Pride and Joy

Snow

2014-01-29T13:43:00.001-05:00

My boy loves to shovel. I can always count on him to help me and his daddy.

Sleep

2014-01-29T13:41:00.000-05:00

After 7 months of feeling like a zombie, forgetting things too easily, not knowing the difference between night and day- I am so happy to say that Tinsley sleeps through the night now! Which means more sleep for me.Yay!

Having a baby is not easy. It takes awhile for your body to recover. Not eating on time, the 2-3 night time feedings and taking care of baby's needs can definitely take it's toll. Now that I sleep trained her, I am just too happy that I can get a good night's rest (fingers crossed that this will last)!

Thanks Tinsley for making me feel human again :) Now, the only thing we have to work on is how to find my double so you don't have to cry so much when I leave you :)

Dada feeding her ice cream. Not good Dada!!

New Year

2014-01-29T13:04:00.000-05:00

New Year, new hopes and a fresh start. Here's to a beautiful and blessed year ahead!

I asked T to write his message for us for the new year on my journal

Jet helping me cook pasta

Kuya Rob's cousin and her family who just arrived in Toronto

he met a new friend

Christmas

2014-01-29T12:40:00.000-05:00

We went to Kuya Robin and Vanessa's house for Christmas day. I cooked lemon chicken with bacon and Vanessa cooked prime rib, molo soup etc. It was delicious!

We miss the hustle and bustle of Christmas festivities in the Philippines. We can't deny though that we were also happy to just rest and catch up on sleep during the Christmas break. It was an eventful year for the family- moving to a new townhouse, having a new baby, dealing with Tinsley's condition, etc. We were beyond exhausted. Still, our hearts are filled with gratitude for all the blessings.

Warning: Photo overload of Tinsley bear!

After much begging, T agreed to perform one song

Christmas day

2014-01-29T10:00:00.001-05:00

On the night of December 24, our family went to church to hear mass. There was also a Christmas pageant performed by the children which Tonicci greatly enjoyed.

2013 has been a year full of challenges to say the least. If there's one learning for us, it is the realization that God is ALWAYS good. He provides. All the struggles, sadness and worries were replaced with blessings, BIG miracles and endless love. So many beautiful things happened to us this year that it would be unfair to dwell on the negative. We only hope and pray that life will keep on getting better.

On Christmas day, T woke up so early because he was excited to open his gifts! Tinsley joined in the fun and found happiness in the wrapping papers! As we sat and watched the kids, Jet and I were just super happy that they are both healthy, full of joy and safe with us. Cheesy as it may sound but for us, that is the best Christmas present we could ever have.

I wonder what Daddy's thinking?! :)

Santa

2014-01-28T21:57:00.002-05:00

What could be better than a FREE visit to Santa?

A few days before Christmas, we took Tonicci to Santa's cabin! We were pleasantly surprised how organized the event was, how beautiful the cabin looked and how friendly this Santa turned out to be! Will definitely do this again next year and hopefully Tinsley will enjoy it too.

Excited!!!!

I wonder what he's telling Santa?!

They talked long

Tinsley

2014-01-24T11:28:00.001-05:00

Our happy baby can hold her own bottle, smile and make our hearts melt, sit still (for 2 mins) while reading a book, grab everything within reach, crawl and be so active that we sometimes can't keep up! Don't grow up too fast our precious one.

waiting for her doctor

Tonicci's birthday

2014-01-22T14:05:00.002-05:00

It was a very simple celebration- he wanted to invite his best friend over. He went with his Daddy to the grocery to pick his cake.All he wanted was pepperoni pizza and pokemon cards. :) It takes so little to make this boy happy.

We love you so much sweetheart! Daddy, Mommy and Tinsley are so proud of who you are and how you turned out to be. I love laughing with you because of our silly jokes. Dancing with you and Daddy in the living room like a bunch of crazy people, while Tinsley just staring at us mesmerized. Love it that I can get mad at you and 10 mins after we are kissing. I love our talks when I pick you up from the bus. I appreciate it when you help me with Tinsley like giving her the milk or looking after her when I am doing chores. We don't take for granted that every night we get to read you a book, pray and tuck you in for the night. Most of all I love it when we kiss and hug and do it 100 times more.

Tonicci, we hope you will discover what is truly important in life. May you have lots of love to make you smile, peace and contentment to make you happy and to have a heart that has so much faith in God. Life is not perfect, everyday there will be ups and downs and we just pray that we raise you to become a strong boy. Please know that at the end of the day, your family is just here for you. Love you and happy 6th birthday!

He woke up at 6 am to get and open his present!

The basics

2014-01-22T13:31:00.001-05:00

TV, Instagram, Facebook and other social media are such a delight but can be a bad thing when used excessively. I think quality time with the kids without us glued to the screen is a very good thing. Jet and I sometimes fall into this mistake as well where the TV is turned on while we're reading a book to Tinsley. Other times, she's playing beside us and we're looking at Instagram. I strongly believe that we have to be in the moment and that the kids deserve our full attention.

So after I snapped this photo of the kids, we returned to the basics of playing or reading, drawing, writing and just talking. After 30mins or so, Tonicci went running back to the TV! And Tinsley, oh sweet Tinsley is happy to have us all to herself.

LOVE

2014-01-22T13:17:00.005-05:00

Our family, just like any other, goes through ups and downs. One thing is constant though- we LOVE hugs and kisses. It's a staple in our family. We do this so many times in a day, some people might not understand haha! That's just the way we are.

Sometimes when I am working in the kitchen and I feel like giving T a kiss, all I have to do is call him and he'll instantly come running and give me one and off he goes to do his own thing again. I trained him well haha! I wonder till when this will last?

LOVE IS IN THE AIR WITH THESE TWO!!!

Christmas Market

2014-01-22T12:43:00.001-05:00

During the weekends, Tonicci gets to use his Ipad. Weekdays are for homework, some TV, playing with his toys or reading books.

One Sunday, I wanted to get out and get some fresh air. Tonicci's eyes were so glued to the Ipad, I couldn't stand it haha! As much as the boys wanted to just stay home, I convinced them that we should go to the Distillery district for the Christmas market.

We didn't get to stay out too long as it was so cold! T and his dad got to ride the ferris wheel though and he was quite happy with that. I, on the other hand was just too happy to see the beautiful Christmas tree and experience Distillery during the holidays.

the face of a grumpy boy who would rather do the Ipad!

she had tears because of the cold

Winter

2014-01-22T12:08:00.000-05:00

It's a winter wonderland out there! Yes it's pretty to look at (sometimes) but it's terribly cold and it's no fun anymore!

This weather though does not prevent Tinsley and I from going to church to give thanks. Took these pictures of our neighborhood after hearing mass.

Card

2014-01-22T12:02:00.004-05:00

I just have to put it out there how sweet Tonicci can be (when he's in the mood). I have to say though that his first grade teacher is really amazing!!

Christmas program

2014-01-22T11:55:00.000-05:00

Tonicci performed with his Grade 1 class for the Christmas program at St. John's school. They sang 2 songs, Jingle Bell Rock and Must be Santa. Being an emotional mom, I was teary eyed and so proud of him! His dad, Tinsley and I enjoyed the program and we told him that. He said he was quite nervous at first because he didn't want to mess up! Oh sweetie! You are perfect in our eyes!

Note: Failed to transfer the video of his performance. The file is too large. So below are pictures of how the kids looked like that night.

Via Christmas party

2013-12-14T16:20:00.000-05:00

We attended the ViaRail Christmas party for the employees' children. We boarded the train just before lunch and it travelled all the way to Brampton. After, we went back to the maintenance center where the kids had a chance to have their pictures taken with Santa. They also gave the kids gifts and treats. Even Tinsley got one! :) What a nice day it was.

Tinsley bear

2013-12-14T15:58:00.002-05:00

Our baby love in her happy moments. Believe me, she is also usually grumpy (especially when in teething pain) and a cry baby as well (she doesn't ever want me to leave her!)

School days

2013-12-14T15:47:00.001-05:00

Tonicci loves going to school and is a very happy boy whenever I pick him up from the bus. Below is his class picture (notice his smile haha) and one time we baked after school.

at the book fair in school

Donations

2013-12-14T15:24:00.001-05:00

With the help of relatives, friends and the class of Tonicci, we were able to ship out 8 boxes for the Yolanda victims. Such a little amount of help I know, but its better than doing nothing.

First solids

2013-12-14T15:19:00.003-05:00

And she is starting solids!! How time flies! Started her with cereal at 4 months and now that she is 6 months, I am pureeing vegetables and fruits for her. All for my precious love.

kisses from daddy are the best!

she loves avocados

Santa parade

2013-12-14T15:12:00.001-05:00

We missed the Santa parade in downtown so when I saw on the news that there is a Santa parade at the Beaches (where we live), I asked Jet to take Tonicci so he can see Santa! Since the weather was freezing that day ( and most days!), Tinlsey and I decided to just stay home. It has been an annual thing for Tonicci to watch this particular parade and good thing we were still able to keep it up for him this year!

Weekends are family days

2013-12-14T15:02:00.003-05:00

We look forward to weekends where we can all be together longer. Weekdays are often rushed- we have routines and are always on the clock! Bedtime for Tonicci is at 7 and we try to be in bed by 10 (since Tinsley still wakes up in the middle of the night).

Saturdays and Sundays are still chore days. With a few moments to relax, we try to squeeze in bonding moments like cuddling in bed, reading books, surfing the internet, talking and playing sillies. Now that its Winter, we find ourselves wanting to stay indoors more. Except when there are parties to attend and groceries to do!

Christmas Tree

2013-12-14T14:34:00.001-05:00

It was tempting to buy a bigger Christmas tree since we have more space now compared to our condo but the ever frugal Jet gave me a reality check saying that we don't really need one. And he is right! Because we are saving money for our trip to Lego land this February, I closed my eyes and resisted the urge, even if the stores were lined up with SALE trees and beautiful decors!

While Tonicci was in school, I decorated our small but sentimental tree and when he got home, I let him put the star at the very top. I also took out our Nativity set (given by my mom). They say that more than the Christmas tree, its important that you have the Nativity which symbolizes the birth of Christ.

the alluring Christmas stuff!!

It's cold outside

2013-11-11T12:47:00.001-05:00

Our baby girl, all set for winter!

baby wearing is the best!

Mother of Gratitude Shrine

2013-11-10T22:42:00.002-05:00

We took Tinsley to this place to pray for her and to ask for help. We were so lucky that she was blessed by the priest, Father Basil, who is the founder of the shrine. We were able to hear mass ,touch the relic of some saints and even got to meet some Filipinos who were there too.

It was so beautiful, serene and holy. We continue to pray that out intentions will be miraculously granted by the blessed Virgin Mary.

Science Center

2013-11-10T22:32:00.005-05:00

Our last trip to the Ontario Science Center before my free pass expires this November. One of my favorite places to take Tonicci because there is so much to do, see and discover. The rare times that we were able to go out on a date- just him and me. No distractions, my attention was all on him- and I think he loved it!