[Baby] ER Visit and Coming Home Outfit

So...I had an ER visit in the middle of the night last weekend due to chill/shivering. My body finally can't function normally even with my gestational diabetes diet. Few days later, I've been prescribed Metformin (type II diabetes drug). We are hoping the drug would help me pass through the rest of the pregnancy without another crazy episode happening nor bad side effects. 3 more weeks!!! (I am glad that the glucose was well managed almost 9 weeks so that I didn't have to take the medications that early in the pregnancy. I know the drug should be generally safe for the baby, but still, I was trying my best to not be put on the medications). I guess once the baby is out, I will actually miss her being with me all the time.

By the way, we've decided her coming home outfit - a dachshund bodysuit with a flower headband! (I am hoping she can fit in this bodysuit since I am still not too sure about whether I should be newborn or 0-3 month clothing for a new born, and I can't really find a clear answer online nor from friends.

Dachshund bodysuit is actually for "boy," but we like it a lot so we still bought it. We decided to add the headband flower to make it more girly. We found a cute 10-pack-headbands on Amazon for about $11. Qandsweet Baby Girl's Headbands Chiffon Hair Flower (10 Pack) (10pcs 3.5x2.3" Flowers)


Anyway, I'm just going to bring a set of each to the hospital). Getting so close to meet Baby I! We can't wait!



P.S. Congrats on One USA Unit finished another quarter of his classes!

[E] Some Food

I haven't posted food photos recently - here is one with few photos. I made all of those besides the bottom right corner one - this one was the lazy Thanksgiving meal I ordered from local grocery store, and I only needed to pick it up, roast the turkey, and re-heat the side dishes. Basically this is kind of our "family tradition" :D Instead of spending tons of time cooking, we order yummy Thanksgiving meal from local store at the beginning of November. Last year, we bought smaller meals from two different stores to compare which one we like better.

[Baby] About Six Weeks Left

We got the crib set up in November. We are going to wash some of the baby clothes, and put the sheet in the crib later on. Earlier this month, some coworkers I used to work with threw me a baby shower. I didn't want a baby shower because I am just not the type of person who like to be the center of attention. However, these nice ladies were trying to convince me for a while and told me that it's going to be a low key shower. Anyway, it was very nice to see all of them, and I really appreciate their love, support, and friendship! I was very lucky to work with them at my very first full time job in United States. 

[E] Two More Months...

Two more months, 2016 will be coming! (I got this plant back in Dec. 2014 during work white elephant gift exchange, and the plant has been growing taller!)

Two more months, One USA Unit will be wrapped up two classes, and he will only have to take two more classes to finish the degree he's been working on.

Two more months, I will start taking maternity leave because a little human will be joining our pack. Our life will be busier with baby, 3 pets, school, and jobs.

I don't know whether it's because I'm getting older that I feel this year has been passing so fast. Anyway, I'm actually so looking forward to 2016!

[Baby|嬰兒用品] Nuna Mixx

中文寫在後面喔，點文章就可以進去看了！

We got the stroller when Nordstrom had a deal. We finally opened it and checked it out. We like the quality and it's not super bulky. We are very glad to pick Nuna Mixx out of all the strollers on the market.

Installation was super easy. Taking the parts out from the box + tearing all the plastic wrap off took more time than putting it all together. Total installation time: less than 10 minutes.

We were originally thinking to bring the stroller down to the baby store to see which carseat is compatible to the stroller. After One Taiwan Unit finished it, we just thought of that we could have just took out the adaptor from the box and just brought the adaptor to the store lol

Anyway, couple things I'd like to mention about this product:

• The basket below the seat is actually very good size.
• The stroller is pretty easy to fold.
• The seat is very easy to take out and can be facing the front or the back.
• The adaptor comes with the box actually can fit Cybex carseat (some people said it can't, but we've tried it today)

Other info, you can find it on their website http://www.nuna.eu/USA/mixx 

[Baby] Gestational Diabetes

I've got diagnosed of gestational diabetes...yeah...really?! How did this even happen? I've been eating healthier than before I was pregnant.

I eat at work cafeteria for lunch most of the time:

• Before being pregnant: Fries...no matter what food I ate, I add some fries...I love fries!
• After being pregnant: Choose a meat with two side of vegetables (occasionally, I choose a meat, a side of vegetables, and a small scoop of rice).

I drink mostly water and black coffee, I do not eat candy often...seriously, tons of people around me eat tons of carb and sugar and they've never got diagnosed of GD. I also consider myself much more active than many people around me.

[To Baby I] Sleeping Gowns from Electrikkidz

Dear Baby I,

We've heard that baby like to be swaddled, and your dad thinks he has mastered swaddling skill after doing it once on a fake baby during the hospital class. Instead of testing our swaddling skill on you, I think we found a better solution - sleeping gowns.

Someone in Taiwan mentioned this cute Canadian brand, Electrikkidz, makes nice and cute sleeping gowns. Since my friend is going to have a baby girl as well, I've ordered some for you and for my friend's baby girl. Let's hope these gowns as magical as people advertised that you babies will sleep soundly and parents can just chill and have fun.

Love you!

P.S. Just want to be clear...if someone is tapping belly loudly, that's not me...it's your dad. You can mess with him after you are out.



Cheers,
Mom

[E] Tomatoes from Garden

My dad were staying with us for few months, and here are the tomatoes from his garden. We still get the tomatoes almost daily. It's been awesome to have fresh tomatoes coming out from our yard! Thanks, Dad! 

[E] Toaster Oven

I finally went to Walmart and got a mini oven (Fine...One USA Unit told me that this is called toaster oven). I like this sooooooooo much...I finally can bake a little bit stuff without waiting for pre-heating FOREVER. 

My favorite breakfast after I got this toaster oven is Belgian Dark Chocolate Toasts :D

We got the spread from my sister few months ago, and I now finally start using it. I put the spread on the toasts, and put them into toaster over for few minutes...nom nom nom nom nom...super yummy :D

[To baby I] Your Room is Kind of Ready

Dear Baby I,

Your room is almost done :) We added some decorations on the wall and a laundry basket in the corner to fill the empty space. We've also decorated the other wall with the arts I made which has your name on, so we don't want to post the photo on the blog. We only need to put the crib together and then your room is fully furnished. We've got your crib and mattress already, but we think we will put it up when the time is closer. By the way, your aunt (my sister) has been buying you cute clothing and other things already. All of us are pretty excited about you are going to join our family.

We went to two classes for you so far - What To Expect As A New Parent and Childbirth Preparation. The classes included a lot of useful information, and we are glad that we took those to be better prepared to welcome you to our little family. We are brainstorming about what we are going to do about your doggy and kitty siblings during the delivery?! Do we send them to the boarding place for a day or two?! If so, how do we know when to book the pet hotel?! I guess dad can run back from hospital to check on them since fortunately we don't live too far from the hospital. Hmm...we will see...maybe you can give us heads up about you are coming out early enough so we can better plan all this?! haha...

Your dad is taking two classes now on top of his full time job. After this quarter, he will have to take another two classes so that he can finish up his second B.S. degree. His classes just start this week, and his instructor wanted everyone to introduce themselves - he's so cute that he told people that his daughter is coming in January 2016 :) I can tell that he loves you a lot already :)

Love you! I enjoy your company everyday!

Mom 

[To Baby I] Update on Your Room

Dear Baby I,

We know we still have some time before actually meeting you, but we've put together your little dresser, storage bench, and a changing table. The dresser and storage bench help us keeping the things we've collected for you organized.

We've decided not to re-paint your room, however, we got you some wall decals that we will put those on later on. When you are a little bit older, you can choose a color for us to paint your room.

[Baby] Goodbye Office

Kat Boss and his General Workers no longer have an office anymore.

Our house is not big; we only have 2 rooms upstairs and 1 room in the basement. Since we can't just leave the baby alone downstairs, we have to turn our office/computer room into baby room. One USA Unit moved out all his stuff pretty fast, and it took me couple more days to move my stuff out. We have bought all the baby furnitures we need, and we will be slowly assemble all of those soon. 

[To Baby I] Smile!

Dear Baby I, 

Your dad and I slowly collect things for you. He has moved all his computer stuff out of our "computer room", and I am trying to empty my stuff as well...the room will become yours. We will be kind of busy in Fall, so we've drove down south to pick up some furnitures for you. I searched online about the things to buy and I happened to run into that cute & colorful rabbit toy, I have to get it for you because I know this smiley rabbit can bring you comfort and make you happy one day.

[E] Learning to be More Patient

I usually walk really fast - I meant really really fast...fast to a point that I can barely handle walking with coworkers to lunch nor walking in a group. I think walking slow is wasting time.

I also used to jump down from the bed quickly to let the dogs in and out of the house - mostly because of I didn't want the dogs pacing around in the middle of the night to wake everyone up. 

After being pregnant, I've noticed I can't walk too fast nor jump down from the bed quickly anymore. I guess I've learned to be more patient (which is a good training for me).

Announcement!

[E] June is Almost Gone!

It's been a eventful couple weeks - Asian Festival, PaintNite with friend, Bowling for charity, Anniversary with my lovely hubby, Bday low-key celebration with hubby bought me a new phone, and few dinners with some family members...etc.

About my new phone - I love my new phone, HTC M9!
It's user friendly, fast, and it has awesome camera! I really need to be very careful from now on and hopefully I don't break the screen within 3 months lol

[E|C] Cold/禍不單行

Two weeks after food poisoning...I've caught a cold. There are some people at my work are sick...and they should have learned how to cover their mouths while coughing, but they haven't learned that apparently...I've been trying my best to avoid the germ, but eventually, I've caught it...probably because I haven't been sleeping well/enough and my immune system finally drop to a point that I just get sick. Hope I get better SOON...ugh

繼食物中毒後，我感冒了！公司有好幾個人生病一兩週了，偏偏他們雖然長這麼大卻不太遮嘴巴咳嗽。我撐了兩週，終究還是中獎了。我想大概跟我這幾天睡不夠又睡不好，免疫力降低有關。唉～希望快點好嘍！

[E] Crazy Food Poisoning

I ate some BBQ duck I got from local Chinatown market, and the next thing I knew was

throwing up...sick for few days...

phew...I guess I am feeling much better now...at least...good enough to have some energy to complain about this on my blog :)

[E|C] Boss's New Bed

Boss wanted a new bed - so we got him one :) It's an IKEA Doll Bed...19 bucks, and he loves it!
Now I wonder do kids usually have dolls this big?! haha...it can hold 18 lbs cat!!!

We also got one for Mr. Dachshund, and he likes it too. Basset would like to sit on it too, but she can't fit in it :P

我們幫小貓小狗添了新床，是在IKEA買的小孩玩具娃娃床，19塊一張真的是超划算啊！大貓跟臘腸狗都好愛！巴吉度睡不下，不然她一直也很想跳上去試躺看看 XD

[E] Drawings

This was originally drew on March 19, 2009. I used to drew comic a lot. I don't even know why I don't do it that anymore.

Although recently, I did paint few times with friends and family.

[E] Rollback

At work, I use Oracle Database - - I make some changes and if I don't like it, I just need to run the rollback command.  However, in real life, no one can just simply rollback to the time in the past.

For me, my life continues moving forward. If I had tried hard being friend with someone and the person clearly did not want to be my friend, it's O-V-E-R...especially for someone who I had tried being friend over 1+ year until I couldn't take it anymore. WE ARE DONE! WE ARE NOT FRIENDS. WHY YOU ALL THE SUDDEN WANTS THE RELATIONSHIP BACK?! I want to spend time with people who has been there for me, who actually care about me, and who always respect me as a human being. 

[E] Mr. Dachshund

I was chatting with my friend who just broke up not long ago...and I am thankful that when I broke up with my ex, I had Mr. Dachshund with me...and then I thought about it more...I don't think Mr. Dachshund was really patient with me during that time period. 

I remembered that I was really busy being a full-time graduate student, an adjunct instructor, and a graduate research assistant, and I once in a while still had time to cry. Mr. Dachshund would watch me when I cried - - - pretty much there's no such a thing calls sympathy from his eyes...the messages sent out from his eyes were more like "Get done with your crying since it's time to take me on a walk" or "Again...she's crying again" or "I am just going to sit here and stare at her"...even that, I am so lucky to have him...I think his condescending attitude did shorten my grieving of the breakup.

Anyway, I love Mr. Dachshund; in a little bit over a month, we've been together for 10 years! Time for sure flies!

When I first met Mr. Dachshund, he was super skinny...not anymore :D 

He's now normal size and usually a little bit chunky in winter lol

[E] Zzzzzzzz

I feel like I haven't been sleeping well since I've got the basset hound in 2012. Not that she's barking I'm the middle of the night, but she for sure likes pacing around the house sometimes. This photo was taken in 3am.

[E] You know you're Asian when...

You know you're Asian when...
(the X mark means it's true in my life)

Your mother has a short-haired, curly perm (My mom has naturally curly hair! No need for perm)

Your dad is some sort of engineer (Does vet count as some sort of engineer?!)

Your parents still tried to get you into places half-price saying you were 12 when you were really 15 (I'm always look like 15)

X You ask your parents help on one math problem and 2 hours later they're still lecturing 

X You have a 40 lb. bag of rice in your pantry (Eventually the amount of rice decrease, so I actually don't have 40 lb. bag of rice :P)

X You shop 99 ranch (I don't, since 99 ranch only exists in WA, CA, TX, but I shop at local Asian Market)

Everyone thinks you're "Chinese" no matter what part of Asia your ancestors were from or you are from (so far I don't have this problem...last week, one of my coworkers that I've known for months was asking me how's my family in Japan lol I have to explain I'm from Taiwan...but I do have relatives live in Japan :D)

X You've had a bowl haircut at one point in your life (Mom, why did you do this to me?!)

X Your parents enjoy comparing you to their friends' kids (they always think other people's kids are better lol)

X You drive mostly Japanese cars.  (Yup...Toyota...I am thinking about getting a Subaru next time)

X You've learned to keep bargaining even if the prices are rock bottom (l've learned it, but still can't really do it)

X You've had to eat parts of animals they don't even put in hot dogs (It's yummy, what can I say?!)

X At least once, you've started a joke with "Confucius say...." 

[E|C] Tonight's Dinner

My boss was asking whether my husband likes what I cook - I was like...ugh...he has two choices, he either accepts the food or he can cook his own food...hahahahaha

ok...I was just joking (but not really lol)

One USA Unit and I both like to EAT :D and to his credit, he is willing to try many many different dishes. When we were dating, he's been trying my crazy Asian fusion dishes, and he seems enjoying most of the food. I am lucky to have a husband that's not super picky :)

Tonight's dinner - 

• Stir-fried Marinated Tofu 
• Stir-fried Pork
• Stir-fried Water Spinach with Garlic 

中文在後面噢

[E] Nothing Special

What happened recently?!
Theres only one thing changed - hubby got a new job!!!! Yay for him, new challenge, new environment, and new people!! Fun!!!!

I'm pretty much doing the same things - working, playing piano, and trying learn different things here and there. In the past 10 days, I got to catch up some old friends/coworkers. It's always nice to see people once in a while for some updates :-)

Weather is weird. It was 70 something one day and the next day was 30 something. I feel bad for the flowers :-S

[E|C] Package(s)!

My sister sends me packages pretty often. THANKS A LOT!!!! Fun clothes, food, goodies...etc!!! They just came back from Taiwan and she got me tons of treats (which are not in the photo), and some other fun stuff :) 

我姐常常寄包裹給我！真是太感謝她了！我常常有好吃好玩的東西，都是我姐送的呢！我真是太幸福了 <3

[E|C] Declined?!

I sent an painting event invitation to One USA Unit and my parents. Guess what?! Both of my parents declined it...they are high tech enough to decline my invitation...ugh

I sent them another one for the NBA game...let's see whether that one goes though.

我用谷歌寄了活動邀請給老公和我爹娘，我爹娘居然回說他們不參加...orz...蝦米？！

我那天回到家，他們兩個還很高興的跟我說，我們已經回你的邀請函了...這...

哼，我今天又寄了另一個邀請函去看NBA～該不會他們又拒絕吧 XDDD

[E|C] Piano

I got this piano back for free after we got our house. I used to play piano when I was little...little little...and eventually my parents stopped paying for the lesson - which was a very correct decision since I wasn't really into it anyway. After I got this piano, I've started to picking it back up. I am not taking lessons, but maybe I will later. I have a goal that I want to volunteer at the hospital to play piano next year. I think I am getting closer and closer to my goal :)

中文在後面噢!

[E] Dirty Cat!

I believe this happened back in December 2010 when I was still renting an apartment. That day, my landloard sent a guy to fix something in the bathroom, and he forgot to put the lid back to a "hole" (I do not know what that hole was for...it's dark and it had something that the maintenance guy was checking at).

[E] Career Path?!

This is not a new drawing - it's from July 2012...I am just too lazy to upload a new photo :)

I paused my studying progress for the actuarial exams. I am in the process of re-evaluating my life - what I want to do, where I want to live, ...etc. One USA Unit and I so far do not want to live in the State we currently live after few more years. We are considering few cities that we'd like to move to...I am observing the job market in those locations - the big issue is, where I live now and where we want to move to do not offer good actuarial opportunities...so...what am I going to do?!!!!! 

[C] 被藏著的心情

不知道有沒有人跟我一樣，常常讀著新聞或是看著身邊的小事，就這樣默默地流了眼淚。我是個很理性的人，或是這樣講好了～我的感性被我的理性吃掉了不少。我覺得我一直用理性壓著我的難過...為別人心痛時，我會盡量地用理性安慰自己...可是往往還是忍不住的紅了眼眶。

[E] RIP

I feel sad...extremely sad after seeing the plane crash video; I feel sad that people have to go through the pain of losing their family and the pain of recovering from this unfortunate event.

I feel mad...extremely mad after reading some comments below the plane crash news that criticized the pilots are not trained properly without knowing how amazing and brave that the pilots managed to control a broken plane without hitting any buildings in a very high density city...unfortunately, the plane crashed into a river, but if the pilots didn't manage to do that, there would be no survivors and potential with larger damage in Taipei City. How could people just jumped into the conclusion that the pilots must be bad? 

[E] BLOGGING!!!!!

I will need to upload photos into my computer in order to continue to blog about my life.

My SONY phone just doesn't work well with my MAC.

One USA Unit and I visited Taiwan for a week in January!!!

The plane tickets were super cheap!

This is a Taiwan fried egg lol