All I Want Is My Two Front Teeth... Nooooooo!!!!!!

Well, the doctor confirmed what we were afraid of. Spencer is teething. Less than two months and his bottom gums are slightly swollen (though you can see teeth-like impressions in the gums of both). Linh had talked with her friend Ana a week ago and comparing notes about their babies and Ana suggested the Spencer may be teething based on the symptoms. Drooling. Crying not related to feeding or diaper changing. Hands going towards the ear. So that break we thought we might get (Spencer adjusting and crying less and getting more sleep) just overlapped with teething, which is what most people warn us about. Oh, well. The doctor gave us permission to use Oraljel so hopefully that helps. And if the teeth don't come for months, it could be a long teething period. Poor Spencer.

Smile, Baby, Smile! (Just Not For Vi)

When Spencer wants to, he is very social and smiles at people. A couple weeks ago, my parents were surprised when they wanted a picture with him, he smiled. Then when they wanted to retake the picture, he smiled again. At Carina's birthday party this afternoon (which is his 2 month date), Spencer was very responsive and interacting with Uncle Quang, Debbie, Aunty Van, and Sam. When Aunty Vi got there, Spencer wouldn't smile. Or when he did, Vi would just miss it. So Vi tried holding him, but when he would smile, it was hard for Vi to turn around and catch it. Even in the picture, Spencer is smiling where Vi can't see it. Eventually, Vi caught his smile.

First Trip Without Spencer

Well, I just got back from my first trip away from Spencer. I'll say it is very hard to know I wouldn't be seeing him for almost three days. I just kept praying that he wouldn't be crawling or talking when I got back! Linh got some help from my parents but for the most part, she handled Spencer all by herself, proving that her motherly instincts are spot on. Knowing that Spencer was coming, I reduced the number of IEEE trips this year but still staying very active in the professional society. So if I was going to be lonely away from Linh & Spencer, I had to make up for it. And that was a sixth row ticket to Les Miserables. It is the first time I have sat so close to the stage (for a major production) and my first time seeing Les Mis on Broadway (and like 6th time overall). And it was amazing and spectacular. From seeing the actors spitting as they're singing to the great Lea Salonga singing "I Dreamed a Dream" to noticing all the side acting/movements that go on, it was the best theater experience ever. After the show, I even got to talk and take pictures of some of the cast (including those who played Cosette (great performance by Ali, it's the first time I liked the character!), Eponine, and of course, Salonga's Fantine). But on the hour long train ride back to New Brunswick, NJ, I was still wondering if Spencer had learned a new trick and called Linh up.