Tony and Vi

doing the moonwalk

2010-06-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

talking with grandma!

2010-06-22T23:38:00.000-07:00

Pictures from Father's Day

2010-06-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

Like father, Like son. Happy Father's Day Weekend!

2010-06-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

Here's Isaac's first trip to the library.
Isaac didn't seem too interested......

Napping together......

Watching the Celtics and Lakers game together.
Happy Father's day, my love! You make me very proud. Love you!!

rolling over

2010-06-17T00:35:00.000-07:00

speaking vietnamese

2010-06-16T23:53:00.000-07:00

Papa was a rolling stone.....

2010-06-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

Milestone alert!- Isaac rolled over for the very first time today!

He's 13 weeks this week.. and he's just growing way too fast. Everyday he is changing. He's talking more, he's more physical and a lot more playful. On the weekdays, Isaac usually naps in the morning for awhile and then we head over to grandpa and grandma's house. He LOVES going over to their house because of all the attention he gets. He especially loves talking to his Di Phuong (my cousin).

A few weeks ago, Tony asked me why Phuong was able to get Isaac so excited and talkative.. And I told him it was probably because of her high pitched Vietnamese and that she is really animated when she speaks with him... So the next morning, I found my husband grinning from ear to ear and talking to Isaac in a very high tone.. It was pretty funny! But it works!

I'm very grateful that I'm able to take off work until sometime in August. Tony will be off school beginning August 16th and he starts back up at the end of September. He will be taking care of Isaac during his break!

Another milestone-Tony is finishing up his first year of dental school! His finals are next week. Yay! 3 more years left. He will be heading to California to hang out with his friends and family. A well deserved break. Isaac and I won't be able to go unfortunately. Isaac and California traffic don't mix very well.

10 weeks old.

2010-05-26T20:48:00.000-07:00

Isaac is getting cuter everyday. He's also getting stronger and more talkative. We are doing tummy time almost every day and he's able to lift up his head. He turned 10 weeks old on 5/22/10.

Lisa surprised us all with a visit this past weekend! it was a great visit but a very short one = /

Happy Mother's Day!.. Isaac is 2 months old

2010-05-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

Isaac is now 2 months old. Before having Isaac, a co-worker once told me to enjoy every moment because because babies grow up so quickly. He is right! I look at pictures of Isaac that were taken only a week ago and I cannot believe how quickly he's changing. He has rolls on his legs now!

Mother's day weekend was very special. Tony took me out to see Cirque Du Soleil's Kooza on Saturday. It was an amazing show. He also cooked breakfast for the family. He's an outstanding husband and father. I'm so proud of him. I know his own mother would be very proud of him too.

The above picture was taken today.. Grandpa and Grandma decided to prop him on the couch and they thought it was the funniest thing because Isaac looked so grown up. =) Grandpa actually told me that back in the day in Vietnam.. when women would not have enough milk- the moms would let their babies suck on their noses - in order to pacify their babies. Pretty funny. I'm sure the noses tasted salty b/c it is super hot in Vietnam. Maybe that's why Vietnamese people like everything salty.. like dried salty prunes and salt on pineapples?

Isaac has been smiling a lot more and conversing with us. He is sleeping a lot better these days. We make sure to take walks and visit Grandpa and Grandma everyday. In the evening time, we give him a warm bath and read the beginner's Bible to him (thanks Co Laurie!).

Below is a video clip of Isaac on the morning of May 6th. =) (please excuse my high pitched voice)

Isaac's first two weeks.

2010-03-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

Isaac's personality is coming out more and more as days go by. He is very talkative. Loves to grunt when he stretches, eats, sleeps.. We also found out that he has a dimple (from Tony).

Both Tony and I are just so in love with him. Parenthood is a lot of work! Sleep deprivation is brutal! But we are thankful and feel so blessed to have Isaac in our lives.

I love Saturday mornings (3/27/10)

Naptime! (3/28/10)

I'm 10 days old in this picture! (3/23/10)

Up from a milk coma.

Loving on Grandpa. (3/27/10)

One of many visits from Grandpa and Grandma.

Daddy and me.

My first walk with Mommy.

Love at first sight.

Kisses!

Introducing Isaac Viet Nguyen

2010-03-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

Isaac Viet Nguyen was born on March 13, 2010 at 3:05AM. He weighed in at 6.03 lbs and he's 19.5 inches long.

He was born in Portland, Oregon at the Andaluz Water Birth Center.

The birth was an incredible and amazing experience. It started with a requested ultrasound. I decided to schedule an ultrasound on Friday, 3/12, in the morning. The main purpose was to make sure Isaac was in a good position for birthing and to also double check that he was a boy. The ultrasound tech told us that everything looked great with Isaac and confirmed that he was indeed a boy.. But my amniotic fluid seemed pretty low for what it should be.

After speaking with my midwife, she advised-with a sense of urgency- to get another ultrasound at Legacy Emanuel, same day and in the afternoon. The results were the same- low amniotic fluid and a doctor came in to advise that we should be induced either that day or Saturday as it looked like the placenta was losing steam.

After talking with our midwife, her advice was to go ahead and get induced at the hospital. But which one should we go to? It was late in the afternoon on Friday and my midwife was calling the hospitals in Portland. Legacy Emanuel was willing to take us in but the out of pocket costs would be double of what I would have to pay for at a Providence Hospital. And when my midwife called my previous doctor at Providence, the doctor declined to take me because I transfered care over to Andaluz Birth Center a few months ago. My midwife then called over to Providence St. Vincents to see if they would take me- they did not seem very interested to take me either. Personally- I didn't want to go back to Providence..

So after an hour of contemplating where I should go to get induced, my midwife called back and suggested that we come into the birth center to get a cervical check and possibly see if they could induce my labor naturally. Tony and I went to the birth center at 7PM that night and I was already at 5 cms. We all were stunned because I have not felt any contractions at all to get to this point. The midwife then sent us home and advised us that we would probably start laboring that night or tomorrow morning.

We both went home and watched a Blazer game and nothing was happening so we went to bed. Around 1AM, I woke up and had a pretty good contraction.. Went back to sleep and a few minutes pass by and then another contraction hits. After 10 minutes.. I was thinking to myself-this is really abnormal.. because the contractions should be 5-7 minutes apart.. it feels like they are 2 minutes in between. After 1/2 hour, we called the midwife and she told us to go to the birth center. Still thinking there was time to do things, Tony was making coffee, a protein shake for me and bagels.. I was brushing my teeth.. And all the sudden, my water broke.

We head to the birthing center. On the way there, the contractions were right on top of another and I could feel the pressure of Isaac's head.. Tony was very calm.. I'm not really sure he sensed how fast the baby was coming because he was going the speed limit. A few minutes before we got to the center, I told him.. if we did not get to the center soon, we were going to have the baby in the car.

At 2.30AM, we arrive at the birthing center and I saw my midwife in the front room.. I just waved at her and ran to the bathroom.. the pressure was so intense.. All I wanted to do was sit on a toilet and stay there.. even though nothing was coming out. My midwife gently asked me.. Do you want to go in the tub? She guided me into the warm and relaxing bathtub. Within 15-20 minutes, Isaac was born.

Thanks to all who have kept us in prayer. This is truly a blessing from the Lord!

~4-5 weeks left

2010-02-17T08:22:00.000-08:00

Taken in our backyard on Saturday, 2/13. Around 34 weeks.

******

I have to pinch myself.. Is it really 4-5 weeks away? Maybe even less?? I was told that you can have a “full term baby” at 35-40 weeks.. I just passed my 35 weeks this Monday. Although I’ve gained around 30-35 lbs- I still feel great! The only time when I feel the belly get in my way is when I’m trying to get out of bed/off the couch or when I have to bend down to tie my shoes.

Baby Nguyen is moving around a lot. He’s very active in the morning and evening time.. and anytime I’m eating anything- Especially chocolate or toffee. =)

I’m definitely getting more tired as the weeks roll by.. My emotions and feelings have been all over the place! I’m anxious, excited, happy, tired, nervous.. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with the thought of actually being a parent. But a few weeks ago.. My pastor went over John 14 and this verse gave me so much comfort:

27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27

Simple.. and true.

Since the last entry- Tony and I decided to switch care from our doctor to a midwife at a birthing center. We just felt an indescribable peace about our new midwife and the birthing center. Our midwife is a Christian and we are excited to have her be a part of the birthing. Her name is Adele and she has had over 30 years of experience in midwifery. Here’s a link to the birthing center- Doesn’t it look like a bed and breakfast? http://www.waterbirth.net/

Thanks for continuing to pray for us! We can’t wait to meet Baby Nguyen!!

look mom! i can sew!

2010-01-08T07:08:00.000-08:00

I got some really cool Christmas gifts in '09. One of them being a sewing machine from Visa (Van & Lisa).. I was really floored when I received it. It was such a surprise. I signed up for a sewing class at Joann's and went to it for the first time last night... look at what I made! (with the guidance of my instructor of course).. It's a sleeper for baby Nguyen!

Nursery Room- Mission Completed!

2010-01-07T15:51:00.000-08:00

This room used to be our "office".. it had tons of books, paperwork, computer, two desks, mounted shelving.. lots of Tony's shoes. Tony also re-painted our guest bedroom and converted it into an office/guest bedroom. Tony worked really hard on this nursery room/guest room throughout his entire break!! The guy was busy!!! And he truly is da best! =)

Just looking at the nursery room.. makes having a baby feel even more real.

We're also thankful for a lot of our friends who generously gave all sorts of baby things! From carseats/strollers to crib.. I even had a stranger come up to me at church and ask if I needed a swing! I had to tell him.. no because I actually have 4 swings/bouncing chair things that friends have given to us already! I love how the Lord always provides.. And provides awesome/loving friends. It has truly been the hugest blessing!

Christmas at the Nguyens

2009-12-31T13:55:00.001-08:00

We had a very memorable Christmas this year. It seems as we get older, Christmas brings on newer/deeper meanings. I didn't really fully enjoy Christmas songs in previous years.. but this year.. I would just cry at the lyrics of songs like "O Holy Night" or "You're Here" by Francesca Batastelli.. I just find it amazing how Love came down to save us all and give us a hope.. flooding the world with joy. Emanuel- God is with us.

Christmas was not the same without Vincent who was in California with his friends this year. Lots of food and very thoughtful gifts. Highlights were spending time with the family. Especially Van and Lisa since we don't get to see them often.

At the Blazers vs. 76ers Game on 12/28. Got to see AI play.. but sadly lost to the 76ers. As Van would say, "Can't win em all". Thanks for the tickets and memories, Van and Lisa!

First snowing this year/winter. Picture with one of my dearest and closest friends, Laurie! Thanks for always being there for me! =)

Work in Progress: Painting the nursery room. (elephant gray and white. door was painted w/ black chalkboard paint)

Finally! Christmas Break!!

2009-12-23T21:49:00.001-08:00

This past weekend, I (kind of) surprised Tony with a quick weekend trip to Seattle to celebrate the end of his first quarter of school and finishing finals. He worked and studied so hard these past few months. Most nights, he would come home from school very tired around 10 o'clock.

Not only was Tony working hard at school.. but he also had to go through some difficult situations that were unrelated to school.. and they were very stressful. We would sometimes wonder why this was happening. Many nights we would pray together and just give all of our worries to the Lord.. Putting our trust in Him.. That He would cover and protect us in this situation.

This verse really sustained the both of us when we felt vulnerable:

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2

I'm so thankful to say that God is forever faithful and He did truly protect us from harm in this particular situation. If you're ever wondering what this situation was about.. feel free to ask.. I just feel uncomfortable blogging about it =)

I'm very proud to see how Tony handled the situation. I'm just so honored to be his wife.

Taking a picture in front of the Pike Place Market.. Doesn't Tony look so Pacific Northwestern with a Starbucks in his hand? =)

Eating lunch at Paseo in Seattle

taken on 12/20 @ 27 weeks.. (one week away from being 7 months) in our hotel room.

at theo's chocolates.. my favorite is their milk chocolate coconut curry (very good chocolates and they sell them at whole foods if you're interested)

Thanksgiving success!

2009-11-30T20:19:00.001-08:00

This year- Thanksgiving was just not the same without my mom (who was visiting her mom in Houston) and Visa (Van and Lisa who are now living in California). = /

In past Thanksgivings - the only dish that I would help and cook up were the mashed potatoes... And without my mom this year.. I was literally petrified and scared to death about preparing a turkey. I even considered getting a back up ham. just in case!

Thankfully, with the help and encouragement of my awesome husband, the turkey turned out WONDERFUL! Thanks to Alton Brown and the Foodnetwork peeps! I couldn't have done this without you. I also want to thank Laurie for her cranberry sauce and my aunt for her eggrolls. Also thank you to my former host student, Nguyen and his friend-Anh who helped tremendously with clean up. And also thank you to Phuong and Vincent for always asking to help and washing the dishes. You guys are the best!

And lastly! Thank you Lord! Thanks for always providing for our families and friends... We can never thank You enough.

Happy Thanksgiving!

brining the turkey- alton brown style......

Seasons changing

2009-11-25T22:12:00.000-08:00

I love fall. I love the beautiful fall colors and all the cool things to look forward to- Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's also the beginning of basketball season!! Go blazers!

This is the view from my cubicle office in downtown Portland. I love the color of the leaves. Sad that they will all be gone very soon.

A few weeks ago, Vincent cooked his very first meal for the fam- thit ko. It was very delicious!! I'm so proud of him! He's going to be a wonderful cook! Love the picture w/ him and Chewie too. When Vincent was playing xbox- Chewie just come up and curled up under him. So cute!

I'm now almost 6 months along! Time is going by fast. I thought I would never be one to take a picture of myself while pregnant.. But I couldn't help myself!

The baby has been very active.. And I love being pregnant! It's been such a great experience. I feel very energetic and just in awe of this awesome miracle. No cravings or swelling of the feet yet... Tony and I can't wait to see and know him.

Mystery solved.....

2009-11-04T22:06:00.000-08:00

Tony and I went to our big 20 week ultrasound today. Walking to the doctor's office- Tony told me with full confidence that our baby was going to be a boy.. and he was right on. We are going to have a BOY!

The baby is also very healthy and everything is looking great! We are so excited.

Pregnancy is going very well! I feel great and am trying to eat healthy. I started to feel the baby move around at 16 weeks. Tony was able to feel the baby kick on 10/27. He described it as being an awesome and extraordinary feeling. =) This baby is pretty active.. so I think we may have a soccer player in there!

Thanks for all the prayers and support!

Head and Body

Feet!

Shot that tells us that he's a boy! (honestly.. i can't really make out the picture very well.. But our ultrasound person is "100% positive" he's a boy!)

Interesting week in the Nguyen household.

2009-10-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

This has been one of the most difficult and toughest weeks of our lives. It started on Tuesday when I lost my phone. Still cellphone-less.. So if you need to get ahold of me.. Please call Tony. =)

On Wednesday, we had to put down our beautiful dog, Lucy. She was accidently hit by a car. Tony and I had to put her to sleep that same night. I have been fortunate to not have the experience of losing a closely loved family member or friend.. This was a very traumatic and deeply sad experience for both Tony and I. It made us realize how much we should take the time to love people and be quick to forgive. That night, I definitely squeezed Tony a little tighter and longer.

Lucy was a beautiful light in our lives. She was loyal and loving to her family. I loved coming to see her after a long day at work. She would get so excited when we would come and pick her up from my parents house to take her home. I will always remember her never ending licks and how much she loved to ride in the car. She will be truly missed. We will never forget her.

On Thursday, we celebrated our friend Eva's 26th Birthday at Saburos and Papa Haydens. She has been a blessing in our lives. Tony met Eva through school. She's a great inspiration because she is always on the quest to know everything about anything. She also has a great heart for her friends.

On Friday, my mom and I went to my 16th week OB appointment. We mistakenly thought that we would find out if we were having a boy or girl at this appointment. Unfortunately, we have to wait another 3-4 weeks! But the great news is the baby's heart beat is strong (160) and I was able to ask my doctor to use the portable ultrasound machine so we could see what the baby was up to.. And the baby is very active! My mom is convinced that this baby is a girl because the heartbeat is over 130. I loved being with my mom that day and just talking and hanging out. I have really grown to love her more than a mom but as a friend too. She is so excited for this new adventure in our lives.

On Saturday, Tony and I decided to go on a date to just wipe this crazy week off the books.. He surprised me with a beautiful hike at Forest Park. Beautiful place.. We actually saw a famous director- Gus Van Sant with his dog there.

We went to Saint Honore Bakery afterwards. Awesome cream puffs. I would definitely go back there to try all the other delectable goods. http://www.sainthonorebakery.com/

After another few hours of window shopping and a stop at Potato Champion- we decided to go home.. and to our dismay- our neighborhood was in the process of being blocked off by police officers. We were told that there "may be a man with weapons" in our neighborhood. Stunned, Tony and I went to my parents-who were not at home at the time.. And we accidentally set off their very loud house alarm. We had no idea what the code was either! Eventually, the alarm people called my mom and she figured that we probably broke into their house and everything was ok afterwards.

After another 2 hours, we finally got word by email from a news reporter that we could go back into the neighborhood. When we returned, there were 4 news crews and a couple of police cars right in front of our house. Tony and I talked to the police officer and they just told us that they have not arrested anyone yet and they are monitoring this gray house that is just a few houses away from ours to see if anyone will come out.

It appeared the police were looking for a bank robber named "the River Rat". The house ended up being empty and they found the River Rat in Puyallup, WA today! Praise God because Tony could not sleep very well last night knowing that this guy had not been found yet!

http://www.koinlocal6.com/content/news/topstories/story/River-Rat-Bandit-Captured/0gsasknvJE6ze9mztD9YVA.cspx

We ended (or started) this week with an awesome and refreshing time at church. We're beginning in the book of John. God has shown us a lot of things this week. He has the perfect timing for everything and He is our comforter and encourager during trying times.

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23

First Posting- A picture of our first baby!

2009-09-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

A ultrasound picture of Baby Nguyen at 12 weeks and 5 days (September 11, 2009)

After viewing several blogs of friends- I found inspiration and decided to create our very own blog! I'm looking at this as an online scrapbook. =)

As many of you already know, Tony and I are going to have a baby in late March. This is so special to us because it has been somewhat of a long journey. But God's grace and mercy covers all and has made this pregnancy so worth the wait. All I can say is this: God has the power to move mountains and His timing is perfect. There is nothing that we can do to deserve or earn this.. He is faithful even when we are not. We also are very thankful for all of our friends who prayed with/for us. It means so much more than you can imagine. We love you all.

Our next appointment and ultrasound is on October 9th. Hopefully, we will be able to tell what the sex of the baby will be. I have absolutely no preference- boy or girl! Tony thinks by looking at the ultrasound picture, the baby is a boy. =) Our prayer is that the baby will be healthy and will come to know the Lord at a very early age. I have also been praying for my baby's spouse! Just praying my baby's spouse will be "set apart" and also have the same heart for the Lord.

I'm so excited this week as Van and Lisa are in town! We miss them very much.. And we'll also be visiting our great friends, Diane and Duy in Seattle this weekend. Lots of family/friend love!

We did receive our first baby gift from wonderful friends, Janice and Joel. We met them through Duy and Diane. They are so very thoughtful and God loving people. We loved them from the very first time we met them. We hope to see them this weekend. =)