I'm 3 days away from meeting our new baby boy. I am feeling great most of the time except at night trying to sleep and dealing with the heat and humidity. This pregnancy started out rough but really has been great after the first trimester. I think all the walking in NY has helped keep my body in better condition. I didn't put on as much weight, and is much more mobile than when I has pregnant with Oliver. Even being so close to the delivery I'm still very active and keeping a pretty regular schedule.
The last few months as part of my planning and nesting I've been busy taking care of our finances and any updates to our apartment. I had a long list, but was very disciplined in getting things done. I'm glad that I was able to take care of all the major projects including selling of our house in LA and getting a financial advisor to help us with the money.
Each week since Oliver's been out of school I have been planning weekly outings and emailing his friends so he can meet up with his friends. I've become good friends with Marisa whose 2 boys John and Jude play very well with Oliver. Marisa used to work for Martha Steward Wedding so we have a lot to talk about other than our kids. A few months back another friend Stephanie, Sacha, Elaine, and Marisa took me out to brunch as a baby shower. I felt so loved and special knowing that in Brooklyn I have many new friends who care so much about me. And they are all really wonderful genuine people. One thing I said during brunch was that I never imagined my life like this 2 years ago. When Chris and I talked about moving to NY, I felt comfortable with the idea because of one of my closest friend Heejo was living here. Hard to believe that we had a falling out and she's no longer in my life. However the new direction my life has taken is a path I feel confident and strongly about.
I feel for the first time I have more control over my own life and know where to set my boundaries. I know I'll be very busy taking care of the baby, Oliver, and our home. And I'm looking forward to starting my career as a parenting instructor when the time comes. It's taken me 38 years to get here, and I'm grateful for every good and bad experience that guided me to where I am today.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
2013 Craziness
The end of 2012 to the start of 2013 has to be the craziest days of our lives. It all started when our Honeybaked ham delivery went missing. Someone from UPS probably ate it. Then, Dad and Joan came to visit us for a week. It was fun spending time with them, especially for Oliver, but it was also very tiring to be out all the time in the cold weather. To add to the holiday stress, we went to Macy's to see Santa and waited 3 hours. Oliver was so patient the whole time. Dad almost passed out while waiting in line. And Oliver ended up saying after we got home "That's the last time we'll be doing that." Then Joan had some allergic reaction to something and they ended up spending almost a whole day at the ER on Christmas eve!
Christmas day luckily had no major drama. We had a nice brunch at our place, with our substitute ham with a homemade glaze. Chris's mom came from New Jersey for the day and we all enjoyed a nice meal and opened "a zillion" presents. Oliver has been a very good boy all year and his presents proved it. However, the next day we woke up to the news that our good friend/landlord who is 71, fell and broke his hip. I also received an email from our tenants at Crescent Heights with a long list of repairs. Not the way I'd like to start the day.
Just when we thought we're out of the woods of bad news, we were woken up on New Year's morning at 7am by the pounding on our front door from our landlady Elaine. She had an intruder in her home standing in her bedroom! This is while her husband is still at the hospital recovering from hip surgery. We spent New Year's day talking to the the police and trying to figure out what happened. Luckily no one was hurt and nothing was taken. We all took it as a wake up call (literally) to be more cautious and up the security of the building.
And then...2 days later Elaine broke her toe.
Even though these things didn't really happen to us. We've had to jump in and help take care of things. Len and Elaine are like family to us and they were so grateful we were here to help them out through a tough time. We ended up having a New-er Year dinner after Len was out of the hospital to start the year over. We each held a ball and dropped it after a count down. Oliver loved it, and I feel like that will become a new tradition for us.
The drama continues with some major changes with Chris's work that became a big stress for us. Although we've been very optimistic about changes and welcome the transition.
Just to add a cherry on top of all the madness, my dear friend for 16 years has decided that she no longer wants to be friends with me. It makes me very sad that we've been through so much together and have grown very close, but maybe our lives are going in different directions and we have drifted apart. A very wise 4 year old said this to me. "I still want to be her friend. Maybe she is tired from playing with you. So play with some other friends for a while and maybe she will play with you again later." (Thank you Oliver, you are amazing and I really appreciate your advice.)
The good news is the Dooley 3 are resilient and feeling stronger than ever. Did I say 3? I mean the Dooley 4! Yes, I am now carrying baby #2. It's a much different pregnancy than with Oliver. Much more nausea and exhausted all the time. I'm at 14 weeks now and finally is feeling a little better. We haven't told Oliver yet. Waiting till we know the gender before we make him officially big brother. I'm already so proud of him for being super caring and understanding when I've been too "sick" to play with him. This baby is very lucky to have a big brother like him.
Meanwhile, I'm continuing to teach Mandarine at Imagine, working on a some freelance design projects, and working on getting my certificate for becoming a parenting instructor. I'm excited about 2013 and feeling more calm and at ease with where I'm at in this stage of my life. I'm working towards a more simpler life filled with happiness and peace. Whatever craziness that comes our way, I feel grounded enough to handle anything.
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