Tala's First Easter

Vince's family decided to hold an Easter celebration at his grandmother's place. He said they haven't done this since they were kids. It was a good call as the kids had a lot of space to run around and play. Perfect for Tala too since this was her very first egg hunting experience. I think Vince and I had more fun than her, though. Lol. At nine months, I don't think she really cared for any egg hunt.

The kids were so cute. They had fun searching for eggs scattered all around the property; some having $5 inside courtesy of grandma. Tala has a lot of cousins close to her age; the main reason why we don't wanna move out of San Antonio. It would be great if she would get to grow up with her cousins like Vince and I did.

Here are some photos:

A Beautiful Wedding

Yesterday was a breather from recent unhappy personal circumstances. DH's cousin got married in civil rites on a sunny and beautiful day. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. The wee one had a lot of fun being outdoors and interacting with family and friends. The bride and groom looked so happy and radiant. Their little girl looked so cute in her pastel pink dress with matching pink shoes.

I loved what the bride wore. It was a dress with a corset-like top and flowy skirt that was above the knees in front and longer at the back. The groom looked dapper too in his suit. I love going to weddings. Call me a hopeless romantic, but seeing two people make a vow to love each other for the rest of their lives just makes me have more faith in the world.

There is so much out there that could turn anyone into a cynic, but weddings always give me hope. I suppose it's the promise of forever that does me in. I hope I get to attend more weddings this year. :)

Goodbye, Our Beloved Pop

It's been a crazy couple of months. DH lost his dad yesterday due to diabetes complications. It all happened so fast. We knew he was sick, just not that sick. Our only consolation was that we were given a little time to come to terms with the inevitable. More importantly, his dad had the opportunity to accept everything.

It's amazing how gracious he was, how full of humor and silliness amidst his pain. And Tala. Tala was the light of his life. How he loved his little princess. He would play and pretend  to fight with her every time we were at the hospital to see him. He was so brave. The only time that he broke down was when he told her he was sorry he was not gonna see her grow up.

He was so thankful to Vince. I'm really grateful that they had these last three years to be with each other, and bond as only a father and son can. We didn't see it at the time, but perhaps the reason why Vince chose San Antonio to be his last station was because of this. So that he and his Dad can enjoy each other which they absolutely did up to the very end. Two playful and silly men who loved making fun of each other.

Rest in peace, Dad. May the angels take you to the heavens where pain is no more; where only love and happiness reign. I will take care of your boy and little princess. And all of your future grandchildren. We're already working on another one . :-)

Family Valentine Dinner

Our first Valentine's Day date as a family, in pictures:

 DH with the wee one

 surprisingly delicious sushi from our neck of the woods

 Tala biting her Lego

 my first time to try mochi ice cream, i like!

 first Valentine picture with our little cupid

Home Sweet Home

Here, There, and Everywhere

In eleven days, Tala will be seven months. She's currently into rolling over our living room floor ad infinitum. We had to put our coffee table in the garage so she can have more space. She's quite the little explorer already; what more when she learns to crawl? Uh oh.

This was taken yesterday. So darn cute.

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