How Do I Love Thee?

A very inspiring video. I love watching this over and over again. Elder Holland is amazing! I met him in person back in 2007 after our temple session in Salt Lake temple. We had a short conversation with him and it was an honor. We asked him some questions and He answered all of it with a smile on his face. He's really handsome!

He also advised us to always pray together and continue to go to the temple regularly. He is truly a man of God I felt his sweet spirit. He gave me a big hug and it was a Joy beyond compare. I hope to see him again in person someday. He may not remember me but I will always cherish our moments with him.

Having fun at the park

He loves water parks, pool and fountains. He's always curious. He actually got upset when we had to leave the park. He wanted to play with the water. I just hope the weather is perfect everyday. I'm pretty sure Alex will miss playing outdoor this winter. If only we can move to hawaii for the winter and come back when it's spring. Sometimes, I wish money grows on tree. Oh well, I am content with our simple life. I just wish we can skip winter...just saying.

41 lbs!

So I lost a total of 41 lbs in 7 months. Last month, I lost a total of 10 pounds by totally changing my eating habit, and working out more by keeping myself active. I eat rice like 3-7 times a week now. I eat steamed veggies instead of rice. It was boring at first but I love it now! It's weird because I grew up eating 2-3 servings per day. I was surprise that the transition went really well! Also I quit drinking soda. I had a sip today though but I plan to avoid it for good. I'm really not a soda person so it's not going to be an issue.

So anyway, it seemed like it took forever to shed those extra pounds that I gained, but some of my friends were telling me that I lost my pregnancy weight pretty fast. I don't feel that way at all because I have friends who lose all their excess weight in a month or 2... I'm dead serious! In the first place, they only gain weight in their belly. Their arms, legs and face stay small. So not fair! My Mom was exactly that way. After giving birth, she's skinny again in less than an month... plus zero stretch marks. Too bad I did not inherit those good genes :-(

My goal is not to become super skinny like those supermodels. I was once a size 2 and I didn't like that at all. I was slightly underweight and I did not look good in jeans. Not cool! I just want to continue to live a healthy lifestyle, not just for my self, but for my family... because they need me and I want to be there for them.

Please take this playhouse

When we bought our house, it comes with a play house. It's cute but I don't want it in my backyard. I don't know how to get rid of this. But seriously, it looks like a miniature haunted house. I'll probably post this on craigslist for free.

The best 18 months of my life

I was looking at my mission pictures today and all of a sudden I missed it so much! It was really an honor to be the Lord's ambassador and share His gospel in His chosen vineyard every single day for 18 months. It wasn't easy but it's worth it. I embraced my calling and gave my best. I am so grateful for the opportunity that the Lord has given me. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ.I am grateful that through missionary work, I was able share the gospel of Jesus Christ everyday and bring souls unto Him. It was truly a marvelous work and a wonder. I feel so blessed whenever I see my badge. The joy that I feel in my heart knowing that I helped many souls and planted many seeds in His vineyard through sharing my testimony about the Restoration of His gospel will stay in my heart forever.

To know more about the Fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ , click here

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"

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.

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..

A letter to my son

Just when I think he cant get any cuter, he does!!!!
He's a very handsome little boy. I am so proud to be his Mom.





Dear Alex,
I will always be in-love with you. Your smiles and giggles make me the happiest Mom in the world. I pray that you continue to be strong, happy and healthy. You are such a good baby. I couldn't ask for more.

Thanks for showing us your love. We are so proud of you. And most of all, thanks for letting me sleep through the night. You are just perfect!!! I love you son!

Love,
Your Mom

My cuppie!

It's amazing how sugar can totally cheer you up! But in the end, you still pay the price of eating fatty dessert. It's worth it though.Now it's time to do the yoga...

I love my job!

Motherhood is the best job in the world. Everyday, I get to change a wet and poopy diaper, I get baby barf all over my hands and chest, I even sometimes get an unexpected special sprinkle of pee on my face. But Ido get angelic smiles, sweet laughs and funny facial expressions. I get to sing a lullaby and cuddle with him... What a joy! what an awesome life! I do enjoy every moment of it! This sweet, cuddly, handsome and perfect little baby is my pride and joy. Someday, I will give him a little brother and a little sister. I love being a Mom.

Why oh why?

I lost 21 lbs few weeks after giving birth. I lost that weight pretty fast and I didn't even work out. I guess it's because it's water weight. Let's talk about extra lbs of fat. I started working out after a month, but why is it so hard to lose the extra weight? I am talking about 10 lbs, my friends. Ahhh, I miss my old body. I can't help but feel a little sad when I see old pictures. I hate this belly weight.

My goal is to look like this, this summer:

I can easily cut my hair like that. But to lose weight? I need a strong determination! I need someone to tell me "Hey, if you lose 10 lbs, I'll give you a shopping spree or a free ticket to hawaii " If only people would stop selling chocolates and cupcakes! Haayyy. It kinda feels good to pour out this feeling...

Love is all that Matters

I love my family and our simple life. I couldn't ask for more. Someday when I'm super old and dying, I'll be able to look back at how good I've had it.

I feel so loved. My heart is full of gratitude to the ONE who is greater than us all, our Heavenly Father. I know that my life is not perfect... There will always be trials to strengthen me.But I must have done something good in my past or even in my pre-mortal life to deserve this happy llife. I wake up every single morning with my husband and my son. If you see this kind of view in the morning, you'll know what I mean..Isaac is a very loving husband and father . Alex is just perfect and we adore him so much! My heart is just full of LOVE!!! Despite of all the trials and chaos around us. In the end, LOVE IS ALL THAT MATTERS!


So I would like to share to you this song. I sing this to my music lover son ! Happy weekend everyone!

Tips for Mommies

Here's my baby's sleeping schedule:

8:00PM- Off to bed

12:00 AM- Feeding time and and diaper change. He usually goes back to sleep when he's full. That's 30 minutes to an hour... and then he sleeps 5-6 hours straight after that.

Thank goodness he finally has a schedule. I am hoping he'll sleep longer in a month or 2. Did I tell you he's such a good baby? :-)

So here's my secret that I wanna share. After his feeding time between 6-7 PM, that's when I give him his bath and baby massage. I use these products :

I usually don't promote baby products in my blog, but these products really work! The smell is so good and calming. As for the baby massage, thanks to YOUTUBE for this video:



Mommies, this really works. Try it! You will be amazed!

Baby Blessing

Our 1 month old son, Alex Thomas Schaefer, was blessed by his father at church this morning. It was a wonderful experience for me to listen to his blessing from his Dad. I know he's going to be a fine man just like his Dad.
We are striving our best to be good parents to him. He is such a great joy to us and I am grateful that our Heavenly Father gave us the opportunity to raise him in this world.

A family picture after sacrament. I just love our background. It's a picture of our Savior, Jesus Christ.I didn't notice it until I started uploading pictures from my camera. And yes, Christ is the center of our family.


My parents in-law, Jesse and Symber came to witness his baby blessing. We are so happy for Alex.

I want milk!

This is the reaction I get from Alex when he needs a diaper change and he's super hungry! I had to post this picture because not only he's cute when he's crying, I also noticed that his hair color is just getting lighter each week. It's amazing how they change. I can tell by looking at his pictures from day one, up to the present.



After feeding time, he's just a very contended baby... as long as there's music or noise around him. He hates complete silence when he's awake. I had to read aloud or turn on the music. He'll start fussing when he's tired and ready to go to sleep again.

I can't believe how handsome he is! I am saying this, not because I'm his mother. But seriously, he's a perfect little baby.