happy 2nd birthday, little lady!

I can't believe it's been two years since i gave birth to my little girl! i tried to prepare months before for her birthday party, but sadly i ran out of time. i had been doing too many things, but all in all i think the party was a success. august 9th is her birthday, i spent the night blowing balloons manually because she broke that machine which was supposed to do the job. come morning, she was surprised to see a dozen balloons outside her room--her face--priceless! we had simple lunch out with my husband's mother and his aunt...and celebrated it with my parents and siblings with cake over dinner. i also used the night to prepare 60+ pieces of cupcakes, just because. i am sharing some photos over her birthday weekend. we are grateful for friends and family who made an effort to make this little girl very happy.

i made these cupcakes the night before the party, while having drinks with my cousin and his wife, my brother and his wife, and my husband.

i almost regret that i did because of a terrible hangover the day of the party.

But it was fun! and the cupcakes were fine, by the way.

bean's first visitor, her godfather, alvin.

looking surprised and oh so happy to see the balloons!

bean and zara.

i loved snapping photos of these two little misses in their sailor costumes!

i am good friends with her dad way back, and now with her mommy, too.

i wish they become good friends whent they grow up.

hello, winter!

a kiss from yuri.

with my godson, arkin.

with mika.

with my mother-in-law, her lala.

with godmother mel, and tito genson.

a priceless photo with godmother, lora and tita ruby :)

with my parentsm her lolo and mamita.

her birthday weekend was so much fun, i ended up enjoying myself too, even if i am all sorts of tired from all the preparations! phew. a big thanks to my mom and my former nanny who were wonderful helping hands! much love to them, they were the ones who took care of me when i was a kid (and until now, quite honestly. i am so blessed to have them).

bean also loved all her presents, clothes and toys! i want to cry with joy seeing her so happy and excited. from our hearts to yours, we are very grateful! thank you so much for coming to her party, everyone...and also for loving her like your own!

tomorrow you're two

Tomorrow's the BIG day! You're turning two. How did that happen so fast? I thought that time would pass by a little slow for both of us when I decided to be a full-time mom. I thought that the house chores, mommy duties, and work (from home) would make our days dragging. But, no. Because you're quite a character, you know? You always make me laugh so hard, your antics really do crack me up. You know how to express love in so many ways which me and your daddy really are proud of about you. You are so polite, knowing when to say "thank you, you're welcome, excuse me, I'm sorry, good morning, good night, and see you soon." Just a year ago you talked in sets of two-three words, and now it's in complete sentences!

Just this morning you told me, "Hey, mom, let's watch a movie. I like Toy Story....2." And so we did.

I pray that God guides me in helping you grow to be a person with a good heart, to understand that things are not always perfect, and that life is supposed to be fun. I wish so much for you that I couldn't really list them down. I hope you do know how much I love you, because it just grows and grows, and grows. :)

the day we went to the airbase

These pictures were taken about two months ago. Oops, sorry...too busy. I'm losing it. Aside from the daily chores, a toddler full of energy and talk, work, and organizing a birthday party...I still have yoga practice, wife duties, and myself to handle. Well, I'm getting through, you know? Mommies are superwomen, I never knew until now.

It's always fun spending time with these two. When daddy takes a day off from work, I like the company and the extra hands.

Our little baby is growing to a fine young lady, who is so full of energy.

I am quite proud of the little person she is becoming.

Recently, the rush of our daily lives stresses me out. I run out of patience, mostly towards my daughter. And I feel guilty every time I snap at her. I hurt when she's hurting. Maybe because she grew inside of me for 9 months, that is why in a way she is a part of me. During times that I feel I want to give in to my tiredness (ans selfishness), I think to myself: I should cherish these days that she needs all of me, because one day she won't be needing me that much anymore. Oh, how my love for her just grows.

Hooray!

I just got my blog a new look. I felt that it's time for a change, since I've been so stressed and negative lately. Major PMS, I guess. Well, I like the new look...just in time for my baby's birthday celebration next week. I made a resolution to post more. Way back when I was in college, I blogged regularly (on multiple blog platforms)! Imagine the amount of things that go though my head! Maybe that's why I get major headaches. Anyway, I hope this works out. I'm so ecstatic right now!

Right now I am planning and doing things for Bean's birthday. Pheeeew! I am more busy this time of the year than Christmas. Of course, we want everything to be perfect for her; but the goal is to make her the happiest on her special day. Oh, parenthood! So guess, this little munchkin loves pasta...you'd probably be seeing this at her party!

Surf's Up!

This weekend we decided to bring Bean to Club Manila East, just so she can have fun in the water. But as soon as she saw those surf boards...all we could hear was, "Surf's up! I like to ride! I like to ride! Surf!" I don't know where she got it from, surely not from me. I was a bit nervous to let her try to sit on a board; I know it's not yet quite the time to teach a girl who is turning two in a few weeks.

But that face, full of determination, a little pout, and persistent pointing to the direction of "surfers"...okay, just a few moments on the board wouldn't hurt.

At first, she was content with lying on her belly as daddy pushed the board towards me; however, she attempted to paddle and propped herself onto her knees. I was quite proud! Maybe we've got a future surfer in here. I guess it was so much fun for her, that to our surprise...she stood up on the board! No daddy or mama to assist her. She stood oh so still and kept her balance....too bad, I wasn't able to capture them on camera, but I posted a few pictures I got on my iPhone on Instagram.

We hope everyone had a good weekend!

how did we get here

How did we get here this fast? In a few weeks you'll be two years old. I can still remember so vividly how I held you for the first time, the sleepless nights, how we fought over breastfeeding, how my happiness of having you helped me get through the post pregnancy weight...and things like that.

Now, we've become best friends. I know everything about you. How your eyes turn glassy when you're sleepy; how you grin when you've accomplished a task; how you'd crouch from afar...ready to run into me and give me the tightest hug...and a lot more. And I know that you read me just as much. How you behave with the slightest raising of an eyebrow; how you ask if I'm sad when there's not much smiles. 

This afternoon, before your nap, we played for a while near the steps up our home. You kept giggling, insisting to jump and climb unassisted...I wanted to give you a chance to do what you want, so I let go; but I was on guard if ever you fall. But you did it, on your own..."Look, mama! I did it! Look!" 

I suddenly became teary eyed because you're growing up...no longer a baby, but a little girl. Oh, but I love you still the same...or even more. I am so blessed and happy that you're turning out to be perfect...for me. 

But I do hope time slows down. Even for just a day.

Inspired

Lately I have been inspired with the color yellow. Huh? Weird, for a girl who always adored black and neutrals! Well, motherhood changed me, and I am happy. Here are a few things that inspire me right now:

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 ....and pair them all with this shade of lipstick:

 

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