When Dani met Bree

Dec. 23, 2011





Meeting Breeana for the first time brought me so many memories. Partly since Paul, Bree's dad, also made me cry a lot when we were little. Love him to bits despite all those times. Haha!

Bree wanted to hug and actually planted a big kiss on your lips! It was so cute but your face turned sour and you started crying like someone pinched you instead. Dear Danielle... You are so my little girl.

Holiday cheer!

Ho ho ho! Well, you were not as cheery as we hoped but you were still such a cute little baby in your Santa Suit! Thanks to Tita Jing! She sends the cutest costumes!

On blessings counted

This month, bagyo Sendong ravaged Cagayan De Oro, Iligan and Dumaguete. More than a thousand people and children perished and more are still missing and unaccounted for.

The reason I am writing this is to make you aware, Langga, that life has so many facets. Some smooth and at times very rough and heart breaking. But what lesson we can learn from all this is that we should never underestimate the power of the heart and of service.

Always be thankful of what you have because just in an instant it can all be gone. Our God is good and He will always be fair. What does He mean by allowing such tragedy is not for us to know completely but in the future, it will be revealed. Our part is to make ourselves available to whatever way we can because that is also one of the reasons why we are so fortunate and blessed. Big blessings come with big responsibilities. We are just stewards of all these and its up to us to allow the Lord to use us for His plans.

Some day you will come to see this and it will not be part of your memory just yet. But this early on I want you to see the reality of life. Start with where you are and make the most of where you are planted.

Tito!

Tito Joey and Dani having fun with mom's iphone! Home for Lolo Pepot's birthday.


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Grumpy ballerina

My baby's first costume! And it cost me a bit under P100! Not bad, huh?

You were cordial to guests but a bit bummed because it was your nap time.

You got to see your cousins Andrew, Ericka, Sophia, Cara and Sean. All looking fab in their own costumes!



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4th month! Hooray!

4th month and loving every minute! With a face like that, everyday is a happy, happy day! Father, you really outdid yourself. Thank you!


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Prettier every day

Getting prettier every day. Seeing you wake up each morning with a big smile as soon as you see me. Makes waking up at 6am all worth it. Yes, I gush, I coo, I cango on and on with you my love.

Almost 4 months old and everythg seems to be changing so fast! Youhave learned to roll over and can now lift your head high and looking from left to right. You love leaning over when we sit you in our laps. You prefer to sit up on your won, just with our hands supporting you. You want your head to be free so you can look about. You are so strong and independent. There's a fire in you, Dani. And I have such high hopes for your future.

Each day I pray with and for you. Our God is so good. He has made something so precious that has taken over my heart and mind.

In Your Hands, Lord

Sept 3, 2011 (Saturday) - 10:30 am

Dedicating you to the Lord is going to be one of the first major steps you will take in your life, and most especially in your walk with the Lord. This is you first step and I fought for it, Dani.

As Ptr. Parcia explained during his sermon, I chose the name Danielle Beatrice for a reason. It is to bring you strength and joy. But all this goes back to the Father above, the giver of all life.

Standing before you in His presence was a dream come true for me. And you were such a good girl! You were smiling and just looking around.

You wore the dress your Tita Jan Arcenas brought you all the way from New York. You looked so pretty. I tried to put on a headband on you but it kept slipping. Bought your shoes from Enfant in Greenbelt 5 last month, too.

Your ninong and ninangs Pam, Joey, Maricon were there. Your Ninong Gabby and Anthony and Ninang Margaret were not able to come but they love you just the same and wished they could be there.

It was a short service but was pretty proud of what we accomplished.

Lunch was served at the Golden Salakot in Hotel Del Rio shortly after. We changed your dress and diaper in between since you were feeling a bit warm. But you were so calm and collected. Even falling asleep despite all the fuss going around you. Grandmas pinching, aunts and cousins cooing. You were being held by so many people but you didn't seem to mind at all.

Your cake was done by Yvonne of Cakeworks and your cookie giveaways by Sue's. Tags by Tita Tisha and your invitation by Tita Lesley and Tita Yobie :) Who I still have to pay since they seem to "forget" to bill me. So blessed to have all these people helping me, Langga. Wanted it to be special for you.

So, here we are on our journey. God is always with us and I pray that you continue to love and treasure Him all the days of your life.

2 months and growing!

You're two months old today! Time flies so quickly! I want it to slow down!

Had a mini "photo shoot" with Tito Joey and Tito Ramil yesterday. It seems you have a natural knack for the camera. You love the attention!







You also have the funniest expressions. Maldita when you want to be! Not to mention your cheeks are to die for these days! So yummy!

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Seeing you laugh at your Papa's anticts are a sight to behold. Honestly, I get irritated by your papa's "kuchikuchikoo's", but you seem to like it. So I just sit back, sigh and enjoy the view.

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August 4, 2011

Today was the first time for us to be away overnight. I had to go to Manila for the WOFEX.

Obviously, my mind was with you throughout the day. Was crying while I was holding you before I left. I woke up at 5 just so that I could feed and cuddle you before leaving at 8.

While I was having dinner, your nanny, Jennylin, texted me, saying you have been restless and didnt sleep long since I left. She asked me if they could borrow any piece of clothing to wrap you with. That maybe it would help. I was so amused and curious at the same time, hearing this. But it was worth a try. Told your dad to give them any of my night dresses.

It actually worked! Another side of separation anxiety, I guess!
But i quickly came home the next day and everything is back as it should be. You and me together.

Special thanks to Aku Gillian for sending me this picture!


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Doctor, Doctor

First visit to the doctor! Blessed that Dr. Virray's office is just about 5 minutes away. Love it!

You were such a sweetie. Trying out new things to help you since you've become cholic. Poor baby... We're trying to make things better for you. Who knew that being cholic is sych a common thing these days. Just found out I was cholic as well.

It was such a thrill for me to actually be at the doctor's together. You're papa was also there. Fun family "outing". Mommy's such a cornball.

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Almost a month old

Mommy certainly learned a lot so far. Some days you are as timid as a butterfly, some not even quite as close.

From 1pm-6pm, while the nanny sleeps, I have you all to myself. You have been an adventure, thats to put it lightly. From diaper changes with a few surprises, every sound you make sends me running, mastering the delicate art of mixing up milk with one hand and holding you with the other, any movement possible by e human body to ease you. Oh yeah, I've learned a lot!

The main issue wi you these days is that you have become cholic. Hayayay! Just yesterday you cried for like 5 hours. You were crying, I was crying... No one won apparently.

But your smile... Its you and me in this big, big world. How did God think up such a beautiful smile? My heart melts. Dad melts, too.

For now, you still wake up during the wee hours of the morning. But getting better. I have high hopes.

4 more days, love!

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Cant get enough of you

Mommy's favorite indulgence. Why do you have to look so cute, cheeks so soft and smell so good?



Tita Pia dropped by to visit. You looked like you had something else to do.




Mommy going wild in her iphone applications.




This is what I dubbed, I'm about to poop so give me my space phase :-D

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Location:Home

June 14, 2011

Born on June 14, 2011 (Tuesday), 7:32 am at Iloilo Doctor's Hospital. Welcome Danielle Beatrice!

What a ride we had together! But nothing can compare to the rush of finally being able to see and hold you. God outdid all my expectations!

Everyone thinks you look just like your daddy. I have to agree. My baby... Can't believe it...

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Standing up

I know it will still be a while since you will literally learn to "stand up" but the lesson I would like to share with you today is on a different kind altogether.

All my life, I had to stand up on more than one occasion. Stand up for what I knew was right. Even if it meant standing up to family members (as painful as it may be for them as it was for me), standing up to friends, to authorities (especially when I was in school). Its not easy. Especially if you stand alone. It will probably be one of the most difficult times of your life, for sure. I would gladly protect you from situations like these. But these are the moments that will stay with you or a lifetime. Will build character and faith. To enable you to dig deep into why its so important to be where you are, even when the people around you see things very deeply.

It can be family. It could be about theories and concepts. But the most important of all, is in the field of FAITH. With God, standing up for Him will always will be the most important decision you will ever make in your life. And trust me, there are no regrets.

If I had to do my life over, I wouldn't change a thing. As hard and heart-breaking as it has been, God is and always will be worth it. Sacrificing what matters to you most comes with the territory. But then again, the people and things that are worth it are worth fighting for, right?

At this very moment, I have to stand up once more. I know my place and this is for you, too, my dear. One day you will know the things that I am going through right now. But at this very moment, though I stand on my own where I am, there are people praying with and for me. So let us hold on to the faith that will always see us through. Let us not be afraid. Let us be bold and courageous, knowing that God stands up for us every single moment. So this is nothing compared to what He has to go through day in and day out.

The verse that came to me a few moments ago is this:
"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation." - Psalm 14:5

For those moments...

Look for the BEAR necessities

Only a few more weeks and counting! Needless to say it has not been an easy road for me and we are not through yet. God knows the things we have to face day in and day out. But we move on, knowing the prize is you.

To keep my mind of depressing matters at hand, I have found it absolutely freeing to decorate and start getting things together for your arrival.

The other day, we chanced upon a cabinet lining with teddy bears printed out. Eureka moment! Your Papa and I agreed on a teddy bear motiff! Attacked Toy Kingdom and Mandaue Foam for cute knick knacks. Loving every minute! Feels like its just you and me, Sweetie.











Still have a long way to go. Never was very good with decorating so I'm pretty haooy with how things look so far. Getting there is half the battle, right? Walls, sofa, carpet up next :-D

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One of those days

A few days ago, while driving to SM City to buy more stuff for you and your new room, I chanced upon something I never thought was possible. A straight rainbow. I guess you can't call it a rainBOW anymore but I can't describe it in any other way.

Life is like that in so many instances and ways. There will always be times wherein you just can't explain it, you just have to believe. Not everything is what it seems, you have to dig deep.

We can never control everything and anything all at once. It takes as much strength and courage to let go as it is to hold on sometimes.

An open mind is as powerful as any power on earth. But knowing when to speak your mind, makes it even more formidable. We come from a family with very strong opinions and we do like to put our point across more than we intend to sometimes. I guess, its just a lesson we need to learn. Know when to fight and where. Pick the battles that we know we can win and let the rest fall into place. But no matter what, in every little or big thing, no one can make it happen but God.

Our first trip away together

Well, technically :-)

God is so good! Was able to make it to your Tito Joey's wedding in Boracay and you gave me no problems at all, Sweetheart! I'm so proud of us! 5-6 hours by car (stopped in Roxas in between) then boat rides. We did it effortlessly. We make a good team, my baby! 35-36 weeks in, too!

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God's Cake

From an email sent by Tita Geline:

Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake."

"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers.
"Yuck" says her daughter.
"How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"
"Mom, those are all yucky!"

To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! "

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

If you like this, send this on to the people you really care about.


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Somethings getting in between me and work

Baby bump at 34 weeks and counting. I type, you shuffle.

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Happy Mother's Day to me!

I couldn't help but laugh at all the lovely people who greeted me last Sunday. Surreal for now, but the moment I have you in my arms its going to be so real. For now, just have your kicking to look forward to at different moments of the day.

So far, with only about 2 months to go, you sure know how to make your presence felt. Wonder how you will be like when you finally emerge and bloom into your own someday. One thing's for sure, you are definitely not going to be boring. You're keeping me on my toes each and every single day.

Mother's Day... Wow! Imagine that...

One thing that I do want to impart to you, which I was reminded of recently, was that I am definitely going to teach you to be thoughtful. Always be ready to do something for others. Even if it is just the smallest thing. People love to be remembered. Be a blessing. You would be surprised to learn what people actually remember. Its not about the costly gifts or all out extravaganzas. In the simple yet meaningful moments, always be aware and take them to heart. Be it for us, your parents, or to your future employees one day. It doesn't matter. People are people.

first time we played

I was all alone last night with your father all busy with the IKC judges here for the show this weekend.

I notice how you move so much especially during the evening. Right when I'm watching some tv with my feet raised.

You were moving a bit furiously last night, to my delight. I started pressing where I last felt you and to my surprise, I felt something small pushing back! It was too small to be an head or any other part of your body. So I did it again, and you pushed back for the second time!

You never cease to amaze me, sweetheart. Just what I needed at that very moment,too. It was like you were assuring me that everything will be all right.

A bit on the sweet side

I guess its time I accept the inevitable. I do have a diabetes problem. Honestly, I shed a tear or two last night. But it didn't last for too long. I guess I just wanted it out after talking to my brother.

What can we do but deal with it? Its in our genes, unfortunately. Mostly on my side. But millions of people go through this every day.

The lesson I did learn yesterday came to me during my quiet time. As I was praying, it just dawned on me... I knew it but it never really hit my reality as much as it did that very second. From now on, baby girl, everything I do, say and eat will affect you. I obviously am having you later than others. So therefore, I had more time to just deal with just myself. Believe me, that was a challenge enough for me.

But this is where it really came to me so honestly and firmly. I have to make a change for you. I can't let myself go unlike before. This isn't your fault and this is my consequence.

So for the next few months until you come, I have to be on my best behavior and remember that you come first now. That is reason in itself alone.

First Confession...

Mommy has a little confession to make. I haven't exactly been the best behaved mommy there was. As of yesterday I had my blood checked. A GCT test. Turned out my blood sugar is way over the top! Which really surprised me because I am not a big sugar hog to begin with. True I do appreciate a dessert or two these days but I've never been one to truly endulge.

So I told Dra. Abelita and she instructed me to take a OGTT test today. I didn't realize until later on that it involves taking my blood 4x! I am not the needles friend. AT ALL!

Sad to say my tests are not good. I am scheduled to go to Dr. Passaporte (an endocrinologist) tomorrow morning. In the afternoon I go back to Dra. Abelita.

I have studied on what could possibly be my case and at the this point, no matter how hard it will be, I have your health to think about now and not just my own.

Praying for the good Lord to continue being with me. This is His plan. I still consider myself very blessed compared to what other mothers have gone through. So I have no place to complain. I just pray for the courage and the patience.

Life will always be full of surprises at any curb.

Daddy's in charge

Guess who is all so excited to see you, too! You're dad talked with the carpenter today about your dressers (which he proudly boasts he designed himself). We also purchased your crib today and brought it home with us. Exciting to see things come into its place a bit at a time. With the way your dad thinks and works, its going be very well thought of. Hope you like it when you come home soon!

Simple moments, memories for a lifetime

This is probably the memory that will always come first in my mind when I think of your Lolo. This is how he has always been since I was a little girl. Lola loves to read and write so this is where I could easily find him and where he naturally spends most of his time.

But one thing I do appreciate, that I will always try to be with you, he always stopped and listened whenever I needed him. He would drop his book and shut his computer whenever I would ask him if we could talk.

There are times when I would have a bad dream or would have a problem. I would knock on his door even at 4am and he would patiently be there, listening. Although you could see how sleepy he still is. He would always be there. When I was younger, I would sleep next to him and that would bring me so much comfort to have him there. The next day I find out he moved to the sofa because I was crowding the bed. But he never complained or woke me.

In my later years, the last being about 2 years ago, I think, I still knocked and he would open and listen and talked.

These are the simple yet foundational moments of my life that I wanted to capture somehow. Sharing it with you with the hope and prayer that I can be the same to you as well.

1st step

I'm just so excited! Finally bought your first item of clothing. Its just one set though. Breaking into the mommy of a baby girl mode gently. Of course, its in YELLOW. Minimum amount of pink puuhhllleeeaaassseee :D I dunno. I'm weird with pink for so many reasons. Pastels will be our theme.

Marking this milestone! Hahaha! Will try to take a picture of the set when we get home later. For posterity. You're going to laugh with this post. I'm so shallow!

Smile Baby Girl!

March 5, 2011:
This is still a bit unbelievable. I guess the reality really hasn't entirely set in. But there you were right in front of us... And God's most precious gift wrapped in a little pink bow. Hello, baby girl...

With the help of modern technology, we got to see a glimpse of you again. This time, with more recognizable features and structures. You smiled at us twice. Felt like my heart was going to burst. I was holding back the tears when I saw your face. I think it was more like you were laughing than just a simple smile. Your mouth was open as though you knew that we were seeing you for the first time. To make it even more special, Dr. Palmares exclaimed, "Baw! Kabalo na sya mag pray!" (Wow! She already knows how to pray!). Sure enough, your hands were clasped together. I wanted to shout out, she got that from me! I couldn't ask for anything more. You gave me a whole new level of inspiration. In a time where faith and blessings are needed more than ever, you are God's message of hope and victory. I saw it boldly and clearly.

We have a lot to live for, baby. God is the first and most important lesson you will get to learn and live out. To see you "praying", you better get used to that position because that same position, with a real relationship with our Maker, will get you through the darkest and most trying times of your existence.

Your Lolo Pepot was the first one I called and, naturally, he cried. I guess he still had a lot of tears left over from the wedding after all. Lola Jane, Lola Remy, both so excited over you. I think their warming up their credit cards as we speak.

Almost 3 more months left. Then I get to hold and kiss you. I can hardly wait.

Someone's kicking

Funny how I thought it was just stomach gas I was feeling since last week. So that's how your kick feels like! For now, anyway. So far, its 11:32 am and you've kicked about 3x today and you seem to be getting the hang of it because you keep going for a while. Glad to see your so full of energy this early in journey together.

Was that you?

I'm not so so sure at the moment but I think I can finally feel you moving! Its happened a couple of times this weekend and you're doing it as we speak. I'm so excited!

Texted your Lolo Pepot and he says to give you a pat from him. You're going to have him wrapped around your little finger, for sure. He already bought a van just for you! Even your dad was so surprised!

3 lessons learned over Sunday Lunch

Wrote a similar entry in my other blog but this one is a bit different for you, Baby.

When Mama and Papa are old and gray, my prayer is I won't end up like the people we had lunch with last Sunday. Surely, you will meet a lot of these people in life. Some, sadly, will be part of your family. But know that we should always hold ourselves higher and never stoop to their level. Only learn from the positives and avoid the negatives.

1) You need to have patience especially when faced with people who do not know any better. Its irritating enough when someone knows so much about something and shows off. Its another to not know anything and still insist on your own opinion and idea. Always remember that there is always a story behind everything and control what you say and think it through. If you know its not going to change them, better let it be and pursue some peace and harmony instead.

2) Always be grateful under any circumstance. This is hard from time to time. Especially if you don't get things your way or the way you think is best. It happens. People are not as fortunate to know as you or just maybe you may have missed something and turn out to be the one in the wrong. Take a step back and as much as possible, look at everything with your glass half full. Life is full of sour pusses. We don't need another one in the mix.

3) To always treat people with consideration and respect. We are so blessed. Words fail to express how much God has given us. Our very presence in this earth is more than we can imagine. It could have easily been a world without you. With God's greatest sacrifice and the things that happen to us each day, really... How do we even find the time to grumble?

These are a few of the lessons I learned in just a short time. You will get mad, frustrated and you just want to vent out your thoughts and tell people otherwise. But that only goes to show that you do have the right perspective and try to be gentle and loving when showing or telling others. No one ever won anything through anger.

First post for 2011. The year you will be born. Amazing.