Early Bird Breakfast Club ~ Baby Shower

I distinctly remember this lazy Sunday afternoon. We were sleeping in like most Sundays of my second pregnancy, until we remembered we were invited by my in-laws to have lunch with them in Century City Mall Makati. 

I thought it was odd because it's not their usual Sunday lunch favorite. Since we were running late (and I worried they might wait too long and still be done with lunch before we arrive), I kept telling Daddy A to call them up & let them know we'll just eat at a nearby resto and probably join them for lunch some other time. To which Daddy A would hear none of! 

Turns out it was a surprise baby shower and he was in on the surprise too! Sus!! Kala ko nag-kuripot mode lang kaya push ang family lunch hahaha :))

Wow! I knew it was a shower when I saw the charming decor outside but I was actually shocked to see that my brother and his girlfriend were there too! hahaha..totally unexpected! 

We joined them for lunch while we entertained the toddlers as well. I've always wanted to dine here to sample their dishes and take pictures but alas! I wasn't able to bring my trusty camera. I told Daddy A to please let me know next time so I can bring my cam. We enjoyed our meals, which came in large servings, by the way. Chit-chat here and my sister-in-law G gave me the iPad. I thought she was showing me an app for moms or kids but when I peered I saw two familiar faces in the screen. That's when I started to tear up even more. It was my parents' video message. I wasn't able to hear their message partly because of the ambient noise and also because I was probably bawling haha. I miss them terribly and I really wish they could've been here for my second pregnancy and delivery. 

We ended with much photos, gifts, a nice stroll which made me feel heavier and another meal for me to enjoy - Fried Chicken Corn & Coleslaw Plate x Bad Bird at Century Mall's Hole in the Wall foodie joint :) (God, I love those corns!!)

Thank you so much to my L & B families for pouring much love for our little boy - our cups are definitely full! Thanks to my mother-in-law, father-in-law, sisters-in-law (yes, counted ka na diyan, V!) who I think were the brains behind this. They planned, put up decors, coordinated schedules and attendees and even made a special video. Thank you also to my brothers-in-law for supporting this event and helping with the logistics. Thank you to my brother A - although I'm older, you've been the one who's supporting and helping me with this adulting thing ever since our parents decided to follow their new dream. We may not see each other often but I always feel that I have a family in you & V. Of course, I also want to thank Daddy A for being with me every step of our adventure..but please, next time tell me to bring the camera? :p

Aaaannnddd....thank you so so much for all the gifts..they are definitely being used now hahaha :)

Okay, I'm tearing up again hahaha...thank you so much and I love you all! :D

Happy Birthday, Daddy A!

Oh what a day it has been! Woke up today (well, I don't know whether I really slept or not) feeling happy because (1) our country's hosting the Miss Universe pageant and also because (2) it's Daddy A's very special day! :) 

We're still busy taking care of a newborn so I, unfortunately, wasn't able to plan nor prepare anything. To be fair, I offered to have a Mcdonald's breakfast delivery at 3 AM. Haha that's marriage and parenthood for us these days - having early morning dates while our 2 little ones are still asleep. Too bad their breakfast menu starts at 4! And since we try to get as much sleep these days, we weren't able to wait out that 1 hour. We hit the sack as soon as baby burped from his last nursing session. 'Twas a tough night for us tending to a wailing toddler and a nursling who just kept going at it and still needed to be burped & cleaned from spit-ups. I guess Daddy A really needed that extra shut-eye time today :) 

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My Facebook newsfeed has been abuzz with pageant fever. From friends listing their top bets, weighing in on the Q & A's, and even nitpicking evening gowns & national costumes. Definitely so proud that the Philippines pulled off this hosting stint with nary a glitch - at least nothing my untrained eye would notice.

Congratulations are in place first to Ms. France for being the new Miss Universe, to our very own Maxine Medina for a commendable showmanship and a strong finish in the top 6, and to all the candidates who gave their best.

Now to join the bandwagon, I'll share my answer to the question given to Ms. Philippines. I'll just change it up a bit to reflect the personal changes I have experienced.

"What is the most significant change you've seen in your life (the world) in the last 10 years?"

The most significant change for me is journeying from young adolescence to full-on adulthood with you, Daddy A, in my life. We started out as classmates, then friends, then lovers, and now partners in this life as husband and wife. I wish you can see the transformation you've gone through. You were just a DOTA-crazed boy (hahaha) when we met and now, you're a terrific husband to me and an even awesome father to our children. 2 kids now (!!!), can you imagine? If that isn't a significant enough change, then I don't know what is.

To say that you've always been there for me isn't quite telling of your life's impact on mine. For starters, you have saved me countless times from bad decisions in life. You even save me from myself when I'm having bouts of anxiety. And I don't know why you do it but you still continue to love me at my most unlovable moments. I know you don't claim to be spiritual or even religious but to me you truly are heaven-sent :)

Thank you for giving me a family, our little family. For staying up late to help me nurse, burp and change diapers - even if we both know you really don't have to. For reminding me what our sacrifices are worth. For doing your best for us, for letting me work on my "crazy ideas", for picking up the slack when I just can't anymore, for tolerating my Amazon mom moments *peace!*, and even for giving me a free rein in our kitchen. And really so much more.

I really pray our children take up after you in terms of attitude and temperament because you truly are so good. Plus the fact that you'd have a hard time managing 2 little ones if they're just like me! Hahaha..

Even if you don't enjoy celebrating birthdays, I'll always mark your special day with much fondness because honestly, it is more of a lucky day for me. Hehe..

Thank you so much for adulting with me! As long as we're together as a family then I'd happily look forward to more significant (and hopefully positive) changes in our lives. 

Bon anniversaire...Je t'aime <3

I hope you listen to my birthday song for you :D

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YOU by Basil Valdez

You give me hope,
The strength, the will to keep on;
No one else can make me feel this way
And only you
Can bring out all the best I can do;
I believe you turn the tide
And make me feel real good inside.

You pushed me up
When I'm about to give up;
You're on my side when no one seems to listen
And if you go,
You know the tears can't help but show
You'll break this heart and tear it apart;
Then suddenly the madness starts

CHORUS:
It's your smile,
Your face, your lips that I miss,
Those sweet little eyes that stare at me
And make me stay,
I'm with you through all the way.

'Cause it's you
Who fills the emptiness in me;
It changes ev'rything, you see,
When I know I've got you with me

You pushed me up
When I'm about to give up;
You're on my side when no one seems to listen
And if you go,
You know the tears can't help but show
You'll break this heart and tear it apart;
Then suddenly the madness starts

CHORUS:
It's your smile,
Your face, your lips that I miss,
Those sweet little eyes that stare at me
And make me say,
I'm with you through all the way.

'Cause it's you
Who fills the emptiness in me;
It changes ev'rything, you see,
When I know I've got you with me.

It's your smile,
Your face, your lips that I miss,
Those sweet little eyes that stare at me
And make me say,
I'm with you through all the way.

'Cause it's you
Who fills the emptiness in me;
It changes ev'rything, you see,
When I know I've got you with me.