dress up files - a chicago fashion blog

The best gift I ever gave

Our elf, Chippy giving Mr. T some love.

It was the first Christmas hubbie and I celebrated together. He had mentioned before how he remembered distinctly only getting a Christmas present once growing up. He woke up one year when he was 5 or 6 to a present sitting next to him in bed. It was a Mr. T doll and it was perfect. In the years that followed, he would wake up excited on Christmas morning thinking maybe there would be a present next to him again only to be disappointed. Many of us second generation kids grew up similarly because our parents just didn't understand the traditions or were too busy trying to make a living in a new country to find time.

Anyway, I searched for weeks and tracked down a vintage Mr. T doll circa 1983 on ebay. I still remember the look on his face when he saw Mr. T. There's something so special about giving and receiving a truly thoughtful gift.

What's the most memorable gift you've ever given or received?

It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas...

A finally gets the whole Santa concept this year. She dictated this letter to Santa.

We got the Elf on the Shelf and we are loving this new tradition! For those who don't know what it is, you basically buy this book and elf combo. The elf sits somewhere in your house and watches how you behave. Each night, he flies to the North Pole to tell Santa if you've been naughty or nice. He disappears every year on Christmas Eve and reappears each year the day after Thanksgiving. After seeing the movie that goes with it, A decided to name ours Chippy as well.

Where's Chippy? A's behavior has gotten much better since Chippy's been around. If she refuses to do something, all it takes is a gentle reminder that Chippy is watching. I love it!

Holiday cards stamped and ready to be mailed.

Christmas presents wrapped in cheerful prints!

And of course, our tree.

Christmas totally crept up on me this year, being so busy with baby D and all. Have you done all your Christmas shopping? Are your trees up? Do you have any holiday traditions in your family? I'd love to hear from you!

Dressing Up at 38 weeks

We had a wedding to go to when I was 38 weeks pregnant. Carrying an extra 45 lbs at this point, I was definitely dreading getting dressed up. I refused to buy a dress I would never wear again so I opted for my go-to dress for this pregnancy. This black, Herve Leger-esque bandage dress from Forever21 was THE best find. I wore it so much during this pregnancy (shown here and here). I love how it's just a great base and you can layer anything over it to completely transform the look.

For this wedding look, I added a thin studded belt turned around so the studs were in front and the buckle in the back. I topped it off with a black blazer and patent royal blue flats (not shown) for a pop of color. There was no way I could squeeze my swollen feet into heels. Speaking of hands and feet, they don't look swollen anymore but I still can't put my rings on or wear many of my shoes 4 weeks post partum. Is this normal??

Introducing Our New Addition!

A's expression says it all.
It's been an adjustment period for us all...especially little A, who doesn't seem so little anymore.

Sorry for the long hiatus. I was so tired towards the end of my pregnancy. Plus, I thought I was in labor every other day for weeks on end. I was that girl that went to the hospital (twice!) thinking I was in labor only to get sent home both times! I doubt anyone cares to read the labor story but if you're interested, let me know and I'll do a post on it.

Anywhoo...baby D is exactly 4 weeks today and it's been a roller coaster ride.

Some of the Ups:

- Getting to know our baby girl, D. So far, she has been such an easy baby and I'm so thankful for that. She's also pretty constipated so she passes A LOT of gas which keeps us pretty entertained...except when I'm alone with her at Costco and she farts loudly in her stroller and people turn around thinking it's me. Not cool, D. Not cool.

- My amazing mom who came to stay for 5 weeks to cook and clean and help with the kids. SO beyond grateful! I dropped her off at the airport today and after she hugged me, I left her standing in the rain and ran into my car because tears were streaming down my face and I was too embarrassed for her to see that. I was so thankful but it felt awkward to say that to her so I didn't say anything at all. In the Korean culture, we don't really show a lot of emotion amongst family members so there I was in my car, her out in the rain, both of us shooing each other to leave first.

Some of the Downs:

- Learning to balance caring for a newborn and a (very demanding) toddler. When A came to the hospital, she was fine initially. But after seeing everyone fawn other baby D nonstop, A crawled into a corner of the room and said "I'm sad. Mommy, you're not my best friend anymore. I don't like you." over and over again. It was so heartbreaking. After being used to being with me 24/7, it is a huge adjustment for her. I would appreciate any tips you guys have!

- My first experience with Mastitis! It was awful!!

Overall, it's been amazing and exhausting all at once. I hope to find time to blog more frequently and once I fit into non-maternity clothes, I hope to get back to doing more fashion posts as well. I've missed you all my bloggie friends and I'm thankful for whoever is still out there that's reading this.

Happy thanksgiving!!!