I can't believe I am writing my last post for the year. I can still vividly remember what I was doing about the same time last year. Overall, 2015 was a good year for me. For one, being a mother is no doubt life-changing. Two, giving up my career to be with my daughter is no easy feat. I never thought I could do it but I did and I am happy to say that as 2015 draws to a close I feel no tinge of regrets. I am happy with my new role and I look forward for what the new year will bring - to me and to my family.
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH
We officially welcomed our baby daughter, Viktoria Summer, to the world. I had a different name choice for her but my husband swayed me into agreeing to his choice. I'm glad I did. Adjusting to a different routine including sleepless nights, caring for another human being, changing perspectives and plans, and basically just being more responsible in everything I do is no mean feat. Don't get me wrong though because I love every minute and every second of being a mother to my little daughter. I feel like I have more reason to live. I feel more positive and more determined to raise her in the best way I know how. I may not be perfect but I will put forth my best effort all the time.
A few days before I gave birth, we also signed the deal to purchase a property and pretty soon we will start the construction of our dream home.
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APRIL/MAY/JUNE
After weighing all the pros and cons if I should give up my career and be a full-time mom to my daughter, I submitted my irrevocable resignation to my manager which took effect after the last day of my maternity leave. It took countless conversations with my husband and I until we came up with a very life-changing decision. In all honesty it was an easy decision but we had to consider our financial capacity because we just invested on a properly earlier this year and then I gave birth and we spent quite a bit for my pregnancy and delivery.
Looking back, I can say that we made the best decision. Although, we lost quite a chunk (financial aspect) from my salary, I was eventually able to work on digital design and start my organic bath and body products business and earn while being at home and at the same time focus on my daughter.
I celebrated my first ever Mother's Day this year. I may have given-up my career but at least I can say that I have achieved my self-actualization. Yes, I have long considered being a mother as my self-actualization and I have zero regrets. Instead, I have doubled up my capacity to love and I know I will never be the same again.
JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
The third quarter of the year was spent mostly in Denmark (with trips in Sweden and Germany). It was the very first long haul flight of our dear darling daughter and I was impressed. She's a trooper! It wasn't as difficult as I have read from other long haul flight chronicles of other mothers online. It was a wonderful feeling that Summer was able to visit her Danish family.
You can read more about our trip to Denmark HERE. I'm hoping to write about the rest of our trip early next year. You may also head on over to my Instagram to see photos from our trip.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
After spending almost three months in Denmark, we had to travel back to the Philippines where we are currently based. It was an uneventful flight with the little one again and we also had a spare seat in our row so we had her take a sit and watch cartoons using the in-flight entertainment of Emirates. She also received so much goodies from Emirates during this flight (Dr. Seuss book, fleece blanket, flight buddy toys and a knapsack). Oh and the best thing was the porcelain and china I bought from Denmark survived the long flight and longer layover in Dubai. Yay! I'm officially a mother of all packers!
I also started a new blog: http://nanaynisummer.blogspot.com. Please visit when you have time.
So yes, goodbye 2015 - you have been so good to me and my family. To all my dearest blog readers, thank you so much for sticking with me even during times that I don't have any content to upload. I am so grateful for all the opportunities, all the learning, and all the adventures that I have experienced with my family.
Hello 2016! Cheers!
JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH
We officially welcomed our baby daughter, Viktoria Summer, to the world. I had a different name choice for her but my husband swayed me into agreeing to his choice. I'm glad I did. Adjusting to a different routine including sleepless nights, caring for another human being, changing perspectives and plans, and basically just being more responsible in everything I do is no mean feat. Don't get me wrong though because I love every minute and every second of being a mother to my little daughter. I feel like I have more reason to live. I feel more positive and more determined to raise her in the best way I know how. I may not be perfect but I will put forth my best effort all the time.
A few days before I gave birth, we also signed the deal to purchase a property and pretty soon we will start the construction of our dream home.
After weighing all the pros and cons if I should give up my career and be a full-time mom to my daughter, I submitted my irrevocable resignation to my manager which took effect after the last day of my maternity leave. It took countless conversations with my husband and I until we came up with a very life-changing decision. In all honesty it was an easy decision but we had to consider our financial capacity because we just invested on a properly earlier this year and then I gave birth and we spent quite a bit for my pregnancy and delivery.
Looking back, I can say that we made the best decision. Although, we lost quite a chunk (financial aspect) from my salary, I was eventually able to work on digital design and start my organic bath and body products business and earn while being at home and at the same time focus on my daughter.
I celebrated my first ever Mother's Day this year. I may have given-up my career but at least I can say that I have achieved my self-actualization. Yes, I have long considered being a mother as my self-actualization and I have zero regrets. Instead, I have doubled up my capacity to love and I know I will never be the same again.
JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
The third quarter of the year was spent mostly in Denmark (with trips in Sweden and Germany). It was the very first long haul flight of our dear darling daughter and I was impressed. She's a trooper! It wasn't as difficult as I have read from other long haul flight chronicles of other mothers online. It was a wonderful feeling that Summer was able to visit her Danish family.
You can read more about our trip to Denmark HERE. I'm hoping to write about the rest of our trip early next year. You may also head on over to my Instagram to see photos from our trip.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
After spending almost three months in Denmark, we had to travel back to the Philippines where we are currently based. It was an uneventful flight with the little one again and we also had a spare seat in our row so we had her take a sit and watch cartoons using the in-flight entertainment of Emirates. She also received so much goodies from Emirates during this flight (Dr. Seuss book, fleece blanket, flight buddy toys and a knapsack). Oh and the best thing was the porcelain and china I bought from Denmark survived the long flight and longer layover in Dubai. Yay! I'm officially a mother of all packers!
I also started a new blog: http://nanaynisummer.blogspot.com. Please visit when you have time.
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Before a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished: tell yourself that what has passed will never come back. Remember that there was a time when you could live without that thing or that person – nothing is irreplaceable, a habit is not a need. This may sound so obvious, it may even be difficult, but it is very important. Closing cycles. Not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but simply because that no longer fits your life. Shut the door, change the record, clean the house, shake off the dust. Stop being who you were, and change into who you are. -PAOLO COELHO |
Hello 2016! Cheers!
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