Baby Time OK Special Price

And in the news . . .

2010-08-13T12:34:00.008-04:00

Isanne Leung Cohen joined the family at 12:02AM on Thursday, August 12, 2010. Weighing in at 7lb 8oz and measuring a whopping 18 3/4" - she's in great health and we're all doing well. We came home same day (last night) and Varick was pleased as punch to be able to give his baby hugs and bisous (as are we all- lucky girl!) Here are some of our favourite photos! Thanks to all of you for your support- come meet her!

Are you ever really ready?!

2010-08-10T09:47:00.010-04:00

Time to re-activate the blog! We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new family member (currently known as the "petite fille") any day now. Papa and Varick (now 2 1/2) set up the co-sleeper last weekend, and we're as ready as we'll ever be! Here are a few current photos of us at this 9 month/ 39 weeks mark. As always, current photos and videos available at flickr and youtube by following links on the left. Looking forward to sharing news with you all soon!

VLC 19 Month Update- It's a Boy!

2009-08-17T15:16:00.006-04:00

So- it's just the beginning of the month, but since this blog is only updated occasionally, we thought we'd take the time to add these photos of V and remind those looking for more that the links to flickr and youtube on the left are live and have mucho mas frequent updates! "Tchao!" as the little man says . . .

VLC 17 & 18 Months - Summer in the City

2009-08-17T14:53:00.003-04:00

VLC and the Bay (18 Months)

2009-08-17T14:31:00.008-04:00

Californ-i-a with Mimi and Papi, with a little trip up to Hopland to celebrate Demian and Ashley's nuptials!

VLC 17 & 18 Months - Summer Outside of the City

2009-08-17T14:25:00.011-04:00

Cottage, Storm King

VLC 16 Months- Playing Around the House(s)

2009-08-17T14:13:00.006-04:00

15 Months- Puerto Rico: All about the Chaise and the Plage

2009-06-09T14:56:00.006-04:00

13-14 Months Drinking, Swimming, Rocking and Dancing to the 'Ta!

2009-06-09T14:47:00.010-04:00

Meme, KungKung and Grandpa's influence?!

12 Months- Fun Turning One!

2009-06-09T13:41:00.006-04:00

11 Months- Nebraska, Xmas, Lake Placid

2009-06-09T12:34:00.009-04:00

Almost Caught Up: 10 Months

2008-12-24T23:08:00.006-05:00

A quick review of the photo and video log of V's activities last month shows this: outings into the VERY cold weather, peekaboo, alot of climbing & much knocking over of things, 12 days of the popular stomach virus diet (not pictured- trust us, you don't want to see, though a new swatch might be in order ...), more free-standing and a few steps, and first words!

Keeping Up (or Not): Month 9 Photos

2008-12-11T22:25:00.013-05:00

Month nine was a big one, as V got to spend lots of time with his grandparents (2 weeks!), halloween (aviator V) and voting (yay!!) The funny face is one V made all the time when making his first attempts to "speak".

Keeping Up (or Not): Month 8 Photos

2008-12-11T21:06:00.010-05:00

So, for those of you who have been following this blog closely, you may have noticed that while our Flickr site has been kept up to date, the blog sadly has not. V just entered his 11th month, and the last few have just been so eventful! So- here are a few photo highlights from month 8: riding on his Petit Escargot; walking with his new crocodile "trotteur" with his Meme; dressed for cold weather (and the new Trader Joe's opening) compliments of Aunt Joan; and photos with Papa- first time at a grand piano (see YouTube for his fortepiano debut).

V and his Music (Soap)Box

2008-10-06T20:11:00.010-04:00

During one paricularly inspired session at his soapbox, we were struck by Varick's resemblance to some of our more demonstrative leaders. Perhaps a bright future in public speaking? You be the judge.

Kung-Kung's Visit

2008-10-06T20:03:00.004-04:00

Also in Varick's seventh month, he enjoyed a visit from his Kung-Kung (who was on his way to yet another exhibit of his photos in China where he is becoming something of a celebrity as Indiana Kam . . .)

New (Solid) Things and the Tried and True

2008-10-06T19:45:00.008-04:00

In month seven, V not only traveled to the former Yugoslavia (see below), but also started to eat 'big boy' food upon his return. Here are some photos and you'll see a few videos (rice cereal, nectarine and his rodeo lunch box display) if you follow the link on the left to the youtube site. He LOVES nectarines, plums and avocado . . . Some things that never seem to get old, like paling-around with his friends Alice (who he still finds delicious) and Lucia! Last, he demonstrates his new-found ability to "free stand" for a few seconds.

Baby Abroad

2008-10-06T19:23:00.009-04:00

Fabulous time in Montenegro where we met the Burris-Khan family and Varick cut two teeth. Two important things we learned about Lil' V: 1) he hates the car seat and 2) he loves the water. Varick really enjoyed spending time with his buddies Kamar and Yasmine, as you see!

DE-Lay and Catch-up

2008-10-04T14:20:00.004-04:00

So- we've been terribly remiss about updating the blog, much to the vocal disappointment of V's many fans. So we're about to post a slew of photos with little text to try to catch up on the last two months. Bottom line: it's been a very busy time for him. Since our last posting V has done his first international trip (to Montenegro), cut two teeth, started eating solids, and is walking with assistance! Photos to follow . . .

More Interesting Places

2008-08-05T15:30:00.009-04:00

Lil' V clearly demonstrates that more mobility means you can get stuck in ever more interesting places. SO- what's new in V-land? He's really been enjoying swimming at NYC's public pools and the Y- he's going almost every day now. Parents are beginning to think "child-proofing". For those of you following V and his friends Lucia and Alice, at the almost 7 month mark they seem to have made good progress towards the independent (of each other) play. You can also see them in action on the youtube site (link to the left).

Evolution

2008-07-24T13:10:00.002-04:00

So, the big news here over the past few weeks, besides celebrating his 1/2 birthday, has been V's crawling and now pulling himself up to standing on almost anything he can get a hold on, from chairs to walls! Getting back down, still something of a challenge . . . Here's a video of him in the crib (and for those who are interested, more on the YouTube site- see link to the left).

Cousins in the Windy City

2008-07-24T10:07:00.006-04:00

Varick traveled to the Western suburbs of Chicago/ the new home of those were formerly known as the Nebraska Leungs to meet his cousins for the first time. By all accounts it was a love fest- V really had a great time playing with Makenzie, Maddie and Kameron (who is planning to teach V everything he knows!) There were visits to Lincoln Park Zoo and the beach (including a dip in the Lake!) Uncle Kie and Aunt Mel also were fabulous hosts. This also marked the first time that V met Sara, Joni, Anna and Lucas, all in visiting from Sweden. One photo also included of V's second 'pool' experience- he appears to love the water and has no hesitation about putting his face in the water!

V Meets the Hong Kong Leungs

2008-07-24T10:00:00.007-04:00

Last week we were invited out to join the Kam-Tim Leung family for their family reunion in the Hamptons (aren't we lucky the family decided to converge in NY!) 8 1/4 Chinese kids and 9 adults- it was quite an experience. Fun for all, and V's first time in a swimming pool!

Beach Baby

2008-07-10T15:33:00.009-04:00

So- the post 4th of July weekend marked the little man's first real trip to the beach (Long Island's North Shore). Verdict- loved the sand and stones (which were very tasty), but was a bit afraid of the 'surf' (ok- gentle lapping of the waves). Here are some photos. Plus, Varick turns 6 months today- Happy Half-Birthday, V!
p.s. a couple of photos from the park and V's early swinging experiences . . .

My Daddy Dressed Me . . . Part Trois

2008-06-27T21:29:00.004-04:00

Three 5 1/2 month photos: V sporting the preppy-look. V giving a shout-out to his peeps. What a very pretty blue-eyed little girl!

Made in China

2008-06-27T18:21:00.002-04:00

Varick gives serious consideration to the label of the stuffed duck and finds it does not measure up to his high standards (although, like everything else, it still ends up in his mouth!)

My Daddy Dressed Me- Part Deux

2008-06-13T09:55:00.007-04:00

Two new entries, and a couple just darn cute ones- guess which ones are which?

Glamour King and Queens

2008-06-13T09:42:00.006-04:00

How one pair of sunglasses brings out the inner rock star in our kids: Varick channeling his inner Bono, Gene Simmons has nothin' on Alice, and Lucia, well, we know she's the accessory queen- she just rocks. Any thoughts on what rock star she's modeling?

Special Time Flies with Special Friends

2008-05-23T22:02:00.010-04:00

Here are a few now and then photos of Varick with his best friends Alice and Lucia, the first from when they were about 4 weeks, and the most recent from their 4th month. Somethings never change- Varick still tries to, and succeeds in, munching on Alice's hand. Lucia and Varick share special moments, but my how they are growing! There is also a link to a recent video we call "I want to hold (eat) your hand".

Varick vs. Sunshine Symphony

2008-05-11T11:39:00.003-04:00

During our visit to the Bay Area, Varick received a special gift from his new friend Declan. Here's a video of Varick enjoying (?) the Sunshine Symphony. And here's a photo with Lilo and Aidan. Lilo was responsible for Lil V's first true belly laugh!

Cali, Baby!

2008-05-08T14:19:00.011-04:00

Art Shots

2008-04-20T14:13:00.012-04:00

Some may call these "bad quality shots" since they were taken over the course of the last few months with the crummy camera in our phone. However, we are calling them "art shots" instead. They are of a different quality and show the noir independent alternative side of Varick, the future avant garde fixture and post-surrealist visionary. Well, either that, or they're just bad quality pics - we'll have to wait and see.

A Walk in the Park

2008-04-20T11:45:00.006-04:00

Celebrating 12 weeks/ 3 months

2008-04-20T11:23:00.004-04:00

A Week of New Discoveries

2008-03-26T09:58:00.008-04:00

Week eleven has proven to be an eventful one for Lil'V. Not only has he discovered (and now appears to speak to) his mobile (see the video on youtube - follow link to the left under "links to other stuff and things"), and seen his toes and 'found' his thumb, he also has discovered the cats! Here's a photo of Varick on his playmat with Mao. As part of the ongoing series of 'my father dressed me', here V sports the latest in Finnish baby fashion. Last, a photo of V making the toothless dragon/ dinosaur face to match his onesie (he looks a little like his KungKung Kam here!)

Fashion Week (or My Daddy Dressed Me . . .)

2008-03-16T13:28:00.006-04:00

Steve has really taken to the whole baby-thing, especially when it comes to teaching his son to take some fashion risks/ make a real statement. As you can see, Varick and his father may not be in total agreement on what's "in" among the under 3-month set! Also, if you want to see how much Varick has grown over the last two months, compare this second photo of him in the oeuf bouncer with the one posted on January 18!

Problem, Solution

2008-03-08T21:14:00.008-05:00

During the month of February, we were stricken with FBS. Yes, even though we had taken all the precautions - No Doze, earplugs, duct tape, baby-canceling headphones, etc. - we had to deal with a large dose of FBS... or Fussy Baby Syndrome. We're not sure if it has a name yet officially, but since there are names for a variety of everyday things like Forget Where You Placed Your Keys Syndrome (FWYPYKS), we don't feel bad about calling it FBS. Well, there are many treatments for FBS, but one worked particularly well for us...and that's having Grandma (Ah-Po) here. And not just to handle the screamer while we're out drinking ourselves silly at the Gowanus Yacht Club, but to help us add to our techniques for calming baby. He seems to be better now that we're in March - maybe it was an anti-leap year thing. Thanks Ah-Po for the extended visit! Now the big test - can we do this without any help and without leaving him at home alone....at least not for another month or so.

Varick's Video Showcase

2008-03-03T10:27:00.004-05:00

As we enter week 8, we decided to capture some of Varick 's antics on digital video. Here is the result- it appears as though this golden pig really is a ham (bah-dum-bum) once things get . . . moving : )

Fair and Balanced

2008-02-24T09:13:00.007-05:00

Looking through our blog, we realized how far we've gone in the direction of cute baby photos. In the interest of being a bit more "FOX NEWS" about it (you know, "fair and balanced"), here is a crime scene photograph.

Moving forward, the cuter the baby photos and accompanying language, the more we will balance with entries on vomit, human trafficking, and so forth. We hope this enhances our credibility. and we apologize for the bias to date.

Varick Meets (more of) the Leung Family

2008-02-18T18:15:00.006-05:00

Last week was a banner one for the little man- Varick met his Kung-Kung (grandfather) and his Uncle Kienan and Aunt Melanie. He'll have to wait to meet his cousins Makenzie, Madelyn and Kameron this summer at the cottage. Kam took some great photos and demonstrated his expert baby-calming skills, which are very valuable these days. Kie and Mel spent some good time with Lil' V in and outside the house, and threatened to take him home with them (something about the Nebraska Baby Circus and extra spending money). Varick's parents also took advantage of having Kung-Kung and Ah-Poah (grandmother) in town to venture out of the house together for the first time sans baby (twice!) It's been a while since mama had 8 schnapps in 45 minutes, that's for sure. The family marked V's one month and the Chinese New Year at Dim-Sum A-Go-Go. We know it sounds like "adult" dim sum, but it's not...at least not before 8pm. It's great to have Ah-Poah in town for the rest of the month- there's no substitute for experience and love to help the little man grow...we have the latter but are severely lacking in the former. Plus, mama wants more schnapps!

Varick Expands His Fan Club

2008-02-18T18:08:00.006-05:00

Now that he is well into his sixth week, Varick has been enjoying visits from more new friends. Hilary and Oggi (in from LA), Melissa, and Jennifer all met him for the first time last night under the ever watchful eye of his "uncle" Daryn, who was charging them each $5 to hold him. I also happen to know he used the proceeds for a visit to Off Track Betting. Nice, Daryn.

Lil' V Meets his (Paternal) Grandparents!

2008-02-11T16:45:00.000-05:00

Varick was lucky enough to have a week long visit from Grams and Gramps, Lynn and Henry, who came all the way out from the Bay Area to meet him. He is their first grandchild, and did not disappoint. Grandma Lynn marveled at his new smile habit and Grandpa Henry is considering writing him in for President. Although Varick told us he was excited, he did spend much of the time out like a light, sleeping in his grandparents' arms. Grandma Lynn suggested narcolepsy screening, so we're having it checked out. Here is a sampling of the photos from Grams and Gramps Visit #1.

Guinness is Good for Mums!

2008-02-10T11:27:00.001-05:00

Rather than meeting the other moms & babies at tea lounge, Alice, Lucia and Varick took their grandmothers' counsel and decided their mothers would benefit more from a beer. After a few detours along the way, we made our way on Friday afternoon to Flyod's. Mums managed to finish the equivalent of one beer among the three of them, but it was a good start at getting back into the swing of things. Thanks, kids!

It's a boy!

2008-02-06T13:22:00.000-05:00

This week Varick had his first 'playdate' with his new (born last week, also at the SLR Birthing Center) buddy Avinash. "Little" Avi weighed in at almost 10lbs, so he's already bigger than Varick! Julia - you're a star for that one!

Varick's First "Classmates"

2008-02-02T12:30:00.000-05:00

Varick enjoyed his first Friday night 'out' with his fellow newborns, Alice and Lucia, from our birthing class. While their interaction was limited (they were very generally busy with their independent activities: sleeping, eating, pooping, etc.), their parents thoroughly enjoyed the reunion and each others' adult company (and the safe space to talk about the new parent stuff that would make other friends' eyes glaze over . . .) Alice (Anna & Michael), Lucia (Emma & Dan) and Varick were all born within 3 weeks of each other. Hopefully the first of many photo opportunities!

Another First- Bath Time!

2008-02-01T09:41:00.000-05:00

Varick's last act before turning 3 weeks old was his first bath in his little bathing pod. All-in-all, he seemed to enjoy the experience, though his parents have resolved that they will be more organized/ efficient next time (who knew it took two adults' full attention and resources to get one tiny, slippery baby clean?!)

A Gem of a Visitor

2008-01-27T15:25:00.000-05:00

Today, Varick had his second visit from a future playmate, Jade (Alice and her mum Anna stopped by Friday, but we forgot to take photos!) Jade came by with her parents, Isaac and Christina, for some bagels and tofu. Jade and Varick can 1/4 Chinese bond someday ; ) Hard to believe lil' V will be so big in 6 months time. A photo of the new happy families!

Varick's First Martini

2008-01-25T17:02:00.000-05:00

This week, Varick made his first visit to a local watering hole- Sample. A tip for other parents - one Grey Goose martini and your child will definitely sleep through the night. Here are some photos of that, his Dr visit, and a photo from this week at home.

Yellow Gold

2008-01-20T12:45:00.001-05:00

The wait is over! I know what you've been thinking. "These pictures are nice and all, but let's get down to the real nitty gritty. There is something we're waiting for - something that all parents talk about - something that will give us a real sense of what it's like living with Varick - a symbol, as it were, of your new life." Well, here it is, gentle readers. I'm happy to reveal that Varick's poop color is closest to Benjamin & Moore's "Yellow Gold", displayed here. Now you know.

A Special Visit from Ah-Po

2008-01-18T12:10:00.001-05:00

This week, Varick got to meet and spend some quality time with his grandmother (Yvonne, who will likely be known by the Chinese word for grandmother on the mother's side: Ah-Po or Po-Po.) Also dubbed by a friend (much to her chagrin) as the 'baby-whisperer', mummy Leung worked her magic on Varick, who was completely charmed, and stayed awake for almost 2 hours with no complaining. Varick and Nhadine also made their first venture outside of the apartment this week for Varick's first in-office pediatrician appointment. Once again- he was declared exceptional (a good bleeder and he has gained an ounce- usually babies lose weight in their first week.) More photos of this special time.

Baby 2008

2008-01-14T10:44:00.001-05:00

Varick loves 2008. While it's technically too late to be the New Year 2008 baby (so this year is out), I wonder if this photo could be a preview of New Years to come... minus the 14 vodka tonics.

Varick's Early Stuff

2008-01-14T09:15:00.001-05:00

So much has happened over Varick's first 4 days days of life. Where to begin? First sleeping, then eating, eliminating, diaper changes, and his first visitors (including an old-fashioned pediatrician house call- he's been officially declared "perfect"- at least he can strike that off his list). Thanks to everyone who has stopped by and kept us well-provisioned! That's about it for all of us, really, but it sure seems like it's been eventful! In the absence of any good parenting mistake stories (you see Steve's been studying up - he assures me that he has not inserted the cover over something else - so the biggest mistake may be when we forget to use the pee-pee tee-pees - the little penis hats that we try to put on when changing him - their misuse comes with dangerous results. . .), here are more photos!

Varick Arrives!

2008-01-11T18:25:00.000-05:00

Varick Leung Cohen was born on January 10 at 5:20am. Vital statistics: 18.25 inches, 6lbs 5oz, dark eyes, lt brown hair (for now- ultimately, who knows?). We couldn't be happier. Huge THANK YOU to our fantastic midwife, Yael Silverberg, for whom Varick was the last of 5 births in 3 days! More later, but for now, here are some photos.

First Official (non-test) Post: Taxi!

2007-12-30T10:38:00.001-05:00

Time to weigh in with a post about "Porf"! Here is one of our favourite ultrasound photos of him at around 20 weeks. When peering through this unusual window, you might find some fetuses calmly sucking their thumbs. Not Porf! Here, he appears to be a true New Yorker practicing his cab hailing technique (or perhaps he's already following in his grandfathers' footsteps: a budding astronomer pointing to the heavens? a barrister emphasizing an important legal point?) What do you think? During this session we also got to see all 4 ventricles of his heart- how wild is that?! It all seems like a long time ago. Now, at 38 weeks, all we know is that he gets the hiccups all of the time (at least once a day) and that he's probably almost ready to come out and put these new skills to use!

Test photo time very nice for us very good

2007-12-30T01:35:00.000-05:00

I wonder who would have chosen a picture like this as the first test photo. Do these people look like they're ready to be parents?!

Ah, the first test post

2007-12-30T01:13:00.000-05:00

When Nhadine made me change the blog title from "How Would Jesus Blog?" to "Baby Time OK Special Price", at first I was disappointed because I really thought our blog would have the potential to accurately reflect how Jesus might have blogged if there were computers back in 20BC. However, upon reflection, I decided that, yes, that could be seen as blasphemous, so out of respect for her (and Christians everywhere) I made a solemn promise that "How would Jesus Blog?" would not be the title of the blog dedicated to our child, who is due in about two weeks.

Nhadine thought the title was weird and perhaps not in good taste. Ultimately, I think that's probably true, but since Nhadine said nothing about the first post, I thought why not address the issue here, to you good readers. Some of you may think "How Would Jesus Blog?" is a bad and inappropriate title, and some of you may not, but I think we all recognize that Jesus, if he had a blog, would have posted something very similar to this.