Valentine's Day Story for Old Navy

The story of how we met: Hank and I met the night of September 25, 2010. It was our mutual friend's birthday party. I seldom go out alone, but that night I really wanted to wish my childhood friend a happy birthday so I did. Call it fate or destiny because I know if I went with friends or even a singular friend, I wouldn't have had the chance to make conversation with a complete stranger! I was at the bar with the birthday boy when Hank turned around and offered to buy the birthday boy a drink, and by default bought me one too. The birthday boy, being the birthday boy, got pulled away and that's how our story began. Hank was lively, spontaneous and most of all, fun. We chatted the night away~

That night he mentioned planning to check out an art fair in Dumbo, Brooklyn the following day with his friends. He called me first thing in the morning (I can tell he had just woken up from his voice), asking me if I'd like to join him. Behind the scenes he told his friends they no longer have to go with him, making it a "date". Hank wore a beige argyle sweater and I wore a loose fitting t-shirt with a graffiti print of monster characters on the front and back. Hank recalls thinking I must not be interested in him to wear an outfit like that!

It was our first time exploring Dumbo. Being by the water and both Brooklyn and Manhattan bridge, it was very scenic. The best part being that there was art just everywhere, both inside the studios and spilling out on the the streets - even a huge installation on the rocky "beach" that leads into the water. 

It was then it became apparent we make a good fit because I am extremely right brained (creative, visual, imaginative), while he is far left brained (practical, logical, analytical). It was almost like we needed the other and clung to each other. We've been inseparable since. This is where we are different and compliment the other's weaknesses with our strengths, but over time we found ourselves very compatible in many ways. I think traveling with someone, anyone, really reveals a lot about your compatibility. That's when we knew there was something long term. We went on our first vacation together to Napa only a couple months in and were engaged and living together by 6 months. It also helped that we had both been in long term relationships in the past and knew what we were (and were not) looking for.

Hank is the most patient and even-tempered person I've ever met. He makes me feel loved the entire range of ways. From the big gestures to being the most hands on husband/father on an every day basis. On top of that, he loves to make me laugh. I don't think there's enough I could do to live up to how he makes me feel. I've learned what love is from him, it's selfless and about doing whatever it takes to see the other person happy.

All relationships take work. In our case, it's about quality time - especially now that we have a child together, and one on the way! Hank doesn’t have the shortest work hours, so we have to make an effort to make time for each other. I'll even follow him into the bathroom while he showers to take any extra chance to talk to each other. When we are home together, we implemented a no-technology "family hour" for eye-to-eye face time. I think it's really important to connect and cherish what we've built so far, not taking a moment for granted. 

This Valentine's Day, we'll probably celebrate it over a nice relaxing and romantic dinner either out or at home. We often leave the house taking turns watching our son, but rarely just the two of us for dates. When we do get alone time, I love how it reminds me of when we were dating and those early butterfly feels.

Thank you Old Navy for this mini Pre-Valentine's day date around downtown!

Read our more from our interview on Heymama.co!

• Photographed by Stevi Sesin

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Babymooning in Bermuda

With our first pregnancy, Hank and I went to Taiwan during our the second trimester. It was an amazing trip, especially food wise! But going to a busy city and completely changing time zones was really tough on me - I ended every night in the bath tub to soak the day away trying not to get sick.

This time around I really felt it was necessary to go somewhere very relaxing with no itinerary, especially with a toddler in tow. We gave up the idea of an island vacation due to Zika, but thanks to my friend Jen we learned that Bermuda is currently safe! 

TIME OF YEAR: The earliest my husband could take off was in early November so I'd say we jussst made the nicer weather. This is because Bermuda is not in the Caribbean and much more north of the equator - along the same latitude as South Carolina. We were able to go in the water to about our waist and anything more than that felt too cold. My husband snorkeled quickly to look at some fish up close and lasted I'd say less than 10 mins. Closer to sunset we wore long pants and sweaters, so do pack layers! Fortunately we had sunny days but we also had rain on and off. If you are reading this soon after I post, I suggest booking for the spring time! Overall I was really happy to go when we did because I find it hard to play in the sand all day when it is too hot (I don't enjoy sand sticking to my sweaty body and usually I just want to crawl under the shade). It was pleasant to play in the sand in the cooler weather. Another perk was going off peak was that there were barely any crowds. A cruise ship was in the area one day so there were many tourists, but it felt very private and I felt secure enough to leave our belongings on the beach while we were in the water.

FLIGHT (WITH TODDLER): Flying from NY was amazing at just over 2 hours! We traveled earlier in the morning both times and we were so lucky that Chase fell asleep both ways. During the ascent and descent I can pop my own ears by swallowing and yawning, but Chase is too young. As soon as we took off I gave him a bottle of water (doesn't last long) and then a lollipop or gummy bears so he would continue swallowing the entire time. And the same for landing as soon as we started changing altitude. It worked like a charm because he didn't complain or cry. I was really glad I packed Chase a stuffed animal backpack because it doubled as a comfy pillow during the flight. Chase watched a bit of cartoons on Jetblue, and we packed him some books as well. Remember, kids older than 2 years need their own ticket and Bermuda is an international flight.

HOTEL/BEACH: We decided to stay at a hotel right on the beach which happened to be the Fairmont Southampton. There is a very short shuttle ride to the beach that runs very often. The hotel was great and I do recommend it! They have their own private beach and its equally close to the famous Horseshoe Bay Beach. We spent our time 50/50 on both beaches. Horseshoe Bay has pinker sand and a little cove on the right side with many fish (even large parrot fish) right in the shallowest part of the water. Their food is also delicious and cheaper. The hotel's frozen drinks are yummier though (in particular the strawberry one). The hotel's beach was nice because they have towels, beach chairs and umbrellas. If you go to the right side of the hotel's beach by the large rocks, there were the largest fish I've seen on the island - almost scary big~ If you stay there, go check it out! The hotel is great for families because there were days with rain/showers and they have an "Explorer's camp" downstairs where toddlers can even rent toys to bring to their hotel rooms. At night we went to the outdoor hot tub (it wasn't on so it was warm enough to hang out and cool enough for my pregnancy). The best part was kids under 6 years eat for free at the hotel. Many days we were exhausted and got room service but for dinner I do recommend the Newport Gastropub inside the hotel.

ISLAND: We originally planned a day to go to town, Hamilton, a 30 minute ride on the ferry or taxi. We were going to explore colorful pastel architecture, shopping, museums and restaurants. But with Chase getting motion sickness easily and everyone simply enjoying the beach so much, we didn't end up making it this trip. Just another reason to come back again soon - since it's so close! At the airport, we met another family who had older kids - 5 and 7. They shared with us that they went exploring in some caves, though not all the ones Bermuda has to offer. She said they were still on the younger side and went to an easier cave which took about 30 mins to explore inside. I look forward to going back with my boys when they are older and looking into that adventure! 

A few of my favorite Baby things

With baby #2 being another boy, we will be able to pass down all of Chase's baby gear! There is one particular item though that I have not tried with Chase and am thrilled to have received from Jonathan Adler's new collaboration with Fisher Price. It's the Rock N' Play Sleeper!

Sure, I haven't tried it yet myself.. HOWEVER I have heard from mom after mom after mom how it has saved their sanity especially in the first 3 months! With Chase, I didn't really know the difference between all the rockers, bouncers and everything in between so we just got the fanciest one at the time - the Mamaroo. I guess all these chairs serve different purposes. Gliders and rocking chairs are great for putting your newborn to sleep, but this Rock N' Play Sleeper seems to remove the adult from the equation. Over ten moms have enthusiastically told me that their baby slept so well in it (this one has vibrations, music and automatic rocking mode), and how convenient it is to move from room to room. The best part of Fisher Price's collaboration with Jonathan Adler is that none of the other styles compare to how chic this version is and it not an eye sore for your home.

A couple things that caught my attention from the collection:

• The high chair transforms into a booster seat, which you will need as your baby becomes a toddler. 
• While unwrapping the mobile, I was really surprised how modern the collection really is - there is a projection screen!

They even designed some beautiful furniture for your nursery:

On that note, here are some of my favorite items I used with Chase that you won't find on your standard baby registry:

Not only does Chase, but I love Bla Bla Dolls. They are so soft and well made. I also have a GIANT bunny that I use as my pregnancy pillow!

Out of all the stuffed animal storage ideas I've seen, I went with these see through bean bag chairs because they are both neat and functional. I believe you have to see things or they will be forgotten. It's also incredible how many fit in one chair! I think I counted 50 in one of ours.

Maybe it's because I'm Korean, but it's a big deal not to sleep your baby only on the back of their head to prevent a flat head shape. 

I don't know that I've been to a new mom's home without this drying lawn. We still use ours for everyday dishes. 

Shower cap. Best few dollars I've ever spent! It took Chase a long and patient 3 months to condition him to using it - he would immediately rip it off. But in hindsight the 3 months is a short time considering he is 2.5 years old now. Tip: I found doing it in this order helps. 1. Rub shampoo on baby's hair, 2. Prepare a small bucket of water, 3. Put the hat on, 4. Immediately pour the water on hopefully before baby has a chance to take their hat off. Chase would see the water trickle down the front of the hat and get distracted.

If you live somewhere with winter seasons, like I do in NY, you will be very thankful to have warm muffs. My husband and I fight over being the one to push the stroller so we can put our hands in it!

I do use the square blankets, but the velcro and zipper swaddles are awesome! Especially when you are re-swaddling them multiple times a day~ I particularly love the "Sleepy Wings" (in the middle) because it doesn't cover their outfit. Like the ones below!

You'll quickly learn that bibs ARE the baby's outfit since they are always wearing one. Here are some I designed and can't wait to put my little one in them! 

Chase keeping his little brother's things warm until he arrives~ ;)

Thanks for reading!! Please share with me, what are some of your must haves??

A Day in my NYDJ Maternity Jeans

At 5 months pregnant I may be just starting to "show", but I'm in full swing maternity pants mode! My friends used to notice how I never wear jeans. In my 20's I realized how uncomfortable jeans were and naturally phased them out of my wardrobe. This ALL changed with my first pregnancy with Chase. Discovering maternity jeans was like tasting a donut for the first time. It's a whole new world with the elastic waist band, I honestly wonder why we don't wear them all the time! I wore them for at least a year after birth as it was too hard to let them go just yet.

Working from home, I can get away with pjs all day. But on the weekends, my husband and I like to go out for a little adventure. Here's a day in my NYDJ jeans running after Chase and staying comfy all day long at the Botanical Garden!

I love watching him explore!

It was "giant pumpkin weekend"!

Costume I made for him last year.

Chrysanthemums exhibit

'Can you see my bump now?' pose

Watering plants in the green house.

Another successful play date with Charlotte and her family filled with lots of hugs!

I learned an awesome trick to fold the bottom of the pants long-ways, and then rolling them up for a more fitted ankle. 

Shop the look:

I like skinny jeans because as you are expanding, it helps give you more polished look. I recommend getting a size smaller than usual as they run a little loose. 

Maternity Boyfriend

Maternity Legging

Maternity Legging

You can be casual, put together and playful all in one look - I styled my jeans with a neutral palette as this pregnancy is really making me feel neutrals these days. But I'm always one for a little touch of whimsical! 

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Pumpkin Patch

IF YOU PLAN ON TRAVELING HERE READ THESE TIPS FIRST:

Over the weekend we took the Metro North from Grand Central to Croton Falls station for a fun day at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard up in North Salem, NY! Wear comfy shoes and be warned - they only have porta potties.. You can use the bathroom at Gordon's Deli as soon as you get off the train from Croton Falls station where they happen to have yummy sandwiches! We envisioned a quiet day in nature. Not so~ There's loud (fun) music and dust kicked up by what reminded me of a "Times Square crowd" if you go on a weekend. Last year we were faced with a lot of traffic (from the station to the orchard) and long lines for everything, so we went earlier in the morning this year and it was much better traffic wise. Also prepare to stand still often, there are quite a lot of bees. Lastly, bring cash.

First things first! I've learned that as a parent, your greatest joy comes from watching your child have a blast. Chase quickly spotted the row of bouncy castles in the back so we zipped there first. At 2.5 years old, he was only allowed on 2 of the 3 inflatables. We paid $3 for the bouncy castle where Chase waited patiently on line. Once he got in he realized it is not connected to the slide he saw and stayed for less than 30 seconds. I pushed him back in but he wasn't interested in jumping. So to the big slide we went! It was $2 per turn or $5/3 turns. I paid the $2 to see if he can handle it and he LOVED it! I got him the bundle ticket and let him go 3 more times in a row. I thought it was worth it because he rarely comes across such a giant slide and laughed the entire time. Plus I really enjoyed watching him come down in an "X shape". The 3rd inflatable was an obstacle course for kids older than 6 years.

Pumpkin picking! Got one!

Dancing with his friend Charlotte to the live music during our (second) lunch break! I'll share a video on Instagram - they were soo cute!!

The tacos were pretty good! Do'h - Don't forget to try the homemade cider donuts like we did this time~ Had them last year and they were really good. 

Apple picking: Apparently due to many circumstances such as an extremely hot summer, apples (and pears) were no longer on the trees and only in bins. You can only enter this "picking" section if you are buying a $20 bag. It's worth the short, but steep hike up because there is a great view, fresh air and you can get away from the crowds.

I'm including this because they had the longest line of all. Just FYI: might want to go early if you're interested!

We only picked a couple of mini pumpkins for easier traveling. I would have picked some larger pumpkins had we drove. Grab a single serving cold apple cider while you're paying inside the store - it's so fresh!

Once we got back to Grand Central Station my friend Nancy (Charlotte's mom), whose family spent the day with us, pointed us to Joe & the Juice. I ordered "Joe's Green Mile" and guess who stole it from me. I was happy to share it because he has gotten pickier about his vegetables and it has spinach, avocado and broccoli! It was one of the tastiest juices I got so I am curious to go back and try every flavor. I was a little surprised when I was paying because at $10, it was pricier than Juice Generation which I already find a bit expensive. It will be the occasional treat!

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Memory Lane from exactly a year ago at the same place - looks like we are starting a tradition!

I can't believe he was small enough to put in the bin. Today, those pumpkins would have been squashed to pumpkin pie!

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I got this pumpkin costume last year for the same event and it still fit~ Milking it ;)

Boo at the Zoo

Hi all! It's been a while since I blogged. I've been extremely tired my first trimester, so I had to use all the energy I could muster on work. Now that I'm fully in my second trimester, I am feeling more like myself again~ 

This past weekend my husband and I headed over to "Boo at the Zoo" at the Bronx Zoo, via the 2 subway train (from Manhattan). We were excited for Chase's first Halloween parade which they hold at noon and 2pm! There are 3 more weekends left until their last day on October 30th and I recommend it if you want to feel the Halloween spirit with your family!

With this pregnancy, my back has been killing me when I sit and work all day, so it was nice to leisurely walk the entire park!

They have a small art station where kids can color pumpkins - next to the pumpkin carving demonstrations.

The space is perfect for toddlers to run around safely and freely. If you are around children, you how helpful that can be. Dippin' dots was my ultimate favorite ice cream as a kid, so I was excited they had a stand (it was by the mouse house/4D theater when we went). When Chase is well behaved we allow him to share a treat! We got the "festive" orange colored ice cream by chance since it is not pictured on their menu: the flavor is cookies and cream. My go to flavor (on the bottom) is banana split!

As we entered the Hay Maze, we passed at least 5 kids saying the maze was not a "maze" at all and they found it unchallenging. You can see from this image why they thought so because you can see above it. However Chase, being 2.5 years old, had the biggest smile on his face and copied the older kids running after them. 

Chase loves making friends! His costume is from last year so you can see the bottom part is open. Last year he didn't want to wear this costume at all - it went back in the closet after 1 photo for the 'gram. I thought if we were lucky he will be distracted and just keep it on for the parade. But everyone points out each other's costumes and shower compliments - Chase soaked it up! He would pull the hoodie over his head as he went up to people to show off his costume! He was proud to be a shark and kept it on the entire day! Literally took it off once we got home in our apartment lobby.

If you eat in the outdoor food court, peacocks will come right up to you. They've been around picking up fries for as long as I can remember (decades ago haha). I will share a cute video of Chase gently running after them on Instagram: "peacock escapes shark".

There are candy stations around the park so bring a trick or treating bag! This sweet kid is about to share with Chase when his mom mindfully points out that Chase might be too young for candy. We did bring a small bag for Chase to use, but once we got here we saw that the barrels are taller than his height. He couldn't see the candy - phew! They are smart. I grabbed a bag of mini sized gummy bears (it was in the Zoo Center when we went) and used one gummy at a time to bribe him throughout the day.

As part of the parade, there are several characters and they hang out throughout the park as well. They came to the food court while we ate lunch - Chase was a bit nervous of this grasshopper! So we stayed at the back of the parade away from the tall mascots. They might be intimidating for little ones but the older kids were fascinated and posed for photos with them.

Nap time! All the excitement will knock a toddler out. There are lots of peaceful nooks to calm them. He wanted to see snakes, so we saved that part of the park for when he woke back up. I won't post photos of them in case you have a phobia. He said "Hi" to every snake~

We got general tickets and we barely covered half those sections because of all the halloween stops. The Jack O'Lantern exhibit is an additional $3 per person or covered by an upgraded ticket (addition $14 per person). We made it at 4:50 and they let us in for free since the zoo closes at 5. Good thing because its held in the dark bat cave with spooky music and Chase did not want to stay in there. He left saying "no pumpkins". It was cute overhearing some of the older kids wondering if the jellyfish pumpkins (pictured above) were really in water.

My husband and I went to the park making note to appreciate and really enjoy the fact that it's just the three of us! Once in a life time memories to cherish :)

Side note: I've been wearing these Mickey Mouse leggings often since it became fall. Many of you ask where they are from. I got them at a market in Korea - if you've been to any markets in Asia, you know they often don't have any official brand tags and commonly "one of". They seem like a really easy iron-on DIY with patches. I opened up Amazon and looks like appliques go for only a couple dollars (I found a mixed dozen for $4!). Tag and show me if you make any!

Lastly, I don't want to be a mood killer or anything. But I will disclose saying - yes we had a wonderful day and I want to relive it! All I want as a mother is to watch Chase have fun, laugh and learn. However zoos are a bit depressing for the animals.. The polar bear was pacing back and forth and it looked extremely boring in there.. I can't imagine any man made space doing justice for lions.. I will teach Chase that animals should be free in the wild. 

Get the look:

Last minute Halloween shopping? Be ready for lots of "aww"s with a shark costume!

Use code "MAINEVENT16" for these looks on Shopbop.com until Oct 14, 2016 for up to 30% off!

Aaaaaaand~ shameless plug from my line:

Thanks for reading!! Let me know what you and/or your kid is going to be dressed as this year! Chase will be Marshall from Paw Patrol on Halloween weekend :)