Year in Review

DSCN4731
Originally uploaded by astrobuddha

Mommy signing on...so anyone following the blog will notice that I have not participated in quite a while-been leaning on Steve as the family documentarian. But after many prods from him to get me to write and an inspiration from a friend, I'm back to give you a brief year in review.

2007 marks a year of change for all of us.

In the first quarter, we were desperately adjusting to being a family of five. We now had five mouths to feed and butts to wipe. And only two of us (Rockett & Quila) were sleeping through the night. The first morning home from the hospital was the quintessential 2007 Wong-Ito moment -- 7 am Steve and Les are in bed, baby #1 starts screaming, then baby #2 starts screaming and Quila must get in on the action and starts howling too.

By the second quarter, we are more in a routine and actually being able to enjoy each others company. I returned to work from maternity leave #2 and jumped straight into film festival madness-negotiating big sponsorships, managing filmmaker egos and making sure that none of the details fell through the cracks. By this time, Zoe has finally decided to open both of her eyes and see what's going on. Rockett is enjoying his sister's company.

Q3 - the Wong Ito's flee the urban lifestyle that they had become accustomed to for what feels like the burbs with all the modern conveniences that a family of five craves--more space, trash pick up, a back yard & patio, a garage, and the glorious dishwasher! Thanks to our dedicated family and close friends--they helped us move from the second story Chung King Road flat to our new two-story Silver Lake home. Zoe and Rockett now share a room (yes, two cribs in one room!) And Quila gets two walks at the Rowena reservoir every day. Quality of life has improved.

DSCN4927
Originally uploaded by astrobuddha

But wait, there's more (change that is)...fourth quarter marks one of the biggest of 2007. In October, I started a new job at the LA County Arts Commission. The decision to leave Visual Communications was probably one of the most difficult adult decisions that I've made. Leaving my "dream job" and my career aspiration to run an arts organization for greater financial and emotional stability so that I can be a better mom and partner. I can already feel the change - not as grouchy and have more time and energy to be closer to the kind of mom I want to be.

DSCN4685
Originally uploaded by astrobuddha

Rockett and Zoe have reached major milestones this last month of 2007.

Zoe has mastered the two steps between the living room and dining room and is cruising between dining chairs and under the table. When she completes a lap around the coffee table, she proudly shows us her three crooked little teeth, squints her eyes and smiles with her nose.

Rockett has decided that even though his parents deliberated a great deal on what to name him, that four names was not enough and that he really needed a Spanish name. So when you ask Rockett, "what's your name" he answers "Gustavo!" and when you ask him "como se amo? he replies "Gustavo!"

The Wong-Ito's wish all of you a happy, healthy new year!