Devin Kekoa Yee Izon

Next Wednesday, June 25th Celina and Devin will be leaving to visit the San Francisco Bay Area until July 5th.  Darin will join us on July 3rd...just in time for Devin's Red Egg & Ginger Party on July 5th.  We are so excited for our family and friends in the Bay Area to finally be able to meet Devin!  If you are unable to attend the celebration, please call or email us to make other special arrangements.

When we return we'll have plenty of pictures, videos, and stories posted for you!!! 

Warmest Aloha,

Darin, Celina, & Devin

Oh, this boy LOVES to PLAY!!!  Here are just a few of his favorite games:

1. Rocking with his Crib Kick Toy from the Breeze Ohana.  We prop him up in the corner of the couch and the toy at his feet.  The toy makes music when he kicks it and he knows just how to do that.  He kicks it, sings with the music, and then kicks it again when it stops.  (You can see a picture of Devin rocking under the June 2008 Photo Album...stand-by for a video)
2. Jammin' with his Drum from the Wulf Ohana.  This toy vibrates, lights up, makes music and other sounds, and has a mirror on it.  Devin knows that in order to jam, the top or bottom needs to be pushed and he places his hand on top of it...but isn't quite strong enough to do so.  (You can see a picture of Devin jammin' under the June 2008 Photo Album)
3. Being tickled by Grandma (Darin's mom) and letting out big squeals.
4. Playing "Roll-Over Grover" with Mommy.  This game begins with Devin on his back and Mommy asks him if he wants to play "Roll-Over Grover."  He responds with a big smile and "yes."  Mommy counts to three and then rolls Devin onto his tummy.  Devin shines a big smile and then Mommy counts to three and rolls onto his back and repeats. 

Devin also LOVES to read!  While sitting on Mommy's lap he intently admires the pictures and "reads" along.  Okay, so many his singing, reading, and yes's are just cooing, but it really sounds like he's talking and we love to hear him. 

Not only is Devin a musician, singer, athlete, and the world's smartest and cutest baby but he is also Mr. Aloha.  Whether we're at Safeway, Costco, Walmart or the doctor's office Devin always makes sure to flash his toothless smile and spread the aloha. 

Warmest Aloha,

Darin, Celina, & Devin

Not a day passes that we aren't amazed by Devin's growth and development.  He is cooing sooo much, can track mommy and daddy as they walk across the room, can focus on objects held in front of him, consistently smiles in response to others, can support his head and upper trunk, can grasp fingers and small, light toys, and can kick his crib kick toy to make it play music.  He is trying to master holding onto small, light toys and bringing his hands together in front of him.  And it appears that he is already trying to learn how raise his upper body up while on his tummy and to roll over....we're sure it won't be long before he masters those skills as well! 

Up until last Thursday, we've attended to Devin's need on demand; however, we've completely switched gears to scheduled parenting.  We now feed him 4-4.5oz every 2-2.5hours during the day and 5oz. at bedtime totalling 29oz of formula per day.  (Yes, he actually takes in a few less ounces than when he was fed on-demand, but no worries...he's still nice and chubby at a whopping14lbs!)  We also now start getting him ready for bed at 9:15pm.  We're also trying to wean him off his 3am feeding, by slowly increasing his daily intake and slowly decreasing his 3am feeding.  So far, he appears to thrive off his new schedule!!!  He has more and longer awake periods, which means more time to learn, exercise, and play!!! 

Warmest Aloha,

Darin, Celina, & Devin

Can you actually believe Devin is already 13lbs???  He is now eating 3-5oz. of formula every 2-4 hours, but his daily intake is still averaging between 28-32oz.  Despite his intake remaining stable, his weight continues to sky-rocket!  Anybody want to start a pool on how much he'll weigh at his 4 month Well Baby Appointment???  We're guessing he'll weigh at least 15lbs! 

Devin now has more awake periods and is really interactive with big one-dimple smiles, ahhs, ah-goos, mmms, and wiggly legs and arms.  He especially LOVES day trips to friends' homes, grocery store, and even the doctor's office.  He had his hearing rechecked on May 23rd and he was supposed to be sit still and be quiet so that the machine can automatically measure the echoes from the tones sent through tubes inserted into his ears.  But instead of sitting still and being quiet, he decided to play wiggle-wiggle and talk story with the doctor.  Luckily, we were able to successfully get him to follow his doctor's orders and he passed his hearing test with flying colors! 

For those of you in the Bay Area--We can't believe we'll be there in less than a month!  Please don't forget to R.S.V.P. for Devin's Red Egg & Ginger Party...we hope you can all make it, but understand if you already have holiday plans. If you're unable to attend the party, we'd still love for you to meet Devin so please contact us via email at celinaanddarin@yahoo.com to make other arrangements (Celina and Devin will be in the Bay Area 6/25 - 07/06 and Darin will be in the Bay Area 07/03 - 07/06). 

Got traveling with kids experience--On the way home from Oklahoma, Darin helped load the car seat and stroller [which were both gate checked] onto the security conveyor belt, we packed ready-made formula, and Devin sat in his car seat.  However, Celina will be traveling to the Bay Area alone with Devin and this time will not have his own seat.  Please let us know if you have any tips or suggestions for getting past security alone and making the flight more comfortable for her and Devin.   

Warmest Aloha,

Darin, Celina, & Devin

Aloha Family & Friends!  We're so sorry about not posting updates and pictures sooner, but we've been extremely busy these past few weeks.  Celina and Devin are finally returning to their regular daily routine and she hopes to update the site weekly.

Celina's parents visited us May 5th-13th and during that week,  Darin's work hosted a Baby Shower on Friday and on Saturday we hosted a barbecue in honor of Devin.  Big mahalo to all those who made those events even more special!  Also during that week, Devin enjoyed his first trips to the beach, tide pools, shrimp farms, shave ice, swap meet, and Waikiki.  Well to be honest, Devin slept through most of these excursions, but don't worry...there will be plenty other opportunities to relive those adventures.

And speaking of adventures, Devin will take his first trip to the San Francisco Bay Area June 25th through July 6th.  We can't wait for the rest of the family to finally meet Devin!  During that visit, we're hoping Uncle Albert (Celina's brother) can give Devin his first hair cut.  Also, on that trip Devin's Red Egg & Ginger Party will go down!!!  Please check your mails boxes for your invitations and of course, don't forget to RSVP. 

We're sad--especially Celina--to report that Devin is no longer sleeping through the night.  He now wakes up between 3-5am to be fed, but is easily put back to sleep once his chubby belly is full.  Last entry, we reported that Devin was eating 5oz. of formula every 3-4 hours and that too, wasn't long lived.  He is now eating 4oz. of formula every 2 hours bringing his daily total between 28 to 32oz. of formula per day.  He had his 2nd Well Baby Appointment on May 15th.  His pediatrician gave him a clean bill of health and believes Devin will crawl soon!  Imagine that!!!  He now weighs 12lbs 4oz. (65th percentile) and was 21-1/2" tall (7th percentile), but his weight is in the 97th percentile for his height.  Needless to say, Devin is nice and squat!  He is now wearing 3-6 months clothes and in some brands and size 2 diapers! 

Warmest Aloha,

Darin, Celina, & Devin

Today Devin makes 6 weeks old!  Can you believe it?  Everyday he's growing and changing.  He is now eating 5oz. of formula every 3-4 hours (sometimes more frequently) and is averaging 28-29.5 oz. of formula per day.  We believe he now weighs between 10 to 11 pounds...we can't wait until his 2 month well-baby appointment on May 15th to get his exact weight and height. 

Devin now sleeps throughout the entire night!!!  Because he sleeps better at night, he now has more awake periods and is beginning to establish his own weekday schedule.  He begins each day with a diaper change, a 5oz. bottle, infant massage and exercises, and some play time with Mommy.  Mommy and Devin take turns sticking their tongues at each other and laughing.  He then usually enjoys time with grandmas and they take turns showing each their one dimple.  After all that play, Devin is ready for another bottle and an afternoon nap.  Some days this is when Mommy brings him out to run errands and other days this is when Mommy takes care house work.  His afternoon naps usually ends around 5:30-6pm and then he enters his longest awake period of the day which ends around 9:30-10pm.  During that time, Daddy comes home, Devin sits in his bouncy chair and talks to us while we have dinner.  After dinner, Daddy holds and doesn't let go of Devin.  Sometimes he enjoys a warm bath before bedtime and other times he is simply wiped down with refreshing baby wipes.  Regardless, each night ends with Daddy getting him ready for bed and Mommy reading him a bedtime story while Daddy feeds him his last bottle of the day. 

At the end of every night, we watch Devin sleep peacefully in his crib and we count our lucky stars and feel so blessed to be the proud parents of Devin.  Many people have commented of how lucky Devin is to have us as parents, but the truth is WE are the lucky ones!  We are so lucky to have such a happy, healthy, strong, intelligent, handsome son.  He brings so much love, joy, and happiness to our lives as well as the lives of our family and friends. 

Many others told us now that we've adopted, we'll become pregnant.  Or have asked us now that we have adopted, will we still try to later have our own children.  Devin is OUR child!!!  He may not be our of flesh and bones, but he was born in our hearts and out of our love.  Devin made our dreams of becoming parents come true and he also brought into our lives his loving, beautiful birth mother and half-brother. 

Warmest Aloha,

Darin, Celina, & Devin

Happy 1 Month Birthday!!!

Can you believe Devin is already 1 month old!?!  Wow...we guess time really does fly when you're having fun!  This is a major milestone for Celina and her family as the Chinese culture believes the first month birthday marks the first important event for the newly born baby.    Traditionally, a Red Egg & Ginger Party would take place where the baby is officially named and formally introduced to family and friends.  However, since most of Celina's family lives in the San Francisco Bay Area we have decided to postpone this celebration.  We had planned to sing 'Happy Birthday' and eat a cupcake in honor of Devin, but since Celina couldn't find the "right" cupcake, we will indulge in ice cream sundaes. 

Devin is now eating 3.5-4oz. of formula every 3-4 hours or 29-31oz. of formula per day.    We're not sure what his current weight is, but we weighed ourselves and then again with Devin and the difference was about 9lbs. so we're guessing that's how much he weighs. 

For the past 2 nights Devin only woke up once to be fed and continues to have more awake periods during the day.  He is becoming more observant and is really attentive when people speak to him.  He also enjoys listening to music and has even played "Hot Cross Buns" on Grandma Liz's piano with the help of Celina.  Many family and friends who have met Devin, commented on his long fingers perfect for becoming a pianist.  But they've also said his big feet will come in handy for track, basketball, or football.  Only time will tell....nonetheless, Darin and Celina will be proud of him and his accomplishments. 

Warmest Aloha,

Darin, Celina, & Devin

Last Monday, April 1, 2008 we received approval to leave Oklahoma and return to Hawai'i.  We were worried about how Devin would handle the long journey home, but he was such a good baby, sleeping most of the way and only waking up for feedings. 

We've been home for exactly 1 week now and the 3 of us are adjusting well.  Grandma Liz is delighted to have her first grandchild home and has already bought so many cute outfits for him.  Our dogs, Audi and Odin enjoy sniffing Devin's hair and licking his feet...don't worry, we brush their teeth and clean Devin's feet.  Many family and friends have already visited us and PaPa and Guong Guong (Grandma Shirley and Grandpa Ray) are due to visit next month.  They can't wait to meet their first grandchild...oh, and to see Celina and Darin, too.  Hopefully, Uncle Al and Auntie Marisa, Auntie Sheena, Uncle Jesse, and Cousin Jocelyn can also visit this summer-- otherwise we'll see them and all our other family and friends living on the mainland this Christmas. 

Devin is now eating 3oz. of formula every 2-3 hours during the day and overnight and 2-3oz. of formula every hour during evening feedings or 24-25oz. of feeding total per day.  Today we're testing out increasing his feedings to 4oz. per feeding.  Devin was seen by his peditrician, Dr. Yee (no relation to Celina although Darin refers to him as Celina's cousin) last Wednesday.  Dr. Yee reported Devin is now 7lbs. 8oz. and 19-1/2" tall and gave him a clean bill of health.  Devin's next Well Baby check will be when he is 2 months old. 

 Warmest Aloha,

Darin, Celina, & Devin

Devin is now 16 days old!  We can't believe how much he's changed!  His hair is now thicker, longer, and curlier.  His complexion is darker and not so dry.  He now eats 3oz. of formula every 3 hours or about 19-20oz. of forumula a day.  With all the formula he eats, he's definitely growing.  He feels so much heavier, is starting to outgrow newborn clothes, and is getting stronger.  And the best change of all is he's awake more often and for longer periods which means more play time with us....of course, these awake periods are during dinner time and middle of the night.  Check the Photo Gallery for new pictures!

We're still in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and have been here since March 19th.  When you adopt across state lines, both the state the child was born in and the state the child will live in have to approve the child crossing state lines.  Oklahoma approved us to leave the state on March 21st, but we still haven't heard from Hawai'i.  We're ready to go home, eat home cooked meals, be with family and friends, play with our dogs, sleep-or at least try to sleep-in our own bed, and soak in the tropical weather.  The weather in Oklahoma is so unpredictable.  On Thursday it was hot and sunny, Friday was foggy, Saturday was overcast, and Sunday was gloomy, but hot.  Last night we had a scare as Oklahoma had a severe weather watch with thunder storms, high winds, hail the size of half-dollars and golf balls, and even a tornado watch!    Luckily, the worse of the weather did not hit our hotel.  Thunder storms and flash flood warnings are still in effect, but the worst of the weather has passed us by. 

Well, we can't wait for everybody to meet our lil' man! 

Warmest Aloha,

Darin, Celina, & Devin

It's been one week since Devin was placed into our arms!  One would think that getting only 2 or 3 hours of sleep at night is not fun, but to us it is pure fun, joy, and love. 

We love it when Devin grabs our fingers and looks right in our eyes with his big, beautiful brown ones. 

We love it when we kiss his forehead and he smiles. 

We love it when we put his bib on, he opens his mouth in anticipation of his bottle.

We love we burp him and he grunts and moans.   

Even when he's just sleeping, we can't help but sneak a peek and think how lucky we are to have him in our lives. 

We're very proud of our newly formed family-including Devin (of course), his birth parents-especially his birth mother, and his half-brother.  They were the missing link in our family and because of them, we are now complete. 

Warmest Aloha,

Darin, Celina, & Devin