This year's Mother's Day is a bit special to me since it came a month after giving birth to Maia. Leon and Maia are fulfillment of our plans, both of us wanted to have only two children regardless of whether both will be boys or girls. Leon and Maia are more than what we've asked for...great blessings from the One up there.
Instead of the usual eat-out which is common here in the Philippines, my husband and I decided to have a picnic, but since it was an impromptu plan, going to parks during this occasion might not be a good idea. M, while driving, thought of going to a place with a pool so that Leon and the nannies can dip in and get refreshed from the summer's heat.
Upon realizing the idea of swimming, Leon got even more excited. When we reached the place, Leon couldn't control himself, he's really a water person! It was fun watching him swimming, (although he doesn't really know how to) while I was cuddling Maia in my arms.
After lunch we decided to stroll in one of the malls in Quezon City before heading for the 4:00 pm mass.
A heartwarming experience ---- quality time with my family --- it doesn't have to be an expensive one. I didn't thought I would be this happy and contented in my life...love it!
Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?
My husband's folks hails from Cagayan up north. I've never thought I'll be able to reach that far until I met my husband. I've been to Claveria, Cagayan three times already, that was when we were still as a dating couple. Now that we're married, we haven't gone back. We were suppose to go back early this year so that Leon can experience going to beach as it is walking distance from the house. But then, August last year, we found out that I was pregnant, thus, the trip was postponed until maybe later next year, when Maia is fit to travel a 13 hour drive and me being able to act as an alternate driver to my husband who plans to bring the car.
Last Friday, I was reminded by some fond memories of going up north. My third trip to Claveria,Cagayan was with our office friends. We stayed with my soon-to-be MIL for a few days, traveled to Penablanca, Cagayan to visit Callao Cave. Going back to Manila, we made side trips to some interesting sites in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. One of which is at Pagudpud, stayed there the whole day to experience the beach's fine white sand.
Here with friends at the Pagudpud landmark and the other one with my better-half M. The landscaped marker really catches one's attention when passing along the highway.
While browsing through these photos, I again got myself excited with our plan of going back to Cagayan with our two little angels. Definitely, both of them will enjoy the beach and a more greener environment even for only a few days.
my entry to:
My husband and tries very hard to eat healthy even during snack time. Usually we bring home made sandwiches to our work for our morning snacks and go to the nearest banana-que stand for afternoon snacks.
This we try to instill the same practice to our children especially Leon who is already a toddler. So far, I'm very proud that our Leon is following suit. Like normal children does, he too asks for some junk foods available in the local sari-sari store or the supermarket. But once purchased, he isn't the child who'd crumble for it, sometimes he leaves the pack on the table unopened. Once opened, he just get a few pieces and leaves the rest to for us to finish.
Leon normally eats cereals for his morning snacks followed by a bottle of milk. For his afternoon snacks, he normally ask for rice and viand or waits for the man selling corn to pass by....talking of carbo loading. Yes, Leon as young as he is, eats healthy even during snack time. Leon isn't much into ice cream, he likes the cones more than the ice cream itself. He's into cakes and chocolate drink, too. I really really hope and pray that his food habits remain as he grows up.
eating up his ice cream cone...dad ate the ice cream first
he says latey..for chocolaty
Leon loves Selecta Moo he calls it cow.
eating up his 2nd slice of cake during
his yaya's birthday
Little Maia on the other hand gobbles more than enough milk for her in-between meals nourishment. She's started eating baby cereals already and asks for more if she's given her favorite Wheat Banana flavored cereal. Her second favorite is the Mixed Vegetable variant. We've been introducing fresh fruits to her as well. So far she's liking what we're preparing for her. I hope, too, that she'll be like his Kuya Leon in terms of eating habits.
Maia's first solid food...cereals
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. ;)
more inspiring stories at:
Our son Leon, just like any little boy, loves cars and loves Cars (the movie). So when we chanced upon this Lightning McQueen display in a mall, he instantly ran to it a posed his trademark smile. Tada! this photo
I hope we get the chance to see Lightning McQueen - the real thing in person...I just can imagine how he'd react to it.
Was looking over some photos to share for this week's Mommy & Me Monday and got across this photo. This was taken when Leon was a little over a year old and when I thought he was ready for a ride.
He was excited at first but then when the horse started going up an down, Leon felt uneasy and was clinging around my neck all throughout the ride.
He hasn't rode one since then...will try riding again soon, maybe this time he'll have fun.
Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?
While strolling at a park in Makati City some two weeks ago (or more, lol), and while trying to put Maia to sleep while we were waiting for her dad who was having a meeting nearby, I was able to capture this quite common flower in the metro, the Birds of Paradise. I was attracted by the radiant glow of yellow of this flower which is quite uncommon due to heavy pollution.
I hope people passing by was able to appreciate the beauty of the flower and was able to realize nature's perfection in a quite imperfect setting ;)
more yellows here...click the badge ;)
A heartwarming experience ---- quality time with my family --- it doesn't have to be an expensive one. I didn't thought I would be this happy and contented in my life...love it!
