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!

Hello 2012, So Long 2011

Only twelve hours left until the new year. I'm sitting here on the floor playing with my little Tala while DH is out buying baby water. I spent the first half of 2011 being pregnant, and the second half nurturing my baby. I couldn't have asked for a better year. I've always dreamed of being a mom and now I'm living the dream. DH is a wonderful wonderful Dad. My heart is full.

From my home to yours, a very Happy New Year! May 2012 bring with it the blessings of good health, joy, peace and love for all of us. Cheers!

Christmas Wishlist

I'm starting my gift shopping tonight. I already now what to get for my loved ones so it shouldn't be time-consuming. I can't wait to wrap the gifts so I can already put them under my tree.

Now on to what I really wanna write about. MATERIAL THINGS. Teehee. I have stuff that I wish I can get for Christmas. It doesn't matter that I'm in my thirties and don't exacly have a Santa who would cater to my wishes. It's just fun to wish. I don't necessarily have to have these things. I'm happy if I can get a book or two.

So here it goes. My top ten wishes for Christmas:

1. Mac Lipstick in Ruby Woo. I have one red lipstick and unfortunately, it's not the right shade. I have yet to find the perfect red shade for me and this might be it.

2. Nars Blush Orgasm. I rarely use blush. I'm pretty sure this would make me remember to prettify my cheeks.

3. Shue Uemura Eyelash Curler. Now most stylists attest to the awesomeness of this curlash. Who wouldn't want a perfectly curled lashes?

4. Classic Ipod. My music is in my laptop and my old iphone. Since I'm doing gazillion stuff with both gadgets, I need a digital space exclusively for my music. I don't want an iTouch since it does gazillion things too.

5. Moleskine cover with LED light for my Kindle. So I can read at night without turning on the lamp. The last thing I want is to wake up the baby. I don't have enough time to read as it is.

6. Brown Boots with Wedge Heels. I have black flat boots which is perfect for a mom like me, but I could use something with heels. It's been forever since I used heels so wedge is preferable. I don't wanna trip while carrying my precious baby. Que horror.

7. iPhone 4S. I gave up my iPhone 3g when I moved from AT&T to Sprint to save on bills. Big freaking mistake. Not only am I stuck with a fugly and problematic LG phone, my bill is in the same range. FML. At least I still get to play with my old iPhone provided there's wifi.

8. Burberry Perfume. I gave up perfumes two years ago and lived on colognes. Now I'm ready for some new scent.

9. Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote Bag in Bilberry.  I need a bag that will fit my baby's things and mine. I hate diaper bags. This, I can use. It can also double-duty as travel bag since we're homeward-bound in February. Crossed fingers.

10. Toms shoes in gray. Perfect for walking and running errands.

Wow. I can't believe how fast I made this list. I could even go up to twenty. Ha! So therapeutic. I suggest you make your own list too just for kicks. :-)

Uno, Dos, Tres!

Three years ago today, DH and I got married in church. It was a beautiful wedding held in a resort in Subic Bay, Philippines. We chose Subic Bay because it was where we met for the first time. I initially did not want a church wedding since we were already married in civil rites in Japan, but I'm glad we went ahead with it. There's nothing like being surrounded by your family and closest friends on the most special day of your life.

It's 20 Days 'Til Christmas!

The days are going by so fast. I have yet to buy presents. At least DH and I have put up the tree already and decorated the fireplace mantel. All that's lacking are the presents under the tree. Oh and stocking stuffers.

Tala is growing by leaps and bounds. Yesterday, she finally took to the bottle. I've been exclusively breastfeeding her for the last 4.5 months. For a month now, we've been slowly and unsuccessfully teaching her how to feed from the bottle and presto, she finally did it yesterday. Hopefully, I will have enough milk to express so she wouldn't have to drink a lot of formula.

Also, she's been rolling over a lot more these days. We don't have to coax her anymore. She gets so giddy looking at the world from a different angle. I remember how she would always want to be held and now, she's getting more independent. It's totally bittersweet. I miss my newborn baby. 

Here she is at four months looking so happy and healthy. What more could a mom want?

I'm Back

It feels like forever since I've been here. So much has happened. My little jelly bean is now almost four months old. Being a mom is so much more than I ever imagined it to be. I feel like I'm being stretched a little bit every single day to become this person who's equipped enough to raise, nourish and love my little one.

As cliche as it sounds, I've never been happier!

Tala's birthday

I'll do my best to update this blog. I have so much to share, starting with Tala's birth story. Here's to life, love and all the delightful things they bring!