strong start

it's been too long dear friends since i've last grazed my blog.  with our recent move it feels like organizing the new place will never end!  to top that off, i have 7 more weeks until i hit my 37th week and baby #2 is bound to arrive anytime after.... i have a million things to take care of prior to said arrival!

but enough of that.  i have previously mentioned that the major perk of moving into our neighbourhood is the school across from our unit.  these last few weeks, i have been taking Dylan to their strong start program --- a program that runs for children below the age of 5 to be able to interact with other children in a school or preschool setting.  the only difference with this school is that parent participation is required.  

it's been a great program so far!  Dylan and i have started a new routine and usually make it to school by 9am and leave at 11:40.  he gets gym time, play time, art time, computer time, circle time... you name it.  and my little boy is thoroughly enjoying it! 

warning:  photos galore here!

it's about time!

i've been awake since 4:30 am today cooking up a storm for our friends who are helping us move.  that's both breakfast AND lunch!

excited, much?

you bet i am!

see you all in a couple of days!!!!

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Cruz!

last saturday, february 5th, my childhood best friend took on a new title and a different last name.

i wish i could have been there to share her special day like she was for mine.  we could've laughed non-stop for about five minutes over silly nothings --- all of it caught on camera.  we could've spent some time catching up as if the years spent apart barely existed.  i wish i was there to be able to help her but we are thousands of miles away from each other with continents separating us.  

nontheless, i wish her nothing but the best that marriage has to offer.  i wish her a lifetime of wedded bliss, children to fulfill their dreams and a blessed marriage.  

CONGRATULATIONS, COJ & TINS!!!

*photos taken from Cleober Sinues & Coj Cruz' facebook page*

4 days until the move!

it has been an extremely busy few days in our little household.  with the sorting, packing up, shopping and making necessary calls for the update in our address, i haven't even had a chance to catch up with all you lovelies!

i have almost forgotten how hard moving can be... almost.  

to give you a sense of our small and humble abode, below are a couple of photos from the previous tenants.  

kitchen/dining room

our patio (bottom floor)

i just love how small and cozy the place is!  i am not one to live in a big house because seriously, i would never be able to keep things neat and clean!  but a small two bedroom is perfect enough for me.  i can just imagine us spending much time outside in the patio for bbq's in the summer.  what i love even more is that right across from it is the playground in an elementary school!

once we have moved and settled in, i have a big surprise for my wonderful followers!  i can't wait to get things together for that --- hopefully very soon!

9 days to pack!

with a new baby on the way, the husband and i figured that we needed to move to a slightly bigger place on a more convenient location.  after i quit my job last year to be a stay-home mom, we moved back to my parent's home for a teeny bit to get our bearings together and figure out where best to move to.  after a couple of months looking around, we found a condo 30 minutes away from our family and instantly fell in love.

we toured four units in this building.  FOUR!!!  the first three landlords wanted us to take over their unit but we turned them down for different reasons.  the worse being that one of the landlords did not know what they were doing it all!  when we were just about to give up on this location, one last unit opened up and we decided to try our luck one more time --- it seems that 4 is our lucky number!

we secured a beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 year old ground level suite with it's own patio.  right across the street is an elementary school with a program for non-school-aged children and a playground to die for.  we are blocks away from a waterpark, grocery, malls and there is a bus stop two minutes away from the house.  transportation is as easy as 1, 2, 3... (as we only have one car) so it will make it easy for me to get anywhere with two kids!

now, i only have 9 days to pack 2 years worth of toys, clothes and paraphernalia.  we closed the deal today and signed the one-year lease.  we also went out to purchase some much-needed items for the home... least to say, my budget is blown out the window but wow... WHAT A GREAT FEELING!!!  at least we were able to purchase the "must-have's" --- a couch, a mattress of the little man, bar stools, pillows and duvets.  next week we go for a kitchen shopping trip!

it's an exciting time for my little family.  we are moving on the 13th and i cannot wait!  best of all, the new place will be fully ready for when baby #2 arrives.  i truly am very excited for this upcoming move!!!

photos via weheartit

love o' my life

he's the second man in my life... only surpassed by a teeny tiny bit by his daddy.
and i will NEVER ever be able to get over the fact that i have this beautiful little boy.
full of life... energy... exuberance and LOVE.
i can never be grateful enough to Him for gifting me with someone so precious.
and the best bit of all...
is that i have fallen in love twice.
and it's going to happen again a third time in thirteen very short weeks.

*i just love my life*

[my little dylan on his 2nd bday - 01.30.11]

birthday cakes are half the fun!

i have so many exciting news to share with you all... news that came down on us all in one day... my little man's birthday!

but for now, i will leave you with a video of my little boy blowing out his BIG 2 CANDLE on his 2nd birthday bash! 

a love letter to my little man

Dearest Dylan,

Exactly two years ago today at exactly 7:50pm, you came out in this world with a teeny cry... then they plopped you on my tummy all red, slimy and wrinkly and my first thought was... I'M IN LOVE.  That love has only strenghthened over time and I cannot believe that my baby boy is suddenly turning two now.  You've gone from this tiny little being who feeds like clockwork to an independent little boy with boundless energy.

You have grown so much in the last year.  It took you a long time to actually start walking --- you were almost 15 months when you decided to take those steps on your own but you compensated with your speech.  You are stringing along three to four words before you are even two!  You love "ipopops" (lolipops) and you've seen "ifafalls" (waterfalls) and you constantly ask mommy for "icicles" (popsicles) and you keep talking like there is no tomorrow.  You copy all the words that come out of our mouth and you know where to use the proper expressions.  You say "Oh No" when you see cars get into an accident on TV, you say (and do) "High Five" when you are enjoying some game and you say "Goo Job, Dy-an" when you know you've done something mommy and daddy are proud of.

In the last few months, you've learned to also run away from us.  You hate diaper changes and you hide under tables, chairs and whatever else you can find if you are doing #2.  You constantly make a mess but you do enjoy cleaning up sometimes.  You love being mommy's little helper and when I swiffer the floor, you want a go at it.  You take your own dirty diaper to it's own garbage and know how to operate it yourself.  You've learned to put on your own boots, mistake your shirts for your pants, try to put on your own socks and love wearing "bwiefs" (briefs) on top of your diaper.

For the last few months as well, you have been obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine... and any other trains you can get your hands on.  We now have a Thomas collection of toys, books, mega-blocks and all sorts of other goodies in the house.  You constantly ask to watch Thomas and can name most of the other characters in "Hero of the Rails".  You also love Chuggington, Caillou and Toopy & Binoo.  Those are on your list when you ask mommy to "watch tv".  But best of all, you just love to say "Dy-an iphone" when asking for daddy's iphone so you can watch your "dy-an vi-oes" (Dylan videos).  It still baffles me that prior to your 2nd birthday, you know how to operate daddy's phone to watch your videos, play racings games and operate youtube so you can watch your train models.

Earlier this year we've had some scares with you... I am now ever so worried when you get fevers (low or high) as I am terrified that you will have another seizure.  We've made a total of five ER trips already, two of them in an ambulance.  After the first trip, you suddenly became very attached to your blanket and we now rarely ever see you without.  Luckily, we have a few blankets and you've come to learn to love them all so I can always give you a fresh blanket to drag around.

You love dogs, especially Poomba.  You're so good that you know what to do after we've let him out for his run.  You give him his treats and you tell him to be quiet when he is barking incessantly.  You can copy animal sounds and also tell me what animals sounds like when I prompt you for them.  You can count from 1 to 10 with some guidance from mommy.  You love books and you have your picture books memorized by heart.  When you take a fall, I know when you're badly hurt as opposed to when you are being a drama queen.  You  have finally embraced brushing your teeth as long as I am asking you to open your mouth so we can look for Thomas in there.  You love baths but hate it when I wash the shampoo on your face.  But the cutest thing of all is when I wrap you in your bathrobe and you walk around the house looking all manly.  You always ask for your own cologne after we dress up because that's what you see daddy do all the time.

At night, you have memorized the prayer that we have taught you... adding your own little flair to it.  We can prompt you for the prayer which you start off and finish on your own with a little guidance from us.  You always thank Jesus for the day, for your family and you always ask for him to keep you safe, healthy and strong.  No matter how sleep you are, we can trust that you will quietly say your prayers every night.

It's wonderful to see you growing up and now that mommy is a stay-home mom, I can see all your progress and watch over you.  I love that you're growing up to be so independent but you also know how to come back to us and be a little boy.  Sometimes in the middle of a game or when you play, you will come running to me just so you can give me a kiss and run off again.  You love spontaneous hugs, kisses on your neck and I will never get over your cute little feet that I most love.  But you give amazing kisses, my love.  Always three... one for each cheek and one for the lips.  When you see daddy and I taking a down-time and just lying down cuddling, you always want to get in-between and join in.  You are growing up to be such an amazing little boy.

I can't believe how fast time is flying and that my tiny baby is now going to be a Kuya (big brother).  I am ever so thankful that prior to Baby Minix' (as you call baby #2) arrival, I am getting a chance to be at home with you so that we can transition you from having us all to yourself to sharing us with your little brother.  You are growing up so fast, my little bhubba.  And you are growing up so well and no other mommy can ever be as proud as I am right now.


I have so many wishes, hopes, dreams and prayers for your future but all those can wait a little while longer as I would rather cherish these days when you still ask for kisses and hugs, still wants to be cuddled from time-to-time and still asks to be carried.  For now, I only ask that you take your time growing up and not rush through your childhood.  There are so many wonders to behold and I would love to have you thoroughly enjoy and cherish each one as the years go by.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY LITTLE BOY.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH MORE THAN YOU CAN EVER IMAGINE.

my little man says the darndest things!

at 4pm today, this is the conversation that went on between my almost two year old and i.

me: dylan, clean up all your toys! put them back in the wagon. i don't want to see anything on the floor!

dylan: (looks at me and starts cleaning up) mommy mad.

me: yes, i'm mad. i have to clean up after you more than 3x a day. put all your toys back where they belong.

dylan: (puts everything back, comes back to me) mommy, kiss! (he proceeds to give me tons of kisses and hugs... then laughs). mommy no mad!

*i smiled after this... and laughed.  how can i resist such a cutie little boy who knows how to work me around his little pinkie?*

i miss...

the fun times we have at bowling sessions.  the last time we went was august of last year when this photo was taken with some of our dearest friends.  this was also the last "date" the hubby and i had sans the little man.

though i wouldn't exchange being a mommy for anything else in this world, sometimes, a breather would be nice.

the wedding ring

months ago, i posted my love of my wedding ring on this certain post.

my little man has gotten into the habit of pulling off my wedding ring every chance he gets.  he loves taking it from me wearing it on his middle finger while showing it off and saying "pretty".  he normally places the ring back on one of my fingers and i normally keep a very watchful eye when he has it.

except a few weeks ago....... (before christmas to be exact).

i just wasn't paying enough attention to him.  or maybe i was reading something and didn't realize that he gave it back?  i'm not sure... but it has been weeks since i have seen and worn my wedding band.  

we have searched the house high and low... looked at every nook and cranny and we still have not found it.  i am not even sure if we can find it at this stage.  

i am utterly devastated.  the hubby said that i should we should get my original engagement ring and band resized so i can wear that but i am so attached to this one... after all, i have been wearing it for the five years we have been married.  he even suggested picking out a new ring for me... but my beautiful band is not replaceable.... not even with its imperfections, dents and most of all, the memories it carries from my five year union with the hubby.

i pray that i find my ring soon!

15 weeks and 3 days to go...

... or so my baby countdown says.

I am ecstatic to be having another baby boy on the way.  I have always wanted to have a little boy that when Dylan was born, I was beyond the moon.  When we found out that we are being blessed with another boy, I could not help but be giddy about it.  Two little boys!  I am going to have a blast of a time with them.  I am already thinking of hockey and swimming lessons... kumon classes and the wonders of letting them explore this world.  

And then it hit me today... I will never have a little girl.

Someone to dress up like a live doll, curl her hair, play house with and giggle over silly girly things with.  Someone who will play dress-up in my closet or who will love pink and summery dresses and convince me to put nail polish on her at the age of five.  I will never be able to plan her debutante ball (a traditional 18th birthday party celebration for our culture) or be able to partake in the planning of her wedding.

I will never have that beautiful little girl who will wrap up her daddy, my hubby, in her tiny little fingers.

Don't get me wrong.  I will FOREVER LOVE my boys and will FOREVER BE THANKFUL for them.

But now..... now I am feeling the twinges of sadness that I just might not get that little girl as we have only ever planned for two.

on a side note:i think i will be working extra hard on convincing the hubby these next few years that Baby #3 should definitely be considered!  wouldn't it be just wonderful for my two boys to have a baby sister?

it's all about white

my little family is currently in the process of looking for a new place to call home.  i have been dreaming up a storm of how i would set-up my new space (given we actually find the perfect one) and i am so in-love with the classic white living room.

i have always loved the stark crispness and pristine serenity that white brings out to any space.  knowing me, i would probably add a little touch of green to the space just because it is my favourite colour.

but in any case, below are some of the spaces i covet and would love, love, LOVE to incorporate in my next new home.

edit:

the husband just saw this post and commented on how i would keep this type of space clean and pristine with a toddler and another baby on the way.

can't a girl just dream?

just because

we were bored... so why not take photos?
take yours here

the late christmas post (in pictures)

i have been meaning to get onto this certain post for the last little while but everyone in  our household seems to have taken on the winter flu.  luckily, we are all recuperating so i am now only able to get back onto my new year's blogging today! 

and to think i had so much planned for this post!  but alas, i must prioritize and just get onto the pictures rather than the words.

my two favourite boys fooling around

 

 the little bhubba and i

trying on mommy's new runners and busy opening presents!

daddy helps out with the presents

 enjoying his most treasured gift of all....

 his very own Thomas & Friends train set!
he just ADORES this.

i hope everyone had a wonderful christmas as well as new year!  (i slept through new year's... i know, it was sad... but i couldn't help it what with the little man and i sick and all....)

under the tree

i hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas season!

my family had quite a busy couple of days as we celebrate from Christmas eve all the way to Christmas day so you can just imagine the amount of shut-eye i was able to get these last few days.  of course, that is not to mention that today is Boxing Day (and in Canada, considered a holiday when all the stores go crazy on sales!).

i will be loading more photos once i am able to get the decent sleep i most need but i wanted to share with you my favourite present from this year.

these are my  new pair of TOMS :)

***With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need.  One for One.***

not only do i love the idea behind the shoes, they are actually very comfortable!  i heart them and want more! i also am canvassing around to purchase some for my little man.

thank you hubby, for such a thoughtful gift this Christmas.  i love that i'm not the only one who has received a present but that someone else is need is able to share it with me!

kisses are for keeps

when it comes to having a child, kisses are on top of my favourite things.

i give  my little man a million and more kisses a day.

if i'm lucky, he'll sit with me for a few minutes while i pamper him with kisses.

but most of the time, he'll squirm out annoyed at me for stopping him from his play.

which brings me to the other night.

after his milk and a goodnight prayer the little man gave me a kiss.

and another... and another... and he would say "wubyou mommy".

then a kiss, another kiss and another "wubyou"

and this proceeds for the next five minutes alternating kisses and words.

it is heaven i say.

to get his undivided attention.

to get tons of kisses from him.

to hear that he loves me.

we must be doing something right.

Dylan at 2 weeks old and 5 months old

the sweetest gift of all...

at the doctor's today, the hubby and i along with our little man
received the earliest and sweetest Christmas present of all

it looks like we're having ANOTHER BOY!!!

i can't wait for Dylan to have a baby brother.

to be able to share scrapes and bruises with.
cry and laugh with.
be batman and robin together.
play under the heat of the sun
and spend endless hours doing what little boys do best.

Christmas Countdown: T-8 days

i change my mind.

i do WANT something for christmas (though i can't say who in their right mind will buy me this).

this is the Britax B-Ready stroller.
good for two kids in the infant and toddler stages.

take note that the infant car seat as well as the secondary seat is an entirely separate purchase.
oh, and let's not forget the attachment!

but seriously, this would make my life so much easier when baby #2 rolls in.

i just love the endless options i will have in this stroller!

i am coveting this system in the silver.

note to santa:

i have tried to be very good this year.

 instead of me dishing $1200 for this whole system,

could you please just plop it under my tree?

i would really and truly appreciate it.

Christmas Countdown: T-10 days

Dylan enjoying the lights and sparkle of the "PIPA'S TREE"

(Christmas tree in his toddler language).

my christmas list

a few years back at this time of year, my "must have's" for the season is set with a copy in the hubby's (then bf) email and phone.  my list composed of the usual things a girl could want --- a new camera, an ipod mini, a guess bag, a new winter coat, a leather jacket, nine west and puma shoes, a pair of new earrings, a tiffany bracelet... seriously, this list can get long and irritating.

fast forward to today ---

we have been doing our christmas shopping the whole of this week and the hubby has been asking what i want for christmas.  he'll point to certain things --- the ring i want with the little man's birthstone... a new charm for my pandora or tiffany... a new purse perhaps?  or how about the plain wedding band i have been looking at to match my current one?  an ipad... shoes... clothes... a tiffany necklace perhaps so that i can switch up the only necklace i wear on a daily basis?  or how about the selphy printer i have been coveting for over a year now?  or better yet... the cricut expressions that i have been drooling over?!?

i have looked at each and everyone of these items ranging from the cute and cheap to the most outrageous and expensive.  i have weighed my options at getting one or two items --- possibly even three!  but at the end of each shopping trip, i come out empty handed for myself but with more goodies for my little man.

my mom told me that when she used to go out shopping for herself, that she will come home with nothing but delightful clothes and toys for me and my brother.  i now know where she is coming from.

you see, THERE IS NOTHING THAT I WANT MORE FOR MYSELF.  i would rather spend all the money i had for things that will make my little boy happy and excited... there is really nothing that compares to a child's expression when they receive something they truly want.  also, call it cheesy and cliche but i have a wonderful husband who will give me the entire universe if he could and i have a beautiful little boy who is my greatest joy on this earth.  i may not have the house, the nice car or even my dream job but i have the most important things in my life --- THE FAMILY THAT I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED AND PRAYED FOR.

so for this upcoming christmas, though i do not open any prettily wrapped gifts, i hold the greatest treasures that God has ever blessed me with.  these treasures of mine is enough to last me for my lifetime and beyond.  

and next may... we open up another chapter of our lives... the one where God is giving me my late Christmas present.

please let me...

sometimes, i feel a pang of sadness that i do not have more close friends who are mommies.  don't get me wrong, i love the support of my friends now but there is something about telling a story to someone or replaying an event that happened with your child to another person who has been there and done that and who will fully understand what you are talking about.

i'd like to be able to ask questions and compare notes.  see what i am doing wrong or right and check if there's something i could've done better.  i'd like to get suggestions --- because currently, everything i do with my son is based on my concept of right.  

even when it comes to shopping, there is only so much research you can do on the internet about products for kids --- it's different when you're able to talk it through with someone who has had experience on certain baby products.  which formula to use?  when to potty train?  how to feed a picky eater? how to wean off the bottle and pacifier?

and with another baby on the way --- how do you sleep train both kids to be on the same schedule?  how do you not exhaust yourself?  how do you handle TWO under the age of three!

i need other mom friends who understands baby-proofing and will laugh and empathize when i tell a story about how my son threw a tantrum fit at the mall worthy of an oscar.  i need mom friends who understand why i'm always late when it comes to meeting up, bring a massive bag when going out and why sweat pants and a sweat shirt is my best friend when we're out and about at the mall trying to shop.  i need mom friends who will not resent my backing-out last minute on plans made, realize that i can no longer go on certain trips even if it means the whole group is going and whom i do not have to make excuses to.  "I'm just tired and drained by taking care of a toddler full time so no, I don't feel like going to your place tonight, Thanks."

i think i need a mom support group.  i need the input and friendship of other mommies who can understand me when i say "i'm sooooo exhausted" and "i can't do this anymore!".  i need their support and their understanding without judgement as they know EXACTLY what i am going through when i feel like tearing my hair out and screaming at the top of my lungs or crying just because my hormones are on overdrive.  i need mom friends who can empathize with me, not be so shocked that my sex life is currently down the drain, know why i'm at bed by 8pm and that my extra 10 (ok, 15 lbs it is) is just not going away.

i wonder how other moms feel when it comes to this situation?  i think i need to find me some sort of mommy support group.

:(

dancing king

two weekends ago, we attended a wedding reception
and decided to take our little man with us.

we usually would never take a toddler to events such as these

as we all know how much ruckus they cause

but for this certain event we were lucky that the bride and groom

have opened their beautiful celebration to the little tykes.

so off we went dress up my little man in his H&M get-up.
yes, that`s from head to toe.

the best part of the evening of course was that my little dude was a behaved little boy!
this is never really the case with him.
he is usually a bundle of energy... always on the go.

but for once, he sat to eat dinner and listened to speeches.

but when the music got going,
he jumped out of his seat and started dancing to the beat!

and when the people started milling around the dance floor
well.... this is what happens....

i am so thankful that at least this little man of mine did not get my two left feet!

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

the very first snowfall of the season is finally gearing up it's head
in our lovely part of town

i sit here and type this looking out at the lamp posts outside
where the wind is blowing tons of snow our way.

it is absolutely gorgeous.

as much as i love the golden brown of the autumn leaves

there is something to be said about the pristine white that coats the ground,
 the cars and the houses this time of year.

so let that snow keep falling as i gear myself up for the holidays!

doesn't it feel like christmas already?

the second time around

i haven't been keeping this blog updated just because i really haven't felt like it lately.

i'm constantly nauseated and disgustingly irritable most of the time.  then there's the sleeping pattern --- don't even get me started on that.  i fear that i will never get back to my old sleeping habits.

let's not forget that i do have a fully-active toddler who constantly wants my attention.  as much as i thoroughly love him, i would appreciate one day of peace and quiet where i can just lay in bed and do absolutely nothing.

*sigh*  this pregnancy is just taking so much longer.  can i just go to sleep and wake up tomorrow with a new baby in my arms???

words

being a stay home mom has to be one of the most rewarding things.
i don't ever get to miss the little things that the little man says or does.

like our little conversation yesterday.

me:  dylan, brush your teeth!  here's your tooth paste.  say tooth paste babe.

to which my 20 month old replied:  POO PACE!!!

absolutely priceless.

did someone say BABY?!?

!!!!!!!WE ARE EXPECTING!!!!!!!

i say hello again to morning sickness, constant nausea, hunger pangs at 3am, constant bathroom runs, cravings, weight gain and all the other fun that pregnancy comes along with.

nontheless, the hubby and i are absolutely thrilled!  our little dylan is finally going to be a kuya (big brother)!!!

it is official!

as of Monday, October 4, I am going to start my new job

a full-time housewife and mommy!

i am uber excited for this change of pace in my life.

even better, i have much more exciting news for everyone on monday!