Of Pretty Things and Memories

I have been dying to share this with everyone but kept postponing since I thought I will be able to add to the present amount of work I have done. However,  I cannot hold on any longer since I am so proud of the turning point their group was able to accomplish in just a year!!!

I was so fortunate to be friends with Pinky, one of the founders of Life Documented Manila and was one of the 1st batches to attend their fun workshop.  It was wonderful how they were able to bring people together who share the same passion of "memory keeping" and was able to introduce the "new" way of doing it. Even I, who has a limited capacity of being artsy found it so fool proof! It was so easy to do and yield such beautiful results! 

We were asked to bring in photos of a theme that we would want to work on. I brought in my girls' monthly photos and birthday photos. My eldest was so lucky to have numerous albums with PRINTED photos that I felt I have to do one for my twins too.  Of course others brought in travel photos etc. and I was cringing with me being so old school - that one mommy that scrapbooks about their kids! BUT one thing that makes this great is that, there is no way that yours will turn out uncool! 

So as you can see I have yet to add a few bits and pieces on my Project Life Binder. I want to reiterate how utterly simple and easy this is. There is just really something wrong with me and I still haven't completed the task. Or maybe I was overwhelmed since I have to detail out 2 years of my twins' life. So my tip to you mommas out there is start just START already. Start even before your little one is out.  In our digital world where everything is online, I think it will be nice for our kids to have something to hold on to that is really personal. For them to see the strokes of your pen and the edges you made on the photos that you printed out. To browse thru small knick-knacks, tickets, artworks or even a leaf you both picked up. Something tangible wherein they can connect with us would be cherished so much. I am promising now to make a follow-up post on this and how I have improved on mine. 

Do check out their website and Facebook by clicking on the link. You will see there other inspiring and creative works and their workshop schedules. It is worth the click and the time I promise!!!

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much love

Keep Picking Up the Pieces

Read into this as you may, taking this literally or figuratively but my life just feels like this nowadays.  So much feels on a Tuesday. I am so sorry for the current trending mood. I actually talked to my sister about this, my Birthday is lurking and yet I feel the need to disconnect and hide under a rock.  I often did  this before, locking myself in my room and hiding until I feel ok to emerge again. I don't think I can allow myself this mood anymore. Continuing that conversation with my sister, I followed that up with "too bad though since it's C's exam week" so I really need to function. BUT truly thank God for my kids that does not allow me to wallow. I have been sad for quite awhile but they have pushed me to function and move, not allowing me to succumb to the dark recesses of my mind. So truly, with these guys around, you have the best reason to keep picking up the pieces and putting them back together again. 

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much love

Fashion Flashback

Fixing my blog, I got into reminiscing and ended up going through my old blog as missdonata. Oh how I miss the life she had and the outfits she wore. That person seemed so put together and took chances on her outfits more! I have compiled some of my faves from the year that was -- 2011! HAHA Cannot believe that was 3 YEARS AGO! So interesting to see my style choices then and how up to now I hold certain style philosophies to heart. 

I loved this wine red skirt that I deemed "oh so sexy"! I think this is why I kept pairing it with long sleeved button downs just to balance it out! Actually I remember loving the ruching too and how it hides the tummy, that I guess was always my problem even before the girls came!

I cannot believe I only have 3 outfit shots of me wearing a kimono cover up! I remember it to be more than that, as this is my default and go to! Love how it transforms an outfit and elevates it to a more dramatic look - may it be a short dress, a maxi skirt or plain shorts!

My ever reliable knitted black poncho!!! I love pieces like these that adds such character to an outfit. So effortless to style too! I guess at that time I thought it goes so well with my animal print booties haha

Rarely would you see me in pants! BUT surprise! I have 3 sets of those in this series! Remembering the hey day of blazers and how it can easily amp up a rather simple outfit!

Please remind me what these pants are called? I was a sucker for them coz I thought it hides my tummy hahaha NOT Another look showcasing the importance of well fitted button sown blouses. It is truly a staple. 

I am including these 2 looks to mourn the demise of my shoes! =( Aren't they so edgy? =) 

My ever favorite lace shorts in red! Love how it can go from a simple and casual sailor inspired outfit to a more chic and uptown look - Funny how I didn't think I am a red person, but this series says otherwise. 

The return of the wide legged pants! I love this pant cut since I can easily wear platforms and cheat my height hahaha

My love affair with flirty skirts will never end, the poof and pleats will always always get me!

As much as I love how I used to dress up, I cannot wait to keep reinventing my personal style. Coming out of my pregnancy and bed rest left me out of sorts catching up with the trends and a new body type. 2 years on, I am slowly finding my footing. Keeping in mind too that I am also changing how I present myself to the world.  As the saying goes, "Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak" (Rachel Zoe).  Well I am fervently, getting to know myself again and again. We, mothers tend to do that right? Self-assessment? And now that I have the toughest critics of all- my kids, I just have to be the best of myself even the silliest parts of me. OH BUT WAIT! FASHION IS NOT SILLY!

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much love

Of Rainbows and Sunshine

And when the times are dark and gloomy and everything seems to pull you down.

 Count your blessings, it's unlikely that you have none.

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much love

Getting to Know You

Oh Lila I am so happy to be getting to know you more and more. My worries have dissipated as I understand your ways and learned your strengths. You see, I have been worried ever since you were born, much smaller than your sister. I have distressed and tormented over you not hitting your milestones at the same pace as her. Even a 2 week difference was enough to scare me. However, I see YOU so clearly now, your different way of interacting with the world, I have begun to appreciate.

You see, Lila is quite a handful, my feisty little one. She is the one who runs around climbing everything, throwing things and laughing over hurting you. Although to be fair Sandra does those things too but Lila just does it more - much more!

Despite these things, what I used to worry about more, are again the milestones. Sandra just seemed to get there faster. I guess there is truly a blessing in everything. When I lost my yaya and started spending time with them 24/7, I was able to observe even more closely how Lila is. I think it also happened in a crucial time wherein they have developed their personalities more for me to see the change.  I saw how she is able to focus if given the chance. She was able to finish our alphabet puzzles on her own without getting up to do something mid-way. She is also adept to painting and again filled her paper until she is done. So I realized then her love for art and her ability to stay on task.

However, what really moved me is seeing how she shows her emotions. She chooses well and is very honest. If at times she does not feel like it, you won't be able to force her to hug or kiss you unlike Sandra who knows too well how she is supposed to act. However is she feels like it, she will shower you with kisses! She is awfully loyal to her sister too. Whenever Sandra is "punished" and made to stand on the wall, she will be right next to her.

So I understand now Lila, I was worried for nothing. I kinda see how differently you both will end up being! I am excited, but for now I am enjoying getting to know you and Sandra. I will forever be in awe of how similar yet different you both are.

***

much love

Neoprene Blooms

FANCIFUL skirt and top, SM Parisian flats

I am such a sucker for blooms especially now that they have gone through an upgrade! I have rekindled my love for them as they took on their new form, being as graphic and bold as can be, lending them such an edgy vibe. This top was purchased for my store but I cannot help keep one for myself! It was such a struggle though since as the trend on blouses now dictates - everything is so much shorter! I for one cannot sport anything cropped! My solution is pairing it with this flounce skirt since you can easily wear this high waisted! Bonus points on how this flirty hemline balances the boxy cut of the blouse! Full on neoprene on neoprene on a Sunday! 

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much love

Always a Favorite

There's something about this silhouette that I cannot let go. Maybe because it hides my flabby tummy and creates an illusion of a wider hips that balances my not so slim waist! Plus points for this beautiful color!

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much love

Of Candied Tulle and Cupcakes

Oh to have daughters to dress up in anything tulle and whimsical, cartoonish purses! 

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much love

As They Grow Older

So I am at the part of parenting where it is more than just keeping my girls alive, but shaping them into beautiful little persons. Wherein there is no longer a template, a how-to and clear list of things to do. Everything now is based on what values I hold dear and how I effectively pass this on to my children and maybe even improve them.  I AM SCARED.

We have now reached the point wherein my words are no longer the only ones they mimic but my actions too. Apart from me revelling in how greatly different my girls are, each picking up a different set of manners from me, I am also scared of letting my short comings shine through.

They have started with the little things like copying how I pluck and giving each other massages!! Hilarious at times but sometimes I worry. They stare at the mirror like I do after dressing up and insists on putting make-up too! Too soon my girls - not yet! First I want you to see how beautiful you are sans the frivolities.  I want them to see this is not what is truly important! I know the day will come when they will understand. I know I have to shrug off my worries and enjoy these silly moments. But of course that nagging feeling will always be there. I saw this quote once that says "Be the person you want your child to be".  Bring on the much needed reflections. They are the best motivation there will ever be. 

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much love

When They Are Ready

If you are looking for expert advise, STOP reading now. As I have repeatedly informed everyone I am not a supermomma, backed up with all researched facts in child rearing and psychology. What you will see here is how I stumble day in and day out of momma life and somehow yield OK results. I have been going at it blindly. I am not OC, never have been in any aspect of my life. I have tried of course to do what is best, based on my capabilities. On the other hand, I do acknowledge my short comings and  safe to say, better them. What I can offer maybe, is the bits of observation about the things that worked out for me. 

I have this theory that I have been nursing in my head for quite awhile. I have seen it work with my eldest and waiting if it will hold true for my girls as well. I am glad to say this theory has been re-affirmed by all my 3 kids yesterday! Yes! In one day! So anyway, let me just come out and say what it is. So you know how when you read articles about milestones and when your baby should be reaching them? And then at the end they will say every baby is different blah blah blah and assures you that it is ok if your baby hasn't done this or that yet.  Well I have taken that part to heart. HAHA I do not believe in putting pressures on my children. That every milestone should be on the dot as to what the books say. Sometimes they are advance and sometimes behind. BUT THAT IS REALLY OK. More so now that Sandra and Lila are not hitting the same milestones at the same time. It can be a cause of worry. But what good will it do if I push the other just because I compared her with her sister? Right? 

So anyway I am going a bit off track. What I really want to share is how kids are so brilliant that they will let us know when they are ready! So here comes my concrete example from yesterday. 

I haven't been rigidly teaching my girls their alphabet and numbers yet. Although I must admit I second guessed my belief on that one for awhile. Anyway last night the two were not cooperating with me at all! I usually do a countdown which works with my eldest all the time. I just tried, maybe, they would get it too. BUT to my surprise - when I said 1 they answered in chorus 2! Then alternating with me! What the?! I forgot that I was seriously mad already. It was so funny! What a great surprise! So really they absorb these things without us having to drill it in them. They are too young to understand these concepts anyway.  However they will show you that they are ready to LEARN so take their cue and fill their brains up! 

Another incident happened with my eldest earlier that day. We went ice skating for the 2nd time and he learned to skate on his own! He is 7, so that might not be such an impressive feat if you do not personally know my son. This little guy, for some weird reason has turned out to be an overly cautious one. He is not up to taking risks if he knows there is a possibility getting hurt. He always holds my hand when we walk around the mall especially on escalators, he does not run in the parking lot more so in the street. He sticks close by when we are out. He does not like roller coasters. When he was younger he cries when we swim, he does not go on slides or jumps off things. And the list goes on... So when yesterday he let go of my hand and skated on his own I was jumping for joy. He also recently just learned to swim by himself floating and dog paddle-ing.  This boy who clutches on my hand for support all the time - let go. I was so proud of him and I think I heard his message loud and clear! He is letting me know he is ready to take on things and be more adventurous. I cannot be any happier!!! 

To give another example, I also applied this to potty training my eldest. Now my twins are the same. They are the ones who started removing their diapers on their own and saying pupu when they needed to go. Same goes for a lot of things, like having them eat on their own, playing a certain toy you are excited for them to try or that game you want them to learn. Wait it out so at least you skip the frustrating part and deal with it when they are READY. No need to rush really. They will get there before we know it.

P.S.

Do not try this when you are training them to stay put in their cribs, car seats, high chairs and strollers. There is no waiting that out. Best to start right away and get them used to it. There is no way you can force them into that once they are older. I have learned the hard way times 3. 

***

much love

To My Daughters

My darlings, 

Oh how time flies... and I am scared to forget how you both are right now as you turn 2. 

You girls are so beautiful inside and out and I take much pride and joy watching you grow into great individuals.

Dear Sandra,

You are warm and friendly, have an easy smile that you give to us all and a strong low laugh that surprises me every time I hear it. You have taken into your role as an Ate to Lila so seriously, so early, without us imposing that role upon you. It is so endearing watching you pacify her, give in to her wants as soon as she cries and let go of whatever it is you are holding that she is grabbing from you. Thank you for being so easy to handle, sleeping through the night and just being chill as you are. It is amazing how your mind works too. You have now come to name animals, lion being among the first ones. I once found you on your own with an animal book pointing at each and naming them. You enjoy building using legos and blocks and solving the wooden puzzles. You have started I find it so cute how you crinkle your nose and show all your teeth forming that wide grin you give with matching head tilt. The way you purse your lips when you kiss is forever in my mind. 

Dear Lila, 

You are my feisty little one. Your smile dazzles me and everyone else you decide to reward with it. You have such an adventurous spirit, finding ways to climb up chairs and everywhere else then jumping off them. You are obsessed with baby wipes and wiping your face clean then every surface you can get to. You are always up to something and we run trying to catch up to you. You love to dance and sing its beautiful how you entertain us all. I find you loving books now too and asking me to read them over and over. I love how you grab my face refusing to let me leave your side and kiss me hard, the way you keep shoving your face in my tummy or sometimes even on my leg is pretty amusing. 

My girls, 

I also want to tell you how you both are so responsible at this age. I am watching you now trying to fix your own bed, placing the pillows, laying down the covers. I am thankful too with how early you both started following long instructions and commands. Truly a big help to momma. I am so grateful of the times when you show your love for your Kuya and for one another. When you hug him when he cries or each other. I love watching you in each other's presence, content with the company and at ease. Sometimes even quiet. This balances how you both are most often super kulit and magulo! How you have this endless fascination with pouring alcohol, wrapping chargers around your necks and playing with sockets. How you both love to keep washing your hands and splashing water all over. How you -Lila, loves playing with powder, putting it all over yourself and then dumping it on the floor. Same goes for Sandra but her product of choice is lotion instead. How you find it funny when someone goes ow, ouch or aray, when someone hits something or falls over. A real head scratcher that one. How you both are just simply a lot to handle since there are two of you. It is extremely overwhelming but amusing to say the least.

You have now started taking much interest with mom's make-up and my shoes. Very sad for my broken compact and smushed lipsticks but nonetheless am happy. You both get overly excited at the thought of dressing up also. Too excited actually that sometimes you tend to remove your clothes at the wrong time? Although this happened once followed by you Sandra saying pupu and when I brought you to the toilet you did do it there! YAY for letting me know you are ready for potty training. You are both getting your key words in too, Sandra more than you Lila. I think you are holding out on us Lils and I cannot wait for you to surprise us! Like that day when you held up a Boggle letter and screamed "A" and you were right! I will forever be happy to hear you express your "thank you's", "good night's", "borrow's", "fix's" and even when you scream "MINE". You have gotten that practice of repeating everything you hear so we better watch out. Since now you Sandra have gotten my expression "Oh crap". You say it every time you get your hand stuck and can't put it through the arm hole properly. And you Lila have said "Oh My God" around twice already!

I will forever remember playing "ring around the rosy" with the both of you and with Kuya. Laughing when we get to the part where we all fall down. It will never stop to be amusing whenever you hum the theme song of Universal Studios before a movie starts. Or when Sandra attempts to copy Lila and try to cross her arms over her chest and fails. I will not get over how when Daddy and I hug you both squish yourself in between.  You are our princesses. We love you both so much!

I am so happy you are in our lives. I sometimes watch you still in disbelief you came from me! For this year I promise to have more adventures with you guys that will give you a chance to explore our world. Again I love you both. Happy 2nd Birthday!!!

***

much love

Mother's Day Musings

My friend gave me the perfect Mother's Day greeting in a form of an article imparting the "latest parenting method". It had come to me at just the right time as I have been recently harbouring thoughts that really should not have been entertained in the first place. Coming from a 5 day business trip sans the kiddos, I was at my lowest low. I was tired and not feeling the spirit of mom's day at all.  I have led myself to fall into a pity trap. I blame it on our current generation that is so immersed in social media wherein we get a sneak peek of how the other person lives so easily. How effortless it is now to share moments and achievements to our network. Though we can argue that this can be a good thing. We learn a lot from what others share if we follow the right people. However, how easy also to compare lifestyles which may take a wrong turn into jealousy and resentment. A horrible horrible thing. I for one have been vulnerable to such recently. I hate it. It is the worst feeling. I follow moms that seem to have a hand on it all - the experts, the supermoms. So easy to let you feel that you are not doing it right...  So really this message cannot come at the best time. At the moment when moms are being glorified for a stellar job, I was sulking at the thought that maybe I am not doing enough.  The message cannot be any clearer. 

An excerpt from the article: 

• Worried your friend’s child has mastered the alphabet quicker than your child? Calm the fuck down.

• Scared you’re not imparting the wisdom your child will need to survive in school and beyond? Calm the fuck down.

• Concerned that you’re not the type of parent you thought you’d be? Calm the fuck down.

• Upset that your child doesn’t show interest in certain areas of learning? Calm the fuck down.

• Stressed that your child exhibits behavior in public you find embarrassing? Calm the fuck down.

Yes, using the CTFD method, you’ll find the pressure lifted and realize your child loves you no matter what, even if they’ve yet to master the alphabet. You’ll also learn that whether or not you’re the best parent in the world, as long as you love your child, they’ll think you are and that’s what matters.

Oh how we put pressure on ourselves as mothers. So hard on ourselves especially when it has anything to do with our children. But really I should just CALM THE F*CK DOWN! I am not perfect and that is ok. I do NOT have the answers to everything, smart tips and tricks and expert advises. All I have are personal moments that are ruled by how I love them. And really there is no one clearer rule except to just LOVE them. Everything else will follow.  I am all for raising unique individuals and clearly the only way to do that is mess them up a bit right? My imperfections will make them beautiful characters. It will make them MINE. 

***

much love

A Baby Shower to Welcome our Lil Man Roman

Hey Roman we are so excited for you to come out! We cannot wait to meet you! Mommy Mara is already so anxious going pass the 40 week mark and so are all your ninangs!!! 

This little guy is so lucky to have so many Titos and Titas waiting to spoil him.  Mara's baby shower is the biggest one yet  haha So for that we had to find a venue to fit all their guests!  So lucky that they are friends with Niki Sambile, the owner  of  Cafe14Four which provided the perfect setting for this affair. We got a fabulous package that included use of the space, scrumptious and filling merienda, a DIY S'mores station and Lemonade Stand. 

Cafe14Four is a Restaurant and a showroom in one. It is also open for engagement shoots! A fave of mine actually =)

Mara wanted a hint of blues,teal, gray and white and we accompanied it with small elements of the 'stache! Our friend Barbie did the hosting and games and also came up with our # for the day which was "lilmanroman" so apt!

Tarp,Big R  and bowties + moustache buntings courtesy of Ninang Kelly who couldn't join us, all other elements we just added and set up! We are seriously getting good at this haha Spot the cupcake stand that has been present in all our events 

Soo Roman please come out already! So many are waiting for you!! I now bombard your mom with text messages everyday asking if she is on her way to the hospital already! We love you already we cannot wait to meet you!!

***

much love

Arm Candies!!!

Pearls + watch + citrine necklace has been a boring combo I have been sporting for quite awhile now. I am just glad that these arm candies has pulled me out of my accessory rut (that I keep falling into)!  

I have 3 current faves that I would love to share with you guys! 

1. Lala Garcia MNL boasts of using semi-precious stones and crystals that goes for a fun and quirky design! My current faves are her bohippie and newest line - gypsyglam collection!!!

2. Wearmauve  not only brings it trendy and eye catching accessories but this great MANTRA bracelets that reminds you to sport good vibes all day in yummy pastel and bold hues!

3. CrucianiPH are the original macrame bracelets from Italy that comes in cute designs and colors!

I have tried on 3 different combos and its as if the possibilities are endless haha.  I love how they contradict yet compliment each other, my Mantras and cruciani gives a chill vibe while my crystals hikes it up a notch! It is such a gypsy glam* moment on my arms! haha

*gypsy glam - coined by Lala Garcia for her current collection. 

Top - Bottom :  LalaGarciaMNL gypsyglam collection - love those tassles ,  Wearmauve's Mantra Bracelers and CricuianiPH's neon pink clover design bracelet

Left - Right: Purple Gypsyglam bracelet from LalagarciaMNL , CrucianiPH clover bracelet, Dream from Mantra Bracelet set and another from the gypsyglam collection

Left - Right: A bit worn out, white bracelet from LalaGarciaMNL Bohippie collection,  Cruciani PH and 3 of 5 from my Mantra Bracelets WearMauve

I think my summers are covered with my pieces! BUT they are the ones that actually gets you to go and hoard! I only have 6 out of 15, YES 15 of the crystal bracelets, CrucianiPH is already broadening the designs they bring in here, while the Mantras come in so many colors! So good luck to me! I am having way too much fun with these! 

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Much Love

Perks of Raising Twins

I stumbled upon this article from www.babble.com that lists down 7 Perks of Raising Twins. It was such a highly amusing read as I find myself nodding in agreement in almost all points. I want to share it with you guys as you might appreciate with me the joys of having my girls. 

1.  Your kids HAVE TO Share. 

I have often regaled about this perk in my posts as it is quite the obvious one to notice right? I also love how the article stated that your twins will not automatically WANT to share but would know the concept of sharing. "A forced consciousness that the world does not revolve around them" This is so true! I have broken numerous fights that resulted from wanting the same thing. ( Usually its the Ipad, you will not get me to buy them one of each of that ). But I know for a fact that they are also keenly aware of the concept of the other. How, you say, do I notice with my almost two year olds? Well there will be times when one would be extra fussy and clingy with me. I hold my gaze with the other as my way of assuring her that I am with her too. And I would see the understanding there. I SWEAR IT. She would wait her turn as if understanding that her sister needs me more now. 

2. You can't helicopter parent. 

Of all things I think I would be most guilty of this! HAHA You cannot do anything about it since there's only one of you and two of them! You cannot be obsessively watching every move. This of course results to more bumps and bruises. We have had plenty of those!!! I think this is also a testament on why my twins are feisty little things. I have mentioned this before, linking to needing to be more assertive of their wants, but thinking about it now, it may be because of this as well. They are often left to their own devices resulting to more adventurous and outgoing personalities. 

3.  You have a black belt in dealing with strangers.

Of all the things in here, this is the one I cannot completely agree about. Although we do get an onslaught of attention and bombarded with questions, I do not think I have my social black belt as yet haha 

4. You have little free time

I think this also applies to any moms out there not just for multiples.  But of course its true. Even if we are lucky enough to have help, each step we take requires twice the amount of time, planning, executing and the logistics! My goodness. How to begin. Each simple trip out for church is a circus what more for an out of town vacay! So yes that leaves pretty much very little time for anything else. So when it does give you free time you kinda take advantage of it too much ahaha

5.  You're only a kind of a "first time" parent

"Parents of more than one child often marvel at how different their children are at some point in their development. As a parent of twins, you’ll probably marvel a whole lot sooner. Parents of multiples tend to realize very early on that their kids are completely different people, with often opposite desires, reactions, and inclinations. " 

This is my favorite of all!!! I get to marvel at their uniqueness and wonder in amazement on how this can be! It is as if I am witnessing a miracle every single day!  They also go on to state that we parents realize that what our children does is "hard-wired". Something inherent to them already that  we had no hand in. They are just simply unique in their own! It is simply beautiful!

6.  You learn to say "NO".

"Parents of twins learn to pick and choose what their family is capable of achieving and which events they can reasonably attend." 

I have now the reason to say NO! The least favorite of perks especially of my husband but it is true. It is just not as easy to carry around two babies everywhere meaning we also have to accept that there will be times when we cannot make it to all events! This was where much of my sadness comes from. I have been so down since I see families taking trips everywhere with their babies. I was quick to realize that it will simply not happen for us just yet.  Soo off to no. 7

7. Your tolerance goes up

So until I have completely accomplished such, I will not be saddened by the fact that my twins are more homebound than others. It is true though that slowly but surely I am finding myself not quick to scream and get mad. I am learning to let some things go, a spill here , a broken toy there. You just pick your battles and it will be fine.  

I think I will often be writing about my tales of mommahood of twins and how extremely blessed I am. I am sorry for this is, if sometimes it will be in your face. It is just that - we are often (as a parent/parents of multiples) tired, over wrought and maybe on our wits ends - so allow as to bask in this glow and be reminded too. That there are of course so many things to be grateful for - times two even! 

***

much love

Happy 7th Birthday My Carlos!

I just realized, going through my blogposts that we have been giving C budget parties since he was 4! I actually thought his 7th would be the time where we go for the whole kaboom. However, practicality bested us again so we decided to go at it differently. Of course I will not do away completely from giving him a party that will be too cruel. So his dad and I decided to speak to him about it. We bargained and made him see the beauty of our plan teehee

What he got instead is a McDonald's Birthday and a beach trip with the fam bam! We scheduled his party at the last day of school for everyone's convenience. This worked so well that we got a full attendance from all his classmates, past barkada and even his teacher. Made it so special for C all the more. It became a celebration for all of them too! The kids surely let off all their pent up energy and excitement for summer!

C shooing off his classmates from having a go at his cake hahahaha Coz' seriously who can keep their hands off from this goodness! Thanks again sister for making this for C despite extreme nausea and fatigue from your pregnancy! It was delish!!! 

Boys going wild over such a simple game! Its really all about the company that makes parties special. Hoping to instill that on C!

Our beach trip was again an advance celebration! After much tears and frustration over not being able to book, everything fell into place. It was a lovely 2 day stay over at Pico Sands Hotel which I must say is very family friendly! It was such a special gathering since we haven't had a family trip for such a looong time! 

My lil gwapito ootd-ing !

Best part for C was having his cousin Rafa and the girls with him =)

Sandra having a go at the beach!

The day of C's birthday was also his first day at football club! And we capped it off with a dinner at Project Pie since he loves pizza!!!

All in all it was a great series of events! Hopefully a memorable one for our boy. I seriously do not regret having decided to do this for him instead of blowing off all that moolah for one huge bash that will only last for 1 day. I am glad he agreed with us too and saw the benefits of celebrating his birthday for several days instead!

To my dearest Carlos -Happy Happy Birthday! This boy has grown into this wonderful lil man, exceeding all our expectations. Thank you for being how you are! You make it so easy for your mommy and daddy. Your presence in our lives have made it all the more meaningful and worthwhile. Thank you too for straightening us out!!! WE LOVE YOU ALWAYS!!

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much love

Special thanks to our sponsors! Our parents and siblings made sure we get to give C the best birthday ever. THANK YOU for helping us all the way! ;D