It's a Girl!

Yes! We are having a girl! a future model, familia E's little princess, a beauty queen, volleyball player, ballet dancer, gymnast and my very own doll! R isn't so happy though, because he wanted another player in his basketball team but he's equally excited to finally have his own sweetheart (D is a mommy's darling!). I bet he's  now contemplating on how to guard her little princess from her future suitors, I even overheard him and D talking on how they will protect the little princess from "bad boys!" haha. 

Although, the OB sonologist says she's just 80% sure of the gender, because "summer" is getting pasaway covering her gender and even her face, we are still so happy and thrilled. And if ever "summer" turn-out to be another basketball player, we will still equally love him.  We are also very thankful from the Congenital Anomaly Scan's result that she'll be a healthy baby, we are still praying for the best until she's out. Please also pray for me and summer's safe delivery. 

On the other story, our Kuya is growing so fast! Look! he can now drive this car thingy at the mall alone, R just need to guide him from time to time. So proud of this little nugget. But he's now grown too much clingy to me, maybe because of jealous? Everyone now is talking about summer kasi, Oh poor little boy. It breaks my heart when he says "wag ka na pumasok sa office mommy please?, dito ka nalang." Aw! he really wanted to be alone with me these past few weeks, so close that he doesn't even R to be near me. Ayayay! I am praying that he will eventually understand everything and equally love summer as well. 

All is well,

G,

#Blessed

Been busy these past months, but I don't complain. I feel like I do not have the right to complain because of all the blessings God has been giving me and my family. I promise myself to share reviews of some hotels I have been to, restaurants that we enjoyed eating at, places that I visited and some parenting tips when schedule permits. I also owe a lot of deionisms and monthly milestones of D to document. 

But for now, I wanna share the biggest blessing daddy R and I received this year.... 

Yes, another little grace or ricky in 6 months time. I pray a lot that he/she will be healthy, and be delivered via normal methodology. But, if God permits, we also pray that our new angel will be a baby girl... (bonus diva?!) now that I have a super hero (D), I would like to have a barbie doll naman. So please also pray for me. 

Lots of Love, 

G, 

Learnings from our 6 years Journey

One of our pre-nup photo four years and 40 kilos ago. 

I had so much plan this weekend, but I ended up glued on our couch, watching TV, playing with D and texting/calling daddy R. This is our typical weekend when daddy R has work on a weekend. And we are like that for almost four years already. Tomorrow R and I will celebrate our 6th anniversary. Yes, I even computed ilang years na ba talaga kami? Haha we are like that, we don't usually celebrate our anniversaries and oftentimes we forgot about it. But that doesn't mean we love each other less, in fact for me thats true love. No rules, no boundaries, no limitations, no pretentions, just pure love. Naks sabi nga ni R "Mi, my love for you is priceless". 

We may look always a happy couple, we may show other people or on our social media accounts the happy and beautiful or little family is, but we also have a share of stormy seasons. Yes, I have the right to call our love "true love" because if its not, we will not have each other until now. And I know this will be forever.  

But having a relationship doesn't just exist because of true love, I believe that you have to work hard for it. And after 6 years of being a couple, I feel like we are stronger now than before. And happier of course. And I wanna share how we do it, what we decided and chooses to do for the love of each other. 

1. The Art of Compromising. When two people who came from different family and culture become together expect the worst. In the first months okay pa yan, honeymoon stage pa so both can give way. But after that, we start comparing our partners with our parents, ayan na! We or I learned it the hard way. But yes, compromising and meeting half-way is possible. Communication and honesty is the key. Be honest with your partner on what you both want, and accept the fact that hindi sa lahat ng oras gusto mo ang masusunod. Compromising is as easy as eating lunch sa gusto ng hubby mo, and mirienda naman sa gusto mo. And talk about the issue when both of you are calm. 

2. The Art of Communication. In our 6 years of togetherness, 4years is long-distance relationship. Although daddy R goes home every other weekend, LDr pa din yan! The thought of waking up not beside your loved one is sad and makes me feel alone at times,  But thank you to the unlimited plans, R made sure that we text, call and update each other on what we do everyday. It takes a lot of getting used to, pero masasanay ka din. We just make-up with the kwentuhan when he's here. 

3. The Art of Time Management. This one is the hardest. Being a working mom, with a toddler, and before breastfeeding and studying left no time for R. But good thing he understands,  but that doesn't mean he doesn't need me and I will stop making time for him. Ngarag diba? But whether we like it or not we have to alot time for our husbands. Remember that we used to revolve our world with them, kaya nga daw marami naghahanap ng iba. Even if we have D now, we make sure we sneak time for each other. 

4. The Art of Courting. This is more on R, he never stoped making me kilig in the 6 years we are together. And as Pope Francis said, never stop the illusion/love that you have when you are boyfriends/girlfriends. True naman, whenever R and I fight, I used to look at our pictures just to remember how happy we are. Then I fall in love to R again (yiheee!!). He never stopped calling me pretty, or never ceases to make me feel loved. 

5. The Art of Submission. Yes, as wives, we have to be. Its hard to live by it specially when you belong to type "A" personalities, but we have to trust and be with the decisions of our hubbies. Its a struggle for me, I know for some women as well, but we need to make sure that the man really manned the home. 

As we celebrate our 6th anniversary, note that this our original anniversary as bf/gf (we don't celebrate of wedding anniversary) I know that our journey will become more exciting and adventurous as he we learning from our mistakes and moving forward. Of course I look forward into growing old with R, but I am more excited in our journey into growing old. 

I hope you guys picked up something from us, you may want to add or share yours too. 

#iamsoblessed

G, 

Our 2014 Yuletide Celebrations - Camp John Hay and Baguio Country Club Christmas Village

Sunday morning last day of the holiday break,  our little family went-up again to Baguio City to do the rest of our itinerary. We left La Union after lunch to avoid heavy traffic and tourists again. lol

First stop is in Camp John Hay Technohub, where we did our Family Photo Shoot. While waiting for our turn, we ordered some cakes, lemonade and hot chocolates at the Vizco's Cafe. 

Someone loved the Red Velvet Cake. Yums. 

While the kiddo was busy eating, the parentals took selfie again. 

The entire photo session was blogged on a separate post. You may want to check it. It was so fun!

While waiting for the CD and printed copies for 30 minutes, we roamed around the area and someone enjoyed the space! 

D: Wag mo ako buhatin mommy! maglalakad ako! 

We run... and run... and run... 

We got tired, so we sat down and allowed D to run with the trees alone. 

And suddenly he stopped at a tree. We don't know if he's praying or imitating peeing. lol

After getting our pictures, we went to Baguio Country Club Christmas Village. Yes, sa bahay ni Olaf as D said. Because the the theme is Frozen. 

Entrance is P80 per adult, and children below 3yrs is free. 

D is not yet 3, until Jan18, so he's still free. Yay!

Good thing we decided to go there as early as 5pm and just wait for the lights to open by then. We got good pictures with natural lightning and also few people pa lang. 

Upon entering, D got super hyper and excited! as in he's screaming over Olaf! He's so happy!

D: Mommy picture mo kami ni Olaf! (As in andami niyang pictures!)

This windmill emits snow (bubbles)

Someone is not into looking at the camera when pictured. Ewan saan niya natutunan. 

The giant tree. 

D: "In Summmmeeerrrr!"

We waited for the lights in the benches, and eat Oden Soup. Yum!

And the snow! D couldn't contain his happiness with the snow! He's running everywhere! Happy!

With the Frozen Gang. See? he's not looking at the camera again. 

Happy!. . . 

That concludes our vacation/celebrations. We promised to make it better next year. We may be back with the usual programing this week, but the pictures and memories made me smile randomly. 

I love my life and my family. 

#iamsoblessed

G, 

2015 Family Photos by Fog Photo - Baguio City

Hello there! Happy New Year!

Today is the first work-day for 2015, yes! holiday was over! (sad face) and I'm blogging instead of working, because I still have this holiday hang-over and even my counterparts are lol.

Last holiday celebrations was D's 2nd christmas, and so far the happiest for us. I will have another post for that. But for now, I wanna share some positive vibes by documenting how we enjoyed our second family photo shoot session by Fog Photo.

Since daddy R is based in Baguio for 3 years now, we usually spend some our holidays break there. Baguio City is also part of our lives. So we considered having our session there. This is actually my new "pauso" haha an annual family photo session, to see how our family grow.

So our little family of three trooped to Ayala Land TechnoHub in Camp John Hay. Everyone can go there via private car or via cab, easy peasy.

And because the studio is beside the famous Vizco's Cakes, you can have a bite while waiting for your turn. Their signature cake is the strawberry cake, but the red velvet and mango are also a must try.

So just after the finished our cakes, we are called for our turn. The staffs are so friendly and accommodating. Even the photographer, made our session super fun!

So, Familia E's 2015 Family Photos

 All Smiles. 

 Someone is not happy being kissed. 

Yes, we had our moment too. 

 And someone made "singit" over our couple picture haha. Cute. 

Happy!

D: I'm a Dragon!

Photo Package includes (3) chosen pictures printed in 4R size and comes with a CD for P299. And since we really enjoyed the session, we got (2) sets a total of (6) pictures for P598 only. Super sulit right?

Fog Studio is a must try when you visit Baguio City. 

G,  

What Happened Last July 2014

Hello my "stranger blog!" I actually visit you everyday, but I don't have the "positive" energy to radiate with you so I don't log-in anyway. July is a roller coaster ride for me, but I guess amidst everything,  I am  still lucky and blessed because I have D and daddy R for me. I am very optimistic (crossing my fingers) that August will be very good for me, for my family and for my career!

Anyway, let me tell you what happened last July in pictures. 

My little firecracker is so clingy whenever he's sick. I am thankful that I don't have work during those days, so literally we stayed in "lally" our rocking chair all the time. 

Someone misses school because of Glenda. So he insist on playing school at home. And I am his teacher. He's so adorable in telling me "bye teacher!"

 Naught and still so playful. And when he's tired, he can now sleep on his own. Growing-up so fast. 

This racing car is 20 something old already. R brought it home as pamana to his unico hijo. But after 2 weeks, D dismantled it, I asked him why? he said "hanap ko upuan sa loob mommy!" hay.. our adorable #siraniko. 

Despite busy schedule, R and I made sure that we will have our "me" time. We were able to watch a movie, go on a date, hop on restaurants and share a meal again.  

 D made it to timezone again!

While the other kids are busy playing in the indoor playground, someone is relaxing like a boss. 

D's idea of picture. Wacky! 

Boys busy discussing what kind of toys they will buy.  

My boys. 

And my plan to go on a diet is still cancelled, until further notice. Haha. 

Life is so good, so lets enjoy!

Rasing Happy D!

Where did time go?! Last week of March na? Oh my! I haven't posted my month long birthday celebration last February, all my other post are left in the draft, I have tons of stories to share about my family and career life, yet nada! ang mga posts. Tsk! And I am about to celebrate my anniversary in blogging (yes! feeling true blogger lang tlaga!) Ang bilis talaga ng time kapag busy ka. And one of the reasons why I am so busy is spent time reading resources on how to discipline baby D. And I want to share this inforgraphics from lifehacker http://lifehacker.com/this-infographic-reveals-how-to-raise-happy-and-healthy-1542169077

I hope this will help mother's out there! 

More post this week! promise!

Mommy G, 

SUCCESS! I PASSED!

I am so happy! I passed the board exam! Success! I am so blessed. 

I actually received the results a few days ago, and just today that I realized that I am so lucky! Okay, I admit, I am bit disappointed because I didn't made it to the Top10. I know ang yabang db?! R and I are hoping for the Top10, I wanted my Disneyland prize lol! as baby D will say "Juke Lang!". I am so happy actually, I just can't figure what's next after this success, thus the confusion part. 

Anyway, enough for the drama. Everyone is so happy for me! Mama said "Ang galing ko kasi magdasal nagpamisa pa ako nung exam day mo na!" and Papa said "Para ka na din nanalo sa lotto anak, 30,000++ hindi nakapasa, ikaw nakapasa!" Tita A said "Wow! ang galing mo naman! first take?!" Hahaha they can't believe I passed the board exam! And daddy R's reaction?! "Oh magmasters ka na!" Super supportive right!? 

Reminiscing my life two months before the exam made me relish this good news more. Although I am not really 100% serious with my review classes, the time I spent every saturday and sunday, plus the expenses is serious ha?! And the playtimes I missed with baby D in exchange for the review classes is priceless. And I can imagine myself crying if I learned that I failed. Although daddy R has a contingency plan to that "Retake sa July!" lol. 

And after the treats, blow-outs and dine-outs to celebrate how lucky I am, I still have not thanked all the people who helped me through this journey. I started this dream some four years ago and almost stopped when I got pregnant to baby D, I almost dropped (oh I actually repeated 2 field studies). And things turned around that baby D became my source of inspiration to reach the finish line. 

Thank you so much daddy R, my boyfriend then who helped me morally and financially from the start of my review for the entrance exam until board exam. For always believing in me that I will pass my exams even if I didn't study. For believing that I can pass all the requirements needed. Thank you so much for always believing in me. 

To Papa & Mama who are there to take care of baby D when I need to attend my evening and weekend classes. For preparing my breakfasts and baon during reviews. For praying for me. You know that all I want is for you guys to be proud of me. 

To my boss, who is always considerate when I need to change travel schedules due to my scheduled exams and field studies. Thank you for allowing me to grow as an individual outside my career. 

To my bestfriend who is always encouraging me to be the best that I can be. 

To my MIL and BIL who literally made one of my field studies, thank you so much. 

Thank you so much Lord, for blessing me with so much! you always never fail me. 

To everyone who believed and prayed for me, Thank you so much guys! (Okay I feel like I won Oscars na!)

Last 4 years was a journey of learning, gaining new friends and expanding my horizons. And I am so thankful that I made it and I am step closer to my dreams. I am happy that all my hard work has paid off and hopefully will enjoy the harvest soon. My next plans may not be as water clear right know, but I trust that He has a beautiful plan for me. And I so much excited for the next chapters. 

Happy Birthday D!

Exactly 2 years ago, during this time, I am on my not-so-active labor pa lang, nervous but so excited to hold baby D in my arms.  Ngaun? my not so baby but a little boy is turning 2! Where did time go? He is now running everywhere, conversing with me, chooses his own clothes and growing up so fast!

This years celebration is a simple one (which daddy R said, "Simple pa ba yan sa lagay na yan?!". Promise! I'm planning a simple and intimate celebration for D. I want his close friends and relatives lang. I want him to enjoy lang. Unlike kasi last year, he's more aware of his bdays na, so I just made sure he'll be happy. 

Hence, the Pocoyo and Friends theme. We'll, good luck to me and daddy R's budget. 

Dear D, 

Happy 2nd Birthday! I don't know when will you read my letters, but I'm still writing them so mommy will capture every special moments that we have, to document your development, so when mommy's momnesia attacks, I still have stories to tell you. 

You are growing so fast, smart and a healthy baby boy. I always thank God for that, and for everyday that you make us (mommy and daddy) and the whole family happy. I hope that we are doing things right and raise you as a God fearing, respectful and gentleman someday. Mommy and Daddy may not be always with you everyday, but don't worry we will always make it up every weekend. I love you more than the whole universe anak, and I will do anything to give you the best in life. 

Enjoy your birthday baby. 

We love you so much. 

Mommy, 

2013 Christmas Rush!

Hello 2014! Today is January 6, 2014 and my first day at work! (I know! buena mano ang leave) I welcomed 2014 with a flu, so bad, but as I said, I am still very positive for 2014! Last year was a bit difficult for me, for us, but I know it will be better this year. In spite of the struggles, I learned and realized a lot of things last year and will try to do a separate post for that. Speaking of learnings, I wanna share you how my December went, how rush it was. And I promise to do better this year to avoid the rush. 

Every year, palagi nalang ako nagugulat, December na pala?! I am always a crammer! so when all the mommies are busy shopping and preparing for gifts, I am packing money in ampaos. Hindi na kinaya ng powers ko na magshopping because of the hectic schedule at school and work. But mind you, there is a weekend at school that I came early. As in I am only 5 minutes  late!, thats once in a blue moon in my weekend classes. 

I am really a mess last year.  I don't even have any gift for D! Ngaun pa naman na he's appreciating gifts and christmas, the lights and kanta "santa claus". Last minute I planned on buying a red sock, but when I came back, GONE na! But nalang D has great ninong and ninangs, and marami pa din siya na-open na mga gifts!

For the two months, I am 7days rolling, so no weekends and play with D so I made it up to D by bringing him at our office christmas party, D enjoyed a lot, my officemates also enjoyed, ako?! hindi ko alam. Haha look at D disaster at our car?! batang energizer bunny yata siya!

December is the time of the super stressed, busy at iba pang words, but my boys are soundly relaxing and peaceful at sleep. I envy them, so that morning I decided to skip my weekend class. Hays.. 

Father and son talaga?!

As a result of my unexplainable cramming attitude, as usual we made our shopping during the christmas rush peak, and while I am stressed looking at good buys, and R is stressed with me dahil ikot ako ng ikot. D is relaxing at our cart! Hindi kasi uso sa amin ang stroller, ayaw niya sumakay dun, pero sa grocery cart, ayan at nakataas pa ang paa. Hay D, you never fail to make mommy amazed!

We spent the last two weeks of December at the province, we left the busy city and I thought I will have enough time to read, relax and reflect because mas slow and buhay dun, Akala ko lang pala yun. Time flies so fast when you have a comfortable bed, cold weather and yummy food everyday. Ang bilis matapos ng bakasyon!

 Speaking of rush, this little boy can't wait to eat his "getti" even if we are still praying, ayan!

D also joined is his first kiddie Christmas party, since he is the smallest, hindi pa siya kasali sa mga games except for the exchange gifts and dance-dance. 

Nagsasariling magsplit. 

The rest of the group. 

I may be not a very good girl last 2013, but I still thank santa for giving the that best gifts. R and baby D. Promise I'l make it up this year. haha.

And speaking of rush, here is the evidence of "rush" D is always on the move nowadays. I cannot document na how many flower pots, vases, glass bottles, placemats and toys he destroyed. Kagulo talaga! knowing that he will just turn 2. Paano kapag 2 ka na talaga anak?!

And we started our year at the beach. Yeah, remember on my Christmas wish list?! haha nabasa at natupad naman siya ni R. Yun lang, we didn't see baby D run and play along the shores. Yuck daw kasi ang sand. We didn't enjoyed as what we planned because we're sick. But I loved how we walk hand in hand along the shore. How we tease and chat at the waters. I loved how the infinity of the water inspires me to achieve my limitless possibilities this year. 

Cheers for 2014!

g,