Ready to be Me

This excerpt from the book Bright Lights, Big City by Jay McInerney sums up how I feel sometimes:

"You tried to tell her, as well as you could, what it was like being you. You described the feelings you'd always had of being misplaced, of always standing to one side of yourself in the world even as you were being in the world, and wondering if this was how everyone felt."

Being in my mid-thirties, you'd think I would have figured out what direction my life is gonna take. But no. It's still an ongoing process. I'm still a work in progress. But aren't we all? Haven't all of us, at one time or another, diverted from our original route, whether by accident or intention?

To this day, I am nowhere near where I want to be. I am so far removed from where my passion lies. Always in doubt, always afraid. I am summoning the courage to finally break free from my invisible chains. It's hard, but I'll be damned if I will let it stop me from being who I really am.

I'm done with excuses. I'm ready to shine.

My Tiny Tala

DH and I took Tala to her six-month wellness check up. She wasn't too thrilled about her vaccinations, but thankfully she only cried a little. Like all of thirty seconds. I think my baby has more tolerance for pain than I do. She's at the 25th percentile: weighs 14 pounds 12 ounces and measures 25 inches. Yup, petite like her Nanay. I could only wish she would be taller than me at 5'1."

It's not really important though. Like any parent, my prayer is that she grows up to be a healthy, happy and well-rounded individual. Also throw in smart, charming and gorgeous.

Of course, we took pictures to document the event. ;p

 with her super nice Pediatrician

 with adorable Dino

so cute in green with Dada

First Birthday Party For 2012

We attended our first birthday party for the year last weekend. Of course, Tala had loads of fun. She's such a social butterfly; so open and warm. Even with strangers. In six more months, we'll be planning her first birthday party. I can't wait!

Here are some pics:

with our cute little gnome 

looking like a big girl already

like my style? ;p

such a happy baby

Six Month-Old Tala

My jelly bean turned six months old today. Time flew so fast, and the next thing I know she's not so little anymore. Where did my newborn go?

She walks so fast on her walker like it's nobody's business. I can actually leave her on her own without her noticing 'coz she's busy playing. When I read to her, she couldn't take her eyes off the pictures. She loves to grab the book so she can chew on the edges. When I sing, she focuses on my lips, like she wants to make out the words so she can sing along with me. She loves to wiggle, she loves to bite, she loves to be around people.

And when she plays with her Dad, it just melts my heart. It's amazing to watch them bond like only a father and a daughter can. I've never seen two people more in love with each other.

I may not have the most beautiful house, I may not have a fancy car, I may not have a huge bank account, but I have everything I could ever need.

Cleaning the Clutter

Looks like I'm spending the first few weeks of January decluttering. I've already taken down our Christmas tree; stored away all the ornaments and what nots. Next, I'm going to tackle the garage which serves as our laundry room/store room. I have to decide which stuff to keep, throw away, and donate. Same thing goes for our closets.

Also, I'm gathering all of Tala's videos from the time that she was born in one folder. I have already uploaded all of the videos from my phone and DH's to this computer. The ones from the camera, too. I'm planning to upload my favorite videos to YouTube so that my family in the Philippines can watch them and see Tala's progression.

She's turning 6 months on the 14th. I can hardly believe it. I miss my newborn. But first, I have to check whether YouTube has a privacy option. I don't want my baby's videos to be available for all the world to see. Better yet, I have to research if there's a better option coz I really don't have a clue.

I also have a ban on buying anything for the house other than food. We're moving out on or before end of April and until I see the house we're transferring to, it doesn't make sense to purchase anything that might not be needed in the new house. Besides, packing's a bitch. I don't need any more junk. And unlike our move from Japan to Texas back in 2008 where we hired super quick and efficient movers, we're doing everything on our own this time. 

In other news, DH is on terminal leave. He'll be officially retired from the navy come March 31st. 2012 is indeed a new start for our family. DH is looking for a new job. I'm going back to school once we get settled in our new place. So much to look forward to this year. The more reason to clean, clean, clean and start fresh.

Here's us on Christmas Eve. Our jellybean is growing and looking so cute in red. Life is good!