Babies

"Babies" is a documentary movie that follows the progress of four infants in Namibia, Mongolia, Tokyo and San Francisco from birth to their first birthday. It is precious and truly a wake up call for me... It's An important lesson to learn about raising our kids in a society of excess and material things (specially here in America). This movie should really open our eyes at all the
things we are doing wrong! The producer was on 20/20 and said he realized after filming that the baby in Namibia was the most content-yes- the baby with no toys, no movies, no daycare..., no processed food, etc. It only proves that happiness is not based on material things..All parents should watch this movie.

As a Mother, I want to give Alex everything he needs...And usually, I give him things that I did not have... that includes fancy toys, lots of clothes etc... But after watching this Movie, things will change...specially with me.

Growing up, I did not enjoy all these beautiful fancy toys, branded clothes and shoes. I had few toys. But I realized that all my childhood happy memories did not come from those material things. It all came from happy times with my family and friends that I will cherish forever...

I grew up climbing trees, running all over the place, swimming in a fish pond and river during summer when we visit Grandma,playing with mud and filipino games like chinese garter, tumba preso, lupa langit etc. And oh! I scrapped my knees from playing like a gazillion times...thank God I don't have those scars anymore! I can honestly say that I had a wonderful and happy childhood. I didn't enjoy all the material things in this world but I was a happy and content child. My Mother truly raised us well and I am very grateful for that.

I want Alex to also have a happy life. But I am not going give him all these gadgets and material things to make him happy. We will still buy him few toys since he will not enjoy the freedom that I had when I was a child. The world is different now. But I want him to enjoy life through our love and quality time with him.

I always pray to our loving Heavenly Father for guidance. I know Parenting is not an easy job. But I hope and pray that someday when Alex looks back about his life with us, he will smile and say "I had wonderful and happy life with my family"

Collage

This collage is hanging on our living room wall. This was the first collage that I made...and more to come.I love it! I need a bigger house so I can have a photo gallery of Alex.He is such a gorgeous baby. Alex was only 7 weeks old when I took these pictures. He's going to have another photo shoot soon from a professional and known photographer. Yes soon. So watch out girls! :)

Multi-tasking

Playing with his toy...

And watching Baby Einstein
I get that face a lot when he's interested with something

Family Day

We visited our neighboring state last Tuesday. It was a fun short trip. Alex did great! We went to Kansas City. There are actually 2 Kansas Cities. One is Kansas City, Missouri and the other one is Kansas City, Kansas. So anyway, we went to Kansas city, Kansas. It's only 1 and a half hour drive. We went to their biggest Mall, shopped a little bit and went for a walk. We enjoyed their parks and different kinds of water fountains. Alex loved it. I can also tell that he's a very social baby because he'll smile at strangers a lot. Here are some pictures:

Alex just woke up here. I woke him up :) Look at his face. This picture made me laugh.

Just chillin' with Daddy. Alex was actually looking at the big water fountain in front of them. He was so amazed and very observant. He enjoyed watching little kids screaming and running around.

Us again.

me

Me again. Can't you tell I love the camera again? :)

Our good boy

love birds

Cute video

I love this video. My nephew was trying to make Alex laugh. He's so funny. Alex did not laugh but he smiled...that's a good start. I still think that Tyler's way of making Alex laugh is darn cute!

He is finally wearing shoes!

He was totally amazed when he finally wore his shoes for the very 1st time

He couldn't stop staring at it...

Finally, he decided he wants to touch it and perhaps eat it? Ahhh...babies are so immature and they tickle your fancy. I love babies!!! Including mine :)

Today is a special day for our Alex. He wore shoes at church for the first time! It's about time because he loves standing a lot. Our Doctor told us that letting our baby go barefoot as much as possible is the best way to develop our baby's feet. When he's barefoot, he can wiggle his toes, balance , and push off with his feet muscles. He also told us to get our baby his first pair of shoes when he begins standing and make sure the shoes are wide enough for our child's foot to lie flat, and long enough for a little extra room to wiggle and grow, maybe one-half inch beyond the toes...yada yada yada! I am not against to those parents who put on shoes to their newborn. I think it's super adorable. It's just our personal decision and we just decided to listen to our doctor's advice. After all, it'll save us money :) But I gotta admit that we're just weird parents sometimes hahaha... It was fun looking forward to this day though. We were both thrilled! Including Alex.


So we bought him some pair of cute shoes this week (all on sale).It has to be on sale because they grow so fast. I learned my lesson about shopping stuffs for babies. I let Daddy picked all of them by the way.

Here are his few pair of shoes that his Daddy picked for him:


Hopefully, he'll be able to wear them for a long time. We bought bigger sizes so it won't be hard on his cute feet. He wore the light brown one today...Super adorable!!!

he can sit uo very well. He can even sit up without back support for a few seconds. This boy wait to grow up and do fun activities with his Dad. Too bad my Child, you will be Mommy's baby boy forever! Bwahahahahaha!

Treats!!!!!

I got lots of filipino treats from my filipina friend, Arnida. I love love treats! It's my guilty pleasure! But what the heck! what's the use of treadmill and walking trails if I don't eat these. I need Isaac's help though. Thanks, Arnida! I am smiling more today :)

Baby loves his Bumbo

The 1st time he sat on his bumbo, he was a little unsure on what to do

Then he realized that it's way comfortable...

So he started chillin' and pooped while sitting. I had tell him that it's not a potty chair :)

Later on, he watched his favorite baby einstein show while sitting on it

He had a blast! Life my friends, is GOOD!

You can buy a bumbo here

New tricks

My new Tricks

*Pulling my pacifier from my mouth when I am tired of it

*Pulling Mommy's hair and never let go unless she tickles me.

* I suck my fingers to let Mommy know that I am hungry

* I can reach toys hanging from my play mat or car seat.

* I can scream at the top of my lungs (just for fun) I do it sometimes at church :)

* I can almost roll-over (give me a few weeks)

* I love to stand up when I'm held by someone

* I love watching Baby Einstein Beethoven DVD and mumbles when I see something interesting.


I'm getting big and keeping my Mom busy all day long. But she's lucky 'cause I sleep more than 8 hours at night. I let her sleep all night long so I can keep her busy all day long.

Let's walk!!!

I signed up for a marathon in August. What am I thinking? I don't know. I think It'll be an awesome experience for me. It's okay if I don't get a medal even though I can be every competitive :) This will be my 1st marathon anyway. Isaac is very supportive and he's helping me every step of the way. We stopped eating out and started buying lots of veggies, fish and fat-free chicken. I also enrolled in a turbo tone class which will be twice a week and started walking more than 3 miles each day this week. I will try 4 miles next week and then maybe increase as I gain more energy.I can actually tell that I have more energy and I feel healthier and stronger! No more chocolate for a long time. I think I can keep my sanity without sugar...no biggie! I need to feel physicallyl active and strong again for my family. I want to be a strong Mother not just emotionally and spiritually...but also physically.

Sushi sushi-licious!

I craved for sushi when I was pregnant but my Doctor told me not to eat sushi... mostly because there *are* risks to eating raw foods during pregnancy. But I'm not pregnant anymore. I can eat sushi whenever I want. Today, I had sushi for lunch minus the wasabe 'cause I hate it. It was so good! I love it!

Like father like son

Isaac at 3 months

Alex at 3 months

When Alex was born, everyone thinks that he looks like me. 1st, he had dark hair like mine and he was really tan. But we found out that his billirubin level was a little high that's why his skin was yellowish/tannish. Few weeks later, his skin turned light. His used-to-be almond-shaped eyes are now round like his Dad. His black hair turned brown. His dark gray eyes turned blue. It's quite interesting how he's changed 3 months later. It's funny how people tells me now that he's beginning to look more like his Dad. I don't mind...after all, Isaac is a very beautiful person inside and out.

I also find it interesting how they both sleep with their mouths partially open and their arms raised. Their facial expressions are almost identical when they talk to each other or even when they watch baby shows together. Isaac wakes up with a happy face and so is my son even though he's starving. Alex would always give me a big smile the moment he sees me first thing in the morning.I usually wake up quiet...not grumpy but definitely not smiling. Let's just say, someone you don't wanna mess with in the morning.

I just love watching my Alex grow and watching my Man turn into an awesome and fun-loving Dad. I'm just happy that they are mine forever.

Cooking Mama

I'm totally back in the kitchen! Isaac is still the best cook though. But lately, the kitchen is my territory and I have been learning new recipes. This week, I learned how to cook these meals:

Fish fillet with steamed veggies and cheddar cheese

Isaac totally loved this meal. I am one proud wife! It's delicious! I wasn't expecting it'll taste good because it was my first attempt... but thankfully the result was fantastic! I will definitely cook this meal again.

Baked chicken adobo with pepper.

I totally love this meal! It's very tasty and healthy. I used a fat free skinless breast chicken. I just mixed all the ingredient for adobo and added a sliced red pepper. I baked it for 45 minutes in a 350. It was soooo good! It's even more delicious with rice and canned green beans.



This week, I am looking for more shrimp or salmon recipes. If you have a good recipe you wanna share with me, please do. Happy cooking!

Family pictorial

I would love to share to you our recent family photos.I have more pictures but I can't post them all. The file is too big and it takes forever. I will be posting few more pictures next week. We're having another pictorial. It's going to be studio shots this time.

I just love my family of 3. We may not be rich but we're richly blessed with love. Alex may not have all the beautiful things in this world, but he has all the love in this world.

My Love

Dear Alex,
I can't believe it's been 3 months, 1 week and 1 day since I gave birth to you. It was a very long journey. We were all excited to see you.
Your Dad gave me a priesthood blessing before we went to the hospital. In his blessing, he mentioned that I will have a safe delivery and there will be no complication. His blessing really strengthened me.

I almost had a C-section but I was stubborn and told the nurse and the Doctor "NO I want a normal delivery and I can do it. Just give me more time" I guess I sounded I little rude (maybe) but I knew I was right! If my Mom made it normal for all 6 of us, then I can do it! I prayed so hard for you! I loved you before I met you my Son.

So they gave me more time ( I guess a LOT of time) It took 28 hours and 30 minutes before I get to hold you in my arms. They told me that I'm getting a C-section if you won't come out in 24 hours.But then, I was prompted to wait a little bit more. So I told them to give me more time. So yeah, because of your Mother's request for more time, I gave a normal delivery. So you see? being stubborn is good sometimes.

The 1st time I heard you cry, I knew that my life will never be the same without you. I was in tears, and so was your dad...you're the most beautiful coned head baby I've ever seen in my whole life!!! :-) Yes! you were a coned head for a day or two! Here's a proof:

But you're the most beautiful baby.

Your Daddy did not sleep for almost 2 days. He was beside me the whole time we were waiting for you.He was there when you had your first bath. He took your first pictures and videos. He even changed your diaper when you first pooped. He loves you so much!

When we took you home from the hospital, I was crying on our way home. It was tears of joy. I was looking at you the whole-time. You were sleeping peacefully in your car seat.I asked myself, " Am I going to be a good Mother?" I was a little worried.. Motherhood is probably one of the hardest jobs in the world and yet the most rewarding. You know why? This picture will tell you why:

Thank you for being an awesome baby. You inherited all our good traits :-)

I love being your Mother. Because of you, I can honestly say that I am a better person.. and I strive to be better each day because I love you with all my heart and soul. I know I'll give my life for you.

First Mother's Day

We never know the love of a parent till we become parents ourselves!!!
-Henry Ward Beecher-

It was a wonderful and memorable Mother's Day celebration for me. My dear husband woke up early to cook a special breakfast for me. I had to forget my strict diet that morning because the food was delicious! After my wonderful meal, Alex and Isaac handed me a big bar of chocolate (all gone) and a beautiful card with a beautiful message. Here's the message from my beloved husband:

Your first Mother's Day is special for you and for me, too You mean the world to me in many ways- as a wonderful wife, my closest friend, and now as the mother of our child. Being a family with you is more than I could hoped for, I'm so thankful that I have a wonderful wife like you. Alex and I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. Happy Mother's day

I was a little bit emotional. I am not blaming my hormones this time. It was just a wonderful feeling to be a Mother and a wife. I am truly blessed with a loving and patient husband, and a happy little baby who has brought so much joy into our lives.

While we were getting ready to go to church, Isaac handed me a box. It's identical to the box that he gave me when he proposed more than 4 years ago to marry him.I was super surprise because I already got my biggest present... my beautiful Alex. I wasn't expecting anything anymore. But he told me that it's my 1st Mother's day and it has to be very very special. So here's my 1st mother's day present that I will cherish forever...

It's a beautiful ring! And I love it! I was speechless!

I promised him that I shall wear this ring for the rest of my life :-)

Thank you, Babe for being the best husband!

Thank you little Alex..because of you, I feel complete. Because of you, I am a happy Mother.

Thank you to my loving Mother for showing me what Love is...

And most of all, I would like to thank my Heavenly Father for all the many blessings.

I feel so LOVED! I feel so SPECIAL..

Darn Cute Video

He laughs when I tell him that I love him! Seriously, it is so easy to make this baby laugh. When you say "SMILE" he'll smile at you. He's just a happy person! (just like his Mom and Dad)

Good bye chicken legs

Those legs get millions of kisses from me everyday. He is growing way too fast! His growth spurt is unbelievable! Ahhh... speaking about love...this baby is all about LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Alex is 3 months old

chocolate marble cheesecake for his 3rd month birthday

Still confused...

He sleeps through night
He loves rattles and colorful toys
He enjoys music
He loves talking to Mommy
He giggles and laughs a lot
He loves hugs and kisses
He recognizes Mom and Dad
Chandeliers and ceiling fans mesmerizes him
When we eat, he watches us and drools
He loves story time
He's tall
He's adorable
He's smart
HE'S PERFECT

I love Sales!!!

First of all, I would like to thank my hubby for letting me keep those shoes. I went shoe shopping yesterday and I found these fabulous shoes for less. I love Mother's Day SALE!!! It's a buy 1, get 1 for $10 here. You pay a little bit more plus shipping when you shop online, so we really went to the store. I so love that store. It's one of my favorites!!!

5 more to go!

After quitting drinking soda, milk chocolates and junk food. And of course with proper diet and 3 times a week exercises... I can finally see the result!!! 5 lbs. to go and I am back to my pre-preggo weight. I guess it pays to have discipline. It's very hard but it's worth it.
I am not skinny though but I feel great! I am so happy to finally fit in that dress again.

my little jumper

He's supposed to use his jumper when he turns 3 months. But since he's turning 3 months tomorrow, we decided to set it up today and see if he likes it. He loves it! He didn't complain a bit. He only played with it for a few minutes and we made sure it's high so it won't be hard on his little feet. He enjoyed it! They say you can use them when your bubs can hold their head up well by themselves. He can hold his head pretty good. He's a strong baby.

I also took a short clip. We'll probably let him play with his jumper twice a week for now until he turns 4 months. By then he'll be a pro.