New Cell Phone

I got my new cellphone the other day. It is nothing fancy. The good thing about it... it is FREE after mail-in rebate. Anything for free is good for me.

I would love to have those touch screen cellphones but geez it is beyond my budget. And for practicality reasons, I don't think I would pay that much.

Those touch screen CP sure is nice but the price and your monthly bill will be so high that I am sure I wouldn't enjoy paying.

The cellphone I got is small and sleek from LG. It serves well for me. I can text if I want (which I don't do now, why text when you can call?) It has cam (which I really don't need since I have digicam). It has all the features that I need.

Should I get tired of it, Next year Dave is due for new one... and guess what... all new is mine.... hahaha

Santa is NICE (part 2)

Christmas continuation....

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It has been a long day for all of us having to wake up early and be at Mom's to have lunch but we sure did have fun.

Andrea played with her toys when we got home. She can even ride in her horse alone. What a quick learner...lol

As I mentioned, today Andrea made her famous walk...lol she did a lot of steps which we all enjoyed watching. I hope this video works though.

We really enjoyed Mischa's visit. Andrea enjoyed having Mischa around. She just kept on watching her on everything she did. They look cute together. We hope to see Mischa again. Her visit was really wonderful.

Some pics of Andrea's gift

Santa is NICE (part 1)

We just got home spending Christmas with Mom and Dan. John was with us too. We had a lovely lunch, the roast was soo good. We had good food despite the garlic accident with the potato salad (hahah can't resist this). The food was really good as always.

Santa was really good to the queen (Andrea). She got lot of toys that she really loved.

Andrea was in her mood today. She just impressed us with her walking skills and on how she eats big girls food.

We all had fun for sure. We enjoyed having Mischa with us.

Thanks Mom and Dan.

Mom and Dan, John, Dave, Me Andrea and Mischa

One of Andrea's gift

Mischa and Dave

More pics next blog. I have to upload pics from my camera.

Merry Christmas!

Few hours from now, I will celebrate my 3rd Christmas in the USA. I couldn't believe that this is my 3rd Christmas already. Eventhough this is my 3rd I still think and wish of a Christmas the Filipino way. Maybe someday we can celebrate our Christmas as a family in the Philippines. Maybe when we will win the lottery... hahaha

My first Christmas here was exciting. I had a fresh Christmas tree. I was excited because that was my first Christmas with my husband. I enjoyed our first little Christmas tree and we even exchange gift. We even hosted a Christmas lunch for the family.

Last year, it was different. We didn't have any celebration. We actually spent our Christmas with Andrea in St. Vincent's Hospital NICU. It was one of the hardest Christmas having a baby and not being with her because of her health conditions.

This year will be Andrea's first Christmas at home. We will be having lunch at Mom's.

For this Christmas, I am glad that Mischa will be with us. This is the first Christmas that Dave will have his "girls" together. I know it is nothing fancy, but the most important is we are all together.

Despite the difference of American and Filipino Christmas, I am still thankful that every Christmas my family here are always gathered together. We always spend some time together every Christmas and for that I am very blessed because, I have a family here. A family that loves me and treats me as their own daughter.

Merry Christmas everyone. My prayers for all of you for a blessed holiday season.

It's Christmas!

There is nothing that can compare to Filipino Christmas. A very festive event which everybody is looking forward to.

I woke up today, thinking how fun it would be if I was in the Philippines. I would have been one of the many churchgoers that attends the Midnight Mass. The mass that would end around 1am Christmas Day. After the mass, everybody is greeting everybody. Phonecalls and text messages are endless. And what else is best but the endless gathering around food. Endless chatter while eating then around 4am or 5am when all is full and tired, everybody goes to bed then wake up in few hours to celebrate more.

Christmas day, carollers are everywhere. Even the kids would sing carols house to house. Neighbors would invite you to have a taste of their celebrations. It is just a very festive day.

This year though, I don't think it would be really festive in our house at home. Joy's body still lies at home. The funeral will be tomorrow. This will be the last Christmas that they will see Joy. But I know, in spirit she will always be a part of the family.

Merry Christmas to all my family back home. I couldn't wait to see you all again!

Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding

We wanted to give Andrea a treat so we bought her chocolate pudding which is sugar free. We were not sure if she would like it or not, but knowing Andrea, I think she wont say NO to any food.

True enough, when we gave her the pudding, she had a lot of fun. She even screamed when Dave gave me a taste of it because she thinks it was hers... hahaha or perhaps she was saying that she was not given pudding fast enough.

We are really glad that Andrea has no problems eating. Sometimes though, I wish she would drink more milk. Now that she eats solid food (table food), she doesn't drink a lot of milk. Sometimes, she would prefer juice. But I am so glad, she eats fish and I hope she would continue eating fish when she will be big enough to say NO to the taste.

Here's the picture of the messy baby eating chocolate pudding:

DVDs... anyone???

Andrea got so busy last night. She was working so hard! We just let her have some fun. After seeing what she have accomplished, we decided to put away all our DVDs. She was just so cute messing our DVDs and she really had fun doing it.

Before, she gets the DVD one by one and she usually just get two rows. But last night, she got most of the rows and just get a handful and throw it in the floor.

Of course, what is the use of the camera if you can't capture those moments.

Tickets booked!

Finally, our tickets going home to Philippines is already booked! It took me a lot of time to finally have it confirmed.

I tried to book the cheapest that I can get, when I found one in airgorilla.com they were unable to issue the ticket in the price that was quoted in the internet... the reason was the price changed. That was unfair since why they let you book in the website only to find out that that certain flight price has already changed.

Good thing I found another website that sells cheap tickets too. The only problem is you have to call their customer service if you have an infant travelling with you without seat. The first time I called them, it took me 40 minutes to wait before somebody answered my call. That was a lot of waiting.

Anyway, they gave me the price of less than 2500 round trip ticket for myself, dave and andrea so i am not complaining at all! it is a very good deal!

Tickets are all booked now. I even booked for our domestic travel in the Philippines.

Counting starts now.... I am coming home to EAT! hahaha

Prayer Request

I am asking all my friends to help me pray for the repose of the soul of my niece Joy (Danillie Joyce Tarroquin). May the Lord God grant her eternal rest.

Joy's funeral will be on December 26, 2008. Her body lies at my parents home in Hanopol, Balilihan, Bohol.

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I just talked to my sister Lita today and I am glad to know that there were so many people who do "vigil" every night. I know it is a very sad thing if nobody joins you during vigil times. I also asked her a favor to buy fresh boquet of flowers to be put at the top of Joy's coffin, I will just gave her the amount she will spend for it. I wanted a pretty flower for Joy, that is the least I can offer.

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To everybody who joins us in this hard time, and to all my blogger friends who extended their condolences, my heartfelt thanks to you all.

Rest in Peace, Joy

Joy passed away today. After months of struggle she finally gave up. I already prepared myself to accept the fact, that she is very sick and only time can tell when she will leave us. But when that happens, I think nothing can prepare you for that. It is different saying, I hope she wont suffer long and seeing (knowing) her go is also different.

We all know that it is best for her and for all of us that the Lord will take her away, to stop the suffering that she felt and to our suffering too. But you will also feel the sadness that her life has been so short.. there is always a feeling you can't describe.

I will always remember Joy. The simple pleasures she enjoys. The simple things she used to ask me for, the sweetness and innocence, her love for the kids and when I see lettuce (her all time favorite), it always remind me of Joy.

I know this is all so hard on all of us especially to her Mother and Father. Please join me in prayers for strength for the family who are left behind. May all of us finds joy in knowing that with Joy's death, she is free from all the pains she endured.

May the Almighty Father grants eternal rest to her soul.

Joy, with all our love, we will surely miss you.

Fresh Spinach

I envy my sister Menmen. Today, she bought two bunches of fresh spinach. We both love eating grilled spinach with olive oil. It is so yummy when dipped in a sauce made of lemon, soysauce, black pepper and sliced tomatoes.

I don't know but I couldn't find the big spinach here in Alabama. When we were in NJ we did found a lot in the market there. All I can find here is the baby spinach which is always good for our "sinigang" but not good enough for grilling.

Menmen has access to the fresh market in Philadelphia where you can buy different vegetables and all kinds of fishes. The place looks like Baclaran, Manila where the produce are sold by bunches and different people are lining up in the sidewalk selling their produce. When you go there, you don't feel like you are in USA, you will get the feeling that you are back home and doing your food shopping. I wish we have one like that in Alabama.

Anyway, anybody who knows where to buy this kind ( pic below) please let me know...

Passport Application Status

I checked the status online everyday. Although I know that in the website it tells you that it will take 7-10 days before the application will be in their system but still, I checked it everyday.

Yesterday, when I checked it I was excited to see these message:

Thank you for submitting your application for a U.S. passport book!
We have finished processing your passport, and it has been mailed to you.
You requested delivery by regular mail. Passport Agencies use Priority Mail. This means you should receive your passport on or about 12/16/2008.

Wow! that was quick! The other day when I checked it, it was not yet in their system and when I checked it back it was done already. Oh my gosh! I am really really excited.

Common passport hurry up that way we can book our tickets!!!!

Calling

I called home last night and I am glad that I finally was able to talk to Mom. I haven't talk to Mom for a month now since she is staying at Hanopol now eversince Joy got home. There is no means of communication there since there is no signal for the cellphone.

Yesterday, Mom and my siblings were in the city because Joy was rushed to the hospital again for the nth time.

Anyway, I was able to talk to Mom and she is so excited because she knows that WE are coming home for a visit. They don't know when is the exact date that we will be home that is why they keep on asking me. All I just said is SOON. Hahaha I want to surprise them. I even told them jokingly that they need to check the airport everyday and look for US. hahaha. I had fun not telling them when exactly will I be home. Actually, we don't have the exact date since we have not received Andrea's passport.

I am really excited to come home. It would be a short visit but I am sure it would be a lot of fun.

Andrea's Birthda Party

We have been busy today (Dec 10). It's Andrea's big day. My little girl in her birthday outfit... blue outfit. We invited friends for her birthday at Lotlot's. The party will be at 5:30pm.

Friends arrived before that. Wow! amazing... on time! lol

Actually, I went early there to help Lotlot with the preparation and I made coconut pie. Ging was there early too, she helped cook some dishes.

We all had fun. The kids enjoy the birthday cake. The not SO OLD (like US) enjoyed the food. Food was really delicious. And of course, Andrea enjoyed chewing the gifts lol.

Thanks everyone for joining us. And we are so glad Mom and Dan were there to celebrate it with us and try more of our filipino foods.

Pics... pics.. pics....

Gifts

Andrea received her bday gift from her Papa Post and Mama Jan the other day. She loved the tiger and the sweater looks so pretty and of course she was so fascinated with the glowing light. On that same day, we receive the LSU Book with the compilation of History of LSU's Football. Dave being the fan ( and of course me too!) was in heaven and so excited about the book. He just loves it!

Yesterday, we received their Christmas gift to us. Wow and early gift for us!

Anyway, Thanks Dad and Jan. Thanks for the thoughfulness and being so wonderful to all of us. We love you.

Pics of Andrea and the tiger!

Andrea is ONE year old Today!

Today is Andrea's Birthday! My little girl has grown so fast! Sometimes, I couldn't imagine that it has been a year already since we have her. I haven't been busier my whole life having to chase Andrea all the time. Sometimes, she is just so full of energy that I sometimes wish she would just sleep or stay put in one place, which of course is impossible. Andrea has so much energy that it depletes mine! She fights sleep until she will literally fall and fell asleep. I couldn't complain though, she is a happy baby and she brings so much joy to all of us!

Anyway, we will be having her little birthday celebration at Lotlot's. Our place is just too small for all our friends who will be coming over.

Last night, we were busy preparing for her little party. Thanks to Lotlot for being always so nice to accomodate us and of course for her cooking expertise. Thanks to Ging for helping out last night and even picking me and Andrea with a big umbrella since it was raining.

More on her birthday tonight... after the party...

First Night Out

Last night, we went out to have dinner without Andrea. It was just me and Dave dining out. It was our late dinner date in celebration with our Anniversary. Mom Lori and Dan were our baby sitters... (lol). That was the first time that we ever left Andrea.

We were so glad that Andrea was being a good girl. We had fun going and dining out. We went to Cajun Steamer. We were impressed with their service, the service was so quick. We ordered fried alligator tails, fried oysters, fried shrimps, fried catfish and some side dishes. The food was really good. That was a new taste for me, the cajun cooking.

Our dinner didn't last long because we didn't need to wait for our food so long even if the place was crowded. They have an excellent service and their price was affordable.

After our dinner, we went to buy Andrea's Birthday gift. She will be one on Wednesday.

We had a great time, we really enjoyed dining out and spending some time together. Thanks to Mom and Dan for keeping Andrea.

Lotlot's Christmas Party (Dec. 6)

Every year Lotlot gives a Christmas party for friends and friends of friends. It is a yearly gathering where everybody is invited. If you are a friend of somebody, you can attend the party and for sure you will not feel left out because everyone is just so eager to make you feel at home.

This year is my 3rd time to be with them. I remember the first time, I was just new to Alabama, and I was so happy to know that there was a large group of filipino in here. From then on, I became a part of the group.

I am really thankful that we have this group. It makes me feel at home and it lessens the homesicknesses. Whenever I feel like eating good filipino food, for which I don't need to cook, all I just have to do is call Lotlot and ask if there is food there.

Lotlot is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. She is a kind that would drop anything she is doing if you need her. She is a kind that would offer anything that she has. And of course the best cook! Her house is our hang-out place.

Her yearly Christmas Party is always full of fun and of course what else but lots of food! Last Saturday, the party was suppose to start at 4 but of course most were late because of SEC Football Championship between Alabama and Florida. Actually, this year there were less attendees... perhaps because of the game.

The party was successful, and all of us were in a hurry to catch Pacquiao - De La Hoya Fight. After our party in Moody City Hall, we went directly to Lotlot's house to watch the fight and continue eating and play some cards. It was a fun night for all of us.

Andrea enjoyed the party too. Andrea is already in a stage where she enjoys being with kids and being with other people, which I am so glad.

Some pics of the party

Passport

We applied for Andrea's passport so that we can come home to Philippines. Of course, one of the requirements is to provide a passport size photo of Andrea. We went to CVS Pharmacy to have it done there. Passport photos cost 7.99 for two pictures. I was even commenting to Dave how it happen that they charge 7.99 for the passport photos while they only charge 6.99 for 24 shots film for developing. I said that is weird thinking how much ink and photopaper they will use for developing the pictures. But of course, you don't have a choice if you need passport size photos.

When we had filled everything and paid everything for Andrea's passport application, the employee in the Postal Office noticed that Andrea's picture is bigger that it is supposed to be. The photo should be in correct size from the chin to the head which of course Andrea's pic was bigger than the exact measurement. What a disappointment considering the amount we paid for it.

We don't have a choice but to have another passport photo taken or we might have some problems on the application. We don't want any reason to delay the application. So for the second time, we have to have a passport photo but this time we went to Walgreens. We were satisfied with the picture and the postal office employee said it was the perfect measurement.

So hopefully, we will have Andrea's passport in few weeks.

Yeahh!!! we are so excited to come home!

Walkin'

Andrea had her first few steps a week ago. Of course, we are all so excited about it. When, she finally walked more than 3 steps, our camera was of course not ready to capture the moment.

Andrea has been a busy bee (as always). She learned to climb to our couch. She has four teeth now. And, she loves to eat the real food now, the food for the grown-ups.

Time really fly so fast... My little angel is almost 1 year old. Sometimes, I couldn't imagine how small she was and how delicate her condition was. Whenever, I watched her play with so much energy that always amazes me. I often ask where did she ever get that energy. There are just times that she drives me crazy when she is very hyper and has too much energy that I can't almost handle.

She is always a happy baby though. And of course, it always breaks our heart when out of the blue she will just come to you and give you a kiss.

Whewww the joy of motherhood! I would not trade it for anything else!





Andrea trying to walk








The walk....







The destination....

2nd Year Wedding Anniversary

Today marks the second year of our marriage. It seems that it was only yesterday that we went to the courthouse to apply for marriage license and got married right away. I remember the day when we got married, that was the coldest day of my life. It was below freezing that day and the wind was so strong. I was wearing jeans and leather jacket, and still I felt like i didn't wear anything at all since the coldness crept all over my body.

Two years and our marriage is going stronger and stronger. Dave and I are both blessed to have each other. We shared a life that is full of love, laughter and fun. With Dave, I found my perfect match.

Our married life wouldn't be very successful if not for the support of our beloved families. All our families has always been there for us especially when we needed them and for that we are very thankful.

Of course, our union has been complete with Andrea in our lives. Andrea brings so much joy to all of us. A gift that is immeasurable.

Babe, happy anniversary! I love you and I will always be your best friend and your wife. Looking forward for more years of a blessed married life.