Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Month 2 in HK

November, 2012

I am 1 month away from becoming a mom 'again'.  Feeling good, anxious to meet our new little guy!  Went to doctor today and all looks good - we are blessed!  Tom leaves for a trip to Japan next week, so hoping baby doesn't make an early arrival and waits for his safe return. I'll be 36 weeks on Friday - hard to believe.

This past month we've finally felt like we are settled.  Tom and I have made it out of the house for a few nights and discovered some neat restaurants.  We went to Hong Kong Disneyland with Patrick.  He loved it - he didn't smile a bunch when he was there because he was just awe struck the entire time.  The park is much smaller than Disney World and geared more toward kids his age till Kindergarten - so it will be PERFECT for us.  It's about a 40 minute commute to the park so we'll be able to go for a morning or afternoon no problem... that's the perfect way to enjoy a theme park - just a few hours.  We got annual passes so we can enjoy it it small doses.  Here are some pictures of Patrick at Disney...
Patrick on his first ride - Dumbo!
Patrick after Dumbo - standing at the exit, wanting to go again!

It's A Small World - in complete awe!
We also have explored some more of Hong Kong.  We've taken the Star Line Ferry to Kowloon a few times.  We went on another ferry to Discovery Bay which is a cute little beach town and makes you feel like you are on vacation instead of Hong Kong.  We walked the beach, window shopped, played on the beach playground, and grabbed a late lunch - it was a nice and convenient get-a-way!  We've explored some parts of Central and Wan Chai - and are enjoying finding new stores and restaurants.  On all of our explorations, the high-light for Patrick has been boat rides - that itself is a field trip :) He'd be completely happy taking a taxi, bus, and ferry ride then coming home!

In between explorations - there was Halloween.  Our complex had a party for the residents and Trick or Treating.  I ran out of candy in 45 minutes.  I felt terrible!  Wasn't expecting the crowd.  Patrick was a fireman for Halloween - he wasn't crazy about dressing up in a costume, but he liked the candy!

Here are some pictures of us out and about the past month!
Of course I made them wear matching shirts!!
Discovery Bay - the beach!
Ferry rides are his favorite!

In Kowloon, HK

"Mom, Dad - let me show you around my city!"



Halloween 2012 - Patrick was a Fireman and Baby Boy was a Pumpkin :)


We did have one 'not-so-good' week - we all got the flu or some sort of virus.  Tom was sent home from work with a mask!  Flu + Pregnancy do not mesh so well.  Patrick had it a day before Tom and I got it.  The best part was that the virus hit us the worst on a Tuesday which happened to be a holiday that Tom didn't have to go to work - so it was good we were all home to take care of each other... however, it took about 36 hours to run its course.  A few hours of the day we fell asleep and awoke to find Patrick playing and keeping himself busy (Parents of the Year!!).


What we did while we were sick!
Tom with mask


















I've managed to finish my Christmas shopping for the little guys- probably part of the 'nesting' phase.  I know once baby gets here, I'll be lacking sleep and good judgement, so I just went and got it all done.  Really going to miss Thanksgiving this year - trying not to think about it.... instead trying to just focus on everything I'm thankful for instead of the great meal & family I'm missing.  2012 has been so good to us!  Praying for healthy arrival for the baby, a terrific 2013, and a continuing winning season for the Irish :)  That's about a big as an update that I have for now.  Next month will be more exciting as we will have someone else to write about :)

Hugs,
The Alessi Family