Jasmine van Zoest

Kobus came to visit her at home last Monday. Jasmine tried to take a picture of him and his sister Sara. It was very interesting to see Jasmine's reaction when Mama was holding Sara. Jasmine asked Mama for permission to hold Sara once she sat herself securely on the crouch. Of course, we could not have done this since Sara is too young for her to handle. At this visit, Mama got to see Jasmine's nurturing side. We are so glad, she displayed this particular trait because she soon is expecting a sibling and we need all her cooperation. It was also interesting to see the play differences between a little girl and a little boy.... Though the differences might also be, because Kobus is 2.5 years old, so his behavior is typical of boys that age.

Jasmine captured the objects of her affection on camera. She takes pictures while being involved in activity such as flying a kite or relaxing on the couch. The next to last image is a self portrait -- she could not fit herself in the picture.

Development wise, Jasmine has a 18 months check-up early August. We will find out about her weight and height. Aside from her physical development, mentally Jasmine is doing very well. At 17 months, she can name all her body parts except for knees, and elbows. She is also capable of naming several animals in books or real life and correspond it with the sounds they make. She learned to solve puzzles on her own eventhough it is labeled for 24 months old kids and older. The daycare people also confirmed her puzzle solving ability too. And for a while now, Jasmine says two word sentences and phrases, such as "Kobus home?". She has been able to voice these concepts for a few months. The latest thing happened to day, Jasmine jumped with both feet off the floor as she sang, "Let's go fly a kite!".

We probably need to pay more attention to Jasmine still and help her grow faster. She still needs to learn to understand full sentences and languages better.

Disclaimer: All pictures in this album are taken by our promising young photographer, Jasmine, except those of her and Kobus sitting side by side, and image #6.

(This post will be edited/updated soon to include reviews.)

As most new parents, we were overwhelmed by the amount of toys and things you are suggest to buy for your child. We have bought many things where some turned out to be invaluable and others had little to no impact to any of our lives. To help our friends, who recently decided to have kids and for all of you out there looking to sift through the endless list of things you could buy. We started a "Recommendations" category, where Jade and I will highlight the products we would consider buying again.

The first list we decided to make is one of our favorite toys that stimulate mental development of your child. We had invested a fair amount of time, locating the best toys, but some where more liked by Jasmine then others. Some of these, were also gifts for Jasmine. They were fantastic. On to the list (in no particular order),

1. Intellitainer Exersaucer by Fisher-Price.
2. Mozart Magic Cube by Munchkin.
3. Spins & Spirals Loops by HaPe EduCo.
4. Wimmer Ferguson's Mind Shapesby Manhattan Toy.
5. Toes, Ears, & Nose! A Lift-the-Flap Book (Board book) by Marion Dane Bauer (Author), Karen Katz (Author) of Little Simon.
6. Castle Wooden Puzzle by Chelona.

(Pushing the duck carousel (?) ... no idea what its given named is)

Beautiful Sunday afternoon at the park with Papa and other children. This series contain images taken by Jasmine, Mama, and Papa.

Jasmine had a lot of fun doing the big kid things. She was also trying to be a guide to a girl around her age... or at least we assumed, they are about the same age because the little girl did not talk and pointed at things instead... Jasmine noticed that the girl was going up on the slide the wrong way. She was trying to climb the slide instead of using the staircase that leads to the slide. Jasmine, told her "no, not this", and pointed to the stairs and said, "there, come" and extended her hands to the little girl. They were best friends from that point on and until Jasmine went home for her afternoon nap.

She is definitely mature for her age and growing quickly.

(Enjoying a book with Dad on the brand new Orange couch!)

More comments later...

We entertained friends last Friday at our place in celebration of owning our first couch. The couch was a big hit. And as for the food, it was good except the risotto was a bit too winy. Mom had added an extra cup of wine by accident. Well, mom thinks cooking takes practice like most other things do.

(Beautiful curls... she got those from her dad!)

This series contain pictures of Jasmine playing at bath time. Most of the normal bath toys are stowed away and we decided rose petals would be a fun thing in the bath. Jasmine seems to like the change in her normal bath routine. After bath, Mom brushed Jasmine's hair, and they always curl up like this. Great Aunties, Ardy and others that we know of are correct, Jasmine, you do have really beautiful hair and curls.

Apparently Neiman Marcus is having a sale from now until Thursday online, and of course they have a pre-sale in store as well, but you need to own a Neiman Marcus card or be a club member. The online sale is quite good if you love the name brand stuff but cannot afford to pay the full price or their discounted price, in this sale you will be able to save up to 70% off. It's great for moms, and their babies that loves fashion but is on a budget (such as I). You can get free shipping with this code NMSHIP at any price.

One of my favorite place, Jacardi, is also having a sale on their spring and summer collections. They too are giving up to 50% discount on selected items. You can find the sales either online or a your local Jacardi store.

Mama made a little video of Jasmine through Shutterfly. We think it is quite silly, especially if we choose a goofy picture such as the one in this video. Since Jasmine is asleep at the moment, she was not able to view her own movie yet.

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(Posing in front of the camera for a Daddy "Love you" picture.)

Dear Jasmine's Daddy,

Jasmine has asked me five times today, "daddy home?". And I tell her you are not coming back today or tomorrow. So then, she said, "Daddy love you" and walked towards the front door.

While playing in her room, each time she hears noises outside coming through the door, Jasmine stands up and looks at mom with a confused expression. She then say, "Daddy home..." and runs to the front door to have a look.

You have not been gone for a whole day yet and already you are very much missed. We love you so and we cannot wait to see you.

With all our hearts,
and many kisses,
Jasmine and Thanh x0x

"Look, fish!", said Jasmine. And Mama thought there were no fish in the Victoria Amazonica pond.

A beautiful summer day in Leiden. Mama and Jasmine spent the afternoon visiting the botanical garden in Leiden as recommended by Papa. We visited the garden many times, and insofar, summertime is the best time to be here. As the flowers, and garden are at its most promising looks, and the constant gentle breeze cools the sunstroke skin. Such a lovely day, what a lovely way to spend time togehter.

(Seagulls in midair)

Jasmine, Mama, Papa, and Uncle Harrie spent Sunday at Scheveningen. It was a beautiful afternoon despite the gloomy outlooks from the early morning clouds. We enjoyed soaking up the sun. In addition, Jasmine was deeply entrenched by all the sights and sounds.

Pictures within this series are taken by all of us (Jasmine, Mama, Papa, and Uncle Harrie).

Aunt Jenny and Uncle Drew gave Jasmine this yukata-like garment a while back. The summer days/nights became warm enough for her to wear it. Thank you very much for this wonderful gift. It looks great on Jasmine. She looks better wearing her yukata in person. The pictures do not do her any justice.