Grandparents Visit Taiwan

My mom arrived in Taipei the same day Hunter did - Friday, January 26th! She spent the three nights at the hospital with us then another two weeks at our place. She was super helpful and between all the meals she prepared, cleaning up she did, and burping, cuddling & changing Hunter - she also was able to read a few books, watch a few movies and go to the gym everyday... sounds like a nice holiday! Dad arrived on Hunter's dedication day... once he got here there was a bit more game-playing and exploring... which was fun too! Thankfully Tony had enough energy to show them around a bit more, while Hunter and I were still trying to figure out life together (didn't help that he went on a growth spurt and ate every two hours for a few of the days dad was here).
Overall it was so great having my parents with us during these precious first weeks. We're already looking forward to next time... not sure when, but always look forward!

Tony is the "techie" in the family so mom had several sessions loading and learning about her new laptop... it was like coming on "computer camp"... dad also brought his new laptop with him!

What is this??? A holiday camp??? We caught mom snoozing in the other room during one of Hunter's louder moments... couldn't figure out why she hadn't come to see what was wrong with him (smile)! Actually, we were happy to provide a somewhat relaxing holiday for her while she was here.

Precious Moments

Hunter got really used to his Grandma's voice over three weeks... I think he misses them already.

Dad & Mom with their "baby"
(boy do I look chubby here... must be the shirt)

Hunter got lots of cuddle time with Grandma & Grandpa


Grandpa was teaching him how to play cribbage


Lots of precious moments


Here in Taipei, "markets" are common... and since it was Chinese New Year, the CNY market was a must see. Tony took mom & dad over in the afternoon on the last day the market was open! Good thing Hunter & I didn't go - check out the crowds!!!

By the end of the week - they were finally marketed out! Tour guide Tony definitely was!

The weekend flower market is really close to our house, and thankfully with Chinese New Year, the markets were open during the weekdays too...

They did manage to find Starbucks (not hard - there's one on every corner)... and for not being coffee drinkers, somehow they also managed to go almost every day.

Of course no trip to Taipei is complete without a viewing of the world's tallest building - Taipei 101. The sky wasn't clear enough to go to the observation level - maybe next time...

They got a new digital camera for Christmas so this was their first real go with it... I think my parents have found a new hobby - photography! Not bad!

Tony called Dad "the blur" when it came to mealtimes... he was willing to try most things and if you weren't careful, he'd eat some of yours too! It was a blast to be with them while they were discovering things that have become so familiar to us.

It was fun to see Dad & Mom exploring the town together... each day they headed out on their own little adventure while Tony & I tried to rest up from our late nights with the baby.

Dad & Mom got a kick out of all the bikes and scooters kicking around town!

One of Dad's highlights was his time spent with the Chinese Doctor... he ended up going three days in a row and had a variety of "traditional" treatments ranging from massage and acupressure to this suction thing and acupuncture. He came back home each day moving a bit freer.

Though Hunter and I couldn't make it out to see everything, we did venture to the Shilin Night Market one evening. It was crazy busy - but thankfully Tony was the one who carried Hunter most of the night. Mom & Dad bought all sorts of little things to take home... and were pretty adventurous in their samplings of Taiwanese night market cuisine.

Dad thought this would make a tasty lunch! And of course, it would!