Oliver on his 2nd Birthday

Happy Birthday Oliver!!

It's Oliver's 2nd birthday today. Yesterday we already had our play group over for a mini birthday party in the back yard. He had lots of fun sharing his toys and snacks. All the kids loved the "water slide" into the Hippo kiddie pool and bubble machine. The home-made water park was a big hit.

Today Oliver and I had to run a few errands together to get ready for the second party with the family tomorrow. We first stopped at the grocery store to pick up some coconuts and pineapple. We got his favorite blueberries, which he got so excited he started to play drum on the container. It was fun until he dropped it and blueberries rolled everywhere. We waited until someone came with a broom to clean it up. And Oliver apologized and thanked the man in the red hat who helped us.

Then it was off to Honey Baked to pick up a ham for the party. While we waited, Oliver ran around the store and came back to me to sample a piece of ham. He loved it! So we decided to have sandwiches there for lunch. He chose the high chair over the booster seat. (good choice!) and we shared some more ham, a slice of whole wheat bread, some gouda cheese, and some "little tires" (sliced olives). Oliver did attempt to make his own sandwich by putting the ham on top of his bread. This is something new since he likes to eat each food by itself.

While enjoying our lunch, he all of the sudden said "Ann Dooley!" I was so surprised because I am not sure when he learned that. He was looking right at me, so I think he knows he's calling my name. It was really cute. Then later on, I heard him sing while looking out the window. After listening closely, I realized that he was singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" in Chinese!! I had my phone and was able to record both of those. I had never heard him say those things and I was just so amazed by it.

Once we got home he played in the car for a while until it was time for his nap. We've been working on his nap and moving the time earlier for the past month. He went from not wanting to stop playing or me leave the room, to today, where he heard the cricket alarm I set to signal nap time and rolled over on the couch ready to be picked up. He told me he wanted the little book we were reading in the crib with him. Then he happily went to bed and talked to himself for about 10 minutes before falling asleep. It was so sweet and nice to know he understand it's time to rest and that when he wakes up I'll be there.

Only half the day has gone and we still have a whole afternoon to spend time together. I've got a lot to do for his birthday party, but I'm going to let those things wait and just enjoy our day having fun.

More to come later!

My first "Message from the President"-July 2010

It seems that 9 months is the magic number for me to get used to anything new. I went from being terrified by the idea of how much my life would change once I have a baby, to wondering how I ever lived without him. It took another 9 months to finally admit I couldn‟t do it all myself and hired a nanny. Then 9 months later, I let her go and joined the MOMS Club. And here we are, 9 months after joining, I've become the president of the Club.

I've always been a busy body. Having projects and coming up with new ones invigorates me. I really believed that not even a baby would slow me down. And when I was faced with the reality, and a bit of an identity crisis, I was devastated. The constant stress and sleep deprivation wore me down. Unfortunately that wasn't enough motivation for me to join the Club. I couldn't get over that I was no longer a "career woman". And saw “seeking support” as “being defeated.”

I spent many hours watching Oprah for inspiration when one show spoke to me. Someone said, you need to grieve for your old self before the baby because you'll never be that person again. Embrace the new you, because you are yourself, and so much more. This insight was the turning point. I realized my naive misconception held me back from being a part of such a wonderful organization. As I have learned that we all had to make adjustments in our lives for the benefit of our children. How selfless and admirable it is to be a stay-at-home mom. And for anyone who's been in the same place I was, I can confidently say that the Club has given me a new sense of purpose and belonging. It has renewed my energy and opened my mind. I am proud to be amongst such an extraordinary group of women. I am busier than ever doing the most rewarding and important job that I‟ve ever had.

I am honored to be in this position to be able to offer support to other moms in need. I hope to bring you and your children many fun and entertaining activities, as well as valuable information and assistance. I look forward to getting to know everyone. I appreciate having the opportunity to give back to a club that has helped me so much. And I am here to help with my arms and heart wide open.

Ann Dooley

President of MOMS Club

West Hollywood and Hollywood Chapter

Ann's projects -completed

I've been busier than ever with work not related to Oliver. I had gave myself a goal to have my first book published by my birthday. It didn't happen on time, but I have sent in the file and it should be up on Amazon.com for purchase early July. I can't believe it's really happening. I am excited and proud of myself for coming up with this project and following through with it. The title is now called "Quick Tips For First-Time Moms: A Simple and Practical Guide to Finding Balance". For the longest time I was only writing it for the first 3 months after giving birth. Those were really the toughest days I've ever had. Then I realized that a lot of the tips applied to pass that phase, and anyone with a baby can benefit from ways to get organized and bring more balance to their lives. So after many revisions and edits, I finally just had to go for it. This was a good experience working on the book and finding my own voice and style of writing. And I'm excited that I already other book ideas in mind. I found out a friend knows someone at a good publisher, maybe I can approach them with my book too and see where it goes.

Another project completed is the website redesign for the MOMS Club. I had volunteered a while back to make the site more of a resource that you can return to, then just an introduction of the Club. It's been great working with the moms in the group. One person programs the site, another helps to edit the content, another provides photography. It's truly a team effort. The design has been well received, and we're going to launch the site at the MOMS Club annual banquet, which I was in charge of planning...and where I'll be introduced as the new President of the Club!!!

So basically I had volunteered for a bunch of things to help out. It's all things I enjoy doing and it gave me a project to keep working on my design skills. When the position opened up because the person who was going to do it was moving away, I was so flattered that the executive board thought of me for the position. I was excited and knew I can do the job. So I accepted and started the process of learning the responsibilities of the job, as well as getting to know the members who I haven't met. I can't believe I have taken on a position that requires me to speak to a large group of people, but that was one of the reasons why I wanted the job. It's always been my fear, and what better way to get over it than to do it. It's much easier to practice in front of a group of people I already know...plus the babies will be a distraction if I ever mess up. I am loving being able to be helpful and connect with people. I think this job will really help me grow in so many ways. And I can show Oliver that his mommy conquered a fear and helped other people at the same time.

Going back to the banquet, I had designed the look of the event and made the party favors. This is another benefit of the President's position, that I get to do more event planning and build a little portfolio of cake decorating and event design.

This is a party favor bag I designed. It's an iron on to make these draw string bags custom-designed for our event. Inside we have 2 specialty-teas and some hand decorated cookies.

Another big project was 2 bathroom make-overs for my parents' house. They went on a trip to Asia for 2 months. And while they were gone I needed to stop by to check on the house. I decided they needs an update on their 2 bathrooms. So after a few trips to Target and Osh, I repainted both of them, and replaced everything from trash cans to towels. I really liked how they turned out. And they were happily surprised when they got home. My mom still says how much more relaxing it is to be in there that she doesn't want to leave!

I've also finished a few freelance projects from past clients. I was doing so much work that didn't make any money, I thought it was time to take on some paid jobs. I hope with Oliver taking good naps that I'll be able to work more, especially now that all the big projects are done.

Coming up next...

Members-Only Section for the MOMS Club website.

Do some marketing and promoting of the book

Planning Oliver's 2nd Birthday Party

Chris's Birthday celebration

and then...off to Hawaii for a much much much needed family vacation!!!

Baby Milestone - Twenty-Two and Three Months

Oliver continues to be the light of my day. He only gets more beautiful in every way, especially his loving gentle soul. He is pure joy and so much fun to be around. And continues to surprise me with his ability to learn new skills and words. He is also well mannered and extremely considerate. He remembers to use please and thank you. And likes to share his food and toys with others. He's never grabbed a toy out of another baby's hand, and also doesn't get upset when someone does that to him.

The past 2 months my parents have been away on vacation in Asia. Oliver missed his a-ma and ye-ye who normally visits him twice a week. He has learned the phrase that they've gone on an airplane to Taiwan, but once in a while he still looks out the window hoping to see my parents show up.

With a little more flexibility in our schedule, we've been able to have a few more outings. Oliver still loves to go to the zoo. And now we walk most of the way together which is a lot of fun. We also visited a friend who lives walking distance from the beach. Even though it was a cloudy day, Oliver still had a great time playing in the sand. We also went to Disneyland for the first time with his Grandma and Aunt Pat. He loved being in the hotel elevator with the big glass windows overlooking the fish and turtle pond. At the park, he enjoyed riding on the train, but a little scared of the other rides.

Grandad who normally visits us on Fridays alone, has surprised Oliver a few times with visits with Joan. Oliver loves playing with them, and Joan takes great photos of Oliver while playing. We've also gone out to Grandad's house a few times. Oliver loves to help do the dishes, water the plants, and sweep the floor. What a great house guest! Oliver really does help out a lot around the house. Now I can ask him to do something, walk away, and come back to see the toys all put away. And he knows when there's food crumbs on the floor, to get the broom and dust pan.

He is taking after me to be a good host when we have play dates at our house. He's very generous with sharing his toys and food. He is especially kind to his stuffed animal friends, who takes turns sleeping in his crib. His favorite toys now are his toy trucks with "boy", bus with "driver", Woody from Toy Story, and the latest a toy truck that looks like a tow truck in his favorite book "Cars, Trucks, and Things that Go". He loves trucks so much, he'll often run to the window when he hears the garbage truck passing by. And we're "lucky" to have many road constructions going on in the neighborhood to be introduced to construction trucks such as the back hoe and cherry picker. One day we just brought some water and snacks and sat in the middle of the sidewalk to watch all the construction work. We even took him to a "Touch-A-Truck" event where he was able to sit and honk the horn in every type of trucks imaginable. He even got to operate a backhoe, his favorite digger.

Our morning routine now is taking a walk as a family to a coffee shop, and once in a while we'll be joined my a MOMS Club friend and baby. Sometimes we'll sit on the porch before Dad leaves for work and watch trucks go by. Then we wave and shout out "I love you!" while Oliver waves his little hand. These days Oliver comfortably says 3 word sentences, and knows the alphabet. Every night before bed time we'll call Daddy at work and say good night. He also wishes us Happy Birthday with a big smile even not on our birthday, and says I miss you and knows what it means. His favorite Chinese phrase is "bu-shu-fu" which means "not comfortable." And at bed time, he often says "more play, no sleep." and "mommy, no leave. Stop!" which makes me very sad.

The sleep thing became something I needed to make changes to our routine because Oliver has become an expert at stalling. We played too much in his room and it was difficult for him to switch it off by bedtime. For a while we pretended his crib was a bus so he'd get inside, but then he just wanted to keep playing. So I came up with an idea to use the alarm on my phone and told him it meant it was time to get in the crib, and the second alarm means Mommy has to leave the room. It worked amazingly and he's been so good about getting into bed and not get upset about it. I do see the disappointment in his face, but I try to give him lots of kisses so he knows I'll be there when he wakes up.

Oliver still loves playing music. He's always love the drums, but now also enjoys the guitar and singing.

Oliver also had his first visit to the preschool he'll be going in September. He really loved it there with a huge sand box with rakes and trucks, little houses to play in, so much to do outdoors but all under the shade. I was so happy that he felt comfortable there. So much so that he didn't want to leave. I'm excited for him once he starts there 3 days a week.

In the coming months Oliver will have lots more first time experiences. He'll be going to a ball game, and getting on a plane to Kauai for a family vacation. It'll be so much fun! I can't wait!

Moms Club May 2010 Newsletter

MOM OF THE MONTH: ANN DOOLEY

Who is in your family? Myself, my husband of 8 years, and our 21 months old son Oliver.

When and where were you born? May 10th 1975, in Taipei, Taiwan.

What brought you to LA? My parents moved me and my sister here to go to school. I was 10 years old at the time.

Where did you go to college & what was your major? I graduated from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. I majored in Advertising.

What was your first reaction when you found out you were pregnant? I thought "Is this for real? Now what?" unfortunately I had a miscarriage that time, so with the second pregnancy, i was excited but nervous at the same time.

How did you tell your husband or other family members you were pregnant? The first time we invited everyone to dinner and told everyone at the same time. The second time we bought pictures frames that you can put 2 photos facing each other. On one side we put a photo of my husband and myself. On the other, an ultrasound image of little Oliver.

How did you choose your child’s name? We both just really liked the name Oliver. And it just felt right. We used his grandfather's name as his middle name.

What kind of work do/did you do before becoming a full time Mom? I was an art director at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. I designed posters and other marketing materials for feature films. I also designed and sold a line of tshirts that have positive affirmations printed in reverse so you can read it while looking at your reflection.

How would you describe being a mom? It's the hardest thing I've ever done. You are exhausted all the time, but you find the energy to keep going. You can be anywhere, with anyone, and still work your baby into the conversation.

What are your favorite hobbies? I like to decorate: cakes, houses, parties.

You will often find me in the backyard with Oliver.

If you were stranded on a desert island what book, movie & TV show would you want to keep yourself entertained? A history text book because I was never good at it in school and I'd have no choice but to read it. And I'd watch LOST.

Always had a crush on? Sean Connery...but I think it's time for me to move on.

I will never give up My microwaveable heat pillow. I use it around my neck, lower back, my feet, and even warm up the bed before I go to sleep.

If you could spend the rest of your life with access to one delectable dessert what would it be? Chocolate cake, the really dense kind that takes a long time for the fork to sink into.

What is your favorite activity to do with your child? We love going to the zoo together, but when we are home, I love it when we act silly and play together on the bed.

What is your biggest parenting challenge nowadays? Get Oliver to eat something other than blueberries.

How would you like the world to change for your kids? I hope people will put more focus on being giving, and being understanding and accepting of people different from yourself.

Have your interests changed since becoming a parent? Definitely. I personally don't enjoy dirt or insects, but it seems like it's in a boy's nature to gravitate towards them. I do admit it was fascinating to see a snail almost standing up to move across from one leaf to another.

What are some of your guilty pleasures? Reality Tv. Survivor, Project Runway, Real Housewives from coast to coast.

What defines you as a person and a mom? I am a very patient person. It comes in handy being a mom.

What would be the perfect weekend for you if you could leave the kids with the perfect nanny and money and distance were no object? I'd love to go to some remote island with my husband and just get spa treatments and eat fresh fruits all day long. 14

What would you like to do when the kids are a bit older and you have more time to work or pursue hobbies? I have a few book ideas in mind. I'll be publishing my first book Quick Tips For First-Time Moms: Finding Balance In Your Fourth Trimester. I will continue to do graphic design, cake decorating, and I'd also love to do some event planning work.

Any tips you wish to share with other moms? A scrapbook is nice, but who has time for that these days. So I started a blog when Oliver was only a few weeks old. I write letters to him and include any milestones and photos. I also have found it to be therapeutic when we've had a tough day. I look forward to the day when I can share those letter with him.

May 5th at the zoo

On Wednesday night I asked Oliver if he wanted to go to the zoo. He said yes. So here we are, being photographed with our new friend Paul, a free little gorilla stuffed animal for being a member at the zoo.

That day, we brought along a spray bottle to help water the plants at the zoo. It was perfect for the hot weather.

Oliver was also being really silly. He wanted to sleep on the ground in front of the zoo! Needless to say we had a great time that day.

Happy Birth+Mother's Day to Me!

This year's Birthday/Mother's Day celebration was a weekend long event. It started out with Chris taking Oliver to the the train station to pick up my mother-in-law, which gave me a chance to take my time to get ready in. That morning was the Moms Club Mother's Day Brunch, hosted by our friend/neighbor Carla. The 4 of us walked just down the street to enjoy a nice backyard get together with the other moms and their babies. I brought over some cupcakes I've made. I've never made any simple graphic decorations like this, but I was very happy with the results. On the way over, we taught Oliver to say "brunch" and he seemed to really like the sound of that word.

Maybe it was the excitement of that morning, but Oliver did not want to take his nap. So it was back to driving him around, which still took exactly an hour of driving before he fell asleep. It worked out that it gave Chris and his mom a chance to hang out a bit. Then when Oliver woke up, we all played in the backyard together. After we put Oliver to bed, Chris and I headed out to the movies to see Iron Man 2. We were early, so we had some appetizers at the restaurant outside the theater. We ate mostly fried foods, and they were delicious!

The movie was great! We had really good seats, and enjoyed all the candies I brought along in my purse. We had a dinner reservation made, but by the time the movie was over we decided to skip it. We were both still full from all the food we had earlier, and we were tired. As part of my gift, Chris had arranged that we stay over at a really nice hotel in Hollywood and booked me a spa treatment for the morning. He woke up early to return home to Oliver and take his mom back to the train station while I got to enjoy a relaxing morning.



I started the day with some coffee while wearing a bath robe. How much more relaxing can I be? Well, I had brought along with me my own spa treatment with a deep conditioner for my hair, and a facial mask. It was the perfect amount of time to relax before my massage.





The spa was great. It was just down the hall from the room. And super nice facility. I had a nice massage, but was also looking forward to getting back to the room. Chris was bringing Oliver to the hotel to meet me. So before I left for my massage, I left post-its all around the room with happy faces for Oliver to find. It was funny that later Chris told me Oliver didn't really know those post-its weren't just part of that room.

The three of us went downstairs to have brunch. It was a really nice restaurant and the food was really yummy. I even got a complimentary mimosa! Oliver had some fresh berries with granola that he shared with me.






Then we just walked around the hotel where Oliver discovered more places to relax and hide.







It was so nice to be able to go for a nice quick get away that's just minutes away from the house, yet feel like you're really on vacation. Oliver took a nap in his own crib this time, then we went to the Grove to do some shopping.

Today is my birthday and I decided to skip all chores and only focus on playing with Oliver. We played all morning, blasting the music and played drums by beating on the pillows on the bed. We had a blast! And Oliver, in his little voice wished me "happy birthday" I can't believe how perfectly he says it. And it just warms my heart. And the best gift he gave me, was that he took his nap without any fuss. It was the easiest bedtime ever! He must know today's a special day. And I'm the happiest mom to be able to spend my birthday just having fun with my baby. Here he is demonstrating we're just "hanging out" together. He says "two hands!"

"Fun!"