Mimi meets Minnie

I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. (Leviticus 26:6)

Last weekend was Naomi's first visit to Disneyland =) She had an amazing time! We flew into Orange County on Friday night and went to California Adventure first.



Since the CA side is supposed to be more catered to adults, we weren't sure what to expect, but almost within 10 minutes of walking into the park, we met our very first characters: Mushu and Mulan =)



Naomi's very first ride was the carousel and she was quite brave. I think she couldn't figure out if it was supposed to be fun or thrilling because she would smile and then she would squeal and then she would laugh and then she would try to get down. Overall, I think she enjoyed it though =)



Disneyland costs "an arm and a leg" but there are somethings that they give away for free. They count pictures w/ the characters and autographs as "free" (as they should be), but they also give buttons/pins to guests who are celebrating special occasions, whether it's your first visit or your birthday or even an anniversary. We asked a staff/"cast member" for Naomi's birthday pin and she wanted it right away... of course, I wanted a photo-op and when I took it from her, this is what happened:



So, that's pretty much, the one time that Naomi really cried while we were at Disneyland... not bad, don't you think? Other than that, it was lots of awe and wonder. We were so fortunate to be able to meet two characters from a couple of Naomi's favorite shows: Minnie Mouse and Handy Manny!





Naomi's favorite part of California Adventure had to be watching "Playhouse Disney: Live on Stage." Even before the show even started, she was jumping up and down with the other children. When Mickey and friends were dancing and singing in front of her very own eyes, she hardly blinked at first. Then she clapped and laughed and had a merry time! (I wasn't able to capture any good shots because no flash photography was allowed).

Then it was time to go to the "real" Disneyland!!! Here we are in front of the castle:

From Disneyland

The first ride was Casey's train and then we went on the Mad Hatter's teacups. Mimi loved them both =) One of my favorite moments was when we went to get Naomi a mousketeer cap. When I went in the shop, I only saw black Mickey ears in the infant size. I asked the salesperson if there were any Minnie ears, and she pointed them out. I showed them both to Naomi and asked her "which one do you want?" She clearly took a good look at the black one and then another stare at the pink one. With complete confidence, she leaned over and grabbed the Minnie ears, proud of her choice =) The saleslady smiled and I said, "Well, of course, you want the pink one, why wouldn't you?" Richie went to pay for it and came back with Naomi's name printed on the back *when at first he said "let's just get it plain* Naomi is definitely "Daddy's Girl"!



Afterwards we took a boat ride on "It's a Small World," and it was so fun watching Mimi mouse look at all the dolls singing and dancing. I wouldn't say that she was exactly amused, but she stared intensely as the song played on... and on... and on =)

Another highlight of the trip was seeing Naomi watch fireworks for the first time. The look on her face was a combination of confusion and wonder with the occasional clapping and smiling thrown in for kicks =) I was worried that she might be afraid of the loud sound or cranky since it was close to bedtime, but she was a trouper... as always!

The next day, cousin Arabella, Auntie Leia and Uncle Anthony met us at our hotel in the morning and we all went to Disneyland for Bella's first visit, too.



Naomi was super excited that she had a playmate to share all her experiences with... Hip Hip Hooray!





Here are some pics of Naomi and Bella playing "on the set" at Toontown:









We had such a wonderful time at "the happiest place on earth!" Well, the next time we have a Disney adventure will most likely be after Naomi turns two... when Uncle Marc gets married in Florida! Summer 2011: Disney World... WOO HOO!!

It's FUN turning ONE!

Moreover, when God gives any woman wealth and possessions, and enables her to enjoy them, to accept her lot and be happy in her work--this is a gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:19)



Can you believe that Naomi is already 1 year old?! I can't! To think that it was only 12 months ago that she was a little 6+ lb newborn just blows me away. She is so smart and adorable and understanding for her tiny little self. We've done a lot of celebrating for her first birthday and there is still more to come. Here's a little recap of events.

As most of you know, Naomi was born on Mother's Day of 2009. May 10th also happens to be the same birthday of our dear friend Elisha Okawa. Her "Birthday Twin" mailed her a package from L.A. - the very first present for Naomi to open on Friday night... how exciting!







Saturday morning, we headed out to the San Pablo lake to do some fishing off shore. Naomi had a blast... enjoying the sun and relaxing before her big day. Nowadays, when we tell Mimi to "Say Cheeze!"... She totally hams it up on camera =D





Sunday morning, I really felt the blessing of Mother's Day love coming from Naomi and Richie. Aside from attending church, we like to watch Joel Osteen on Sunday mornings. It's one of the few (if not the only) non-children's program that she watches intensely. Richie surprised me with two beautiful cards - one from him and one from Naomi. The inspirational Christian blessings and thanksgiving written inside made my heart melt. What made it extra special was Naomi's loving awareness that this was my moment. She gave me such a warm hug after I thanked her. Even early in the morning, she's up and happy and ready for the world!





Next it was time to get ready for a long day of celebration. First things first... putting on the birthday outfit =) I couldn't believe that it rained in the morning, so since it was chilly, it was time to put on the warmer outfit. Check out Mimi's bed-head =)



The darling ribbon jeans were kinda long and baggy so we did a switcheroo for some comfy pants and of course... Naomi had to have some kind of hair accessory! Doesn't she look like a birthday present?



Grandma Lily wanted to throw a lovely Mother's Day brunch to celebrate Naomi's first birthday. All of the Aunties and Grandmas from my side gathered together in South City.



It was awesome seeing Naomi's cousins Andrew, Adam and Alexis; we don't see them nearly as often as we'd like.



... and awesome cupcakes that Ninang Jasmine and Auntie Aileen made!





I bought matching dresses for Naomi and her cousins Andrea and Meleia. We were able to snap this pic before taking off to the next party:



Naomi was such a trouper because she didn't take any naps while we were in South City and she didn't start to get sleepy until around 3:30pm... just in time to rest for the party hopping. We changed her into her evening party dress and she napped in the van on the way to Pinole. By the time we got there, she was ready for round two. Naomi needs lots of energy to keep up with her amigos, Weslee and Bella!



Here's the birthday girl smiling sweetly in her darling party dress at her cousin Weslee =)



Naomi also had another cake to enjoy! We've been trying to practice getting her to blow her candle, but it didn't happen. That's okay, because I know there is a wish planted in her heart and that God will see that it comes true one day!



After eating even more cake, it was time to get cozy again... and play with the Musketeers some more! Baby Kamrin wanted to join in on the fun, especially when they all gathered around the bouncer. It's nearly impossible to get a picture of Mimi, Wes & Bella all looking at the camera at the same time, but it's those candid moments that truly tell the story. This one might be my favorite!



Naomi had to take a break away from all of the excitement. Yes, I am still breastfeeding her, but we'll see how long that will last. Here's the birthday girl checking out her new hair-do and practicing her future b-girl moves!



One more photo-op of the girls =)



... and the Mommies!



After a couple of more hours playing with her cousins, Naomi was super party pooped! Time to go home and catch those Z's....

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY NAOMI HOPE!