HoltFamilyVlog 09.24.2014: "Games is Life."

Today was a beautiful day here in Washington.  It wasn't as rainy as the past few days have been.  I woke up not feeling too good... It was one of the mornings when you wake up and you feel like you didn't sleep at all.  Meh... So I spent most of the day trying to get rid of my headache, and I eventually took a nap.  Since I slept for a few hours, Thomas basically entertained Chloe today.  =]

If you know Thomas, you know that he's quite a hardcore gamer.  And has been for pretty much as long as anyone can remember (just kidding... that may be a slight exaggeration).  It's just a part of him... But I think it adds to his funny personality. =]

Do your other halves have any guilty "hobbies" that they can't live without? =]

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Good night from Chloe! She's so funny... She started off facing the OTHER way. =]

HoltFamilyVlog 09.23.2014: First Day of Fall!

If you didn't know, today was the first day of fall!!! For us Hawai'i kids... This changing of seasons is a big deal to us.  I've always loved the fall/holiday season, even when I lived in Hawai'i.  I just loved the atmosphere and spirit it brought.  One of the main reasons for why we left all the sunshine for more overcast skies, is because we prefer rain over heat.  Chloe's never really played out in the rain before, but she's always been eager to explore outside.  It was no surprise to us that she totally enjoyed this sweater weather!

This rain gutter was even more interesting with all the rain water gushing out of it...

I love seeing them walk together.

Please enjoy today's vlog!  We all agreed that we're pretty excited for what this holiday/fall season may/will bring!


Are you and your family excited for this upcoming fall/holiday season?  What are some family traditions that you look forward to?

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HoltFamilyVlog 09.19.2014: "Oh, There! I felt it!"

Today, I was finally able to catch Thomas feeling Peanut moving!  It's so funny because Chloe was the total opposite!  She would be moving and responding all the time to daddy.  Not this little one, the second daddy comes around she plays hard to get!  Well, she's gonna run out of room to hide sooner or later!  I'm glad I was able to capture this moment in our vlog today!

I can't imagine how it must be for the daddies!  They watch us mommies go through the pregnancies, and we feel those little movements a lot sooner than they will!  Even though this little girl is being shy with daddy, I'm glad he's been able to feel her move for at least a week or so now.  Enjoy Thomas' reaction when he feels his baby girl moving.




Any of you other mommies have pregnancies that were very different from one another?  If you're not a mommy, have you ever felt a baby move in someone's belly before?  Thomas always asks me what it feels like.  He wonders how we don't freak out the first time it happens to us!  I told him it's the mommy in us... You're more excited and happy than anything else! Happy Friday everyone!

HoltFamilyVlog 09.18.2014: Baby Bookworm

If you've been following along with my daily 30 Days of Lists posts, you've probably figured out that one of my hobbies is reading!  I love reading blogs, books, news articles, you name it.  Anyways, it seems that Chloe has the same love for books as I do.  She's always taking all of her books off their shelves and she flips through them all the time.  Today we read a Curious George: Curious About Christmas and Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do you hear? (just to name a few)!

Enjoy today's vlog!

What were some of your favorite children's books?  Do your kids or grandkids have a particular book that they love to read over and over?

HoltFamilyVlog 09.17.2014: Crazy Christmas Lady!

Yesss... Crazy Christmas Lady strikes again!  To be honest, these sightings are probably just going to become more and more frequent.  I don't know how to explain how excited I am for this fall and holiday season!  Every time we leave the house I'm pointing out to Thomas all the trees that have leaves that are changing color on them. ^_^

Is anyone else this excited for the upcoming fall/winter season?! No?... Just me?... Give me sometime... I'll get you in the spirit! =]  Thanks for checking out today's vlog!

HoltFamilyVlog 09.16.2014: (The Beginning of) Autumn Leaves

Can you believe that summer officially ends in one week?! Also, Christmas is 100 days away (well technically 99 by the time this post/vlog is live).  But holy moly!!  Anywho... We spent today cleaning the entire apartment.  But we of course still managed to have a lot of fun with the Munchkin!  Please enjoy the vlog!

Favorite Cliches...

There are just so many great prompts for this month's 30 Days of Lists!  Today's prompt?... Favorite Cliches.  

"Marry your best friend."

I am so blessed to have found my best friend at such a young age (13 to be exact...).  Thomas and I have really watched each other grow up from being teenagers with attitudes to [young] adults spreading their wings for the first time and even starting a family.  When I think of what defines a best friend... I think of someone who will always be 100% honest with me (even when it may hurt). Someone who knows me maybe just a little bit too well.  Someone who is able to know how I'm feeling and even what I'm thinking without me saying a single word.  I think of someone who I can have some pretty bad fights with... But at the end of the day there are no hard feelings, just lessons learned.

I don't know how I would've been able to build a foundation for our marriage without truly being Thomas' friend first.  The level of trust that we have and how well we know each other truly is the result of a deep friendship that has been growing over the span of more than (...holy crap) a decade.


"A baby changes everything."
And any other cliches about how much becoming a parent changes your life.

Thomas kept telling me that once we had a baby the way I look at the world would be totally different.  And I knew he was right... And I would agree with him... But I don't think that either of us truly knew the extent to which our babies would change our lives.  To be honest, when I was growing up I never thought I would want to live on the mainland.  I knew I wanted to travel, but I never really considered actually raising my family on the mainland.  After losing our jobs last year and becoming parents, Thomas and I really started to analyze the opportunities around us differently.  We also started to really take a look at what kind of future we wanted for our family.  That's when we made the decision to give life on the continental U.S. a shot.  We're only young once (haha... another cliche I should probably add to my list)...  And what everyone tells us is totally, 100% right: I don't want to be struggling later on in life when I should be carefree... But I don't want to be unhappy either.  I would much rather struggle now while pursuing what truly makes us happy.  Even possibly falling a few times while trying to reach for our dreams... But as long as we learn our lesson and get back up... We're going to keep reaching to better our lives.  Because that's what happens when you have a baby... They motivate you to be the best and provide the best that you can.


"Nothing worth having comes easy."

Nothing that I thank God for every night came easily to me.  They all came with their own form of pain, sadness, criticism, struggle, etc. but at the end of it I have a beautiful list of things to thank God for.  From the night we found out we were going to have Chloe, we've tried our best to throw our hands up to God.  Leaving it all to him.  We put in the work by applying for jobs, going to the interviews, making sacrifices, doing the research... But we leave the outcomes to Him.  I ask Him to give me the strength to take the rejection as Him telling me that that's not the opportunity for me... While also asking Him to give me the courage to step out of my comfort zone to take risks and put myself out there.  I may come up against rejection and criticism... But if it makes me happy and I'm being true to myself and my values.  I'll make it.


So, what are a few of your favorite cliches?

Best Places to Find Inspiration...

I'm excited to see what everyone else has for today's 30 Days of Lists prompt: best places to find inspiration.  Here is my list for where I draw inspiration from sometimes!

Amanda Rose Zampelli's blog is actually where I first heard of 30 Days of Lists!  I had been getting lost on the internet searching for inspiration for my own blog.  This was back in March, when I was kind of starting to lose momentum with keeping up with my New Year's Resolution of trying to put up a new blog post every week.  As I looked more into 30 Days of Lists, I had learned that it was a growing community of all different types of people (crafters, bloggers, just people who like to write lists, etc...).  The prompts seemed intriguing enough, and the commitment level was totally manageable.  You basically put as much or as little effort into this daily challenge... So long as you put together some sort of list... All while encouraging me to get my creative juices flowing at least once a day for a whole month.  Anyway... that's my short summary of how I even got into this daily listing challenge, and how I found Amanda Rose Zameplli's blog!

I believe I found the last two blogs on Pinterest while looking for any health related blogs.

I loved how bubbly, friendly, and real Julie Fagan from Peanut Butter Fingers was.  After browsing her blog for just a few minutes, I really felt like I was getting to know her!  Her style of writing and daily posts continue to inspire me even months after I stumbled upon her blog.

I found Erica Castillo's blog, To the Sea, when I was looking up healthy postpartum lifestyles.  Let me just say, power to you girl!  Erica attended UH Law School (another reason for why I love her blog: she spent time living in Hawai'i like me) and was right back in the classroom the Monday after delivering her daughter.  Her and her family are very well traveled (a goal that Thomas and I have for our family).  She also does an excellent job at documenting her children's lives (something I aim to do).  She is also very honest in a real and edgy way.

I just thought it was worth explaining how I found these blogs and a few of the reasons for why each of them inspire me!  I hope you enjoyed some of the places that I get my inspiration from.  My family also inspires me... As well as motivate me.  Enjoy yesterday's vlog!

The Best Things About This Week...

Today's 30 Days of Lists prompt is the perfect way for me to end this week.  Exactly one week ago Chloe turned one!  Thomas and I spent a lot of this time really enjoying all the blessings that we've received over this past year.  Here are a few of the blessings I listed down for today's list...

It's just so amazing how much little kids learn in their first few years.  It seems like everyday Chloe is learning something new, figuring out something new, or discovering something new!  I love to show and teach her new things.  Please enjoy our vlog from yesterday!

Keiki Update 09.12.2014

Hello, everyone!

I think it's about time we do another Keiki Update.  You can read our last "official" update here...  That post was written a few days after we found out that Chloe was going to be having a little sister.  Since then, quite a bit has happened!

Let's start with little Miss Chloe-Ann...

I think it's pretty safe to say that Chloe is officially walking.  We haven't seen her crawl in the past few days and she's actually getting pretty fast and good at maneuvering.  She still needs a bit of work walking outside with shoes on... especially with shoes on.  She's actually pretty used to her slippers/sandals, but put shoes on her and she reminds me of The Croods.


Funny enough she's watching this movie RIGHT now... And as I'm writing this... the shoe scene just ended...
Along with walking, Chloe is also talking.  Chloe has always been a pretty vocal baby... When she was two months old she would be awake for an hour after her feedings eaaaaarllyyy in the morning just babbling away!  It's amazing how fast she's learning different sounds.  When she says something, we say a word back to her that sounds similar.  I just love watching the expressions on her face change as she studies our faces as we sound out the word.  Then lo and behold... A few days later she'll be saying similar sounding (baby versions) of the words we were trying to teach her.  
Yesterday, there was a moment when I noticed that both Thomas and I were watching Chloe and we both had smiles on our faces.  It wasn't like we were thinking or worrying about anything... I could really feel that we both were just taking in that moment.  Just watching Chloe and truly appreciating  how big of a blessing this little person has been in our lives.  I'm really glad that I caught that moment... It's moments like those that warm my heart and let me know that I'm doing something right and that we're on the right path (and it makes me even more excited for when Peanut will be here). 
This past week has been such a happy one for Thomas and I.  We celebrated Chloe's first birthday exactly one week ago.  I made myself a promise before Chloe was born: start documenting our family's journey... especially the lives of our kids.  For this occasion I decided to put to use the monthly photos I took of Chloe (plus all the extra daily ones =P) and compile them into a slideshow for her.  I included her smashing into her birthday cake at the end as well.  Please enjoy a glimpse into Chloe's first year with us!
Now onto Peanut...
Peanut is supposedly 23 weeks & 2 days old and (according to my Baby Bump app) is about the size of a large mango: 11.5 inches long & 1.1 pounds (that's a huge mango...).  I've been able to feel Peanut moving for quite a while now, which isn't a surprise since they say you feel a lot more with later pregnancies than your first.  But for some reason I kept thinking that Thomas was able to feel Chloe that early on too.  Silly me... I took the time to look back to a post I wrote last year (seeeee... another good reason for me to keep up with this) and he felt Chloe move when I was about 22 weeks pregnant.  Well!  Thomas finally got to feel her move early this morning.  I was already sleeping and he was just coming to bed.  I honestly thought I was dreaming, but when he woke up this morning I asked him if he had felt her and he had a big smile on his face. Yay! =]
I've been feeling soooo much better too!  My appetite has definitely returned and as long as my tummy doesn't get too empty, I'm good. =] I've been making it a point to drink lots of water (I have a 40 oz hydroflask that's filled with ice all day everyday that I'm constantly refilling) and I think that's also been helping to reduce the number of migraines I've been getting... but in turn increasing the number of bathroom visits I make... But that's okay it was going to happen sooner or later.
Something new that I'm feeling now that I don't think I was aware of when I was pregnant with Chloe are Braxton Hicks.  Every so often part of my belly just gets really tight.  Nothing painful or anything, just tightness.  After a few minutes, they go away (and they don't happen regularly... I can go days and not feel them).  This started happening after my last appointment so I'm going to try to remember to mention it at my next one.
Thomas and I have a first name picked out (still finalizing the spelling though).  We decided to aim for a two syllable, hyphenated first name (like Chloe-Ann).  Chloe's name was pretty symbolic.  I came up with the Ann part in honor of my Nana, Anna, and Chloe's middle name is Thomas' mom's Chinese middle name.  I came up with her Hawaiian name using the Hawaiian name I used in my Hawaiian language and culture courses in school.  Amazingly and coincidentally her entire name ended up having a flower theme to it.  Ideally, I would like to do the same for Peanut, keeping it within a theme.  Unfortunately, we're probably going to wait a bit longer to share her name.  We want to at least finalize the spelling before sharing her first name.  But when we do... I'll definitely let you know! Until then... I hope you all have a great Friday!

Since it's Friday... Why not do a Flashback Friday!
One of the first pictures we took together.

Chloe's first time going for a swim!

Things I've Finished this Year...

Today's 30 Days of Lists prompt really put into perspective how important it is for me to set goals!  I was really determined to start documenting our lives in some way, shape, or form... and I'm so glad I stuck with it.  I really wish I could add a couple of book titles to this list... But I have a few jotted down from our prompt the other day for me to look into!

Another goal I really want to meet is taking the time to meditate/stretch at least once a day.  I try to make it a point to take a few minutes a few days of the week to just sit down and "meditate"/stretch before anyone else wakes up... There's just something about taking a few minutes to gently wake up your soul.  But there are a few days where I'll do it while Chloe is watching her Baby Einstein.  Today we bought one of those rubber non-slip mats for the shower... and when I opened it up... Check out what Chloe did!  She seriously is so smart and amazes us everyday... Enjoy the vlog!!

Subjects I Could Talk About for Hours...

Today's 30 Days of Lists prompt was a fun prompt for me to think about.  Now that I'm typing out this post, I realize that these are topics that I truly have a passion for!  This year is about pursuing my passions and finding myself so it was a good reminder for me... This is definitely another one of my favorite prompts so far this month.

Luckily, yesterday's vlog goes very well with today's prompt!  It's filled with some of my most favorite things: my family, and food... more specifically, fall themed food!  Enjoy!

Ain't Nobody Got Time For...

Today's prompt for 30 Days of Lists is an interesting one.  I wanted to include some serious and some funny things that I "ain't got no time for..."

Chloe got another package in the mail today!  Check out what was in it in the vlog!

Books Everyone Should Read...

I absolutely love today's prompt for 30 Days of Lists: books everyone should read!  Growing up reading was what we did in our spare time (to this day it amazes Thomas when he mentions a cartoon or video game and he's met with a blank stare...).  Both of my parents love to read... And so does my Nana.  In Hawai'i it isn't uncommon for our grandparents to be like second parents to us... This being said... Nana took my sister and I to the library all the time.  We were the kids that had all kinds of trinkets from the summer reading program at the public library and always got free personal pan pizzas from Pizza Hut for completing some reading activity in school...

Anyway... I think you get my point.  I'm always looking for a great new book to read!  If you take a look at my list I like a pretty good variety of books.  I was very lucky to find so many books that I enjoyed reading throughout school (4 out of 7 books were from school reading lists spanning from elementary through high school... and these are just a few of my top picks)!  I'm very excited to see everyone else's lists!  I mentioned in my first Currently... post at the end of August that I'm itching to find a really good book to read!

I can't explain how much more perfect this prompt is for today!  Please enjoy yesterday's vlog... Our daughter clearly has the same love of books as me. ♥

Chores I Actually Enjoy...

Today's prompt for 30 Days of Lists was a bit harder for me to answer.  I think that's because when I think of a "chore" I think of any household activity that needs to be done and I don't exactly enjoy doing... and I do it because I know it has to be done!  I know some people consider cooking for their family to be a chore... but luckily Thomas and I both love to cook so that was a no-brainer for me.  Anyway... Here's a peak at the rest of my list =]

Also... Enjoy yesterday's vlog!

Happy First Birthday, Baby Girl

Today marks a very special day in mine and Thomas' life.  Exactly one year ago we welcomed our beautiful baby girl, Chloe-Ann into the world.  I'm hoping I can make this an annual thing... But I want to write a letter to my children on each of their birthdays.  As something to remind me of their big milestones... And as something for them to read later when they get older.

Dear Chloe...

Words cannot explain how much you have changed your daddy's and my life.  Since we found out you were on your way, all my dreams started to come true.  The history that your dad and I have has allowed him to truly get to know me and my dreams.  The first thing he said to me when he finally regained the ability to speak after seeing the positive test was, "Everything is going to change.  I promise..."

And since that day... He's been absolutely right.

At the encouragement of Nana, we decided to get married.  After years of late night phone calls, talking about our dreams of having a family... It was actually happening.  I still look at your father and ask him how he knew it would be me the whole time... And he always says one thing: God.

You truly are the biggest blessing (both you and your sister).  You grow leaps and bounds every day.  Your cute little (often times sassy) personality just leaves your dad and I cracking up.  You are so smart... And you pick up on things very quickly.  You still love Baby Einstein, but now you're starting to imitate the words!  You also absolutely love all things Christmas... Just like you're mommy, Tutu, and Gramaw Kathy!  Whenever we don't know what to watch as a family we always end up turning on The Mistle-Tones.  I think that's why you started doing your little funny face after it went on a little hiatus.  I also notice you like to shimmy your shoulders just like Tia Mowry-Hardict does when she's singing the "12 Days of Christmas".  Your daddy and I are so excited to experience our first fall and winter in the PNW as a family!

You have six teeth (with a bunch more that are making their way out... including at least one molar) and beautiful long brown hair that everyone admires.  Mommy is totally in love with your long curly eyelashes and big eyes (you clearly got those from your father).  You'll give anything a taste at least once... And for the most part you'll eat pretty much anything.  Your giggles are infectious and daddy always knows how to make you laugh or feel better...

So much has happened in this past year... And I know it's only the beginning!  I look forward to everything the future brings for you.  I know there will be disagreements... Times when you may think we're being unfair or too stern... But I know that you will eventually see that it's only because we love you.  As you grow up, I am going to constantly strive to be the best role model that I can be for you.  I want you to always see the beauty in life, especially the beauty inside you.  Never forget how beautiful you are.  And never forget how special you are.  Never be afraid to follow your heart and know that your family will always love you.  ♥

♥Mommy & Daddy♥

The following slideshow seriously epitomizes all my hopes and dreams for this blog and our YouTube channel.  Thomas and our kids inspire and motivate me to no end... Everything in this slideshow from the song, to the pictures, the moments, and for us... The feelings and emotions captured within each picture are truly how I feel about my family.  There are no words for me to express how much I love my family... and how blessed I feel everyday to have them in my life.  Please enjoy my special birthday tribute to Chloe...

Things to Nurture This Month

I have set a lot of goals for myself for the next few months/years.  But baby steps right?  Along the way I want to make sure that I do take the time to never forget about the listed items (of course... not listed in any particular order).

Also... Please check back later for an AWESOME vlog that we have planned today!  It's Chloe's First Birthday!

HoltFamilyVlog 09.04.2014: Baby's Day Out!

Tomorrow is Chloe's first birthday!  So, we took it easy and stayed close to home today... (we have some fun plans for tomorrow!)  I wandered around Home Depot with Chloe while daddy took her to the playground to have some fun after.  Please enjoy yesterday's vlog!

Projects to Finish This Month

Continuing on with our 30 Days of Lists... Today's prompt is "Projects to finish this month..."  Personally, it's not necessarily projects that I need to finish by the end of the month.  I have more long term goals and projects going on... But they say the best way to accomplish your goals is to set short term and mid-term goals along with your long term ones.  So... Here's a bunch of my Pinterest goals. =]

I'm also really determined to keep up with our daily vlogs, and to keep producing better and better content for this blog.  Speaking of vlogs... Yesterday's one is up!  Chloe has a whole bunch of teeth coming through (which includes at least one molar)... But even though she may not necessarily feel good, she's always trying her best to be her usual happy self. ^_^

If I had One More Hour in the Day. . .

I wish I could come up with something more profound than what I have listed... But I figured I'd just be honest with myself =]

At first I listed "clean my house..." but then I realized... Even if I did achieve that goal, we have a [very] mobile baby, who is willing to tear through anything to get to what she's trying to get to.  Hehe... But in all honesty, I'd probably just want to spend that extra hour with Thomas and Chloe anyway... That's always what truly makes me happy.  Please enjoy yesterday's vlog as well!  Christmas was in the air!!