Family

Home stretch! I feel like I’ve been pregnant for so long now, I barely remember what it feels like to enjoy wine with dinner, have a real waistline, and maybe even look in the mirror and recognise myself. It’s gotten to the point where it’s impossible to sleep through the night without bathroom breaks, extreme hunger hits every morning, I can no longer reach my toes, and a comfortable sleeping position is some long lost dream.  My pregnant body always scares me at this point and I start to wonder what my tummy actually looked like before all this stretching.  Baby kicks are constant and strong, and he’s even tumbling around just for fun.

This month was all about sleep last time around but I seem to be late to bed, first to wake no matter how tired I am.  Ever still falls asleep on my chest and we’ve gone straight back to co-sleeping here in Taipei so I’m pretty squished each night. I’m actually enjoying the snuggles and hugs and waking to her little face, so am trying to nap when she does and rest when I can. My energy levels are up and down but we’ve been walking a few hours everyday to stay active and keep my mind busy rather than sitting around counting down the hours. I’m very lucky that both times I’ve evaded the infamous morning sickness and generally feel pretty normal throughout my whole pregnancy despite slight lethargy and resembling a blimp.  I don’t have many complaints and am keeping up with a clingy and active toddler to her delight.  Less than a week for us to be a family of three so we are soaking it all in.  I’m realising how much she’s grown, and can’t believe that our little baby is now this bright girl who will soon be welcoming her newborn little brother home.  Family is so incredible and it has definitely been the most enchanting experience starting ours.

xx

The past half year has passed in a blink and I’ve just realised I never posted a bump update for you. For me, the 2nd time around has been a vastly different experience with a roller coaster of ups and downs.  My first pregnancy was a huge ball of emotions. Feelings of fear, excitement, anxiety, and love flashed through me each and every day and I was in a pile of tears half the time unable to juggle the hormones coursing through my body (sorry Dan).  Hours were spent scrolling through parenting books and articles in preparation for our first child, and I knew everything from the basics of breastfeeding to that year’s most popular stroller.  I googled articles on flying with infants as well as watched YouTube videos on how to safely bathe a newborn and care for her belly button. A list of essentials had been compiled and we spent a fortune at HK’s premium baby shops for the very best in organic everything for Baby Ever.  It’s safe to say she was destined to be our little princess.

Little did I know less than 1.5 years later I would again be greeted with the surprising news that I was holding a little one in my belly.  What nobody told me was how different it would be this time around. Gone are the afternoon naps and basically sleeping through my entire pregnancy. Hours spent scouting and gorging on specific foods or shopping for newborn goodies has been replaced with chasing around my already present toddler.  I’m consumed with spending as much time with Ever as possible, ensuring her that she’s very special, so the transition to having a sibling will be that much easier.  Not that I don’t love our soon to arrive little boy just as much ,but the anxiety is gone. I’m content in my abilities to care for a newborn and am ready to take on the daunting deed of keeping said baby alive.  I’ve barely kept track of the weeks, and despite feeling more exhausted and less pampered than last time around, it’s been a quick ride to almost 30 weeks. So here we are, just two months left, and I can’t wait to meet him. I wonder if he’ll look like his big sister, if he’ll be just as cuddly, and I can’t wait to inhale that addictive baby scent.  He’s already more rambunctious in the womb, kicking up a storm, so I think we may have an active little boy on our hands. I’m gearing up for the night feeds, and crossing my fingers he has the same talent for sleeping through the night as Ever.  We are excited to experience all the milestones again, seeing it all though new eyes.  I’m sure he’ll throw in few surprises of his own and I am looking forward to what is in store.

Also I’ve just launched a collection of dresses for all those flower princesses out there, inspired by Ever Tai.  Shop your little girl in the link below.

Ever by Christing C. 

Christmas is almost here! Our Christmas tree is sparkling, we’ve introduced the concept of Santa to little Ever, and now it’s time to fill the stockings and stack the presents for the big day.   Last year Ever was too little to fully understand the holiday season so this is going to be her first official Christmas.  We’ve bundled her up in her prettiest dresses and riled up her excitement by showing her all the festive decorations around town.  She assisted in all tree decorating, directing where each ornament should be carefully placed and makes sure to touch the gold star sitting atop the tree each day (with assistance from Daddy of course).  Our next step will be to take her for her first Santa photo at Pacific Place and complete all Christmas shopping tasks so she has plenty to open on Christmas Day.

Below is what Ever will be getting for Christmas….Shhhh don’t tell 😉
Ever is a little accessories princess.   She’s constantly wearing my necklaces and stacking my bracelets and consistently steals my Monica Vinader friendship bracelets.   I can’t believe she’s already like this at 1.5 years old…and am anticipating this in full swing come teenage years.  We’ve decided to get her an Monica Vinader engraved bracelet of her own for Christmas.  They are timeless, can be personalised, and will last her a lifetime. We can add to the collection each year on memorable occasions and it’s not a toy she will bore of in a few months.  The ideal toddler gift for a blooming fashionista.

The Mickey Mouse obsession has begun and she watches videos of him on a daily basis.   We’ll be giving her a day at Disneyland HK along with dinner with the characters so she can meet all her favourite cartoons in person.  Plus eat all the fun park food that our foodie baby will most definitely enjoy.

Ever is an artsy baby and loves colouring, drawing, painting, and anything to do with creating. She’s already learned the words for many colors and loves choosing them for specific pictures.  We are going to stock up on paints and other art supplies for her at ELC so she can do different art projects everyday.

Play Kitchen is pretty high on her list of wishes and this IKEA one is not pricey or an eye sore. She has all the pots and pans already so this will be an ideal addition to her little home play area.

Ever has a true Hello Kitty obsession. Her plates, backpack, cups, everything is Hello Kitty and she spots her at any toy store. I’m going to head to “Toy Street” in Shum Shui Po for all kinds of Hello Kitty toys. I really recommend this area to HK parents looking for cheap toys and Christmas decorations. A must visit this month!

 No fashionistas Christmas list is complete without something to add to her wardrobe. Ever loves new shoes and dresses so I’ll get her a few to wear in the new year. I hate paying extortionate prices for kids clothes, especially since Ever is in the 99th percentile for height and grows out of everything in an instant. Zara is so affordable, pretty, stylish, and great quality. Love it for baby girl wear.

And that’s it! Wishing you all a happy festive season with your little babies and toddlers xx

 




Travelling is in our blood and the boy and I can’t go a few weeks without hopping on an impromptu journey.  I found out I was pregnant with Ever while we were in the final stages of booking a bohemian, hippy holiday to island hop around Koh Lanta.  Those plans were quickly thrusted aside for a more sensible Christmas trip to England and since then we’ve been playing the travel game with a little one in tow.

Many will quit their nomadic tendencies after having children, and many will deem it impossible or ridiculous.  We have decided to integrate Ever into our lives and with a few tweaks we are able to take her on our adventures, igniting her curiosity and showing her what the world has to offer. We usually get through the challenges by throwing routines and expectations out the window.  Everyone is a little bit more carefree and reckless on vacation so I believe Ever is entitled to join the fun.  No strict nap or bedtimes and she is generally allowed to eat what she likes. I want to encourage her to be adventurous about food so even if it’s a bite of street food or sip of milk tea I wouldn’t usually allow at home, I indulge in her curiosity on our trips.  Our schedules can be crazy with time changes and car journeys so naps happen when she’s tired. Usually after a long swim or during a long ride to our next destination. The goal is for us to all have fun and create memorable experiences as a family. Here are a few tips for other parents who possess the travel bug. Don’t stop now.

Flying: Back in the day plane rides were a time of rest and relaxation. I would devour books, movies, and magazines and munch on my favourite snacks while cuddled with the boy. Flying with Ever is a completely different story. My carry on is now heavy with treats, games, blankets, wipes, and clothes.  Lets say its better to be prepared than covered in sick and pee. The goal is to get her to sleep, so a strict routine of feed and cuddle ensue during take off hoping that leads to at least a 2 hour nap. Luckily Ever usually obliges and I spend my sanctuary moments trying not to move and snoozing so I have energy for what may come next.  I think this situation will become more comfortable once we start buying her a seat of her own.  Airplane meals are now stolen bites off the boy’s tray and movies are pretty much left half watched. During Ever’s waking hours we alternate turns holding her and entertaining the little princess. Showing her videos, feeding her popcorn and raisins, or general tickling usually keeps her occupied. We never let her out of the seat unless it’s a bathroom break as I couldn’t bear a child that was running up had down the aisles. Fingers crossed that’s not in my future.

Hotel and Rooms: I used to spend hours researching and locating the ideal room which was a mix of rustic and boutique.  Priorities now include well equipped and spacious. I really recommend having a suite or separate living room if it’s in your budget. We love sipping on a glass of wine and chatting after she’s gone to bed and it’s ideal to have a separate space so we don’t disturb her while she’s napping. We also love private pool villas as much more time is now spent in said room. My prime sunbathing hours are during her afternoon naps when I can sneak into our plunge pool and still see her through the window. True mummy luxury 🙂 Also choose resorts with kids clubs or childcare services. Sometimes you just need a few hours to yourselves to enjoy a cocktail and a romantic meal.

What to Bring: Our main goal is Ever feels at home at each resort, making her comfortable enough to sleep well and relax. We always bring her favourite stuffed animals and blankets to set up her bed as well as plenty of comfy pjs and towels.  Always pack a raincoat for those random stormy days and inflatable arm bands and swimwear to beach resorts. I also have a little pack full of her cutlery, bowl, water bottle, and lunch box for meals on the go.  We have little tupperware boxes so I can take extra fruit from the breakfast buffet or pack up leftover pizza and fried rice from lunch.  A hungry toddler is nobody’s friend.  Stuff like wipes, diapers, and toiletries I get at the destination as it can get super heavy with toiletries for the whole family.  I was more strict about the products Ever used under the age of one, but now I’m happy with local brand diapers and wipes and we can always find a baby lotion and soap at the nearest pharmacy.  Many hotels often offer baby toiletry packs as well so make sure to ask reception before you buy.

Hope this helps and encourages you to travel with your little ones. The whole thing can appear daunting but children are truly adaptable if you allow them to be, and if you are ready to improvise and let go of a few routines it can be a fun adventure for all.

Photos taken at Sri Panwa, Le Meridien Phuket, and Movenpick Bangtao. All very child friendly resorts.

When did my tiny little baby become a full grown, mischievous, bright eyed toddler?  Ever has successfully pushed us right through the last year and a half with tears, laughter, and plenty of memories.  Her hilariously sweet personality fused with a sprinkling of trepidation, and plenty of heart has managed to enchant us all.  Her sentences and words are building by day, and it’s becoming quite a task to keep her quiet outside of naps and bedtime. She’s soaking up her surroundings, our behaviour, and new information in a scarily accurate manner and has even started counting and learning her ABCs.  My heart melted,and I was sure I would never recover, when she said “I love you Mama,” for the first time and now it makes every single day that much brighter.

With all the amazing changes comes the inevitable toddler tendencies and Ever is suffering from those infamous tantrums that litter advice books and blogs.  Alongside her sweetness, she has my streak of stubborn behaviour and can be very indignant at the most inconvenient moments. We are getting by with a good dose of reasoning and are happy she is advanced with words so talking it out always seems like an option.  At the worst of times nothing works, but usually a cuddle and reminder will halt her tears and distress. Lets just hope in an airport full of strangers will not be her next meltdown.

The fact that she has become bona fide foodie is not a shock to anyone who knows the boy and I.  On our last trip to Taipei, Ever determinedly insisted on sampling everything from street food to bubble tea.  I don’t make it a habit for her to eat unhealthily, but encourage her curious and open nature and am pretty sure a bite can do no harm. At home she swaps between traditional Chinese and American/British dishes for her meals, building a strong love of spaghetti bolognese and stir fried pork with green beans.  She snacks on edamame and grapes as if they were candy, and drinks more milk than I think her body can hold.

Although HK has a competitive schooling system that encourages a start on the education ladder prior to the age of one, we are still content with our nomadic lifestyle. Going away for whole months at a time does not securely fit with the week to week school schedule so we are content with her learning from the world until the time comes to settle down.  Our little wanderlusting baby is already talking non-stop about swimming at Phuket’s beaches next week, which is just the way we like it.

Will keep you updated with our toddler travelling tips and recommendations for Phuket soon.

xx

Can you believe Ever is already 14 months? I have to say the last few months have proved to be the most fun yet challenging since her arrival.   Small tentative steps have transformed into full blown running, a five word vocabulary has turned into talking and learning new words on the daily, and her shy demeanor is now a mixture of bossy and curious.  Each day she is more engaging and I’m in awe of how much she now understands. She’s growing friendships at the park, with strangers, and of course has the staff at our favourite local spots wrapped around her little finger.

Finding her independence has been a huge part in her development and she now makes plenty of decisions on her own.  “No no no” may be one of her favourite phrases and she’s taking full advantage of the fact that she can communicate what she likes and despises.  Her likes list consists of her SkipHop backpack, shoes, money, milk, apples, ball, bracelets, and Chloe (our dog). On her “no” list is bedtime, strangers entering her personal space, Facetime with unfamiliar faces, messy tables, anything sweet, closed doors, and sharing with Chloe.  Her social skills are in full swing and she loves kisses, hugs, and saying hi and bye to everyone.  She uses her words to ask for things and is already putting together little phrases.

Our current biggest concerns are when to enter Hong Kong’s insanely competitive and expensive school system and which classes she would enjoy.  Mandarin and swimming are at the top of our list as well as a bilingual playgroup near home.  Research has definitely commenced but no commitments have been made yet.

Products we cannot live without are Ever’s SkipHop backpack and water bottle,  the Nespresso milk frother for warming up her milk, bubbles and an inflatable ball for entertainment, a slow cooker to create most of her meals, and California Baby products for Ever’s sensitive skin.  We also don’t know what we would do without indoor playrooms as Ever needs about four to five hours of running around a day to expend enough energy before bedtime.  She truly is the Energizer Bunny.  Our recent favourite spots are the free playrooom at Sun Yat Sun Memorial Park and Baumhaus for a quiet, clean, and inviting space complete with imported toys and a cafe.  Will be trying out a few playgroups and classes soon so will keep you guys updated.

xx

From the minute Ever was born until that moment we saw her blow out her single candle, I never anticipated her first birthday.  The first year of parenting is probably one of the most insane I will find myself experiencing in quite a long time, and each day flew by more quickly than the next.  From the terrifying first month, when all you can contemplate is how does one keep this tiny delicate thing alive, to her first time sitting up, rolling over, crawling, and right up to her first steps, I never thought the toddler years would sneak up on me so soon.  Here are a few details about Ever’s special day to help you plan yours here in HK.

Styling and Decorations: Planning this milestone was definitely a little last-minute, and the boy and I were undecided about the party route for quite some time.  Ever, being the shy butterfly, would probably have preferred a quiet dinner for three, but after perusing Pinterest for inspiration, I decided to throw our little princess a small gathering of her own.  With moodboards, lists of supplies and venue in place, I decided to contact a few experts rather than go down the daunting DIY route.  The friendly people at Swoon Soirees not only got back to me instantly, they managed to view my inspirational posts and put together a list of ideas which suited mine and Ever’s style in less than 24 hours.  They offered bespoke party styling and decorations with affordable prices, and even come and help you set it all up so you don’t have to lift a finger.  The finished product was everything I wanted right down to the pink rock candy and ribbon adorned milk bottles.  Every last balloon and pom pom was meticulously placed and picture perfect for the special event.  Their site is also great for one off party supplies, cute packaging, or stationary.  Make sure to check them out for your next bash.

Dress:  Ever’s birthday dress was a custom made dress by Melissa Bui.  I think Melissa and I have been talking about this dress since Ever was born.  I have to say, I’m pretty lucky one of my good friends is a talented designer who was willing to create a perfect dress fit for a fairy princess.  After showing me a few sketches, two quick fittings (Ever is not very cooperative), Melissa presented us with a perfectly fit, adorable dress complete with delicate ribbons from Paris, and petite hand sewn floral adornments.  She is now offering baby couture so contact her for a custom dress for your own princess.

Venue:  We went with 208 Duecento Otto because it’s basically our 2nd home and Ever has frequented there since her days in my womb.  Their private room is spacious enough for a party of 20 and provides a pretty yet clean palette to customise as your own.  They set out playmats and toys for the kids, and delicious nibbles and drinks for adults.  Ideal if you are looking for something a bit more adult friendly than a children’s soft play gym to host your baby’s bday.