Oops, I meant to publish this post on July 5th, 2021… well, as they say, better late than never!

It’s the day after the fourth of July. We spent the latter half of the day yesterday at the pool with my parents and family, relaxing in the water, and eventually watching all the fireworks across the San Gabriel Valley. My son, Elliot, just turned a year– wow! I can’t believe it. We celebrated with a pool party about two weeks ago, but plan to have another celebration at the park in another two weeks, so that Oliver’s side of the family can also partake in the birthday fun.

It seems these last few years, I only check in on this blog once a year, if that! I have and make very little time to write, or to read, but I still find it so gratifying from time to time. I have much admiration and respect to all parents who can balance work and home life after having children. Nobody said it would be easy. Don’t get me wrong, motherhood is amazing! Having a family and my son Elliot, have made my life so rich it’s bursting with fullness. Each day is a blessing. I know it sounds so cliche, but it’s true.

Thankfully, due to the pandemic and its aftermath, I have been able to work from home for most of 2020 and 2021 so far. And frankly, I hope this continues. I can’t imagine having to commute into work and not having the convenience and benefit of being at home as my son grows. Finding good childcare has not come easy, though we have been lucky to get coverage so far, both for Elliot’s care and for my father-in-law. This is still a work in progress as my husband and I learn to navigate this new life of parenthood. This week, we are trying out a new nanny.

So, what else have I been up to over the last year? Here are a few highlights:

• Navigating breastfeeding for a year, watching Elliot learn to crawl and eat solids, helping him learn to walk soon
• Baking way more than ever, including bread, but also cakes and cookies.
• Renting out our old place in Koreatown and buying a new home in Rowland Heights
• Reading several books including: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, The Midnight Library, Where the Crawdads Sing, Educated, and taking part in a book club with my sister and mom.
• Transfering to a new Section/Division at work as of last week, so from Current to Advance Planning