M.I.A

Sorry I've been MIA for the past few months! It has been insanely busy, mostly due to poor planning on my part. As some of you may know, I'm currently training in acupuncture. I hope to incorporate this into my practice someday (that is, if I can get through memorizing 360 points, meridians, channels and all its functions!) The program involves traveling to Arizona every couple of months for intense clinical needling training for a week at a time. After the baby goes to sleep at night, I usually have more course work to do at home. At the same time, I'm in my research year of fellowship so my days are occupied with chart reviews, data analysis, banging my head against the wall trying to figure out statistics.... yeah.... and a LOT of writing. A LOT. Can't complain though, it's still better than residency :)

Things have finally slowed down a bit, so I dragged poor hubby outside today to enjoy the tundra. I admit, I also haven't been wanting to do anything because it's just been so insanely cold outside. A couple weeks ago, I tried to do a fashion post. I got in my outfit, went outside for 10 seconds... felt the wind, and ... screw it!..  came right back in.

Flower Necklace: Valentines gift from Aaron :) Such a thoughtful guy he is.

Shirt: Pitaya

Sweater: Hilfiger 

Pants: Banana Republic

Coat: Via Spiga

Necklace: J.Crew (Valentine's gift from Aaron)

Bag: Prada

Boots: Tahari

I have a small obsession with Prada. Prada handbags, specifically. There, I admit it. I'll give you one guess who introduced me to it, and now he has turned me into a Prada monster. But who doesn't like beautiful, exquisite, divine italian leather? I don't even have to carry it, just looking at it makes me happy :)

DAILY DOSE OF GRACE

How was everyone's New Year's and Valentines day? We spent part of New Year's in Chicago, visiting family and friends. Grandparents then traveled up to Minnesota to spend Chinese New Year's with us in February. 

It has been almost 4 months since Grace's last surgery. She has been doing unbelievably well! She is standing with assistance, and scooting herself all over the house in her little walker. She is still pretty weak on the left side, and you can tell her left leg muscles are definitely smaller, but she sure is strong on the right side!! Her first words are "baba" and "hi". Now she's really starting to showcase her personality- much more vibrant and sassy than I ever was when I was a baby (according to my parents). It's so incredible to see her grow and finally have a few months of peace and quiet. I finally feel like I'm able to experience being a mom, and not a crazed, sleep deprived lunatic spending every moment in the hospital freaking about her health.

Seeing your loved ones suffer is truly one of the worst feelings in the world, especially your children. There are so many children with medical problems that affect their lives in so many ways. We experienced this with Grace, but I can't imagine what parents with children who have active chronic issues go through, or when they lose their children to their diseases. Every time we pray for Grace, we keep in mind all the families out there who need prayers more than we do. You are in our thoughts!

Have a wonderful weekend