Preschool Graduation Pictures!

Finally got these photos this summer. Her preschool did something a little backwards and postponed the originally scheduled photoshoot from the beginning of the year to the end of it.

I wasn't intending to buy these photos but when I saw them I couldn't resist. What can I say? I'm a sucker for photos.

She just looked so mature and grown up. I know, I know. The tritest thing a mom can say.

Now, just months later, I have previews of her photos for this school year and I am just wowed. W-O-W-ed. Can't wait to get those. Until then, will just have to feast my eyes on these :> xo



Totally her in that phase— that necklace and My Little Pony bracelets. She wore them every.day.

Michelena Graduates Preschool! [MOMLIFE]

Is this really happening? 

Honestly, having a hard time grappling with this moment. She's 4 but feels like she's going on 14. Her preschool days are over and I think I'm supposed to be crying right now but you know when things happen so fast it takes a while before it hits you? This is one of those moments and it still hasn't hit me.

This was honestly a rough day. She was excited for this event, as she's excited for all school-related events, but came to the sudden realization during the performance, when her best friends were missing, that this year is coming to an end as is her daily life with those best friends not graduating along with her. Instead, she's forced to sit among another class, singing strange songs she's been prepping to sing only in the last few weeks or so.

A day later, now looking back, I realize how odd and strange this setup was for the kids in her class who were moving to higher level schools. Had I known the effect, I honestly wouldn't have brought her. 

Transition is tough. And the lesson I learned this weekend is change might be harder going forward as she grows older, more aware, and more attached.

Nonetheless, we got through it. I continually remind her how much I love her, how valuable our family is, that we are a team and will always stick together. Because that is what families do. Amongst all the change that surrounds them, those that are true to each other will always move through change together, as a unit, as a team. 

Another day, another milestone, and How proud I am of her and how far she's come.

For memory: She can spell her name backwards and simple words forward :> She can read level 2 books and can do simple arithmetic. She can identify Google cars on the road and can run, skip, and hop. She can listen in on and interject in adult conversation, and even understands some Chinese though her accent is just as horrendous as mine. Her humor is impeccable and she loves playing with her friends. She loves play doh, legos, and monopoly. Killer smile, huge heart, love of technology and toys. xo

No Longer A Newborn! 3 Months Old!! [KID STYLE]

Hard to believe it's been three months since we welcomed our newest warrior. Three months! No longer a newborn, she's getting bigger, more solid, and more able than ever.

It's a little bittersweet, I have to admit. Hiring managers seemed to have slowed down during the holiday season and will hopefully pick up after the new year. So while I got to enjoy these first few months exclusively with the baby, I'm still trying to wrap my head around how it will be as I head back to work, especially this time around as I am exclusively breastfeeding. Every mom I speak to who has done it hates to pump and complains of a decreased supply. Hopefully I'll find something nearby (ideally remote!) with something flexible. 

As a graduation from her newborn days and initiation into infanthood, I got her this sherpa vest (I've actually been looking for one for her for a while). It's interesting. This whole outfit that she's wearing is all her own. I thought everything would be hand-me-downs but I've changed as a parent. No onesie sleepers all day every day. Once in a while, especially if it's cold (or if I'm lazy) maybe, otherwise we're keeping it real.

Love this kid. Both my kids. How much we've all grown, together. And how much more we have yet to grow. xo

On Baby:

Vest: H&M

Top: Target-Carters

Pants: Target-Circo

On Toddler:

Vest: Old Navy

Top: Walmart 

Pants: Kohls

Baby's First Bath! [MOMLIFE]

Passing The Premie Mark At 37 Weeks! [MATERNITY]

37 weeks! In the pregnancy timeline that means I've passed the premie mark. Another milestone, another sigh of relief.

Pregnancy is an interesting time. I don't know any other time where you are counting the days and weeks like a mad woman (other than perhaps the time after the child is born and you're waiting for the 1-week and 1-month mark, and then are counting your baby's age in months until they are two :>).

We're in the middle of Labor Day weekend and I'm hoping we'll surpass the long weekend without having to go into labor myself. Baby was moving a lot today and my belly was continually morphing into all sorts of shapes :> It's a trip.

I took Nui Nui out for a walk at the mall today. Well, actually, her grandpa met up with us and took her around while me and mom shopped ourselves. (Not sure if shopped is the right verb. Browsed, perhaps. The sales were pretty disappointing, though mom did find a pair of sneakers she's been wanting for a while now.) Despite how tired I am, I figure I should do as much with Nui Nui as I can before the baby arrives. She had a great time.

I'm hoping tomorrow I can take her swimming. Definitely when I was pregnant with her, my swimming days were over by now but, defying Labor Day's transition into fall, we're having a second wave of summer with weather in the 90s, so I want to take advantage of it. Nui Nui's been wanting to go swimming for a while now, too. And honestly, after a few cold days, I'm glad for the heat's return (my feet, maybe not so much).

This is the bump after an afternoon walk, a much-needed nap, and only 3 weeks left to grow. xo

She Spit It Out!

Warning: to some, this might seem graphic. Viewer discretion is advised.

Probably since before she was one, I've tried to teach Nui Nui to spit out the phlegm she coughs up. Ten days ago, while Mom and I were talking around the dinner table, Nui Nui walked away and came back with this bucket. Tears in my eye: #soproud

The thing is, is that I know she knows what I'm asking and even how to do it. It's just a matter of time whether she wants to or not. I'm looking forward to the teenage years... :>

Anyway, Nui Nui's getting used to my taking photos and she happy agreed that I take a photo of this :> Recently, as I've been trying to #foodporn more, she's been insisting I take a photo of her plate too. So funny. TMI? Open book.

Pretty Girl In A Pretty Dress With A Pretty Smile Sets The Table And Writes '10'!

Nui Nui has been wanting to take on more responsibility (and I'm all for it) and it first started with the napkins and now she can set the table. She was so proud of herself, as was I :>



While we were hanging outside with our sidewalk chalk, Nui Nui wanted me write the number ten. This was our conversation:
Nui Nui: Momma, write 10! Write a one and a zero! [she showed me a one with her fingers :>]
Me: No, you write me 10.
Nui Nui: No, I don't know how.
Me: Yeah, you do. Write a one and a zero, or an O, together.
Nui Nui: Ok.

...And then she does! This is what it looked like! :>