Ruby Goes to the Long Beach Aquarium

Even though Ruby’s only five months old, we thought we might spend a fun day at the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, where we’d been told the spectacular displays and colors are exciting even for really little babies.

It had been quite a while since either Carrie or I had been there, but we did remember what a great place it is. Split into numerous areas that represent different parts of the Pacific Ocean, the Aquarium of the Pacific educates and entertains in ways that both adults and kids can truly appreciate.

Ruby, of course, didn’t really understand what she was looking at, but there was no doubt she was fully engaged in the experience. Her eyes followed the numerous swimming sea creatures; it was really neat to see her so into it!

Naturally, it was best to travel by Baby Björn.

Here’s me pointing out some interesting sea creatures to Ruby.

And here’s Carrie and Ruby in front of the sea lion tank.

Are we sane parents for letting Ruby stick her hand in the shark tank? No need to call child protective services…these are very friendly and harmless sharks and rays!

Me and Ruby at my favorite part: the BIG shark tank! No sticking fingers in here, of course!

Carrie shows Ruby some sealife native to the northern Pacific.

Oooh, big jellyfish!

And finally, some serious Ruby cuteness, if I do say so myself…

Awesome day; click here to see the whole album!

Family 5K!


Today, the three of us participated in the Seal Beach 5K! Last year when Ed did the 10K, we saw lots of people pushing strollers and he said then that he wanted to do it the next year with Ruby – and today, we did! This was my first organized race, and I have to say – it was pretty exciting! About 5500 people participated, and the energy from everyone racing, along with the community who were scattered throughout the course to cheer everyone on, made it so much fun. You really can’t go wrong walking a course at the beach on a Saturday morning in April!

We are feeling proud, because even with a kid and a stroller, we walked the 5K in 45 minutes flat. Ed actually came in 3rd place in his age division, and I came in 8th! Our time put us at a pace of approximately a 14 minute mile. Not too bad!

Here are a few shots from the day:

Fueling up before the race!

Waiting for things to get started

About halfway through!

Check out more photos here:

Seal Beach 5K – 4/2/11

4 Months

It’s been quite a 4th month for Lil’ Miss Ruby – but she’s been a real trooper! Poor thing got sick for the first time and had to deal with a pretty nasty respiratory virus. We’re pretty confident there’s nothing sadder than a baby with a mask over her face breathing in medicine from an inhaler, but she was so brave and strong, and is now back to being amazingly cute (and healthy) full-time. :)

In addition to icky sickness, Ruby has also been experiencing the joys of teething! We have no idea when the 1st pearly whites will make their grand appearance, but this kid drools like a faucet and will chomp down on anything within reaching distance! Let’s all send some requests to the Tooth Fairy for Ruby, and hope that she cuts a few teeth sooner than later to end the discomfort! In the meantime, Ruby has made a new friend – Sophie la Giraffe! Sophie is an adorable French giraffe made of rubber that she can chew on to her hearts’ content. We rookie parents had no idea about the Sophie phenomenon whatsoever until just recently. Apparently, Sophie’s big among teething babies everywhere around the world – (since 1961 even!), and she’s cute too! Ruby really seems to love her!

Also big in month #4 is all the action this girl is up to! Rolling over back to front – or front to back – she’s got it down now, and this girl can move! This picture was taken the day she finally realized we had a little mirror in her crib. It was too perfect, I had snuck in to check on her after a nap one day. Lots of happy chatter and sounds, and then silence! I looked in and she was just staring at herself in the mirror! She was so entranced that I had time to run and get the camera and snap pics before she moved!

So on to some monthly stats …

Ruby’s current stats (as of her 4-month well baby appointment):
14 lbs. even and 25.5 in. long
(This puts her at the 60th percentile, which is slightly above average)

Current likes:
Walking around with Daddy in the Baby Bjorn
Sophie la Girafe :)
Going to MyGym
Singing “Zoom Zoom” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider”

Current dislikes:
Being in the car seat (still)
Getting out of the bath tub

Notable events:
Starting Mommy & Me classes with other babies born Oct/Nov 2010
Celebrating Halmoni’s birthday at the Korean Restaurant
First time getting sick (boo!)

So that’s a wrap on our 4 month recap. With Ruby & Mommy both getting sick – we missed out on some photo ops and fun things to report – but lots of big things are coming up in Month 5, which starts this Saturday! Can’t believe how quickly it’s all happening!