Five Months

It’s been 5 months today since I gave birth to our beautiful firstborn. Happy 5th month, our darling baby Lia! More and more, you are discovering things about you and around you. Your daddy and I always find ourselves watching you with wonder and delight as you grow day by day.

• You’ve already discovered what your two hands can do. You grab whatever is within your reach --- my hair, your daddy’s face, the corners of your pillow, the burp cloths on our shoulders, your toys. Not only that, these things always find their way to your mouth. Hehe. Lahat ng pwedeng isubo, isusubo. Could you be teething? I am not sure. Either you are or you’re on your way there. Good thing there’s Sophie and Wally to satisfy your constant need to nibble. :)

Biting off Sophie's head =D

Wrestling Wally the Worm =D

• It seems like you are a morning person, just like me and your dad. I always look forward to watching you wake up each morning because your “routine” never fails – after you stretch your arms up, you’d slowly open your eyes, look at me and/or daddy, and you’d smile your huge toothless grin. This happens every morning and it sends me to seventh heaven each time. It’s lovely seeing and feeling your happiness as you gaze at us the moment you open your eyes. You’re so sweet, baby. :)

Our princess' sweet, sweet smile. :)

• You’re at your most malikot these days. You’re always wriggling, whether in bed or on your daddy’s legs. The video below is one proof. Ang cute-cuuuute! =D

• You already eat solid food! Yaaay! The first time you did was on August 16, and you didn’t like it at first. Hehe. Will write a separate post on this! 

Your first solid meal :)

• You rarely sleep on your back anymore. You’re always either on your side or on your tummy. That’s why every time I would wake up in the middle of the night, I’d fix you so you could get back on your back. But just the same, we would wake up in the morning finding you lying on your side or on your tummy. Haaay. Hehe. =D

ZzzZZZzz.... 

People say one isn't wealthy until s/he has something money can't buy. Well, your dad and I have YOU, and that makes us extremely wealthy. :) Thank you for giving us immense joy every day, our baby.  Our hearts have never been this FULL, and it's all because of you.  We love you! Happy 5! :)

Your diaper pose at 5 months :)

Cheers,

Dreams ❤️

I’ve always loved dreaming. When I was young, I used to picture myself driving my own wheels and I would often tell my parents that image in my head. At 22, that dream came true when I purchased a brand new car. As a small girl, I also imagined having my own happy family someday. At 27, I became a wife to Rolly and at 29, a mommy to Lia. I have lots and lots of other dreams, big and small; many have already become a reality while others are on their way there. :) 

I found this Jewish proverb online and I couldn’t agree more. It is my belief that it is God who plants dreams in our hearts, and it is also Him who makes these happen. That is why when I have dreams, I nurture them with fervent prayers. Every time I pray for each one, I feel like I am getting closer and closer to achieving it. :)

My husband and I have shared dreams as a couple and as a family. Last year, our #DreamNumber1 was granted, and very recently, part of #DreamNumber2 has come true. Sometimes God surprises us with how quickly He answers our prayers! Hopefully, #DreamNumber2’s completion will happen in the next 3-5 years. Haaaay, we are super excited! :)

I just want to share this prayer before I end. It’s Bo Sanchez’s novena to God’s love which Rolly and I pray every day. The novena booklet holds the dreams we claim in Jesus’ name. 

Inside it is “God’s Message” for me, and it says:

Dear Joyce,

I believe in you. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have made you into such an amazing and wonderful person. I believe in you so much, I planted dreams in your heart. Dreams that will bless you and bless the world. Dreams that will make you grow in love and will mature in your soul. Yes, I will use you to share My light and love to many.

So believe in yourself. Even when you fail. Never give up on yourself. Failure is an important part of your success. Look around and you’ll discover that the most successful people are those who have failed the most. Trust in Me. I trust in you!

Know the difference between paths and purpose. Even if your chosen path fails, never give up on your sacred purpose. When you write your dreams, include the details that you desire. Your imagination will inspire you. But don’t be attached to the details. Surrender to my surprises and open yourself to My abundance. For I have the best blessings and the perfect miracles for you, far better than what you can think of or imagine.

Nourish your soul in My Love and My Word. Nourish your soul with other like-minded dreamers who have fire in their hearts. 

Now go, My child, and share My love and light to all those around you.

Always remember that I believe in you.

Cheering you on,

GOD

Who wouldn’t be inspired if you know the Big Man up there is rooting for you, right? I have Him and an entire army of angels cheering me on! I’m sure God has planted dreams in your heart, too. Take notice of them and know that He will equip you with tools in order to achieve them. Just water the seeds with prayers. Before you know it, the field is already ready for harvest. ;)

Cheers,

Pretty in Pink ❤️

Sharing some photos of our baby girl shot at Baby Shower Studio almost two months ago.  I'm posting this late, obviously. =D She was only two and a half months old here.

Gigil akoooooo!!! =D

Proud mommy,

Four Months

Happy 4th month, my baby Lia! ❤️

Oh wow, how time flies! I guess I'll be saying this line over and over and over for the next several months and years. You my darling are becoming more and more like a little person of your own, with a personality and attitude that really belong to you alone. Your daddy and I are in constant awe at how well you are growing; you will always be a testament of God's power and grace in our lives.

So, how's our baby doll at 4 months?

It is with bliss that I tell the world again how happy a baby you are. Yours is a smiling face, making you giggle is a piece of cake. You are not picky with people yet, you readily beam at anyone who pays you attention. You're a real ray of sunshine, my love.

Last month, you already knew how to roll to your side, but now at 4 months, you're already a ‘rolling over expert’ (the first time you ever rolled over was on July 17). Every time we put you down on the bed, you are sure to turn over a few seconds later. Sometimes I even wake up in the middle of the night and see you sleeping on your tummy and that means you’ve rolled over while we’re fast asleep! Eeeep! You scare us sometimes, baby! 

These days, you’re loving tummy time! Because your shoulder and back muscles are much stronger now, you can already do mini-pushups. Your tiny hands have also found their way to your mouth! You sometimes stick them far down that you start to gag and spit up. Your dad and I always try to take them off because they get wet, but your fingers still always end up back in your mouth. Hay naku. One time I even shot a photo of you thumbsucking and posted in on Facebook just because it’s too cute, but I ended up getting a private message from your pedia saying we shouldn’t encourage it. Hehe. Lagot. =P

Hmm, what else? You find joy in seeing yourself in the mirror. When we're in front of the dresser, at first your eyes would wander, then they would lock into your reflection, and you'd laugh. Hehe. Then you would look at other objects again, then the mirror, and then you'd laugh again. I feel super happy whenever I hear your laughter, baby. Your voice is music to my ears. 

Last but not the least, there’s “no more tears” for you during bath time, finally! You’ve already overcome your ‘fear’ of getting your head wet. Now giving you a bath is easy peasy and super fun. Keep it up, baby! 

That’s it for now! We eagerly await more of your milestones as we head on towards your 5th month. :) Happy 4 again, baby! We love you!

Cheers,