Six Months

Happy ½ birthday, my baby! I can’t believe it’s been half a year since you came and added so much color into our lives. :)

So, what’s up with you at 6 months?

• You already sleep through the night, like a full grown kid! You usually drift off before 10pm and wake up around 5 or 6am. Your dad and I are so lucky! Thank you for being so mabait, baby!

• Speaking of sleep, you are already very malikot in bed. If before you would greet the morning at the exact same spot where you dozed off the previous night, now is a very different story. I’d often awake in the middle of the night with your fat legs on my face; sometimes it’s your head on my tummy, or your face on the side of my pillow. There’s not one night that you do not invade my space or your dad’s. Hehe. Don’t worry baby, it’s far from being annoying. We find your kalikutan cute, actually. 

• You’re always drooling these days! It could be because you might be teething already. I’m not sure because I haven’t seen tooth buds coming out yet. You’ve also invented games with your mouth. Sometimes you do the “motorboat” with a “duck face” to match, other times you seem to be sucking your lower lip (as if it releases milk), and every so often you look as if you’re kissing the air with a matunog na matunog na smack sound. Lately, I always stick my tongue out when we’re playing to see if you will imitate. So far, you haven’t. Maybe that’s next on your list. :)

• You’ve met Barney and Elmo and you love them! When the TV is on and either one is there, you are immediately hooked you don’t even blink. Your dad and I would do silly things for you to notice us, but you don’t, not even one glance!

• You can almost crawl! I say 'almost' because what you do is actually wriggling and squirming to get from one spot to another, like a worm. :) So yes, you can "uod-crawl" already. :)

• You used to be at peace with anyone holding you, but not anymore.  You now have what they call  'stranger anxiety.'  In Tagalog, nangingilala ka na.  You would look at unfamiliar people's faces with your brows arched and you'd cry, and those include your lolos and lolas. Oh well, this phase will pass. I've read that stranger anxiety can actually be a sign of healthy emotional development and attachment, it only means that you now understand the difference between us (or your yaya) and strangers, and you prefer us. I just hope this phase won't last too long because your grandparents long to hold you, too. :)

Yaaaay, there are so many new things about our darling baby at 6 months! Now I have to really prepare already because before I know it, you'll already be a year old! Whoooa, ang bilis bilis bilis!  

Your lovely and yummy birthday cake! :)

You're occupying more and more squares in that bed sheet, baby! :)

Happy mommy,

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,