Does This Baby

I delivered our second daughter Rosalie 3 weeks ago, on November 7th. She was 3 days overdue. Not a huge deal in hindsight, but at the time it was 3 days too long. I had an acupuncture induction session the day before she was born to get things moving. I guess it worked. She came fast, and furious. My first contraction was at 8:45am. I pushed her out at 12:45pm. There wasn't much time for drugs, great for baby, but not for mama. The labour was painful, but the whole time I kept thinking thank god I won't be pregnant  anymore.  This is the list of things I will not miss about being pregnant. Waking up to pee three times a night. Strangers looking at me and saying, "You're ready to pop, eh?". Strangers telling me I was going to have a boy because of how high I was carrying baby. Irregular bowel movements (like I need anything extra taking up space in my belly.) Finding a new stretch mark on my stomach. Having Braxton Hicks, and realizing that the car is p...

It's been a crazy few months. I have pregnancy brain, and haven't been able to focus much these days. Also, my almost 4 year old is incredibly demanding and really doesn't care if I get time to blog. That's the partial truth... I've actually turned into a Pinterest whore. Any free time I get on the computer I'm looking up the latest food, and home design Pins. It's sick, but I justify it by all the recipes I've made since joining Pinterest . I often forget why I started blogging. I keep thinking that it doesn't really matter I'm not posting since no one is reading this. Then I realize I started blogging for me. To record milestones, to remember funny stories, and to practice my writing skills. One day I will figure out how to link my blog to my instagram account. But until then, here are some pictures from the last few months. 23 Weeks Pregnant Vacation on the Sunshine Coast, BC Me and my mom in the refugee camp in Thailand. ...

Last Friday we found out that our next baby is a girl. There was a moment of, "OK fine, it’s not a boy. We're not going have that perfect little nuclear family", but it was quickly replaced by, "Sweet all our baby stuff is girlie anyways". Wow sisters. Is there anything more beautiful in life than the relationship between two sisters? I have a sister. My mom is one of  6 sisters, and now my daughter will have a sister. I love my sister. She will never  understand how much I love her. She rolls her eyes at me most of the time, because she thinks I’m mean to her, but really it’s tough love. I’m the older one, so I have an innate duty to take care of her, no matter what. I’m tough on her because she deserves to have her shit together, and I’m the only one that can force that on her. At the end of the day, she still has to love me. My mom, and Auntie Chanthon have a similar relationship, though I'd say my mom, the younger sister is the mean one. Or maybe...

I am quitting my 30 for 30 challenge. I know crazy shit, but I am too tired and I'm getting fat. I picked a bunch of pieces that I haven't worn in a while. I wanted to put them in my cycle, but the reason I haven't worn them in a while is that they don't f*cken fit. I love all my crazy ideas about wearing a limited wardrobe, and not shopping for a year. CONFESSION TIME. I bought a something last week. I got a pair of designer jeans at Bluefly for $35. I'm going to still diet though. But what I really love is that I'm honest with myself. So I'm going to give myself a get out of jail free card and quit the challenge this round. These are the outfits that I managed to record from last week. Notice that I forgot to get a picture for Day 6! Skinny Jeans and Flats Day 7 Outfit Ankle Boots and Midi Skirt Day 5 Outfit BCBG Dress Day 8 Outfit

I was really excited to start my 30/30 month . I loved my first two outfits because I've never put all the pieces together in those ways before, so I felt super creative, which is the whole point of this challenge. But this weekend all I've worn are jeans and a white t-shirt. And I didn't even bother to do hair and make-up. And the pictures that hubby took of the outfits are awful, and I'm kind of annoyed that he takes awful pictures. And I'm annoyed at myself that it annoys me, but it does. Seriously, any good pictures of me are taken by people other than hubby. Whatever, he's good in bed, and treats me well. I guess I don't have it that bad. A person that does take good pictures is my friend Becky at work. Two reasons why I love her; she takes pictures of me at work, and her partner refers to me as "Super awesome Kim at work". That's the best compliment I've ever heard from someone I've never meet. Day 1 Outfit Day 2 Outfit...

A few months ago I hired an Image Consultant. Those of you that know me in real life are probably thinking what the hell? I know, I know, I'm into fashion, I went to design school, and I dress pretty well, why did I hire an Image Consultant? Well, truth be told I felt like I needed to up my professional game a little. I was hired at my company when I was twenty one, and sometimes I think some of the execs still see me as a twenty one year old. Even though I'm thirty now, a mother now, and have successfully managed crucial parts of our business. Prior to our first session Katherine, the image consultant, had me fill out a dozen personality surveys. Then we had a two hour discussion about the results of the survey. A huge light bulb went off when I realized all the things I wrote down on paper weren't actually the things I wanted at all. Katherine pointed out that on paper I wanted to fit in, go unnoticed. But the things that I was passionate about, my goals, my dreams, t...

We took a road trip to visit some friends in Northern BC. Hubby's best buds from University. I got to experience a real small town, like REALLY SMALL town, and I kind of liked it. I can see why people talk about raising kids in small towns. Kids can play on the front lawn, there's endless green space, the lakes are clean, and traffic moves slowly. Life is simple. That being said, I'd miss H&M , Sephora , and Thomas Haas too much to ever move away. I'm a city girl, and spoiled with all the luxuries of living in a big city. I could never give it up, but I'm not going to roll my eyes if hubby wants to do this vacation again.

I started writing this blog on a regular basis during my mat leave, two and a half years ago... whoa! The purpose was to share my learning's about motherhood , and document some of Eloise's milestones. Of course I dreamed my blog would take off, like so many mommy bloggers before me, and I'd make thousands of dollars writing articles for parenting magazines, and websites, but no such luck. It turns out I don't really care about parenting trends, educational trends, or coupons, or saving money (though I should, I REALLY should). I just want to talk about me and my daughter. So here are some pictures of Elle. I'm a little disappointed in myself for taking so long to get them up. First Hair Cut Whistler BC Being Beautiful Playing with the neighbors ferret Being a cheese ball

I spent my Saturday at the 7th Annual Women of Worth Conference. Empowered Leadership WOW is back and better than ever, with a powerful program that will WOW you.Get out of the boardroom and into the ballroom, and GET WOWED with world-class speakers, entertainment, food, fun, meaningful connections, inspiration and celebration at THE empowering event of the year.   It was a super inspiring day. The speakers weren't touchy feely feminists. They were smart, strong, funny business women, that showed off how awesome, and supportive their husbands were. I loved it. So much so that I bought two tickets for next year. For the last few days I've been reflecting about how I'm a woman of worth, and where I want to continue to grow. I think you have probably noticed my posts have really been career focused lately. That's all I've been reading too. Penelope Trunk is my unofficial career coach at this moment. It must have something to do with turning 30. I think I'm...

Big Hairy Audacious Goal I first heard the term from our company's CEO, but I think he stole it from James Collins or Lululemon . Basically, if there were no limits, what do you want for yourself. My BHAG professionally, is to own a business that allows me to travel, or work remotely. I don't know what that business looks like, all I know is that I want it, and everything I do for my career here on end has to line up with that goal. This thought process allows to me to make small goals to get me to the BHAG. Right now I'm working towards more specialization in my field, logistics and transportation. Pretty sexy, eh? What's your BHAG, and what are you doing to achieve it? BHAG by clearlyshopaholic featuring folding wayfarer sunglasses

When you start dating a great guy, everyone asks, "When are you gonna get serious?". When you get engaged, they ask, "When's the wedding?". After you get married, they ask, "When are you gonna have a baby?". After the first baby is born, they ask, "When are you gonna give her a sibling?". I'm not gonna lie. During the first year we had Eloise, I couldn't imagine ever wanting another child. It was hard work. As much joy, and happiness she brought hubby and I, we were also slept deprived, bickering, and exhausted. Well, we sleep better now. We're more connected, and more in sync with each other than we've been in years, and while I can see another baby in the future, I just don't want one any time soon. Elle isn't ready to be a big sister anyway.  She snarled, "No" to me, the other day  when I asked her if mommy should have another baby. Career wise, I finally feel like I know what I want to do when I gro...

I hate it when people complain about their jobs. My feeling is, if you hate it that much, quit. However, I do get that people can feel blue from time to time. Maybe you're not advancing fast enough, maybe you're not given enough projects, or maybe your raise wasn't as high as you expected. You don't want to quit over that stuff, but you've all of a sudden forgotten why you actually like your job in the first place. This is what I would do, if I were in a funk. 1)List all the things about your job that you love For me, I love that I have my own office. I love that our company culture supports working parents. Most of the exec team have missed one day or another to watch their kid in a hockey game, or play. I love the employee stock option program. I put in $100 of my pay cheque towards company stock, and the company matches it 100%. I love my health, and dental plan. I love that I have established meaningful friendships that will last me my whole life. 2)Googl...

I had the misfortune of firing a pretty likable employee some years ago. Long story short he was caught lying numerous times, and I couldn't trust him anymore. I hated him for putting me in such a lame position, but instead of getting mad, I put my energy into a poem. Because that is just how awesome I am. My wish to you A dozen new clients Tears of joy Never ending love Peace and devotion Hard work paying off A new car A feeling in your heart That everything is going to be alright My wish to you Forgiveness and graciousness My wish for me Humbleness and mercy

I found the poem I wrote when I turned 26. Saturday is my 30th birthday.  26 years of laughter Art and design Aiming to please Trying to impress Breaking hearts Putting my foot in my mouth Loving and cuddling Building and learning Stopping to take note Dancing with friends Dancing alone Puking too much fun

There's nothing more fabulous to me than spending Saturday morning sitting with my tea , hubby and baby, surfing my favorite online stores. Hubby's on his own laptop and baby is reading a book. And when I say reading a book, I really mean watching a Disney movie. Her favorite right now is Robin Hood. I've been shopping online for years. My first experience was with New Balance . I went to my local New Balance store, and fell in love with some runners. I don't run, but these were going to look so cute on my feet. The problem was they didn't have a 7.5. I had just gotten a job with an online company , so I went home, and googled "New Balance online store". There it was, and a new shopping method was born. I used to shop online for items that I couldn't get locally, but now it's all about how I want to spend my precious time. I work 40 hours a week. I get home, make dinner, play with my daughter, put her to bed, and I'm pretty much ready to hi...

Every morning before work, I check out Louise Hay's daily affirmation . It usually sets my mood for the day. It makes me feel like I can do anything I put my mind to. Yesterday's was awesome, "The ocean of life is lavish with its abundance". I know it means that all the opportunities of the world are open to me, but I really feel like Louise is telling me to go shopping.

In high school I thought I'd be a business woman when I grew up. I didn't really know what kind of business, but I knew I'd have a briefcase, and all the right answers. And I'd yell, "F*ck, just get me a coffee", to my idiot assistant. Nobody taught us about HR in high school. Well, I don't have an idiot assistant, and even if I did, yelling at them isn't as glamorous as I imagined. But I am grown up now. I have an office job. I work for a very successful company. I have manager at the end of my title. I can afford my mortgage, childcare, and a designer denim obsession. I think I grew up OK, but I want more. Instinctively, more means bigger, better, and expensive things. But I'm trying to put my ego in check, and figure out happiness beyond money. Yeah money makes me very happy, but I'm looking for something Wayne Dyer would be proud of. Career wise I've got a few plans for this year, complete my business management certificate, writ...

So long 2010, it’s been swell. I had a pretty great year. Developing minor arthritis sucked, but I found a really great homeopath, and have managed to live pretty normally with it, and without taking any drugs. Arthritis aside, these are my top accomplishments.  I went back to work! It’s a big deal. It meant leaving my 1 year old for over 8 hours a day and trusting my sister/nanny to raise her to be a smart healthy toddler, which she is. Thanks Nika! I Bought A House After ten years of renting in Vancouver, we bought a house , out in freakin’ Coquitlam, but I love it. Love the space, love the yard, love the trees in the back, love that I rarely see my neighbors. And especially love that it’s mine. Went to 5 Weddings Yes I count this as a huge accomplishment. Weddings are exhausting. And when you’ve got a 1 and half year old that doesn’t sit still, it’s even tougher. We made it though, ate great food, and watched our friends make beautiful commitments to each other.  Tau...

I joked that if I had a daughter, I would call her Lil' Kim (my name is Kim btw, I don't know if I've mentioned that). Well, my dream came true, and I have created a little diva in my own image. Her name is Eloise. She likes everything her way, she insists on doing it herself (whatever it is, she can do it, thank you very much!), she loves hugs, her daddy, and wearing high heeled shoes.

I'm loving this song, and planning to learn the guitar so I can sing it to Eloise on Valentine's Day. I can't play guitar, not a note but to be able to do this is gonna be awesome. And I can't really sing either, only after a couple of drinks can I really belt out songs. OMG, I am a mother, aren't I? The totally embarrassing kind. Oh well.