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.