Maddi's First Sleepover

Today was a stay-at-home day... until at night. Our friends Mark and Gabby who moved to Toronto in the Summer were back in town for a visit and arranged for a dinner out with all those that played in their ultimate team many years ago.

The evening started at Anne & Henry's for a photo slideshow that Crissy put together as well as some pre-dinner drinks - for those of us that are neither pregnant nor breastfeeding. Then, we walked to Banana Leaf for dinner.

Maddi was really good at Anne & Henry's, but was pretty fussy at the restaurant. Not really sure why; at one point I thought she might have had gas pains so I helped her do some baby exercises and rubbed her belly; then I thought she wanted to feed, but I tried to feed her at three separate occasions and she wouldn't eat. Maybe she was also over-stimulated.

After dinner, we drove out to my cousin's place out in Surrey - we're sleeping over (Maddi's first) so that we'd have most of tomorrow to spend with my cousin and his family. When we got there, Maddi finally ate, then I put her to bed. This was her corner of the bed.

After she went to bed, we played board games like we usually do whenever we stay over. I love it. It's been too long, glad to finally be spending some time with them!

Boxing Day With The Adlers

No, we didn't go Boxing Day shopping. We went out to see Annie & Des and finally meet baby Bryan, while they were in town to spend the holidays with family. Annie hired me to take their family portraits while they had everybody in her family together.

It was a bit nerve-racking because I haven't done a shoot for a while, and I'm using my portable studio set up for the first time. After looking at the shots I got when I got home, I think I did pretty good despite the challenge of photographing three kids together and getting them to all be happy at the same time.

With so much going on, I totally forgot to take a photo of Annie, Des & Bryan with Maddi - sooo mad! That would've been my photo for the day! I didn't realize it until we were halfway home... was tempted to turn around and get that photo since we'd probably have to wait years for another opportunity. I know that's a bit of an obsessive compulsive thing to do... and Sean wouldn't go for it, so I put up a photo of their new family instead for my photo of the day.

Baby Koala

It looks like there's a baby koala hanging on Sean.

Sean had the day off today, so it was a nice family day for us. Maddi was especially sleepy today. She slept in between feedings tonight. After our nap, from about 6 or 7 o'clock is when she cluster feeds. She can't seem to stay awake, so I was worried she might be up a lot in the middle of the night since she slept so much this evening.

She ended up going to bed for the night by 11.30pm. Perhaps this is all due to the growth spurt babies go through at 3 weeks? Or maybe we just have a really sleepy baby, it's as if she's drunk on milk.

Thank You For Everything!

This is my traditional Chinese postpartum care crew!

My sister Hennie who took care of me and made sure all of our meals are taken cared of the first week after Maddi's birth, before my parents arrived.

Gib, my brother-in-law, drove my parents around half the time to take them places and pick up anything we might need... including an outlet mall shopping day trip across the border.

My parents arrived on the Friday when Maddi was 5 days old. As soon as they arrived, until the hour before we took them to the airport, my dad was constantly cooking up storm - meals, snacks... it was heaven! He was my chief cook, you see! =) My mom took care of all my herbal Chinese medicines, my ginger sponge baths, cleaned up after my dad makes a big mess in the kitchen and washed the dishes after every meal.

Sean, Maddi and I can't thank you guys enough. I am going to miss the royal treatment after you leave ='(

Missing you already, can't wait to see you all in April!

Daddy On Diaper Duty

This morning, I realized that I only have today and tomorrow with my parents and my sister before we take them to the airport tomorrow night. I got a little emotional thinking about it, and started missing them before they even leave. =(

It must be that I started appreciating my family more as I got older (not that I didn't appreciate them before), because I never used to get like this.

Other than getting a visit from Sean's mom and sister who came to see Maddi, it was pretty much a routine day for me and Maddi. We were up for a few hours in the morning (or at least I was), and napped from 2 to 3.30pm. Dad made another feast of a dinner, which I know I will miss when he leaves.

In this photo, Sean is on diaper duty. No, it's not his first diaper change, I think he's actually pretty good at it.

The Best Family In The World

In the last few years, I've started to appreciate and be grateful for my family more than I ever have. Although we live halfway across the world from each other, we've become closer than we ever have. I have no words to express just how much my parents have done for me and been there for me. My brother has been such a source of encouragement and my sister has been such a great support and comfort.

My sister arrived on my due date, and has been taking care of all my needs since Maddi was born. I am receiving the traditional Chinese postpartum care, and she's brought Sean and I food everyday as well as picked up anything that we may need. My parents arrived on the Friday after Maddi was born and they took over cooking and cleaning duty as soon as they got here. I am very lucky to have family that would fly 16 hours halfway across the world to serve me and take care of me during this time. I just realized how much I've missed them and wish I could see them more than just a couple of weeks in a year. It will be hard to see my sister leave in a few days and my parents leave in ten days.

In this photo, my parents are preparing an herb concoction for me to strengthen my body after birthing.

A Visit From Baby G

I had a busy morning. I went to my doctor's appointment, and being one day "overdue," she pulled out the I word. She told me that basically, we'll wait till I'm 41 weeks, then I'll be put on fetal monitoring. Once I'm 10 days overdue, she'll schedule an induction. I didn't want to expend the thought and energy thinking about it, so I didn't say anything. But basically, now I'm on the clock to do whatever I can to get Maddi out before I am pressured into an induction. Although of course, baby's and my safety are the bottomline here. If it is medically needed, I am more than willing to go for it. After the doctor's appointment, I had a chiropractic appointment. Then while on the North Shore, I had a spontaneous lunch/coffee date with my friend Cathy. Then soon after I got home, I got a visit from my sister, Gib, baby G, Gib's parents and sister. They came bearing gifts! Maddi has scored another mountain of loot. What a lucky girl!

Meet Garrett, my four and a half month old nephew. He sorta looks like me when I was a baby! Can't get over how round his head is! And also can't believe that he's so big already! Seeing him sort of reminds me that even if the first little while with Maddi might be hard, I really should cherish every moment... because they truly grow up way too fast.

Honda update - I got another inquiry on it. I told her I have an accepted offer on it, but that she is welcome to come have a look at it and if she likes it, I would love to take a back up offer in case the first deal somehow doesn't go through. She came, she saw, she loved my Honda! She offered me the asking price, and asked if I would be willing to call the other buyer to tell them I have a higher offer. I hesitated because I already said yes to the first person, but I decided to call him anyways. I gave him the opportunity to come up to the asking price, but he declined. Which was great, because for some reason, I preferred to sell it to this young lady. She gave me a deposit and we signed an agreement for it... now we're just waiting for my new ride to arrive.

Thirty Nine Weeks And A Day

Today, I'm at 39 weeks and one day of my pregnancy journey.

Other than being more tired than usual and a bit of soreness on my back when I sleep... all is well.

I've been off work for the last week and have spent my time running around doing last minute errands.


Now, the only thing I need to get done in order to feel ready for her arrival is organizing my office in our den. I just have a couple of boxes that need to be sorted through. Last Saturday and today, I finally managed to spend a good chunk of time doing just that. Just a few more hours at it and it should be done... then I'll just be waiting for Maddi to come.

Although I have a feeling that she is the one waiting. I think she's already ready... and just waiting for me to be ready. I'm guessing that as soon as I am, she'll be making her grand entrance.

Saying Goodbye Is Hard To Do

Today's post deserved two photos. This is my desk just before I boxed up all my personal effects. =(

Although we've moved offices throughout my time in the company, I've had the same desk for most of that time and had worked on making my corner of the world where I spent 40 hours a week (and more, I'm sure) as cozy as I can. I do love my space and it's been home to me for a long time. I am pretty particular with things and yes, I can tell when somebody's been at my desk while I'm on vacation. It wasn't easy cleaning this desk up and seeing it empty when I left the office tonight.

I will miss this place and the characters I worked with - Harvey, the most interesting of them all! I kid you not, he is the human version of Brian from Family Guy! Gil, the coffee expert who occasionally blurts out curse words in German or some other European language when he gets frustrated (actually, he confessed that sometimes, they're not real words... just gibberish). Bob, he's basically been my work husband since Stephen and Amy left. There are others in the department, and I will miss you all!

It was also great for our bankers from across the border to come up for a visit and take us out for lunch. Alan, it was so awesome to see you and thanks for accommodating me and scheduling your visit on such short notice so that I can come along for lunch on my last day.

Gil stayed until I was done so I can give him my computer and office keys. He helped me take my boxes of personal stuff to my car and as I hugged him goodbye in the parking lot, his last words to me were, "you're right in the few seconds where you step into that portal as you end one chapter of your life right into a new one." It's so true!

With those words in my head, I drove away and bawled as I crossed the Lions' Gate bridge in the usual traffic that it comes with. I didn't want to look like a mental case to the drivers of the other cars beside me; also, Sean and I went to the BC Lions game tonight and I didn't want to be a mess when I got home, considering we had to hurry to get to the game... so that helped to keep the floodgates from letting everything out.

Below is the email I sent out to the company to bid everyone farewell:

Dear Peak family,

Donna knows I’m not a morning person AT ALL. For years, I have had a hard time getting up in the mornings to get to work; but today, I was up before 5.30am and got into the office by 7.30am - last day jitters?!

It has been a wild ride of tremendous growth and fond memories for me in my time here of almost 8 years. I don’t know what life would look like if I never came across this company and the wonderful people in it, past and present. Everything happens for a reason, and I believe I’m a better person and life is better today because of my journey with Peak. I have made many good friends throughout this journey, and although I will miss working with you all… I hope to keep in touch. Harvey, I will miss you most! =)

The thought of leaving this place has been a source of great struggle for me the past couple of months, and now it’s here. It’s hard to let go when you have “control issues” - haha. It was heartbreaking to piece out my tasks to different people in the department, when I’ve put so much pride and effort in my work and it’s been my “baby”. Also, for a long time, this has been the life I know and today feels sort of like “leaving the nest.” But now, the time has come when I have to make room in my life for a real baby and embrace the adventures of a new chapter in my life journey - exciting, but also… YIKES!

I have kept a blog since February 1^st this year, where I take pictures daily and put up a post each day with a picture of the day and a little blurb. It would be a good way to keep up-to-date with me and my world… http://www.365daysofalchemy.blogspot.com. Once Maddi arrives, I’ll most likely start another 365 days blog of her and will provide a link to it on my current blog.

Best wishes to all of you, namaste.

With all my love,

Jenn

The Chins Welcome A Plus One!

My sister sent a present for us a couple of months ago through a friend and on the card it said not to open until my baby shower. I was good and followed directions. On Sunday, Sean and I finally opened the present... and out comes Baby Chin! Isn't he cute?!

Chasing Dreams

This is a vision board I made with a group of friends last November. A couple of the things on the board have already come true for me! I am just weeks away from meeting my little girl, I've taken this year to explore my creativity by starting an artist group with a few of my friends and getting a membership at the art gallery; I've also taken this year to search my heart, mind and soul by keeping up with this blog and openly sharing; and I've cultivated my smart parts by going back to school. Although I've added fuel to my passion for photography by going to the Image Explorations workshop this summer; now, I feel that the time has come for photography to take center stage in my focus.

My brother, who grew up being generally shy and quiet... has unexpectedly become one of the most inspiring people in my life. I love talking to him about dreams and going after them... he is one of the most driven, disciplined and ambitious people I know. I think he and my dad share more similarities than they both want to admit. =)

Tonight, I had a chat with my brother on Facebook. I told him I really need to use the time during my upcoming maternity leave wisely. It is my opportunity to figure out what I want to do with my career - whether I move forward with a secure future in accounting, or venture into the world of entrepreneurship and give my best to building a career in photography.

I have demons to slay in my head when it comes to photography - insecurities I need to get over, fears that I simply need to overcome by jumping in with both feet. I told him I've hesitated pouring financial resource into photography because I didn't want to make my family (Sean and now Maddi, too) suffer because I've misjudged photography for a worthy investment. Then even when my parents had offered to financially support my venture, I didn't want to waste their generous gift, so I was going about it really slowly. However, I now think that perhaps half-assing it is actually preventing me from making it. So maybe, I should just take their generous gift and give it my best shot. According to my brother's encouraging wise words, "Yes... GO, GO, GO... in a big way!"

I need to go after my dreams, if I'm going to be convincing when I tell Maddi one day that she should go after hers. For this, I am grateful to have people in my life that are willing to support me in whatever way they can so I can have the opportunity to chase after my dreams.

How did I get so lucky to have such awesome people in my family?!

Milestone Portrait

This is hubby and I on my 36th birthday, with me being 26 weeks pregnant. This year, we celebrated in Sidney, BC with Sean's dad & Colleen. We decided to drop by for a weekend visit before I go to a five day photography workshop at the Shawnigan Lake School.

It's been a great day. I woke up to a "wall" full of birthday wishes on Facebook - so encouraged! Thank you to everyone who took the time and effort to send me a birthday greeting. We spent the day strolling downtown Victoria, stopped to have lunch at the Bard & Banker Pub, then came back to chill on dad & Colleen's patio for a bit before we were off to a fantastic dinner at The Chalet in Deep Cove (yes, they have a Deep Cove here, too). Now, we are on a friendly girls vs. boys competition on Rock Band. Guess who are winning? Girls rule - was there any question?! =P

I guess this is the last birthday that I will be celebrating before becoming a mama. I suspect that birthdays after this one will be a lot different... but I'm looking forward to them =)

Au Revoir

After a couple weeks of being unplugged for most of the time... I am finally back online and back to blogging. I did take pictures everyday even though I wasn't posting. There are lots of photos to go through... but I will be posting the missed days in between this post and my last one as I find time to work on them... so watch out for those.

The last two weeks has been busy with travels. Sean and I went on an Alaskan cruise with some of my family for the first week, then flew to NYC with my parents for the second week. Despite the trips being somewhat disappointing, especially for my dad... I was happy to be able to spend some time with my parents, whom I don't get to be with nearly as often as I would like.  It has been great to be in their company, as well as to be spoiled with my dad's cooking.

Tonight, however, my time with my parents came to an end... until we see each other again. We took this portrait just before Sean and I dropped them off at the airport.

Mama & papa, thank you for visiting me. Safe travels... I miss you already =(

Mom & Pop

I'm not sure if it's just the pregnancy hormones, but I've been missing my family a lot lately... more than usual!

Today, I worked my butt off in the office... getting everything done and making sure everything is taken cared of while I'm away for the next two weeks. Tonight, I went to the airport to pick up my mom and dad... have been looking forward to this for a long time!

Some other family are also in town to go on this trip with us... can't wait to board that ship and explore Alaska with them!

In The Living Years

Today was an especially tough day for a dear friend, after receiving some unfortunate family news. And this is an especially tough post for me to write, as my heart goes out to my friend... I can't help but think that this day will come for me as well.

He had just spoken with his mother the other day to greet her Happy Mother's Day when she seemed like she was recovering quite well from a stroke she had a while back. Then this morning, he informed me that he got news she's had another stroke and has been rushed to the hospital.

It is hard to see our parents get old and get sick. I know my heart aches just seeing my mom having trouble climbing up a set of stairs because her knees are getting weak. I can't imagine what he must feel like to know his mother is in a hospital and he is halfway around the world away from her.

As I mentioned in a previous post, the Sakura is a symbol of the ephemeral nature of life to the Japanese. I believe the universe' message for me today is to always appreciate and be grateful for those that are near and dear to my heart, and to never take them for granted. Tell those you love that you love them often, give plenty of hugs, appreciate the beauty of your relationship, show them you care... in the living years. Do not delay, it may be too late one day.

Sending my dear friend all the love and light I have as he flies home to be with his mama; sending his mom all the healing energy in the world, so she may have many more days to feel how much she is loved.

One Too Many Cheeseburgers!

 

I've started resembling Randy from Trailer Park Boys with his infamous cheeseburger belly lately... but I swear, it's not a food baby!

It has been tough keeping such great news a secret for the last three and a half months; I have wanted to tell the whole world from the day we found out! We figured Mother's Day would be a good day to make the announcement - Sean and I are expecting!!!

I have had an awesome pregnancy so far; other mothers-to-be might think it's grossly unfair, but I'm glad I don't know what morning sickness feels like! I did have heartburn and my own battle with food frustration and tiredness; although all of that is also getting a lot better at this point.

Both Sean and I are enjoying the pregnancy journey, constantly amazed by how our baby is developing. We are very excited to be welcoming a wee one into our family in a few months' time!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

The World Is Your Oyster

Driving home from the office today... this statue, which I see every day that I drive to and from the office, caught my attention. The universe had a message for me. It had something it wanted me to think about, something it wanted to remind me.

You see yesterday, more specifically at 6:46pm on April 27 Manila time, I became an aunt for the fourth time!

My nephew was actually due over a week ago, but I guess he was too cozy in my sister's belly and just wanted to stay there. I've even suggested that they write him an eviction notice. If they did, it didn't help. He wasn't going anywhere.

The doctor eventually started inducing my sister to labour; but after nine hours, he still wouldn't budge. Finally, the doctor performed a C-Section on my sister to get him out.

Sometimes, it does feel like it would be better to be back in mother's womb... and not have to deal with the misfortunes of life. However, we would also miss out on all the blessings and wonderful experiences that life has to offer.

In contemplating life, I think that it really is a neutral element, although sometimes it hardly feels neutral at all. It is how we perceive life and the decisions we make in reaction to what life brings that determine whether we view life as sweet or hard. Life - we ultimately have the power to make it whatever we want it to be!

Welcome to the world, baby Garrett!!! The world is your oyster, enjoy everything life has to offer!

Usual Suspects

What a bunch of grump-grumps! Smile, the sun is out! =P

Spent a sunny Good Friday with my cousin and his family. We started out with brunch at the Yucca Tree Cafe in White Rock, then a stroll by the boardwalk, and ended off our time together with a gelato stop!

Looking forward to the next time we hang out!