The Month of May

World of blogging, how have you been?! Me? Missing in action for the longest time! There's just so much that happened and I haven't got the time to tell you guys everything that's been going on. But right now, I'll try to give you some of the highlights.

Let's start with the San Pascual Fiesta 2010. Here in the Philippines it's an annual tradition to celebrate the feast days of our patron saints in reference to where we live. I grew up in San Pascual, Batangas, Philippines and every year we celebrate St. Paschal Baylon on May 17th. What happens is, every house in the neighborhood has a buffet table ready with a variety of food and basically everybody is welcome to grab a plate and eat to his heart's extent. My mom's side of the family also stayed over for a few days so you can just imagine how much fun I had.

Absolutely no dull moments with my dear husband!

Just me, chillin'.

Party party!

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I realized that it's never too late to celebrate summer. My family and I went on a 2-day 1-night outing in Pansol, Laguna which is like a few miles from where we live. The best part--I finally got the chance to get tipsy again! Well I was pregnant and breastfed for a while you know, so it's kind of a big deal. Strawberry vodka, I love you!

Me in my conservative bathing suit with board shorts on. Yes, that's conservative. Haha.

The loves of my life, enjoying each other's company on a sunny afternoon.

His sexy smile makes my heart want to burst into a gazillion pink glitters.

I didn't exactly get drunk, I was lightheaded and drifted off to sleep pretty easily. I have a daughter to take care of, you know.

I only wish those two days could have been longer. I wish Summer was longer. Don't we all?

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Star spotted: Jayson Gainza at my aunt's house because they're friends and neighbors. He dropped by because it was my uncle's birthday. He had spaghetti and Coke. I think.

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I ordered a customized necklace from an online seller and I just love how beautiful it's made. I specifically wanted my daughter's name crafted as a pendant with a crown on the "I" for the simple reason that she's our queen. I'm keeping this for the rest of my life, and I plan to do this for my future sons & daughters as well.

Our hearts keep beating for her.

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Speaking of kiddos, we have a new addition to the family! His name is Vic Edwin M. Maranan and he's my uncle's 3rd child. We've only seen his pictures so we all can't wait to meet him up close. He's the youngest brother of Sophia and Xander, two of my favorite baby cousins.

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"Time flies when you're having fun." In less than a week my baby is turning 4 months old and (I always say this:) everyday she surprises us with something new. Just take a look at how much Iaine loves to talk now. And this isn't even how she really is on a daily basis. Aside from talking she's also fond of screaming (no trouble reaching those high notes at all) and singing along. Ah, our future singer.

She's getting chubbier and cuter everyday, too. I wouldn't be surprised if she weighs 7 kilos or more on her next well-baby check-up!

Iaine Sivela Feona at 3 months, 3 weeks, and 4 days old, wearing Princess Fiona ears.

The moment she takes your heart, you're not getting it back. ♥

The month of May ends today. Oh summer, why can't you stay? There's a LOT to love about summer but at the same time there's a lot to be missed. We fall in love, or fall in love again. We see beauty around us. We feel the love of our family. We're free from the hassles of the rest of the year. Summer is the time we kick off our shoes, sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. Liberating, invigorating. But now that it's over, it's time to face reality and get back to our busy lives.

Which reminds me... I'm need to go back to work soon. Oh gag me with a spoon. =P Anyway, enjoy summer while it lasts, people. It only comes once a year.

Mabuhay ang summer!

My FIRST Mothers' Day

... was great! We had a simple celebration but family love made my day very special.

Daddy's girls!

May 9th: Mom received a bouquet of roses and a greeting card from me and my sisters. We stayed the afternoon at my maternal grandparents' house (it's always like a family reunion there). Nonstop chats, laughter, fun. After that we had dinner at my paternal grandparents' house, then me and my two lovely loves spent the night at my parents' house. We only had about 4 hours of sleep from watching late movies on TV and having sweet wacky intelligent hilarious conversations at bedtime but the funny thing is, waking up early the next morning was a piece of cake. I guess that's what happens when you fall asleep with a full heart and a smile on your face.

No make-up on. =)

•••

May 10th: Sadly, I didn't have the chance to vote and/or participate in the first ever Philippine Automated Elections. My in-laws had to fetch me and my two loves from my parents' house because we were headed for Tagaytay! It was my MIL's mothers' day gift to herself. I was really bummed that I couldn't vote but least I got to see what it was like on election day.

After countless times of bumping my head on the window from falling asleep in an uncomfortable position, we finally made it. We had a very heavy brunch at Bag of Beans Coffee Shop and Bakery.

Facebook and Twitter with an orange shake on the side while waiting for our orders.

Look at the size of those pancakes (notice the orange slices as reference)!

Jai and I tried to share but we still had leftovers.

My brunch plate.

Yes, I'm such a sucker for bacon!

•••

Next stop: Tagaytay Picnic Grove for the ZIPLINE!

Wowza! Who would have thought that 'fraidy-cat Jeean would get on the Zipline ride and on a two-way trip too! I was scared to death--or you can say OF death! I think Jai's hand felt numb from my grip. Well we were only crossing a ravine wearing orange jackets hanging on a wire and if one thing goes wrong, we're goners, okay?! As I was screaming my lungs out I was thinking to myself WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING HERE?! But God is great, and I walked out of there alive (with two free souvenir photos too). The whole family also got on the cable care for a picture opportunity. Overall, it was FUN!

Ready... Set...

OHMYGOOOOOOD!!!!!

Goin up...

Goin down!!!

Even though Iaine couldn't understand anything that happened, it would still be hilarious to tell her the story of how her mom freaked out on the Zipline and lived to tell the tale.

We also made stops at Starbucks Tagaytay and Nuvali in Laguna. And after only a couple of hours we were back home already thanks to FIL's super fast driving skills! Anyway, we really had a fun day on the road.

•••

But if you really wanna know the truth...

...there's no other journey like motherhood. ♥

HAPPY MOMS' DAY TO ME!

May 8 and Mothers

I've been neglecting my blog recently and I really hate myself for it. Well a lot of things have happened in the past couple of days which explains my absence but I promise to make it up to you (if anybody actually cares).

My Miss Universe turned 3 months old last Thursday! 3 months and a lot of developmental milestones already. My personal favorite is how she can recognize my face. She knows who her mom is, and I'm certain about that. She just doesn't respond the same way to others (except her dad of course who she also knows so well). When I try to make her smile, it's always easy, and there's this sparkle in her eyes that tells me "Hi 'Ma, I know it's you. You don't have to try so hard to make me laugh because I love you! I'm not gonna give you a hard time." It's the best part of my day.

And don't even get me started about her strong legs and arms. Little Cuddler is a macho girl! When she hits me sometimes I'm like, OW. And not to mention her strong hair pulling abilities, literally. I have really long hair and she likes to cling on it sometimes, and it especially hurts when she tangles them. When we hold her under the arms she doesn't just stand there--little diva likes to WALK. And oh, she has also rolled over a couple of times already. Like I've always said, she's a wonderchild. Babies, gotta love 'em!

Today Iaine had her 3rd doctor's appointment with GREAT results. Her pedia was impressed with Little Tigress who weighs a staggering 6 kilos and showed off great motor developmental skills (lifting her head in prone position like a pro). She also had her 2nd dose of Rotavirus vaccine (which costs a whopping 3,100Php) that prevents her from getting loose bowel movement. The pedia also taught me how to deal with people who give old-wives-tales advice of how to take care of an infant, specifically my OWN baby. I've always known how, I just needed a go signal from someone who actually knows what she's saying when it comes to baby business. Whenever someone goes "You can feed her solids already," or "She's developing late" I respond with "I'd have to ask her doctor first." Those kinds of words get on my nerves because my pride as a mother is deeply insulted. It's just like saying they know my kid better than I do and I'm not doing the right thing taking care of her. It's the safest answer I can give without sounding like a bitch. Well I can't just say "You don't know EVERYTHING about my kid! Who died and made you WikiBaby?", right?

But you know, I really couldn't blame them for trying to help (if that is their true intention). Most of the time I'm at wits end because of the summer heat. Oh El Niño, please go away, you craky-nator.

Anyway, I met a TV star today. Sorta. I was asked to sing for a group of people, a mothers' day event actually, and this guy happens to be the older brother of 2010 Election candidate who's running for mayor. They call him Mr. Safeguard, but actually he also stars in Tide and Ariel commercials. He's really nice, he even helped me up and down the stage stairs.

This one's for Tide:

Before I could even stand up to take a picture with him,

he squatted beside me! And he was supposed to smile, but I specifically asked him

to make this face, just like in the commercials. He willingly supported my request.

I can say he's a very down-to-earth person. Told you he was nice!

3 months already?... I've been so busy being a mom and a wife.. The only breaks I get are spent on Facebook, Twitter, and Plants Vs. Zombies. But in the middle of all the haze I've been thinking.. I wanna come back to work. I miss being a nurse. Maybe next week we'll know, and because tomorrow is Mothers' day, I think filing for an application is a wonderful idea. SAHM turned WM. It's what's best for my little Gumdrop's future. Hey, money doesn't grow on tress.

Speaking of Mothers' day, I have no idea how my FIRST EVER mothers' day could be meaningful. I'm not really expecting anything, but I realized that when you're a mom, Mothers' day feels like your birthday and you just want something good to happen. Moms couldn't care any less about material things. Moms just wanna feel special, appreciated, loved.. we wanna feel someone take care of us and just let us take a day off (or at least a few hours) from taking care of everybody else for a change. A silly request, but a simple wish that comes from the heart. People who don't show effort to appreciate moms on Mothers' day are the most worthless people you will ever meet. So go out my friends, and make your moms feel super!

I would probably write another entry about mothers' day, but I'm still ending this one with "HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY, MOMMY!" I love you so much! And thanks for letting me tag along at the grocery tonight (like always) and paying for my items. I really appreciate that. :) And did I mention that I love you? And by the way, I love you. Umm. Yeah, I love you. Really. Love. You.

Sigh. I hope Iaine grows up to love me just the same...

She's Our Star

Iaine just turned 3 months old yesterday! I'm too lazy to upload photos, maybe I'll put them up later. But here's something much better for y'all!

If this video compilation doesn't make you go awww, you have a heart of stone. It's the best of its kind ever made (as of yet) about our beautiful baby girl Iaineylove made by my dear husband, Jai. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

And just like always, there's more to come!