Calgary Stampede '09

First time after 3 years that I got to experienced Calgary Stampede! It is an annual event here in Calgary (more of fiesta in my native land) but the theme of this event is cowboys, horses, wearing cowboy clothes and hats, etc. It is a 2 week event beginning every 1st friday of July. It is a non-holiday event however, most of the offices (especially in Downtown) were participating in the parade so pretty much, every one is either on vacation leave (to give time to go to events) or companies are more lenient to employees and allows them to watch the parade or go home early so they could enjoy this event. As always, Calgary is decorated in accordance to the theme of the event in which you could find cowboy hats or horses in every establishments or sometimes as simple as a "Yahoo" text in the windows of some offices.

You could find free breakfast sponspored by companies or groups anywhere you go. In fact, in our community, they had 2-day FREE breakfast in our neighbourhood. But, I wasn't able to attend to these since they held it on a weekend and they usually starts at 9am (which is I am still on dreamland during this time). And If I remember it right, they held the 1st FREE breakfast on the day of my birthday (which is we went out of town).

The funny thing is, you could see people wearing checkerd polo shirts/blouses with boots and cowboy hats everywhere! It's like a costume party on a summer. We somehow did our "costume" part by wearing a hat. Didn't have the guts to overdo it =)

Just before the Stampede came to an end, Noel and I decided to go and experience it. We went to Stampede ground near the Downtown and we enjoyed ourselves (along with Ella) playing games (we actually won 2 LARGE stuff doll for Ella) and just watching everyone in their cowboy costumes. It was really FUN! There were rides for everyone, foods are overflowing, and it was over crowded that I guess half of the Calgarians are there to celebrate! And not to mention that the temperature that time is over 20C! Super H-O-T! Overall, it was fun and my daughter loves it! Looking forward to 2010 Calgary Stampede!

My bday trip

It was a nice Sunday morning and since we were quite tired from our trip to the amusement park just before my birthday, we slept all day and woke up at around 12-ish. And I was coming back and forth to the other room where Noel is sleeping (He doesn't sleep at our master bedroom because Ella and I is occupying it, my daughter is not used to sleeping in her own room! We are just using it for her clothes and toys. So, Noel has no choice but to move to the guest room and sleep there since my little girl sleeps and moves like a "torpedo"). That time, Noel is still asleep while my daughter just woke up and watching her favorite morning cartoons on TV. I headed downstairs and prepared brunch for us and asked Noel to go for a shower so we could start moving. There were some delays (as usual) but we finally hit the road at 2pm and I was beginning to feel cranky. I was telling my hubby that my birthday is almost done and we haven't started our trip yet. Of course, Noel is still very positive that we will have a good day despite our late start. We drove for 2 1/2 hours and as always we missed our stop again... which is a result of non-stop talking while he is driving. And we could have gone all the way to Vancouver if I didn't see the sign saying "Welcome to British Columbia!" huh?!! We actually left Alberta! But it was fun, although I am very, very hungry but I guess as what Noel is always telling me, nothing is really precious if you spend it with your loved ones. Awwww!

So, finally we reached our destination. Lake Louise is as always breathtaking. The mountains, the lakes, the flowers, everything is perfect as if you are looking at a post card. We took some pictures and we headed to Fairmont Hotel (a five star hotel just in front of the lake! wow! TRIVIA: during our honeymoon days, Noel and I went to Fairmont Hotel in Banff and it costs us almost $500/night!). So, we had our LU-NNER (lunch and dinner) in the hotel and the food was great! First time after a long, long time that I had an alcoholic drink (Long Island). It was ok, although I specifically instructed to make the alcohol minimal ("just a touch of alcohol -- I said") but I think they forgot and they still gave me a quite strong liquor... somehow I guess they knew it was my birthday! =) So, we had great food, good conversation as always and we resume taking pictures inside and outside the hotel.

Before going home, we stopped by at Banff and ate dinner and headed home. There were some stops, as Ella is getting cranky and wants to get out of the car so we stopped for a while in an overlooking area where we took some pictures again. And we're home by 11pm and called it a day. It was a very simple celebration but mind you, it was one of the best birthday I had =)

Our backyard!

Here are some pictures of our newly built backyard. It is still a work in progress but overall, I am very happy with what has been done so far especially the sod which is a "project" of my hubby. More renovations to come but for now, just enjoying our backyard and looking forward to a well deserve vacation somewhere else for my birthday =)

Father's day celebration

Last month, I wrote a blog on how we spent our Mother's day. And now, it is my turn to commend my hubby for a job well done for being a perfect daddy to Ella. Since its now summer time, we opted to visit some tourist spots here in Alberta and the Tyrrell dinosaur museum in Drumheller (1-2 hours away from our place) is a perfect place for kids and kids at heart like myself and Noel.

We hit the road at around 10:30am, and since we didn't ate anything for breakfast, we stop by at my fave coffeshop and grab a grande hot choco for two and banana cake to go with it. Ella is also feasting on some chocolates in her car seat but it turn out to be a messy food to give your kid especially that, it went all to her shirt! Good thing, i always have my trusted diaper bag with extra clothes and some wipes in the car to clean all the mess. So off we go. It took us atleast 2 hours to get there as we missed our stop (which happens most of the time) as me and hubby never runs out of topic to talk about while he is driving (two things at the same time..hmmm... not possible). We finally reached the museum at 12:30 and there we met with our family and friends who were vacationing here from Vancouver. Since we were late, they went home just after we greeted each other at the entrance of the museum. So, my family of 3 just proceeded to exploring the dinosaur museum and we all enjoyed the dino fossils, the rich history of Drumheller and over all, my daughter was so amazed and really love looking and touching the dinosaurs! Hmmm... I can sense a first Paleontologist in the family =)

Here are some pictures inside the Tyrrell museum.

After a quick tour at the museum, we went home and quickly prepared dinner for the family. We invited some friends and families to spend the Father's day at our home. Nothing really fancy but some good ol' way of thanking our dads for a job well done of raising us and now that I have Noel, its one way of saying, he is important to us and that we love him so much!

On another note ...

...Wherever you are Papa, happy Papa's day to you too. I miss you.

Summertime!

Now that summer is almost in the air, this is one season we all look forward to. Here in Calgary, almost 3/4's of the year is Winter. I mean from Fall, to Winter, to Spring -- Calgary is one city in Canada where you can see snow coupled with super frost-biting coldness during these 3 seasons. And only Summer is the excemption. And for the past 3 years that I have been living here, I get excited whenever Summertime is coming. Although, my favorite season is Spring but you can do so much during Summer that you will "keep" with you during the Winter months of just plainly staying home and wondering when summer is coming again.

This particular summer would be a busy one. I started with some renovations in our backyard. When we bought our house, it comes with a very spacious backyard and a nice deck where you can make barbeques while catching up with some friends. But this year, since Ella is already fond of playing outside the house, it would be a perfect time to beautify our backyard and to start off, we had someone build our fence for us. It took some time to finish it but it was worth every wait and money. And I feel safer that we had this fence and it will somehow keep future intruders out of our property.

Now, our next project is putting up the sod (or what you call the grass). Noel and I decided to do it on our own. We just need to order a free cut "carpet" grass and top soil to go with it. Prepping our lawn is quite a challenge but at least, it is something that my hubby and I can do as our "bonding" time.

Noel is also planning to put some pebbles in our front lawn and some pave stones to go with it and some flowers to add beauty and a good size Gazebo just parallel to our deck but let's see. We don't want to just spend our summer fixing our backyard or front yard and not having some time for ourselves for a short and sweet vacation. Obviously summer is really fun and a "precious" time of the year here in Canada and we want to make the most of it as well.
Since hubby is still at work, Ella and I decided to explore our deck and backyard for some mommy and daughter summer bonding.

3 wishes...

My birthday is coming up in less than a month and I was thinking, this one is going to be different from what I used to. I've decided not to have a birthday party and no sumptuous meals in the table. Instead, a quiet time with my family (hubby and Ella) and 3 prayers that I would like to share to everyone.

First, I would like to thanked God for what He has given to my family. A successful career for my husband. For making Noel a dedicated, loving, unselfish husband and dad to our family. For a healthy and happy daughter that He gave us. And for making me a strong person as I am now. Also for a beautiful and contented life that we have right now: a small but a happy home, foods in our table, and other stuffs that make us happy.

Secondly, I wish for good health to everyone in my family. I believe that a healthy body will lead to a happy and normal life. I once said this to some friends and to hubby. That the mere thought of the word "hospital" is giving me a phobia. And true enough, after what happened last year, I always wished for good health and nothing else for my family. Knowing that everyone is not sick is giving me peace of mind.

And for my Last prayer, I wish for strength. Strength to be a good wife and mom as my family would like me to be. Strength to be a good daughter and sister to my other family as I know after Papa left, they look up to me for decisions and they see me to be their protector. And overall strength for any circumstances that may come my way in the future.

Things really changed. If I was asked 10 years ago for 3 wishes, I could have wished for anything tangible but not these 3 that I wrote. This means we grow as a person. We don't get stagnant. I - for a fact, have witnessed some changes in my beliefs over the past years and this feels even better =)

Live. Laugh. Love.

Confessions of Ella, the shopaholic

Here's Ella's pictures in her shopping mode:

"Mom, let's go i'm ready!"

~ trendy Ella sitting in the shopping cart

"Vroom... vroom!"
~ Ella, trying to maneuver the cart.

"Hello, I'm busy. I need to do some shopping. Can you call again?"

~busy driving while on her phone and holding the cart on the side.

"i'm done shopping!" *whew*

~carrying a shopping bag.

To drive or not to drive? Definitely to DRIVE!

I have been for the 3rd time reviewing the Learner’s book (similar to Driver’s book). And hoping I get the exam, pass it and practice driving. I must admit, I procrastinated for years and now I am in a hurry to get my driver’s license ASAP so I could use it for my daughter and for work. And I get tired of taking a cab or bus. It feels comfortable to just sit in your own car, max up the AC and listen to my fave music in my XM radio.

How did this happen? I have been in Canada for almost 3 years and I do not drive my car yet.

Well, to start the story. I came here November 2006 and its winter time so obviously, I have to wait until Spring to Summer to practice driving. So came May 2007, I was already working at Brainhunter and my office is in the South East (I live in the North West), so you could just imagine If I will be driving, it would be more convenient for me as it takes 2 long rides (sometimes 3) to go back and forth to my work. But then again, as I was about to take the driver’s test by June 2007. I found out that I am pregnant! And I was so nauseated to even ride in the bus that time! I had to take a cab to and from work. Of course, if Noel is around. He drives me to/from work. And I red in a paper that it is not a good time to practice driving if you’re pregnant. Of course it is ok to drive when you’re pregnant if you are already a professional driver but in my case, I am just starting so it is very dangerous to try that. Ok, so I had to wait again for another year to practice driving. This time, I am more eager since I thought to myself, I have to do this since I will be mostly visible to medical clinics as I have to bring Ella for monthly check up, immunizations, etc.

So came May 2008. It’s Spring time! And I am still on maternity leave (here in Canada, we can take a year off for our maternity leave and its paid by the government). Just when I was ready to take the exam and practice driving, I never thought it would be this hard for me to manage my time. While Noel is at work (he works in the oil field and usually he’s not home for 2-3 weeks). I attended to Ella up until May 15th, after that I’ve decided to go back to work (as requested by my boss) and leave my daughter to the care of my Mother in law. I was hoping then to insert some time to my already busy schedule, dedicated only to driving. But it didn’t happen. My routine was wake up in the morning at around 7am, leave for work, home by 5pm, cook food for us, clean the house, clean Ella’s bottles, etc. By the time I’m done, it is almost sleep time for my daughter and on top of that, I am breastfeeding her. So what happen to weekends? Well, my mother in law is going home by Thursday and not here until Monday morning or Sunday night. Obviously, I can’t drive as no one will take care of Ella. Did I mention that I even bought a brand new SUV just for my daughter?! Well, I figured out that It would be uncomfortable for us to use my husband’s car (it’s a two door sports car) to travel with Ella. So I’ve decided to get myself a brand new MDX to serve as a family car as well as a mommy/office car if I drive it to work.

So this year is my last chance so to speak! I have to do this for myself as I am getting tired of commuting where in fact, there are 2 cars in our garage waiting for me to drive them. Well, only one as Noel’s car is manual so I am left with my mommy car. Again, I HAVE TO DO THIS FOR MYSELF! It’s now June 1st and summer is until September so I only have 3 months to go. Goodluck to me. But it’s now or NEVER! =)

Acura RSX and MDX

my baby is growing up sooo fast!

Am I getting old? Or is it Arabella growing up so fast? Hayyyyy... moms worries a lot and I'm no excemption. Seeing my daughter now is a milestone for me. Since she's my first, I can't help but compare her to a "project assignment" that I've been working hard in the office. From its planning, to preparation, to its actual execution of making sure that "my assignment" is well taken cared of and well attended to. I have a long way to go. And just like any ordinary projects that I was assigned to, I am making sure that this one is going to be successful to the best of my knowledge and ability. Of course, in parenthood's lingo, I will make sure she will be loved and guided so she'll grew up to be a good person.

Mother's Day at Bowness Park

I know it's quite late but I only have now to post some pictures of what happened last Mother's Day.

Mother's Day is always a Sunday, family day for some families and last time it turn out to be Noel's off from work. We initially do not have any plan that time. I was just thinking of just spending it at home with my hubby and daughter in front of the TV with a large size Boston Pizza in Tropical Chicken flavor! (yummmmm!). But 2 days before that, our good friend Will (our Argentinian compadre) gave hubby a call and was inviting us for a day at the park on Mother's day. Of course, as we do not have any plans yet, Noel immediately said yes. So came Sunday, we were preparing to go to Bowness Park. Will and his family is already waiting for us at the park. It was a good afternoon, although it was raining in the morning but during the afternoon, the sun is in its peak and we all enjoyed Will's burger and hotdog. I brought some cupcakes to go with it as well. The park was crowded as usual, everywhere you will find families spending time together, playing in the park or with their kids. I am my usual mood to play with Ella in the swing while Noel and Will play catch ball. It was a very light moment and I must say I did enjoyed it. One of the nicest ways to celebrate Mother's day.

Here are the pics of our bonding time with Will and his family.

Of course, the celebration wouldn't be complete without my presents from hubby. He gave me a wallet and my latest favorite craze now, my Wii Board with Wii Fit. He also gave me a bag (not in the pic yet). I just love being pampered on my day! =) Again, as always, looking forward for next year!

Almost... but not quite

We often heard about this from people who ALMOST got what they wanted but NOT QUITE of what they would expect to get. I'm sure all of us has this same scenario whenever we ask for something and expect it to be exactly the same but only get the "lower" version of it or not getting anything at all.

Just recently, I thought I got what I wanted for months now but turn out to be a huge disappointmnet for me. You know the feeling that you've waited for it to happen and already planning about it until that sad news came and you go back to your old self again this time, more disappointed and questioning your capabilities.

I don't entertain failure eversince, I know myself and what I usually do is "feel it" for that day and move on the other day. I was doing that before and doing it now. It didn't feel good but I know I am a fighter and even if it is disappointing me a lot, I know and I can find it in my heart to stand up and deal with it as I used to.

I know there will always be "ALMOST" ahead of me and "NOT QUITE" getting the exact results I would want but life can get tough and I'll just enjoy whatever I have right now.

Finish the sentence...

I am not a big fan of chain emails especially if it has something to do with broadcasting yourself to the public (i mean posting bulletin or notes in Friendster or Facebook) by answering some personal questions. Yes I write blogs but this is my personal view of life and not broadcasting what i have or don't have (you know stuffs). Except for this one, this looks writing something about yourself but on a more personal level without bragging anything or promoting anything, The idea is to finish the sentence and pass it on to your closest friends to get a quick glimpse of their personal feelings. Ready? Here you go.

1. My ex lives in …... the Philippines

2. Maybe I should....start working out. I really need too!

3. I love...nature, coffee and quality time with family

4. People would say that I am....frank, smart and a happy person

5. I don't understand....why some people are not happy with other people's success

6. When I wake up in the morning....i make sure that Ella is still in bed and checking my cellphone for messages

7. I trust...my husband

8. Life is full of....surprises

9. My past taught me....to become a better person as I am now

10. I get annoyed with...when people are immature and not acting as according to their age. Also i get annoyed with people who just wants their own happiness even if it means someone will have to sacrifice for them and I get annoyed with people who talk as if he/she knows everything just to make you look or feel bad.

11. Parties are ....fun and i miss having one.

12. I hope to.....have another baby and this time hoping its a boy

13. Dogs are....cute. Unfortunately, i can't have dogs here in the house.

14. Cats are....so sweet and adorable and i miss my cats in the Philippines

15. Tomorrow will…be waiting for daddy and hope to have a nice dinner with him

16. I have a low tolerance for.....immature, self-centered, liars and selfish individuals

17. If I had a million dollars.....i'll buy a house in the countryside with huge backyard and just live a simple life with my family and i'll share my blessings to my family (my mom most especially).

18. I'm terrified of...losing a loved one

19. When I look at the night sky I think....about what i saw in the movie. are we really abusing our planet?

20. If I could be anyone it would be...still myself

21. I hate...immature, self-centered, liars, selfish and pretending to be someone they are not or pretending to know something that they dont.

Right timing

People tend to get disappointed on a lot of things. Simple ones and more so on the more bigger and complicated ones. And I don't exempt myself to any of these. In fact, the littlest things upsets me so you can just imagine how i feel if I am faced with the bigger problem. For months now, I have been whinning about certain things to my husband. I know he's just taking it but lately he has been very honest to me and I know he's also upset that I am upset. And for him to worry about my disappointments is really not fair. Few months ago, I made a decision that any mom will make if caught in that scenario. Apart from that, I came from a very sad situation that stresses me so hard and up to this date, I am still not over it. The decision that I made is by far the right thing to do given that scenario. I was very happy with that and I know up until now, I am still happy that I was matured enough to choose the right thing. But I thought it was only for a short period of time... Months passed and my disappointments grew bigger and sometimes uncontrollable that I am letting it out to my love ones. I know its wrong but I guess I just needed an outlet and letting it out to them would free me from the stress that is building in my head. I know and I still believe that God has plans and everything will fall in its place as according to his will. Everything happens for a reason and I am still waiting for the right timing and will continue to wait up until He is ready to give it to me. And for now, I chose to just go with the flow, enjoy life and trust that He will give my heart's desire very soon.

Longing

On April 12th, Papa will turn 59... If he's still here. This is his first birthday "away" from us. Back then, we would gather around and celebrate with him. Although during my college years and when I started working in Manila, I seldom celebrate with him but always make sure that I will always have something for him for his birthday. May it be as simple as birthday card or just a short call to greet him. Going back, aside from Christmas and my birthday, Papa's birthday is one event I always look forward to every year. His birthday is always grand. A minimum of 6 entrees are served. Lechon is always in the table. Sumptuous meals which he personally cooked and prepared just for his event (Papa is a good cook!). It always have pancit, lechon kawali, menudo, fish, chicken, kare-kare, and of course liquors (tanduay, beer, etc).

Days before his birthday, he would asked us (his kids) to send text messages to our uncles and aunties reminding them to come to our house to celebrate. Before the evolution of cellphones and text messages. I would go to a nearby "tiangge" to use their phone and call our relatives and remind them to come to Papa's birthday.

And then came the event, earlier that day,everyone is busy prepping for the event. Personally, my tasks it to peel all veggies that needs peeling i.e. potatoes, carrots, etc. And then I would see Papa cooking one by one all his "handa" for the day while humming and whistling his favorite song (kahit ano lang maisip nya that day). You can feel that he's very happy. The deal is to finish all the meals before 5pm. Kaya naman at 5pm sharp, you'll find him all prep and looking gwapo (just came out from shower) and just waiting for his guests while in front of the tv, watching basketball or any catchy show that day. There he was with his favorite pangtagay na baso and already starting to open his ever favorite Tanduay. Before 6pm, almost all his guests has arrived and are all eating in the table or sharing a good drink with him. And you would see in his eyes how happy he is, seeing his brother and nephews spending time with him on his birthday. Male bonding ika nga.

Well this year will be different. No more celebration, no more drinking and no more of Papa in his happiest time of the year..... But I'm sure up there, he is celebrating and having a male bonding with his favorite saint... San Miguel =)

Happy birthday Papa! I miss you.

Call from a friend

Three days ago, I got a call from a friend and asking for my help regarding her marital issues. So i called and listened to her anguish for half an hour, trying to figure out what went wrong and who made the mistake. She was very upset and I tried my best to calm her and I hope I did. Of course she was talking about her usual problem that rooted from only one cause. The Inlaws! Hayyy I just wish they don't exist. Would it be nice to live in a world without your inlaws?! Hmmm.. That could be paradise! Anyway going back to my friend, I just hope I made her feel better.

Two days ago, another friend called and invited me and my daughter for a lunch meeting with his mom! He's a friend of my hubby and we were friends since we became "kumpadres" as he is my daughter's godfather. In his culture, they don't usually practice this side of being Catholic but he accepted to be one as a sign of good gesture. Anyway, months ago, He was already talking about his mom being excited to meet with my daughter. I guess just because the mom is longing for a grandchild which she doesn't have yet (Yes, he is marrying this wonderful girlfriend of his by Spring next year). And then came the call and asked me if I could meet with them for lunch. And of course I said yes. I met the mom and she was very warm. She obviously likes my daughter and treated her as her own grandchild (owwww). We had a very nice lunch not because of the food they served at the restaurant (I am not a big fan of the restaurant) but because of the love and care that they're showing not only to my daughter but to our family as well. Hayyy.. isn't it good to have someone like them?

Yesterday, a colleague/friend called and asked questions which are work related. I answered and we agreed on something regarding a project that we are both involved. Since I am not feeling well (normal colds), she wishes for my fast recovery. Though it was mostly pure business but getting calls as simple as that brightens my day.

Of course, I get calls all the time from my hubby and from my sister and mom in the Philippines thru YM. I am just so glad that we get calls like these once in awhile from someone very dear to us. And also these calls sometimes break but most of the time makes your day!

Thank you...

Not sure how to start this blog but I just felt the need to write today to express my gratitude to everyone who prayed for my daughter's fast recovery. Just this week, she had a viral infection which is very common to kids here in Canada especially during this season (end of winter and almost spring). She had an on and off high fever for 5 days and as this is my first time to experience such, I was on my highest level of panic mode and as a mom, I was the most affected person in the house. We went to medical clinics as well as ER of a children's hospital but was advised of the same thing -- that this will pass, it will cure in itself and all we need to give her is just over the counter fever medicine i.e. Ibufrofen or Acetaminophen. I cannot contain myself seeing my daughter in that situation. I then turned to old fashion way of helping her by sponging her with wet cloth whenever she had high fever. And even search the net for possible ways of making my daughter less uncomfortable. With this, I was also deprived of sleep for 5 days which is alright because my main concern is to watch over my baby and make sure she feels better. Oh did I mention that she was also teething on top of that so it's a lot difficult for her.

On the 4th day of her fever, we went to a medical clinic again because I am becoming so restless already. We went to a nearby walk-in clinic and to cut the story short, we were late for 4 minutes. I went straight to the reception area and ask the black receptionist to accomodate us and have explained that I did call earlier to tell them that I would be a little late since I am still waiting for our cab. And to my surprise, she is not as considerate and accomodating as I thought she was! She said, we were late for 4 minutes and that she cannot accept us anymore. I told her, I have a sick baby and I have an excuse because I did call her prior to coming to the clinic. But she was very firm on saying NO! And that moment, I almost went ballistic and have told her that she is very inconsiderate and up to this time, I still cannot forget that. It's frustrating that they practiced such an attitude to people who needs immediate medical assistance. Well, I just hope it won't happen to her or her kids (or maybe not). I HOPE the same scenario will happen to her so she will feel what I felt that time. Well for those who knew me. They know that I can be bitchy and no one really mess up with me so in a few days, I am sending their Head of the Clinic a formal complaint against that receptionist.

Well my daughter is now well and she is so active and has fully recovered. I am glad that we pass that stage. And to my family back in the Phils, I thanked them for always checking on Ella and making sure that I am fine during those days. My mom who always gives me advices on how to deal with kids especially if they're sick. Also to my mom-in-law who spends her time here in the house to help me take care of Ella. And lastly to Papa Jesus for watching over us and making sure that we could deal any situation given to us, as long as we are together as a family.

I'm INSOMIAC!

Yes i am INSOMIAC! Blame it on old tagalog teleseryes, Hell's Kitchen and playing yahoo games during wee hours of the morning! I mean MORNING as in 4am! Whew!

I remember 2 years ago when i was still pregnant with Ella. During my last trimester, I wasn't sleeping well at night. I would turn to late shows in the TV or that time i was following Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition and would watched them 24/7. Back then, i had a huge crush with one of the housemates and its Jon Avila. And seeing him on PBB every night (or morning) is a super big deal to me. If you say "napaglilihian ko sya" then i guess that's the best word to describe it as I couldn't end my day without watching him on screen. Well, did i mention that I have to wake up 8am to go work the next day?? Well, Yes and how am I doing it? Honestly i don't know...

Last year, I was a brand new mom and even if its not a choice for me to go insomiac. I am forced to do it since Ella wakes up at night. And that time, i would turn to TV shows especially Food Network shows to keep me awake. Fortunately, as she gets older, her sleeping time changed and she's now used to sleep at night just like adults. There are still times where she prefers to play at night but atleast it is manageable for me. Again, working early the next day is quite a challenge to me since I only had 3 hours sleep maximum. So you could imagine me talking to my candidates (luckily on the phone) while yawning every single minute.

This year, i was following Hell's Kitchen Season 4 and I was so excited to know the seasons finale that I searched and fortunately watched the whole episode in youtube! From episodes 1 till ending. And again, making me go back to my old insomiac habit! I am not even contented that I on the sidelines, I was still playing some yahoo games which was recommended by my ever loving gamenatic sister, Kareen! Also I found this account in youtube where a good samaritan patiently uploading all the episodes of Jericho and Kristine's teleseryes from Pangako Sa'yo to Sana'y Wala Ng Wakas! And if you happen to know, I am a big fan of this two! I guess I just love their chemistry. Anyway, with all of these shows that I have to watch every single night. It makes me go back again to my old habit of being an insomiac. Honestly, i don't like it as I felt so weak the next morning but I would feel even worst if I don't watch this shows and forever regret that I never knew why Christina won in Hell Kitchen 4 over Petrozza (as I prefer Petrozza more than her) and I would never knew why Claudia became so angry and evil to Angelo and Ina because she never had a happy lovelife as oppose to the two. =)

On Valentines day

Not much to share this Valentines since hubby went back to work on Feb 13th. We usually don't celebrate it. For me personally, i don't need a special day to give love to my loved ones. I can have Valentines day everyday because the care and love that we're sharing in our family is more than enough. But just the same, i guess it is also an excuse for us to give special something for our loved ones. And mind you, this is one event I am looking forward to! I started with a naughty Vday card which i gave Noel few days before Valentines. I always believe that good words and wishes are still the best gift you could give someone. In the message, i thanked him for being a good provider to us and for just being there as a husband and daddy to Arabella. He has some shortcomings still but for me, his efforts and dedication to our family is unbelievable. He evolve from being a typical bachelor to being a hands-on dad to Bella and his priorities were US. 101 percent! Aside from the card, i also gave him an Oakley laptop bag which he saw in one of Vin Diesel's movie. That's my hubby, if he saw it being worn by someone and it look good on them and he fell in love with it, he would find ways to purchase no matter how expensive it is. Just an example, he is bugging me about this North Face winter jacket which he saw Vin Diesel wore in one of his movie and he really really liked it. And it's not that he doesn't have winter jacket, in fact he has tons of them (like more than 20) and some of it are major brands like North Face, Columbia, Esprit, RL, Guess, AE, etc. And guess how much is the cost??? Well, the retail price is almost $400!!! And i don't think that's reasonable. Well i am not the one who is paying for it but i just felt it is just a waste of money... Anyway, going back to my Vday gift. I gave him an Oakley laptop bag and an Oakley Aviator sunglass (which is mostly worn by Brad Pitt in his movies). And i can feel that he is very happy with my gift.

And then came his Vday presents. He gave me a dozen of red roses and a .60 carat diamond earrings. I love it so much! In fact, i am looking for the next Valentines and hoping to get another "bling-bling" from him! hehehe. Now i can pair this up with my diamond engagement ring which he bought me few years ago.

...and comes the big PARTY!

Just few days back, i was blogging about my daughter's 1st birthday which was a more simpler one since her dad is not home yet. But as promised, we had a big PARTY for our daughter last Feb 11. And it was a very happy and magical birthday party i ever organized. The theme was Backyardigans (my daughter's fave cartoon tv show) and everything from party hats, to give aways, paper plates, balloons were all Backyardigans inspired. She has 2 cakes and 1 of course is Backyardigans' cake and the other is a Princess cake. I know, Princess is not my theme but I just wanna show everyone that my little daughter is a princess in our hearts. Below are some highlights of the event.

The party was held in a chinese restaurant and we had it reserved for us for 2 hours. We really opted for a smaller venue this time so it would be more intimate and have it closed exclusively for our event. And it was indeed a good decision and the place was packed with only our guests. We had a small game for kids and everyone sang happy birthday to my daughter. The moment was perfect. I am overjoyed and i can feel that hubby feels the same way too. I'm sure Arabella is very happy with the way we had it celebrated.

As mentioned in my last blog, my hubby and i decided to make our own family tradition which is giving our little Arabella, 18 gifts for her first birthday. Below are her birthday presents from us and the rest are from our guests.

Not sure what to expect next year but it will be something different from the first one and one thing is for sure, we will do everything to make our daughter the happiest baby!

Bella's 1st bday celebration

A birthday is a milestone of a person's life. I never realized this until today. My baby has turned 1 and i never felt so emotional in my life. All of a sudden, memories flashed back and i remember everything that has happened during my labor last year. Hayyyy.. I know i have a long way to go and I'll make sure that every birthday of my daughter is special to her. My hubby and I decided to give her 18 gifts for her 1st birthday and it will be 1 less gift every year. So when she turns 18, we will be giving her 1 gift and that's the last time she'll get gifts from us (but knowing me, i'm sure even if she's 30, i will be giving her presents,). But it will be the most precious and "expensive" gift of all. I am already excited and looking forward to every Feb 1st of the year. Happy birthday Bella!

Here's some pictures during my small celebration at home for my daughter's 1st birthday! A BIG party is coming next week! Everything for you my anak!