Just Write

I honestly don’t know how to blog anymore. I started this blog in 2008 when I was single to chronicle my otherwise boring wedding preps. 

Seven years, a hubby, a son, a business and every little thing in between later, I don’t have as much to share as I do when my life’s biggest concerns were whether to go for a pink and grey theme or a pink and yellow one and the merits of a crawling fig on a garden wall.

Funny, how you have more things to say when you have nothing much going on.

It’s 2015. Goodness. I just got around getting used to writing 2014 and here we are already. I missed blogging. But to be honest, it scares me now.

I didn’t have much qualms before sharing every mundane detail of my everyday but now its seem more in a way intrusive on both sides.

Things have change so much in my life and in retrospect I’m glad I started this blog. There are some entries I’ve been back reading on the past few days that really made me cringe.  Really, what was I thinking?

But overall, I’m glad I have some sort of time capsule. Maybe I didn’t know what I was thinking at that time but it reminded me of how I felt…and how far I’ve come. It makes me appreciate all bits of my journey---cringeworthy and all.

Just wanted to share my favorite entries from the past seven years. English Nazis, you are not welcome here. I write to express and share. I write for myself. These are not dissertations. When I write it’s just very conversational. I imagine somebody listening. And hopefully, relating in some way.

*Of Methapors

*The Christmas of 1994

*Tin Times 

*My Mother Never Cried in Our Weddings

*Rather Dim Conclusion

*End of an Era

*Long (Hair) Story

*Musings Over Coffee

*Long Reflections

*Crawling Into My Cocoon

*Dawn Musings

*2011 Was a Great Year

*Motherhood Becomes Me

I guess these entries are memorable for me because they represent a certain time in my life. Reading them again takes me back to a memory and feeling that I hold dear. From light, mindless scribbles to heartfelt essays, these are my favourites. 

 I don’t really now how to go from here. I guess just do what I’ve always done the past 7 years. Write.

 Just write.

Hunter is 2!

 Just a dozen posts ago was my entry about Hunter's first birthday. I can't believe we just celebrated his second one last Sunday!

We really planned on celebrating his second birthday here in Chicago with family since I didn't have anyone from my family last year except my sister who flew in to celebrate with us.
This year though we didn't have Paolo with us since he had to fly back in Manila right after the holidays. Something's always gotta give when you are far from family.

Since I'm on a work hiatus, the Type A in me got a little carried away preparing for Hunter's party. It was 80% handmade and homemade. I did all the decorations: the pompoms, pinwheels, paper letters and paper flowers.

Mason jars always give a nice vintage touch to any occasion. Will be selling soon in my shop!

Mini Candy bar was just an assorted of our favourite treats for the little ones. 

I also cooked the Prosciutto Pasta, Bruschetta, Bacon wrapped in Asparagus, Waldorf Salad and Chocolate-dipped strawberries. I made a mock-tail of Citrus, Pineapple juice with Rose Grenadine. The rest are generously given by family.

I love Ree Drummond's blog The Pioneer Woman. I get most of my cooking inspiration from her recipes. =)

 Bruschetta is topped with an assorted of Salami slices or Prosciutto with basil and my favourite Brie, I also added a thin slice of apple and a dollop of honey that really works well with the tanginess of the cheese.

That's what I loved about celebrating here, everything can be DIY since its easier to look for the right materials. Doing much of the work without Pao and my house help were relatively easy. But then I also have the most gracious and generous hosts, the Lorenzos who made everything so much easier.

Seeing Hunter enjoy his party is all worth it. He is beginning to realize the importance of birthdays. 

And I am becoming more and more into this mommy business. =D Sometimes we think we do these things for our children, but the thing is we do these for ourselves too. 

There's a different kind of joy seeing my little boy happy not because of expensive toys but the pompom wands that I made. But then they are almost always happier playing with plain boxes and thingamabobs than toys anyway. But still.

Goofing around with his other mommy, Mama Vi.

He loved seeing our guests sing him a happy birthday! The look on his face  was priceless. We had to sing "Happy Birthday" numerous times!

Enjoying his new ride

Birthday cards from the little "Ate's"

              "Banderitas" and cupcakes by his Mama Zel

Celebrating with Auntie Michelle

All the details have something to do with family and I love it! Its so personal and special which is what birthdays are all about. =)

My birthday wish for you is to be always healthy, safe and happy. 

And that you will always have that sweet smile in life. I love you so much.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, My Hunter!

I can't believe its been a year since I first met you. You were just an itsy bitsy, tiny one.

I guess it is really true what they say, Love just gets bigger with you. I love you, my boy. I just love being your mommy. Happy birthday!

How we spent Christmas

We decided to spend three nights somewhere else so we can enjoy the lights and decorations around the Metro. =)

Nothing is more magical than seeing Christmas again through a child.
Hunter is still a baby and we went to the light show at the Ayala Triangle for ourselves but oh my, his eyes: pure magic. =)

Family time! Hunter with his cousins and Auntie.

This year is an amazing year for us. My best year yet. It's truly as if 2012 just zoomed by. 

Really though, I can't believe we are done with this year! 

And its because of this little big guy. My best Christmas present! =)

Merry Christmas! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We just got back from a mini vacation in the City. Since the house renovations were done less than two weeks before Christmas, we had little time to prepare the house for festivities. But of course, if you know me well, I can't let any occasion, Christmas for that matter pass by without a bit of sprucing up.  =)
I just wanted to share a few photos around the house.

Of course we had to put up the tree by Hunter's play room. =) Drums and Candy Canes for the little boss.

Tree between Hunter's play room and my work area.

It is our baby's first Christmas! =)

Just a few Christmas-y details around the house.

Just a few candles around. My favorite holiday scent is BBW Leaves.

Yay for family and love! Merry Christmas! ❤

This year just flew by!

And I am most thankful for this happy, smiley boy.

My pocket-size Pao

Although people keep saying he looks more like me, Hunter is a little Paolo. He is the most patient little baby I know, his smiles come by so easily, he is a sweet little cuddle bug and most of all he is a funny little guy! He cracks his mama up so much, all the time. =)  

Sunday senti

Today I felt like what most parents feel when they see their children go through a milestone in life.

Today I felt that inexplicable pride and joy as if I'm the only parent in the world and my child is the only person who goes through those life-changing moments.

Today I also felt that feeling on the other side of the coin, that feeling that always comes with those exhilarating highs: that sadness, that bittersweet feeling knowing that each milestone is a moment he is becoming more independent, he is becoming his own person, apart from me.

Today I felt what most parents feel during their children's graduations, weddings...






Today, Hunter's first tooth came out. 

*Sigh.

I will definitely miss those gummy, toothless smiles. Though I will never see that gummy smile once again, I look forward to giving him his first solids; witnessing his first steps; watching his eyes light up with his first cookie and more, more firsts in the world. Our world. =)

Oh, how I love you, little guy.

Papa's magic

Other things may change us but we start and end with family.

I guess the best thing about having a family is you are secured to know there are people who will love you and who you will love for the rest of your life.

Family is Forever.