Baby is Here - Her 1st Year Revisited ! ! !
Sep. 2003 (12 months old) - Happy Birthday Sweetie ! ! !
Has it been a year already?  She's so much fun to play with as she makes her transition into a toddler.  She still trying to figure out walking, but she's getting there.  As the pics above show, she loves beef jerky - signs of a true Fong.  She gave us a little scare in August, when she developed a high fever and sores in her mouth that later subsided into a rash all over her body, but she recovered quickly and returned to her happy, playful self.  Mommy and Daddy enjoyed a vacation in Cancun without Elissa, but missed her greatly prior to our return.  Special thanks to Lily and Victor's parents for babysitting during our absense.  Be sure to check out Elissa's 1st Birthday party pics.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Jun. 2003 (9 months old) - She's a cutie . . .
Elissa continues to amaze us day by day.  She's very interactive with people and continues to make steady progress getting taller everyday.  She can crawl around the house now and exploring this brand new world every chance she gets.  Mommy and Daddy doing fine as we continue to navigate the newness of parenthood.  We can't believe the joy she is bringing to our lives.  Lily, her nanny, has really helped out taking care of Elissa.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mar. 2003 (6 months old) - Has it been six months already . . .
Elissa had her 6-month check up and all is well.  She's a petite girl weighing in at less than 15 lbs, but she's healthy, happy, and such a cutie.  She can sit up by herself now and has become much more interactive.  She seems to recognize familiar faces and already testing her vocal cords to get Mom and Dad's attention.  She's still waking up in the middle of the night for feedings, but Mom has been up for the challenge.  She now has a very loving and caring nanny to keep her company during the day now that Mom has gone back to society. Thanks to everyone for the continued support and love.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dec. 2002 (3 months old) - Baby's first Christmas . . .
Happy Holidays All !!! Elissa's first visit with Santa. Everyone is excited about spending Christmas together as a family.  Home measurements show Elissa has grown to 11.5 lbs and 24 inches long.  She's struggling with accepting the bottle most feedings, but Mom and Dad are on top of this one.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Nov. 2002 (2 months old) - Time has been flying by . . .
We can't believe its been 2 months already.  Elissa's becoming more and more interactive.  She has no schedules yet, so its still round the clock feedings.  The doctor's visit went well.  She checked in at 9.5 lbs and 22 inches long.  We will be looking for a nanny pretty soon.  If anyone knows someone interested, please let us know.  4 day weeks, must speak some English.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Oct 05, 2002 (1 month old) - Its all been about adjusting . . .
What a month its been . . . it seems like its been 3 months already.  I can't remember the last time I got a decent night's rest.  Elissa is nearly 8 pounds now and looks to have grown taller.  She likes to be held and feeds regularly every 2-4 hours.  She'll get cranky every now and then, in which case, she sleeps with me.  Some say for at least the first few months, you can't spoil a baby.  We met our pediatrician a few weeks ago and everything seems fine.  The next visit, she gets her first shots - that will be an interesting day.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sep 16, 2002 (10 days old) - Introducing our daughter, Elissa Seayan Fong.
After an amazing 26 hour labor, Elissa was born Friday, September 6th, 2002 at 4:10am.  She weighed in at 6lbs 2 oz. and was 19 inches long.  Mother, father, and daughter doing well.
Contractions began early Thursday morning separated 10 - 20 minutes apart.  As Thursday wore on contractions got stronger but continued to be at irregular intervals anywhere between 5 - 20 minutes apart, consistantly lasting 60 - 90 seconds.  After checking with the hospital, Victor drove us in to check on our status.  By the time we were admitted, we were already 4 cm dilated (10 being the target).  After a 2 hour walk around the hospital, we dilated another cm.  Time to go to the delivery room.  The pain during the contractions was getting too intense, so we made the decision to go with an epidural.  What a difference that made.  We were able to get a little rest. When the time came to push, amazingly the doctor's seemed surprised and could barely keep up with the progress.  3 pushes later, beautiful Elissa was born.
Elissa's First Video.  Just 30 minutes after delivery, Mother and  new born daughter begin their lifelong bonding.  (Click on the   image to download the video in WMV format.  Use Windows    Media Player to view.)
Thank you all for your well wishes and generousity.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Pregnancy Log

Jul 18, 2002 (33rd week) - Sorry for the lack of updates - we've been very busy (and stressed with so much going on).  Mother and baby doing well, although she is getting stressed about the remodeling project not yet being done.  Doctor's are pretty sure its going to be a little baby girl - which makes Amelia very happy.  Victor is happy too, but still holding out hope for a boy.   (Maybe next time.)  Baby is around 4 lbs already and mother is getting bigger and bigger everyday.  Child birthing classes are in the third week and Lamaz classes are in the second week.  Meanwhile, Victor is working double-time trying to get the Baby's room prepared - walls getting a fresh coat of pink and baby furniture being ordered in white.  We're almost there!!!

May 15, 2002 (24th week) - Nearly 6 months into the pregnancy and everything is fine.  Aside from cravings for Coke and McRib sandwiches, mother is doing fine.  She is starting to have a little difficulty balancing herself with baby inside.  Baby is over a pound and can hear sounds.  Amelia went in for her monthly check-up hoping to find out whether we're having a Boy or Girl.  Unfortunately, Baby was in a bashful mood and had his/her legs crossed.  Another appointment has been set up next week.  We can't wait!!!

Apr 16, 2002 (19th week) - Almost half way there.  Sorry, no new pictures.  Despite requests, doctor's have not been cooperating with providing new pictures.  They do, however, report Amelia and the baby are doing fine.

Mar 7, 2002 (13th week)  - Baby's second picture.  You can see baby's head and body now.  Amelia and Victor had a scare in the 13th week, but doctors have not been able to confirm any problems.  Baby very active at nearly 2 1/3 inches long.  Thanks to all the well-wishers for your prayers.

Jan 21, 2002 (6th Week) - Here is Baby's first picture!!!  He's in there somewhere.  Amelia wants a girl.  Of course, Victor wants a boy.  Expected due date should be early to mid September.  Mother doing fine - no morning sickness, but plenty of sleep.  We'll keep you posted.