Nothing Smart To Say...

Since becoming a mom, I really and genuinely feel my IQ lowering exponentially. Maybe I thought too highly of myself before. I always did well in school and worked hard at whatever I did. I graduated from University consistently ranked in the Top 25 (in the U.S.) and double majored--not a huge smarty pants but smart enough, I thought.

Then I had a baby and I have trouble doing simple math! I'm always fumbling to do some quick math when I see a sign, 30% off! 40% off, 45% if you use your Gap card!! "Should I use the Gap credit card? Is it worth the extra 5% or should I use my AMEX since I get 2% back at the end of the year? Wait... how much is 5%? 2%??"

And that's what happened to my blog.... I felt like I just didn't have anything smart or worthy to say. But I have to say the greatest lesson I've learned as a new mom is GRACE. I've seen my inability to show grace but the absolute need FOR it. We're all doing the best we can and we all have our bad days. Pre-mommyhood, I made quick mental notes of what NOT to do when I became a mom. But I've learned, there's only so much that you can control. Mostly, you can only control yourself--that includes, your actions, your thoughts, your attitude, and your behavior.

I not only need to give grace to others but mostly to myself... even if I have nothing smart to say.

A Mom's Debate

Currently,

watching Little Miss Sunshine, while eating Dried Baby Sweet Pineapple from Trader Joe's, looking at pictures for inspiration on how to wear my new shoe:



ETA: okay, not the most comfortable shoe in the closet but definitely one of my "funnest". so today, i bought shoe inserts and walked around for a bit. as they say, no pain no gain!

Let me introduce you to another friend of mine...

Call me lucky but it seems I've been making great friends recently. Being a mom, it almost seems easier to strike up conversation with strangers. People will comment about your tot and you can banter back. The other day at Target, I asked a random mom (obvious because she had 2 children following her shopping cart around) which dishwash detergent was best. I took her advice too and am glad I did! [Cascade Complete Liquid, btw]

My newest BFF is none other than...

I didn't know I married a rhinoceros when I did 3.5 years ago. But since our mini-vacay to Kalahari (indoor/outdoor waterpark, great fun, sandusky, ohio), they've allowed some peace and quiet in our bedroom. YAY!

If you or your bed-mate sounds like a dinosaur, horse, or any other animal mankind is not meant to sleep next to, I'd recommend this. Two thumbs up!

A Product Review

I have an obsession with cups. Unfortunately, Roe and I have broken much of our cups so we've started drinking out of empty jam jars (courtesy of Bonne Maman).

Isabella has more than enough cups that we can keep a track of too, in my quest of finding the best straw cup. We love love our Combi but it has so many parts to clean. It's great for on-the-go but I wanted something more simple for home. I love the take-home kiddie cups at restaurants so I decided to try the Take n' Toss straw cups.

Verdict: They're great for home use!! The lid securely keeps the straw in place and doesn't allow leakage from around the straw (though, if you tip it over completely water will come out of the straw). Isabella "accidentally" knocked it off the table and it fell on its side but no leakage! The straw is much harder than regular straws but it seems to work for us. And since there's no vent like most kiddie cups, it works just like adult cup/straw combos.


In conjunction, we tried out our new spoons (okay, obsessed about spoons too). Since we have a lot of rice and soup in our diet, it's hard to find a kiddie spoon that can hold a good amount of the soup part. Gerber's Scoopin Spoons are perfect for that! They have flexible ends so you can scrape the bottom of the bowl to get every last bit. Plus, the spoon itself has a big scooper... almost like a mini mini ice cream scooper.

Verdict: Success!

New Discoveries

You can already tell Isabella is making new discoveries daily. It's like you can see the gears in her brain working! Her eyes follow everything you do with strong intent to mimic you.

The last week or so, I made some new discoveries of my own! I had a brief but significant love affair with Bonne Maman's Strawberry Preserves. You just need a dab for your toast and cream cheese (my favorite breakfast food at home).

I was waiting for them to go on sale again at my local lux grocery (they used to do buy one, get one free last summer). Well, I made a trip out to Trader Joe's so that Isabella could "shop" too and decided to try one of their preserves instead.
WOW! Their Organic, Reduced Sugar, Strawberry Preserves are the best thing I've ever tasted! It has less than half the sugar (and half the calories!) of my beloved Bonne and while I do miss the whole strawberries, I love that I can layer on the preserves without it being too sweet. I used to barely use a dabble on my toast, but now I can use pretty liberally.

[sorry for the photo reflection (is that a term?? how it's backwards, like you're looking in a mirror instead of a picture). i don't have my camera nearby so i used photobooth on my mac]

Modern Day Devices

I'm all about modern conveniences (mostly in moderation) but love any new idea that kills 2 birds with 1 stone--not literally, let's save the bootiful birds.

My latest and greatest invention, yes MY invention... well, more like my innovation. At our recent TroyHope retreat, we wanted Isabella to have her naps and be able to sleep early but also the freedom to participate in all of the retreat's activities. Can't have your cake and eat it too, right? WRONG!

If you have a bluetooth and at least 2 phones (preferably on the same network or family plan so that your minutes are free), you can make your own baby monitor! We left one phone on (with speakerphone) in the room while bebe slept while the other phone was on mute with the bluetooth feature in use. Since we were always in the same building, I was less than a quick sprint away.

I have to admit, I've been tempted to use this method at home for a quick grocery/market run... but I haven't been able to feel THAT safe. Luckily, I actually live a quick sprint away from the grocery store. But still... I'm a firm believer in crazy psychos... what if one sees me leave and comes into my house?!

Seriously, How Can I Express My Love To You?

I've blogged about my affinity towards over-the-counter drugs to help comfort Isabella.
But this past weekend, me and hydrocortisone had a heart-to-heart and decided we can't live without each other.

Due to a VERY unfortunate allergic reaction to lip gloss (Sephora's brand, Bronze Beauty to be exact!), I ended up with lips out to the galaxy (and I don't have thin lips to begin with so they were seriously out.of.control). And it doesn't even end there: they were growing blisters by the hour, with puss oozing out of them (sound scary?? you had to have SEEN it). After a consult with a doctor friend, I realized it was an allergic reaction and popped a Clairitin. A tiny bit better but nothing more, so I finished off Isabella's liquid Benadryl (3 TB of mixed berry flavor--YUCK! no wonder she hates it when we give it to her!). Obvi, that didn't do much so I had Roe pick up some real Benadryl and also refill my script of Valtrex (for the nasty cold sores that like to taunt me with their ugliness). Ok, swelling plateued a bit more but the blisters and the oozing... omg, it was like tears coming out of my lips!

I drenched on a presciption ointment for cold sores but it seemed to make it worse and at this point, I was exhausted so I decided to sleep and pray for the best (mind you, this is Saturday night and I am supposed to be at church bright and early on Sunday morning for Praise practice.). I woke up in the middle of the night (with my lips sealed SHUT from the blisters and its oozy children) and I could still feel the tingling burning swelling sensation so I thought, what the heck, and globbed on some hydro power. Ok, it didn't help much because we had to be at church in an hour... but I was able to get some nasty crusties off with a warm washcloth in salt water (read in online but not sure it really helped. but at this point, i was desperate with a capital D).

I looked like I went to a budget plastic surgeon for some lip injections. And what made is worse is that people told me it didn't look so bad!!!!! Someone even told me I looked HOT. TWISTED, seriously twisted.

Someone tells me to try my trusty hydro.... so I give it a try at home, thin layer of the H power and another thin layer of Aquaphor (my other BFF). Less than 24 hrs after that application, my lips are normal!

I'm wondering if there is some type of fund for hydrocortisone that I should be a part of. I owe my good looks to it (and Bella's!).

Reusable Sandwich Bags.. and they're CUTE!

If you haven't heard of etsy.com yet, go there now! It's kind of like a bunch of ebay stores full of handmade and vintage goods. There are tons of children's products made by other moms too.

Lately, Isabella asks for "kka kka" (crackers or snack in Korean baby lingo) or she'll see a lone cheerio and say "kka kka" as she reaches for it. We have the Snack Trap which looks cool and seems like a good idea (maybe better for when she's older?) because it has a flexible cutout top to grab your goodies. It's supposed to prevent from spilling them all but Isabella isn't very good at it still. She lifts open a flap and lets them all spill out.

So I resorted to using a sandwich bag for them and she seems to grasp this idea better (she's really into putting things into containers and bags right now). But today, I saw her bite the bag and eat some pieces! She also ate the top of a blue crayon this morning.

Good thing I just ordered these very cute bags. She won't be able to see what's inside since it's not transparent like a real sandwich bag but I'm sure she won't be able to eat it!


Green Street Bag's have really cute patterns and offer 2 different sizes for bags. The snack bag has a gusseted bottom. I ordered this print, as well as chocolate pear and yard retreat! She's super fast.. already shipped my order in less than 24 hrs! I can't wait to see them.

Help Wanted

So, as I look at, touch, try on, look at, touch, try on, look... at my new bag, I just can't make up my mind. So I decided to look at some more diaper bags! Remember, I originally wanted a black patent bag with short handles as well as a long strap to wear cross body. Well, then I found a really cute RED one! Still has short handles and a long strap. These even come with a changing pad, wipes holder, bottle holder, and stroller straps!

Black or Red?
None of the above??

Ok, WAIT!! I found the red in BLACK too now:

or how about this color? I must say, I do like the shape a lot... ok, for real, done.



Please vote!

Call me crazy and obsessed.. I just OD'ed on Craigslist too...

Ooohhhhhhh, an epiphany

So I just got my bag in the mail... woohoo!

And now I know why there was such a price difference.... not a HUGE difference in bag, but a difference nonetheless.

(Top) exhibit A: Mia Bossi bag from miabossi.com

(Bottom) exhibit B: Mia Boss bag from gap.com [the one I have in my possession]

So, if you notice, the dot print is different. The Gap version's dots are colored in while the Original's (from its own website, now referred to in my post as "original") dots are not! Oh, you so sneaky!! I didn't even notice, even as I "carefully" looked.

Also, you couldn't tell from the Gap site because of the picture, but its strap is not adjustable while the Original appears to be. Or, at least, that strap has some metal hardware on it and the Gap's doesn't. Not being able to adjust is not a big deal I guess because the strap is perfect for a cross body carry. But with the hardware (according to the Original's website), can allow you to loop it twice--hence, shortening the strap in half--and wear as a shoulder bag. That option might be cool though.

So, what do you think... what should I do?? I need some opinions please.

Diaper Bags!

I'm always on the lookout for a "cool" diaper bag that doesn't scream UGLY MOM. I have this thing about not allowing myself to buy UGLY MOM items. Sure, they're comfortable or practical... but, I just can't and don't want to be that ugly mom :( Shallow? Absolutely! But at least I'm not an ugly mom!

I've always coveted Mia Bossi Bags, especially the Reese style in Tangerine but just couldn't bear to drop that much dough. And like fate, the heavens opened and my internet browser found the same bag at Gap.com for HALF THE PRICE!! I checked the dimensions and it seems like the exact same bag so of course, I ordered it in a heart beat. It's supposed to come in on Monday and I'll post about all its glory (or not) then!

I also saw this off of Coolmompicks.com and love these bags by Timi & Leslie. If the Mia Bossi doesn't work out, I might opt for this. My only requirements for a diaper bag is that there's some sense of organization inside (because otherwise it becomes a black hole), at least one zippered pocket for my wallet/keys (things I can't lose... or, if I do Roe will KILL me), and the option to carry it across your body. They're easier to hang off your stroller and you can just throw it on and chase your little tot!

Lovey, we love our Tokki Chingoo!

So we secretly keep 2 of these. One for the car and outside trips and one for home/crib use. Every now and then the two reunite in the house but it doesn't seem like Isabella has noticed... ;)

Many children like to have a blankie or a lovey to help them with separation anxiety. I actually started using this on purpose to help Isabella sleep on her own at night. And I even let her "choose" which lovey she would like around 3 months of age. You may argue a baby that little can't "choose".. but I'd like to think my Isabella did. I showed her a few different dolls/loveys of various color too and she reached out for this blue bunny. Coincidentally, blue (and green) have always been my favorite colors!

More so lately too, she's been very attached to her tokki chingoo (bunny friend in Korean). If it's in sight, she has to hold it and hug it. Isabella isn't a very affectionate baby so it's very cute to see her hug and kiss (or bite?) her little bunny. She even pats it on the back!

Who knows, maybe I'll regret it later when she's going to college with tokki chingoo but for now, I'll revel in this pure memory.

Watch what you say (and do!)

It's definitely started.. Isabella has started mimicking what we do.

Exhibit A: Trader Joe's

She LOVED pushing this cart around "shopping" for our groceries. She must notice I price check everything against similar products as well as check the nutritional facts on them all!

Exhibit B: Daddy
Currently we're vacationing in Oklahoma to see my parents (my hometown). We brought some big toys from home we got as gifts and Isabella must have noticed how Roe set up her baby pool. While playing, she noticed the hole you blow the air in, crouched down and started blowing at it! Is my baby a genius or WHAT?!!

Later, my mom is laying on the floor relaxing (on her belly) and Isabella comes by and sits on her back. Bounces a bit then turns to my mom as if she's say, 'bounce me, bounce me!'. Only a couple hours ago, her dad had bounced her.

Exhibit C: Gonggg, No No No No No
Isabella has really built up her vocabulary in the last 4 weeks. By her 1st birthday, she could only say "Hi" (at least, the only word that was audible and coherent). But now, she has more than a handful of words she can say. If you ask her, "where's your gong (ball)?", she'll start to look around.. you can ask her several questions like that and she'll look around for the object (or person). She doesn't point yet but she'll bring the objects back to you. She'll also say, "no no no no no" and shake her head (or finger!! haha) if she doesn't like something or doesn't want what you're giving her.

Exhibit D: Petting Zoo
Do not scream when the baby goat jumps out of its fenced area while holding Isabella. You will not only scare her for life of any moving animal bigger than her but also everyone else in the area. In addition, your friends and family will pretend they don't know you because they're so embarrassed by you! But seriously, I think I scarred her for life!! Either that, or she's just like me. I'm just not much of an animal person and never have been. She'll start climbing all over you while whining/screaming when animals are nearby (including big dogs). We also have a big dog at home (in OKC); she's been saying "no no no no no" a lot already. She also hates doctors and doctor visits... reminds me of my childhood. I used to bite dentists all the time!

Mother's Helper

A mother's helper: usually an over-eager, baby-lovin' 10-12 yr old that you can pay $2/hr.

Me? Over the weekend, I had a lovely young lady I've known for the past 9 yrs, specially flown in from NYC, one of the most fashionably fabulous people I know (but she doesn't know she is that fabulous), caring helpers ever.


We miss you eemo!

Brace Yourself.. it's gonna be HOTT

A long awaited vacay is to be fulfilled this week in the most non-vacay place in my mind. But I am so very looking forward to it. My bro and I have planned a few activities for Isabella (but I think we're secretly just using her as an excuse to do things my parents would never have done before). For instance, we're renting a lakehouse and boat for 2 nights over the 4th. My parents never vacation, do not know how to vacation, don't ever go on vacations... so, we'll see what happens. My mom tried to shorten the trip in half but we ganged up on her: Ahrim, Andrew, Isabella--yup, she counts too, Roe--just by default vs Grandma Hwang. We win!

So, I've been on the lookout for the a bathing suit for some time now. I can't quite sport the string bikinis I used to have a love affair with but I don't want to just cover myself up in an ugly mom bathing suit to match ugly mom shoes. I've been pleasantly surprised! JCrew and GapBody have quite the selection and if there are stores near you, you'll find a ton on super duper sale (I saw some at Gap for less than $6!). There are a variety of sexy one-pieces that have strategic ruching, one-shouldered, bandeau one-pieces... and sporty tankinis and bottoms. This year, I've opted for an orange-red tankini and bottom set. Add a nice, wide brimmed floppy hat, comfortable flip flops like these, and a comfortable (non-fussy) coverup!

It's gonna be a HOTT week!

Mommy Makeover

Whoever coined the phrase, "the joys of motherhood" had a sick sense of humor. Until recently did I realize they were just being sarcastic! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Isabella but motherhood isn't on my good side--yet. And whenever I have "those" moments, it just brings a smirk to my face; if only I could get my hands on whoever thought of that phrase, I'd give them a piece of my mind.

However, the irony of joy from being a mom shouldn't let one look beat down; nor should one give in and wear ugly-mom-shoes. Yes, they're comfortable but if they're ugly... just don't do it. And since we're all waiting to win the Lotto... in the meantime, I thought of some economically friendly mommy makeovers. Hopefully these will help make over all of our beings by bringing out the best in us (I like to think of myself as a whole. When a part of me is "sick," it affects all of me--physically, spiritually, emotionally. Thus, treating the entire body, mind, and soul makes the most sense to me.)

• I believe inner beauty brought outward is THE best makeover. When you're genuinely happy and elated, your face is more radiant. After much agony of why I have been so miserable lately, it hit me that I was spiritually ailing. I was starved of spiritual sustenance because I had been just filling up on desserts, whip cream, light and fluffy appetizers.. frequently but not enough. The answer? Set aside time to talk with God--literally. Yes, prayer can be done in the car during your commute, while you shower, while your baby is screaming or throwing a tantrum but on top of those moments, you need solid time with God. Jesus started the day in prayer, in an isolated and dark place. Many times, I have a hard time falling (or staying) asleep. Now, I've decided to take that as a cue to pray and read the Word. It takes discipline and practice but almost anything in world does, so why should we not here?
  
• So you're smiling ear to ear because God's given you a sense of peace that transcends all understanding [through prayer and petition, Phil 4:6-7]. If you yellow teeth from all the coffee you've been drinking, you need to use Crest WhiteStrips. Just a few minutes a day will make a huge difference!
• Get a good haircut. This is one of the areas I don't believe in going cheap on. It doesn't mean you have to pay $70+ for a haircut but do keep going to the hair stylist that does a good job, even if you have to shell out 70 buckaroonies.
• Good Suds. There are sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners available on a budget nowadays. The sulfate chemicals (basically detergent) found in most shampoos are harsh on hair and it strips your hair of its natural oils. I covet nice shampoos but I'm not quite convinced they are worth $30 for a month's worth. Loreal has a sulfate-free line that I've been enjoying. And by looking at my hair, I'd say it's doing a good job at protecting it and keeping it glossy.
• Be pimple free; we're too old to look pubescent. I've talked about this before and I just have to reiterate the importance of skincare. More than the actual lotions/creams you use, wash with a gentle but effective cleanser and use moisturizer! Also take care of your skin by resting up and drinking lots of water. Those two things are free: cha ching!
• Be comfortable in your own skin. Another "freebie" but this comes with age and wisdom it seems. For me, it's come post-Isabella. When you look like you're not trying too hard, I believe you're at your sexiest. That even applies to your actual clothing. I still like to wear heels but it just doesn't make sense to wear those on a daily basis when out and about with the stroller. I suggest finding some comfortable flats (the key is finding one with a flexible rubber sole!). And wear clothes you don't have to fuss around with: no tugging, fixing, or pulling. You look more ridiculous wearing that shirt, blouse, dress, pants than you think you do.
• Have a laugh. Seriously. Be able to laugh at yourself and then LAUGH! Those feel good endorphins will be swimming all around and it's contagious so don't be surprised if your babe is giggling too!

And there you have it. My budget friendly makeover, voila! You are the fabulous self you know you are.

Dora!

Isabella doesn't really know Dora through television yet. But Dora enamors us during each mealtime away from home. These disposable placemats are perfect for babies/toddlers whose mothers are germ-a-phobes in hiding.

No more wiping down the table with a baby wipe only to be disgusted at the caked on residue! These placemats stick to the table (and they are recyclable--some are biodegradable!) and you just peel them off when you're done!

Reality Check

Since Isabella is taking more steps (she can fully walk unassisted but she's still very cautious and crawls a lot too), I wanted to buy her some shoes with a firmer sole that was still flexible. [AAP recommends babies stay barefoot or have a thin/flexible sole when they start walking] She's only been in Robeez; they have a thin barely there leather sole. But now she likes to walk outside so she needs something that can withstand a bit more of a beating and get dirty. Plus, I wanted to protect her feet a bit more with a thicker (but still flexible) sole to protect from pebbles, rocks, and God forbid anything sharp.

We walk into a children's shoe store and walk out with 2 pairs: a sandal/shoe hybrid and a water SOCK (like a water shoe but not) and $73 poorer. HUH?!!

Roe and I used to say we wanted 3-4 kids pre-Isabella... now, I think we need to win the Lotto.

[disclaimer: i didn't even know what a water shoe was until i was told her teacher that she needs them for splash days. i went all around town asking for "water shoes" and finally found them... but they're more like SOCKS with a rubber bottom]

Product Rave - Combi Mug

The Combi Mug has been really awesome to us. The handles are ergonomically formed for your little one and the straw is small and flexible. Isabella was nursed for a really long time and for whatever reason, she couldn't get the hang of other sippy or straw cups (especially the ones with valves--and if you try them yourself, they're kind of hard to drink from too!). It's around $13 (but you can buy it at BuyBuyBaby and use their 20% off coupon) and totally worth it. We have 2 and we carry one around everywhere we go!

[Combi, feel free to pay me for free advertising any time]

Virtue Lesson #29

Tell the truth and nothing but the truth.

And just to clarify, telling the truth does not equal being mean or blunt. Telling the truth is loving, in fact. Lying to prevent hurting someone's feelings is just your ego and pride talking. Don't do it. Because once the truth comes out, it'll slap you silly.

I try to talk to Isabella about important "lessons" in life. I know she can't completely understand but I hope that it'll sink in somehow. Today, I told her it's not nice to lie. God doesn't like it either. And since we love God, we try to do nice things to others.

And being a mom, you have to find good ways to channel your hurt and anger (even rage sometimes) and make it productive and a teaching tool for your children. I want Isabella to know that it's okay to feel those things (hurt, anger, frustration, sadness) but I also want her to know that she can't let those feelings take control over her, her life, her attitude, etc.

I'm trying, Isabella... really I am.