lot of fun if the weather permits.
Happy New Year to you and your family, Paul!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4XC2W5tuXJs/TR6g34LWD2I/AAAAAAAAG0k/xkVQae8ggtk/s400/7573652-2011-the-year-of-the-rabbit-in-chinese-astrology.jpg)
Well, that cake is one of my mom's favorite but I can eat it occasionally but certainly don't seek it out.
I may be going to Denver in October for a conference. I would certainly like to add a hockey game, a concert (if any decent ones are available) and a couple of gatherings. Hey, something to consider!
Quote from: springrite on February 01, 2011, 07:25:55 AM
Well, that cake is one of my mom's favorite but I can eat it occasionally but certainly don't seek it out.
I may be going to Denver in October for a conference. I would certainly like to add a hockey game, a concert (if any decent ones are available) and a couple of gatherings. Hey, something to consider!
Are you looking for a pro hockey game to take in, or would a Denver University game do? Would love to meet you for a cup of coffee at the least, Paul. If you you have time, a home cooked meal is always available from our house as well. :)
Quote from: Bogey on February 01, 2011, 07:29:09 AM
Are you looking for a pro hockey game to take in, or would a Denver University game do? Would love to meet you for a cup of coffee at the least, Paul. If you you have time, a home cooked meal is always available from our house as well. :)
Actually, I almost always prefer a college game since the atomsphere is almost always better, and I can always support the same team that you support, which won't be easy if the Aves play the KINGS in a game with lots of 5_4_Fightings!
We will figure something out!
Quote from: springrite on February 01, 2011, 07:32:18 AM
Actually, I almost always prefer a college game since the atomsphere is almost always better, and I can always support the same team that you support, which won't be easy if the Aves play the KINGS in a game with lots of 5_4_Fightings!
We will figure something out!
The DU games are fun. Been to a few and the arena is nice. Good food as well. I will look into it when the time gets closer and we can play it by ear.
More Kimi pics, please!
Quote from: Apollon on February 01, 2011, 06:51:03 AM
Here's one:
That kid is growing up - what nice photos :)
I am going on a week-long lecture trip tomorrow morning. I will definitely post a few more photos next week!
Kimi has started parttime kindergarten -- 2 half days a week with parents (me usually) accompanying her. This is to get her accustomed and assimilated to the environment. She absolutely loves it!
I would have posted earlier but Vanessa's mother had a stroke so I have spent much time taking care of her in the hospital. She has been recovering well and she cooperates best with treatment and rehab when I am there. For some reason I am the only person she really listens to. While at the hospital I also became the volunterr counselor for other patients and family.
Paul
Warm wishes to Vanessa's mom for rapid mending!
And lecture well, Paul!
The pictures of Kimi are cute as can be. You're very blessed to have such a wonderful little girl in your life.
Kimi will be 3 years old in a couple of weeks. Last weekend, we took her horseback riding. She absolutely loved it! I will certainly have a few photos to post in a matter of days as I do not have a lecture tour scheduled for the next two to three weeks, having just finished a busy schedule recently.
I have no idea how to post photos now. What happened to... well, never mind. I see that option is only for subscribers now.
I am posting it as my avatar !
Soon to be 3 1/2, Kimi is cuter than ever. Yesterday I found out, the little girl sure has her priorities.
I picked her up and held her as I walked her across the street, telling her: "Safety first. Always safety first."
"Safety third!" she said.
"No, Kimi. Safety first."
"Safety third, daddy!"
"If safety is third, then what's first and second?" I teased.
"Well..." she thought about it.
"Meat on the plate at every meal is first. " Well, Kimi was never big on vegetarian dishes.
"What is second then?"
"Never having to wait to poop! I hate it when I have to hold it for too long!"
Well, can't argue with that.
One could argue — I don't mean that one could argue with Kimi, of course — that even if safety be third, safety is an element of the second item . . . .
Tuck this one away for future reference, Paul, as a father-daughter story you can use to embarrass the dickens out of her in another ten or twelve years!
Kimi had decided that she loves opera. Right now, her favorites are Mozart and Verdi. She thinks it is in English and keeps asking me about what certain words mean.
"Daddy, what is D'Arte?"
"Daddy, what is a diva? What does 'Cast A Diva' mean?"
After Nessun Dorma, and upon hearing that last line, she said:"So this is about a cello! I did not understand what went before that!"
Quote from: springrite on December 05, 2011, 03:22:07 PM
Kimi had decided that she loves opera. Right now, her favorites are Mozart and Verdi.
Hey, those may prove always her favorite operas!QuoteAfter Nessun Dorma, and upon hearing that last line, she said:"So this is about a cello! I did not understand what went before that!"
Tee-hee!
This conversation happened today:
Nanny: Kimi, are you good-looking?
Kimi: Yes, I am beautiful and cute!
Nanny: Kimi, between mommy and daddy, who is better looking?
Kimi: Mommy is good-looking.
Nanny: You mean, your daddy is NOT good-looking?
Kimi: No, daddy is not good-looking at all. But I love him anyway!
Me: Kimi, maybe good-looking isn't the right word. Maybe "handsome" is a better word to describe how daddy look?
Kimi: OH, PLEASE!
Yowch.
A few Kimiism to report:
1: In a shopping mall, Kimi was excited about seeing all the Christmas trees. Suddenly, she spot a large Christmas tree made entirely of light! She shouted:"Daddy! Look! This Christmas tree is SOOO beautiful! And it has no tree on it!"
2: A couple of hundred yards from our house and just across the street from Kimi's kindergarten is the Mercedes Benz China Headquarter building. On top of that building is a huge Mercedes Benz sign that spins around. It is a special sight at night. When we drive home at night, as soon as Kimi sees that sign on top of the building, she'd say:" We are almost home!"
Then last week, in the shopping mall parking lot as we got out of the car, another car pulled in. It was a Mercedes Benz.
"Look daddy, it looks like a Mercedes Benz!"
That driver looked pleased to hear Kimi recognizing his special luxury car.
"But daddy, it is a fake Mercedes Benz! He is driving a fake Mercedes!"
That driver looked visibly annoyed and walked away.
"Why did you say it is a fake?"
"It does not spin at all. It is a fake!"
Love it!
Love those Kimiisms Paul...hey, what do you know....the two GMGr's that I met this year are posted above me on this page! :D
Kimi was sitting on the bed, playing with her IPAD-II. I put on Respighi's Queen of Sheba.
When the War Dance started, she suddenly stopped playing with the IPAD and listened attentively to the music. About 30 seconds later, Kimi shouted: "Daddy! I WANT TO HIT SOMETHING! I WANT TO HIT SOMETHING!" Then she picked up a toy and started hitting the pillow.
"Daddy! Join me! LET'S HIT SOMETHING!"
Quote from: springrite on December 24, 2011, 11:26:03 PM
Kimi was sitting on the bed, playing with her IPAD-II. I put on Respighi's Queen of Sheba.
When the War Dance started, she suddenly stopped playing with the IPAD and listened attentively to the music. About 30 seconds later, Kimi shouted: "Daddy! I WANT TO HIT SOMETHING! I WANT TO HIT SOMETHING!" Then she picked up a toy and started hitting the pillow.
"Daddy! Join me! LET'S HIT SOMETHING!"
Reminds of one of my God children. She was about 6 and watching a lot of super hero cartoons at the time. She asked her dad if he wanted to help her conquer the world. The dad said he was busy right now and her reply was, "But dad, it will be fun." ;D
Last night, Kimi refused to go to bed at bedtime, still upset that I told her she has been playing with her IPAD too long and that I did not order the fatty food at the restaurant.
"Daddy, you have to promise me NEVER to upset me again."
...silence...
"I am WAITING!"
Oh, mercy!
An update from Vanessa:
Last night, after Kimi had tried to bully me, I did not respond and simply left the room. Vanessa slept her and I went to the other room.
Today, Vanessa told me that after I had left, Vanessa told Kimi that daddy was "hurt" by what Kimi had said. Kimi was worried.
"Mommy, go and see if daddy is alright."
"No need, you just go to sleep now."
"How can I sleep if daddy is upset? You go take a look!"
"Why don't you do it?"
"How can I do it? I can't. You go. NOW!"
Vanessa left the room but did not enter my room. She returned to Kimi and told me daddy is sad, hurt and upset, but daddy is alright.
"Was he crying?"
"No, he did not cry."
"Was he .... uh... mad at me?"
"I don't think so. Daddy loves you, so he will forgive you."
"Oh... "
"Now, go to sleep."
It took Kimi about ten minutes to decide to accept the situation and go to sleep. She did not mention it today. She has too much pride.
I wish there were a video recording of this stuff... ;D
Vanessa took Kimi to work last week when I was away on my lecture tour and the nanny has gone to her hometown. There are about half a dozen Canadian teachers at the school and Kimi spent most of the day with them, one after another. They just loved her!
In the afternoon, the last Canadian teacher met Kimi for a few minutes and had to go to class.
"Bye bye Kimi. You are so lovely! I hope to see you again! Will you come to see me again? "
"I don't know. I just want you to know that all the other teachers give me candies and chocolate..."
I just cracked up a pair of officemates with this story : )
It is about four hours before the New Year, and we are playing the most unusual New Year's Eve music.
Just before dinner, Kimi was watching a cartoon, and the theme from Beethoven's 5th was played. Kimi asked me if I have that on CD. I took out the Liszt transcription (since Kimi loved the piano) and played it. I was thinking that we would just play part of the first movement. But Kimi loved the music and demanded that I put it on repeat.
So, it is Beethoven's Fifth till the New Year arrives! Yikes!
(Of course, being a three year old, and being a woman, Kimi could decide she's changed her mind at any moment.)
Kimi is asking me to buy her a piano, not to play Fur Elise but so she could pound out the Liszt transcription of Beethoven's 5th, which she considered "the best stuff!". I have a copy of it at home and one in the car just in case she wanted her "BEETHOVEN!" or her "TATATA TUM!" Today I had Debussy in the car when I picked her up at the kindergarten, and she immediately said "what is this soft garbage? Play BEETHOVEN for me!"
Oh, but that Debussy is iced for good ; )
Quote from: springrite on January 05, 2012, 06:17:58 AM
"what is this soft garbage? Play BEETHOVEN for me!"
;D :D ;D ...Kimi rocks 8)
Sarge
... just wait till she hears daddy play some Feldman for her...
Last night as we were watching TV, there was a character pretending to ride a broom. Kimi said "A witch!" I was surprised since I did not know she knew that English word (or even the concept).
So, I took the opputunity to train her just a bit.
Now, if I say: "If she weighs the same as a duck, then she's made of wood, and therefore..."
Kimi would shout: "A Witch! A Witch!"
Kimi is hospitalized for extremely high and persistent fever that has lasted 6 days now. While it is being treated as the flu, the doctors are beginning to suspect Kawasaki's Disease. I am home for a short sleep and will return to the hospital after a few hours.
Your prayers would be greatly appreciated.
Quote from: springrite on March 03, 2012, 06:44:45 AM
Kimi is hospitalized for extremely high and persistent fever that has lasted 6 days now. While it is being treated as the flu, the doctors are beginning to suspect Kawasaki's Disease. I am home for a short sleep and will return to the hospital after a few hours.
Your prayers would be greatly appreciated.
I'm so sorry to hear about this, Paul. Kimi will be in my thoughts.
Her fever is up to 40.5c (105f). Worrying...
Love and Prayers, Paul. Kimi and your family will stay in our thoughts, my friend.
Our thoughts are with you. I hope she gets well soon.
Yet more love & prayers.
The lung was clear two days ago but now it appears to be pnemonia for sure. Probably one more day before deciding if also Kawasaki. Fever down under 40 now (104f), mostly around 38+.
Quote from: springrite on March 03, 2012, 09:14:27 PM
The lung was clear two days ago but now it appears to be pnemonia for sure. Probably one more day before deciding if also Kawasaki. Fever down under 40 now (104f), mostly around 38+.
Post when you can, Paul. Continued prayers for your little one.
I hope that Kimi gets through this.
I pray that Kimi gets well. You're in my thoughts, Paul.
Out of danger as of today! We also checked her heart and there were no significant damage. Blood tests still not good, but that can be improved in the next few days. No sleep for most of the past three days now, and Vanessa is taking over for the next two days when I will go out on a short lecture trip. But it should be easier for her than it was for me the past few days. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and good wishes!
Splendid for out of danger! Now, prayers of thanksgiving.
That's good to hear. We'll hope for a speedy and full recovery.
Paul - best of luck for Kimi's continued improvement - all of our thoughts are w/ you & family - Dave
Excellent news, Paul. Still keep us posted when possible. Let us know when Kimi is back to her "spirited and spritely" self. :)
Daddy, how can you listen to this slow stuff?! Put Beethoven back on!
Quote from: karlhenning on March 06, 2012, 06:43:58 AM
Daddy, how can you listen to this slow stuff?! Put Beethoven back on!
A couple of weeks ago, I tried to convince her that the slow movement of the Pathetic Sonata is also by Beethoven. She said, in a very New York accent:"Don't joke me!"
LOL
This is such good news, Paul! I imagine the last couple days were emotionally and physically draining on you. I'm glad Kimi is doing much better.
It's wonderful that she's now doing well.
Quote from: springrite on December 08, 2011, 07:51:03 AM
This conversation happened today:
Nanny: Kimi, are you good-looking?
Kimi: Yes, I am beautiful and cute!
Nanny: Kimi, between mommy and daddy, who is better looking?
Kimi: Mommy is good-looking.
Nanny: You mean, your daddy is NOT good-looking?
Kimi: No, daddy is not good-looking at all. But I love him anyway!
Me: Kimi, maybe good-looking isn't the right word. Maybe "handsome" is a better word to describe how daddy look?
Kimi: OH, PLEASE!
I think I just saw a glimpse into my future if I ever become a father... 8)
Kimi is well enough to return home today. I just returned from my lecture trip and will stay home full time to take care of her for the next week. She has lost a lot of weight but she is looking better.
Thanks everyone!
Splendid! Beethoven hugs!
Great news, Paul! I'm glad Kimi is doing better.
Excellent!
Vanessa was painting with Kimi. Kimi painted something blue. Vanessa took up some yellow paint and painted over it.
"You see how it is turning green? Mixing blue with yellow makes green."
"Aha! Aha!" Kimi exclaimed.
"What?"
"So that is why the toilet water turned green after I pee!"
Quote from: springrite on March 11, 2012, 05:52:11 PM
Vanessa was painting with Kimi. Kimi painted something blue. Vanessa took up some yellow paint and painted over it.
"You see how it is turning green? Mixing blue with yellow makes green."
"Aha! Aha!" Kimi exclaimed.
"What?"
"So that is why the toilet water turned green after I pee!"
:P
Tee-hee!
Just caught up with what's been going on here.
So sorry to hear that Kimi was in hospital but delighted that she is getting better.
Jeffrey :)
springrite, at the day you die, will Kimi or Kimi-Mother or whoever continue writing to the thread please? Otherwise our GMG members lifes would turn useless.
To keep the whole space-time continuum in order, I precautionally changed my username.
Last night Kimi spent almost twenty minutes through our photo album that has all my baby photos. I was so glad that Kimi enjoyed it! When she was finally through, I said: "I am glad you enjoyed seeing your daddy as a child. What do you think?"
Kimi sighed: "So you were not so good-looking even as a baby! Most ugly people at least looked cute as a baby."
Then, to make me feel better: "But I love you anyway, Daddy!"
Pow!
TTT
Kimi will be 4 in a week. She's been counting the days till she could have that big birthday cake. I will take a detour from my lecture tour to stop by home for a day to celebrate her birthday. We might go out, say, to a pizza place or something.
I will try to have a few photos to post. I have been too busy, about 20 cities in a month in my lecture tour. I'd be lucky to get 5 hours of sleep a night and one night at home every ten. "Daddy's away to make money for me", Kimi would tell people. She seems to know the importance of money now. She's been asking where we had put the money from all the red evenlope she had received on her previous birthdays and for Chinese New Year. It will take a few year's before she'd understand the concept of bank, mutual fund, etc. For now she simply thinks mommy stole it.
Want to keep an eye on mommy.
Road sounds rough, Paul! May the tour treat you gently, friend!
Quote from: springrite on May 01, 2012, 04:04:05 AMFor now she simply thinks mommy stole it.
;D :D ;D
Sarge
Per her request, ("I want a bouquet of flowers like mommy got on her wedding"), I got her a bouquet of flowers, along with a small birthday cake with a candle with the number 4 on it. Grandma got her a pearl necklace because she wanted some "jewelry" just like mommy has. We had dinner in a restaurant. I got home the night before so I could make her birthday because I depart the next day to continue the lecture tour. In fact, last night I had to go to the emergency room with severe pain which has lasted three days. I had a chest infection. With medication it is better today. With my pain tolerance no one knew I had the pain during my lecture trip. It hurts everytime I breathe. Well, now it only hurts when I swallow or yawn. That is an improvement. It should be better for the next few days.
Kimi wants to be the big girl, as you can see from her requests! And she certainly is proud to be one year older. She did notice my pain and asked me if she could give me a back rub or something to relief it. I told her a kiss will do. "Will more kisses relief it even more?" She give me several kisses and smiled.
Mend quickly, Paul! Good to hear from you!
Quote from: karlhenning on May 07, 2012, 06:38:08 AM
Mend quickly, Paul! Good to hear from you!
Thank you. I will have a chest CT done when I get back on Monday. The doctor is not saying it but I know he wants to rule out the worst. I will know more next week.
I am so oblivious to pain that sometimes can be a bad thing, too.
Kimi's English is as good as her Chinese, so now she can say things Vanessa doesn't understand. Yesterday after the rain, mom was taking her out.
"But I don't like the rain!" Protested Kimi.
"The rain has stopped, dear."
When they went out, she saw the rain had indeed stopped.
"But I do like puddles!"
"What is a puddle?" Vanessa asked, as she did not know the word.
"I LOVE puddles!"
Kimi jumped into one of the many puddles and splashed water all over mommy.
Now, mommy knows what a puddle is.
Mommy may never forget what a puddle is, now!
An excellent lesson, surely.
More Kimiism:
"daddy, thank you for that delicious dinner. I am almost full. But right here (points to a spot on her tummy), there is a very small space that is still empty. It is the size of two M&M's. Don't you think we should fill it? It is not healthy to leave them like that. What do you think, Daddy? Oh, I love you!"
Quote from: springrite on July 02, 2012, 05:49:22 PM
More Kimiism:
"daddy, thank you for that delicious dinner. I am almost full. But right here (points to a spot on her tummy), there is a very small space that is still empty. It is the size of two M&M's. Don't you think we should fill it? It is not healthy to leave them like that. What do you think, Daddy? Oh, I love you!"
You could have offered two peas, with the observation that they were the same size as M&Ms and would therefore fill the hole nicely.
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on July 02, 2012, 06:28:25 PM
You could have offered two peas, with the observation that they were the same size as M&Ms and would therefore fill the hole nicely.
Haha! Nasty!
Hi Paul, just catching up with the times, having been mostly absent these last two years. Actually I was curious to see why this thread was still going on. I was thinking 'it must have derailed'. But no, Kimi is still its raison d'être :D.
My granddaughter is about her age (4 1/2) and although she is very inteligent, she has speech impediments. I'm amazed at what Kimi says ! Kids that age are the greatest blessing one can experience in life. God bless you !
Kimi knew she can only have one piece of candy/chocolate per day. That is a rule that she has accepted.
This morning:
Kimi: Daddy, do you want to eat a piece of chocolate?
Me: No, I don't want it.
Kimi: In that case, may I have yours?
Clever girl!
Yesterday, while at grandma's place, Kimi played around at the piano. Then, she asked me to put a score at the piano. I told he I'd get her one once we get home.
Once at home, I gave her a score of the Goldberg Variation.
"Can you drive me to Grandma's place now? I want to put the score at the piano and play it."
"No, we don't have time to do that now. It is their bedtime."
"Then go buy me a piano."
"At this hour?"
"OK, tomorrow morning then."
"Do you know how much money a piano costs?"
"I have money. You can use ALL my money in the piggy bank. ALL OF IT."
...
Quote from: springrite on July 13, 2012, 07:32:41 PM
Yesterday, while at grandma's place, Kimi played around at the piano. Then, she asked me to put a score at the piano. I told he I'd get her one once we get home.
Once at home, I gave her a score of the Goldberg Variation.
"Can you drive me to Grandma's place now? I want to put the score at the piano and play it."
"No, we don't have time to do that now. It is their bedtime."
"Then go buy me a piano."
"At this hour?"
"OK, tomorrow morning then."
"Do you know how much money a piano costs?"
"I have money. You can use ALL my money in the piggy bank. ALL OF IT."
...
Sounds like a command you can't refuse. Since she's really small yet, you can make do with buying her a baby grand ;D
Sarge
This is what just happened ten minutes ago as I watched a DVD of a classical concert with Kimi:
"Daddy, I like watching music DVD with you."
"Doesn't mom play music CD for you in the car?"
"Yes, she does. But she keeps talking when I want to listen to the music. She's just not into it like us."
...
"Daddy, can you take me to a concert?"
"Oh, you want to go to a concert?"
"Yes. The music sounds much louder and a lot better than this. The DVD just can't show it."
"How do you know?"
"I just know. Can you take me to a concert or not?"
"Yes, but you can not talk when you are attending a concert, you know."
"Not at all?"
"No."
"I can talk when the music is really loud. I am not loud at all. No one will hear me except you."
"What concert do you like to go to?"
"Piano Concerto."
...
"Kimi, would you like to learn to piano? Then one day you can play in a concert like this, wearing a nice dress just like that lady."
"No. Well, maybe when I am older and stronger. Look at her! She looks so tired and she is big!" (Kern playing Rachmaninov 3)
Quote from: springrite on August 14, 2012, 06:31:50 AM
This is what just happened ten minutes ago as I watched a DVD of a classical concert with Kimi...
All of those three vignettes are, strictly speaking, adorable. I can imagine your pride, as a father, after the first one.
Quote from: Gordon Shumway on August 14, 2012, 07:18:01 AM
All of those three vignettes are, strictly speaking, adorable. I can imagine your pride, as a father, after the first one.
Mommy is bringing Mahler 1, Rach 3 and Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto to the office tomorrow to "catch up".
Quote from: springrite on August 14, 2012, 07:41:36 AM
Mommy is bringing Mahler 1, Rach 3 and Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto to the office tomorrow to "catch up".
Don't rest on your laurels! Now you need to know how much costs a piano! You know, this is a war and mommies are incredibly deceitful. :D ;D :D
Quote from: Gordon Shumway on August 14, 2012, 08:28:24 AM
Don't rest on your laurels! Now you need to know how much costs a piano! You know, this is a war and mommies are incredibly deceitful. :D ;D :D
You got it. But Mommy's game plan is to buy the piano for Kimi before the New Year, which will make that concert ticket look like French Fries. She also has golf lessons lined up for 2014. I know because I was asked to make more money because "our budget is going up by about $20,000 a year for the next three years or more". I know that's not for mascara.
Yes, Mommy always wins and it's probably not a bad thing. :)
Quote from: Gordon Shumway on August 14, 2012, 08:46:59 AM
Yes, Mommy always wins and it's probably not a bad thing. :)
But somehow Daddy is always #1 in Kimi's book. I have been trying to raise Mommy's standing for her. If I get something for her I always give credit to Mommy. But there's something about daddy and daughter, or mommy and son that seems to override that.
Quote from: springrite on August 14, 2012, 08:49:01 AM
But somehow Daddy is always #1 in Kimi's book. I have been trying to raise Mommy's standing for her. If I get something for her I always give credit to Mommy. But there's something about daddy and daughter, or mommy and son that seems to override that.
Yes, it's quite unexplainable as so many important things in life. And quite noticeable in father/daughter relationship because boys are generally quite less expresive than girls, so sometimes their dependence of their mothers seems less evident... I recall when I lost my mother -when I was 25 y.o.-, it has been the most devastating experience of my entire life.
"Kimi, why are you picking up that pebble?"
"I want to play hop-scotch."
"So you know how to play it?"
"Yes. You throw the pebble. Then you hop on one leg--just like Liu Xiang."
"Liu Xiang? Who told you about him???"
"No one. I watched it on TV. His one leg hurts so he hopped on one leg--the good one."
TTT
This morning:
"Daddy, may I have a piece of Kisses Chocolate?"
"No, Kimi. You had one last night. You only get one piece a day."
"Daddy, let me ask you. Is this morning part of yesterday? Answer me."
All that's missing is "and I rest my case" and you get yourself a four year old lawyer!
Quote from: springrite on October 16, 2012, 09:07:53 AM
This morning:
"Daddy, may I have a piece of Kisses Chocolate?"
"No, Kimi. You had one last night. You only get one piece a day."
"Daddy, let me ask you. Is this morning part of yesterday? Answer me."
All that's missing is "and I rest my case" and you get yourself a four year old lawyer!
:D Yes, Paul, Kimi wants her Kisses chocolate now or else she'll take you to court! ;) :D
Or a logician who could school several folks I know who are much older and should be much wiser! ;D
Quote from: DavidRoss on October 16, 2012, 09:15:04 AM
Or a logician who could school several folks I know who are much older and should be much wiser! ;D
I pity the young man who will be her boyfriend...
Quote from: springrite on October 16, 2012, 09:07:53 AM
This morning:
"Daddy, may I have a piece of Kisses Chocolate?"
"No, Kimi. You had one last night. You only get one piece a day."
"Daddy, let me ask you. Is this morning part of yesterday? Answer me."
All that's missing is "and I rest my case" and you get yourself a four year old lawyer!
Well, you walked right into that one, Paul.
She is a very astute little girl.
I recall that when my daughter was little I told her that I was going to raise her pocket money. I thought that she'd be pleased with this news but she immediately asked me when the increase started from, presumably assuming that I was going to backdate it to the beginning of the financial year. ::)
Isn't it funny how people react? My first thought wasn't how clever she was (which was a close second), but rather that she only gets ONE chocolate a day!! I mean, talk about crazy restrictions!! :)
Kimi wants to move in with Neal, daddy!
Quote from: karlhenning on October 16, 2012, 02:18:30 PM
Kimi wants to move in with Neal, daddy!
What!?!?!? And SHARE the chocolate?!?!?! :o :P :-*
Quote from: mc ukrneal on October 16, 2012, 03:26:10 PM
What!?!?!? And SHARE the chocolate?!?!?! :o :P :-*
Kimi did not mention anything about SHARING. I think she wants complete takeover. 8)
Just arrived home from two weeks away in the US. Boy how much a child can develop in two weeks. I got this:
"Mommy, what is an assistant?"
"Well, an assistant is someone who helps you do some things when you are too busy to do all the work. I have an assistant at work. So does your daddy."
"OK, then you are my assistant."
"Yes, I guess you can say that."
"Now, go put away my toys for me. I am too busy to do it."
That's great ;D
Quote from: springrite on October 30, 2012, 05:31:15 PM
Just arrived home from two weeks away in the US. Boy how much a child can develop in two weeks. I got this:
"Mommy, what is an assistant?"
"Well, an assistant is someone who helps you do some things when you are too busy to do all the work. I have an assistant at work. So does your daddy."
"OK, then you are my assistant."
"Yes, I guess you can say that."
"Now, go put away my toys for me. I am too busy to do it."
You forgot to tell her she will need to pay her assistant - perhaps in chocolate! :)
Quote from: mc ukrneal on October 30, 2012, 07:40:24 PM
You forgot to tell her she will need to pay her assistant - perhaps in chocolate! :)
Maybe garlic. Chocolate? Never!
BTW, she says
chocolat in French. She must think it sounds cool.
New story today:
"Daddy, hurry up! Time waits for no one!"
Tee-hee.
Kimi is here on my lap. She asks me to do this:
:) ;) :D :( :o :P :-[ :-X :-\ :-* :'( >:D
She tells me these are her favorites.
Kimi sends her love to everyone here!
Were you able to pull off all of those emoticons with some degree of success?
I can see how :o and :-\ might be difficult. You might have some serious problems if you can pull those off accurately. And for :P you might need a bigger tongue.
(Kimi- ask daddy to do all the emoticons at the same time) ;)
Quote from: springrite on November 01, 2012, 04:33:01 PM
Kimi is here on my lap. She asks me to do this:
:) ;) :D :( :o :P :-[ :-X :-\ :-* :'( >:D
She tells me these are her favorites.
Kimi sends her love to everyone here!
Tell Kimi somebody from Georgia says "Hello!" Such a sweet girl you've got there, Paul. Bless you and yours.
Did Kimi watch the race today?
Those precious one-liners were the highlights of the race. ;D
Quote from: Opus106 on November 04, 2012, 09:06:01 AM
Did Kimi watch the race today?
Those precious one-liners were the highlights of the race. ;D
No, none of us watched the race, unfortunately.
"Leave me alone. I know what to do" does sound like something my Kimi would say!
Quote from: springrite on November 04, 2012, 09:54:21 AM
No, none of us watched the race, unfortunately.
That's too bad. It was one of the best entertainers of the year, and occasionally even included some racing!
Quote
"Leave me alone. I know what to do" does sound like something my Kimi would say!
;D
Today Kimi asked Vanessa to buy a IPhone for her because she absolutely needs it. She explained that she has her own friends and wishes to have the freedom to contact them and make arrangements to get together for lunch, go to the park or just chat.
"I am not a little baby anymore, you know."
Look at the photo on my avatar. She does not look like a 4 1/2 year old.
Quote from: springrite on December 11, 2012, 05:38:31 AM
Today Kimi asked Vanessa to buy a IPhone for her because she absolutely needs it. She explained that she has her own friends and wishes to have the freedom to contact them and make arrangements to get together for lunch, go to the park or just chat.
"I am not a little baby anymore, you know."
Look at the photo on my avatar. She does not look like a 4 1/2 year old.
Quite the young women. I think you'd better start looking for the best phone plan with unlimited minutes you can find.
Christmas According to Kimi
It is Christmas Eve here in Beijing. I put on some Christmas music. But Kimi, who counts Beethoven, Rachmaninov and Bach as her favorite, objected: "I don't want to listen to Bach on Christmas. I want to listen to Buddhist mantra chants."
After we ate, I told her we are going to shop for her presents. She can pick what she wants.
"I will pick what I want first, and then what Kevin wants, what Lily wants, what Sarah wants..."
"Wait! We are only buying Christmas presents for you, Kimi."
"No! You have to buy one for everyone in my kindergarten class!"
"Why is that?"
"Most of them don't celebrate Christmas. So most of them won't have Christmas presents. So they won't be happy. Christmas won't be Christmas unless every kid is happy. So you have to buy one for everyone!"
So, I will soon be on my way to buy Christmas presents for everyone, while listening to Buddhist mantras in my car.
After all these years, at last I've met Santa.
God bless you and yours, Paul! Merry Christmas!
Kimi is ill again. She definitely have pneumonia, and now we suspect she might also have myocarditis, which is life threatening. Fingers crossed. I have hardly slept in 4 days.
But two days ago she moved me so much. We were getting I-V for her in the transfusion room. Per her request I went to a toy vending machine to get a couple of toys for her. But as luck (or lack of it) would have it, both time we got the exact same toy. So we had 2 of the same.
Kimi said we should give the extra one to another child. I agreed and told her when she gets better, she could give it to one of her kindergarten mates.
"Why wait till then? Give it to one of the kids in this room."
"But you don't know any of them."
"Why do I have to know them?"
So we gave it to a girl next to us.
That girl was the most obnoxious 5 year old I have ever seen. She did not say thank you. Then she told (yes, TOLD) her mom to buy her another one so she could be one up on Kimi by having two. She cussed all the time like a drunken sailor. But none of that mattered to Kimi. She as happy that she gave the toy away.
God bless Kimi.
Warmest thoughts out to Kimi, Vanessa and you, Paul!
I'm terribly to sorry to hear of Kimi's condition, Paul. My thoughts are with Kimi and your family.
Prayers for Kimi and all of you.
Thinking of you all.
Quote from: springrite on January 03, 2013, 07:56:42 AM
To celebrate Kimi's return to health (turned the corner today), I have made the following orders:
Most glad to hear so, Paul!
Quote from: karlhenning on January 03, 2013, 07:59:46 AM
Most glad to hear so, Paul!
Thank you, Karl!
You have to admire the resilience of a little girl. 2 Days ago she was in danger and now she's riding me like a pony!
Also funny on the way back from the hospital: Mom was so happy and relieved after 10 days of intense stress, Vanessa talked a lot in the car. Kimi protested repeatedly:
"How many times do I have to tell you: DO NOT TALK when I am listening to BEETHOVEN! I can't hear the music! What you are saying is NOT as important as Beethoven!" (It was Beethoven's PC #3)
I'll relate that to my wife and mom-in-law, they'll get a huge kick out of it, too!
Quote from: springrite on January 03, 2013, 08:03:13 AM
Also funny on the way back from the hospital: Mom was so happy and relieved after 10 days of intense stress, Vanessa talked a lot in the car. Kimi protested repeatedly: "How many times do I have to tell you: DO NOT TALK when I am listening to BEETHOVEN! I can't hear the music! What you are saying is NOT as important as Beethoven!" (It was Beethoven's PC #3)
Brilliant!
Good to read that Kimi is well again, Paul.
Quote from: North Star on January 03, 2013, 08:12:57 AM
Brilliant!
Good to read that Kimi is well again, Paul.
Great news - all strength to you all.
Elated by the news. Good to see Kimi 'telling it like it is' again.
Very good news to hear. I supposed Kimi's approved musical response would involve the words "schoener Gotterfuenken, Tochter aus Elysium".
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on January 03, 2013, 07:02:25 PM
Very good news to hear. I supposed Kimi's approved musical response would involve the words "schoener Gotterfuenken, Tochter aus Elysium".
Indeed!
Quote from: springrite on January 03, 2013, 08:03:13 AM
What you are saying is NOT as important as Beethoven!" [/i] (It was Beethoven's PC #3)
Oh, wow... this is great. I'll have to use a variation of this line sometime.
Good to hear she is back to normal.
Yesterday I played a DVD of Mahler 7 in its entirety, and Kimi listened to the whole thing. In the middle, there was a phone call and she answered by saying: "Call back later. I am listening to Mahler."
In the end, she declared that she loves Mahler!
I told this to a local music-loving friend and he said Mahler 7 was the last Mahler work that he "got" and it took him 15 years to like it. He was impressed. But I told him: "The problem is that you are trying to get it. Kimi never tried to get it. She simply listened."
Quote from: springrite on January 17, 2013, 05:39:28 AM
"Call back later. I am listening to Mahler."
I fully expect a Kimi Book of Quotes in three years. She's every bit as quotable as her namesake.
Quote from: springrite on January 17, 2013, 05:39:28 AM
Yesterday I played a DVD of Mahler 7 in its entirety, and Kimi listened to the whole thing. In the middle, there was a phone call and she answered by saying: "Call back later. I am listening to Mahler."
In the end, she declared that she loves Mahler!
I told this to a local music-loving friend and he said Mahler 7 was the last Mahler work that he "got" and it took him 15 years to like it. He was impressed. But I told him: "The problem is that you are trying to get it. Kimi never tried to get it. She simply listened."
I only just discovered this thread and after reading through some of those stories, I have to say: Awesome little girl you got there. ;D
Tell her I am sending my regards.
Quote from: springrite on January 17, 2013, 05:39:28 AM
Yesterday I played a DVD of Mahler 7 in its entirety, and Kimi listened to the whole thing. In the middle, there was a phone call and she answered by saying: "Call back later. I am listening to Mahler."
In the end, she declared that she loves Mahler!
I told this to a local music-loving friend and he said Mahler 7 was the last Mahler work that he "got" and it took him 15 years to like it. He was impressed. But I told him: "The problem is that you are trying to get it. Kimi never tried to get it. She simply listened."
Ha! I love it, Paul! Nobody bothers Kimi when she's listening to Mahler. Nobody. ;D
Quote from: springrite on January 17, 2013, 05:39:28 AM
Yesterday I played a DVD of Mahler 7 in its entirety, and Kimi listened to the whole thing. In the middle, there was a phone call and she answered by saying: "Call back later. I am listening to Mahler."
In the end, she declared that she loves Mahler!
She is smart and has good taste! :D
During Nachtmusik II:
"Daddy! Daddy! Listen to that beautiful passage. Wait, it is gone... but trust it, it will come back again... See! Here it is!"
She has apparently gotten a feel for the "symphonic structure" and knew that certainly themes do come back.
She has also given lyrics to some themes. For the Beethoven first PC, last movement, one passage has the words "I push, I push, I push push push! I pull, I pull, I pull pull pull!" to go with it. Go listen and you will find it.
She has got straight to the heart of Beethoven, I see : )
Quote from: Opus106 on January 17, 2013, 05:48:42 AM
I fully expect a Kimi Book of Quotes in three years. She's every bit as quotable as her namesake.
I'd buy (at least) one!
Namesake? Räikkönen? Oh yes, the master of words :-\
Quote from: North Star on January 18, 2013, 03:04:12 AM
Namesake? Räikkönen? Oh yes, the master of words :-\
In the sense that both of them seem to say it as they see it. I like that.
Mahlerite Update:
We picked up Kimi at 5:15pm. Got home at 5:30.
At 6, she demanded to watch more of Mahler on DVD.
We then watched Lenny conducting Mahler 1, Mahler 4 and Mahler 5.
At 9:15pm, it is time for bed. Kimi demanded Mahler 6 to be played while she sleeps.
"But that is not music for going to sleep. Some Bach or Buddhist chants might be better."
"But how can I sleep if I keep thinking about how I want to listen to Mahler?"
Anyhow, 15 minutes later she agreed to go to sleep without Mahler.
The fact is, neither Vanessa nor I could possibly go to sleep with Mahler 6! Oh them hammers!
Quote from: KimiBut how can I sleep if I keep thinking about how I want to listen to Mahler?
Zowie! : )
Needless to say, a couple of Mahler CDs are now in the car and will be the music of choice for awhile. (Mahler 1, Lenny/Sony, Mahler 4, Salonen/LA)
Quote from: springrite on January 19, 2013, 01:54:04 AM
Needless to say, a couple of Mahler CDs are now in the car and will be the music of choice for awhile. (Mahler 1, Lenny/Sony, Mahler 4, Salonen/LA)
I suppose it's high time to dig my teeth into Mahler as well. :)
With the chilren's chorus and all, you'd think Kimi would like the Mahler 3rd? Oh no! She liked it OK but her mind drifted in and out. She did not like the simple melodies reminding people of childrens' songs.
Guess I have to play her the 6th soon. The way it looks so far, the 6th might be right up her alley.
Kimi has found a new way to win but lose friends in the process:
"I want to be the princess and you be the big bad wolf."
"I want to be the princess!"
"I wan to be the princess!"
"Listen, let do it this way. When we get in the car, my dad will play some music. We guess whose music it is. The winner gets to decide. Fair?"
"I guess so."
"Now, whose music is it?"
"Huh?"
"OK, I will give you some help. Is it Beethoven?"
"Uh..."
"Is it Rachmaninov?"
"Uh... yes?"
"No, but I will give you one more chance. The name starts with m..... ma..... mah...."
"Mom?"
"No, it is Mahler! See, I gave you every chance to win, but you didn't guess it right. So I get to be the princess."
If she keeps this up she will lose all her friends. I will need to have a talk with her later...
Or perhaps you should 'play' with her (for some dessert or staying up late to hear Mahler or whatever it is that little girls usually want...) and see if she learns her lesson. 8)
Quote from: springrite on January 18, 2013, 05:55:31 AM
The fact is, neither Vanessa nor I could possibly go to sleep with Mahler 6! Oh them hammers!
So what you are saying, Paul is that Kimi has found an early love for heavy metal ;) Someone get Andy on the line!
PS I am sure you are happy the NHL is under way.
Quote from: Bogey on January 21, 2013, 05:31:45 AM
So what you are saying, Paul is that Kimi has found an early love for heavy metal ;) Someone get Andy on the line!
PS I am sure you are happy the NHL is under way.
Yes, I am happy but I don't get NHL here in China. Well, for some reasons one of the channels here shows delayed Avalance games. So I do get the KINGS once in a while.
Maybe Kimi will like hockey? One of Kimi's favorite cartoon episodes is Caillou learning to skate and play hockey. Well, you Canadians know Caillou better than Americans, I guess.
This after Kimi told me Mozart is so boring he puts her to sleep...
Quote from: springrite on January 22, 2013, 05:05:21 AM
Well, you Canadians know Caillou better than Americans, I guess.
Caillou is part of a joke in our house, since he's such a sissy crybaby. :D My brother used to watch that show when he was toddler through pre-school age...
Quote from: springrite on January 22, 2013, 05:05:21 AM
Yes, I am happy but I don't get NHL here in China. Well, for some reasons one of the channels here shows delayed Avalance games. So I do get the KINGS once in a while.
Maybe Kimi will like hockey? One of Kimi's favorite cartoon episodes is Caillou learning to skate and play hockey. Well, you Canadians know Caillou better than Americans, I guess.
This after Kimi told me Mozart is so boring he puts her to sleep...
Perhaps Kimi is a soulmate for John (Mirror Image).
Callooh, callay, o frabjous day!
Quote from: Jeffrey Smith on January 22, 2013, 07:27:33 PM
Perhaps Kimi is a soulmate for John (Mirror Image).
Though Kimi, I'm sure, will learn. ;)
Quote from: springrite on January 22, 2013, 05:05:21 AM
This after Kimi told me Mozart is so boring he puts her to sleep...
Lol...
Kimi lost interest in Mahler's First Symphony.
Let me qualify that. After hearing Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, she decided that the vocal version is so much better than the orchestral one (the first movement of the 1st symphony) that she demanded song #2 of Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen be played on repeat in the car. We heard it about 10 times before we finally got home.
Vanessa is not into vocal classical music. So she asked Kimi if not knowing what was song bothered her.
"The music is great. What else do you want?"
Quote from: springrite on January 27, 2013, 05:22:04 AM
Kimi lost interest in Mahler's First Symphony.
Let me qualify that. After hearing Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, she decided that the vocal version is so much better than the orchestral one (the first movement of the 1st symphony) that she demanded song #2 of Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen be played on repeat in the car. We heard it about 10 times before we finally got home.
Vanessa is not into vocal classical music. So she asked Kimi if not knowing what was song bothered her.
"The music is great. What else do you want?"
Ah, Kimi has the Brucknerian approach to vocal music. ;)
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 27, 2013, 05:45:27 AM
Ah, Kimi has the Brucknerian approach to vocal music. ;)
One day she will respond to someone with this: "Who cares about the libretto. No one goes to an opera for a great story or a great libretto anyway!"
Quote from: springrite on January 27, 2013, 05:48:00 AM
One say she will respond to someone with this: "Who cares about the libretto. No one goes to an opera for a great story or a great libretto anyway!"
Lol...yeah, I can hardly fault her for that opinion. :)
Just bought a Perzina upright piano for Kimi. It will be delivered tomorrow evening. It was the best sounding piano within my budget range. In fact, I think it sounded great!
Kimi will start piano lessons probably within a month.
She said she will teach mommy after each of her lessons.
Vanessa said she will teach me after each lesson from Kimi.
I will be the worst pianist in the household for sure.
Woo-hoo!
Amazing news. :D
Little known fact: Perzina piano is the piano used in the movie The Pianist.
So far, 8 versions of Songs of the Wayfarer by Mahler, as requested by Kimi.
She perfers male voice for this.
Her favorite is the one with Maltman, Boston Philharmonic under the one-buttocked Maestro Zander.
She judges these performances by seeing who does the best HEY-YA!
Quote from: springrite on January 28, 2013, 08:13:15 AM
Just bought a Perzina upright piano for Kimi. It will be delivered tomorrow evening. It was the best sounding piano within my budget range. In fact, I think it sounded great!
Kimi will start piano lessons probably within a month.
She said she will teach mommy after each of her lessons.
Vanessa said she will teach me after each lesson from Kimi.
I will be the worst pianist in the household for sure.
This is excellent news, Paul!
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 28, 2013, 09:26:02 AM
This is excellent news, Paul!
+1 (as long as John was referring primarily to Kimi starting piano lessons, not you becoming the worst pianist in the household :))
"Kimi, can you tell me a story?"
"Sure, daddy. Here we go--Once upon a time..."
"Wait, how about two stories. You are older now, so I am sure you can tell two stories?"
"Sure!"
She smiled, but there is something sneaky behind that smile.
"Twice upon a time..."
She bursted out laughing!
During an hour-long drive, Kimi was forced to listen to Beethoven 9 since I told her it is the only CD in the car.
She did not like it.
She kept asking me to check the glove compartment for other CDs.
She asked for Mahler.
She asked for Rachmaninov.
She asked for Beethoven 5 or Beethoven PC.
She even asked for Bach!
But she did not like the Beethoven 9.
When she finally got out of the car, she said, almost like to herself: "What did he eat or drink when he wrote that. How could be write Symphony Number 5 and then this!"
Hah!
After three piano lessons, Kimi is now playing with two hands. She practices once a day, each time for about 3 to 5 minutes. But she's playing well. The teacher says she seems to have musical talent. She says she enjoys practicing, but that she gets tired after a few minutes. But even in those few minutes she seems to get the work done. The teacher thought she had practiced much more. She's progressing with the lessons at about twice the usual pace.
When she practices, Vanessa had to keep telling her to slow it down. She wants to play very fast and she can, but a few notes may not be at its full value. "Stop shouting at me, I am playing well!" She would shout back.
See the new photo at my avatar. That's her and her piano.
Watch out, world!
Yuja Wang should be getting worried. 8)
Forget Yuja Wang, Martha Argerich should go ahead a retire as she has met her match! :)
Yesterday, Vanessa and I were having a discussion about something. We got a bit loud, I guess, but we were NOT arguing. But suddenly Kimi interrupted: "Hey! Why are you two doing this??? Aren't you in love anymore! geez!"
We both stopped and started laughing hysterically.
Quote from: springrite on April 12, 2013, 08:35:48 AM
Yesterday, Vanessa and I were having a discussion about something. We got a bit loud, I guess, but we were NOT arguing. But suddenly Kimi interrupted: "Hey! Why are you two doing this??? Aren't you in love anymore! geez!"
We both stopped and started laughing hysterically.
She should be a psychotherapist (like her dad?) when she grows up.
Quote from: springrite on April 12, 2013, 08:35:48 AM
Yesterday, Vanessa and I were having a discussion about something. We got a bit loud, I guess, but we were NOT arguing. But suddenly Kimi interrupted: "Hey! Why are you two doing this??? Aren't you in love anymore! geez!"
We both stopped and started laughing hysterically.
:P
Quote from: vandermolen on April 12, 2013, 10:01:13 AM
She should be a psychotherapist (like her dad?) when she grows up.
She does seem to have that natural something that makes a good psychologist. But I don't know if as a father I'd want my daughter to face that much negativity day in and day out. Facing Bach on a daily basis seems a much more pleasant proposition!
Paul - are you dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake? Joe
Quote from: springrite on April 13, 2013, 04:41:11 AM
. . . Facing Bach on a daily basis seems a much more pleasant proposition!
Why did he write that? Had he eaten something bad that day?
"Mommy, this is delicious and I saved it just for you!"
After a few seconds pause...
"Then again, if you are really serious about losing weight, you may consider giving it to me."
When Monday morning starts out reading such a post, I know it's going to be a fabulous week 0:)
Quote from: karlhenning on June 17, 2013, 04:01:54 AM
When Monday morning starts out reading such a post, I know it's going to be a fabulous week 0:)
You will love what followed a minute later:
"Mommy, I am still growing you know. I need the nutrition. But you really shouldn't be growing any more."
Mercy!
Fresh Kimi pics! Le peuple le veult!
Quote from: karlhenning on November 20, 2013, 04:52:40 AM
Fresh Kimi pics! Le peuple le veult!
Well, this is the story behind that pic:
"Daddy, when you are away, all I need to do is this, then I can feel you right beside me."
I was so moved I decided to take a photo of that moment.
That's very sweet.
I am away o business. Vanessa told me she took Kimi to the school for the annual Christmas Music Party. Kimi, sitting in her seat, was conducting the whole show. The four Canadian teachers sitting next to her were really enjoying it! Soon everyone noticed this little conductor. She said she couldn't help but to conduct when she hears music.
Love it!
Kimi: "Mommy, did Santa Claus actually got me all those presents?"
Mom: "Yes, he did."
Kimi: "You should invite him to a really really nice expensive dinner. I want to thank him in person. It wouldn't be polite to receive presents, so many presents, without showing gratitude."
Mom: "Well, Kimi, I don't think we need to do that. Santa wouldn't have the time. If everyone wants to invite him to dinner, how could he make the time?"
Kimi: "Mom, you just have to let him know how sincere I am. I know he will come."
Mom: "Well, Kimi... Actually, your Daddy is your Santa Claus. He got all the presents for you."
Kimi: "Oh..."
Well, she did not offer an expensive extravagant dinner. She did not offer to thank me in person. All I got was: "Daddy, you know what else I also wanted..."
Game-changer!
Quote from: springrite on January 01, 2014, 09:08:33 AMMom: "Well, Kimi, I don't think we need to do that. Santa wouldn't have the time. If everyone wants to invite him to dinner, how could he make the time?"
Kimi must have realized that this was nonsense - if Santa can deliver all the gifts in one night, he'll surely be able to fit in a dinner with each family later.. 8)
After reading through a book of artworks, Kimi asked: "Daddy, are these people still alive?"
"No, they are no longer with us."
"But they left their artwork. Their work are still with us. Isn't it just like they are still alive?"
"Yes!"
"So it is important to do something important and meaningful when you are alive, so you can leave things in this world. This way you'd never really die."
"Exactly! That's what I am trying to do. That is why Daddy is so busy."
"Daddy, I want to do that when I grow up!"
I hugged her tightly. What a wonderful five year old!
A treasure, indeed!
Quote from: springrite on January 02, 2014, 05:14:16 AM
After reading through a book of artworks, Kimi asked: "Daddy, are these people still alive?"
"No, they are no longer with us."
"But they left their artwork. Their work are still with us. Isn't it just like they are still alive?"
"Yes!"
"So it is important to do something important and meaningful when you are alive, so you can leave things in this world. This way you'd never really die."
"Exactly! That's what I am trying to do. That is why Daddy is so busy."
"Daddy, I want to do that when I grow up!"
I hugged her tightly. What a wonderful five year old!
Awesome! ;D
I've kind of thought the same thing for myself before, but I wasn't 5 at the time. Pretty advanced for a 5 year old...
Quote from: springrite on January 02, 2014, 05:14:16 AM
After reading through a book of artworks, Kimi asked: "Daddy, are these people still alive?"
"No, they are no longer with us."
"But they left their artwork. Their work are still with us. Isn't it just like they are still alive?"
"Yes!"
"So it is important to do something important and meaningful when you are alive, so you can leave things in this world. This way you'd never really die."
"Exactly! That's what I am trying to do. That is why Daddy is so busy."
"Daddy, I want to do that when I grow up!"
I hugged her tightly. What a wonderful five year old!
She is both intuitive and very perceptive.
Kimi is beginning to play things on the piano that I can recognise, like parts of BWV532, selections from the Anna Magadelena Notebook, etc. When I do recognise something, I will play the recording for her, which makes her feel so good.
On s somewhat related note... One day Vanessa was cooking dinner and she asked Kimi to practice the piano on her own. "Everyday that you practice well by yourself, you get a sticker. After every ten stickers, you get a toy!" So Vanessa cooked and Kimi played.
A couple of hours later and after dinner, Kimi showed up in front of her mom with a notebook and a pen. "Mommy, why don't you write down what you promised back then. I will need evidence so I can claim my prize without you denying it!"
"Get it in writing." Isn't she the shrewd one? :)
Quote from: springrite on May 21, 2014, 08:04:36 AM
Kimi is beginning to play things on the piano that I can recognise, like parts of BWV532, selections from the Anna Magadelena Notebook, etc. When I do recognise something, I will play the recording for her, which makes her feel so good.
On s somewhat related note... One day Vanessa was cooking dinner and she asked Kimi to practice the piano on her own. "Everyday that you practice well by yourself, you get a sticker. After every ten stickers, you get a toy!" So Vanessa cooked and Kimi played.
A couple of hours later and after dinner, Kimi showed up in front of her mom with a notebook and a pen. "Mommy, why don't you write down what you promised back then. I will need evidence so I can claim my prize without you denying it!"
I suggest you hire a lawyer immediately.
Quote from: springrite on May 21, 2014, 08:04:36 AM
Kimi is beginning to play things on the piano that I can recognise, like parts of BWV532, selections from the Anna Magadelena Notebook, etc. When I do recognise something, I will play the recording for her, which makes her feel so good.
On s somewhat related note... One day Vanessa was cooking dinner and she asked Kimi to practice the piano on her own. "Everyday that you practice well by yourself, you get a sticker. After every ten stickers, you get a toy!" So Vanessa cooked and Kimi played.
A couple of hours later and after dinner, Kimi showed up in front of her mom with a notebook and a pen. "Mommy, why don't you write down what you promised back then. I will need evidence so I can claim my prize without you denying it!"
Just wait until she is thirteen.....
Quote from: springrite on May 21, 2014, 08:04:36 AM
So Vanessa cooked and Kimi played.
Sometimes life is good, isn't it?
Quote from: springrite on May 21, 2014, 08:04:36 AM
A couple of hours later and after dinner, Kimi showed up in front of her mom with a notebook and a pen. "Mommy, why don't you write down what you promised back then. I will need evidence so I can claim my prize without you denying it!"
She will be a lawyer. I would like to say pianist, but the right answer is lawyer. A good one, indeed. :)
Some of you know that I am not a great fan of Isaac Stern.
Last night, I watched Art of the Violin DVD with Kimi. She was really enjoying it. But when Stern came on, playing the Mendelssohn VC, Kimi screamed: "I hate this sound! His playing is terrible! Skip forward PLEASE!!"
Now, I did not teach her that, and she had never heard me comment on violinist nor has she heard Stern's recordings before. From the love of Mahler and Carter, Richter and Furtwangler, to this, I guess taste can be inherited.
BTW, her favorite violinists based on the DVD viewing are: Milstein, Francescatti, Gitlis and Oistrakh. She's not that keen on Heifeiz either.
And some of you might want to know this: She does like Hilary Hahn.
:-)
Quote from: springrite on June 03, 2014, 09:52:19 PMShe's not that keen on Heifeiz either.
She has better taste than many of the folks here. See the new Heifetz thread ;D
Sarge
Double tee-hee!
Quote from: springrite on June 03, 2014, 09:52:19 PM
Some of you know that I am not a great fan of Isaac Stern.
Last night, I watched Art of the Violin DVD with Kimi. She was really enjoying it. But when Stern came on, playing the Mendelssohn VC, Kimi screamed: "I hate this sound! His playing is terrible! Skip forward PLEASE!!"
Now, I did not teach her that, and she had never heard me comment on violinist nor has she heard Stern's recordings before. From the love of Mahler and Carter, Richter and Furtwangler, to this, I guess taste can be inherited.
BTW, her favorite violinists based on the DVD viewing are: Milstein, Francescatti, Gitlis and Oistrakh. She's not that keen on Heifeiz either.
And some of you might want to know this: She does like Hilary Hahn.
She does have excellent taste. ;D
Quote from: springrite on June 03, 2014, 09:52:19 PM
Some of you know that I am not a great fan of Isaac Stern.
Last night, I watched Art of the Violin DVD with Kimi. She was really enjoying it. But when Stern came on, playing the Mendelssohn VC, Kimi screamed: "I hate this sound! His playing is terrible! Skip forward PLEASE!!"
Now, I did not teach her that, and she had never heard me comment on violinist nor has she heard Stern's recordings before. From the love of Mahler and Carter, Richter and Furtwangler, to this, I guess taste can be inherited.
BTW, her favorite violinists based on the DVD viewing are: Milstein, Francescatti, Gitlis and Oistrakh. She's not that keen on Heifeiz either.
And some of you might want to know this: She does like Hilary Hahn.
Oh, that's priceless, Paul. Kimi's got great taste. :D
Quote from: springrite on June 03, 2014, 09:52:19 PM
BTW, her favorite violinists based on the DVD viewing are: Milstein, Francescatti, Gitlis and Oistrakh. She's not that keen on Heifeiz either.
This is so awesome.
If she's only heard Heifetz's later (hurried-sounding IMO) recordings, she might find his earlier work more appealing. ;)
Being a father to a special six year old like Kimi is not easy. Observe these conversations which all happened within an hour tonight:
1
"Daddy, what did you just kill?"
"What?"
"I heard it."
"Oh, a very small moth."
"Does it bite?"
"No."
Mosquitos bite me. I can understand you killing it because you want to protect me. But I have never been bitten by a moth in my life. Do you have to kill it?"
"I guess not."
"What should you say?"
"I was wrong and I will never do that again."
"That's a good daddy."
2
"Daddy, why is it that only women can give birth?"
"Uh..."
"Maybe men can do it too if men get an operation."
"Maybe."
"Then would YOU do it?"
"..."
3
"Daddy, who is Father God? Is he like someone in the heavens, sitting on top of the cloud like in sitting lotus pose and meditating?"
"I guess that's one way to think of it."
"Daddy, why is the (Chinese) word for God refers to an old man (Father God)? Is God male?"
"That's how most people see it, I guess."
"Can God be female?"
"uh..."
"What do you think?"
"I am not sure."
"Dad, why do you always have no opinion?"
"uh..."
"Is it because you are a man that you think God is male?"
"..."
Man, I have a hard job...
Your feet must weary of being held to the fire, dude!
Kimi had graduated from kindergarten and will start school in September.
I am going to a conference in Orlando from September 29 to October 2. We are considering making this a family vacation, with Orlando and stops in California (driving from SF to LA and SD). I am sure she will enjoy Disney, Sea World, Legoland, etc.
Nice!
May you all enjoy your trip, and may the USA be friendly and good to you! ;D
Quote from: jochanaan on July 21, 2014, 10:40:32 AM
May you all enjoy your trip, and may the USA be friendly and good to you! ;D
Having lived in the US for 22 years and all of the places we are planning to go are places I am very familiar with (no need for a map or GPS), I know it will be a pleasant trip in friendly places!
Tomorrow, Vanessa and I will be taking Kimi on a two week vacation to California. She will be seeing Disneyland, Sea World, Leggoland, Golden Gate Bridge, baseball, graffiti, gang of tattooed Harley riders and police chases for the first time. We will be in the famous Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel for our 10th wedding anniversary!
Kimi asked me to bring empty luggage to haul her shopping harvest. I did. Then Vanessa said she will buy a big one to haul her shopping harvest. Vanessa has two credit cards with $12K spending limit. Should I be nervous?
Well, perhaps a little nervous.
Safe travels, dear fellow!
Quote from: springrite on September 29, 2014, 06:31:31 AM
Vanessa has two credit cards with $12K spending limit. Should I be nervous?
Depends on who's paying the bill...
Quote from: Baklavaboy on September 29, 2014, 07:54:06 AM
Depends on who's paying the bill...
Me, of course. Vanessa just asked me if I could make $30,000 during the remainder of the year.
point out to Vanessa that if actually necessary, there are some stores which offer luggage for sale in California.
and bon voyage!
We will expect the Great and Powerful Kimi to put all those Disney princesses in their rightful place.
Quote from: springrite on September 29, 2014, 06:31:31 AM
Tomorrow, Vanessa and I will be taking Kimi on a two week vacation to California. She will be seeing Disneyland, Sea World, Leggoland, Golden Gate Bridge, baseball, graffiti, gang of tattooed Harley riders and police chases for the first time. We will be in the famous Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel for our 10th wedding anniversary!
Kimi asked me to bring empty luggage to haul her shopping harvest. I did. Then Vanessa said she will buy a big one to haul her shopping harvest. Vanessa has two credit cards with $12K spending limit. Should I be nervous?
Very cool for Kimi! 8) Should be exciting but exhausting. :) Hope you enjoy your time there, Paul, and congratulations on the wedding anniversary!
Kimi had a fall on Saturday while playing and now her left arm is in a cast for an elbow injury. Initial examination showed no clear break but she will be re-examined on Monday. But she will be alright. She's a tough little cookie.
I am in Shanghai on business and won't see her for three more days. It was tough seeing her in pain and be in a cast like that. I look forward to going home early and hold her and comfort her.
Hope there's nothing serious and a speedy recovery from the fall to your daughter, springrite.
Now 120cm tall, Kimi finally went to her first concert!!!
Israel Symphony (essentially the Tel Aviv Opera Orchestra)
Conductor: James Judd
Beethoven: Leonora Overture #3
Shemesh: Running to Return for Kantor and Shofar and Orchestra
Verdi: Overture to Nabucco
Brahms: Symphony #2
Strauss Jr: Die Fledermaus Overture
Kimi's review:
Beethoven: Great piece but played very badly! Maybe they did not even rehearse this one as they played without that Beethoven spirit and power. Every seemed timid and afraid to make a mistake and just played the notes!
Shemesh: The best thing on the program! The music is imaginative, the players all applied themselves fully, and the singing, even though unfamiliar to Kimi (in Hebrew and sang in a non-classical manner), was beautiful, and the odd sound of the Shofar was provocative and added so much colour and imagination.
Verdi: Exciting!
Brahms: Maybe they only rehearsed the second movement. That was played beautifully. The other three movements were like run-throughs.
Strauss Jr: Very enjoyable but still played too much like an exercise.
Overall: Good, but would be less than good without the second work!!!
There!
Quote from: springrite on November 12, 2014, 06:43:29 AM
Now 120cm tall, Kimi finally went to her first concert!!!
Shemesh: The best thing on the program! The music is imaginative, the players all applied themselves fully, and the singing, even though unfamiliar to Kimi (in Hebrew and sang in a non-classical manner), was beautiful, and the odd sound of the Shofar was provocative and added so much colour and imagination.
Nice to hear and well-outspoken reviews! Never heard of Shemesh. Is it (late-)romantic or not?
Quote from: Henk on November 12, 2014, 06:51:08 AM
Nice to hear and well-outspoken reviews! Never heard of Shemesh. Is it (late-)romantic or not?
Living Israeli composer. It is apparently a fairly recent work.
Quote from: springrite on November 12, 2014, 06:53:53 AM
Living Israeli composer. It is apparently a fairly recent work.
With cantor and shofar, I like it already! ;D (No, I'm not Jewish, but I have studied Hebrew and attended Messianic worship services.)
Quote from: springrite on November 12, 2014, 06:53:53 AM
Living Israeli composer. It is apparently a fairly recent work.
The title is a reference to Ezekiel 1:14, describing the movement of the angels associated with the "Chariot".
Quote from: springrite on November 12, 2014, 06:43:29 AM
Now 120cm tall, Kimi finally went to her first concert!!!
Israel Symphony (essentially the Tel Aviv Opera Orchestra)
Conductor: James Judd
Beethoven: Leonora Overture #3
Shemesh: Running to Return for Kantor and Shofar and Orchestra
Verdi: Overture to Nabucco
Brahms: Symphony #2
Strauss Jr: Die Fledermaus Overture
Kimi's review:
Beethoven: Great piece but played very badly! Maybe they did not even rehearse this one as they played without that Beethoven spirit and power. Every seemed timid and afraid to make a mistake and just played the notes!
Shemesh: The best thing on the program! The music is imaginative, the players all applied themselves fully, and the singing, even though unfamiliar to Kimi (in Hebrew and sang in a non-classical manner), was beautiful, and the odd sound of the Shofar was provocative and added so much colour and imagination.
Verdi: Exciting!
Brahms: Maybe they only rehearsed the second movement. That was played beautifully. The other three movements were like run-throughs.
Strauss Jr: Very enjoyable but still played too much like an exercise.
Overall: Good, but would be less than good without the second work!!!
There!
Cool, Paul! I always liked the usage of shofar in Elgar's
The Apostles. 8)