Happy Halloween!

35 weeks and 5 days.  Less than 4 weeks til my little man arrives! 

Belly size: basketball

Baby size: melon

Weight gain: 6lbs

Energy: 0 %

Going onto the 9th month and I'm completely ready to pop this baby.  I couldn't be more ready.  Today's Halloween and we got a little festive.  The weather is bloody cold but that didn't stop our spirits. Our little Ava dressed up as Doc Mcstuffins and rocked it.  She enjoyed passing out the candy most of the time.  

Happy Halloween! 

Very pregnant and back!

Did you miss me? 

32 weeks have passed and I'm about due!  Where have I been?  What have I been up to?  What am I doing?  How am I doing?  

I'm almost 33 weeks and I'm so ready for this baby to come out.  For those who didn't know, we are having a baby BOY!  Life couldn't be any sweeter and our perfect little family is almost complete!  The Hubbie is so over the moon and the family's excited.  This will be the first boy on my side, so my brothers and dad are totally pumped-- a BOY! 

How has my pregnancy been??

- it's so true what they say, every pregnancy is different.  Not horrible but I have my days.  He's much more active and perhaps because I have Ava now, I'm definitely more tired than usual.  Baby boy rolls and kicks so much that sometimes I feel like my insides are going to break apart.  Hormones are crazier than ever, must be the testosterone, yeah let's blame it on that.  

Other than that, I'm glowing and my hair and skin is amazing as ever.   I truly don't want to lose that part.  

Weight gain- so far 5lbs

My fashion- no maternity but thank goodness for leggings and maxi skirts. 

Cravings- it's so random.  Am I as healthy as my first pregnancy?  Let's say Dunkin donuts is making a killing with me daily.  Life is grand!  For sure, I'm easy going with all my calorie intake.  I want a big baby boy!  Bring on the snacks!

Belly size: ROUND and POPPING

Due date:  November 30 but scheduled c-section is November 26th (day before thanksgiving) so much to be thankful for!

As for Miss Ava...

She is a ham!  I couldn't be more proud of my little girl.  She amazes me so much each day with all her new discoveries.  She makes me smile every time I'm with her.  She is my life.  She is my joy!  

Ava started preschool a few weeks before turning two.  She is TWO!  Her birthday was so much fun!  She's into Doc Mcstuffin, still a Mickey lover and loves Mulan and Toy Story. 

She does not stop singing and talking.  I know she's gonna be a great sister.  She loves her baby dolls.  Ava is so sweet and kind.  Definitely full of giggles.  

So, throughout this pregnancy, I have been "becoming nee."  I cannot wait to start the next chapter with two bundle of joys in my life.  When i look back the last five years of my life, things have gotten so much better.  I cannot wait to hold my baby boy.  We picked Aiden to be his name.  

Aiden, we cannot wait to hold you and spoil you to pieces.  I hope you're ready my little butterball!  Mommy loves you.  

Nee with two babies!

II'm prego!  What!?  I'm prego???  

My tentative plan was yes, have a kid 2-3 years apart.  Get into it, diapers in and out, set go!  Struggle the next 5 years, and then life will be a breeze.  Ha!  

We are super thrilled and excited for our new arrival.  Baby's due in November.  Boy or girl?  Not sure, but the Chinese gender prediction says.... Drum roll please... GIRL!  (Poor Paul) 

I found out exactly on March 23rd to be exact.  Paul was away in Las Vegas. I was actually picking him up the next morning.  I know they say, take the test in the morning, but I've been counting my days, tracking everything bit by bit.  Of course stress can tweek things a bit, but this time, I felt different.  Honestly, I've been on an eating storm and I needed a positive prego test to tell me I wasn't just a fat girl.   So I did it.  This time it showed up so fast and vibrant!  Ava's was so faint, I had to literally text my friend to see if my eyes weren't playing games.  When the 2nd line showed... I did the happy dance, in silence cause ava was asleep.  We're having a baby!!!  

Now how did I tell Paul??  Well... Since it was so last minute, I took out some markers and paper and did some nee-tastic creative art skills.  I figured, I'm his chauffeur so why not do a sign.

Six in the morning came and off we went to pick up daddy at the airport.  I drove up with the sign on the door, he walks, opens and sits.  Says hi and takes the paper and lays it on the dash board.  Hahahaha typical man.  

Me:  "ahem.  Did you read the sign?"

Paul:  "yeah cute.  Thanks." 

Me:  "can you please reread it again?"

Paul: "ok.... Oh! You're pregnant!  Cool!  Sorry I'm so tired from Vegas." 

Me: lol.... 

Is he thrilled?  Yes he is. He's been wanting it more than I have!  As for Miss Ava, I'm not quite sure if she knows what's going on.  Pass two weeks, she's been changing so much!  I know she's gonna be a wonderful sister.  She has a sweet gentle soul.  Nurturing??  No but loving yes. She's gonna be a great buddy to the baby to be!  I'm happy!!

So I announced to everyone on easter.  I'm 8 weeks.  Gosh, so early?  Don't you wanna wait till end of the first??  No.  That's not me.  I can't lie.  I can't hide.  I'm too excited.  It's life!  A celebration!  I'm having a baby!   

8 weeks:

Kidney bean size

Sickness:  every now and then, belling rolls. Ack 

Food:  steak and chips yum 

Weight: 2lbs. I'm showing!!! 

Pros:  awesome hair and skin

Cons:  slow and sluggish and pants are flipping over.  

Thank you for all the wishes and hugs and support!  I can't wait to share more of my baby #2 journey with you!  

Xoxo

40 days...

What are you giving up for lent?? 

Why am I giving up?  It's actually for the better. Perhaps this spiritual guidance will help me be stronger and resist certain temptations in my life.  Some say why not do good?  Shouldn't be do that every day?  I strive that daily.  No I'm not perfect. 

I decided to give up Facebook, Starbucks, Dunkin donuts, and red meat.    These are my daily routines that I feel that make my day.  Maybe it's all in my head. Goal is to be happier, more time with my ava and focus on quality of life.

40 days. I can do this.  What are you gonna do?  

Hello Cricut Explore!

Today is an exciting day!  I have moved on up to better things.  The cricut explore came to my front door.  My Iife just got more exciting. 

Now the release isn't until march 15th for stores but I was one who stayed up till midnight just to order this baby on HSN.  My first purchase off that show and I must say, I did get suckered into it...quick! 

My girlfriends and I had a celebration and we totally had a ball just making stuff.  Nothing like wine, the bachelor, a little shark tank inspiration and the cricut. This will be a new hobby of mine and I hope to get better at scrapbooking and many future cute things! 

Tutu love!

Tutus have been in my life since I was 8 years old and I am so proud and excited to announce about TeeNee Tutus.

My good friend Taylor and I started the business and we are tutu-ing away!  We cannot express how grateful we are to have the loving support from all our friends and family.  This is truly a dream for us.  It all starts with a little dream and we hope for even bigger ones in the future!

Check us out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/teeneetutus

Or on Etsy:

TeeNeeTutus.Etsy.com

Creating fairy tales, one tutu at a time.

Nee the seamstress

Not quite.  I've been taking my courses and I absolutely love it!  Is it my calling?  Not really but I really enjoy this as a hobby.  It's amazing how simple things are and we pay so much for what it is.  

Now please do not critique, I know it isn't the best.  My first time but I'm gonna practice! Practice makes perfect!

So this past class I took a course on stitches and appliqués.  Taylor, my partner with TeeNee Tutus, would be so proud of me.  Stitching the appliqués requires patience.  Doing nails I tend to zoom through things but this skill has taught me to do it ease and let the machine do it's course.  Simply saying I had an amazing time. That machine was pretty fun to play with!  It was fun!  Into my next project.... Pillow making.

Feeling Insta-famous

I had to share my high of the day.  After working hard today, I decided to log into my Instagram to just browse and see what everyone's up to.  

I saw so many likes, followings and etc and was in shock. What is this?  Then I saw that Ava and I were on whistleandfluteclothing.com's IG post.  We're famous!  Haha not really, but it was the coolest thing ever!  Thank you so much for featuring us and I sure hope Ava gets picked to be a whistleandflute rep! Cross fingers!

Happy day! 

Happy love day!

Happy one day late Valentine's day! 

Being Mommy-less

You never know a mother's true love for a child till you have one.

My father has said that to me numerous times since my mom's passing and I must admit, he's right.  Since I had Ava, I can truly feel the love and heartache of what a mom feels.  I'm not heartless, just mommy-less.  My life is full, yet some times I feel a bit empty. 

Now before you start feeling sorry for me or sad, I wanted to make this clear this is by no means to make you feel bad for me.  As my friend calls it, "I'm having a bad day.  Not having a mental breakdown." This is just me talking about something no one really talks about. Especially to someone who has lost a mother and or close parent.  

It sucks.  It really sucks.  It's never easy to think about how life is without your mom.  You walk around the world doing your daily routine, conquering each obstacle coming your way, and when you succeed you turn to your biggest fan, and she's not there.  Yes, she's looking down.  Yes, she's proud.  Yes, I'm living through her but I just miss her.  I miss her so much.  

I've realized after having Ava how much my mom loved me.  If I could go back, I would totally erase all the door slams and the "you ruin my life" moments when I couldn't spend a night at a friend's house.  She was right.  Every thing the woman has preached, lectured and yelled to me about was right!  Why is it that we learn things when we don't have it anymore?  It's the littlest things that make a difference.  

It's sometimes awkward and painful to see mommy daughter moments (yes I said it, now don't feel awkward if you wanna invite me to a show with your mom because I would love it,) but what I can tell you is that I really treasure every little moment I have with Ava. I even appreciate all the moments when I see my friends spend time or just hug their moms.  It just makes me smile. My heart feels warm.  Gosh, I miss that feeling. I work in an environment that I see women day and night, and I think because of that, it is okay to be mommy-less.  Just seeing their love makes me love that much more.  I'm okay with it.  

It's okay to ask me if I miss her.  I actually would love to hear that more often.  You shouldn't feel bad to mention a great love.  In fact, I can say people who have lost wonderful people have the greatest stories to share.  It shouldn't be a hidden issue. We should embrace and talk about it.  Is it hard without my mom?  Yes.  Do I cry at night missing her after I had a stressful day?  Of course.  Do I want her back?  Hell yea!  But now I have Ava and because of her, she brought my mommy back.  

Matching Monday

Another dream came true!  We match!

Black leggings check!  Stripe socks check!  Rain boots check!  And most importantly, our Je t'aime sweatshirt check!  

I had so much fun matching with my little princess.  Been waiting too long for this day to come true.Can't wait for many more in the future and I promise I won't embarrass you Ava! 

Nee can make sushi

If you're like me, I scroll through groupon to see if there's a deal on something.  For quite a while, I always saw Sushi Bears cooking classes.  As usual... I ignore but this time..I said let's do it!

It's located in Findley Market, Cincinnati, OH.  You could take a variety of classes, from Thai, Indian, sushi and more.  Today I decided to take the first available and sushi it is!

Now my husband knows how to make it, but being the greatest Hubbie ever, he joined me and the girls.  I couldn't have done it without Katie and Whitney.  Two of the worlds most darling human beings ever!  They light up the whole room wih big smiles.  

So we made two rolls.  One with the nori (seaweed) rolled in the inside and the other with the rice on the outside.  I chose to make both with imitation crab but you had a choice of smoked salmon.  Rolling these sushi rolls reminded me of burritos or the Vietnamese spring rolls, goi cuon.  

My rolls didn't get picked for the final two but Katie and Paul's did!  I think we are ready to open a sushi bar.  Don't you??  

Resolution:  cooking-  check!

My Little Mirror

As I button up Ava's shirt, she places her little darling hands right on the gems on my sweater.   We had a mommy daughter moment.

As I flipped through my baby albums, I noticed how I was always over made like a human size Barbie doll.  My hair was perfect, smile and always in dresses with matching bows. I remember when I was in middle school and I'd always dread if my mom tried to dress me.  Now...I know why.  She was right.  I'm doing the same.  

How I miss my mother but when I look at Ava, I can't help but smile and want to give her the best.  She's so cute and even more with these outfits.  It's fun, it's my time with her, it's my mommy moment.  I love her so. 

Sewing 101

Put a check off on my list... I signed up for sewing class.  A passion I have longed to accomplish but never did it. 

I went today and signed up.  I have to say walking around Joann's Fabric, I was so lost.  Give me a mall and I can tell you everything in that directory.  Joann's fabric?? Well I was a lost puppy.  No worries I will conquer it!  

I purchased my first kit ever!  Pin cushion, pins, a yard of fusable fabric, a spool of thread, and a yard of hello kitty (cotton).  Also had to get a box to carry it all in.  I wanted this super cute basket but refrained and stayed 101 for now.  

I cannot wait to share this experience with you all.  To be continued! 

Face Enemies with Open Arms

My husband said to me today, "You are brave.  You face everything."

Yes I do.  Life isn't about regrets, grudges and anger.  Don't get me wrong, there are some relationship in life that can not be mended and not everyone is gonna be all jolly and love with one another, but sometimes running away from relationships that never had a closure, well needs to be closed or repaired.    

I came in crossing with someone I knew who in my life was in and out.  We didn't end our friendship the greatest but looking back, we had more good than bad.  Though some times in life, awkwardness kicks in and some times space grows further.  I've always been a person who wants good karma.  When I hear of her name, I smile.  So today I did it.  I messaged her and told her how I missed her, thanked her for her life lessons and wished her well.  Yes I can sleep well tonight but what's more gratifying is we both had our closure and now can continue growing our friendship in a positive way.  We had our smiles.  A smile a day is the best day.   

Life isn't about being bitter.  You make the best of what you can.  Some people fit in your life.  Some people don't.  Not everyone is meant to be in your life and it's okay.  Though, some friendships are worth keeping because it helped you grow and become better.  Those are the people you wanna keep.  Moving forward.  Carrying on.  Being positive.  I'm all smiles.  

Forever you'll be my baby

My stickygram phone case is here!!  After waiting patiently for a month, it's in my hands and I'm in love!

Call me whatever, but this is the sweetest ever!  Original and you always have someone to smile about when you grab your phone and not to mention a great eye catcher and conversation talk.  The photos of my memories are with me always!  

We also have the stickygram magnets on our fridge.  All photos from Instagram.  

Absolutely a must get for kodak moments.  I'm obsessed! 

My little ray of sunshine

When I wake up and see her face, it pops a smile to my face.  When I come home from 12 hours of work and see her standing at the door staring at me, it warms my heart.  When she hugs and calls me mama, I know she's my life.  It's quite unbelievable what one little person can do to you.  Sometimes I still pinch myself when I look at her, "I'm a mom." 

Reality is, mommyhood isn't the easiest task but it is also one the greatest teachings in life.  My little Ava has totally changed the whole meaning of life to me.  She makes me wanna be a kid again and forget all the issues and problems that adulthood brings.  I'm so fortunate to have an amazing husband who help me immensely.  Without him this wouldn't come true, and my little Ava wouldn't be so awesome.  

Parenthood is teamwork and support.  It's not only a mom's job.  When a child sees how the parents' relationship is that's when you know how they will be. Showing love to one another shouldn't be foreign and only in bed and helping each other by splitting the task shouldn't be a "he does this and she does that", everything is equal.  With all that, an amazing kid is gonna become.  Ava's already amazing, her heart is sweet and gosh darn it, she knows what she wants.  I'm sure there will be days she's gonna be like a Tasmanian devil, but she's surely amazing.  

My parents always had their duties around the house.  It was a system.  Occasionally you would see them flirt with one another, and as a teenager it made me wanna vomit, but now I saw their love.  It taught me love.  It's all a ripple effect.  Love each other and life is just grand.

Paleo vs. Nee

New year's resolution:  stay fit and live long.

My husband is a health nut, work out fanatic, and hardcore …EVERYTHING.  I must admit, I truly admire his dedication.  When he puts his mind to it, he sticks to it.  Me??  Well, I try.  I go along for the ride and then when I find a burger or french fry, I devour it and eat it up like there's no tomorrow- with P staring at me with a grin.  WHAT!?

So he's into cross fit, I'm going back to my Holly Hsu bootcamp.  We're gonna be fit, live long and love each other forever and ever.  So, what's the new trend in our house???  PALEO.  I'm gonna attempt to try this.  Will I survive?  We shall see.   So far today, which is day one, I gave in and ate legumes and barley, but hey!  It was in my veggie soup, so in actuality it's not that horrible.  To the Paleo followers, I'm a sinner.  STRIKE ONE.  

What is Paleo?
According to my husband, yes he knows everything, it's a cave man's diet.  No dairy, grains, legumes, starchy vegetables, high-salt meats and snacks, and oils (canola, vegetable, sugar, sunflower, safflower.)  It's pretty much clean eating- raw.  When he told me no sugar, I instantly screamed " NO STARBUCKS??"  I don't know how I'm gonna live. but I shall not be conquered!  I can do this. 

So here's to Paleo and kicking it's behind!
Mission// 30 days-  yes I can……(help me!)



resources:  
book:  Paleo for Beginners
web:  whole30.com
sponsor:  paul

My wuka wuka!!

My daughter is 15 months now.  She has changed my life but I'm sure in her eyes everything is changing day by day!  Her discoveries have been so exciting.  Just observing her and seeing how fascinated she is with things, makes me smile.  Sometimes as we get older, we forget the simple fascinations of objects, the appreciation of what's around us.

I'd like to introduce to you Ava's new discovery... My wuka quiet time books.  It is truly amazing. My wuka is a great quiet time book for educating our little ones, keeping the kids busy for a while.  Got my house clean and great for places where they just need to keep busy.  Very well made and such an eye catcher.  I've been stopped by so many moms asking me what that is!  A must buy for learning toddlers. 

I purchased the "bundled up," "knot a problem," and the "pack it in" pages.  So far, the "pack it in" is her favorite.  It's very easy to assemble and easy to travel and take to places! We love it.

A big yay to me & nee!

I couldn't be more proud of our new project collaborating with my good friend, Hannah.  We finally created a blog together!!  Putting our vision into reality!

me&nee blog….

Check out our blog and follow us!  

If you're in the Midwest, looking for adventure??  Must read. 

www.meandnee.wordpress.com

xoxo:  nee 

Bonjour 2014!

Happy new year!!!

So we said farewell to 2013 and hello to 2014!  Rocking it in my silk pjs and a bottle of wine, I couldn't have asked for a better start.  Relaxation.  

In 2014, my goals are to live the life of happiness.  I absolutely adore my little family, actually I'm a bit obsessed but I wanted to find my own passion among my many roles in life.  I don't want to forget who I am.  What is it about Nee that can inspire???

When I found out I was pregnant, all I did was research and read about how to be the best mom, what to do, Pinterest every idea on how motherhood should be.  Now, my little one has surpassed her first year and the fun has begun.  What can mommy do now that baby girl will wanna aspire to be??  I wanna learn how to knit, properly.  I wanna learn how to learn how to play the piano.  I wanna challenge myself more with my photography.  My husband and I signed up for cooking classes to become better chefs!  Most importantly, I wanna view life in a different eye.  

Without my husband's full support, my life wouldn't be complete.  So to 2014 and new adventures.  To many bubble baths and nights of finishing novels!  To many moments of unplugging from the technology world and to keeping in touch more with friends than sporadic texts.  To many date nights with my love and many travels abroad.  

I cannot wait to fill my book with more stories.  More courage and more excitement.  I want to be reminded that I am a wonderful wife and mom, despite how others may think, through all my journeys.  

What are some of your resolutions??  What are you hoping to discover or improve for the new coming year?? 

Wishing you a happy new year!!