A Quick Catch Up

Just like the title says, this is a catch up post! So for those who didn't already know,

We've MOVED!!

We moved from our 2-bedroom apartment in Bangkok, Thailand to a log house in Vacaville, CA! Yes, we did move across the WORLD. Why?  Jonathan finished school!! He did! And I'm so very proud of him. He finished in 3 and a half years. Isn't he awesome? 

Jonathan showing off his degree!

O.K. enough bragging about the husband. We moved since Fall(November) last year. . .it's been almost a year! Melinda was 5 months old when we moved. It was definitely quite an experience flying with a baby. We learned that she can not fly longer than a 5-hour flight. We had 2 flights, first one was 5 hour so it was a piece of cake. Second flight was a 13-hour long. . .we (accidentally) shared a glimpse of parenthood to the people on the flight and might have even scared some of them. 

Waiting at the airport

We stopped in Korea for a layover and since then, Korean has been on our bucket list. We NEED to go back there! What a beautiful country! They have the most awesome airport!! Free wifi, free shower, free lockers so you don't have to carry your carry on around, ice skating rink, good airport food, free tours to go out and see the city, etc. We just love Korea! We went out to for some sight seeing on our own and of course we were lost. . .only for a bit though, A kind Korean man who spoke no English took us to the police man and we were helped after all. 

Gyeongbokgung Palace 

The only bad-ish experience about Korea was that we didn't check the weather before we left. So from 80s degrees Bangkok to 40s degrees Seoul we did NOT dress for it! Our poor baby had to suffer most I guess. Poor thing was so cold and decided to sleep though the whole outing trip - good for you baby!

Anyway, we made it to C A L I F O R N I A!! It's been really fun catching up with the family. Meli apparently became best bud with her cousins, especially Hanna. These two are best buds! I'm telling you Meli's first world was HA-NA not mommy. 

We are so happy to be here in California. There is nothing better than reunite with family and Round Table Pizza. The Bean and I have experienced out first real Fall, Winter and Spring, not to mention real American Thanksgiving, Christmas, Snow, 4th of July, Bounce House(for Meli), Cold Beach, and so many more.

First time in the swing

REAL Christmas tree!

The cousins on Christmas

Our Winter family photoshoot

My first snow experience

Our family back to where it all began

Meli's first time at the beach!

First time experiencing sand.

I should frame this right? I absolutely love this picture!

The Mackleys' Beach Retreat

 

Boogie boarding family style 

4th of July

This post is longer than I intended it to be (#sorrynotsorry). But basically a lot has happened this past year. Meli has grown so much. She is now a cute little T O D D L E R. This girl is one strong willed child. We love spending time at the parks. If Meli could choose, she would choose to spend all her time outside at the park in the swing! She has met so many milestones from crawling to walking, from first solid food to cupcakes. 

You know you can NEVER have enough headbands!

It's either swing or pool for this girl.

Swing mania

Birthday Girl!

Can you believe she is ONE!?

Matching tutu - mama's dream come true!

Isn't she so cute?! She is and she knows it!!

Our summer family photoshoot

On Jonathan news, he has been looking for a job. It's been a long, rough year but we are so very grateful for the situation. He has been able to spend time with us. It's so nice having him home. And we are also grateful for his parents for letting us stay with them while he's been looking for a job. It seems like L U C K is on our side now though. He has been having interviews with two companies and they seem to be getting serious. So we may or may not move in the next couple months! *keep your finger crossed for us. Prayers, positive thoughts needed here!*

At the moment, we are looking forward to Halloween. I learned how to S E W and made Meli and Jonathan's costumes (of course, I'll blog about it!). We are also looking forward for more Fall fun - pumpkin patch,jumping on pile of leaves, baking more pumpkin stuff, etc. 

I hope this post helped you catch up with what we have been up to and get all excited and ready for our next adventures!

Melinda's Birth Story

May 30, 2013

I planned to go visit my dear friend, Dannii, in the afternoon before my 37 weeks check up appointment at 4:00pm. I got a call from my doctor telling me my appointment needed to be pushed to 5:30pm because she had to deliver a baby so I decided to wait for Jonathan to come home from school and go to Dannii's with me so I wouldn't have to go alone. Jonathan got home and we left for Dannii's. We spent some time at Dannii's and joked about how funny it would be if my doctor told me I would have to have my baby today.

We left for the hospital and had to wait for another hour cause my doctor still was in the OR. We got in her office and she saw my stomach and asked if I was having contractions because it seemed pretty hard. I told her 'Yes! Just Braxton Hicks. I've been having them lately.' She decided to perform pelvic examination first before doing ultrasound. Right when she put her finger in she sighed and then said 'What is with you people?! Why is everyone giving birth today?! You are 3 cm. dilated. You are having your baby tonight . . . or tomorrow.' Hmm. . .what?! It took us awhile to register the news.

I was admitted and sent to delivery room. The contractions were still mild after 4 and a half hours my doctor checked me again and I was just 4 cm. dilated so she sent me to my room in the ward. 

Delivery room first attempt! 

I couldn't get any sleep. I wondered how long it's gonna take until I get to see my baby. The contractions were getting milder and milder and even stopped at one point. It was very discouraging. I didn't wanna be sent home without the baby in the morning. I looked up online on how to speed up labor and stuff. Jonathan even gave me some foot massage that's supposed to help with labor. I prayed and prayed. I never prayed so much in my life like that before. I really wanted to see my sweet Melinda.

May 31, 2013

6 o'clock in the morning the nurse came in to check on me and my contractions were still mild. I thought for sure I would be sent home. It was just too much to handle at the moment. I started to pray again and again. 7 o'clock I took a shower and then had my breakfast. Jonathan and I said our prayer together asking for comfort and courage. Right after the prayer was done I started to feel my contractions again and they weren't so mild! I was sent back to the delivery room.

My doctor came in and checked me out again. By 8:30 am I was still at 4 cm. dilated but my contractions started to get pretty strong. 8:45am my water B R O K E and oh my! I could finally breathe while lying on my back!! 

My contractions started to get stronger and stronger. The nurse said Meli should be here in the afternoon. Jonathan was right there by my side the whole time. At noon my doctor checked on me again and I was only 5 cm. dilated. It was really frustrating! I was really upset cause I knew it mean I could have to been in labor for another 5 hours or so. 

The nurse came in to make sure I still wanna do this without epidural like I told her earlier. I stayed strong and confirmed my will to do this natural. Truth be told, they kept saying that she could also be here anytime and epidural would cost over $320 for 2 hours. It was hard to set my head straight due to the pain and everything but above all I knew I just want my baby to be here already.

The pain was getting worse, really bad that I might have yell at the sweet and amazing Jonathan for couple times. I started to moan . . . and moan a lot. I remembered asking Jonathan and every nurse that came in when I can start pushing even though it didn't really feel like pushing yet but I was just in so much pain. 

1 pm. my doctor came in and checked me again and she exclaimed with excitement that I was all the way opened and should start pushing now when I feel the contractions. The dynamic of the room changed all of sudden. Everyone was running around preparing stuff. Jonathan started to tell me to push and I started to feel she was coming. 

I pushed and pushed for almost half hour. It really hurt but I could feel that I was so close to see my baby. I kept repeating in my mind while pushing 'Come on Melinda! We can do this!!' over and over. Then Jonathan exclaimed 'Mink! Keep pushing!! I can see her head!! She has HAIR!!!' I pushed one more and I felt her head coming out of me. Jonathan kept cheering me on. It was already tiring but I knew I couldn't stop. I pushed more and I felt her shoulders. That really hurt!! I remembered yelling 'oh gosh it hurts!!' with that push then I pushed more and I could feel the rest of her body coming out. It felt like pushing a sack of oranges. Then I heard Jonathan said 'Mink, she is here. Melinda is here.' (yes, he cried!)

They put her on my stomach while cleaning her. I remembered the first time seeing my daughter. She was white and has the brightest small lips and she looked right at me. 

When I first saw my Melinda.

They took her out for cleaning up more and measuring and stuff. Nothing really hurt after that even I was torn and had to have some stitches. I was waiting for them to bring in my baby.

Jonathan walked in with Melinda in his arm. I got to hold my baby girl for the first time. It felt like I already knew her although I still couldn't wrap my head around that she really is mine. My beautiful 6 pounds 8 ounces baby girl.  

We took couple pictures together and Jonathan left with the pediatrician and nurse to take Melinda to the nursery. I was laying down in the delivery room still while my doctor giving me stitches and complimenting me at how good I was at doing this all natural and even for the first time. She and the nurses also couldn't stop telling me how beautiful my daughter was and how she looked just like her daddy. My doctor also said that if I carried full term 40 weeks she wouldn't let me give birth natural. Apparently Meli was pretty big considering being born at 37 weeks. 

First time holding my baby girl.

First 'FAMILY' photo! =)

Melinda - less than an hour old in nursery.

Isn't she lovely? Ah, my heart is melt!!

Half an hour gone by and Jonathan came back to delivery room. I had to stay there for another 2 hours. It was really difficult cause I really wanted to go to my room and I want to spend more time with my baby. The nurses told me to try to get some rest; I wondered if they understood that I just had a baby!! 

4 pm they finally moved me up to my room in the other bed. My parents were already there in the room (surprise!). Couple minute later the nurse from nursery brought in my sweet little girl. I got a chance to hold her again. She was even more beautiful than I first held her . . . and looked even more like Jonathan. 

Second time holding my Melinda. 

Proud Daddy!! 

Inside My Pregnancy Mind

I've been pregnant for awhile already (as of 27 weeks or 191 days to be exact). I've written my thoughts/feelings and stuff down as days gone by. I've learned a lot about myself and some other since I got pregnant. Here are some that I'd like to share.

Inside My Pregnancy Mind : The First Trimester

October 15th, 2012

I'm pregnant? Hmm what? Took two pregnancy tests one said positive the other said negative-ish? What exactly is that supposed to mean?! 

October 16th, 2012

I'm pregnant! It's pretty positive now. I took another test and it's way positive. I'm happy, scared, confused, terrified, in love, excited, scared!!

No, that's not the third one. . . more like the fifth.

October 18th, 2012

I'm pregnant with a Mormon child. I can't stand the smell of c o f f e e. It's extra nastier than usual and I puked at work.

October 19th, 2012

We told J's parents. Not gonna lie J's dad scared me to death!! I cried for half hour after talking to them. They weren't bad or anything but the fact is they made some point. 'How are we going to do this? What is the next plan?' I felt like we are just not ready to do this whole pregnancy-parenthood thing. I am scared but hey! If other people can do it then WE can do it. I'm not doing this alone. I have Jonathan with me and he will always be there. We are going to get through this TOGETHER!

October 20th, 2012

I'm b l e e d i n g . . .and it hasn't stopped yet. I'm scared. . .very scared.

October 21st, 2012

We told my MOM today!! Holy cow! She just went FROZEN! My mom had no idea what was going on and she just couldn't move for literally a few minute. It came out of nowhere for her. It ended well though. =)

October 22nd, 2012

We are going to the hospital tomorrow. I'm still bleeding and not feeling well. =(

October 23rd, 2012

I have a teeny tiny human being in my tummy!! He is so little - 0.85 mm, even smaller than a peanut!! Official due date is June 20, 2013. We already love him! . . .or her.

October 30th, 2012

Is it necessary to feel so sick/tired and puke everyday? I do NOT like morning sickness at all. =(

November 2nd, 2012 - Part 1

Didn't make it through my shift and we are now going to the hospital. I keep bleeding and it's scary. =(

November 2nd, 2012 - Part 2

My doctor said the placenta is not being attached fully to the uterus. This is my first pregnancy and I'm really scared of a miscarriage. She said not to worry but I feel like doctors have to say that. Also I'm being put on bed rest since my job requires too much movements and long hours of standing that will do me and the baby no good. 2 weeks until next appointment.

November 6th, 2012

Dear Peanut,

You are my little baby and I already love you. I love you with all my heart and please don't break it. I really am looking forward to be your mother so please hang in there. We can do this together!

Love,

Your Mommy

Halloween costume?! 

November 10th, 2012

A day without morning sickness is a happy day. . .unfortunately today is not that day. =(

November 12th, 2012

J is staying home with me. I'm so thankful for him. He has been a really good helper since I can't really help myself out with some stuff. He often comes home to a bucket full of puke, whether he minds it or not he never blamed. Thank you so much sweetheart!

November 16th, 2012

There is absolutely nothing more comforting than hearing your baby's heartbeat and seeing him wiggling for the first time. Peanut is now 8 weeks and looks just like a gummy bear! The gap between placenta and uterus is almost all gone. We are very happy to report. =)

Awww look at my cute little gummy bear!!

Side Note - Jonathan actually teared up at the doctor's office when we first saw Peanut. We really are going to be parents!

November 20th, 2012

Will I ever wake up and not feel sick? =( I am fully expecting to wake up on my 12 weeks mark and feel perfectly well. That's what all the books tell me. . .

November 22nd, 2012

I wish I could enjoy Thanksgiving meal more. We had a good time spending Thanksgiving at The Keys'. We also announced our pregnancy today to the world (and by the world I mean Facebook of course!).

And I was really puking. . .

November 23rd, 2012

It's official (kind of) that I will not be going back to work. Peanut is fine but I am not! I can't even remember when was the last time I had real food not just saltine crackers, potatoes and Sprite.

November 27th,2012

Dear Baby,

You are now the size of a P R U N E (according to the website anyway). I don't really like prunes, but I sure do L O V E you!

Love,

Your Mommy

Pretty sure my baby looks better than prune.

November 28th, 2012 

Will you go to hell if you do NOT enjoy your pregnancy at all? Will God forgive you for not being grateful for this blessing? I hope He has mercy for this case otherwise I'm sent straight to H E L L!!

December 2nd, 2012 

Serving in Nursery when you are pregnant and have bad morning sickness is harder than having people make fun of you in PE class because you just suck at everything. . .my life is so tough!

December 4th, 2012

I officially quit my job. I know I will miss it but I'm not going to regret this decision I made. 

December 6th, 2012

I think Jonathan is so cute today. . .hmm maybe that's a pregnancy brain talk.

December 9th, 2012

It's my birthday!! My last birthday before I become a  m o t h e r!! I'm still not feeling well and we are actually going to the hospital after church. I've been bleeding since yesterday. I hope everything is fine.

Birthday Bump!

December 11th, 2012

I've come to the end of my first trimester. I'm still not showing nor feeling better. The battle of morning sickness still continues. But I've learned quite a lot since I got pregnant, I've learned that -

It's ok to be/feel  vulnerable sometimes and even ask for help.

I need to be more patient with MYSELF.

Marrying the right person makes your marriage and pregnancy easier. 

Praying for courage to get through the day is necessary and there's nothing wrong with that.

It's normal if your sweet tooth is gone. You are not to blame. It's a pregnancy thing.

I love my sleep even more than I ever did. 

I feel uncomfortable when people touch my belly.

First Trimester Summary

Weight : 118.6 lbs

Total weight gain/lost : -11.4 lbs

Bump : from 28" - 24.5" and still not showing

** please don't ask why it looks all BOLD. I have no idea! **