Maaaaayyyy

     While I was on maternity leave, I brought Mung Bean to work so that my team could meet her. They were looking forward to finally meeting my little helper. A coworker shared with me her wisdom upon hearing the desperate wails coming from inside the bags under my eyes as my own question dragged itself out of my mouth and into what is known as... the air; "how do you come to work after not sleeping?" 

"you just kind of get used to it" she said warmly with a soft, reassuring smile, and yet so matter-of-factly. Those Earth signs, ah tell ya hwut.

What does that even mean? I wondered, probably for forever.

And now, inching closer to the year mark, I get it. Have I achieved the assimilation to sleep deprevation? Yeah. Mostly.  Like, I can function better now, and I feel like I've slowly adjusted to being a morning person - something that I romanticized but hadn't the willpower or motivation to act on. Voila!

And yeah, here we are. Functioning. Doing stuff. Also getting over a nasty head cold that lasted over 2 weeks. And then she got it. And now Mr. Chicken is battling it. Shit my pants? Ya. We cosleep. I wore a mask on my worst days, but she still got it. Thankfully, neither she nor I got fevers. Mr. Chicken has had a fever on an off several days now. But we're getting by. Nothing a little Disney magic can't help with.

Anyway, I'm taking some time to write before the Bean wakes. So lets dial it back to May real quick. I went feral in May.

It's 2:45AM. Lifa shows up.
At my request.

Mr. Chicken had no idea.

Prior to this, I was setting up to surprise him for his birthday. I waited until a few days before our flight to tell him he should pack for a few days, because we're going somewhere. Didn't say when, where, how, or for what. Just to pack for warm climate, we're leaving. The night of our red eye, Lifa comes through (as always) to see him off at the airport, unbeknownst to a flabbergasted Mr. Chicken. It was a good start.

Just prior to this earlier in the day, Mr. Chicken kept trying to guess where we were going. And he eventually guessed it. The Lifa send off was just the cherry on top.

"While we wait, we hydrate"

A Lifa motto- probably going on his headstone.

When it was time to head out, another surprise awaited us in his car lol

He decorated the interior with streamers and birthday hangie thingies along the windows, lmao. It was so cute LOL. 

The send off was so sweet.

Lifa don't hate me for putting you on blast like this, but after we got back from our trip, he chipped in towards the expenses for Mr. Chicken's gift. He always got us. Lifa is the walking definition of Homie.

So, the plane ride with Mung Bean wasn't bad at all. She was so chill the whole way there.

There was trepedation because of the dreaded crying babies on planes and all that, but nah. Smooth sailing.

Mung Bean was getting her learnin' on with them cars and such. Very important.

Once we arrived we got a rental car and headed to the hotel. It wasn't anything like we usually get in Vegas, but it was walking distance from where we needed to be. It was quaint, and cozy, and pretty cute. We weren't the only ones who thought so!

So... packing for this trip with a baby? 

Not that bad, actually.

Since I alternate between bottle and boob, I just brought my portable pump + parts and cleaning stuff. Her clothes + toiletries + toys + bottles... yeah. Wasn't bad at all. And since we cosleep, we didn't need to bring like... a whole.. playpen or a crib or whatever. She slept so good lol.

This is was the cleaning station for my pumps. Was fine. Chill. This is likely what I'll bring to EVO, too.

I think it also helps to be able to respec from boob to bottle, and bottle to boob at any moments notice. Way less complicated. For the sake of keep my supply up and having a stash for when I'm not home, I pump and bottlefeed so that others can also feed her. Breastfeeding sometimes crits and I'm like, so exhausted from it lol. Like, bruh. Whuh just happened T_T. HP went down to 16 from 370, lolol. Yeah, it's whack. Anywho, yeah. Boobs.

So, where the heck are we anyway? Where'd we go? What we doing?

Well, Mr. Chicken loves F1 racing. So I took us as a family (sans Ophelia) to the F1 grand prix in Miami over the weekend his birthday hit.

He deserves it uwu

He was muy happy. Which made me muy happy.
Mr. Chicken's so stubbornly hard on himself, despite being as diligent and kind hearted as he is. He is purposeful, deliberate, super in tune with things and people and doesn't waste his words. And he's just so warm and compassionate.

I would take him to all of the F1 Grand Prix..ses in the world if I could, but uh... LOL. Ya girl is just embalming, lol. Society doesn't value that on a paycheck, na'mee?

Das cool. :')

But he was happy. He couldn't believe it. My heart was soaring.

There were like, Lego cars that the drivers got in and drove around the course. Was cute. They would bump into each other and then... entropy. Everywhere. Jk, just lego pieces on the race track. No big deal.

Ever try to take photos of a racecar with a baby in your arms?

Here, look.

Nailed it!

Mung Bean was pretty okay throughout the whole thing, surprisingly. I was prepared for the worst, but she adjusted well. I got her noise cancelling earphones. Should've gotten some for all of us because damn. Those engines shake your ribcage, lol.

Just before the race started though, she was hungry and tired, so I had to step away. I told Mr. Chicken to enjoy the race while she and I made our way to the nursing room- which was awesome that the venue even had. I'm learning a lot these days, lol. It was a long walk back to the nursing area, but she was pretty good, despite how loud everything was. We get there and she fed and napped before we headed back. 
Ultra parent move we mastered was a diaper pit stop once I got to our seats. We changed her diaper while she stood on my lap in under a minute. Proudest move ever lol. Teamwork! And then she knocked out in my lap mid race. Was amazing. Those earphones must've been so OP.

We left a little before the conclusion of the race, given the consistency of the placements and to beat the crowds. It was shopping time!

We spent the time there relaxing and taking the Bean out to her first beach trip.

We walked around to find some lunch and came across a Peruvian place. Peruvian food in Miami sounded promising.

And it was!

Mr. Chicken took Mung Bean out to pet the Atlantic ocean.

She hated it, lol.

It was a nice little side thing. We spent the rest of our trip pretty much lounging in the hotel room and enjoying the quiet.

Mung Bean really liked the hotel bed. I agree, hotel beds are so comfy to me! How are they so fluffy and soft?! 

Sooo, the trip back was not great, lol. We had everything going well until our flight was delayed for 3 hours. This disturbed Mung Bean's internal clock. I don't blame her. She had a hard time settling on the plane, so we were absolutely those people with a fussy baby.

And right behind us was another couple with a baby LOL. Their baby was a little older, but still fussed. The guy sitting with us in the aisle seat was miserable, hahahaha. I felt bad for him kinda, but also... whatever. Sorry bro.

Eventually, an autie across the aisle offered to switch her seat with him. She was really sweet with us and wanted to help, and she did! Mung Bean liked her. She sat with us the rest of the flight and we learned about her and her family. She has 9 grandkids! Learned she's Taiwanese, but her politics were kinda iffy though, lol. 

The trip was a success! Mr. Chicken has been and continues to be so wonderful with us. We're both still adjusting and always learning in our new role as parents, and he gives me so much grace. Incredibly, he's learned to read subtle queues and jump in. It's not easy, but I hope he realizes how monumental those moments are. 

So, this trip was a big thank you, lets celebrate you - enjoy yourself.

Obligatory Sun Nong Dan moment :D

Hello galbi jjim, my old friend

Damn, we haven't been back since May. That's crazy. Gotta fix that.


BEHOLD:
Cris's Labubu in PPE

She converted me, man. I never even saw it coming. I had no clue what these things even were. I thought they were so ugly, too. Suddenly, she's showing me her other ones and how she has some extras to sell. That said, I went to look into it more and went down the Labubu rabit hole. These things were blowing up, and Cristal has some extras she was looking to get rid of. Sure, why not? 

So I bought one for Mung Bean; "Lychee Berry". When we opened the box I didn't expect to like it lol, but yeah... the dang thing was kinda cute.

It's all hers.
It looks so clean there, hahaha. Lychee Berry has been through IT.

Work has been challenging with time management (pumping while at work). But my team and supervisors have all been so supportive. SO supportive. There are also a lot of moms  (veterans and new) in our department, and they're all so encouraging. "Momticians" I've read, on a lovely letter to myself and Mung Bean when I got home from the hospital from Ms. Amanda King's care package. I'll never forget it :B

My specific team has shrunk considerably, but we hype each other up. I feel really lucky to work with these girls.

My first Mother's Day

Had lots of love and spoils!

Mr. Chicken went out and got me a bouquet of flowers along with a few of my favorite things:
Japanese cheesecakes (ube, sakura, and regular)

Durian mochi (two kinds!) and caramel milk tea boba ^_^

And a chirashi bowl :D
It was like he was refilling my emotional and mental tank with everything I enjoy nomming on all at once, lol. So sweet T_T

Cuz ya girl needs it, omg.

Aaaaand a nice little escape with the girlies at Disney

Cris's Labubu lol
Val was so ecstatic to see Mung Bean again. She grabbed the stroller so fast and just... went, lol.
I love seeing them together, so heartwarming T_T

Everyone is so photogenic, and then I look like a horse

^_^ 

teehee

Omg, we saw the Evil Queen. Bruh. T_T

She's crazy beautiful. Even more so in person. It's unreal. We walked by them to get a closer look and there was this tiny Snow White approaching them, I was melting- SO cute T_T

The day that I get to start dressing Mung Bean up as characters she recognizes is gonna be the day I transcend effort in my cosplays to... trying more. Like, maybe even getting a sewing machine and taking measuring fabric seriously instead of eyeballing and half assing everything.

ANYWAY, we walked past the Evil Queen and I was like, whooaaa.
She didn't look real. She was like... perfect. Eerily so. Very beautiful and striking. I could never speak to her, I'd get shy and overwhelmed and just nosedive into the well, Goofy style.

So, Mung Bean had been to Disney a few times, but she hadn't been on any rides yet. This time her aunties and GM are with her. This time, she would traverse unknown territories and emerge an intrepid explorer... of magic and wonder and Disney thingies.

Her very first ride was the story book canal. So cute T_T waah

Her most formidable feat was falling asleep on Small World.
Sleeping during an F1 race was impressive, but Small World?

Also cheeeers

D'aww!

Mung Bean finally went on Haunted Mansion! She was so intrigued by everything, lol. I wish I could see the world through her eyes, it's probably crazy wonderful and amazing.

Tia Cristal

uwu

She also went on Pirates. It was a busy day for Mung Bean! Was also the most rides I've been on in... a while lol. It was a really good day. Recharged my batteries, 100%. 

Look at that, Mr. Chicken fueling my tank, and the girlies recharging my batteries. So much love. Those moments are mmpf. The comfies.
There isn't really an opposite saying to having "the blues" is there? Hmm.
"Comfortable" is a fantastic state to be in. It encapsulates so much, so simply.

"The comfies"

Cristal gave me this for mothers day LOL. My first Sunny Angel. IT'S SO CUTE. 
Admittedly, Mung Bean coming into our lives has launched me into a pit of discovering my softer, cutsier side... ?

I'm a tomboy. Surprise. I felt kinda guilty thinking that maybe my mom deserved a daughter who was just as excited as her to run errands, go shopping, gossip, dress up, leave the house, whatever. Cuz I was a crotchedy, jaded old man who hated and distrusted everyone- at 16. (I meeeaaaannnn.....)

The product of being an introvert, straight edge, prude, and accosted all the time by hornball "friends" and envious "girl friends"

So, now that Mung Bean is this... extremely cute product of my love and joy and everything I've worked for to get to this point with Mr. Chicken, I'm gonna lean into the cutesy. It's not so bad. Pink isn't that terrible. I'm still not a big fan, but it's not for me. I will say though, discovering how well pastel black and lilac go together with black and white has been cathartic for my preferred palette tastes. Pastels look great on her though.

loool, we got Skullpanda babies and opened them at work

"The Sound" is the last series I kinda liked. The most recent 2 series are meh.

They're pastel, lol.
It's funny, I ended up trading with Cris to get this pillow one that she opened (right). She wanted another one, which I ended up getting when I bought one from that series later on.

It's in Mung Bean's room :)

Ah, another Disney trip

We had reservations
But first, a little stroll around the castle with some snacks

I got us reservations at Blue Bayou, so. We went there for lunch one day.

No reason, just... whatevers.

Mung Bean had some chicken and rice for the first time. She was down with it.

It inspired me.

OKAY, THANKS DISNEY, BRB
 BYYYYYEEE


Ah, never thought this would happen
I went to a physical Popmart store with Cris

She had to pick up her Labubus
lmao

For like, the 4th time LOL

After adopting some of hers, I decided to check it out for myself.

It's funny, I've been getting stuff from Popmart for a few years now, mostly Skullpanda, and it's pretty wild how Labubus just detonated Popmart into mainstream calamity. It's great for collectors, but also not so great because of resellers. Still, was cool to see that Popmart stores are more accessible now.

I got some Skullpandas, but my heart wasn't in it. 

Saw a tweet a while back that said "being a baby means going to sleep and waking up in a JCPenny"
Tickled me for a while, lol. 


I love my little Lobotomies.

I used to not acknowledge or care about them, and now ... ugh. 
Zizi is on the left, Dada on the right. 

Widdle bashful Dada

So, I wanted to try my hand at making clothes for them, LOL. Lychee Berry was the unfortuante test subject for this.

I'm not very good at it, especially sewing. I don't have a sewing machine and hand sewing, with as mistake prone as I am, would just send me into a dream state of hating everything, so I used a glue gun and tried my hand at a mock-up for this overalls skirt. 

Hated it, stopped forever. :)

Never made a mock-up ever in my life until that moment. It feels like taking two trips to the car for groceries. Hate it. I do it once and am done with it. (Mistake-prone, hating making cosplays. It maths out.) Hair accessories it is!

Oh, so Mr. Chicken came home from work one day with this. A truck inside a truck. It was like, pregnant. lol. He got Mung Bean her own truck. I was speechless, but smiling because it's exciting and also very cute, lol.

When she's bigger, she can traverse the jungle that is our back yard.

So many adventures, so little brain space and time to lock it all down in a timely manner anymore. I do miss blogging mindlessly. Now it's... I don't know. I feel like it needs to get done. I still enjoy it, it just feels like a chore sometimes. Anyway, this post has gone on long enough, and there's so much more! Will have to wait for the next one. 

We just got back from EVO too. EVO makes the other cons feel trashy, lmao. But that post will have to wait.

Tired. Calling it here and will resume... whenever. 
Summer leeches all the energy from me it seems T_T

Mkay, g'night!