E's 1st 6 Months

9/2019: Postnatal Yoga class with my chunky bean.

Baby girl has her 6 month appointment today and it got me thinking about some of her cute milestones:

Month 1- Gaining much needed weight after her tongue-tie procedure (phew!)
Month 2- Smiling!
Month 3- GIGGLES!
Month 4- Tummy timing like a champ and being SO chatty.
Month 5- Sleeping through the night. YES.
Month 6- Sitting up unassisted and being more playful.

And to think, there's still so much more to come!

35!

A month before E arrived...waiting for me to finish staring at cakes.

Happiest of birthdays to my sweet husband, life partner, & papa extraordinaire! Still can't believe that we've celebrated a decade of birthdays together. May this year be one of your absolute favorites. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Welcome Back!

It's been months since my unintentional break from blogging! Unfortunately, juggling my work with home life has been quite a challenge! I'm learning the value of prioritizing what's important to me and my family. I've learned that work is work and it's okay to leave on time (which is a very hard thing to do when you're a social worker). I've learned that my real job doesn't start until I get home (!!!) so I have to maintain my boundaries. But as I sit here at 5am while my little family sleeps, I've decided that we have some catching up to do!

Here's a quick recap of what's happened since 8/2019 and expect some *detailed* posts soon!

- Went back to work full-time in September.
- Struggled with finding good, dependable childcare.
- Took some interesting continuing education courses for career development.
- Started eating a more plant-based diet.
- Watched my tiny human continue to grow.
- Figured out how to mom (...that's a work in progress...)

Thank you to the internets for my tiny little corner of it!

Simple Matcha Bundt Cake!

For our recent wedding anniversary (#4!), I decided to bake a cake. And, in the spirit of saving $, I used ingredients we already had at home. Fortunately, husband is a big fan of matcha so we always have it on hand. 

Here it goes...

For the cake:

-1 box of yellow cake mix (follow instructions on the box to make the batter...instead of vegetable oil, I used coconut oil).

-1 heaping tablespoon of matcha powder 

For the glaze:

-2 cups *sifted* powdered sugar (sifting makes a HUGE difference, keeps the icing nice and light).

-4 tablespoons melted butter

-3 tablespoons milk

-1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees for 9 inch non-stick metal bundt pan.

2) Thoroughly mix matcha powder into cake batter.

3) Add cake batter to oiled bundt pan (I used a non-stick pan but really wanted to make sure the cake came out of the mold without problems).

4) Bake for 40-43 minutes.

5) Let cake cool on cooling rack until at least room temperature.

*Once cake is cooled...*

6) Mix all wet glaze ingredients together.

7) Slowly hand whisk wet ingredients into sifted powdered sugar.

8) Add glaze to top of the bundt cake.

9) Try not to eat it all at once. 

Let me know if you've given this recipe a try! HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK :)

39

Today is my brother's birthday and although we lost him 7 years ago, I still think about him every day. It's strange to think that he's been gone for so long, that I've seen more birthdays than him. In my mind, he will forever look like a young man but hold the respect of being my elder. Since it was just the two of us, we were very close and always had each other's back. If it wasn't for his encouragement, I would not have followed my passion for social services.

I'm sad that he missed so many milestones- my engagement, wedding...BABY. I'm sad that he won't have his own engagement, wedding, baby. I'm sad that he'll never get to hold E and watch her laugh at his funny faces (my brother was a silly guy)!

My brother was one of the main reasons why I decided to move to NY with S. Losing him was a lesson that life could be cut short at any minute so take advantage of the opportunities before it's too late. If it wasn't for my brother, I wouldn't have the beautiful family that I have now. In a way, he continues to look out for me.

Happy Birthday, Kuya J. Wherever you are, I hope they're serving chocolate cake.

Currently...

...celebrating baby sleeping almost a full 8 hours in a row by putting her back to bed and drinking a cup of coffee. quietly. alone. in the dark...We really don't have to start our day for another hour or 2.

It's the little things.

We Need Better Maternity Leave Options

*GRUMBLE GRUMBLE*

It's almost the end of summer and in about a month, my maternity leave is ending. I feel like I'm just getting to know baby and now I have to leave her so we can keep the roof over our heads and food in her mouth!

Crazy, right? 

In NY, we get 10 weeks Paid Family Medical Leave (which maxes out to about $750/week in one of the most expensive cities in America) and luckily I've been able to supplement finances with accrued sick/vacation time from work. 

Twelve weeks is just not enough time to be with baby. If you follow Dr. Karp (of the 5 S's fame), you understand the importance of the "4th Trimester" which is the 3 months after baby is born. It's a term used to describe the first 3 months of baby's life while she adjusts to the world outside of your womb. 

Three months doesn't feel like enough time to get adjusted to being earth side but like I mentioned before, I can't afford to be a stay at home mom and we live thousands of miles away from family who could help with childcare. 

I'm not trying to make this a 'poor me' post and I don't think I should be criticized for not staying at home or having a baby I can't afford. The reality is many families survive on less and struggle more. Most families want the best for their children and that means having to return to work in order to provide for them. 

It's disappointing that in the USA, parents are forced to make the choice of going back to work too soon. We often hear about children being our future and the importance of nurturing to their development but when will we practice what we preach? Baby girl, Mama's gonna try to do her best for you. 

I'll miss morning walks with my sweet baldy!

3 Ingredient Banana Bread

I've been a fan of Pinterest for a long while and one of my favorite things to search for are easy recipes. I'm not exactly a professional chef!

One recipe that I've enjoyed baking many times over is this easy banana bread recipe from stockpilingmoms.com. Not only is this an amazing website name, it's also an amazing recipe!

Here it goes:

Ingredients- 3-4 over ripe bananas (for my latest batch, I used 2 big ones), 1 box of cake mix (I used Betty Crocker's Yellow Mix), 2 eggs. 

1) Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

2) Mix bananas with eggs

3) Add dry cake mix to the banana-egg mixture*

4) Bake the completed mix for 35-40 minutes depending on the size of your pan (I used a 6.5"x8.5" glass pyrex and needed 50 minutes...)

5) Let cool (or not) and enjoy!

*...and because there's no such thing as too much chocolate, I added a generous cup of chocolate chips to the mixture before baking... 

Ta-da! So good, I couldn't wait and take a decent picture. *Shrug*

Make A Run For It

I hate to admit it but physical activity- exercise- really does improve mental and physical health. As a self-proclaimed couch potato, I've always managed to avoid looking totally out of shape thanks to genetics.

After gaining over 40lbs while pregnant, I knew it was important for me to focus on weight loss as part of a healthier lifestyle for myself and my child. Every body is different so it's important not to compare yourselves to others. Recently, I've started jogging and it has been great! Not only am I get some *me* time while S watches E, I'm feeling better about the way I look and feel which is great motivation to continue my workout journey. What motivates you to take care of yourself?

Have Your Cake...

S enjoying delicious cake while E naps!

As per my previous post, it's good to get out of the house. When E was fresh out of the oven, we were anxious to venture out into the real world. Now that we've gotten to know her a little better, we've been getting back to the swing of things. Recently, we took a trip to Mia's Bakery. I also enjoyed chatting with my husband- something that doesn't happen too often now that we're always so focused on baby. It was a nice treat and a great way to feel 'normal' again. 

Wanting to spend more time with your partner doesn't make you a bad parent. It's actually a good reminder that nurturing our bond will only help us be better parents for our sweet girl. 

Move It

The weather in NYC has been pretty hot but thankfully the mornings are a little cooler (around 70-80 degrees). E is over 6 weeks old and I've been cleared by my doctor to go back to my pre-pregnancy activities.

Being at home all day can be a little mind numbing so to help with my sanity, I've been going out for morning walks with the little one. Instead of pushing her in a stroller, I've been using a baby wrap (I like my Solly Baby best because it's lightweight and breathable). I also find it soothing for her and a little bit of weight lifting for me :).

Taking daily walks has been a great form of self-care for me. I've never been a super fit person but it's important to stay active to keep the postpartum baby blues away and to maintain my physical health. Any other suggestions for staying active while caring for a newborn? Feel free to share!

Self-Care: A Few of My Favorite Summer Activities in NYC

Exploring Ft. Tilden, Rockaway Peninsula.

Lounging on the lawns of Prospect Park. Plus, free concert nights!

Eating waaay too many Italian ices and cones from the Mister Softee truck.

Beach days at the Rockaways.

Day drinking (and/or eating) at the many outdoor establishments around the neighborhood.

Strolling through Brooklyn Bridge Park and admiring the beautiful views of Manhattan.

Farmers Markets at Carroll Park and Borough Hall.

Neighborhood block parties and street fairs.

...

Any other suggestions?

Baby Tip

Little E @ 6 Weeks!

Around 4.5 weeks or so, our daughter developed a flaky scalp and baby acne. The pediatrician assured us this was a normal case of cradle cap. Poor baby! Fortunately, it's not supposed to cause her any discomfort. Although it will eventually get better on its own, nobody wants to see their baby *looking* miserable. Our doctor recommended an over the counter anti-fungal cream (yup- just like the stuff for athlete's foot!) and so far, so good! Of course, check with your own medical provider before trying but if this can help anyone else, I'm glad I shared it. Gotta pick up these baby tips wherever we can!

Some Staycation...

Waikiki sunset during our *real* vacation 10/2018.

When I was pregnant, people would always tell me how lucky I was to have a baby due in the summer because I'd be out of work, enjoying the sunshine! Wish I could say that was true but it's been a little over a month since I've become a mama and leaving the apartment is not easy! I have so much respect for single parents and stay at home caregivers. This work is HARD. Here are a few things I've learned to help myself cope with my new mommyhood:

1) RELAX. Try to breathe and not stress out too much (easier said than done when baby is crying and you can't figure out why..). Baby knows when you're stressed and it doesn't make it easier for anyone. Even the most hectic of moments pass. You'll be okay.

2) EAT. You need the fuel to keep up with this energizer bunny, especially if you're breastfeeding. 

3) SLEEP. Sleep when the baby sleeps- that is the best advice! Try to refrain from doing all the chores in the house, surfing on the internet, and all the other non-sleep activities you're tempted to do while baby is in dreamland (easier said than done when all you want to do is look at your cute newborn peacefully resting in their crib).

...Speaking of...my baby is up and ready for her next meal! 'Til next time!!

Mommy Fail

When I was pregnant, people loved to take care of me. Think about it- how do you react when you see a baby belly? I felt special because I was the bearer of something important: a new life. I felt loved and protected and I gave all that positive energy to my unborn child.

Nothing prepared me for what happened after my daughter came earth side. I love my beautiful baby but I don't know myself. It's all about her now. I am constantly worried about whether or not I'm doing 'it' right. Will I ever be a good enough mother? 

The other night, my baby was gassy and clearly in a lot of discomfort. I could feel her pain in my heart. After addressing the issue, my husband said something along the lines of 'it's not good that you froze.' I felt like a failure. I couldn't comfort my baby and I wasn't good enough at that moment.

I read somewhere that when a baby is born, a mother is born too. I think it's an important idea to consider when you see a new mom. Whether it's being a new person or a new version of myself, we're both still learning. Kindness and patience are important. 

One Man's Trash...

A few months back, my husband and I were on our way home when I came across these shoes just sitting on the curb...waiting to be re-homed...Considering that I work with a large homeless population, any gently used/worn items that I can donate to my clients is always welcome. 

To the previous owner of these sneakers: thank you for not tossing them in the garbage and giving me an opportunity to turn them into treasure. It's thoughtful gestures like this that can really make a positive difference in someone's life. 

My Baby Shower 6/1/19

Remember before social media and the idea that if you didn't take a photo, it didn't happen? I'm definitely guilty of my share of 'Instagrammable' picture taking but this afternoon was just so special, I didn't even think to take out my phone. As a matter of fact, the photo above (S & I with our lovely hostesses) was taken at the very end of the day when the guests were gone and the packing up was almost over. 

Sometimes it's nice to just be present, in the moment. I have the best memories of this afternoon spent with an amazing group of ladies who wanted to shower me and babygirl with love. It was a lovely spring day with delicious food (preggo friendly deli sandwiches, salad, fruit, cake AND donuts!!!) and great company.

As you may notice, there was a slight rainbow theme to the shower- a dedication to my sweet rainbow baby who I now get to hold in my arms after experiencing the sadness and disappointment (...in life and myself...) of multiple miscarriages. 

I may not have a beautifully curated Facebook album to share but the memories of this sweet day live closely in my heart.

My hostess sent me this photo of the custom gold & rainbow themed lollipops- so pretty!

SHE'S HERE!

Born 6/11/2019 @ 6:00am. Baby arrived a few weeks earlier than expected but she's feisty and doing well. We are so in love with her. I'll definitely be posting about her surprising birth story but in the meantime, pardon me while I take some time to adjust to our new and exciting life :)

Surprise Baby Shower

A few days ago, I was on my way to a team meeting with my colleague and when we arrived to our destination, I practically had a heart attack!...In a good way? Haha... My sweet coworkers surprised me with a baby shower! I should have known something was up when the lights were off in the conference room.  We work in such a high stress, busy environment so it meant a lot to me that they took the time out of their crazy schedules to celebrate our baby girl. I'd say one perk of working with social workers is that you're surrounded by such caring and supportive people. I hope baby girl grows up understanding the importance of being nice to others. It really does make the world a better place. 

24 Hour Travel Bug

Beware of the 24 Hour Travel Bug! Symptoms can appear suddenly...in this case, the itch to get on the road started over pancakes on Monday morning and resulted in us driving 2 hours away from NYC and paying our respects to the 32nd president of the United States by the end of the afternoon. So random but definitely fun. It was a much needed getaway and another opportunity to practice self-care. We ended up staying the night at a cute Airbnb in Hudson, NY. Stay tuned for pictures :)...

Oh, and if a stranger offers to take your picture, accept it!

Halfway through 35 weeks in front of FDR's lifelong home.

Memorial Day 2019

This post is a few days late but the photo is from the day of...5/27/2019. I grew up in a military family but after losing my brother, an Army Veteran, this holiday became more meaningful. Whether you're for or against the military, I say thanks to those who have served. 

Peanut Butter & Banana Toast

Here's a simple recipe for an easy breakfast or snack. I put this together from ingredients that I can usually find in my pantry. No brainer, healthy, and delicious. Reminds me of Elvis minus the bacon...anyone out there get that reference? *crickets*

1) Toast Multigrain bread
2) Smother toast with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
3) Top with 1 sliced banana
4) Finish with a sprinkle of chia seeds to taste (just kidding...chia seeds don't really taste like anything but they are high in fiber, omega-3s, and protein!)
5) ENJOY!

Eat Breakfast

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day."

It's definitely not an original thought but why do so many people skip breakfast? I like to think of it as fuel to get my day going. If I don't eat breakfast, I can't concentrate on anything else until I get food in my belly. I usually start my day with fresh fruit and oatmeal or a bagel. If I have a little more time, I might make waffles or a veggie omelette.

I also have positive memories about my mom always having breakfast ready for us when we were growing up and now I keep the 'tradition' alive. No matter how busy life got, my mom always made sure our family started the day on a good note. Pictured above is a spread I put together for my husband and a friend who was staying with us for the weekend. It doesn't have to be fancy but it's one way to show my loved ones that I care about their well-being.

What do you do to show your favorite people that you care about them?

Baby Bump Love

These photos were taken by my husband right before I was 34 weeks pregnant. I just wanted to show them off because I think they're so beautiful! I love being pregnant and watching my belly grow. I am so grateful for the opportunity to carry a human life inside me. It definitely has its uncomfortable moments but it's all worth it. Pregnancy has made me kinder, more patient...just happy. 

Girls & Pies

I know that my last post was about eating healthy so on today's post, I must indulge. It's called BALANCE! ;)

A few weeks ago, my friend and I met up for dessert at Mia's Bakery in Brooklyn. It's a great place to go for delicious baked goods and cafe drinks. It was a spur of the moment decision and as usual, we had a great time together. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the treats that we shared (pictured is a slice of key lime pie, triple berry pie, AND a creme brulee cupcake...*balance*...), my favorite part was being able to catch up with my dear friend who I met a few years ago while swimming at a local YMCA. I'm a pretty shy person but moving to a new city encouraged me to explore my surroundings and try new activities, such as swimming.

Our impromptu 'girls night out' made me reflect on how I have found an awesome group of friends just by being a little brave. Considering that all my family and many of my friends live thousands of miles away, it's nice to know that S & I have built a support system in NY for ourselves and our daughter.

Have you ever been in a situation where you've had to leave your community? How were you able to build a new one? And, what have you learned from getting out of your comfort zone?

Market Fresh

When S and I moved into our first NYC apartment, we were both unemployed and surviving on savings. Luckily, our circumstances changed for the better but until that point, trying to stay healthy with limited resources was a struggle. 

One of the ways we were able to eat healthy on a budget was by buying produce that was in season. When products are plentiful, they're usually more affordable. Additionally, buying something in season forces you to be creative with your menu. The photo above is an example of what S put together using fresh ingredients from a local produce stand: sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, carrots, mushrooms, cucumbers plus coconut rice and fresh herbs for an affordable and hearty dish. I spent about $20 to buy all the fresh ingredients for 4.5 meals. Not bad when you consider that many fast food chains sell meals for $5-9. 

We all have different situations and budgets. Fast food is quick and easy. Meal prep takes a little more time. I've been known to occasionally choose a burger and fries over a salad. However, what I do notice about myself when I go the healthy route is that I tend to feel more satisfied and energized. I don't want to make anyone feel bad about ordering off the 'value menu.' I just want to point out that it is possible for healthy to be cheap. Yay for building your own value menu! 

Our Hospital Maternity Tour

Hospital Entrance! See ya next month!

With our baby due the end of June, it was about time we take a tour of the place where all the fun begins. Childbirth is supposed to be fun, right?! Joking aside, I'm anxious and terrified...but I'm 100% certain that meeting our daughter will all be worth it.

I'd say that the benefits of working in a hospital setting is that I felt comfortable seeing all the medical equipment, delivery rooms, and medical staff wandering around. Being prepared makes me feel empowered, ready to get down to business! 

I'm also fully aware of how fortunate I am to be in a loving relationship with an involved partner and how that helps calm the nerves. As we get towards the end of baking this little bun in my oven, I've been doing my best to lead a stress-free life. I want baby to come into this world healthy and happy. And I think that begins with a happy, healthy mama. Self-care for me includes prenatal yoga, going on walks, and enjoying delicious (& nutritious!) meals. Anyone out there have suggestions for other forms of self-care? I'm open to ideas! 

Speaking of delicious meals: here's the one we had after our tour :)

Our Babymoon: April in New Orleans, Part 3/3

Waiting for the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Arrive!

Lots of Beautiful Buildings in the French Quarter

My Talented Husband at Lafayette Cemetery #1

What's a visit to NOLA without a trip to the French Quarter, history lesson, and jazz show? S and I were lucky enough to walk through the French Quarter a few times on our visit (we caught a show at the famous Preservation Hall, ate yummy beignets at Cafe du Monde [!!!], and babygirl was gifted a set of beads by a kind stranger...haha.)

One of the most unexpectedly interesting places we visited on our last full day was the Lafayette Cemetery No.1 in the Garden District. At first, I thought it might be strange to do a walking tour of a cemetery while pregnant but this place holds so much historical value and interesting factoids, that I'm glad we got a chance to explore it! Our tour guide was funny, knowledgeable, and respectful. 

NOLA was truly a wonderful city and I'm glad I got to explore it with my best friend. Can't wait for our next adventure together: parenthood!

ANDDD...let's not forget po-boys :)

Our Babymoon: April in New Orleans, Part 2/3

Cool Kids Having a Great Time!

New Orleans is a must for jazz lovers and we were lucky enough to spend a full day at the 50th anniversary of New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. We highly recommend it. Aside from Mardi Gras, it's one of the most popular times to visit NOLA and I can see why. Notable acts during our visit included Van Morrison and Al Green!

Make sure to wear comfortable footwear and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. The festival is held on a fair grounds/race course so expect to be out in the sun for a huge chunk of the day. We also saw plenty of people with camping chairs and picnic blankets- so smart! 

This was another day of less photo taking, more spending time together. All I have to show for the day is that hilarious gif of us at the AARP tent :) It's a far cry from our earlier music festival years at Bumbershoot, Lollapalooza, and Coachella. 

Concerts and music festivals have a special place in my heart. My husband and I spent so much of our dating years going to shows, dancing together and bonding over great performances. Coachella 2012 may be known to most as the Year of the Tupac Hologram but I will always remember it as the first time S told me he loved me. 

With this being our babymoon, it seemed appropriate for us to do something that we've always enjoyed. Whether it's a concert, spa day, cooking class, whatever- make time to do something that you love doing as a couple before baby arrives to remind you of why you've decided to become a parenting team. 

Thanks again for reading and stay tuned for my final babymoon post!

Our Babymoon: April in New Orleans, Part 1/3

Yours Truly in NOLA @ 31 Weeks

*This post is a long one...so sit back and relax (maybe with a drink, maybe not...a mimosa sounds nice...) or just come back when you have time. It's okay! No pressure. This is a safe space.*

A babymoon is an opportunity for soon-to-be parents to spend quality time as a couple before the baby arrives. I'm 100% new to this but I know having kids is a life changing event for partners. You're about to go from a comfortable party of 2 to an all-night rager of 3. Babymoons give us a chance to recharge and reconnect with each other before the hard work begins- like summer camp before school starts! 

We chose to visit New Orleans, Louisiana for a number of reasons: 1) Music 2) Food 3) Culture 4) A short distance from NYC that allowed us to maximize a long weekend.

Anyway, going through TSA while pregnant was not as eventful as I thought it would be but definitely check with your medical provider before making any travel plans. 

The 2.5 hour flight to NOLA was seamless. Did I mention that this was my first time in Louisiana? The people are so kind. Our Lyft driver picked us up from the airport and took us on a quick pit stop to the Visitors Center where we met more friendly Southerners.

We arrived hours early for check-in at our charming Uptown Airbnb but our gracious host allowed us to drop off our bags and play with her 2 adorable pups before we headed out on an important mission: lunch.

Magasin Vietnamese Cafe on Magazine St. 

Pho is probably not the first thing tourists think about eating when visiting NOLA but pregnancy cravings are real! Also, I heard/maybe watched something on TV about the rich history of the Vietnamese culture in NOLA and figured, hey- this might actually be a great place to have Vietnamese cuisine! Good thing I was informed because our meal was fantastic. We started out with shiitake mushroom fresh spring rolls, an eggplant banh mi, and before I finish- let me just explain that my sweet husband is a vegetarian which I fully support but I have yet to join the team- a bright & delicious vegan pho for the him, the most satisfying grilled shrimp bun for me. Apologies for the lo-res pictures. This place did not disappoint. 10/10 would eat there again.

After lunch, we went on a leisurely stroll back to our place. Thankfully, we stayed within walking distance of Magazine Street- a great part of town full of restaurants, bars, and shops. Once we got back, I put my feet up and took a nap before *surprise*: dinner!

Saba on Magazine St.

The Love of My Life with our Delicious Starters

100% credit goes to my husband for getting us reservations at this amazing Israeli restaurant. Saba is Alon Shaya's first restaurant since leaving Shaya (that's a different story to unpack so Google if you must). The food was incredible, the ambience was calming, and the people watching was fun! I've never been so excited to get refills on pita in my life. This was definitely an experience that I spent less time documenting and more time being present. We had such a great time and it was a nice way to end our first day in NOLA.

Stay tuned for a few more posts about our babymoon!

Destroybear

1/10,000 pictures of my sweet pup that you will find on my phone...photos don't do him justice- he was a real winner!

His name was Destroybear AKA Troyboy AKA Mr. Boy AKA Mr. Boyboy AKA Hey Buddy AKA Handsome Guy...

...the list goes on. Named because of his teddy bear face and tail that wagged so hard, it knocked down everything in its path.

And May 5th will forever be remembered as his adoptiversary.

I still remember the day I walked into the Everett Animal Shelter and met my new best friend. He was about 4 months old, super smiley, and had a lot to say. My silly little husky mix.

When my husband and I started dating, Troy really took a liking to him. If that wasn't a good enough sign, I don't know what is.

Troy was lovable, sweet, and one of the biggest sources of comfort in my life. I could fill pages and pages with stories about my boy!

In 2018, we unfortunately lost Troy to cancer at the age of 12 years old. My heart aches a little knowing that our babygirl won't be crawling all over him, getting slobbered on by his many kisses.

I count myself as one of the lucky people who have had the opportunity to establish a strong bond with a pet. For many of us, dogs (or cats, birds, reptiles, etc.) are family.

After Troy passed away, my husband and I started volunteering a local animal shelter. In addition to being therapeutic for us, it was a great way to give back to our community. There are so many sweethearts waiting for their person and dreaming of their forever homes. And even if you're not in the right place to provide that, I know they appreciate getting any piece of your love and affection!

Have you ever considered adopting a pet or volunteering for an animal organization? What are some other ways that you've given back to your community? I can't think of a time when I've volunteered and thought- hmm, that was a bad idea! I know that life can get hectic but it's always nice to help others.

Why The Blog Not?

Pictured: my wedding day in my family's home country...can you guess where? 

I've been writing in a journal ever since I was a kid. I've always enjoyed being able to go back and read old entries, remembering details I may have forgotten, just by looking over a few lines from the past. Some entries are really fun or funny...others, pretty embarrassing (probably should've taken a break during my teen years ;). And the multi year journal entry books? Game changer! It's so interesting to see where life has taken you from 1 year ago to exactly 1 year later. 

I'm a first generation American who's parents didn't have the luxury of daydreaming the way their hard work has allowed me. We don't talk about the past, we just move towards the goal of a better future. Now that I'm about to become a mother, I want to be able to document my life and learning experiences for my daughter. To me, blogging is another outlet for journaling and being creative. It doesn't have to be serious all the time. As you get to know me, you'll see I'm too awkward and jolly for that type of thing. 

For all you fellow bloggers out there, what are your reasons for putting your thoughts on the world wide web?

*All pics by me and hubby unless otherwise noted. If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line! Thanks for reading :)*