Happy 5th Lukas!

It's pretty amazing how babies grow astonishingly fast. Today, we are celebrating Lukas' 5th month and I thank God that he's consistently displaying the normal developmental milestones. He can now grab his toes and feet and he can roll over from front to back. He also started to show his interest in colors. Likewise, it's incredible how he tries to babble and mimic sounds while watching my mouth whenever I start singing nursery songs. My little adventurer is so determined and curious to explore everything beyond his nursery.

His first photo session with yours truly. These pictures were inspired by a certain board on Pinterest. Easy to do cut-out letters.

Today, I really didn't have enough time for grocery so I just used whatever available resources we have inside our fridge. It's a significant day for us so I prepared something special for dinner. Ate Dayne willingly volunteered to look after her brother.
 I made small fruit bites and I also tried the pasta my friend Mel taught me when I was in Singapore. Oh well, I admit my cooking is nothing compared to her brilliant way of cooking. She can really imitate every single Gordon Ramsay's delicious recipe. I miss her! I miss our former housemates!

 Happy 5th month my love!

 I just love every little thing about him, from his innocent giggles at playtime to his peaceful coos at bedtime.

If you are facing a problem that seems as big and immovable as a mountain, turn your gaze from the mountain and look to Christ for more faith. - Didache 11th, August

Happy birthday Singapura!

Christening Day

In acceptance of our precious gift, Lukas, we made a promise that we will raise him in Christian faith and we will shower him with so much Christian love.

At this point in time we cannot afford lavish spending so we opted to have the simplest christening celebration.

DIY baptismal invites. Special thanks to my sister Richelle who did the editing. 

DIY baptismal favors and decorations

Special thanks to Tita Cereza Nambio-Estaris for his beautiful christening outfit.
Photo credit: Kuya Toto Sager

Baby cap from Kuya Toto
Photo credit: Kuya Toto Sager

 Kami po ay sobrang nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng dumalo at tumulong sa amin.

Simula ng dumating kami dito ay kinaharap namin ang maraming immigrant issues ngunit sa dami ng tumulong sa amin ay di namin naramdaman na kami'y malayo sa aming pamilya.
Salamat po!
Kuya Jonjie, Ate Mariel and Jilleanne Ricana
Kuya Dondon Ricana
Tita Cereza, Tito Ramon and Daine Estaris
Kuya Toto, Ate Joy, Marzia and Mikkus Sager
Edwin, Lisa and Paula Liwanag and Nanay
Cat and Mark Cuaderno
Amalia and Rob Malapitan
Ireneo Estrella
Kuya Tootsie and Ate Marie Masangkay
Ate Jane and Kuya Dondon De Leon
Alona Agojo and hubby
Joseph Aaron Dominguez
Daisy Carvajal and Rea Samson
Kaye Liao Banez 
Mike and Kat Colasi 
Cathlei Agbayani

Advance happy birthday to the most wonderful father, Papa Danny! We love you Papa!

Lukas

The birth of Lukas was one of the most amazing things we have ever experienced. March 11, 2012 at 0744hrs embarked our second baby adventure. The day was very significant to us as two of our beloveds were born on the same day, Baby Liam and Baby Shan-shan.

I didn't experience heavy labor. I decided to have it at home instead of staying in the hospital and wait for my delivery. Thanks to my friend Dhel who advised me of that.
 And thanks to my cousin Kuya Dondon who woke up early and willingly offered a chauffeur service. I guess I'm just too comfortable to trouble him at any given  time of the day.

When we reached the hospital, I was 8cm dilated. Nurses did series of blood sugar testing due to my gestational diabetes and I was hooked up on IV Penicillin as I was GBS+. Everything else went smoothly. Archie and Dayne stood calmly beside me as I strongly pushed Lukas out of that small hole. 

I am so sleep deprived but I just love to feed, diaper, deal with his crying and cuddle him endlessly.

On the second day, I was able to get him latched easily because he was rooting round for the nipple. Just thankful enough I didn't have any problems in nursing and breastfeeding. There's no need for me to consider taking la leche league programs.

On the same day, Lukas started on phototherapy. He has high bilirubin count despite of his good feeding and defecating. This is probably because he was only 37 weeks or it may also be due to the difference of our blood type.

On Tuesday, March 13, 2012 we were finally discharged.

Credit to Smilebox

Thanks to Tita Ces, Tito Ramon and Daine who visited us and brought us fruits and home cooked food. Tita Cez gave us a lift home and she made sure everything was ok. They were so kind and generous! I love the Nambios!

We are truly thankful to Him for allowing these people to be part of our lives especially now that we are away from our families.

 Thanks to Kuya Jonjie, Ate Mariel and Jillian who visited us on my fourth postpartum day. Ate Mariel's Carbonara is beyond compare!

Thanks to Lisa and Paula who visited us during my fifth postpartum day. The Chinese food they brought us made us miss Singapore more. We had a glorious lunch!

Thanks to Kuya Toto, Ate Joy, Marzia and Mikkus who visited us yesterday with chocolate ice cream cake. That was heavenly! They never cease to amaze us with continuous blessings.

Thank you for all your prayers!

We thank you Lord for the wonderful son you've blessed us with.

Faith goes beyond the visible. If you are able to see it then it's not faith anymore. - Didache, 11th March 2012

 Happy birthday to my lovely sister Ann Chriselle!

Beautiful Blessing

Being an expectant mother again after twelve years gives me a new perspective, another amazing experience to share with Archie and Dayne.

At last the doctor considered to discontinue my HGT monitoring! I just have to adhere to same diet regime.

Labor is comparable to getting ready for a marathon. I need to be prepared! Walking and squatting are the ones I find very helpful.  Sometimes Dayne would escort me on my morning walks.

It's about four weeks before my estimated due date and we hope everything goes well.

Jesus is our doctor. His gentle love heals. - Didache, 25 February

A Hearty Breakfast

The best way to start a Valentine's day morning is by having a hearty breakfast with Archie and Dayne.

Egg on toast adorned with fresh fruits.

Smile - a fantastic reward of motherhood

May we always seek You in our desires this Valentine's day. Didache, February 14, 2012

Just Us

A journey of discovery and growth

Taken at Bintan, Indonesia

Marriage is not a noun; it's a verb. It isn't something you get. It's something you do. It's the way you love your partner every day. - Barbara De Angelis