Mina Mina in My Tummy...preparing for her intro

These were some moments that I remember, prior to Mina being born out in this world. They were much "quieter" moments than now, hahaha.... but very emotional moments. 

 

How could I forget? December 7, 2013...Mina was a tiny baby in my tummy. When Burke and I saw Mina and heard her heartbeat in the ultrasound room, the feeling that we both had was indescribable... we both looked at each other in tears, full of joy. It was a strange feeling that I never felt before, and I still can't quite find a word to describe that moment. Our emotional rollercoaster didn't end as we were not able to find out the baby's gender promptly. The technician told us that the baby was happy, and super active....even after one hour session, the technician wasn't able to confirm the gender due to the baby's frequent movements.

But in a few days later, we were ecstatic to find out that we were having a little girl! I was so happy, thinking about how I can buy all the pretty little things for her and also go shopping together with her hand in hand! (this was the postcard that we received from the lab...I wonder if this baby model was actually sleeping like this? Based on my experience, having a baby to pose is very challenging...let alone putting a lipstick on)
 

Yes, you may ask why the book is upside down. Well, we went over this book many many many and many times with many contemplations...to a point where I was seeking inspirations upside down. In the end, we chose the name that wasn't even there...lol. I will put another post just specifically dedicated to the naming decision.

This was a family portrait taken back in March of last year. Happy times for Bibi, my dog...who is now known as "cold rice" (Korean expression for second, or unwanted choice). I do look funny without socks...

I know, this picture just screams unnatural and awkwardness...lol. Doesn't it look like a commercial for the book that we are holding? or...the blanket? I know this wasn't the "real" reading session, but at least for the last trimester, Burke managed to read at least one story to my "tummy" every day.

Mina's room! We actually had to change the wallpaper as the first wallpaper we had was not feng-shui friendly (it was a cute wallpaper with cartooney animals...but apparently tigers and lions, however in cute shape or form, were not good for baby room). Long story short, it was some work for Burke, but in the end, the room turned out to be quite serene and pretty for a little cute baby Mina.

This is the other side of Mina's room. Although I did not have any official baby shower, my friends and colleagues were very kind to give lots and lots of nice gifts. I felt so blessed and also excited, thinking about all the cute outfits that I could put on my little baby! The diaper cake was also very amusing to see...

I was smiling outside...but not smiling inside... this was in mid-April, just couple weeks before the due date. I was feeling heavy, tired, bloated, and anxious. At this point, I had reached about 170 lbs.....and getting out of bed would be seen as a comic relief. Of course, these feelings of discomfort and anxiety continued, as Mina was born even 2 weeks after due date. As I just wanted Mina to be out, I wasn't quite buying my mom's comfort, "it's a lot easier now - wait until she's born...you will be super busy!".....little did I know that "busy" was an understatement. When I think back, I don't think I could have ever prepared for what was coming. I can only laugh about it now... :D