Kiddie Prospects

Baby and I have agreed that we won't have a child this year, but it doesn't necessarily mean we're not going to get pregnant this year. Basically, I asked for a year where we can just really enjoy each other and adjust to each other. Plus, we have these trips we still hope to take before we go headlong into building a family... something we can never enjoy again in the same way once we already have kids.

Anyway, we've also been clear with my overexcited and anticipating FIL that we're trying NOT to have babies yet. I think Iya's just not enough for them (and heaven help us, I really feel i'd hide from FIL once I find out am preggy for fear of kidnapping... hehe... esply if our firstborn turns out to be a boy!)

Anyway, last Sunday, we helped babysat this kid. Returning to Manila, the child was exhausted from running around with the goats and in fields so he fell asleep... and I cradled him on my lap. We were already home when I read my beloved's text message:

"Mahal, watching you carry Mike while he's sleeping makes me love you more. I know you'd make a wonderful mother to our kids"

Syempre, I was kilig. And I was actually thinking the same about him... whenever Mike reaches out his small hand to hold his, and pull him away to show him the farm animals... when he cradled a sleeping Mike in his arms (because the 3-year old was so malikot even in his sleep)... when he was playing with his niece Iya... there's always that tug to my heartstrings that makes me confident about how WELCOME a baby in our life would be... and how LOVED.

Still, we're taking precautions not to get preggy yet. We're thinking to start making babies by July. And i've actually just had my period (though it was a bit irregular and short).

Yesterday, my boss ate Nagaraya crackers (garlic). I was so bothered with the smell the moment she opened the snack. I kept asking her and asking her if it's the Nagaray that's smelling so bad. Finally, she told me that it has some smell but it wasn't the first time she ate it (implying it's the first time I was bothered by it).

I texted my hubby this:

"Mahal, either ang sama talaga ng sipon ko, or windang hormones ko, or buntis ako... but am so bothered by the smell of Nagaraya crackers na kinakain ni Len... haaay"

Ay syempre, my hubby called, asking if he'd already buy a pregnancy test kit... and I could hear the smile in his voice! Hangkolet!

Basta, till late last night he kept on kissing my tummy... he went home early... he kept messaging me, reminding me not to get tired and stressed... and how smog is bad for my baby...and if there's anything I want... and how careful I should be etc... Hangkolet talaga!

Of course am enjoying everything but kept pleading with my hubby to stop it because the percentages of me being preggy is so small... and I didn't want to disappoint him.

He'd just tell me that at least he gets practice in becoming an annoying INVOLVED and CARING husband and father-to-be. And that preggy or not, he just loves me to bits.

*~*

I must have done some really good things to have landed a man as loving and cute as my Baby.

This is just one of those little rewards of being married... and for marrying for love at the right time. :)

*~*


(the child we cradled in our arms... )




(a sharing from Berks, IF I SHOULD FALL BEHIND is a really wonderful song i've fallen in love with)

Smell of Home

My Baby is a fan of my Cathedral Windows Gelatin very much. His brother loves it too. Actually, a lot of people in my life love it too. What's not too love? It's creamy gelatin anyway :)

I didn't make it for a long time... but then I got married and the hubby has been making parinig about missing it so I've made it 3 times already since December. One for New Year and the Rufo reunion. One after Iya was born. And Wednesday found me molding different gelatins again.

I was still boiling the pandan leaves while cooking some strawberry-flavored gelatin when my hubby arrived home that night. He had this fond smile on his face, and a really loving look in his eyes when he came to me to give me my kiss.

And he wouldn't stop smiling.

I asked why and he said something like, "Ala lang Baby, someday, when we're really old and wrinkled na... our kids, our grandkids will associate this smell with you... with home."

Ay syempre, I was touched.

And the smell of pandan and pineapple and strawberry and vanilla continued to permeate the air in our home...

*~*

I decided to make the creamy gelatin last night, and have the fillings mold overnight. This morning, they're all ready to be eaten (by the way, hubby helped for the first time. He stirred the milk-and-cream mixture for me) and I asked my Baby to take one container to the office with him.

Talk about masamang tingin :D He then proceeded to complain and pout that i'm always findings ways to make him share the gelatin, so he's not getting enough of it.

Hay, ang cute!

*~*

But I really should start charging my hubby for this... because the ingredients just aren't cheap :D

*~*

happy weekend everyone...

Our CDO honeymoon

Because we ran out of funds for a 'decent' honeymoon after the wedding, my Baby and I have agreed that it's just going to be a staggered something.

Anyway, in relation to having a family, I stipulated 3 conditions before i'd allow myself to get pregnant... one of which was white water rafting.

Which was why we went our merry way to Cagayan De Oro.

Unfortunately, we weren't able to really maximize the trip (although we've had one of the best times togetehr in our lives, so yes, maybe am just being greedy) because we realized there were so many things to do there... Camiguin, Tinago Falls, Maria Cristina Falls, Canopy Walk, Spelunking, etc.

Still, it was a weekend of pure loving. I couldn't wait for Thursday to be over, eagerly anticipating time alone with my hubby. Friday found me giddy with excitement over so many things (like flying again, and visiting a new place, and going rafting, and making love to my hubby away from the confines of our bedroom where we can't quite make noises...)

:)

Our flight to CDO was relatively uneventful. We first visted Malasag Gardens. It was the first time for both of us to use a hanging bridge (no matter that it was a miniature version). We both saw an eagle again, a baby one... and also a baby deer.



We got mightily ripped off precious bucks going to the Gardens, but leaving the garden sort of made up for that. See, we rode a motorcycle (habal-habal) going down the mountain where the Gardens was located. For P20, I couldn't feel more alive as the wind and scenery and winding road swallowed us!!! Super MUST-DO ever!

That Friday night, we ate at Bigby's. If you remember Dory from Finding Nemo, that's what I had for dinner :)



And of course, we couldn't resist buying new shoes because they were being sold at half-price... we didn't really need new rubber shoes but we rationalized that it was our honeymoon anyway :) First time for us to buy shoes together... and in the same shop too!


P5k spent on an impulse buy, but aren't they so japorms?

Because Pryce Plaza Hotel only provided twin beds we couldn't move together, we also experienced sleeping for two nights in a row in the smallest bed we've ever slept in. We were both conscious that we could easily bump the other off the bed. But it sure made for lovely snuggling.

As for the lovemaking, though we enjoyed each other very much, the bed kept making all these noises when it hits the headboard :D It was distracting very much... i'm starting to really consider motels!

Saturday, we were feteched by DETOUR for the white water TUBING thingie where we met anotehr married couple. Part of the run include jumping off a 30 ft. bridge into the Cagayan River. My Baby was scared of heights but he was game, and went ahead of all of us, knowing I might be scared and wanting to assure me it's ok. But yes, he's the one with the heights issue.

Taking that kind of plunge was one heck of a magnificent experience! I just don't have pictures to show because we didn't know about the jump, or that some of the guides could take pictures for us, and left our digicam in the hotel. Hopefully, the couple we met will share pictures taken from their cam. Still, we had a blast just doing that!

Later on, we'd be jumping off a rock in the middle of the river. It was a lower jump but swirling pools of water and seeing the current can really scare you. Still, we did it and had fun.

Oh, and white water rafting/tubing IS fun!


taken just before our raft flipped, and the guy in blue catapulted first into the water

Twas wonderful experiencing outdoor activities with my hubby... and I thanked him for giving in to my requests.

He thanked me for the most thrilling experience he's had in his life.

We were really having so much fun, we just had to cap it with the perfect meal. So we went all the way to Opol (around P150 cab fare,a dn considering it's a provincial freeway, that's FAR) to feast on seafood.




But of course, our night didn't end there... we availed of massage services by the blind too.

And it was truly bittersweet to be going home already on Sunday. But we'd always have fond memories of how goofy we were, and what a great time we had... and of just enjoying each other's company.

*~*

One of our Ninongs advised us to go to a place we've never been before, once a year. He said it's something that keeps the romance burning.

Well, for this year, we intend to save enough for trips to places we've both never been before.

We want to enjoy travelling together as a couple before having a family.

And I also have to think of something else to replace bungee jumping (because there's none offered at Subic anymore)...

And we just might forego Boracay in July (since we've both been there before) and concentrate all resources and vacations on a Palawan (backdoor) trip.

And it looks like we're going to Marinduque again this Holy Week...

*~*

We couldn't NOT visit CDO Cathedral... and as if Life was telling us something, a wedding just ended when we got there. And for a moment, there was that brief remembrance of how perfectly sweet our wedding day was.

*~*

It warms my heart to see wonderful places with him... because it's true, no place can be really beautiful if you can't share it with the ones who matter most to you.

And when the one in your heart is with you, wherever you go becomes home.

*~*

For detailed info about our Cagayan trip, Click Here

For detailed account of our white water rafting adventure, and other info on outdoor activities at CDO, Click Here

For all the pictures of our trip, Click here

Six years ago today...

... my Baby and I first agreed to go steady.

We broke up three months after, and from there, it would be a roller coaster ride of pseudo-relationship and goodbyes... until about 2 years or so ago.

Anyway, I can't think of a more fitting tribute to the years that were, than to share the following trivia which we printed on orange paper and tucked in between fork tins for our guests at the reception.

A very personal touch for a very significant moment in our lives.

*~*

* The couple loves chocolate; Jojo prefers dark, Mec loves white.

* The couple's 2nd date was at Paco Park (March 17, 2000)

* Mec gained around 30 lbs. ever since meeting Jojo.

* The couple's theme song is "You changed my life in a moment" which Mec sang to Jojo once (May 27, 2000, he was touched!).

* Mec followed Jojo to HK last June 2004. They enjoyed Ocean Park but missed their siblings.

* The couple chose MiG Ayesa's version of "Baby, I love your way" (for their first dance) because Jojo was a fan of the Rockstar Inxs show, and they call each other "Baby".

* Mec and Jojo met online (mirc, #dilaan) one March Saturday.

* Jojo is the first bf who ever cooked for Mec and her family.

* Whenever the couple quarrels, Mec's family takes Jojo's side.

* Mec once gifted Jojo with 5 boxer shorts, one for each workday.

* The couple's first date as steadies (March 15, 2000) was at PICC Baywalk, where Jojo used to bring his former gf.

* Mec and Jojo are both the eldests in their families.

* Jojo gifted Mec with a bulldog stuffed toy because she dreams of having mastiffs for pets someday. They named it Mr. Stiff.

* Mec is very ticklish. Jojo is far more so.

* Jojo joined Mec and her family to a trip to Bicol (where Mec was born) last May 2005. They had a bad row there because Jojo didn't help with the laundry.

* At Mec's 2002 birthday, she got a big bag of white chocolates (different brands) and a compilation of Beatles' songs from Jojo.

* Mec and Jojo, when they were younger, both wanted to be doctors.

* Jojo isn't a finicky eater but hates liver, one of Mec's favorites.

* Since 2000, Jojo has been travelling to Lipa after Noche Buena with his family to join Mec and her family for Christmas Noche Buena.

* The couple call each other "Baby" or "Mahal".

* Jojo is godfather to Mec's niece (Karylle Nicole) and nephew (Joseph Pyro).

* Jojo originally wanted two kids, Mec wants 7. They have compromised at 5, este 3.

* The couple set their wedding date after attending a wedding (Vinnie's) last 14 February 2004.

* Jojo is the first bf Mec watched a sunset with. That's the first time they broke up (23 June 2000).

* Mec and Jojo spent 3 days in Puerto Galera in June 2003 and broke up (again) two weeks later.

* Jojo surprised Mec with a proposal with the help of The Company at Hard Rock Café, on his birthday (17 Nov 2005).

* Jojo has brought Mec to the ER twice. One for a bad UTI episode, the other for an allergic reaction to Advil. (but I landed myself at the ER again for anotrher allergic episode a month before the wedding)

* Jojo got Mec hooked on Harry Potter when he gifted her with the first 4 books.

* Mec and Jojo won their wedding cake (by Judy Uson) at the W@W Grand EB.

* Jojo automatically meme's Mec whenever they're close.

* Jojo loves it when Mec gives him a massage or foot scrub.

* Jojo once made a newsletter-type love letter for Mec. Mec retaliated by making Jojo calling cards with job titles like "Belly Dancer" and "Tantric Specialist".

* Jojo supported Mec's mountaineering stint by buying her mountaineering gear.

* Mec's groom is someone she used to watch in Kulit Bulilit when they were kids.

* Jojo gave Mec a ruby-and-diamond engagement ring. Mec associates rubies with passion.

* The couple first went steady last 14 March 2000. That's also Mec's Dad's and paternal Grandpa's birthdays.

* Jojo cooks better than Mec but he loves her brownies, cathedral windows and chicken nuggets.

* Mec and Jojo first met at the National Bookstore of Harisson Plaza (March 13, 2000).

* Mec and Jojo were technically on a break longer than they were officially together.

* At the original pamamanhikan date, Jojo's Dad had to be rushed to the hospital because of diabetes.

* Mec has intended to be wed on December 28 (Feast of the Innocents) since she was in 1st year HS.

* One reason Jojo is looking forward to getting married is so he can start sleeping in the nude.

* The couple's wedding rings are engraved with TBIYTC for "the best is yet to come".

* Mec and Jojo's first visit to Boracay was a trip Jojo won at the Pinoyexchange Survivor Contest. They were there for 5 days.

* Jojo gifted Mec with a Soup Recipe Book to say he's looking forward to the day when they could only eat soup (that's the wedding day, because newlyweds get swept up by the photo ops!).

* Jojo tried arranging a surprise birthday party for Mec last October 2002, but ruined the surprise because he couldn't contact any of her friends.

* Both Mec and Jojo suffer from allergic rhinitis.

* Mec doesn't really like flowers because she's always feared they'd trigger her allergies, but she likes getting gerbera daisies from Jojo.

*~*

Last March 12, Jojo's family threw a baptismal bash for Baby Iya. Click here for the pictures.

*~*

Jojo surprised me by singing THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT for me at the party. Then I requested him to sing JUST THE WAY YOU ARE and absolutely almost bwaled there. hay naku.

Of course, everybody were asking me if I was already preggy. Some event joke that they'd teach Jojo a thing or two coz he might be doing things wrong. :)

*~*

MIL cooked orange spare ribs for us. Hay naku, my baby was shameless enough to ask that they don't serve the rest to the family so we can take it home.

They obliged us naman, ahehe.

Ansarap maging Arevalo :) my Hubby's relatives and family friends are all nice, it felt wonderful being around them!

Come home na, Mahal!
Unlike other wives who get to maniacally scrubbing floors or shopping when their hubbies are away, I slip in the doldrums and continue to while my time away in front of the TV (or attempting to learn Photoshop some more), doing nothing else (oh ok, I eat popcorn too).

I haven't even gotten around to getting some cups for us from our gift loot, thus continuing to use the cups from my parents' home.

I do the laundry though, because I wouldn't have anything to wear for work. :)

But really, it's just not fun anymore to be alone... nights find me more restless, unable to sleep without music for company.

I miss my Baby.

And dang his work, he has to stay in Thailand for another day... costing me another restless night... costing me my meeting with friends... costing me P300 (because I bought magazines to comfort me too).

Sigh.

Have I said I miss my Baby yet?

*~*

Told my MIL that her son has been complaining of Thai food again... now she's asking what we want to eat for the weekend since we're staying with them :)

I'm just really so lucky to have a great MIL!!!

*~*

Oh, please say a little prayer for Jojo's uncle, who might be passing away anyday now from cancer. Thank you.

*~*


Used Lainie Day SH, Muriel and ITC Zapt Dingbats fonts... and this Sunflower border I don't know who to credit with (hay, i can't wait for a PC upgrade and a Photoshop version upgrade!!!)

5 year plan

For weeks I have been troubled, antsy about a dialogue Jojo and I seem to never have time for. For days, i've also been crying and frustrated, feeling lost and all kinds of insecure. I guess some brides find themselves in a similar frame of mind... where you don't know where you're headed because you're 'shocked' to realize that there are two of you in your life now.

After a lot of tears on my part (and a lot of childishness too), I got what I wanted: the Five Year Plan dialogue.

Of course, we'd have to revisit this plan time and again, to check if we were realistic and to adjust certain things. But still, just like magic, all my fears and apprehensions and anxiety over the future evaporated (well, of course, one is always anxious about the future). Am no longer insecure!!! We have this mission and vision and time-bounded goals and know which roles to play to complement each other. I'm happy as a lark, if my husband isn't leaving for Thailand today, i'd have beaten him black and blue with kisses. Hehe.

Hopefully, fate or Life cooperates... and that the universe will now conspire to bring to us the opportunities we need.

Meanwhile, I'd be taking photography lessons this May. And yes, there's our Cagayan trip this March. And i'd be back in school this June while keeping my job. My Baby will be reviewing for an Avaya certification/exam while staying in the same company. And on the side, we'll be cooking other things up.

We'd start having babies next year. Right now, I intend to already save for the baby (babies?) since hubby and I agreed that it's really best that I be a full-time Mom.

Basta, am happy.

Thank you, Baby. have a safe trip... and I already really miss you.

And thank God :)