Today last year, I blew my birthday candles wishing for a baby. I didn’t think I’d be so lucky or so lucky so soon. But within weeks of my wish, I learned I was expecting Allie. Needless to say, thirty-six was a very special year. Allie not only gave me the gift of motherhood but she helped me feel joy again - pure and unadulterated joy that I had lost after my Dad’s passing.
Read MoreHappy 100 days to my Korean babydoll.
Read MoreAllie dear, today should have your birthday, August 10th. But you decided to surprise and scare us all by coming out five weeks early. Your Aunty Sally called you the girl with no clothes and no name. It was true, Mommy and Daddy were not at all prepared for you. Even on the day you were discharged home with us, we weren’t sure if your bassinet would arrive in time. But you did it - you’ve grown and flourished and made it past one month!
Read MoreWhite sand, clear water, hot days. Maldives, you are heaven on earth!
Read MoreI used to think the term and concept of a “babymoon” was just another cute pregnancy trend and an excuse travel, but that was fine with me because any excuse to travel is a worthy excuse in my book. Only after taking the trip did I realize it was really a “babymoon” and absolutely necessary for expecting couples.
Read MoreI lost my Dad six days after my 35th birthday last year. I lost him three month and fourteen days after my wedding day. I lost him unexpectedly, abruptly, and without a proper goodbye. I lost him in a manner that till this day still feels unjustified. Needless to say, thirty-five was not the glorious year I had imagined. Rather, it was a year I wish I could erase. Thirty-five was a year I buried myself in such sadness that only the love and kindness of my husband, my family and my friends freed me. It was a year that forced me to be vulnerable, to let down my shield and let others in. It was a year I stood still and know that it’s okay, that stillness is not surrendering. It was a year that I, too, died. But the part of me that lives knows now to live more vicariously and to love boundlessly.
To thirty-six, to a new day, to a new year. Please be gentle to me.
Read MoreWhat an incredible year thirty-four was. Unbeknownst to me, it would be the year I'd get engaged, married, and leave the burb to be a city girl. It's a little daunting to realize that I'm officially in my mid thirties. Truth be told, I've always been an old soul so it's somewhat welcoming that my age is finally catching up to me. Thirty-five brings wisdom, experience, and fearlessness. I can't wait for the adventure that awaits!
Read MoreWe are so thankful for our family and friends for contributing to our travel fund. Our three week vacation was nothing short of spectacular. From the decadent meals to the picturesque scenery, from days swimming in the Mediterranean sea to evenings wandering down cobblestone alleys, we soaked up every sunset and over indulged in too much foie gras (yet still never enough), vacations will never be the same again.
Here's a glimpse from our photo journal. More to come!
Between planning a wedding, packing up for a move, and selling a home, I decided why not try to do my own engagement session too! :) It's something I've always wanted to do but wasn't sure if Dannie would comply. Much to my surprise, he agreed to it... as if he already knew he didn't have a choice (haha).
Read Morei carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
"No matter what happens, the sun will rise in the morning."
I looked out the window and took comfort in this.
Thirty-four is going to be a luminous year!
Read MorePeople watching at Venice Beach.
Read MoreWe headed for Alpine County over the July 4th long weekend. As much as I enjoy lazy Saturday mornings photo editing in bed, weekend getaways are what fuels my creativity. Between my full time job a the hospital, per diem job at Stanford, and my weekend photo sessions, these free weekends have been hard to come by. So when they do, I pounce.
Read MoreWhen it comes to picking a travel destination, shallow as it may sound, I have two mandatory criteria: I must love what I'll see and what I'll eat. Portland, by far, exceeded my criteria and even threw in a bonus - tax free shopping. Makes me wonder why it has taken me so long to visit this beautiful city.
Read MoreRome was as bustling as I remembered it to be. But it didn't seem to bother me so much this time. I found solace in our cozy AirBnb apartment at the end of every day. While Dannie loved the historic sights, I enjoyed walking the cobblestone streets and taking in the city and relishing every bit of this wonderful vacation.
Read MoreFirst stop - Vatican City.
Read MoreSo thankful we ignored the naysayers who called Cinque Terre a tourist trap. Our stop in Riomaggiore was without a doubt my favorite part of our trip.
Read MoreOnto Florence we went. I wish we had more time to explore Florence and the Tuscany countryside but this was a quick stop on our trip. My favorite moment in Florence was watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo. It's breathtaking!
Read MoreOur Italian adventure began in Venice. For anyone thinking about visiting Italy but wonders if Venice is too touristy or too crowded to be worthy of a visit, please go anyway. Admittedly, my first time in Venice wasn't the best experience. I visited Italy as a part of a multi-country tour so that was tiring in itself. Having just a day to explore Venice, I only remembered the long lines, hot sun, and rude vendors. This time around, I skipped the tour group and saw Venice very differently.
Read MoreHard to believe I'm turning thirty-three this year...or is it thirty-two? I forget. Seriously, I stopped keeping track after thirty. I've always feared the thirty-something years. I imagined it to be the beginning of the end. The beginning of "old age", which I've oddly felt since my twenties but is now validated when I see grown kids with birth year in the 2000's.
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