an American (officially).

My family came over to the United States when I was about 9 months old. My mom worked 2-3 jobs just to make ends meet. We squished a bunch of us into one house...my mom spent tons of money, effort, and time to establish us as permanent legal residents with hopes of one day getting us the ultimate goal- citizenship.

There were many obstacles along the way. I received my citizenship when I was under 18 years old automatically (after my mom had already paid for lawyers etc to get all of us established) whereas my brothers were not as lucky because by that time, they were already all over 18 y.o.

So as much fun as we poke at this extremely important day, this is a HUGE deal for my brother, Tony.

My proud brother Tony officially as a U.S Citizen!
Disclaimer: I MADE him hold up his certificate and flag haha (he hates this picture)

With joint efforts, we all put together a BBQ to celebrate and commemorate this special day...with a side of humor :) 

My mom, brothers, and I with our significant others :)

Thank you for everyone who came to show support and love! It was hot but fun!! ]

 

Don't take the things you find automatic for granted, chances are...someone has worked their whole life just to get where you are! 

My best friends and I <3

will blog tomorrow. goodnight.

FUEL: I am SOMEBODY.

Next week, I have the opportunity to volunteer my time from July 4th-8th in IL for a Christian Youth camp that I attended when I was younger. 

This camp changed my life...helped to mold me into who I am today...and directly effected my relationship with God and the people around me. 

Due to my busy schedule for the past 4 years due to school, I haven't been able to attend this camp to help as apart of the Leadership team and this summer, I finally get to go back! I will be apart of the Worship Team as well as help lead morning and nightly devotions with some pretty cool girls in our cabins. 

Not only am I excited to bask in the glory that God has to offer (in the middle of nowhere) but I am so excited to be inspired by some wonderful young men and women that have a heart and desire to serve God in their everyday lives! 

Please watch the video and help us by providing your support through prayers and even financial support if you feel driven to. All the leaders at this camp will literally be volunteering- we will not be paid monetarily at all..but actually will be PAYING the same camp fee as the campers to attend! Any help you provide will be forever appreciated.

I can't wait to update you from camp next week...

And yes..I will be so HOT...29/30 weeks pregnant and all!!

Our fundraising page! :) Please help support us!

28 weeks- 3rd trimester & happy birthday to me!

June 26th- Best birthday yet. Got to share it with all the people I love!

How far along? 28 weeks 

Total weight gain? 3.0# (Total: 20 #)

Maternity clothes? Yes! I recently discovered the maternity section at thrift stores! Yes! :)

Sleep?  I guess this is the time when sleep begins to take a toll. I sleep IN but wake up throughout the night. It's tough to get comfortable. 

Best moment this week? Celebrating my 26th year with people I love and with a completely new found view on life! :)

Miss Anything? Being completely in control of my emotions. Whew. 

Movement? She is SUPER active. She is flipping, wiggling, dancing, jumping on my bladder, kicking me in the ribs...all of the above! She is amazing!

Food cravings? Hmm. DARK CHOCOLATE. Yes. Yum Yum.

Anything make you queasy or sick? Nothing for the past two weeks...kind of surreal! But I stay away from avocado and fish!
Gender? Baby girl.

Symptoms? Sinus congestion, muscle aches, and yes POLYURIA.  

No more swollen ankles...for now. Pre-natal yoga has been doing wonders! Really weird symptoms are from my skin stretching in my upper abdominal region that SUPER HURTS...trying to stay moisturized! 

Belly button in or out? In! Yes! Belly buttons freak me out so when it becomes an outty...eek!...I am freaking out thinking about it.

Wedding rings on or off? Still have all my rings on! 

Happy or Moody? Week 26/27 was ROUGH...very rough. From being tested over and over again...completely losing it....so feeling out of control. It didn't help I had to deal with really really really inconsiderate people. Week 27/28 feels amazing. I have been feeling much more of myself...still had to deal with difficult situations but it didn't get to me nearly as much as the previous week. Happiness & Joy re-entered my heart & I feel much more at peace. Thank you for all the support and prayers!!! You all are unbelievable! 

Looking forward to? Nursery!!! Our house finally looks normal again. Put my organization skills to use & discovered how great vacuum bags are. Ryan still has to finish up the mural and then we will start putting together the furniture! So excited!!! 

birthday!

I was planning on posting my 28 week update today but got home too late from all the birthday fun! Will post it tomorrow!! 

Thank you for all the birthday LOVE! I had such a great day & both baby & mama are very happy. 

Goodnight!

an email.

Today I got such a sweet email.

Just when I thought I couldn't fall deeper in love with Ryan, he does it again...

He set up an email account with our baby's name and emailed me :)

Sounds weird to you?! Not me :)

I teared up.  I know we are in this together, but sometimes I feel like I'm the pregnant one and he is just my support- he does EVERYTHING for me but this pregnancy is mine...I'm dealing with it. But really...that's a small minut detail. We are dealing with this together. We are REALLY in this together.


Each and every day, I feel the bond between our daughter and Ryan build. It seems automatic for me to have a bond since I have felt all the pregnancy symptoms in the beginning to now feeling her wiggle and dance around...my love for her was automatic.

For Ryan, it's a different experience I am sure. He had to see all the "pain" I was going through with every change of week/month, witness me get frustrated cause my clothes gradually didn't fit & dealing with the inevitable weight gain, rub my belly and back every night because my skin and muscles were trying to compensate, deal with my emotional rants, and much much more! He couldn't share in the joy of feeling her wiggle around until weeks after I felt it. So the bonding was different but nonetheless it has gradually happened.

I have seen his eyes fill with love every time he sees me-big belly & all, his eyes tear up as he talks about how much he will LOVE our daughter, and his embrace has been so much more of what I've needed.

He even whispers little secrets to her...sings funny songs to her...and massages her little body as much as he can feel. All of this makes my heart sink. His journey that I've seen has really grown...

It touched my heart and reminded me of this Google Chrome commercial that we watched together last year before we even were pregnant. 

It's worth a watch & will probably make you tear up :)

The love between a father (an amazing father) & his daughter is a bond I can't imagine...and I can't wait to witness between my love & my other love.

Our little baby-- When you can read and understand, we can't wait to give you this gift that this father gave to his daughter. We love you!

happy birthday Xander :)

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY TO OUR FAVORITE LITTLE DUDE- XANDER (pants)!!!!

June 24th, 2010

I remember the anticipation we had built up while driving to Rockford from Bolingbrook to see you when you were born. We just had to face our own lost that I still vividly remember & the thought of you coming into the world made it all better. Obviously you can't read this now, but I hope when you do, you will know and feel just how much we both LOVE you. 

You were the most beautiful newborn we've ever seen and we knew you would have the best personality:) 

You've been through so much in your little two years of life but everything you've overcome shows how much of a fighter you are! 

We are so blessed to have you in our lives and miss you every time we have to say goodbye. I know Uncle Ryan is completely your favorite now but I will post the video that proves that I once was :D

You have been such a light in our lives...in our family...and I can't wait for you to share the spotlight (maybe?) with your little cousin coming in September. I hope you will protect her when you're older, show her some of your amazing dance moves, and help her adopt your sophisticated palate. 

We love you more than words can express and would do anything for you. The love we have for you excites us to have our little one because I can't imagine loving our own little person like we love you. 

We will always be here. No matter where we are physically. 

Happy 2nd birthday. Can't wait to celebrate many more to come!! <3

I use to be your favorite :) 

birth classes

Since both Ryan and I are apart of the medical field, it is easy for us to overlook what we actually don't know. It has been one of the best decisions for us to commit to a 10-week birth class program with Bradley classes which entails all of our beliefs systems into a very interactive experience with other future first-time parents. 

Ryan and I have been able to connect with each other...get on the same page...and it makes everything even more real. I get so emotional in the classes just hearing about how happy and empowered all these women are to support each other to have a natural pregnancy..labor...and delivery. It's also amazing seeing Ryan get into the classes and seeing the love in his eyes he has for me and our baby girl every time our instructor discusses the beauty of labor & delivery. 

This whole process has been a whirlwind. It's crazy to think I am entering my final trimester of the pregnancy. The hormones have been up & down but overall, I am extremely happy and content with the life God has blessed me with. 

I get to spend it with a beautiful and loving man who has given me the best gift of all- the chance to be a mother. 

:)

we have our house back!

finally. we can see the floors of our living room and walk around without bumping into random pieces of furniture. we are exhausted. i definitely overworked my back...good thing ryan is a chiropractor:)  nursery is not done at all but getting closer. yay

it's a great day!

I've been studying ALL day in Ryan's office. 

The weather is beautiful and HOT. 

I feel calm. Happy. and baby is kicking.

I feel like myself again...

it's a great day. 

So excited for birth classes tonight! I love the time we three get to spend together! :D

aaron shust

Had the opportunity to attend the "Hlub" Conference in Wheaton!

Aaron Shust performed or basically led worship at the end after the message and it was amazing :)

It was great to get out of the house and have fellowship with my peeps from LEFC. 

:)

Twas a great day!

best pregnancy find!

Okay. I am OBSESSED with this product. It is absolutely amazing...smells glorious...and is versatile! 

When searching for products to use to help prevent stretch marks, I wanted to stay away from all the "synthetic" stuff...you know, the things with parabens and all the other nasty chemicals!

A good friend of mine uses the lotion from this company and when I went to look at the bottle, I came across their Raw Shea Butter product. It only has shea butter (raw), frankincense, myrrh, and Vitamin E (which has been seen to be deficient in people who chronically have stretch marks)!

I was searching mainly to help prevent stretch marks but realized the daily belly & boob (yes boobs) massages I get from my hubby helped with all the skin tension I felt, was relaxing & helped me sleep since he does it every night before bed, AND it smells sooooo amazing from the frankincense and myrrh.

Also take note of all the health benefits of frankincense and myrrh- helps with emotional disturbances, soothing & wound healing (so it can help with diaper rash! my husband used it for his sunburn and it was awesome), and can help with digestive issues (internally) but the massage I get helps with any digestive problems I have too.

And the best part- it's inexpensive! I am excited to explore all the other products they have too- shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc! Even products for babies. My baby girl will smell so gooood :)

I stocked up on Walgreens.com for only $10/each (I originally bought it from Target but they've been out of stock!) and will definitely be having it when I'm in labor to help with massages to control pain and help with relaxation.

Give it a try- you won't be disappointed.

Update on me:
Thank you for everyone that has sent me encouraging messages, texts, and phone calls. Your support during this time is priceless. Yesterday I started feeling 50% better and today I feel like I am myself again-100%! Baby girl is doing little flips while she still can, I am able to study for board exams, and the Dorough household is happy once again. All your kind words and prayers mean the world to us. Let's hope this good feeling is here to stay! 

thank you!

Thank you to everyone that has been so encouraging and offering their prayers for me...for us. 

Today seems like much a better day. 

Sitting down and working on our Bradley birth class "homework" has been therapeutic actually.

We worked on our "ideal birth plan" as well as went over birth "fears". 

Oddly enough, it helped me start the day off right because it started putting a lot of things in perspective.

It is so easy to get caught up in the petty things that life throws at you. Feelings get hurt and people get ignored. Whatever right? 

Well I am (& need to remain) caught up in the joy and blessings that God bestowed upon me. That includes my amazing husband who has been unbelievable patient even though he can't relate to the feelings going through my body and my little baby who gives kicks and jabs here and there just in time to remind me what my life is really about. 

SURPRISE! I'm pregnant.

Now is NOT the time for reconciliation. 

You can join me in this joy or dwell in your own miseries...without me!

It's the time for me to be selfless for her...think about the health of my baby...and enjoy this journey. 

Everything else....well I'll just have to add you to my waiting list. 

June 17th.

i am excited that i married a man that will be the best father to my daughter. next year will be the best father's day yet. 

your impact.

This week has been a toughie to be completely straight forward and honest. I thought I was going crazy really...coping mechanisms have been compromised. I started my own research. Does this pregnancy really allow me to use it as an excuse or am I really going crazy just...because?

Apparently...it's a little bit of both with a lot to do with the raging hormones. Things people say or do have much more of an impact than before. It's quite hard to explain but 'sucky' to experience.

Something funny I heard...well not funny but ridiculous is that some people actually think life gives away freebies. What I mean is that they really believe the impact of their words will NOT generate a reaction or response. Crazy right? And I thought I was going cray. Reality is...if you have the audacity to make a comment, you best expect a response.

I struggle with dealing with the impact of my words everyday. (And no, I'm not talking about my "ND blog" from 2 days ago- those words were genuine and completely from the heart). But sometimes I know I can strike a pretty deep jab where it hurts to certain people (you know...take it REAL personal)...and sometimes I am tempted to do it because they've hurt me or angered me in some way....and sometimes I surrender. The guilt always sets in and I do end up apologizing but sometimes the damage has already been done.

Well...I am definitely working on it and with this pregnancy, that skill is definitely A LOT harder to hold onto.

What keeps me going? 
This little girl kicking me in the bladder, ribs, and everything else in there. She really does know when to kick to remind me of the greater purpose of it all. In just months, I will be holding this beautiful baby girl and no one or nothing else will really matter.

¹⁹ Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.²⁰ Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. ²¹ So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

²² But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. ²³ For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. ²⁴ You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. ²⁵ But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

²⁶ If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.²⁷ Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

James 1: 19-27

Please pray for me. 

over 20,000 views = nursery teasers!

Over 20,000 views?! Thank you so much for your support & love.

What started as a personal goal for myself has evolved into something bigger! 

I decided to be a less controversial for tonight's blog & post some tiny little teasers of our nursery. Ryan is still working very hard on our mural so I can't give you complete pictures but we are making major progress.

Enjoy! 

*these are really poor quality because they were taken with my cell phone!*

yes. I am an ND.

**DISCLAIMER** 
Edit- June 15th: This blog has generated quite a response from anyone who has read it. Whether it be positive or negative. The purpose of my blog was never meant to be a "FACTS OF LIFE" for you but more for me. The initial purpose of the blog was more for myself. A desire to dig deep. Reflect. And to close off distractions from what my life is really about. I am opening my world to you with hopes to inspire. Inspire you to seek your own truths.

I am in no way intending to represent all Chiropractors or Naturopathic doctors. I am merely representing me...as a very passionate & educated Asian American woman deeply rooted in her culture who loves her family, her husband, her unborn child, food, photography, and anything artsy.
My blog is and should not be a source for you to seek medical advice even though I will (from time to time) discuss health topics from my own perspective & opinion.

The passion that I display may come across as abrasive. Honest. Straight forward. Etc Etc. Well that is who I am. Born & raised that way..and no matter how hard I've tried through the years, I can't seem to escape it. So I embrace it. I am a bit unrefined but I'm working on it. Work in progress is really what my blog is all about if you read the "What's in a name" section.

This is my diary to you. Unlocked. Open. Exposed.

Don't take every word I say as the FACT...or YOUR truth. Seek it out for yourself. I've come to my own conclusions through my experiences.

You deserve to do the same.

Ok. back to regular scheduled programming. Enjoy!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Um...you're a Naturo-what?!"

Yeah I get that question ALL the time which is usually followed by something like...

"You're into all those herbs and stuff?"

"Oooo...like a witch doctor?!"

"You do that wacky sugar pill stuff right?"

"Well that's not a real doctor."

Oh the list could go on and on with how many reactions...responses...and straight ignorance is presented to me when I discuss my calling of a career. 

I don't just sit there and tell you to eat better. Veggies! More fiber! No sugar! No fat!

I also don't sell you shakes so that I can get a BMW or make a ton of money. I also don't push any particular brand of supplements, herbs, etc because I get a cut back. I don't wave my hands over you and close my eyes and wish for a cure. I don't even guarantee you a cure. 

But I try my hardest to improve the quality of your life.

I work for you.

I also don't give you a bunch of pharmaceuticals to hide what's really going on. But I am also NOT against pharmaceuticals when used properly & necessary. I don't promise you answers. I promise I can try. You can question me 100% of the time. You can argue with me. We can have a conversation about your health. After all, it is YOUR health.

I educate you. 

I also learn from you. 

We work together. 

You are as important in the equation as I am. If not more.

My goal is so that you don't ever...ever...ever NEED me anymore. 

I know physiology. I know pathology. I know biochemistry etc etc etc.

After passing one more set of board exams in August, I am able to apply for a LICENSE. 

Which I can't say applies to all "ND's". 

I have just as much school loan debt as a medical doctor...probably even more because I am also a Chiropractor which I can't say is really who I am. There are so many that are better. It was the kickstart to my Naturopathic calling. I have a Bachelor's degree. I have TWO doctorate degrees that took me over 6 years. I didn't get my "degree" online.
Two doctorates later & I feel this is where I need to be.

This isn't a labor of money but a calling.

Not everyone is made to do it. We are not paid well to do it either. But we deserve it. 

If you value your health as much as I value mine, we are worth it. 

"provides evidence of effectiveness and cost savings in chronic diseases in the observed or validly-modeled practice of trained and licensed naturopathic doctors."

"How Naturopathic Doctors (ND) are proving the value of integrative medicine."

Take some time to read the article above. 

Open your mind and your heart to what potential there is for you. 

:)

Thomas Edison said it best, "The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease."

thank you for all the LOVE.

From Auntie Kelsey

Baby D got her first TUTU in the mail today from "Auntie" Kelsey!! 

We are truly so grateful for all the people that have bought us gifts just because they love our baby who hasn't even made her debut yet. 

We always wonder sometimes how we'll make it. Not just as new parents but as new parents living on one income but every time we start to get discouraged, we get boxes of donated clothes...we get clothes in the mail...we get gifts from co-workers...we get support from family...God really does work in His own ways and we are seeing that through ALL OF YOU! 

From Uncle Ev and Auntie Danielle!
One of the first gifts she received! 

Baby D is truly in for such a loving environment...not just because we will love her to infinity but because she has love overflowing from all over the place...across state lines....and country lines! It really encourages us..to know we have THAT much support. This is a journey that will change our lives forever & we need all the love, support, and encouragement we can get! Your prayers are a gift to us as well! 

I wish we had pictures of all the gifts she has already gotten but don't you worry, once she wears the outfit, you will get ALL the credit :) <3

From Grandma Dorough

Thank you EVERYONE for loving our baby so much...we know it also means you love us :)

We love you all...

pregnancy fun

Soaking up the sun in my kiddie pool while reading some baby mags! :)

As some of you know, my husband and I are both in the "alternative" health care field. We've been going crazy with research to assure that we are very true to our beliefs in how we raise our baby...what lotions we use, soaps, cloth diapers, etc etc. That stuff I will admit, we are new to...they don't teach us that stuff in school.

We have been getting prenatal care from midwives (which are amazing!!!) and are going to start our Bradley birth classes this week which specializes in preparing a couple to go "eau naturale". We are (well I am) also committing to breastfeeding for at LEAST a year.

Some things we are very aware of include nutrition & exercise! We weren't necessarily planning to have this baby but last year, Ryan and I went on a fitness adventure where we both lost significant weight and gained muscle. I even told some people, "I'm losing weight so I can prepare my body for a baby one day." You can imagine the looks I would get.

Pregnancy isn't the ultimate excuse to eat your heart out and be lazy. It's quite the opposite. I mean yes, there has to be a balance. You need your rest...your body will force it. You need to eat more...your body will force it. But you don't need to indulge as much as some people think. Cravings are a different story- sometimes you just have to listen to them!

I have been trying to reach that balance. I try to always get protein over sugar for breakfast- coffee has been creeping up (about 1-2 cups/week whereas before it was ZERO) but other than that, I eat actual food for breakfast. Pre-pregnancy I was about 95% Gluten free because well my body forced me to eat that way & I really believe in the detriment gluten can do to your gut & body in general.

However, during pregnancy (especially in the first trimester) it seemed like the only thing I could tolerate to eat was processed food (which slowly faded). I am a bit more lax on things with gluten but I try to eat a bigger portion of whole foods (meat, veggies, & fruit) when I indulge.

Sugar. I love sugar...I mean who doesn't?! Among times I do indulge, I try to fill the "void" with fruit like apples & peanut/almond butter so I get my protein and fiber too! When that doesn't work, I just give in and limit the amount I eat.

I've been doing yoga, going on walks, and keeping myself busy around the house to ensure I'm not just laying around. I've also been sitting outside in my "adult sized" kiddie pool to soak up the sun, read some baby books/magazines, and relax.

I'm not perfect. I don't try to be. I have to admit, I have been a bit obsessed about my weight during this whole process. I am trying to stay healthy.

After all that talk, I want to give you another healthy and super easy recipe for everyday cravings but especially those preggo cravings! It has all the sweetness from yummy fruit with the creaminess from coconut milk which has endless health benefits! And it's dairy free! No inflammation or allergy issues!

I've noticed that I generally crave COLD things so cold & sugar = ice cream! Well....can't have ice cream all the time! I mean you could, but that would negate everything I just said!

Here's a great alternative to help fill the void :)

birthing classes

The fun continues....and the wallet continues to empty.

We completely understand the importance of all of this...prenatal care, breastfeeding classes, birthing classes etc...but it is hard to see the RED. 

God is faithful...and we know He will take care of us. 

GREEN would be nice though ;) hehe

socks

My heart smiled today as I started baby laundry. 

Imagining that this little being will fit the smallest socks ever is unbelievable. 

I can't say enough how much I love her already. 

<3

26 weeks!

3 months left!! :)

How far along? 26 weeks 

Total weight gain? 3.5# (Total: 16.5 #)

Maternity clothes? Yes! Of course....I'm all boobs & belly. There's no turning back.

Sleep?  Sleep is better with my snoogle "Sebastian" but the sinuses are still an issue! 

Best moment this week? A very happy prenatal appointment! Heartbeat is super strong & found out baby & I are growing very happy & HEALTHY together! :) 

Miss Anything? Being more tolerant of heat cause wheww...mama is getting HOT.

Movement? She is SUPER active. Our ultrasound report even stated that she moves A LOT which makes us very happy! I hope it's not because she's hyper!

Food cravings? My cravings are random...still. I had a weird 2 days of nausea & loss of appetite but after eating a ton of raw veggies, I felt WAY better. Guess this little babes is a veg-head.

Anything make you queasy or sick? Lack of food- going hungry too long is no bueno. The hunger is getting more serious (except for the 2 weird no appetite days) & I need to start being more conscious of always having healthy snacks with me! Fish & avocados still don't stand a chance :(
Gender? Princess.

Symptoms? Sinus congestion, muscle aches, and yes POLYURIA.  

Ankles aren't as swollen..woo woo! (for now). Random calf pain is better but not completely gone. I'm trying to stay active- all the cleaning & organizing is definitely keeping me active! Really weird symptoms are from my skin stretching in my upper abdominal region that SUPER HURTS...trying to stay moisturized! 

Belly button in or out? In! But the end is coming closer! eeeeeek!

Wedding rings on or off? on

Happy or Moody? Happy in general. The tornado of a house is getting me a little anxious but it's getting better! Things are finally moving along. 

Looking forward to? Nursery!!! 

sale sale sale

First day of our garage sale. 

80 degree weather. 12 hours later and we are disappointed at how much stuff we STILL have! 

A couple more days! Wish me & Baby D luck! 

I'm so asian.

Sitting here thinking about random things & recalling conversations I've had with Ryan where I am really bias. I always end up talking about something...Asian & how awesome it is. I'm cray cray. 

Don't worry, I'm not racist or anything (obviously) but just...proud without a filter around people I am comfortable with. 

*I am REALLY looking forward to my brother coming over tomorrow so I can get my sticky rice bamboo cooker since mine ripped. My mama is hooking it up. 

*Snippets of conversations I've had with Ryan:

"Wow...I am so lucky I'm Asian. Our food is way better."-(while looking at a menu in an American restaurant)- 

"Aren't you happy you married a dark Asian? Our baby is going to be gorgeous." (haha)

"Anything mixed with Asian is beautiful." 

"Oooo you ate that growing up? Um..not me." (multiple conversations)

"Laos girls are so pretty huh? Yeah...we're fabulous." (while looking at pictures of my beautiful cousins & I)

"Ooo..sunburn? Yeah..I've had that on my nose once. It hurt." (while Ryan is sunburned over 85% of his body & absolutely miserable) 

"Ooo...an Asian wouldn't do that. Roll up the windows girl!" (while watching horror movies where the white girl drives through a dark alley slowly with her windows down-hahaha)

"Asian women are cray cray. But we're hot too so it evens out. That's why you white guys love us." (referring to...myself)

"Daaang...an Asian woman wouldn't even do that! Now that is straight up crazy." (measurement of craziness)

"Look at that Asian women with the white guy! He's lucky." (every time we see a mix couple). 

I'm sure I've said way more interesting things but I can't recall or I just don't want to share! 

Don't worry. There are definitely many things I can add to my "con" list of being Asian but I try not to focus on those (hehe) until...I meet one...the super cray ones. 

I also know that I shouldn't emphasize the "Asian" thing too much. Someone once told me that I tend to always deflect to the "Asian" thing and that is just...lame! But I can't help it...I love being Laotian (especially) and my daughter will love it just as much too! 

Ba daaaak! :)

baby adventures!

Beautiful Architectural in a beautiful city!

Can you believe it?

25 weeks pregnant and I can say that I went on a 3 hour kayak tour along the Chicago River! What an experience!

The weather was perfect. We were blessed with a very small kayak group so the tour was more personal and intimate. I had my love with me & the little babes sleeping the whole way through.

I feel as if we (baby & I) have surpassed a lot of expectations....my own expectations. We've made it this far together & I am so grateful for her little blessing in my life.

Things still get hard. Reality sinks in & sometimes the whimsical dream of everything comes to a halt for a split second as Ryan & I have to face...reality. But it's all worth it & we know it. 100%.

The love between Ryan & I has grown so deep through this whole process. We realize we don't have a lot...but we do have each other and that is really enough.

Floating along the river and being in the awe of majestic buildings gave us a sense of peace...hope...and love. It was a good day....

We had our prenatal appointment today and had our ultrasound report come back from weeks ago.

Based on the ultrasound results, the baby is PERFECTLY healthy...Mama is gaining the appropriate amount of weight...and Baby D is expected to arrive on time! (hopefully!)


My midwife also said that due to all the factors, if I continue to take good care of myself, we won't need another ultrasound unless medically warranted! (which for us "alternative-holistic" beings, makes me extra extra happy!)

It is still a controversial topic whether or not ultrasounds are actually as safe as they are advertised and the caution I take with this pregnancy is that if there's a risk I can avoid, well...I avoid it or want to.

As the midwife was listening to Baby D's beautiful heartbeat today with a doppler (a form of an ultrasound), the baby also shares our same beliefs and literally kicked so hard that the doppler came off my belly!

It was quite funny & I have to say, it was a very proud moment for me as her mother ;)

weird pregnancy

Detox Salad 

Pregnancy is so weird. Right?! Right.

For the past two days, I feel like I'm right back in my first trimester...kind of. I have moderate nausea in the morning after eating (goes away) AND I'm back to having NO appetite...nothing seems to taste good. I cooked dinner last night that had steak & was so grossed out by the raw meat I handled that I didn't eat it. I tried eating left overs today for lunch and threw up. Greeaatt.....back to my meat aversion?! NOOOO...

So today, I went to the grocery store, trying to find inspiration to eat something...anything. So I walked through the produce aisle and VEGGIES caught my eye. I started to crave this salad- kind of mimicking a salad we've eaten at a "raw foods" restaurant.....and weirdly enough a corn dog (haha!). 

I came home & started to make corn dogs. Then this salad. Weird combo I know but it hit the spot and I feel great now. 

Here's a recipe for my "Detox Salad" (estimated measurements!)

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25 weeks:)

weekend schedule.

I'm not complaining. But here was our weekend schedule. Friday- run errands. organize garage sale stuff. Ryan sketched out the mural for our nursery. Saturday- Went to work with Ryan at 6:45a...drove to Elgin to do makeup and help with last minute wedding stuff...drove back to pick up Ryan. Attended wedding...caught a late movie with family & got home at 1am. Sunday- Woke up at 8:30a and drove to Chicago to do a 3 hour kayak Architectural tour of Chicago ((AMAZING))...had lunch then drove to Lombard/Downer's Grove area to Enchanted Castle & finished it off with Royal Buffet for little cousins' birthday & 8th graduation. Now I am home. Exhausted. Tan. Exhausted. Picture updates tomorrow!

wedding fever!

Yes. You are correct. I had WEDDING FESTIVITIES last weekend for my best friend, Maria...And they don't stop there! Today I have another wedding to attend and it's for my little cousin- Peter!

I am so happy for Peter and Sarah ...and wish them a lifetime of happiness and LOVE. :) I know they will learn really quick like I did, that marriage is such a blessing and waking up next to your soulmate is priceless! :) We love you guys and can't wait for you to have your own little mixed babies running around! :D

Love birds.

Here is the video I promised you guys from Maria & Oscar's wedding that goes with the wedding I am attending today! Enjoy and LOVE LOVE LOVE! :)

i love...

...this quote.

Source: yougetthepicture.net via Miravone on Pinterest

hoping to make this apart of our nursery :)

Nursery Update:
Paint is on the walls. Baby Daddy is putting his artistic skills to work by hand painting something special for his baby girl. Then it's mama's turn- decorate and organize!!! <3