:)

So/too many things happened in 2011 but I think only one thing is worth remembering over, and over again...

Thought that was the best day of my life.  Didn't know the days after would even be better :)

Bump Update!

So I guess they weren't kidding when they said, wait until you get to 5 months and that belly won't stop growing! Here's the bump at 23 weeks and 5 days!

It's getting harder to sleep at night as I don't quite know how to position myself.  I've read that lying on your back is not very good for blood flow for the baby, so I try not to.  When I lie on my side, the baby keeps moving about so, there.  Good thing I'm on Christmas vacation so I can afford sleeping in + afternoon naps to catch up on sleep! Two more days before the 2011 ends! Here's how I intend on spending the 30th and 31st:

30th - Go to the gym in the morning to do some light cardio, lunch at home, maybe nap or get work done in the afternoon then dinner with some friends at night

31st - The last day of the year will be spent with family, over a nice lunch at Tagaytay! Hoping for a cool breeze then!

Then, 2012! 2011 has been amazing, to say the least.  I'm sure 2012 will bring in even better memories! I mean, how can I not? I'm due in 4 months! <3

My ThINSPIRATION

This was taken May 2010.  Hopefully by May 2012, I'll be back to this! 

A Very Merry(ied) Christmas

...get it? :) Hehehe.  As the title implies, this is my first married Christmas.  As H and I were pulling out of our driveway on the 24th (to spend CHristmas eve with my in laws), I couldn't help but feel a bit emotional saying goodbye to my mom.  HAHA.  Drama! But really, it was my first Christmas eve away from home - not that we have anything special back at home.  We usually just have a big home-cooked dinner then by Noche Buena time, have coffee and dessert.  So it wasn't so much on what we did but just the thought of being at home with my family.  Of course, I knew being married also meant being married to another family which I also had obligations to.  I had a nice Christmas eve with my in laws - had really good home-cooked lunch and dinner (really cannot imagine going on a diet with my father-in-law who cooks amazing meals), Midnight Mass then Christmas ham back at home.

The next day, 25th, H and I drove back home to spend it with my family.  We had a hefty lunch at The Corniche, Diamond Hotel - buffet galore! I promise, this is the last buffet I'll be having this year until the end of the pregnancy! We hung out at Diamond Hotel until around 4:00 PM then headed home.  Slept from 5:00 to 8:00 PM!

Over-all, I'd say Christmas this year was calm, quiet and...complete - in every sense of the word.  I realized I don't need a huge celebration with so many relatives around or Christmas presents left and right.  I'd rather a small and meaningful Christmas with the people who matter.

The best part about this Christmas is knowing that next year will even be better with baby in tow.  I seriously cannot wait.

Merry Christmas To Me!

Husband's birthday + Christmas gift! :) See, I've never really been a fan of expensive watches.  Not as much as he is - researches about Omega, Oris, Rolex, etc. and obsesses about it *rolls eyes* He had to make me lambing several times for me to let me buy his Oris (although he did use his money, which according to a good friend, is also mine.  So maybe I shouldn't have said yes, haha)

So anyway, this is what he gave me! I've been wanting to get a Garmin (which is priced at about Php 15,000 and above for the one I want - Forerunner 610) but A, my running "coach" said I didn't need it and frankly, I guess I just wanted one, thinking buying something expensive for running will make me feel the pressure to go back to it.  But nah, I think my current weight gain (which might even be doubled in my last trimester) will be enough to motivate me.  BUT ANYWAY! So H knows I've always been lusting over TechnoMarine but never thought of buying an expensive watch.  I guess H thought otherwise.. :P

 I researched for what I wanted and I thought of the TechnoMarine Cruise.  I saw it "in person" and figured it was too...white.  So I got something under the Cruise model (Cruise Beach) instead.  It comes in 3 other colors: pink, royal blue and purple but opted for this one.  Always found turquoise blue to be a pretty color.  The best part about this is that the straps can be changed.  I actually didn't know that all models came with an extra strap.  The extra strap is in turquoise as well.  

This is my first (and last) expensive watch! Malamang hindi naman ito and pinaka mahal out there but a watch over Php 5,000 is already expensive for me! Thank you, husband! <3

***

In other news, here's a recent baby bump photo! 

 23 weeks tomorrow :) I STILL cannot buy baby stuff but going to Rustan's in Shangri-La Mall this afternoon to go window shopping.  Heard renovation is over and done with and the baby section is pretty comprehensive.  Will tell you about that adventure later!

The 26th December 20

I've always bugged Alvin about how I no longer received flowers.  So for my birthday, at exactly 12:01 AM, he leaves the room and comes back with this :)

Set our alarm at 3:30 AM since I wanted to hear mass on my birthday - Simbang Gabi!

Mary the Queen at 4 AM

Us, trying to look very awake.  We went home with puto bumbong, bibingka and Jollibee for the help :)

After breakfast at home, we decided to take a nap before heading to Cardinal Santos for my check-up.  The first one's my doctor :)

While waiting for Achi Paulene :)

We got home to pick up my parents for my birthday lunch! We decided to try out The Manila Peninsula's Escolta buffet.  DESPITE being told by my OB to limit the food intake.  It's my birthday anyway! :) 

With parents :)

To my husband: You're all I need to get by...

...but because God is so good He decides to bless me with so much more! My favorite birthday message was from Auntie Nancy: "Happy birthday! By next birthday, you will have baby on your lap, not in your tummy.  Truly blessed, MB!"

3 days to go til Christmas! :)

That's Me

I'm 26 and both my parents are still around and healthy.

I have wonderful in-laws, a job that fulfills me and makes me feel I make a difference.  

We can afford private transportation so I never have to take the commute.

I have more than 5 meals a day, I can read, write, hear and speak without difficulty.

My wardrobe, although not too abundant, is enough to keep me warm and comfortable.

I have over 5 pairs of shoes.

I have a husband to come home to and I'm lugging around a 5-month-old baby boy in my belly.

And, most importantly...

I got flowers from my husband at exactly 12:01 AM on my birthday :P

Seriously.  What more can I ask for?