Sweet Dreams

Thank you, my darling daughter, for being my best friend. For brightening up my day. For reminding me that life goes on. For expressing your love in the simplest ways that always end up exploding into greatness.

Thank you, Iaine, for coming into my life. You are heaven sent, the most precious gift I have ever received. I must have done such great things in my young life to deserve you. You are my everything.

Now that you've just fallen asleep, I'm once again sulking in my corner, watching you breathe in calm rythm, unaware of the sadness I am stuck in.

My sweet Iaine, you make me so happy and I never imagined I would ever feel this much joy. You give reason to my every waking day. And now that you're asleep, I am glum.

I can't wait for the morning to come. My life has become such a joyous adventure because of you. My life is changed forever. Thank you, my darling daughter, for being my best friend.

Good night, my lovely baby.

Easter 2011

I was born in a family of Catholics and I married one so Iaine was baptized to be a Catholic as well. I admit that we don't attend Mass every Sunday but I pray in my own time and I have a strong spiritual side. So when it comes to Easter Sunday, we, my family, and my in-laws celebrate just like any other happy Christian family.

April 24 was so eventful, I felt like it needed more hours to celebrate Easter Sunday. Dragged myself out of bed at 4:30am and we left the house at around 6:30. We arrived in Lipa at 8 just in time for the Holy Gospel at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church which is famous for apparitions of Mama Mary. Being in another city was a breath of fresh air. I seldom go to Lipa for any reason.

I was surprised to see the church so thickly populated at 8 in the morning. People of all ages crowded the church and even the parking lot. The officiating priest gave a short but meaningful homily and the prayer songs were upbeat. It was a good Mass and it was done quickly.

I always leave the church feeling like my burdens have lifted. I like that feeling.

We had a quick brunch in Lipa and then went back to our neighborhood to host an annual Egg Hunt for my MIL's side of the family. As soon as we were finished hiding the eggs, I guess you could say everyone scrambled to find them.

After all the fun and food, we drove back home to get packing. We were headed to a pool resort that afternoon to top off the Easter celebration. Yay!

To be honest, I hate packing especially when I need to do it on the spot but as a mother and wife it's one of the things I'm starting to get used to. I had no choice but to hurriedly gather everything we needed for that outing; clothes, towels, toiletries, bottles, bathing suits, etc. And whle we're on the subject of of bathing suits, I was surprised to find that most of Iaine's 2-piece swimsuits don't fit her now! I was still lucky to find a pair though -- Old Navy in brown, yellow, and orange with flower decor.

Coincidentally, it was also the perfect time for Iaine to wear her pink Old Navy flip flops. She was so ready for summer!

It was a long trip; 45 minutes to an hour, giving me and my younger SIL plenty of time to have a funny conversation about a school we both went to.

We took a final turn into a narrow dusty road and finally got a glimpse of the resort. We were still in the car but from our elevated standpoint we could already see the glistening cyan waters of the wave pool flocked with an estimate of a hundred people unbothered by the scorching sun. The wave pool looked like a small ocean although run by wave generating machines and its loud siren roaring in the background could be heard even outside the resort area. The place looked very inviting.

We entered the resort and had a closer look at the place -- I found the cabanas too small and the pool waters cloudy. I decided to not let that bother me though and chose to have a good time. And as soon as we were all dressed (or should I say, underdressed) for swimming, we hit the water. At first we dipped in the smaller pools and gave the wave pool a try in between. And during breaks we enjoyed scrumptious juicy pork barbeque, steamed white rice, salty sweet pancit, and ice cold thrist-quenching Coke.

I had such a great time with my husband and our daughter who by the way looked so adorable in her 2-piece swimsuit and her hair in pigtails. At first she was afraid of the water but the longer she was in, the more she loved it. By the end of the day she was laughing and playing with me and her dad in the pool. It's one of the best days of my life.

After hitting the showers we retreated to the cabanas to rest and wait for other family members. We were all tired from all the fun including Iaine who conked out as soon as she was rocked to sleep. When we got home it was already dark out so we couldn't make it to my grandparents' house. It's a usual thing we do on Sundays to visit my maternal grandparents so I was really sad we had to skip it. I texted my mom and told her we'll just have to make it up to them. After dinner, I realized that Monday morning was just a few hours away and Jai was about to leave for work again. So with all the love in the world, I stuffed his duffel even though I was so exhausted already. After making sure I collected everything, I did my bedtime rituals and hit the sheets.

I think the tap water had some sort of sleeping pixie dust mixed in because as soon as I lied down next to Jai and rested my head on his chest, I felt so sleepy that half-opening my eyes was a struggle. The last thing I could remember was Iaine playfully kicking my back while drinking from her bottle, Jai's strong loving arms wrapped around me and his lovely scent. Then I blacked out.

At 3 in the morning he woke me up, said goodbye and gave me sweet kisses. I did the same.. and blacked out again!

The next time I opened my eyes was around 8am, the sun high up and Iaine was crying. Usually I pick her up, but this time I couldn't move, like my body was run over by a truck. My muscles were in so much pain I had to text Iaine's nanny to come upstairs and take her. She did and I had no choice but to get back to sleep and get more rest.

By 12 noon I felt better and resumed my momma duties. I also texted Jai immediately and apologized for not properly saying goodbye. He kindly understood and I was relieved and thankful to have such a wonderful husband.

Easter Sunday represents the resurrection of Jesus, symbolizing the new life all of us could have after dying from our sins or whatever our weaknesses are. My Easter Sunday was all about that. To others it was just another day, or just a day of egg hunt and a beach outing, but to me it was so much more; a day that gave me a chance to rekindle relationships and realize that everyday we are always given a chance to rebirth our spirits, forget pride and forgive instead, and love one another. Easter Sunday reminded me not only of God's love for us, but also how lucky I am to be blessed with that love.

My family is the absolute proof of that.

Thank You for Loving Her

I intended to go out yesterday because of some business transaction and the plan was to go home right after that. But before I could leave the house, the mailman came over to deliver a parcel card with my name on it! I was happy to extend the itinerary.

At first I was confused because it's not an everyday thing for me to get stuff through the mail but I was happy that it came. It didn't say who it was from but I had a hunch that it was from Jai's aunt who lives in the States and the package is probably for Iaine. She has already sent a box full of presents before. She's a really sweet, thoughtful person!

So I got to the meeting place on time and agonizingly waited for almost an hour for the business transaction to happen (I hate tardiness). Right after that I walked a few blocks to the city postal office to claim the package. The people there were so nice to me probably because they know my husband's family and I found it so weird and funny how the lady clerk kept trying to pronounce my nickname right "Jean? Jean. Jin. Jee-an?" I had to correct her a couple of times.

I submitted the parcel card and the package was finally handed over to me. It wasn't too big of a cardboard box but quite uneasy to carry around. I thanked the post office clerks and went on my way.

I dialed my mom's phone and my little sister answered. We were in the same vicinity, might as well meet up. They were at the nearest mall so I took a trip with the box still in tow.

I killed a few hours at the mall with my mom and my sister, still lugging the box around. The only time I took a break was when I had pizza and did some grocery shopping.

Out of habit, we went to my grandparents' after and sure enough everybody was asking where Iaine was. They always, always want to see her.

A few hours later I was back home and so excited to show Iaine her presents. A doll, a birthday card, and a Dora the Explorer sleeping dress were inside! The bubble wrap was a bonus haha.

But not only that. Apparently, Jai's cousin who just came back to the country also had a present for Iaine. While I was out, Iaine received the cutest red Chuck Taylors I have ever seen!

At the end of the day I was so exhausted but very happy. My daughter is loved by a lot of people and there are no words to express my gratitude. Even a gazillion thanks wouldn't be enough. It really doesn't matter how many presents or how much they're worth -- I admire how thoughtful people are when it comes to Iaine, and that's priceless!

So thank you thank you thank you!

Gray Eyes

Two months ago I started an indefinite hiatus from wearing contact lenses. My eyes got so irritated that sometimes I couldn't open my eyes properly after many hours of wearing them. So, I threw them away and bought new glasses which I promised to wear for months without alternating them with contacts.

But the other day I woke up to an active Iaine and my glasses broken. I was so devastated and dialed Jai immediately who was still sleeping (sorry). He gave me a quick lecture so I assured him I was gonna be careful next time.. and that I'm getting new contacts.

So today, I got new ones in Gray Mist and I love them. They make my iris appear wider and give a subtle change in color. This pair is supposed to last 12 months.

TLDR; Iaine broke my glasses, I had no choice but to get a new eye color. ;)

Congratulations, Sister

My sister graduated from college the other day, making her the second BSN graduate in the family. Actually two of our cousins graduated with her (all of the same age) so now there are 3 new Nursing graduates in the family.

I decided to go with a more laid back look and basic daytime make-up (as opposed to the frilly/girly get-up a few blog posts back) because I knew this event was going to give be a hassle. I was sick that day with tonsillitis (can't swallow, aching muscles and joints) and I was appointed cameraman again which meant running everywhere to get pictures. It was so crowded and so humid; I had a hard time keeping my poise.

I did what I was told and took lots of photos so when I got home I got feverish and the tonsils grew worse. I had a couple hours of sleep and then by 10pm I was okay again. Antibiotics and analgesics helped a whole lot.

So anyway, here are a few snaps taken that day:

Navy blue fitting top, floral mini skirt with fixed stretchy belt, nude sling flats, a simple vintage necklace and a brown leather sling bag.

My lovely sis after the graduation ceremony.

With our grandmother (daddy's mother).

Celebratory lunch at Britz restaurant.

Me and a glass of pineapple juice.

Too bad Daddy wasn't there.

Lesson of the story: If you're sick and feel like shit, at least try to look good right? Haha.

Congrats, sis!

She's Sitting High!

It's never too late for anything! :D

We were at the mall today to have lunch with my family (Dad's in the country for 3 days) and while waiting for our orders to be served Jai and I went looking for an Angry Bird plush at the department store. Passing by the baby stuff section, I invited Jai to check out the high chair displays and found something I never expected to take home on the same day. A beautiful mocha/white/red schemed high chair with very nice features and marked with a reasonable price! We were impressed immediately and I knew it was the "one."

We decided to skip the plush and went back to the restaurant. Everybody was surprised to see Jai carrying the brand new high chair in a folded state and I was all smiles. They had no idea-- but hey, neither did we!

Why I didn't think of getting a high chair sooner? I don't know. Maybe it just wasn't our priority. But now that I realize how important it is to own one, I couldn't be happier that we got one!

It's now extremely important that I make her understand what mealtime is, that it's not playtime aka running around with minimal interest to eat. I want to establish a routine in her and make her understand that she should be sitting down whenever it's time to eat.

Another advantage of getting a high chair is that it can also be a playtime tray, art table, and it can also serve as a "big girl" chair to use with a dining table when the tray is flipped back. It's a great investment not only for the baby but for the parents as well.

So here's a clip of Iaine at dinnertime tonight. No more chasing her around anymore. She's quietly minding her own business, "feeding" herself using a plastic bowl & spoon (with some food) and being allowed to make a mess, while I spoon feed her with food from a separate bowl. It was a success. Meal time used to last an hour or more but now it's cut down to an average of 30 minutes!

Thank you Jai for being such a great husband and a wonderful father. Thank you for being so hardworking--this wouldn't be possible if it weren't for you. I love you!

My Sister's Pre-Graduation

Yesterday was my little sister's Dedication, Pinning, and Ringhop Ceremony (a pre-graduation/clinical gradaution thing) and I stood in as parent. Daddy's not coming home til Saturday so I had to fill in. Couldn't take Iaine with me so she stayed home with her nanny and a family member. Here are a few photos of the event:

▲me and my beautiful sister Lindsay

▲L-R: my aunt Ninang Ruby, my mom, me, my sis, and our cousin Monique (Ninang Ruby's daughter)

▲waiting in line to march

▲ in our seats

▲ parking lot (program started at 12noon and ended at 7:30 pm. really hungry now!!)

▲ Ate out and PIGGED OUT! This is me, my sister, and our cousins having a chat.

...

Tomorrow, Friday, is going to be her graduation (in a toga) and and I'm attending too. So til then, you guys.

Ciao!

Fourteen Months

I'm not a fan of counting by months but just so we're [almost] accurate, on April 6th Iaine turned 14 months old! Isn't that amazing? 2 months have passed since her first birthday. And she's acting like a big girl more than ever.

Iaine walks and runs like she's three, and knows how to "pull" me and tag me along headed for who knows where--the bathroom, for example, where she's seen the bathroom weighing scale and has become obsessed with it. She also likes to take me (or whoever's holding her hand) to the kitchen. Back home she does it and here at my parents' house too. She always comes in the kitchen as long as the door's open so she can open my mom's dish cabinet that's sitting on a low table. This isn't our house so not everything's actually childproof .

Iaine is a smart girl and a sweet, sweet girl. Gives hugs and kisses even we least expect it. She knows how to play with her baby dolls (feeding them, hugging them), knows how to sing along and dance, calls us Momma and Poppa, and knows the people around her. For example, when I ask her where her aunt is, she looks at her for a while, signaling that it is her. She points at stuff she's interested in and sometimes she just points at anything when she feels like she wants to be pa-cute. One of her quirks.

And how can I forget the number one thing that describes her? Iaine is beautiful.

She's getting so big too. Literally! She's quite tall for her age. Here's what happened recently:

Stranger: (talking to Iaine) Hi baby! What's your name?

Jai: Hindi pa po yan nakakapagsalita. / She doesn't know how to talk yet.

The lady thought Iaine was 2 or 3 years old. LOL. Such a big girl :D

Yes, a lot of good stuff are happening right now. Well, except for two things:

1. Her appetite isn't getting better. A few spoonfuls and she's done. Sometimes I even need to trick her into opening her mouth just so I could feed her. It's also hard chasing her around during mealtime.

We are SO getting a high chair.

I've been taught a method and I see moms do it everywhere. I'm putting Chibi in her chair and I'm putting whatever food I make for her on her table--with or without a plate (don't worry I'll make sure it's squeaky clean). That way, she can figure out how to eat by herself. According to my uncle who has 3 kids, that method taught his children how to eat on their own at an early age.

We'll see how that works out for us before the month ends. Jai's not coming home til next Saturday and I don't plan on purchasing a high chair by myself. I'm in no hurry anyway.

2. She has a cold. She's sleeping next to me and her upper body is elevated on a big pillow to help her breathe. She's been fussy all day and her being sick didn't help her appetite at all.

But generally, all is well. Iaine, or Chibi as we like to call her, turned 1 year and 2 months old and we're so proud. (No fancy celebration. After her first birthday we were done with that monthly feast tradition. So, we just stayed home so I can work on new layout projects and then we had some webcam fun.)

So many pearly whites!!

But I did have some 'presents' for her month-birthday week. I downloaded a couple of Dora episodes and 2 Barbie movies. Aside from her Baby Einstein educational videos, she loves them!

Her personality is definitely showing each day. I'm always looking forward to having new adventures with her. I love you, Chibi!

Burnout

I'm staring at my screen trying to think of something good to write about because it's been a while since I last made a real entry. So maybe I'll just try to fill you in on some deets until something huge comes along.

1. My sideline biz is moving up. I really grateful that more people take interest in my work everyday and they put a huge amount of trust on my aesthetics.

2. Iaine is getting more clingy. Sometimes I couldn't even sit down to eat by myself. When she wants me to pick her up I just can't say no. Iaine crying out "Momma" gets me everytime.

3. Jai and I are going on a strict budget. We've already chosen a place to spend our 2nd wedding anniversary and we just agreed on seeing a concert in May. Plus, we're saving up for a brand new high chair.

4. My mom and my little sister are having a vacation in Vietnam. My dad works there and I would I could come back to visit. I loved HCM.

5. I feel like shit nowadays. No happy sunshine motivation. Just plain ol' Foxy sulking in a corner. PMS? *shrug* I don't know.

6. I'm pretty close to firing Iaine's nanny.

7. I think I found a place to live but I think we need more options.

8. I replaced my pink egg mouse with a white Imation mouse. Nothing fancy. I just really wanted a mouse that works. And I'm not a fan of the trackpad.

9. I really really wanna hit the beach soon. I had a ripe yellow mango today and it reminded me of rice, mangoes and barbecue at the seashore. I miss having family outings to the beach. But right now I don't have a bathing suit (one piece please) and I'm still working on my summer bod so I'm putting that on hold for a while.

Jai, where have our wild and wacky adventures gone?

10. Some of my friends are pregnant, engaged, and married. Some are promoted (my husband, yay) and some are fired (Iaine's nanny is aaaalmost there). Some are moving on, some are heartbroken. But all of this still falls under the category of #NEW. As for me? This is me. --> x_x

So now what?

I'm not looking for a sense of purpose. I live for the people I love. This life is an adventure itself and I'm thankful for everything I have, but please don't judge me if I'm trying to find a way to loosen up, tear the box apart, and lift my spirits.

That is all.