For our favorite Texans

We could not resist trying "Bubba's Texas Style Bar-B-Que & Saloon" here in Shanghai. No, I can assure you it is not the "Buffalo Grill" but it does have a few saddles for Ty to ride. We thought of you while eating Ribs, Baked Beans, and some Cole Slaw. They did have Apple Cobbler but I did not make it that far. Maybe next time.

We miss you!

First Booking at Klug Shangri-La

We have the first confirmation!! Ned and Jen are coming to visit in August. Many of you will remember Ned and Jen from our time in San Francisco. They have been very busy since we shared a house and Ned will be passing the California Bar in late July. So, of course, a celebratory trip is in order. Here is a picture from their gorgeous wedding August 8, 2004 ---that is right, Tyler's birth was on the same date 2 years later.





Can't wait to see you, Ned & Jen! August 4-7 and 17-21 are all yours. It will be fantastic to hang out again!

Football -Shanghai Style

Saturday, Peter played in a long awaited football game. Truffle made his inaugural trip outside the compound so the whole family could watch Peter. While it was not IMD rules with our often missed friends, it was American style. **We really miss the IMD Team Doc as Peter was stepped on and now has a broken toe**

IMD Rules Team "The Last Game" December 2, 2006



















Shanghai Football Pick Up Game

Mr Li and Tyler hanging out --Ty got his first taste of grass and dirt when he strayed from the blanket. Truf must have been on a break from guard duty, I was busy taking these pictures.

ALERT: WEB ALBUM CHANGE

We will be changing the pictures on our web album (Picasa Album is available as a link on our blog) on May 1st. In order to do so, we will be taking down all of Tyler's baby pictures (yes, he still is a baby but this is pre-Christmas). If you would like to download any of those pictures, please do so prior to May 1st.

Coming May 1st to our web album:

• Christmas
• Our Trip Home
• Life in Shanghai

Thanks and keep enjoying the blog!

Ty-"Visitors are welcome"

Tyler has decided to throw his hat into the Bed and Breakfast ring as well. He is happy to host you in a game of Open Door Closed Door, ABCs, or let you listen to Alphabet Radio. If you are really lucky, and a bit flexible, you can join him in the playland his cousins have kindly shared with him.

Yes, another shameless attempt to get some visitors over here :)

Breaking News!!! Ty Sleeps 13 Hours!!!

Tyler is a night owl. Has been since day one. Upon receiving his new crib, Tyler and I started to implement naps two times a day. Mostly due to my need to unpack this house. I was concerned that his 2-3 hour afternoon naps would wreak havoc on our nightly tuck in around 10 or 11 pm. My worries were pleasantly for naught. Tyler still felt the need to sleep 8 to 9 hours. This past Thursday night, Tyler slept from 9 pm to 10 am. I was concerned something happened to him so I checked on him a few times. Each time, Ty was sleeping like an angel. This new sleep routine has worked now 3 nights.

Peter and I will enjoy the rest while it lasts as I am sure we will all be out of whack when we make our Summer Trip home. Good news for us, we have lots of people standing in line to entertain Tyler while we sleep :)

My Mom Dresses Me Funny

I could not resist. I will blame it on the never ending unpacking. Friday, the weather outside was beautiful. Tyler had to wear one of his summer outfits. The hat will only fit once, I think, thanks to his large noggin...nothing new there.

Peter came home around 5 and we were off for a walk in the 80 degree weather. Truffle even toured the clubhouse with us. I am anxiously awaiting the opening of our pool. I keep hearing "next month" every time I ask--since January. Well, I have tested the water in the indoor pool and I will be breaking the "must have safety man (lifeguard)" rule soon. It just kills me to have the pool sitting there, ready to be enjoyed.

Thank Goodness For Cheerios

Never did I realize the importance of Cheerios in keeping a parent sane. Sure, they provide some nutrition with the grains and fiber but the real beauty is the ability to occupy a little one's time.

Tyler has had Cheerios 5 times now and is using his pincer grasp like a pro. Peter and I have discovered the side benefit of Tyler feeding himself in the car and at a restaurant. Tyler can go from total freak out to calm with the intoduction of these wonderful Os.

Thank you Nestle for entering the Asian market with a long time US staple. I'll forgive you for adding sugar to my baby's diet---nice that it sticks to their hands for ease of delivery!

The Most Important Room In The House

Today I put the finishing touches on Tyler's room. After receiving our belongings in three separate shipments a week apart, we were finally able to consolidate all of Tyler's clothes, toys, pictures, and memorabilia into one place. Peter assembled the crib (Nice work!) and I took on the rest of the room.

With his crib assembled and the arrival of the changing table and our old dresser, the room started to take shape. To feel close to everyone we have pictures and cards on his shelves.

A favorite picture of mine that has traveled the world with us is one of Papoo taken at Ted's Elkhorn house on their birthday in 2003. His beaming smile warms my heart. Papoo watches over Tyler while he sleeps and reminds us daily of the great man we hope to raise in his likeness.

Ty's room has the neat feature of a small room off to the side. It also has a balcony window for lots of natural light. I thought this would be an ideal nook for some toys and reading time. We have tested the cozy nighttime reading corner a few times and it seems to be a great place to unwind for us all thanks to our old futon mattress that serves as a couch. Thanks to everyone who has sent us books for Tyler. It is fun to read the books and be reminded of you each time we do so.

Now...on to the rest of the house!

Silver Elite Poster Child

Just ran across this pic of Tyler on his trip over to Tokyo in March. Ty is sporting his Planes, Boats, and Cars Sleeper, playing with his fishbowl all while taking in Baby Einstein on his video monitor. We keep reminding ourselves that "It will never be this easy again" every time we travel with him. He is a sport though and rolls with whatever we throw at him.

Klug Shangri-La

Those of you that have stayed with us previously, especially in Lausanne, can appreciate what a pleasure it is to have open space and a yard. Here is a side view of the house. Peter is running a side business called the Klug Shangri-la out of his office. Our nightly rates are dirt cheap...diapers, baby formula and various other baby products of an US origin. Interest has been high even without an advertising budget so book now.

Happy Greek Easter from Shanghai

Thursday night we attended a Princeton Alumni gathering at Castle Oktober in near the French Concession. We meet a number of young, vibrant people there and enjoyed some very good beer...Peter did mostly. Mike and Amy invited us to join them for Greek Easter at the Aegean. Loving a good lamb roast, we could not turn down this opportunity. The food was tasty and it was great to be hanging with a number of other young couples our age, some with babies, without, and about to pop out. Peter and I never would have imagined that our first Easter in Shanghai would be Greek, but we are quickly reminded that the world is a very, very small place.

Home Sweet Home??

At last! We have a house...with a yard! Yipppppeeeee! And on Thursday, April 5th we had things to put into that house...yes our container from Europe arrived. A thrill, not unlike Christmas present unwrapping, took over the house as the movers unloaded and unpacked our many boxes. Minimal damage was incurred. I can assure you we slept better than Tyler in our wonderful bed that we had not seen since July 2005. Ahhhhh, now that is what I call a Heavenly Bed. Peter's chair arrived without a scratch. Truffle gave his stamp of approval when I located his favorite dog bed to curl up in. We will be swimming in boxes for weeks to come but it is a great feeling to have our cherished photos and memories back.

Tyler finally has his own room and more importantly we have a washer, dryer, dishwasher, and garbage disposal. Ahhh, the simple things really make a big difference. We have a nice large yard that is beautifully landscaped with flowering bushes and trees, nice hedges and flowers as well. There is a great deck and covered swing for those hot Shanghai Summer nights. For those of you thinking of staying with us, we now have proper guest accomodation with en suite bathroom. Please come visit, we would love to host you.