I used to blog for Weddingbee, way back in 2006-2007 and I’ve made so many wonderful friends through it. A lot of the bees and I have transitioned from wedding to marriage and pregnancy (or fertility issues) and children. It’s an amazing community of women who have always been supportive of one another, offering advice and an ear whenever anyone needs someone.

My bee friend May (lovebird) has been keeping in touch with me and checking in on me all the time and she’s already been so generous with gifts for me during pregnancy! To my surprise, I woke up to a package from her and it brought so many tears to my eyes. 

She knew how homesick I have been, how much I miss my friend and America… she organized a package of cards, pictures, gifts and photos of some of the bees babies and sent them to me in a heart shaped box. Tears started to flow from my eyes as I opened each card, reading all the love from my weddingbee friends. All the bees are from all over America so they sent their cards/gifts/photos to May, who then sent the package to me. 

Each card was wishing us luck, love and much happiness and a lot of them said such wonderful things about me. I honestly don’t know what I did to deserve all of this. May, thank you so much for going out of your way to plan all of this for me! 

I will treasure these cards forever and show Boram how many people already love him. My heart melted.

And of course some gifts from the girls too! A book from May (Lovebird), toys from Kristin (Quiche), clothes from Stephanie (Hydrangea), and lovely stationary set from Nellie (Canary). 

The first page of the book May sent says this:

“I wanted you more than you ever will know, so I sent love to follow wherever you go.”

<3 I can’t wait to read this to my son. Thank you Weddingbee sisters, and especially to you May. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Yesterday the post man came to our home with a packaged address to my husband, me and little Oliver! (omg. So cute) And it was from my Weddingbee sister: Jillian, her husband and her son Sam. It was filled with adorable clothes and surprisingly clothes we don’t already have! 

Little Boram is going to look pretty, freaking adorable with these clothes!!! Plus I just love the beaver she sent, Jillian and I have bonded so much over the show “How I met your mother”. Since she’s from Canada, I always ask her questions about Canadians and joke around about the things on the show. 

So she sent a beaver, because of the show… I just love this song from the show! And I love that there was a letter to my son from her son explaining everything.

I have to say… I did cry a bit reading this letter. It’s so cute, it’s so sweet and even the hubs smiled a bit reading it. Aww Jillian, thank you so much… you always send such awesome gifts and are always so generous! I can’t wait till we have both our sons together, with their beavers… and take a picture to keep forever.  

We are so blessed with everyone’s generosity. We are so thankful, so lucky…. I can’t believe how hard it was for us to get pregnant and now that we are…. the love is just non-stop. My heart is so full and so excited for the upcoming birth and all those that supported us along the way. <3

I’m always on Facebook (with a VPN of course) but these days you’ll mostly find me on WeChat with my friends in China and Hong Kong. I use WeChat as a “chat” or walkie-talkie way to talk to friends instead of using text messaging. It’s heavily popular here and I can definitely see why!

There is a tab on WeChat called “moments” where it’s similar to Facebook. You can post anything: status updates, photos, music… etc. My hubs, friends and I post on it daily and you can also reply to those individuals who comment on your posts. (You can also “like/love” posts, much like Facebook)

What I love most about WeChat is friends who aren’t friends… can’t see each other’s comments. I think I like that mostly because to their eyes, they only see people they know, instead of reading comments from my friends who they don’t know. (Easier to read, in my opinion)

Since Facebook is blocked in China and using a VPN is kind of a pain… I really love using WeChat as my social media here. I post the same things on all of my social media outlets (Facebook, WeChat, Instagram) and it reaches to friends… wherever in the world they might be.

But yes… the above picture is me BOASTING about my husband. (I seem to do that a lot but I swear he’s the best) I was craving some Korean food and he immediately took me and fed me everything and anything I wanted. So my friends were saying how he’s awesome… and so on.

Had a LOVELY weekend since the hubs is back and now I feel at home again. I told him he can never leave me ever again (even for work). LOL He then told me next time I’ll be going with our son!

My heart is overwhelmed from all the love, packages, gifts, advice and support we have received from our many friends from all over the world. I can’t tell you how amazing it is to have loved ones who are there constantly, who are as happy for you as you are for your own child and to have family in your friends.

My best friend Hee-Jin (HJ) has seriously been a tremendous amount of support in all aspects before, during and I know… after pregnancy! Nearly talking to her every day, even after we have moved halfway across the world… while she, herself, has a new daughter… sending us packages all the time and constantly being there for me during the ups and downs of fertility and other life things.

Now that I am pregnant and about to pop – - – (WOW less than 7 weeks left), she still continues to spoil us. She spoils our unborn baby even before he is born! 

These gifts are so generous, she’s already given us so much but she continues to spoil us. So many beautiful clothes from Janie and Jack: I just die at the moose stuff (my favorite stuffed animal, that I actually collect!), lovely onesies and the peacoat and pants? OMG SO adorable. They are just so beautiful and in a range of sizes so he’ll always have something to wear! (I just LOVE the I <3 my Auntie one too!)

Diaper creams for our little Boram – which, hahaha I only have one small one, so she’s really thoughtful! Plus girl scout cookies for me! (Um… I already ate a box before writing this!)

When I said I’m overwhelmed by all the love we received… I really mean it. My heart is filled with so much love, thankfulness and to say that we are blessed is an understatement. I want to personally thank all of my friends and loved ones for really going above and beyond to make this time such a special one for us.

I also want to give a HUGE special thank you to HJ for always, and I mean always… being the ultimate definition of best friend. You have shown me so much through your generous nature, your kind heart and honesty. You have given me so much support, advice and comfort and I love you sister. You are too wonderful, you are simply amazing. 

Tears… lots of tears. My heart is filled with love and my eyes full of tears. I swear it’s not pregnancy hormones at all, I’m just so thankful… so filled with love and joy that I’m about to burst into a rainbow. I really am. <3

Before we left for Shanghai, I had finished my doctorate in classical piano performance in NYC. I had taught as a professor for a brief period and didn’t like it. Then I joined a indie rock band… and I loved it.

A friend who was at our last acoustic show recorded this on her iPhone. It’s my favorite song of ours, the lyrics… the music… the mood, everything about this song touches my heart. I miss these days so much and although I am still composing as a living (for other artists), I really miss performing. 

If you don’t know me… you’re probably thinking… “hey, she’s playing cello! Not piano!”. Yes, I play cello also and actually did a minor in cello performance during my undergrad as well as a major in piano performance. I still play piano and cello every day at home here, composing and just to play. Boram really loves it and I hope he loves it after he is born as well.

To those that came to our shows, supported us and bought all our songs. From the bottom of my heart.. thank you. 

It’s been so busy over here. Hence, the lack of updates.

We had a lovely Valentine’s day, the hubs took me out for a nice Italian dinner and gave me flowers. It’s been a while since we had a date night, so in many ways… It was super special!

It’s also rare that the hubs is off the entire weekend. But he is this weekend and it’s been such a refresher for me! He and I talked a lot about life with Boram. Felt his kicks, walked around Shanghai, had a Dexter marathon at home. My favorite times with him are when we are just snuggled on the sofa together.

We also have been talking about pictures/videos of Boram and how we won’t publish them on the web.we both agreed if it’s on a place where you need a password (Facebook, Flickr, Instagram) is ok but I won’t be posting pictures of him on this blog unless it’s with a password. Hopefully our loved ones will respect our privacy and not post on their blogs.

As for how I’m feeling… Tomorrow is my 27th week! I wonder if that’s the start of my 3rd trimester?

I feel tired a lot but Boram is getting stronger with his kicks. We love leaving our hand on my belly and are in complete amazement that there is a living being, inside if me.

I’ve gained a total of 7lbs from the start. I’ve read that my estimated weight gain will be around 20lbs. My MIL also thinks that’s how much I’ll gain and turns out, she gained 20 with the hubs.

I might have to attribute that to healthy eating and exercising. I do eat a lot but I wanted to be mindful because I was really worried about gestational diabetes and wanted a lifestyle change. The hubs has lost some weight and he’s feeling great too!

What else, what else….

Oh yeah! In a couple months, my producer is coming into town and wants to meet with me. He wants to see/hear what I have so far in my portfolio.

Haha I better get on that, pregnancy has made me very tired! But it’s kind of exciting that the producer likes my music. Lets just hope I can muster enough compositions by the time he comes.

Ok, just a quick update! Life is very good and can’t complain!

I rub my belly all the time (and sing) and it’s seriously the best, most reassuring feeling in the world— to feel Boram, kick like crazy in response to my voice.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

My husband saved my life by taking me away from my abusive family and showed me what love really is.

My son (who is still in my belly) has healed my broken heart from from all the scars, hurt, pains and bad memories of my family. 

I love my boys. They have saved my life in different ways and I am so thankful for both of them.

That is all. <3

Happy Lunar New Year everyone!

This is our second one in Shanghai and this year was especially special.

My FIL’s best friend’s son and wife live in Shanghai. They have helped us so much since we moved here.

Last year Kin’s parents came to Shanghai to celebrate New Years with us by making a giant feast!This year, Kin’s mom made even bigger feast for us and Alina’s parents, auntie and cousin. It’s extra special this year since Alina and I are both pregnant and only 6 weeks apart.

Alina’s mother made dumplings for us and even made the peels from scratch. The fillings were a Shanghai speciality!Every New Year at midnight they make these dumplings and have a fun game to go with it.

In one dumpling they have a coin and the other with a piece of chocolate. Alina’s father got the coin, my hubs got the chocolate one. The hubs didn’t announce his had the chocolate, he just made a disgusted face and ate it! Hahaha made us all laugh! But hopefully this means good luck for the winners!

Hope everyone has a wonderful year of the snake!

I know ours is extra special with our son coming into the world! This year will always hold a special place in my heart.

On Wednesday, we went to the doctor’s office and got to see Boram again! I love these pictures so much, he looks SO cute to me. I couldn’t resist the editing… He looks like he’s asking for a fist bump, only to be denied. Haha

It was so amazing, we saw him smiling and moving around. He is super active and growing really well. We are in the middle of our 25th week now and can’t believe how fast time is moving along. 

I had my glucose test, they gave me a cup of liquid that was clear and syrup like. It was disgusting! Boram was spazzing out the whole time, kicking and moving around like crazy. I’m sure he was thinking “HEY MOM YOU NEVER GAVE ME THAT MUCH SUGAR…. WHAT DO I DO?? WHAT DO I DO????”. I didn’t get a choice of drink, like the orange drink that I hear about…. this drink was like… snot. HAHA (Sorry, I’ve been sick and that’s what it reminded me of)

Then about an hour later they tested my blood and it came back great! I don’t have gestational diabetes and everything came back normal. My doctor also measured my tummy size and she said that my tummy is small but perfectly healthy. Since the beginning of pregnancy, my weight gain has been 6lbs/2.7kg… Nurses say the weight gain is right on track!

I also found out at that appointment that I get a midwife too! We met her and I’m really excited that it’s included in our package. Plus we get free classes for prenatal, birth and classes for breastfeeding, baby care and how to bathe your baby. (and more!) 

On a different note, I was talking to a friend the other day about my past abuse from my family. She asked if I would ever tell Boram about it or if I would hide it. I told her that I will tell him when he’s mature enough to understand. I have no idea when that will be but I won’t hide it. I will tell him why I am the mother he knows. Why I am… the way I am. And I hope that by sharing with him, he will also learn that abuse is never ok.

I feel a lot of healing as time is moving along. The more and more weeks I’m pregnant, I am hopeful and happy for our future. I am excited about becoming a mother, raising our children and having a family of my own! I feel Boram kicking me and I smile/laugh from the reassurance that he is always with me. I’m thankful for having a husband who is so involved and supportive before/during (and after) pregnancy. I don’t know what I would do if he wasn’t. He truly is the greatest husband in the whole world.

I can’t stop looking at these ultrasound pictures! He’s my SON!!! Ahhhh! Who will he look like? I can’t tell too much from the pictures but the nurses say his nose looks like daddy. They also say that the overall shape of his face looks like me. I guess we’ll have to wait until May to see! 

And… some questions about those who are familiar with Hong Kong. We’re going at the end of the month, do you have any suggestions where to buy baby stuff? And what I should buy there? Thanks in advance.

Hope everyone is doing well! xo

My EDD twin (who is also a Weddingbee sister) received my creations today!!! It took a MONTH for it to get there but I’m glad it finally did. Since she and I were both bloggers for Weddingbee, I thought it would be cute to make her a bee mobile! I don’t know if Blobby is a boy or girl so I added some flowers but nothing TOOOOO feminine.  

Since Amy is a cat lover, I wanted to make a squishy, soft, kitty amigurumi… largish in size. So I winged it, and I think it turned out pretty cute. I thought it looked too plain so I added a heart, doesn’t he looks adorable? I hope blobby likes it!

As many of you know, Amy is due the same date as I am. She’s been such a comfort and joy to share pregnancy with! We also have times where we give each other advice, give each other a shoulder to lean on and also share excitement with! I’m so thankful for her friendship.

I am currently SICK. I have a runny, stuffy nose and my throat is starting to hurt. Ugh. Being pregnant and sick sucks but I hope to get better soon. So I’m taking a break from crochet (it’s no fun while sick) and resting in bed while old episodes of Desperate Housewives. LOL I love those women, they are all hilarious. 

Hope everyone is doing well!