In my mama era
Picnic Journal #31
Hello! A newsletter! In your inbox? Who would have thought? I am writing this issue super quickly in bed while I eat some chamoe (Korean melon) with my baby napping next to me. It’s weird to think that only six weeks ago I gave birth to this little human. I can’t imagine my life without him and I feel so lucky that I get to hang out with him all day. I finally made a birth story video which is at the end of this newsletter so check it out if you are interested to hear about what it’s like giving birth in South Korea! I hope you’re well and healthy and enjoying whatever season your city is in right now.
Joriwon Recap
My speedy recovery and transition back into daily life with a newborn has been helped largely by the fact that I spent 2 weeks at a postpartum care centre (Joriwon) in Seoul. I was able to fully recover, get meals and snacks sent to my door, do yoga classes and a few massages as well. All while an amazing team of staff took care of my baby. I was sceptical of the whole thing when I first went there and was ready to pack up my bags by the third day, but I’m glad I ended up staying the full 2 weeks. I think I might talk more about this on my YouTube channel so stay tuned for that! The food was DELICIOUS. Here are some highlights:
What I’ve Been Watching
(As a breastfeeding mama of a newborn, boy have I been watching all the things)
Dr. Cha - A casual and light K Drama that I watched while pumping at the postpartum care centre to pass the time ~ I didn’t always pay attention to it, I would call it a background noise drama.
The Good Bad Mother - Loved this K Drama, it had the right amount of light comedy, romance and police/prosecutor corruption. You know, something for everyone. It also had every KDrama trope known to man which is impressive if you think about it.
Siren: Survive the Island - My husband and I loved this, we binged it very quickly while he was on paternity leave. I enjoyed the challenge/strategy side of this show and thought it was much better than Physical 100 (which was a totally unfair competition imo).
Bloodhounds - I liked this show but the main character was annoyingly optimistic…? A good combo of bromance and action but definitely could have just been a movie.
See you in my 19th Life - Currently watching this drama and I like it so far. Will keep you posted.
She Said - I watched this movie in the joriwon, kind of a bummer of a film but I enjoyed watching it because I had literally nothing else to do.
Shotgun Wedding - Another good time-killing movie on Netflix! Jennifer Coolidge stole the show.
Hot Ones - I’ve been watching so many Hot Ones interviews on YouTube, how had I never watched these before? It’s nice to see famous people being asked interesting questions while shedding spicy tears.
Still Doodling
I’m still finding time for doodling while my baby naps. Be sure to follow my illustration account on IG to see what I get up to during my drawing sessions!
My online shop is still open for business, check it out here! I’m hoping to add some more bits soon!
Things that have helped me survive the first 6 weeks with a baby
K Dramas and Audiobooks and Gossip Girl - I love breastfeeding, don’t get me wrong, but I need something stimulating my brain so I don’t get left alone with my own thoughts for too long. My most recent audiobook was Daisy Jones and the Six which was really corny but a really easy listen while sitting in the dark at 4 am. Gossip Girl is my comfort show. It came out while I was in high school so it just makes me nostalgic. Chuck and Blair are also one of my favourite fictional couples and I still cry rewatching some of their scenes.
Going for walks with our baby - something I have been dreaming about since we bought our stroller back in January. I make sure to keep baby covered up from germs and bugs when we go out and I also have a cute stroller fan attached to keep him cool (summer in Seoul is steaming hot). I can get my exercise in, grab a coffee, feel human in the big wide world and give the baby fresh air. It’s a win win win win.
Making time for skincare, drawing and making - I don’t get around to all of these things every day but I make time for them when I can. I actually feel so much more productive when I sit down to draw or edit my videos/writing because I know I only have a short amount of time. Is this the secret to eradicating my imposter syndrome/creative block for good?
Air Conditioning - Summer babies are hard, thank goodness for air con
Summer Baby Essentials: The Baby Time App, Konny Baby Wrap (summer version), Aden & Anais Muslin Blankets ~ these are things I use the most probably. My favourite product I have (a nice-to-have item, not an essential) is this diaper bag that we got as a gift from Mika Studio. It makes getting ready for outings so much fun for me hehe.
NEW Birth Story Video
Thank you for reading this issue of Picnic Journal ~ see you on the internet or in my next issue! Have a great day!
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