Christmas-time with my family

Despite the busy schedule, me and my husband makes it a point that Christmas is celebrated by the whole family - extended family members included.

We plan for it as early as July or August. From color theme to house decors to gifts to give and food to prepare. We even try to squeeze in our schedule bringing our children to watch Christmas shows or attend activities related to Christmas.This year, as mentioned previously, we already went to watch the Christmas show at Greenhills shopping center. We had an eco-friendly bag made as our family give-away this year. We shopped mostly at Divisoria, Philippine's shopping landmark for the gifts we've given out to family members as well as to relatives we are closely in touch with.

Our children had fun opening their gifts. Leon especially, now that he's 3 years old is more appreciative of what he receives no matter how small it is. Leon particularly loves the baseball set he received from a family friend and the Formula 1 toy track set given to him by his uncle, my brother. He loves our Lightning McQueen pillow set gift to him also.

Baseball set from Tito Buboy & Tita Net

Car track set from Uncle Junnie

Maia, on the other hand, patiently waits for the gifts handed to her and Daddy. Daddy M opens the gifts for her.

Maia about to open her gift from Uncle Junnie

Maia flashing a smile after opening
a gift for our family from her nanny Jet

We've gone to visit my sister-in-law's family on Christmas day handing out our gifts for them. Yesterday we attended a family reunion, organized by my cousin-in-law at Pag-Asa in Quezon City. We spent practically the whole day there. All parents and kids enjoyed the company of each other, kidding each other and looking back at old days. Kids awaits the gift giving session my cousin-in-law and his wife organize every year. This year, Leon voluntarily handed the gifts to each child. We were even kidded to have him wear Santa costume next year.

Leon with my SIL's family
(Allana, Tito Louie, Christian, Tita Yeye, Louis, Lucia & Justin)

Leon opening his gift from the Ramolete Family
(Ninong Mon, Tita Ami, Ate Aina & Kuya Roel)

Maia eager to open her gift from the Ramolote family

This year, we've gone to watch the Lights and Sounds Symphony of Parols at the Ayala Triangle in Makati City two times. Bringing along our kids, my mother and the nannies. All enjoyed the show, especially our dearie Leon who was so fascinated with the laser lights effect.

Three generations here: My mom Lydia, Me
and my kids Leon and Maia


My mom Lydia posing in front of the Belen

The Belen at the entrance of the Makati Stock Exchange Building

There are still a few relatives that we haven't visited for the holidays and another reunion set on January 1. More of the holidays to enjoy before going back to work on January 3.

my entry to:
Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

All I (we) Want for Christmas (CC 12-1-10)

December is officially here and it falls on a Wednesday, very appropriate for Couple's Corner topic for this week - Our Christmas Wishlist. And since it's December, my favorite time of the year, you bet it's because of the yuletide season - a great time for gift giving and receiving...and a valid reason for us women to shop around every stores on sale, bazaars and the infamous tiangge here in the Philippines.

To start of, every since we've been a couple and aside from giving gifts to each other, we made it a point to buy something out of our savings from the year's hard work (lol). For this year's we're planning to buy a digital camera. Funny, digicam wasn't a priority to us until now that we have kids...we content ourselves with photos taken by families and friends. This year, especially when our little daughter arrived, both of us wanted to document "kodak" moments of our kids with or without us in the picture. We already did some window shopping on some brands, we haven't sat down yet to decide on which one to purchase.

For my husband M: Just this evening, on our way home, while in the car, I've asked him what he wanted for a gift, his reply was a wallet. Although I already had it in mind, I wanted to know if there was something else he wanted. Truly, his current billfold must be replaced! Someday soon, I'll be walking around some stores to look for a wallet made out of quality leather that would last long.

For me: My list is quite long...but of course I only have to choose 1, keeping in mind our little ones who'll need more for Christmas and for the days to come. I would want to have my own iPod Shuffle, just the Shuffle, although M insists on the Nano. I don't know yet but I prefer the Shuffle because it's more handy especially when I do my run/jog (I usually borrow his Nano or use the radio on my Corby mobile phone). My husband though is still contemplating on my wishlissssst, trying to figure out which one is the best Christmas gift for me. Hmmm, sweet ;)!

For Leon: we're thinking of giving him a "big boy's" bicycle, although he's just three, his way to big for the usual toddler bike. M tried to ride him on the bigger bike and he was able to reach the pedal...next step will be to teach him how to make it move. Leon's special request though is to have Power Rangers designs on the bike. He's into Power Rangers and Ben10 this time, we may add some gifts for him to open on Christmas eve with these characters in consideration.

For Maia: I've gone on-line shopping and ordered her busha pants. At her age, she doesn't really need much of the material stuff aside from clothing and food...more time here to save for her future Christmases with us, especially when she's able to tell what we wants already.

But beyond the material things, what's constant in our wishlist is for us to be healthy and safe and to be always together as a family. That's it, my share to Couple's Corner, how about yours?at the Noel bazaar with my mom in the picture
taken from a photo booth located at the entrance.

When We Wish Upon A Star (CC: 11-17-10)

Just like any other couples out there, we too have our moments doing wishful thinking together.

Our most fervent wish this time is for us to have our own abode. Not the grand one, but hey, we're wishing here, why not make it grand! Kidding aside, a home that would be comfortable enough for the four us. The kids are growing up fast and we see the need for them to have their own spaces as well. Another wish would be for us to be able to provide well for our children. Give them good education, a comfortable life and a little of the good life.

Both of us loves to travel, this too is in the wishlist. Together with our little gems, for us to be able to visit beautiful places in the Philippines as well as interesting places around the world.

Beyond material pleasures, we wish for a sound mind, healthy beings and happy family going through life's greatness and challenges together.

A special wish though, is for us to stay long enough to be able to see our children live their lives to the fullest and for me and M to grow grey hairs together.

Me and my little Maia

Yesterday, our little deary Maia turned 7 months!

As fast as time flies, little Maia grows fast as well. As if it was just a few weeks ago that the nurse from the hospital handed her to me for the first time. Baby Maia was too tiny and still wrinkled from her 9 months stay in my tummy.


Now she's gone to be a big little baby girl who's started crawling and always want to be in a standing position. She's not too fond of smiling but you know when she's all lighted up because of the smile in her pretty pair of expressive eyes. She's now able to express herself such as flashing a sad eyes whenever I'm off to work or extending her arms reaching out to me or her Daddy when we come home from work. She's in the stage wherein she's enjoying being nuzzle-wuzzled.

As much as I want her to be forever a baby, I know she'll grow up sooner than later but I really am wishing that time flies slow so that we can enjoy the days of her as well as her older brother Leon's childhood days.

Hosted by Krystyn
(Nov. 8, 2010)

Manana Habit (I will do it tomorrow - Couple's Corner 10-27-10)

'I will do it tomorrow' is one heck of an annoying statement especially for spouses with OCD behavior.

My husband and I, on different occasions, utter this statement, especially when we were a newly wedded couple. As the days, weeks, months and years go by, saying the statement becomes annoying to each other. Thus, we try hard not to piss off each other by nagging each other to do something both isn't really ready to do. Again, we wait for the right time to request from each other assist us on thing we cannot do by ourselves.

For example, since both of us are on an 8-5 work, we don't really do serious household chores during week days. I, for one, is free both on Saturdays and Sundays, thus I'm able to do more things at home than my husband, who is only free on Sundays. What I do, I plan whatever it is to do for the weekends, I do stuff which I can manage during Saturdays. But in cases where in I think I'll need his help, I do tell him in advance so he too, can fit it in his calendar of activities.

I've learned not to insist on what I want to be done or to be finished. Instead, I've learned to make it a couple activity so that tasks won't appear as task but as something we can share in doing and also as a bonding moment for the two of us.

I have to admit though, between me and my husband, it's me who can't finish a task, thus 'I'll finish it tomorrow'. Not really an excuse but I'm quite OC on most household issues, thus instead of being able to finish something, there is a tendency to overdo stuff and leave it as it was before it was attended to. whew...

But then again, being a wife, a mother, a career woman, a homemaker, and all that is that we are, not to mention being a sister, a friend and an enemy, there are a lot of things expected from us, and we can do only so much. I guess, the same applies to our spouses.

At the end of the day, what is important is not so much of what we have accomplished for the day but how we've managed our relationship, not only with our better-half but with our children and other people around us as well.

Who's The Boss!

Who's the Boss? Should the husband be more superior than the wife? Most of the time, I find myself trying to understand why being superior is an issue. Why can't human behavior accept superiority of others as a positive force in dealing with life's complexity. Or is it part of life's complexity. Regardless, I think in marriage, who's the boss shouldn't be an issue.

In our case, although I am a modern woman, I can still accept the fact that male species are predominantly superior than the female species. Be it scientifically or theologically based - which I can balance as the foundation of some of my principles in life and of this week's Couple's Corner topic.

Therefore, I really don't mind whether me or my husband M becomes superior or inferior in various situations, it's all about balance. I think he has the same view as mine. I openly accepted the fact that I will be the more inferior between the two of us. Most of the time though, M seeks my opinion in matters especially on family matters and those that may affect the condition of the family in the future. Most often than not, too, we share the same opinions, thus less conflict. Sometimes though, it's me who acts like the boss in terms of decision making concerning some passions of mine ;0 lol. And it is during these times that I get reminded by M of his presence...sorry my dear.

On decision making, we both seek each others opinion. But during emergency cases and whenever one is not available, we trust each other to make the necessary decision especially concerning our children and the family in general. Immediately after the situation or when the other spouse arrives, we tell each other the decisions we made and most of the time, we agree on it.

On some simple matters such as those concerning household chores, furnishings, it's mostly up to me while those concerning the cars, electrical connections, I leave it up to him. Most decision making such those concerning the kids, finances and for the family in general are shared between the two of us.

We did not sit down and talked about this, what we are holding on is our trust and respect to one another to make the right decisions and actions. What is always on top of our mind is the betterment of the family, the children and our relationship as a couple.

It's all about sharing and giving. Balance in all aspect of married and family life is, I guess, the key to a successful working relationship.

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Easter 2010 - Jump Start (Mommy Moments & Mommy & Me Monday#8)

I don't know if this will count, but since Leon's on the heavier side, jumping for him is quite a task. And when he jumps, it won't be too high...

Here's Leon with his tiny jump....
Grabbed a moment with him to have our picture taken in this egg-hole rabbit face...

Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

Hardest Days of our Married Life (Couple's Corner)

M & I have been together as a dating couple in 2003 and has been married to each other for 4 years now, with 2 kids.

Even while we were still dating, we already have plans for our future. Little did we know that time that fulfilling our plans would also mean some difficult times, hardest of which involves our loved ones.

In the 4 years that we've been together, we've been through rough moments, and most experiences took its toll on our finances. The most difficult time, as I may have experienced (and maybe holds true, too with M) happened just recently.

As much as we don't want money to be the cause of our discussion, it really finds its way to be one. We are living in our parent's house together with my siblings. Common household expenses such as electric and water bills are the source of misunderstanding. No matter how hard we try to make the division of responsibilities fair between us siblings, others react because of some selfish reasons. This selfish reasons of others are the cause discussion between me and my husband. He sometimes can stand the fact that I'm still the one being depended upon by my maiden family for the household needs when in fact all of us are working and are very much capable of sharing.

As much as I would want to still be there for them, I have my own family and they are and should be my priority. I hope they can understand it. As for me and my husband, we've always made sure that misunderstanding between the two of us should always be settled immediately. Our son is smart and is already observing the things happening in the household, when I'm not okay, he already asks me why and that he relates it as "daddy's mad at mommy". I'm bothered about this and it's difficult to explain to his little mind the things happening around him. What comforts me for the moment is the tight hug I receive from my son in times like this.

We actually have a solution to this current problem of ours, but it will really take too much effort and a little more time to realize it...moving to our own abode.


During situations like this and even when money is not the reason, we always try very hard to find solutions to it and ask our Lord for guidance and strength. We know there will be more bumps in the road we're traveling as a couple and as a family, but as long as we find strength in each other and with the deeper meaning of love binding us, we know we're always gonna make it. ;)

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Wacky me and Wacky Leon

I'm just so proud as a mom whenever people admire my son Leon for his positive disposition despite his young age. When I was still carrying him in me, I was generally a jolly person, was very successful in warding off negative forces that comes my way.

Thus when Leon came to this world and even up to now, he acquired the jolliness I had. Now that he's 3 years old, he's more playful and in whatever he does, he's always having fun.


I hope our little Maia will be as wacky as we are.

Helping Each Other (Couple's Corner)

When I first saw my M, I knew deep inside that he was a good person. Aside from being a friendly person, my gut-feel tells me that he's someone whom I can get along with easy. True to it, as an officemate, M was one of the first few people I became friends with which eventually lead to courtship and dating.

Even as a dating couple, we had been supporting each other. In all aspects of life -- physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and financial, in good and bad times, we were there for each other. We supported and criticized each other in terms of individual plans and programs, whether for personal consumption or for the two of us.

Both of us are not perfect persons and we are very much aware of that. Whatever the flaws we see in each other we try to convert it to become an asset, developing and improving each other's character to make us better persons and until now we still do the same to become good examples to our children.

As I mentioned in one of my previous blog (also here at Couple's Corner), our differences compliments each other. Whenever the need arises, we try to fill in to each others shortcomings. Amazingly, there are times that we need not say anything for the other one to feel the need for help. Despite being a young couple as compared to many out there, I am proud to say that we know each other so much. One example would be this, between the two of us, it is me who is more talkative, and when I keep annoyingly quite, he knows there is something that's bothering me. On the other hand, even on the manner of his kissing me upon arriving from work, I would already know that something went wrong or something isn't just right.

As I am writing this entry to this week's topic on Couple's Corner, we are going through a slightly difficult moment concerning extended family members which slightly affects our relationship and the family in general. Instead of sulking, we've discussed the matter and try to find ways to lift each other up and help each other in dealing with the concern. It helps us as also that in situations such as this, we remind each other that we are there for each other. We likewise constantly remind each other of the promises we made during our wedding.

Helping each other is not just during bad times, we also help each other in good times, acknowledging each others strength and being proud of each others accomplishment is a form of help, making us more eager to deliver well in what we do that would translate to better ways in providing for the family.

Sometimes though, we miss being just the two of us. Life is a bit more complicated than before with the presence of our two lovely children. But this complications is what we have been looking forward to before and now that it is here, we are more than willing to help each other more to give our family the good life that we all deserve.

Blogging about this just reminded me of the reason why I fell in love with M and looking forward to growing gray hairs with him. Hmmm...loving the moment :)

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Couple's Corner: When SORRY is not Enough

I hope my entry to this week's meme can still find it's way to Mr. Linky...

When saying sorry is not enough...Saying SORRY is difficult to us both...

Both me & my husband have our share of pride that's one reason why it's difficult to ask for an apology. Between the two of us, it is me who often admit my mistakes, but it still takes a while because I still defend myself till it's checkmate...my husband (between the two of us) has the more wisdom in analyzing what just had transpired, one reason why the discussion takes a lot of time, hours to be more profound while I'm more on the emotional side.

Sometimes, I even find myself apologizing for things that I really haven't committed, while he will likewise tell me not to because it's not my fault. There are matters in family life or relationship that one has to take the responsibility to admit the mistake not to put an end to the conversation but to take it to a higher level of discussion --- to find a solution to the problem and not to commit the same again.

My husband does not say the word often but his actions speaks for it. He cooks special meals for us or treat me out, or a simple peck on the cheek that one can feel the sincerity on it. I on the other hand put on extra effort not to commit the mistake again.

After a long discussion, more than feeling sorry for what just happened, both of us deepened our relationship as a couple and both matured as parents to our kids and as individuals. At the end of the day, what matters most is our family and our relationship. We often also look back at the promises we made on our wedding day.

Mellow Yellow Monday #4 Ruby Tuesday #3

I've been checking out files and stuff to give some space in the house for new stuff specially those of the kids and bumped into this...

These are photos taken by a dear friend Michelle Morelos.She was our photographer for our son's Christening.She gave us a complimentary photo shoot at Blow Up Babies and this is what came out:

our Family Portrait

Leon a sunny side up

Funny how time flies...It's midway through August and a few days from now it'll be the start of 'ber' months...which means, the Yuletide season is on its way!!!inside a snow globe

We hope to come up with another one of this kind this year, a more complete family picture with our dear Maia joining us :)

Fever & Flu

Last week my husband caught the flu virus. Despite the prevention, it hit hard on him. He went on leave from work most of the week, he reported though last Tuesday, but I guess it just made it worst. He was better on Friday and was forced to go to work since it was collection day.

I thought everything was ok on Friday but when I went home for lunch, my two home companions came rushing telling me that Leon was having fever. Oh no, not my baby!!! My 3 year old son never got sick, only now. No matter how calm I tried to be, deep inside I was going nuts. Lots of what ifs were going through my mind. Sent message to my husband via SMS about our son's condition. He felt bad, had guilt feelings as he felt he brought the virus to our house.

I instructed both companions to watch over both kids, one to closely monitor Leon's temperature while the other one to observe Maia as she might be the next one to get sick. My biggest fear is that Leon's fever might develop into Dengue fever which has high occurrences in some areas in the metro.

Good thing, Leon's fever gradually went down and was out of fever late in the evening. Maia, on the other hand, was spared by the virus. The next day, I thought I was next, it was false alarm though, I was having migraine instead :(

In spite of what happened, I am thankful that the family is generally healthy. Now I know that I am on the right track in terms of taking care of my family.

I try hard not to depend on medicines to relieve me from any sickness, thus I practice a balanced diet - I make sure that whatever it is being prepared for every meal is paired with a vegetable dish. Specially with the kids, I regularly remind all of us at home to drink enough fluids everyday, not just to keep us hydrated but to aid in flushing out harmful elements in the body. I also make it a point to serve fresh fruits for the family specially to our son who is now more exposed to harmful agents. Did you know that fruits are best eaten when they are in season? Fruits are good sources of vitamins and minerals, citrus fruits are high in vitamin C which are good to combat common colds and flu.

To be extra careful though, our children consumes a vitamin C product prescribed by their pediatrician, while I take in Fern C. My husband was pessimistic about the product but after he got sick while I didn't, he now takes the supplement but not yet on a regular basis. I also give our household companions their supply of this vitamin supplement. Good thing they're having good chemistry with it.

It is worth keeping in mind, prevention is always better than cure.

Breastfeeding Maia

Just like what I did with our eldest child, I do breastfeed our daughter Maia. I am aware though that each child differs in terms of their growth pattern. But as far as it goes, Maia grows almost the same as his elder brother's when he was her age. Now she has the lines in her wrists and legs that marks the weight she gains as the days go by.

I've been breastfeeding Maia since day 1 and although I've gone back to work, I still make it a point to go home for lunch to feed her as well as try my best to go home after an 8-hour job in time for her afternoon feeding. But she's now on mixed feeding, which means she also takes in formula milk.

A few weeks before I reported back to work, I slowly introduced formula milk to her. Initially, she disliked it. Even when she's hungry and as long as she feels my presence she won't take in the formula milk. Until I went back to work, missing her "natural milk" during feeding time was the only time that she opted to drink the formula milk.

We've decided to give her the same milk we fed Leon during his infant stage. So far, it's doing well with her and her tummy.

I must admit that mixing formula milk with mother's natural milk can be a factor to the child's weight gain. I've seen this with our son and now with our daughter. But the child's ability to fight common colds and the likes is solely attributed to the mom's milk.

I am at awe when I get to hear mothers who does not breastfeed their child. Reasons such as the pain they experience when they breastfeed or the awkwardness they feel during the act are just so petty as compared to the benefits it brings to the child.

Nowadays, breastfeeding is not only beneficial to the child, mother's as well benefits from it. Current studies tells us the mother's who are into breastfeeding will likely to have lesser chance to having breast cancer.

If only I can bring Maia to my workplace to make sure that I continue breastfeeding her, I would. I'm just so grateful that my workplace is just walking distance from our house, thus I am able to go home to give Maia the nourishment she deserves.

Given the chance I am really encouraging all mothers out there to breastfeed your child. Aside from giving nourishment to our children, the bond that develops from it is another good reason why breastfeeding is important.

To those who are still thinking about it, give it a try, submit yourself, it is still part of giving life to our children. And to those who is into it, Congratulations and keep up the good work!