Spring 2013

After all the craziness of the beginning of the year, things took a turn after our re-do new year's party. And I must say that it's been all very good transitions.

The big news is that Chris and I are expecting our second child. It was a big decision that I had a lot of trouble making. Things were just starting to get easier with Oliver and I was at a place where I need to figure out if I get a job or figure out a way to have some "Ann" life. I spent many months with this heavy decision on my shoulder, talking to my mom friends about their experience and their decision whether to have 1 or 2 or 3 children. In the end, there was a part of me that knew that I would definitely feel regret someday for Not having another. Especially seeing how well Oliver is turning out and my dedication to raising a good human being, I was finally able to commit to the decision to start trying. Luckily it didn't take long. And as of today I'm 27 weeks along with another boy. The first trimester was really tough. I was tired and nauseous all the time, but since then it's been wonderful.

Another big news came from Chris's company. We moved to New York so he can head up the office here. Because of some accounting issues and business slowing down the last few years, they came to the conclusion that they need to close their business. It was something we sort of saw coming and I think it was just the right time to move on. Although it wasn't what we had planned by moving here, but we felt more positive about this big change than fear of what we'll do to make a living. In the past year I really learned to be in the present and just go with the flow. I believe in Chris's talent and that whatever comes next will be just as good or better. We carried that attitude all the way through the process of selling all the equipments and moving out of the office, to figuring out what options we have. At this point we know our family is growing and it was important to cut back and take control over our finances. I was also looking into what I can do to help out and the universe provided some answers for us.

After trying out being a children's photographer, running errands for the neighbor, arts and crafts teacher, mandarin teacher, and looking to starting a recycling crafts business and starting my own professional organizer business...I found a place that has a stud-at-home certificate program to become a parenting instructor. I had thought about that many times before but never found anything that worked for my schedule. When I came across the Breakthrough Parenting program, it was on a not very attractive website. I had the idea of trading graphic design services for getting the program. And to my surprise they agreed to it. Then came months of me studying and working on the workbook and verbal test. I took some time off during my first trimester feeling too sick to study, but shortly after that in March 2013, I received my certificate and was thrilled to have completed something I set out to do, and something I truly feel passionate about.

I was eager to start a class, but because of schedule conflicts and parents not being available when I am able to teach. I was not able to start teaching. There was a part of me that felt insecure too, and decided that there's a reason why it's not working out now. So I continue to study the material, going to Starbucks once a week to read and take notes. Meanwhile practicing what I have learned with Oliver who is now 4.5 and more defiant than ever. Also I would have "sessions" with Oliver's school friend Joseph's mom and coach her for practice. I feel that was the right move since I now feel more confident about teaching. And when the time comes after I take some time off with the baby, I plan to start teaching on a more regular basis.

During Oliver's spring break, we took a trip to LA (March 16-26, 2013) This was a chance for us to see our good friends and family before the baby comes. It also gives Len and Elaine the time to start remodeling our bathroom! I had seen the work they did in the other apartments and sort of sweet talked my way into having ours done before the baby comes. It was nice to know that they like us enough to spare no expense and gave us the best most luxurious bathroom in the whole building. Every time we shower it's like being at the spa. It really makes our home life here even better.

Our visit to LA was just perfect. We're down to a handful of friends who we truly enjoy their company. I even was able to squeeze in a facial. We had lovely dinners and fun outings with the family. And we even went on a short vacation at a camp site called El Capitan near Santa Barbara. We stayed at a cabin with a king size bed, mini kitchen and bathroom. We had our own picnic table and fire pit. We look out the window and see trees and mountains. It was such a different scene but exactly what we needed at the end of a social week. We built a fire and had a bbq. walked to the beach and had fun enjoying the fresh air.

When we returned to Brooklyn, the bathroom was still not in good shape for us to be back in our apartment. So Len and Elaine had us stay with them for a few nights. It was wonderful to be taken care of like we are at a bed and breakfast. Oliver got to spend a lot of time playing with them and it was actually a good way to ease back into our routine. After a few days we were able to return home and finally sleep in our own beds. There were a few hiccups along the way with the remodel, but it's all coming together nicely.

A few weeks before going to LA we had decided it was best for us to sell our house. Now that we are expecting another child we no longer can fit in that house. Also it was just another expense that wasn't really helping us out financially. So with the changes in Chris's job, our families's needs, and us wanting to stay in NY, we moved forward with the sale. We introduced the broker to our tenants and everything took off quickly from there. A week later we had a photoshoot and website for the house. Then they had an open house which we got 19 offers mostly above asking price. With one round of counter offers, we ended up choosing a great buyer and had a 14 day escrow. Everything wrapped up in about a month and we are very happy to have sold it at a good time. It was a great house and we got to really enjoy it while we were there. Now we are happy renting without the stress of taking care of a property, especially to be in a beautiful neighborhood with lovely landlords who loves us and treats us so well.

It really feels like we took control over our life and simplified everything to the bare essential. Less stress worrying about material things and more time to focus on the family and our healthy and our future. I often feel so lucky how stress free my life is now, and looking forward to just enjoying our little family and whatever adventures to come.