best tatay in the world

i hope this is one of those instances when a picture is worth a thousand words, as the cliche goes.

i recall the time that i told you that i hope aren gets to inherit your nose (*wink!*), your athleticism, and your visual artistry. but above all, my daily wish for aren is that he grows up to be a brave boy, like tatay! i can never tell you enough that i am so proud of you! making a decision like that, and more importantly, standing by it.

you have certainly outdone yourself since the first week after aren's birth. all your apprehensions have turned into excitement for the day that you can get to play chase with him. when i see you carrying our little angel, my heart is at peace knowing that he will always be safe even without me, that he can also create a bond just as special with his tatay.

(i hope that doesn't count as a thousand words... rats...)

we hope your first fathers' day was a memorable one!

a reflection on my 1st 3 months as a mom

thanks to ninang sen, aren has had his first publication at 3 months old: a short feature in our parish newsletter. the easter issue showcased different parishioners and their stories about new life, loves, beginnings, and the like.

writing the article helped me sit back and reflect on my three months of experiences as a first-time mother. i have the honor to reprint our segment:

"I had a fairly pleasant pregnancy, I was surrounded and taken care of by people who loved me. However, an unexpected development caused me to give birth three weeks early. With God’s grace, my labor was only three hours short, and my delivery was normal. What I was most thankful about was the fact that the baby did not have to be put in intensive care.

A few days after Aren was born, I was able to confirm the idea that no amount of books, magazines, or baby items can prepare a first-time mom for a newborn. When my son and I would have quiet time alone, I would feel an overwhelming emotion about his presence. It was like God was speaking to me through him, and I would always acknowledge that Aren is God’s blessing to me and my husband.

Aren has already celebrated two “month birthdays” with our families who dote on him. This Easter will be special for us because he will be baptized on that day. We chose Easter Sunday because it is symbolic of God’s love by renewing mankind by giving us His Son Jesus again. As parents, we promise to show Aren the same love that God showed us when he blessed us with our little angel. We will do our best to raise him with Church teachings, and to always walk the path of the Lord."

as mentioned above, aren was baptized on easter sunday (april 12, 2009) at the up parish of the holy sacrifice. i put some of my "event planning" skills to the test for this occasion. i hope it was memorable for our guests just as it was fun for us organizing it!


1) did not cry after the buhos (yey!); 2) with the ninongs and ninangs

we also decided to celebrate his 3rd month birthday during the reception. our families and friends came to show their love for our little angel.


3) the setup at up hotel; 4) a party staple-- cake! (from chocolate kiss)

the newly-baptized birthday baby, all grown up... (though a bit cranky because he cannot seem to finish his 4oz of milk because of all the interruptions!)