We are Family

The first Sunday of January always marks my father-side reunion as January 6 is the birthday of our great grand father, Lolo Crispin who has passed away 35+ years ago.

It was G's first time to attend the reunion and he is the only one from the fourth generation present.

We didn't feel the heat so much as everyone had a fun time catching up, opening gifts, running around and the yearly kodakan series :)

Hope Lola Ingga and Lolo Crispin are watching us with marvel from above.

The second generation cousins!

The second generation in laws!

The mama's boys and daddy's girls <3

New Year

2013 was the best and worst year. 

I stayed home for the first part of the year, but spent a lot of quality time with family.

I was in and out of the hospital, but safely gave birth.

It was love at first sight when I met my son, but we had to leave him in the hospital to get well.

I became a mom which is the very best thing that ever happened :)

There were a lot of things that happened after that which seemed like a whirlwind rush that changed me forever.  It was both bad and good at the same time.

As they say, shit happens and sometimes it happens to the best of us.

I would still like to believe that as my Religion teacher in Assumption, Ms. Chinnie posted in her blog, FabAfterForty.tumblr.com that:

So here's to 2014 :)

I hope to always be grateful for all the things I have in my life.

I pray for guidance on being the best mom I can be for my son.

I pray for more time spent with loved ones.

I pray for memorable travels here and beyond.

I pray for keeping in touch with old and new friends.

I pray to be more financially sound aka d.o.n.o.t.s.h.o.p.a.l.o.t.

I pray for stability in the workplace - to work harder and to face all challenges w the positive spirit.

I pray for pleasant surprises.

I pray for more happy memories.

I pray that I always find the joy in small things.

I pray that I find clarity of mind and peace of heart in spite of.

PS Dear God, I also pray that our yaya stays with us na talaga, hahahahahaha!

Eto pala dapat ang number one, jk!

Holidays

We started Christmas with the midnight mass at Rockwell.

We were blessed to have both our mother and father side join the mass, especially with Tita Nene and family's first time in fifteen years to be back in Manila for Christmas.

Noche Buena was celebrated at our place. Mama, my Lola cooked most of the meal, while I cooked the baked salmon :) We were about 30 people in total.  Dami talaga!!!

We ate, drank and merrily watched old home videos circa 80s-90s, mega laugh trip.

Of course, the highlight of the evening was opening the gifts.

It was my cousins, Ian and Mikee's first time to give gifts from their hard earned money having just joined the workforce.  Hence, gifts are more meaningful nowadays, baligtad na, the 'young ones' are the ones who give gifts to the uncles and aunties.

It was also Gavin's first Christmas.

I had to wake him up at the strike of midnight, but I didn't think he will stay up talaga.

I guess, my love for the season rubbed off on him...he was so excited to open his gifts and play.

I was also glad to see that my son puts a big smile on the faces of everyone he spends time with.

Here he is with our different family members and our angels at home- Emelie, Analyn and Yanna, who all love him dearly.

The following day, we had a late lunch at my mom's side of the family.

Brought another tray of the baked salmon :).  Everyone was really excited to spend time with our cousins from LA as we were all small kids when they left Manila.

We also had merienda with my in-law who travelled great lengths just to see their apo.

Cooked the spaghetti for merienda :)

Out last stop for the day was dinner at my Mama's house (my dad's mom) to celebrate Tita Belen's 50th birthday.  Lechon ang main course :). Did not have the energy to take photos during dinner, super pagod na talaga.

Nevertheless, it was a memorable Christmas, I will always and forever 2013 for my Christmas with the Little Man.

Merry Christmas Part Two

Went to Rockwell for the usual midnight mass then noche buena at our place.

More pics soon!

For now, here is the little boy with his best buddy, Chip :)

Merry Christmas :)

Merry Christmas! 2013

The grand parentals wanted a Santa outfit for Gavin and found one at the last minute via IG :)

We are now officially done with our gifts and wrapping for the holidays!

So many things to give thanks to this season and so many blessings to offer to Baby Jesus!

But of course, this year is extra special because of the little man, Gavin :)

Dear Gavin,

I hope that you learn to love Christmas as much as I've loved it through the years.

I hope that you truly believe in Santa, will look forward to your letters soon.

I hope that you will always remember the reason for Christmas- Christ's love for us and

Always remember that he is Emmanuel, your namesake too which means Christ is with us.

He truly is :)

Love,

Mom

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

It's my first Christmas with the love of my life :) 

He is a bit sick today, so I'm hoping that the Christmas will indeed be merry and bright and phlegm-free!  

    4 days to go go go!!!

Tis The Season To Be Jolly!!!

Last year, December was quite in eventful because I mostly stayed home. 

This year, I'm glad that all the Christmas gatherings happened during the first part of the month...so I can have the last weekend before Christmas all to ourselves (to shop, hehehe)!

Ateneo Christmas Dinner 

Aquila Christmas Dinner

Lunch with SSI friends (ex and present)

It's going to be a very busy December with the forthcoming arrival of our balikbayan relatives :)

More parties to come :)