live, love and be grateful!: 2013

When the Lord writes your birth plan

Towards the last trimester of my pregnancy, I have read that it is essential for me to write my own birth plan that I could discuss with my OB. Contrary to planning for an event, writing a birth plan is definitely a technical task for me since I really don't have a medical background. But according to BabyCenter.com, although I can't control every aspect of my labor and delivery, writing a birth plan is more like writing a wishlist on how you want your baby's birthday to be handled. Since I was having a pretty cool pregnancy, yet low pain tolerance, my delivery wishes are clear: Normal Delivery with the use of Epidural for pain management, and more importantly, I want to be awake when my little one comes out. I have discussed these things with my OB and I'm glad she supported it. She wrote these carefully into my admitting order slip, in case I need to take that trip to the ER.

On Tuesday, December 3, although I was not having regular contractions, I had this feeling that Matt will come out anytime real soon, so I made sure my hospital bags are all set. True enough, when I woke up from an afternoon nap that day, I had this feeling that my water bag might have ruptured already. I waited for about 2 hours to see if the leaking persists, and it did! Finally at 5:00 PM, I informed Papa and Lloyd that I want to be brought to the hospital. In case this is false alarm, at least I won't have any regret.

We arrived at the Emergency Room of Marian Hospital at around 6:15 PM. After informing the nurses and resident doctor on duty about my situation, an internal exam was done and I was just at 1cm dilation. The doctor-on-duty called on my OB, and my OB instructed that I should be admitted right then! My labor would have to be induced since Matt would have to be delivered within the next 12 hours, or before I run out of amniotic fluid. If induction would give good results, we could go ahead with my birth plan. Otherwise, I'd have to give birth under Ceasarian Section. Oh, big word!

After accomplishing the hospital papers, I was brought to the Labor Room to start the process. They hooked up a Fetal Heart Rate monitor on my tummy to monitor the contractions and baby's heart rate. My stay at the Labor room were the longest and most painful hours I'd have to wait. That was also the time I prayed the hardest. I'm thankful that most of the nurses who assisted me were Singles For Christ members, I know that I am assisted with utmost care and concern. Jeff, one of the nurses, even joked "pray-over na ba natin si Ate Mei?" hehe. I'm also glad they allowed Lloyd, Mama and Nanay Mila to come inside the labor room to have a few minutes with me. Their words of encouragement were the things I needed first.

At around past 10 PM, one of the nurses injected a pain reliever into the dextrose, and informed me that I will be dizzy with that. And I did! Since then, I have been asleep until Matt came out, except for several times they woke me up.

Around 12:00 MN, Dra Altea, my OB, woke me up. Lloyd was also there. She informed me that I finally have to go CS, since my labor has not improved for the past 4 hours. After inducing me with oxytocin since 8pm, I'm still at 2-3cm dilation. They have also detected that Matt's heart rate has gone irregular, that he may be distressed, and that we wouldn't want this to persist. Since Lloyd was already informed and has agreed, I put my trust on my doctor.

They woke me up again to let me know they are about to start the operation. I was brought to the Operating room. I checked the wall clock in the room, it was 1:00 AM. The anesthesiologist introduced himself, discussed with me the process, and gave me instructions. They then had me lie down on my left side so they could inject epidural. I'm very, very thankful that Lyeo, Lloyd's brother was there the entire time (and yes, with complete documentation of the event, video included). He held my hand while I was enduring pain, and that helped me a lot! After the anesthesia thing, I was down and asleep again. The next thing I knew, my little prince charming is already beside me! He's out at 2:30 AM of December 4, 2013.

Out! time check: 2:30!

first kiss!

Things may have not turned out the way they were planned, but I know that it is the Lord who moved entirely. I'm grateful that He blessed the medical staff with wisdom to carry out everything successfully. The umbilical cord was coiled into his neck twice, thus causing him the distress while I was in labor. What's more, I was already out of the hospital when I learned that Matt pooped right after he was brought out of my tummy. Could we have been a little late, Matt may have eaten that dirt and may have caused serious infection. We're blessed that he was allowed to be roomed-in a few hours after delivery, and that we were discharged 3 days after.

What am I most thankful for? I couldn't thank the Lord enough for Matt's good health. We now have the results of his newborn screening, and everything's A-OK! He is getting stronger every single day, and I just looove every second of being with him.

My new boss!

34 weeks down...

Wow baby, we're now on our 34th week together in my tummy! How are you doing there? I bet you're having a good time inside mommy's belly, with all the kicks and jabs you give me every time I eat and laugh, or even when I sleep. I'm sure you're excited to come out and see the world. We're super excited to see you, too! Daddy's preparing our room now, and your Lola Mila has already washed your clothes. Your Lola Amy and I have already shopped some of your stuffs, but Daddy and I will also shop for some more this weekend. :)

It's been about 8 months when I've stopped drinking coffee and softdrinks. It was tough at first, since coffee is my fuel, and Mountain Dew is my energizer when I didn't have enough sleep. I have somehow forgotten how they tasted, but their aroma is enough. I can get rid of all these caffeinated and carbonated beverages if it's for you, little boy.

A friend added me in a Facebook group called "Breastfeeding Pinays" and so far I am getting more and more excited to carry you in my bosom as I feed you with my most precious milk. I have been learning a lot from that group and I hope we'll also experience the immeasurable joy of breastfeeding.

We got just a few weeks to go, son. Maybe 6 more weeks, but if you're ready enough, we may see each other in a month's time. Or even less. Oh the thought gives me chills!

Thank you, darling, for being such a good boy to mommy. My friend's say that I am lucky with my pregnancy that I never get to experience morning sickness and illnesses. All our tests and vital signs were A-OK and I give credits to your daddy for taking good care of us. I'm sure you'll always be a good boy like your daddy and titos and lolos and Kuya Miggy and Kuya Amiel. We'll go to church together and I'll teach you to be a rockstar and Daddy will let you play with his lens so you can also be a good photographer like him. :)

Most of all, we'll pray together. Before Daddy and I got married, we were taught to build a church. And you, our most precious gift, are our Church. I know you will grow up to be a responsible Christian, with all the guidance of your lolos and lolas.

I could go on and on with the words I want to tell you. This is how excited I am. I thank the Lord for blessing us with you, our Matt Daniel. ♥

The Big Day will soon be here!

The third trimester page from my Anmum mother's book

Hello 3rd trimester! I'm down to my last 3 months of this joyful journey and will soon unfold the Lord's wonderful gift for me, my husband and our family.

My baby boy has been moving A LOT, which I am really happy about, though it could be painful at the same time. But hey, these pains are worth enduring as long as I know baby's alive and kickin' (well yeah, literally) down there in my tummy. My feet are now growing bigger, a state which books call "edema", or "manas" in Filipino layman's term. But yesterday, I just saw my OB for my monthly check-up, and she confirmed that everything's normal with my BP, weight gain and lab tests. Baby and I are healthy and I got a "very good" thumbs up from Doc. Weeee.

I know that the next 11 weeks, or could be less, will be crazier and busier too. We got a few weeks to prepare the nursery and the baby stuffs (I'm thankful I can have some of my nephew Amiel's stuffs). And I still have to prepare my endorsements at work before my much awaited two-month leave. And I bet there'll be a looot of baby kicks and jabs along the way.

But all in all, I'm joyful. I have never been this joyful my entire life. My officemate once commented "I'm sure you'll have a happy baby. Ibang iba yung tawa mo ngayon eh. buong-buo!". I'm thankful that my husband has played a big part in making my pregnancy a happy stage (for those who know how a comedian he is, you know what I mean). I'm sure he'll be a good dad, too.

And as an advanced birthday gift to my baby's dad, my husband (it's his birthday tomorrow), thank you for taking care of me throughout this journey. I appreciate you coming me with on my monthly check-ups, and even giving me a foot massage after long walks. Thank you for preparing me healthy meals, and for bringing home my favorite Jollibee spaghetti when I craved for it. I may not have a birthday gift for you, but here, in my tummy, is the best gift we have received. Are you ready to share more sleepless nights with me? Let's do this!

So, what shall we name you, little boy? It's a secret for now, as we're still praying for it. More important than your name, I pray that everything will be healthy and normal for both of us, dear. In Jesus' Name, I claim things will be OK.

Oh, Boy!

While in the Ultrasound room,

Doc: Ano po ba gusto nila?

Me: Girl po.

(The doc gave me a sheepish smile)

Me: Syempre gusto ng husband ko, boy.

Doc (in a very calm tone): Ahhh. Boy po ah.

The bottom left pic shows the "pututoy ni baby boy" :)

I was all smiles while looking at the ultrasound monitor, seeing his head, his tiny heart beating like crazy, and most of all, his "pututoy." :) I wanted to touch him, but that would just have to wait. Although I wanted a girl, I'm blessed to have a boy as my eldest. I believed that's just ideal. Ahh, my joy just can't be contained. :) :) :)

Hello, utoy! You are mom and dad's joy and love. Can't wait to see you on December!

Patiently waiting....

"Utoy ka ba o Ineng?!"

I keep asking this question whenever I rub my tummy. And everyone asks the same, too. Officemates, friends, my in-laws, almost everyone I bump into, would ask me, "alam mo na 'yung gender?!"

I'm now on my 22nd week, and during my check-up two weeks ago, my OB said I can actually have my ultrasound already. But just to be sure, we should wait until my next check-up, when I'm on my 6th month mark. Ang tagal naman!!!

There are just a lot of things I want to start doing now, but I just can't since we don't know the gender yet. I want to plan how our room will look like, to shop for baby stuffs, and of course, to give him/her a name! For now, we just call him/her, "Baby", or "Utoy" or "ineng", but wouldn't it be nice to finally call him/her with a name he'll/she'll live with forever?

But I guess, this goes with the joy of pregnancy. You patiently wait and wait, for weeks and for months. You prepare yourself, and your baby, to be healthy and normal. This is by far the most joyful anticipation I've ever had. Each day, I would wake up to baby's kicking and movements, and I just couldn't help but smile (kahit na nagigising ako in the wee hours of the night due to baby's kicks). Isn't it amazing how a miracle is actually happening inside your body?

People say, mas blooming ako ngayon, so baka daw lalaki. Others say that it might be a girl kasi hindi ako manas. I wanted to believe them (I want a girl, by the way. and Lloyd wants a boy), but I didn't want to expect too much too. I'd always say, "kahit ano po Lord, basta normal."

For now, I get myself busy with reading pregnancy and birth stories. I have also installed pregnancy apps in Lloyd's mobile phone, so we both know how we are progressing (I also let him read the daily updates so he's informed). Nakakakaba pala magbuntis and nakakatakot especially when thinking about giving birth, but I know that something really really beautiful is coming our way in a few months time. We just have to take utmost care, be joyful and prayerful, and be patient, and be patient, and lastly, be patient. :)

Will you be a makulit na bugoy? Or a kikay na prinsesa? Kahit ano baby, kasi love na love ka namin ni daddy. :)

So here's my baby bump pic on my 20th week. boink! :)

Mom's artistic touch

Alright, I know this is a super duper late post. The wedding was over for almost a month now, but I still have the hangovers. As promised, I will post here the DIY projects my mom did for the wedding. Yes, my mom did all of them, and I couldn't be prouder!

Mom's masterpiece: the Rosary Cord. We can actually buy our own rosary cord, but mom, out of love, opted to do this for us. She also does rosaries, even by bulks. hehe. :)

For the giveaways, we bought these cute memo-holders from Divisoria at 10 Php/piece, and mom styled all of them, about 220 pieces in total, and made them even cuter.

We scouted Divisoria for cute headbands for my flower girls, but the cheapest we found was Php80 a piece, that is, if they were bought in wholesale (at least 10pcs). Since we only needed 4pcs, we found these big flowers at Php 30/pc, and the white headbands at Php25/pack (12pcs/pack), and mom turned them into these cute headbands, just the way I wanted 'em!

One of the first things I really wanted for the wedding would be this boutonnieres for the male members of the entourage. For me, they are long-lasting because they do not wilt, and hassle-free. Most of all, they're cute and trendy.

We really wanted to personalize almost everything, even the table numbers, so I printed out some pictures from our pre-nup shoot and mom put them into a stick and some colored board so they can be easily put into each table's centerpiece. The groom/bride labels were used for the game during the reception, which eventually became a good prop for the photobooth. :)

These ribbon wands were last-minute additions to mama's projects. We had each member of our entourage hold each piece to welcome us during the reception's opening number. They're super cute and full of joy and celebration. :)

Two thumbs up for my mom, yes?! :)

And by the way, she's also a techie-mom! She's on Facebook, so if you got orders or just need her ideas, message/add her up here!

The Superwoman and I!

it's a bright, bright sunshiny daaayy!!!

I woke up from a barely two-hour sleep, then looked at the hotel window. Gosh. It's cloudy outside! My first dilemma for the day was, "Lord, I'm getting married today! Please do not let it rain!"

And yes, I'm getting married today. The things we have planned for a few months ago will finally come true today. And most of all, the dream Lloyd and I have been waiting for since we committed to love each other will finally happen. "Today is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad." (Psalms 118:24)

As I was being made up by my stylist Anchie (she was also my former supervisor, btw), anxieties kept coming in. I'm still not yet done with the table assignments. Last minute changes. Where are all the stuffs for reception again? And the rain! Oh the rain! It's raining on my wedding day! Mars, my maid-of-honor, assured me that the rain is a sign of blessing, that we'll be blessed in our marriage life, and that the rain will end at 1:30 PM (yes may deadline sya!). So to cast out my jitters I just sang with all my heart (while I was being made up and photographers busy taking photos of me), "I can see clearly now the rain is gone...lalalalala.... It's gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny daaaay!!!!"

A few minutes before 2pm, Lloyd called me to tell me they will check-out and will head to the church. at 2pm, the photographers and I went to the hotel lobby for some more pictorials. And it is still raining! Since I was young, I remember how the rain makes me sad. How some of my gigs and events do not push through because of the rain. And right now, I'm having a hard time smiling and posing in front of the camera. Parang may malaking word na STRESS na nakasulat sa mukha ko. But I remember a former roommate sending me message on Facebook: enjoy your wedding day.. ang sarap-sarap niyan! wag na pa-OC, Relax lang, bride! Basta ikakasal na kayo, kahit ano pa mangyari keri naaaa!! So yeah, let it be! Game face on!

On the way to the church riding the bridal car (with my Kuya TJ as my driver hehe), I finally had the time to relax, breathe, and enjoy chitchatting with Mars. Sandaling nalimutan ang tension. But when we finally arrived at the church and saw the cars parked and the people waiting for me, OH-EM-GEE! That's when the emotions started to burst. Gaaahd! Inside the church are people waiting for me, for us, to be united in front of our Lord. Whew.

As soon as the church doors opened for me, it was as if I was floating, just allowing myself to go with the flow, to listen to the people around me "smile Maybel! Walk slowly! o yung bouquet mo!" Then I saw Lloyd waiting for me. Ang pooogiiii!!!

Lord, thank You for this loooovely day!

I would not go into detail of everything that had happened that day. But despite the rain, I'm thankful that the church is almost half-filled. I'm grateful that a lot of people came to celebrate with us. We would often be asked, "ilan ba guests nyo?" When I would say, "260. :)", people would often remark, "ang dami naman!" Lloyd was right, it would be fun if we would have a lot of people close to our hearts celebrate love with us.

I am also thankful for everyone who extended their help to make the day memorable as it is.

To our families, who supported us spiritually, emotionally, and of course, financially, we will always be grateful to you. Syempre, special mention si Mama for all the DIY jobs (will post everything in a separate entry.) Your creativity made the day even more colorful. :)
To the church workers of San Vicente Ferrer Parish who has truly done their job in preparing us to be a Christian couple, saludo po kami ni Lloyd sa inyo. We have really enjoyed each seminar session we have attended, and have surely learned from all the couple speakers.
To everyone who has been part of our entourage, salamat sa pagpapaunlak sa aming hiling. And thank you for being "game" with your outfits and of course during the grand entrance! epic!
To our best man +ray and maid-of-honor +marianne for all the help and support, most especially for the amazing photobooth. Winner!

Photobooth by MayolCreations. Winner! \m/

To our cool and talented photographers/videographers of BA Studio, you guys are really awesome! We have enjoyed the photoshoots, and you delivered well! Awesome! (official pics soon!)
To the management of Villa Leonila Resort for the wonderful venue. Our guests have truly enjoyed the place and the food. Astig yung complete wedding package that we didn't have to worry of the cake, sound system and all. And Mama commends the excellent and efficient service, too. Sulit!

I guess everyone enjoyed taking their pictures beside this pool at the venue.
Kami pa ni Lloyd nawalan ng picture dito hehehe.

To our SFC/YFC friends for helping us with the program: Jee, Marie, Jomz, Mich, Jake, Jenn, Tasha, Rekz, and to everyone I may have forgotten. Super thank you for making the program as smooth and as fun as it is. Chachacha!
To Kuya Mendy and the "Hazard boys" (tama ba?) for the nice music during the reception. Astig! Just the way we wanted it. Galing!
To my dear friends Sai and Frans for introducing me to their mom, Tita Turs, who made my gown, Lloyd's dashing suit, the cute flower girls' dresses, and Nanay's elegant dress.
To Sup Anchie of Sophiestikada salon, I super duper loved my hair and make-up on my day! galing!

all dolled up and gorgeous!

As I still remember everything that happened on that lovely day of July 13th, I could just smile and laugh and smile again at everything. Seeing everyone's smiles enjoying the day, and with people and the place dressed up in yellow, kahit umuulan, it is indeed "a briiigghhhtt, briiighhhtt, sunshinyyyy daaaayyy!!!"

wacky ba kamo?! ETOOOO! :D

Where it all began...

I'm here sitting in my hotel room. I know I should be having my beauty rest by now, but thank you to the wedding jitters, plus some take home work (yeah right! i'm such a workaholic. Eww.), I'm still up!

I have long wanted to write this blog entry. I really wanted to write about our love story, because I want to tell everyone how blessed and thankful I am, and I thought that a day before my wedding would be a perfect time to tell everyone about it. So when you see me walking down the aisle, with my beautiful white wedding gown, you'll know how happy we are and you can relate with my thanksgiving and celebration.

So, how did our roads meet?

It was a rainy afternoon of August 8, 2010, my Papa and I drove our way to an SFC Gathering. That was the dedication ceremony of the CLP batch that season. Since it was raining, I was doubtful and double-hearted if I should go. But since Papa and I will be rendering an intermission number (since we just won a duet singing competition a week ago), I was obliged to go.

I was not an active SFC member then, so I only knew a few faces. I decided to try to enjoy meeting new brothers and sisters, and just have fun with their company. And then, I noticed this super jolly brother, with his big DSLR camera. He would take pictures of everyone, and then play jokes with his ka-chapters. He was just so funny that it's very difficult not to notice him. He would make everyone laugh and smile, including me.

Finally, my song number with my Papa was done, and this jolly brother came up to me with his DSLR camera to take us some pictures. And then he told me that he would just tag me on Facebook. And when the program is about to end, he approached me for the second time to ask for my name, so he "could add me on facebook." Yun na pala 'yun!

During that time, I put my mobile number on my profile so my SFC and YFC friends could easily contact me. And so, the next day, while I was prepping up for work, I received a message from an unknown number... "Good evening Sis Maybel. Bro Lloyd here, I got your number from your Facebook account." So I replied, and he texted back, and we texted nonstop for days, for weeks, for a month... :)

duma-da-moves!

He has shown me his sincere intentions throughout the courtship. I have prayed for him and asked God sincerely if he is someone worth praying for. I had three criteria then: a) he should be God fearing, b) he should love his family, c) he should love my family. I was amazed with how God revealed each of these criteria with Lloyd. Perfect score eh!

There was one specific event where I really asked the Lord for him. That time, I was confused if he is really for me, or if I could see him in my future. So on the morning of August 24, 2010, I went to church from work to hear Mass, and I asked the Lord, "Papa God, pwede bang for today, wag mo munang paalala sa isip ko si Lloyd? Or if You really want him for me, Kayo na po bahala..." And just when the Holy Mass started, the first words the priest said were "Magandang umaga sa inyong lahat. Ngayong araw na ito ay ipinagdiriwang natin ang kapistahan ni San Bartolome". At that point, I swear! I smiled, and I got teary-eyed. I knew then that the Lord will take care of my heart, because He has given me someone to take care of His princess.

Right now, I don't know if it's already sinking in me. I'm still occupied with to-do lists for tomorrow, being the OC that I am. But hey, the Lord's promise to me is about to unfold a few hours from now. In a few hours, I will be changing my last name, I will have someone to take care of me 'til forever. My dreams will never be just my dream anymore, but OUR dreams, and yes, he's there to be with me always as we reach for those dreams, together.

To Lloyd, you are just downstairs, but I miss you most now. But I will keep myself from missing you, because I know you'll be waiting for me later, at the other end of the aisle, and that begins our forever. Ang umiyak, panget! :)

Ok, I should sleep now!

He loved me first...

It was Father's day yesterday, and it dawned on me that a few days from now, I'll be dancing with my Papa on my wedding. Papa is indeed my first lover. And I am the third woman in his life, next to my Lola and Mama. And yes, the baby girl's gonna get married soon. Gaaahd! I am starting to get emotional as the big day draws near.

While having lunch with Lloyd yesterday, we have watched on ASAP as the sessionistas sang the usual songs for fathers. And there were the Dance with my Father and Butterfly Kisses which were both common now during weddings and father-daughter dance. Thanks to bridalbook.ph daily updates and I found this song, "I loved her First" by Heartland. parfikkk!

Happy Father's day Papa! :) Ikasal man ang baby girl, ikaw pa rin ang tanging ka-duet ko.. :)

trivia: this picture started the Lloydie-Meimei love story. our first encounter :)

lloydie&meimei: the e-session

A month ago, Lloyd and I, together with our couple friends +marianne and +ray attended a bridal fair at the NBC tent in Bonifacio Global City. We had 2 things to accomplish then, book a photographer and order our wedding rings. Thankfully, we got a good deal for both.

So we passed by the booth of B.A. studio, which we found competitive among other photographers we were eyeing. But when we got to really sit down with Ate Brenda, one of their agents, she offered us the most reasonable rate with almost all the perks we wanted, plus more and more freebies. Mabuhay talaga ang sales talk ni Ate!

One of the highlights of their package is we get to use their four-storey studio building (kahit sabi ni Ate, eight-storey daw), which featured European and classical themes, perfect for a romantic engagement shoot. Located in Quezon City, it was built for the sole purpose of having their own pictorial venue, where guests could give all the emotions they could, with more privacy. We also didn't have to worry about the weather since it's indoor, and we have all the time we want for the shoot. There were also gowns and suits that are available for use, but of course we also have to bring our own clothes/props for the other theme we want.

We had our engagement session last June 2, and yes, we found the venue amazing! As soon as we entered the building, we really went "WOW!" Gamit na gamit ang bawat sulok nung lugar, from the gate, to each hallway, to the rooftop. I wouldn't describe the place any further, 'cause the pictures would best describe it. So, here are just some of our favorite shots:

And by the way, the day wouldn't be as beautiful as it is if without our make-up artist, THE Krista Silva. For more of her works, you may visit both these sites: http://thekristapea.tumblr.com/ and http://mariakristasilva.carbonmade.com/.

For more info about B.A. Studio and photography, visit their site here.

And a fun day just made even more fun with good friends, and brother. :)

You are the perfect gift!

I just turned 26 recently. Wow, I'm already 26, yet baby na baby pa rin ako ng parents ko.

I'm 26 and in love. Happily in love.

I'm blessed, overwhelmingly blessed. Last ILC I attended, God affirmed me that He is bigger than all my plans and fears.

Before I turned 26, I had a crazy birthday wish: A ring. An engagement ring. I know I didn't need one because Lloyd and I will get married anyway, but I just drooled for one. Or maybe I wanted a concrete proof of our love for each other.

Wish granted

A few days before my birthday, I unwrapped an advance birthday gift. We found out that I'm already carrying a little one inside me. I tried on a home pregnancy test one morning, and it gave me a "positive" result. Inside me is a concrete proof of our love. We are a family now! I called Lloyd at once, we both trembled with fear. But we're both happy and excited. We both know this is untimely. We originally set the wedding for next year because we didn't have that much savings yet. Now, this! We agreed to let our families know on my birthday. We have a family outing on April 20, and we thought this news might ruin the fun, so we decided to hold it until the 21st.

So came the family outing. Both our families are there. We enjoyed the entire day, and I really felt this is the most special birthday I've ever had. Amidst the fun, I prayed and thought how will they react when they find out that we'll soon have an addition to the family. Will they get mad at us, because the baby is outside the wedding vows? Or will they be excited for another "bugoy"?

Accepted

We separately let our parents know. For Lloyd, it was easy, 'cause this is the first apo, if ever. But it was tough for me. Being the unica hija/bunso, you understand why. Lloyd's parents, as soon as they knew, really got excited. They immediately decided to go to our place so we can discuss this. Meanwhile, my mom took it lightly. She just said, "ah, ok! Ok lang!" I bet it was tough for my dad, because I have always been the Papa's girl. But nevertheless, he's excited, too.

So my birthday was celebrated with an instant pamamanhikan. I just admired how Lloyd did all the talking all throughout. Nanginginig, but humble, straightforward, and he just showed that we wanted this and we do not regret this. Define kilig, plus joy, plus excitement! Wow! We knew we've always dreamed of this, and now here it is.

First encounter

I guess it goes along with the pregnancy that I could really be emotionally stressed. Fears and worries are trying to eat me. But two days ago, I had my first check-up, and my first ultrasound. While waiting for my turn, I kept talking to myself "babe, are you still there? hold on tight, ok? Mommy and Daddy love you!" So to relieve me from my fears, I was allowed to listen to the baby's heartbeat. OH IT'S SOOO AMAZING I SWEAR! I couldn't help but cry right there. This is just sooo sweet.

there you are!

The wedding preparations are now on. Though pressed with time and budget constraints, we're excited. We just got another big reason to really strive hard at work. And this also taught me to take care of myself more. I'm thankful how everyone in the family is taking good care of me. And I'm sure everyone is so excited and would love to see you, little one, soon, in December. :)

Just one favor, please? After you read this, can you please pray for me and for my little one? So we'll both be healthy until the time we see each other? Salamat ng madami! :)

Awesome April

Hey blog! How are you? I can't believe that my last post was 2 months ago, and that I have enjoyed April so much that I lost time to write about it. Well then, hayaan mo akong bumawi.

Oh April, you're such a wonderful month. I've been blessed that it's too overwhelming. Not only that I turned a year older (again!), but this is indeed a life-changing month, a complete turn-around.

So, where have I been again?

Last April 5-7, I got the time of my life when I attended the 20th International Leader's Conference of CFC Youth For Christ. It was a mere trip with my liveloud buddies Feona, Gail and Angel, that I almost backed out, but with Angel's convincing powers (thanks dear!), and my kindhearted boss who approved my leave, I made it! So with my PCG friends whom I spent the height of my teenager years with, we joined the 9,000 delegates to worship Papa God and have fellowship with our brothers and sisters, just like how it was 7 years ago. :)

First ILC I have attended, Claiming the Promised Land, which was 11 years ago!

Rockin' Marikina with grateful hearts at the Liveloud Praise Concert.

liveloud buddies with THE Lucky dela Rosa

pretty sisters!

I'm really thankful to my sisters Feona and Angel for this fun-filled weekend (and for the pictures, too). At talagang naisingit pa natin ang movie date within the conference hihi. and of course, I am really thankful to Papa God for allowing me to be there. A conference is never without God's message and promise. And for this conference, since Day 1, He affirmed me that there is nothing in my future that I shall worry about. He has been faithful and He will always be. God reminded me again that I am blessed, and that all I must do is to be excited to what lies ahead.

And the next days of the month confirmed that promise.

just one drop!

Lloyd and I both love the artist Plumb. Actually, he loved her first. Before I just knew she had just one song, Real. Until Lloyd and I did our first project, an AVP for their Christian Life Program, when he used God-Shaped Hole for the bed music. I fell in love with her music at once! She's not just any pop/alternative rock artist. She's a Christian contemporary singer/songwriter, and most of her songs are inspirational, to which everyone can relate and reflect. :)

So while browsing Soundcloud, I learned that she has just released a new album this year (the last was back in 2007) entitled Need You Now. All 13 tracks are inspirational songs, with a touch of rock. (yeah, girls rock!) I've been playing it while at work for a week now, and it just helps me keep an inspired and prayerful mood despite all the stress around. My current favorite is One Drop, to which the intro sounds like a facial cream commercial. hehe. I listened to the lyrics, and hey, and I want this to be a bed music for a wedding AVP! Our prenup, perhaps, since we both love the singer anyway. :) I suddenly wanted that this would be the wedding mood: happy, laid back, sweet. I guess it comes with the planning that every song you listen to suddenly gives you wedding ideas. hehe. Well anyway, while I thought it's another love song, I checked on youtube for its video, and lo, it's actually a campaign song for a cause. Love and Mission! Awesome!

ONE DROP

Plumb

I need you and you need me

Left alone we will never be who we could be

So take my hand and don't forget

We can do anything together!

Chorus:

Oh, oh, oh,

Just one drop of your love

A single ray of sun

Just one thing to change the world!

It's just you and me starting with a dream

And giving all you've got

Only takes one drop!

Oh, oh, oh, only takes one drop!

Only takes one drop

Only takes one drop

Oh, oh, oh, oh

Come with me now, look and see how

There's an ocean overflowing with our hopes!

So let's jump in and take us in this

You and me yeah, forever!

Chorus:

Oh, oh, oh,

I need you and you need me

We can do anything together!

Chorus:

Oh, oh, oh,

Coming soon!

Technology has really gone a loooong way. These days, creating your spot on the Web allows you to communicate to a bigger world. Almost every company, product, cause, personality, organization has either its own Facebook and Twitter accounts, and/or even own websites. The Internet has been one effective source of getting, and cascading information to many.

That being said, the internet has also been one effective way of evangelization. Being our mission to let more people know about Christ, Singles for Christ - Laguna is gonna get online real soon. And I'm honored to be part of it. Although I have not attended any planning or ongoing meetings, I feel so blessed and privileged to have been tapped by Sis Tets to be part of the editorial team. And I suddenly missed my college days, with how my professors blotted my papers with pencil, or worse, red pens. Hehe. :)

So, I'm excited, not only for this new service/task that I am assigned to. I have started checking some of the articles, and I myself felt blessed reading the stories that my brothers and sisters are to share, and it's just exciting that more people will be blessed by their stories, too. I'm more than ecstatic to let people experience Christ with stories of love and hope, and with that, allowing them to be blessed as well. Beyond the articles that we will share, it is sharing Christ to others through this website that I just can't wait to start with.

Tell the world that Jesus lives!

one fine Sunday at Nuvali

To celebrate Kuya Maic's (who's working as a seaman) birthday, Kuya Noel took us to Nuvali for a family picnic this one fine Sunday. Para rin daw maipasyal namin ang two little boys ni Kuya Maic and of course to relax and breathe some fresh air and have some awesome fun.