A Poem for Tala

A little something that I wrote for my jelly bean's first birthday. So thankful that she came into my life. I'm becoming a better person because of her.

TALA

Today you turn one

You’re beautiful, happy, healthy

All the things we pray for you to be

You amaze us with your smarts

You’re quick and sharp

I wonder where you get that

From Nanay perhaps? :)

Yes you can be stubborn

And feisty as hell

You never wanna go to bed early

What is up with that

And sometimes you’re snobby

You never want your hand touched

Not by anybody, not even by us

But that’s very seldom

For the most part you’re real sweet

You melt our hearts each time

You press your lips to ours

And when you laugh

Your sweet glorious laugh

It’s like the angels are singing

And the world is all good

You erase all our fears

All our worries

All our doubts

Only love and happiness

Reign in our hearts

Today you turn one

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY, DEAREST CHIBI

May you always know you are loved

Since before we even met you

And now and forever

To the moon and back.

The One About Family Reunions

Hubby's family holds a reunion every two years at a campsite here in Texas. It's always a lot of fun. There's plenty of Mexican food, dancing, drinking, singing, and non-stop chatter. Each family stays in a cabin with bunk beds and some in their RVs. This is the second time that I attended and just like the first time, I had a blast. We stayed in the same cabin we where at two years ago. This time we had an addition, our one-year old Tala. We had two kids and four toddlers in our cabin so it was absolutely crazy. Tala was so happy playing with her cousins. It's amazing how her face lights up whenever there are babies/kids around.

Even though it was scorching hot, we managed to enjoy a dip in the lake. Hubby's cousin brought a pedal boat so that was pretty cool. Because of that boat, we are thinking of getting a truck. Which will come in handy for various reasons. Plus we always borrow my sister-in-law's truck so maybe it's time to invest in one. Hubby and I are already dreaming of the many adventures we'll have with a truck. Maybe if we get lucky, we'll find that one property near a lake. Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself. It's always good to dream though. You never know. Remind me to buy lotto tickets. :-)

I'm lucky that hubby's family is close-knit. It's so much like mine. It really helps especially since I'm oceans away from my parents and siblings. Which reminds me, if we get to go home in the Philippines this December, I have a lot of organizing to do. I wanna see everyone. You don't realize the value of family until you can't see them regularly anymore. Good thing there's always family reunions to look forward to.

Some photos from the 2012 Laing Family Reunion:

 my little family

happy mom

Big Grandma, Vince and Tala

 Tala's big cousins

cuties!

it's a small small world

Big Grandma's family

Cuteness overload!

my little mermaid

water freaks :)

adorable cousins

enjoying the summer despite the heat

Little Jelly Bean's First Birthday

Tala's first birthday party was short and sweet. She was feeling a little sick so she barely smiled, poor thing. I think the only fun part for her was when she smashed her cake. She looked so cute in her tutu with matching ballet shoes. I need to take her to a studio so she can have professional pictures wearing the tutu.

I can't believe she's already a year old. It seems like only yesterday when she looked like an alien! A very cute little alien. Now she's all over the house walking. Or climbing the stairs. Or making strange little sounds. She even hums. I think my baby's gonna be a singer. Or at least someone who loves to sing, like her Nanay.

Here are some pictures from her party.