Happy Birthday my Sweet Huntley Lynn

January 5, 2015January 5, 2015Leave a comment

Dear Huntley,

When I first found out I was pregnant with you I was filled with so many emotions: excitement, joy, and fear all at the same time. I prayed for your health and development every day while you were in my belly. I prayed for a safe delivery for the both of us. I prayed that you would know that you were loved even before we met. I loved having you in my belly, you were so much fun even before you were born. You were always kicking and moving about! I felt your first kick at 10 weeks, while your dad felt you at 12 weeks!

A year ago today, my water broke! Again those emotions came sweeping back to me once again, this time mixed with nervousness and some anxiety… I was about to meet you. I was going to finally hold you! The labor was a blur to me and I always tell people it was so easy, but your dad says I’m not giving myself enough credit, I must’ve been too elated with excitement and joy to remember what I had just gone through. All I remember, clear as day, is when the nurse came by my bedside and laid your little body on my chest – I was so in love! I couldn’t hold back the tears as I couldn’t ever imagine living another day without you.

The first months were tough, as you fought sleep through the night but dreamed throughout the day. Several times a night you’d wake up crying, I’d come rushing in to hold you, rock you, sing to you, and nurse you back to sleep, then gently carry you to your bassinet or crib, give you a kiss and lay your sweet head back down. You and I had a routine, was it the right routine? I don’t know. But it’s one that I miss these days as you enter toddler-hood.

This past year you’ve accomplished so much! Your dad and I would use to talk about not wanting to be “those parents,” you know, the kind that gush about their babies being so perfect. However you never cease to amaze us, and yes, we’ve become those parents. You first showed us your strength at your first check up when the nurse put you on your belly (first tummy time at two days old) and you tried to pull yourself forward, even she was amazed! We quickly took you home to show your grandparents and even they were impressed by your abilities as you showed us all that you could flip from belly to back with one kick and at only three days old – yours pops dubbing you “Power Foot”! The day you started to army crawl was the day you wanted to try mango for the first time and you were willing to do anything to get it out of your daddy’s hands, even if you were only four months old! Your first out of country trip was to Taiwan and you were determined to take your first steps to walk the halls of our hotel with your cousin Kaitlyn, which you nearly did! And then proceeded to wait for the day you got back to the US to show your daddy at seven months that you can take more than three steps at once!

Being an optimist you are always smiling, giggling, and are an all-around fun baby! You love clapping, singing and dancing (you’ve got more moves than your mom and dad combined). Bubbles in the tub or blown in the air are the best! You are still obsessed with water no matter the temperature; you love bath time and swimming in the pool or ocean. Although a bit pickier now, since you use to eat everything, you still have a great appetite for food and have quite a distinguished palette for a one year old. Some of your favorite flavors being Mexican hot salsa, mint chutney, and anything sour! You’ve loved sugar ever since your first cake, cookie, candy, and lick of ice cream! You are curious, smart, strong, fearless, happy and so much fun to be around!

You’ve taught your daddy and I what it means to care for and love someone so immensely and our hearts have grown so big because of you! Happy birthday my sweet Huntley Lynn. I love you so much!

Sincerely,
Mama

Huntley’s Vintage Glam Nursery Tour

December 26, 2014December 23, 2014Leave a comment

Description:

Originally I had envisioned a modern chic-nursery in teal and yellow, but fell in love with this crib (not at all modern) and decided on a completely different style for this nursery.

When I was pregnant, I would always be on the lookout for things that would work in the nursery. Sometimes, I would just buy things because I loved it, not because it would match – you’ll notice I use tons of prints and patterns. If you knew me, you would know me as a collector of vintage! My mother-in-law is a perfect example of this, she purchased from flea markets/antique stores, etc. some of the most beautiful vintage things including the ceramic shoes, cream hanger hook, and wooden gold floral piece in the corner. Three of the frames and art on the gallery wall are also vintage, two of which I painted in gold glitter.

I knew pink would be perfect for this vintage-glam theme, but my husband didn’t want a bubblegum pink and so we decided on this pretty iced peach.

As some might think this small room seems a bit cluttered and too small for all that’s in it, Huntley just loves taking tours around her room with so much to see and touch!

Design Inspiration:

The inspiration for our baby girl’s nursery all started with this beautiful Bratt Decor crib and vintage dressers!

Decorating Style:

Nothing to match-y, personalization is key! Many of the things that were used in the room were either gifted or found at thrift stores and on Craigslist. One of my favorite gifts was from a cousin of mine who got a little ceramic shoe personalized with Huntley’s name in gold handwriting – I thought this was such a sweet gift and so perfect in the room!

Project Details:

Chandeliers – Amazon

Crib – Bratt Decor “Casablanca Crib” in Slate

Crib Bedding (bumper/skirt/sheet/blanket) & Valance – Bebe Chic “Angelica” http://www.2sweetsisters.com/AngelicaCribBedding#.U08F1DmST8s

Mobile – Restoration Hardware “Hot Air Balloon”

Wooden Letters – (spelling HUNTLEY) DIY Michaels with gold glitter paint.

Dresser & Nightstands – Craigslist (believe it or not, they were found at different times and from different sellers, even though they match)

Changing Pad Cover & Closet Baskets – Wendy Bellisimo “Petit Safari” and “Vintage Teaberry”

Toy Basket & Diaper Basket – Homegoods

Rug – Overstock

White Eyelit Pots – Ikea (large) and Target (small)

Rocker/Glider – was a gift from Huntley’s grandparents, Bratt Decor “Grand Wheat Glider”

Child’s Chair – Pottery Barn “Anywhere Chair”

Gold Hooks – Anthropologie

Deer Door Stop – (actually a piggybank) Urban Outfitters

Favorite Items:

I love love love Huntley’s crib bedding and valances! The print, color, and fabric just make the room!

At night, when the chandeliers are on, the room has a golden glow.

Photos taken by my friend Fressa-Mae.

Meeting Santa

December 24, 2014December 23, 2014Leave a comment

I decided to beat the crazy lines by having Huntley meet Santa right after Thanksgiving. I dressed her head to toe in gold and I thought this dress I had found a while back was just perfect! I wasn’t sure whether Huntley would be glad to see Santa or whether we would be going home with the classic crying baby photos. Luckily her first visit left us with one smiling photo as she was still unsure of what she thought of the whole ordeal. Anytime after that day, if she saw another Santa, she was not happy!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

Nursery Plans!

December 23, 2014December 23, 20142 Comments

OK, if you know me, you know that I love to shop and I love to decorate! Half the excitement of finding out the gender for me was for these reasons! I know that’s terrible, but I’m being totally honest with you!

As I have mentioned. I was incredibly excited to find out that we were having a girl. I had already bought the crib and matching bedding for our little princess, even though we didn’t know the gender! But not to worry, I knew what I would do in case we found out we were having a boy, and don’t get me wrong, that nursery would’ve been badass! But, we’re having a girl and it isn’t going to be much different than Huntley’s nursery, other than it’s a tad bigger than hers and probably won’t get chandeliers since Tanner does not want to deal with those again (unless, I can’t help it and get an electrician…wink*). Instead of a Bratt Decor Casablanca crib like Huntley’s, this baby girl is getting a Simmons Monaco Antique Silver Crib. I know this crib might not be as high-quality as the Bratt Decor crib, but I got a great deal on it and just couldn’t pass it up! Also, I got a a beautiful crib bedding set. The maker is Cottontale Designs Lollipops & Roses (also, not as high-quality as Huntley’s Bebe Chic Angelica), but matches nonetheless – go figure!

And here’s a glimpse into Huntley’s room to get an idea of the feel of it!

I wanted you

December 23, 2014December 23, 2014Leave a comment

Before we even had our elective gender determination ultrasound, I already knew that we would be having another girl. How did I know this? I just had a feeling! Two weeks after finding out that we were pregnant (even without knowing I had a missed period), I bought a beautiful pearlized iron crib with matching pale pink crib bedding to Huntley’s. Two weeks before actually finding out the gender, I bought matching pale pink baskets for the the already planned out nursery for our number two. And the day that the ultrasound technician confirmed my husband’s ability to read the potty shot image “I’ve seen that shot, it’s a girl,” said Tanner, I had the silliest-happiest grin on my face, whilst my husband with the look disappointment tried to put a smile on his nonetheless. The same similar look of disappointment beamed from multiple family members and friends faces as we we announced our exciting news. Most of them had guessed that I was having a boy and almost all of them wanted to be right about it. Growing up with deep rooted Chinese cultural and traditional family expectations, I’ve always known that boys were favored and even considered essential. My own family is proof of that! My parents stopped having children after my little brother was born. Had my older sister been a boy, they might have felt their family was complete, but she wasn’t. And nor was I. Finding out that I was girl, had to be one of the biggest disappointments for my parents, grandparents, and whoever else felt that it was essential to have a boy in each family. Don’t get me wrong though, my parents give me so much love and spoil me rotten even though I’m not the boy they originally wanted. I knew that if baby number two were to be a girl, I would not be sad. I would not allow myself to be disappointed. I would not cry. I would be all the opposites of disappointed. I would smile with excitement. I would proudly tell all my family and friends that we were in fact having a girl. And that I wanted her. I wanted this girl so bad. And so I did. Luckily, I had my husband driving as we were closing in on my family’s luncheon meeting spot the day we told my parents. I got nervous… I knew my mom and dad were already hoping to find out about their first grandson. I knew that I would be disappointing them when I announced our exciting news of a baby girl, another granddaughter. And as Tanner drew closer to the restaurant parking lot, I couldn’t hold them back. I couldn’t hold back the tears. Not tears of disappointment. But tears for the thought of disappointing my parents… At that very moment, I started getting angry. I was angry at myself for allowing these tears to fall. I was so angry at the fact that I felt the way I felt, because deep down I was/am so happy about having another girl. In the end I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t tell my parents. Tanner took the initiative and broke the news. There was a lot of “you’ll get it next time,” “next time you can try this and that,” but in the end, it was out there. I’m so glad it’s over. As for what everyone else thinks, I could care less. Because in the end I wanted this girl. I wanted you. And that’s all that matters.

Gender Reveal – It’s a….

December 22, 2014December 22, 20147 Comments

Sorry to keep you all in suspense, we just needed time to let it all sink in. We’re so excited to finally announce that we will be having a baby GIRL, expected to be due June 6th 2015! And yes, that’s how Huntley kisses – open-mouth style!

Living Without…

December 21, 2014December 22, 20142 Comments

Since marrying and becoming an adult, like a real adult with lots bills, loans, mortgage payments, etc., I have become more and more ~~cheap~~ ~~thrifty~~ ~~careful~~ ~~humble~~ down-to-earth. It all started with our dishwasher breaking over a year ago. After having multiple plumbers, dishwasher repair men come out to check/fix our dishwasher, with little success, we gave up! Everything has and will continue to be hand washed from there on out, or at least until we purchase a new dishwasher.

Eight months ago we decided to cancel our cable to save money, I mean, who needs cable when you’ve got Netflix and Amazon Prime Instant Video? It worked out fine since we had internet access via our Playstation connected to the TV, until three months ago when our Playstation broke and we could only access the internet through our computer and iPhones (which doesn’t really make for great movie nights). However, surprisingly this has been a very positive push in the right direction for building our family dynamic. We’ve since purchased a larger family dining table and converted our old dining area into a play area and are one less living room spaces, but we had two anyways. We eat all our dinners at the dining table and even push Huntley’s Stokke Tripp Trapp highchair (without the tray) right up to the table so she gets to eat with mommy and daddy.

A month ago Huntley broke the faucet switch piece above the tub. You know the one that switches the direction from the shower to the tub? Yep, we can only take baths now… We have yet to have someone come fix it, but for now, I’ve learned that we’ve been much better at conserving water this way and is also a great excuse for this mama to get some relaxing bath time after a long day.

It Won’t Always Be Like This.

December 18, 2014December 20, 2014Leave a comment

Since Huntley’s first steps at seven months old, it’s been a real battle to put her in a stroller, shopping cart, or even her carseat (which she usually loves). These days she thinks she’s little miss independent. Always wanting to go explore on her own since she can walk all by herself. Unlike some of her baby friends from our mommy group, she doesn’t worry when she can’t see me, that is if she ever looked for me at all (I’m usually hiding around the corner or behind the clothing racks keeping a watchful eye). But, no, she doesn’t really care. Shopping use to be enjoyment for me, even when she was a newborn (that was the best time). Now, it is work! I spend most of my time chasing her around the store rather than getting things done. I can’t even look at my shopping list on my phone or even written on a piece a paper without this girl wanting to chew on it.

Today I was in a motivate mood and told myself that I would get the rest of our Christmas shopping done, wrapped, etc. We went to Nordstrom Rack and boy, was that fun (in a sarcastic tone). A normal 30-45 minute trip had turned into an exhausting two hours. Most of the time was spent letting Huntley walk around the store and trying to teach her to follow me. Putting her in the cart will leave her screaming. I tried buckling her in the cart with my purse and cell phone to entertain her, but that didn’t last long as she dropped my cell phone. And as I went to pick it up she somehow figured out how to unbutton, unzip, and find all my credit cards and cash “making it rain” hundred and twenties in the store, which had me on my knees making sure to have picked up everything she had thrown. Nonetheless, I got most of our remaining presents down – success!

Next up was Target, but judging by our first shopping trip of the day, I decided to come back home and let her nap for a bit. It lasted about thirty minutes. Enough time for me to clean the dishes and wrap the presents that I had just bought. We headed back out to brave another shopping adventure after she had woken up. I decided to try the Ergo and a Wubbanub to try to keep her calm. This only lasted from the parking lot to the store, and then she was screaming again… I put her in the shopping cart and tried to entertain her as best I could with non-stop high-fives, tickling, and mini toys. Yes, I came prepared this time. Sadly, those didn’t last long and we were back at it. Her walking around as I chased behind her. I grabbed some of the main items on my mental shopping list: Charmin, check, Bounty, check, Mrs Meyer’s countertop spray (my favorite), check, Mr Clean Magic Erasers, check, Juice, check, random other crap that Target gets you with, check. Leaving the store, sweat beads rolling down the sides of my face, I felt good I got everything on my mental list or at least I thought so. I sit in my car and “oh shoot!” I forgot the water. I really needed to get the water. We ran out this morning, how else would I make Huntley’s formula?

And now this leaves us to the third stop, this time into the grocery store. We step in, meat is on sale, right before we reach the water aisle. I guess I’m cooking steak tonight. Added into the basket the sides, potatoes, salad, then some fruit, since Huntley really wanted to take those apples and bananas down and don’t forget the water – finally we’re out of the store. Luckily on the mini drive home, she fell asleep. This gave me time to move all our shopping bags into the house and I was even able to transfer her, without waking her up, to her crib. So here I am, blogging and cooking dinner before she wakes up and the husband gets home. I feel exhausted today, but I know it won’t always be like this. I know that one day she will follow me and I won’t have to chase her through the stores. I know that one day she won’t even want to go shopping with me and will tell me herself. And so, for now, I will do my best to enjoy these moments, the good moments – like when people in the store tell me how sweet and cute she is as she smiles and waves hi to everyone as I follow her through the store. Because it won’t always be like this.

Jammed Packed Holidays

December 17, 2014December 19, 20143 Comments

Is it just me? Or did Halloween, Thanksgiving and now Christmas come and go so quickly? I had planned to have our house this year be even more decked out in Christmas spirit than the last. However, finding the time to pull out our five large storage boxes marked “Christmas” and the nativity scene didn’t seem worth it with the one day a week we get to spend with Tanner. And being pregnant, once again during the holidays, I haven’t been allowed to do it all myself. My husband hates when I try to use the ladder in the garage to get things. And the few weekends were spent putting away all the Thanksgiving Fall decor, which luckily I have downsized to three medium sized boxes and one large storage bin (yippee!)

This time last year, I had it together! Christmas presents were bought and wrapped early. There weren’t any traveling involved since we didn’t think it best to be traveling to Arizona (as we would normally) since I was a week out from being due to give birth. And thank goodness we stayed home during Christmas since we ended up walking around the neighborhood Christmas morning with my terribly painful contractions. We were lucky enough to have my in-laws come down to celebrate some pre-Christmas festivities with us around our decked out Christmas tree, but Christmas itself was not the same.

This year is not going the way I had imagined for Huntley’s first Christmas. I put out all our normal nautical decor even though I had originally planned to have the house be in traditional classic Christmas spirit as I had mentioned above. However, I also didn’t imagine being pregnant once again, or having to throw a first birthday party, literally the next day after driving back from a week long trip to Arizona. We still got our grand fir 6 ft. tree as tradition (and we picked a perfect one this year!) I thought it would be best to decorate with a few of our cherished ornaments, but not all, however after pointing to three wrong storage bins that the husband had to haul down from the top of the garage racks, we gave up. I did end up decorating as best I could with some seashells we had from a wind chime that fell over in our backyard and some twine to keep with our nautical theme. I also found two gorgeous nautical Christmas wreaths to hang – and I love them!

Even though our house might not be in much Christmas spirit as I had hoped for, I just know Huntley will have an amazing first Christmas at her Wela and grandpa’s house this year!

How have you been keeping up with the holidays?

All photos via my iPhone and IG @TiffWall

Keeping it Real

December 16, 2014December 19, 20142 Comments

My motto use to be “it’s easier keeping a house clean than cleaning a dirty one,” but these days keeping a house clean is not an easy task! When I was living on my own I would wash my laundry once a week, my sheets every other week, have my dry cleaning dropped off/picked up on time, and would keep my house in tip-top tidy shape – dusting and all! Since being married and living with another person, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be since we’re both quite similar.

Tanner had always been a pretty neat young man even in our college years. It was actually one of the first things that I took notice of and was very impressed with his very well put together bedroom! So masculine with his chocolate brown bedding, curtains, and decor (I mean the guy literally had “decor” and in college). While mine was more of a shabby-chic, light pinks, creams, and pale yellows, Audrey Hepburn love – the ultimate girly room! So you can only imagine our combined style when we married and came together in our current house. It was like trying to fit Anthropologie into a cigar humidor! But we made it work, despite our different cleaning strategies, (at least we both had them!)

The first year was absolutely perfect! Our house was always in a beautiful state. Laundry done, mail thrown away or filed away, dishes cleaned in the dishwasher, and sheets cleaned every other week. The second year was a bit more difficult after our laundry machine broke and was fixed but our routine was messed up…piles of laundry became a norm as we were both working out, changing clothes constantly, not knowing who was going to do laundry…our sheets, not so fresh and dishes started piling up when we’d both be working over 10-14 hour days… Then baby came along the following year. Laundry became the ultimate chore! Mail took over all counter space and dishes have become a nightmare after weaning Huntley from the boob to the bottle and the dishwasher broke! Yes, broke, meaning, I must hand wash every thing. It got even more difficult after finding out the the Comotomo bottle had been discontinued and when I was ready to purchase more there were none to be found until end of November, leaving me to purchase the Born Free bottles after reading raving reviews online. Probably one of the worst ideas ever, considering I do not have a colcky baby (especially at age nine months, at the time I bought them) and with six pieces to clean per bottle! Washing bottles throughout the day is enough for me, let alone the rest of the dishes.

We use to have a rule, “make it look easy,” when describing our hosting efforts and all the cleaning/tidying we do prior to having people over. But I’ve since dropped this rule since last month. If you’re close enough of a friend you’d understand the mail on the countertops, the laundry baskets and folded laundry on the sofas, and the few dirty dishes in the sink. If not, why would you even be hanging at my house? Maybe I’m just becoming plain lazy with the house not being in perfect condition, but for now and until the end of this year, I’m planning on “keeping it real”.