When I started up this blog again earlier this year in July, I had promised myself that I would keep it going.  But what happened?  I found out in September my sister’s breast cancer had spread to several major organs.  To say the least, I was everything you can imagine: devastated, sad, in disbelief, numb.  I was frozen for awhile there and I couldn’t do anything productive because all I could think of was my sister, her husband, and her two young boys, 5 and 2. Writing this blog just seemed so frivilous in the big scheme of things. I didn’t know what to write and didn’t think anything I wrote would be appropriate to what I was feeling.

What I was able to do was photography because some shoots were booked ahead of time. Even then, I wanted to just finish them so I can get back to caring for my sister. Is this a new job or role I had to help my sister? Or am I attending to her to avoid what I should be doing? As hard as it is, I realized that I must live my life and keep moving forward because no one will do that for me but me. My family is still priority and my life is even more important.

As a stay-at-home mom, life has been getting easier because my youngest is now over one year old (already) and my oldest is 2.5 years. They are actually playing together at times and I can do some chores without much worrying. My youngest also started walking just before she turned one so she’s been walking for a few months now. Without these two little people, I don’t know how I would still have reason to smile.

I had wrote “where’s me in all of this” back in September and today I can say I have myself back and this is because I am fully ready to take on the reigns of my life. I’m responsible for everything that happens in my life, and instead of complaining like I did in that blog entry, I’m going to do something about it and take my life back. I can have it all: be the best mother, be the best wife, be the best business woman, be the best person and still be there for my sister – I just need to move forward.

I AM EXCITED!

 
PS – My sister is still fighting on strong and I know she will get through this. I know she will be healthy and healed real soon because I pray for her everyday and see her in my mind as strong and living her life like never before. If you would pray with me, I would so appreciate it. Thank you.
 

Have something passionate to say?
Join in on “Pour Your Heart Out” Wednesdays with Things I Can’t Say and link up!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my full RSS feed by email!

Today is my birthday.

I don’t usually announce my birthday like this but today I want to.

I hope people read this and make my wish come true.

My one birthday wish today is to have everyone that reads this say a prayer for my sister.

My sister, 34, is battling breast cancer. She was diagnosed last year on November 5, 2010 and last week we learned that the cancer has now spread to her brain and lungs.

I know the only one that can help her is God and if everyone prayed with me, I know a miracle will happen.

Please pray for her full health.

Please pray for her wellness.

Please pray for her husband and two young sons (5 and 1.5yrs).

If anyone can get through this, I know it’s her.

She is the most generous and loving person I know and cannot understand why she’s been chosen to go through this.

Please pray.

~Skye

I’m no fashionista by any means and even I would love one of these diaper bags that look like purses!! If I had to do it all over again, I definitely would invest in one of these! :) I say “invest” because, get real, these aren’t under fifty bucks but I think well worth their dollar! I found out about these diaper bags because one of my friends that I recently visited had one for her upcoming baby. The diaper bag totally looked like any other purse and you would not know it was a diaper bag at all. My friend was so proud of hers, it was a gift from her hubby for entering motherhood. Awww, isn’t that damn sweet?! :)  This is the one she has:

Storksak Emily Nylon Diaper Bag – Pewter Twill

• As worn by Angelina Jolie, this bag is fashionable, fully functional and on-trend.
• Made from durable satin, and trimmed tasselled zip pulls.
• Adjustable shoulder strap, two outer zip pockets, built-in insulated side bottle pockets to keep bottles perfectly upright.
• Inner zipped detachable bag perfect for make-up or other small items.
• Includes a padded changing mat.
• $175 USD, buy it here!

When I went home after her visit, I had to look into these purse-like diaper bags and found these other ones that I think they are to die for!

timi & leslie Annette Diaper Bag – Rouge

• Made from easy to clean faux leather (PVC free) & has custom hardware in gold finish.
• A cross body, adjustable detachable strap so you can wear it hands free.
• A stylish clutch that you can use as your purse with interior credit card slots and an inside zipper pocket.
• An insulated bottle tote to keep your baby’s bottle warm or cool.
• Changing pad with a front mesh pocket to store diapers, wipes and creams.
• Water resistant, light colored lining
• 1 interior center divider pocket, 3 exterior pockets, 6 interior organizational pockets, and an inside key fob.
• $139.99 USD, buy it here!

OiOi Black Leather Pocketed Hobo Diaper Bag

• Gorgeous black leather with contrast double stitching and buckle detail.
• Full width pocket front (pleated) and back (flat).
• One main internal compartment with 3 elasticized pockets.
• Nylon lining and accessories in zebra print.
• Leather adjustable buckle shoulder strap and stroller straps.
• Large padded micro fiber change mat and insulated bottle holder.
• Zip-top mess bag, nickel hardware, and protective metal feet on base.
• $249 USD, buy it here!

JJ Cole Swag Diaper Bag – Silver Drop

• With the Swag, there is no need to sacrifice fashion or function. Stylish but with practical construction.
• It can be worn either messenger style or like a purse.
• Water-resistant finish.
• Insulated side bottle pockets.
• Coordinating changing pad and wallet.
• Adjustable shoulder strap and Grips™ stroller attachments.
• $79.95 USD, JJ Cole Swag Diaper Bag – Silver Drop

These fashionable diaper bags are just a few I quickly found but there are many more out there. Diaper bags are a necessity and are used so frequently that I think these purse-like ones are well worth it. Having both functionality and fashion style, every modern mom deserves one!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my full RSS feed by email!

Time flies! It’s been almost two weeks since we converted our daughter’s crib to a toddler bed which I wrote about here and now I’m giving you an update on how she did.

Our baby girl did so well! She was helping Daddy put her “new big girl bed” together which was fun for her to see how the bed was being changed. When the toddler bed was finished, the first thing she did was climb on it all by herself and she was SO PROUD. She was so excited that she was able to climb up and, even more fun, down the bed all by herself! I really think she feels like a “big girl” now. It was really fun watching her go up and down the bed so many times.

During the first week, she fell off the toddler bed twice and another time just her legs fell off. It’s a good thing the bed is quite low to the ground and we had put a pillow there so she was not hurt at all. For the second week, she didn’t fall out at all so I think she caught on pretty quickly. The most surprising thing of all is that she has not gotten off her bed when she wakes up or when she wants something before falling asleep (like water or go to the washroom), she still just calls us. So we haven’t woken up with a little face beside ours yet nor have we been surprised by a little person coming down the stairs when she should be sleeping. :)

Overall, I think she loves the new set up and has continued to sleep very well through the night without much problems from the conversion of the bed. She’s almost two and a half so not sure if it was just the right timing or what but we are so thankful that this was a non-stressful transition!!

Counting our lucky stars!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my full RSS feed by email!

I’m not usually too riled up about the topic of Dads but I just read this post on The Morris Bunch Blog and it just makes so MAD!

Gena of The Morris Bunch Blog writes that she’s been horrible at working out because she has no time to exercise. Well, of course she doesn’t, she has FIVE children and TWO step kids to take care of and she’s home alone with the smallest ones all day long. I have two little girls and know exactly what she means. She goes on to say she resents her husband for taking nightly runs while she cooks and cares for her children. Hello? Who wouldn’t be resentful? I know in my household, it’s CRAZY here during dinner time and often I’m home alone too while I have to cook and care for the girls but that’s because my husband’s at work.

What’s the kicker? Someone commented on her post suggesting she go running after dinner while husband cleans up and do dishes. Her response was, “He thinks after dinner it’s his time so that doesn’t work out real well either.” I’m sure he is a great guy but…… WTF?! I’m so pissed off for her right now!!!!!

My husband is not as bad as this guy but there are times that make me wonder WTF? Sometimes he would take showers at the most inopportune times when we’re trying to get ready to go out when he could have done that way before. Most times I do get stuff ready to go out by myself but it’s nice to have a second person to either get the kids ready or double check the diaper bag. If something is forgotten, it’s always my fault since I’m the one getting shit together! Other times, he would go ahead and take a nap when one of our babies go down for one. Umm, hello? What about me?? If he would have asked, that’s great, but he just does what he wants when he wants to. He does other stuff around the house too without asking if I need any help with the girls and it drives me crazy. When I say I have stuff I want to do too, then he tells me why don’t you just do what you want to do like I do? Umm, because I don’t know if you’re going to take care of the children or take off doing some other chore or sleep or whatever!

My hubby has definitely made changes since those days and now always asks me what I want to do before he does things himself. There is only so much free time that each of us have and it seems unfair that the children always go to “Mom” by default. I can imagine lots of other Moms out there are feeling the same thing as Gena and me. Moms seem to always have to plan things in order to do what they want while Dads just pick up and go on the whim.

The best way to get around it is to tell your partner how you’re feeling and together figure out a way to fit both of your activities in. Both are parents, not just Mom. Both have needs, not just Dad.

For Gena, I hope she finds a way to fit her exercise in with her husband or get the help she needs so that she can have that 30 minute or an hour run because this alone time for her is so important. She needs to find “her time” too. Being a stay at home mom is hard, moms totally need her own space and a break from the daily grind or she will start to lose herself.

Hoping the best for you, Gena!!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my full RSS feed by email!

I never dreamed about being a mother when I was younger. I didn’t even get the baby bug until my early thirties as I noted in my previous post. Before then, I had dreams about being financially successful, a business owner, a traveler, and a photographer, just to name a few. I was definitely on the road to these dreams before I became a mom but now motherhood has taken these dreams to the back burner.

You see, by the time I finally dreamed about being a mother, it pretty much consumed me.  It was all I could think and read about. You know how it is when you start trying to have a baby, you go crazy tracking your ovulation days or when to have sex, etc. Reading up on birth stories (and what can go wrong!), getting information on how to “do it” to ensure a certain baby gender, and all the baby/parenting books you can get your hands on. This dream came true for me pretty quickly despite the miscarriages I went through.

So what about my other dreams?

I’m in so thick in motherhood right now I don’t see how I can fit my other dreams in. I’ve always wanted to have my own business whether it be related to my passion for photography or some other venture like owning a baby store of some sort. When will be the right time for this? How would I be able to juggle the demands of motherhood without losing my own dreams? I have all these questions about the things I want to do but not sure where to look for the answers.

However, I know that every day is getting easier for me to do the things I want to do. For example, it speaks volumes that I’m able to blog! As well, it’s not as if we’ve stopped traveling since having our babies (need to do it before they turn 2 to save loads of money!). I still take TONS of photographs of our girls so I’m still practicing. As for being a business owner, it may be on the horizon.

I think my dreams aren’t completely shattered yet, but maybe just altered or delayed. As long as I keep dreaming and keep them alive inside me, they will come true in due time.

Always dream big!

Have something passionate to say?
Join in on “Pour Your Heart Out” Wednesdays with Things I Can’t Say and link up!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my full RSS feed by email!

For the first time in the United States, crib bumper pads are being banned in Chicago, IL. I read this last week on nbchicago.com and am surprised Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s City Council can pass such an ordinance. My beloved city (I once lived there for 9 nine years) has banned those cute bumper pads that go around the crib citing they are dangerous and suffocates infants. Sure I’ve heard of the bumpers being a risk to child safety but actually banning it? Isn’t it the right of the parent to choose whether to use these bumper pads or not? When did the government start telling us how to raise our children?

I think that if used correctly the crib bumper pads are fine to use. I use bumper pads for both my girls at different stages in their lives. For instance, when they are first born, they don’t move when they sleep so I use them during the first three months or so. Once they start moving a little like being able to rollover, I take the bumpers off. When they are well versed in their crawling skills (almost walking stage), then I put them back on. However, when they are old enough to use the bumper to try to climb out of the crib, I take them off it again.

I like using the crib bumper pads because it prevents their arms and legs from hanging out of the crib and getting stuck. Or when they sleep and push themselves up to the top of the crib, their head is protected from being bumped against something hard. And, of course, they also add so much design to your baby’s nursery.

To decrease the risk of suffocation, choose thinner, stiffer ones and ensure they are tightly secured. There are also breathable ones like the Breathable Baby Bubbles Fashion Trim Bumper. From the pictures, you can see the bumper pads are made of a mesh fabric making it much easier to breathe when a baby rolls up against it. This fabric was especially designed to promote air-flow and help maintain air access to the baby. Soft and padded, your baby will sleep through the night secured and sound.

I think it’s up to moms and dads to decide what they want to use for their children. If the government want to ban something, why don’t they ban all the bad foods on the grocery store shelves?! I hate having to read labels and watch out for smart marketing!

What’s your take on crib bumper pads?

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my full RSS feed by email!

Today, September 11th, marks the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. which killed almost 3,000 people.

Although I was not directly affected by this tragedy, I was deeply shaken by it. I was in downtown Chicago and I remember how I was sent home from work immediately and how the financial core was empty like a ghost town when it should have been buzzing with activity. As I was trying to meet up with my sister-in-law to get home safely, I felt this eeriness around me. We were so relieved to be reunited with the family, but at the same time watched in disbelief and silence as the news unfolded.

I can’t even imagine what the families who lost a loved one went through that day and are still going through. The amount of courage and strength that they must have needed in order to move on from such devastation must be unimaginable. The firefighters that responded to the World Trade Center were more than heroes. They were selfless, fearless and focused on saving lives without knowing the danger that they were putting themselves in.

On this day, it reminds me to not take life for granted and embrace all that I have. Whether I’m having a bad day or feeling frustrated and stressed out, this day reminds me to have gratitude. Grateful for the family I have, for our health, and for all the love in my life. To all that were closely affected by this event, may this day not remind you of what you lost but remind you of the love you had and still have.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my full RSS feed by email!

I have one baby in diapers and one toddler almost out of diapers so I know a bit about diapers! :)  I know I’m a diaper expert now because my second baby didn’t have as many leaks as the first baby by far.  Thanks to the diapers I use, both of my girls were always kept dry, comfortable, and moving along as fast as they can go!

What do I use?

I use Pampers.

Why?

• These diapers are super thin
• Save space on storage and not bulky on baby
• The elastic around the legs are very comfortable and flexible
• Absorbs extremely well, hardly any leaks, especially overnight
• Cute Sesame Street characters on each diaper
• Great value as they package the most diapers per box

Why not Huggies?

• Super thick
• Not great on storage and definitely bulky on baby
• Elastic not that snug around legs so leaks do happen
• Elastic around waist is not that helpful either = leaks
• Material feels harder and not has comfortable as Pampers
• Their packaging usually comes with less diapers

Whether you use Pampers or Huggies, do you know that you can save 15% if you order them through Amazon.com on a recurring basis?  You can choose from 1, 2, 3, or 6 month frequencies.  Before you decide which you want to use, do some testing by buying small packs from your local store.

The diapering stage can be a challenging one, especially in the early stages, but so much fun to see the changes in their #2′s!  :)

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my full RSS feed by email!

Disclosure:  this was NOT a sponsored post, this was from my personal experience and did not receive any compensation or gift for this post.

Motherhood has certainly become one of my greatest achievements so far yet it has been one of the biggest challenges. Being a mother is rewarding in so many ways but I must say there are days when I question if I’m the right person for the job.  You know how some women always wanted to be a mother and always knew they wanted children? Well, I’m not one of those women and being a mom has definitely not come easy for me.

I got the “I want a baby” bug when I hit my early 30′s and it was weird how badly I wanted one! When we finally started trying, we went through some speed bumps which you can read about here and here. My miscarriages were trying times but we got through them and got pregnant when I was 36. With the birth of our first daughter, we decided that I was going to stay home and raise her since we only wanted the best for her. The first eight months were good because we had an easy going baby and although I was sleep deprived at times, I didn’t feel too exhausted.  So since we wanted two kids, we started trying right away thinking it would take a few months but I got pregnant right away! We were so excited but also a little nervous. Having two kids 17 months apart will be hard for the first year, I thought, but it’s going to be great for them to be so close in age.  I just didn’t realize how hard it would actually be.

For 7 months, I was taking care of two girls under two and I was going crazy! With sleep deprivation kicking in deep and both needing me so much, I felt like I was walking on very thin ice. Every night, I had no energy for anyone or anything else. I was supposed to sleep when the babies slept but they didn’t sleep at the same time!! At times when they were both crying for me, I didn’t know what to do and I would just scream with them. The days were long and constantly filled with feedings, diapering, washing, cleaning spit-ups, and more washing and cleaning. Dinner time was nuts around here! I usually had to cook and watch the babies by myself before my husband got home from work. Never mind the fact that I also had to take out the dog and feed him too.

What did I get myself into? Is this what motherhood is all about?  I was TIRED.  I was EXHAUSTED.  I was DONE.  When was there time for me?  When did I have time to do anything that I wanted?  Where did I go?  A lot of times I felt like I was not made to be a mom because I was drowning and spiraling into a black hole.  I sometimes wondered if I had some sort of postpartum depression because I felt so down, so alone, and ashamed of these feelings I was having.  On top of all these feelings, I also felt useless and incapable financially.  I’ve always been career minded and ambitious, and for the first time in my life, not making any money felt horrible.  Apart of me, still seems to be missing.

Now that my youngest baby is 11 months, I can finally see SOME light at the end of the tunnel.  Things are definitely getting easier.  Both kids nap in the afternoon at the same time so I actually have 2 hours to myself and they also sleep through the night.  My two girls are able to play with each other so it makes things a little easier when I’m cooking or doing chores.  After the kids are put to sleep, I get to enjoy my evenings and even go out more with my friends.  I can see that “me” is coming back, slowing but surely.

One advice that I can offer to new mothers is: make time for yourself. It is too important not to give yourself the time and space to regroup, relax, and unwind. Whether you read a book, take a hot bath, or go have a drink with a friend, a mom needs to have a break from the daily grind or you’ll start to lose yourself. I know I should have done more for myself.

I knew that having 2 babies 17 months apart was going to be hard, but never in my dreams did I think it would be this hard.  My youngest is almost one and I’m so happy that I made it through her first year somewhat intact.  At the same time, I’m sad that they are growing into toddlers so fast before my eyes.  Never think for a second that I loved my babies any less during the toughest days because the memorable moments outweigh the bad ones by miles.  Motherhood is tough, but I think the greatest achievements are the toughest to obtain.

Have something passionate to say?
Join in on “Pour Your Heart Out” Wednesdays with Things I Can’t Say and link up!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my full RSS feed by email!