Snow day!

On the first big blizzard of the season, we all went out to Prospect Park to introduce Keeks to snow. (Actually, there was a blizzard during her first week of life, but I don't think she remembers.)



Kiki didn't "get" the snow for a long time. She just sat there, looking at turns bored or miserable.

Here's the miserable look.

Finally, after her mother threw herself into the snow and rolled around like a dog making barking noises, she livened up.

Here comes the (former) Chief!

Bill was doing photo-ops with Clinton Fdn employees' families, so I schlepped a sleep-deprived Kiki up to Harlem on the subway in rush hour. She wasn't being terribly cooperative, but at least she wasn't crying.


Hopefully, Keeks will get a thrill out of this picture when she's grown up and reads about Bill in history books. And about the blue dress and beret. Sort of like what Keeks is wearing...

Thanksgiving in New Orleans

Kiki's first plane ride was surprisingly easy. She slept at the take-offs and happily played (mostly) during the ride.

It definitely helped that there were three of us to keep her happy, well fed, and rested.


We settled into Theresa's 1-bdm hotel timeshare. The uncles had the couch while the Paik-Powells had the bedroom.

Kiki had a blast playing with her uncles. And I think they had fun, too.


Kiki and I headed south to Harvey to visit her great-great grandparents, or as Scott calls them, her hal-halmoni and her hal-halabogi.

They were all smitten with each other. They even helped babysit, feed and play with her. Kiki particularly loved standing while holding her great-grandmother's walker.


On probably the best morning in New Orleans history, we drove out to Oak Alley Plantation to tour one of the most beautiful sites in the South.


It was a really fun place to take pictures.




Thanksgiving was filled with lots of food (Korean and American) and lots of family (Korean and American).

Because there were so many of us, we all just ate wherever we could find a flat surface. This made for a really casual and relaxed evening.




Kiki loved being surrounded by so many people who love her. And she didn't seem to mind when her halmoni and hal-halmoni fought over her.


Our last meal together as a group was a wonderful jazz brunch at the Court of Two sisters, courtesy of Andy. It was absolutely decadent, with enough dishes for everyone to make a pig of themselves.


Jason tried to sample all the desserts, but could only manage a few favorites. Pineapple upside cake, coconut cake, oreo cake, chocolate mousse cake, pecan pie, cheesecake, ice cream.

(clapping for the jazz, maybe also the food)

Kiki was a good sport and let everyone have a turn holding her.


After brunch, we took a stroll around the French Quarter to walk off the food. It was strangely cold, as cold as it ever gets in New Orleans. And colder than we were prepared for. We made do.



Kiki really grew and blossomed during this trip. She learned a lot of new games, made lots of new friends, and became much more outgoing.

Now, if only I can get her back on a regular sleep schedule!

Visiting Knollwood

Kiki does NOT like the new kitchen gate.

She's curious at first...

...and then it gets ugly!

Kiki from Oct 12-Nov 3

At the Sheep & Wool Festival in Duchess County

Hanging with dad at the alpaca pen while mom browses yarn

In a Flashdance mood (aka wearing mom's old socks)

Trying on Halloween Outfits

She hated the silly hat

She hated the penguin

We settled for Halloween colors.

Eating Pea Puree Popsicle
Stripped down to diapers for the self-feeding lesson

See the beginnings of two bottom teeth?

Trying out the Christmas dress

Surrounded by her favorite toy -- catalogs.

Kiki in her 7th-8th month

Standing tall!

Fun on the swing with Auntie MJ.


Hanging out at Doris Duke...
...but not without a makeshift leash to keep her from the edge of the conference table (handbag strap)
Getting ready for Halloween, wearing the socks and headband that Auntie Annie sent!