So Long... Summer!
Monday, August 31, 2009 / 6:00 PM
Last Sunday, families and friends gathered together to bid summer farewell.
We had a wholesome potluck dinner party at the
Meridian Gate Clubhouse.
SOPHIE * SAB * LES * CANDZ * STEPH * NICO
Little Sophie joined Mommy and her friends as we posed before the camera.
So small yet already very photoholic... Isn't she the prettiest of us all? :)
SEAFOOD PAELLAThis Spanish favorite is cooked with fresh seafood by
Chef JasonIt was Sophie's first time to try this Spanish dish and she absolutely loved it :)
GYOZASophie and I brought a large tray of pan-fried Japanese gyoza
I wish I can say I made the gyoza from scratch... But it would be a lie. :)
CASSAVA CAKECassava cake is one of my favorite Filipino desserts
Sweet and delicious... Unbelievably home-made by
Nicolette :)
SUN-KISSED LADIES
We've all been sun-kissed in one way or another in the season of summer.
Somehow, we will miss summer even if it gave us hot sleepless nights. :)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SO LONG... SUMMER!
The tans will fade... but the memories will last forever.I now embrace that sweet September breeze!* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Labels: friends, potluck parties
5 comments
Kalen's Princess Party!
Sunday, August 30, 2009 / 7:08 PM
Yesterday, Sophie was invited to attend a special banquet for princesses.
It is Kalen Ashley's 3rd birthday and she had a beautiful princess-themed party! :)
KALEN'S BIRTHDAY CAKEBecause Snow White is Kalen's favorite among the Disney Princesses,Mommy Glenda prepared a very pretty cake with a Snow White Barbie doll. :)
LITTLE PRINCESSESAll the little girls are dressed up in pretty dresses in Kalen's princess party.
They all looked with awe and envy over at Kalen's cakes and presents. :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KALEN!!!After a grand and delicious dinner, all the children gathered around Princess Kalen.
They clapped their hands and sang Happy Birthday before Kalen blew out the candle. :)
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HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY
PRINCESS KALEN ASHLEY!!!
Indeed you looked like a princess on your special day, Kalen.
May all your dreams and wishes come true! :)
GREAT PARTY! THANK YOU WARREN & GLENDA! :)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Labels: birthday parties, Sophie
Justin's Christening
Saturday, August 29, 2009 / 9:40 PM
One tiny hand to guide and hold...One tiny life to shape and mold...
* * * * * 
A velvet keepsake box to store your photos and memorabillas...A little present from Sophie as we welcome you in the Christian world!* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *A BLESSED CHRISTENING
TO BABY JUSTIN DOMINIC! You have come in the world so tiny yet with such great promise for the future!* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Labels: baptisms, gifts
My Autumn Doll
Friday, August 28, 2009 / 10:48 PM
On the last few days of summer when the winds are starting to get colder,
I attempted to dress Little Sophie up as an autumn doll. :)
AUTUMN DOLL* * * * *
Sophie is wearing a smocked puffed-sleeves dress from Anne Juleth,
and Mommy's white knitted popcorn beret from Aldo with her hair down.
Now Little Sophie is all dressed up to attend a Princess Party in Vancouver! :)
Labels: fashion, Sophie
Sometimes, I Wish...
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 / 8:35 PM
I am fragile. Sensitive. Hormonal. Insecure. Insane. Crazy. Jealous.
Sometimes, I wish... I can be more than just a housewife, a mom, a shopaholic.
I wonder if I can do more and be more... be someone who's more accomplished.
Someone... You can be proud of too and not just merely contented with.
Labels: reflections
Reminiscing...
Monday, August 24, 2009 / 1:47 AM
False Creek in Vancouver... One sunny spring afternoon when we held hands walking at the pier where countless yachts and motorboats docked. I was walking in exaggerately small steps and you slowed down to my pace. I was 9 months pregnant then with Sophie. We were just waiting for that fateful day when Sophie will be born into our lives. A few days later, I went into labor... the most painful experience in my life yet also the most rewarding and happiest moment of my life... when I held and looked at Sophie for the first time. After two challenging years of being parents, here we are again in this anticipating moment. Because in less than a month's time, a miracle will be born into our lives once more... the miracle of new life. I couldn't find the words to express how I long to feel and touch this little baby who I have nurtured in my womb for 9 months. :)Labels: Brian and Sab, pregnancy, reflections
Ghost
Sunday, August 23, 2009 / 5:12 AM
I would never forget this beautiful film that shows how love can transcend death.
Sam and Molly had a strong relationship that was sadly taken away from them so early...
"I love you, Molly. I always have.""Ditto."I am deeply amazed by the beautiful love scene of Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze.Also deeply moved by the romantic melody of "Unchained Melody" by the Plotters.GHOST, without a doubt, is my favorite romantic film of all time. :)Labels: movies
Indecent Proposal
Saturday, August 22, 2009 / 1:54 PM
Yes, I am a sentimental fool and I love watching sappy romantic films.
And lately, this has been what I'm doing as I sit the days away before I give birth. :)
"The dress is for sale. I'm not."
"If you ever want something badly, let it go.
If it comes back to you, then it's yours forever.
If it doesn't, then it was never yours to begin with."I especially love this old film from the 1990s that never fails to touch my heart. I've watched it several times yet it still brings me to tears each time.
Labels: movies
Goodbye Grandpa!
Friday, August 21, 2009 / 11:50 PM
Though I already told her that Grandpa is going away,
I know that Sophie will still wake up tomorrow and look for you...
GOODBYE GRANDPA...
Vancouver will miss you! Little Sophie and Kimi will miss you too!No more berries and fruity treats after dinner at the sala.
Daddy... It's sad that you won't be here to welcome Baby B into this world.
But I'll see you again in Manila with your new grandchild on October. :)Labels: Daddy, family, reflections
36 Weeks
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 / 9:56 PM
Time. It can crawl slow like a snail or fly fast as a bird. But one thing that's certain is that it ticks without pause like a clock... that it will somehow get you there. This pregnancy has not been smooth and easy for me. I almost lost Baby B when I was about 8 weeks pregnant. I had to be separated from B and continue my pregnancy in Vancouver till September. It was only March when B kissed me goodbye at the airport. That moment, I didn't know how I was going to survive until September. But somehow, the days, weeks, and months passed and I can already count the remaining days in my fingers. Today, I am already 36 weeks pregnant with our second baby. I can give birth now or tomorrow or the next week. Somehow, it seems so surreal to me. I thought the waiting would never end. But here I am, waddling with a beluga belly, a few inches away from the finish line. Almost there... I can already breath September air.
Labels: pregnancy, reflections
Daddy's 57th Birthday!
Monday, August 17, 2009 / 5:22 PM
Last Sunday, Daddy celebrated his 57th birthday with family and friends!
It was the first time Daddy celebrated his birthday here in Vancouver. :)
DADDY'S BIRTHDAY CAKEA fruit medley cake I personally chose for Daddy at Maxim's Bakeshop.
I lighted the candles for Daddy and gathered everyone to sing
Happy Birthdaybefore Daddy made a wish, blew out the candles, and cut the cake for us to share. :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!These are precious moments when I feel so blessed to have a wonderful family.Here we are, our family in Vancouver, with the two princesses... Sophie and Kimi. :)
HAPPY 57TH BIRTHDAY DADDY!
It's not the years in your life that count but the life in your years.
You are still handsome at 57. We love you, Daddy! :)Labels: birthday parties, birthdays, Daddy, family
A Bluetiful Baby Shower!
Saturday, August 15, 2009 / 10:45 PM
I was clueless and unassuming as Sarah drove me in her car.
Little did I know that Sarah actually kidnapped me and took me to...
CAKES & GIFTSThe cutest 3-layer nappy cake from Nico & StephFerrero Rocher bouquet creatively made by MelBeautifully wrapped gifts from everyone! :)PRAM CUPCAKES
Choco puzzle cupcakes that form into a baby pram from Sarah & Glenda
It's too cute that I didn't want to eat the cupcakes at all :)
PAMPERED & PRETTY TOESGuess whose owns those pretty toes painted in turquoise blue? :)We all had our feet cleaned n scrubbed and our toe nails polished prettywhile we watched BABY MAMA on the big screen while eating chocolates n chips!
BEAUTIFULLY BLUEThere I am, 36 weeks pregnant, surrounded by my closest friends in Vancouver.They all went behind my back planning this special event for me as early as last May. :)THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Vancouver isn't so lonely afterall and being away from B isn't so hard afterall,When I have found the sister I've never had and such wonderful friends like you. :)Labels: baby showers, friends, gifts
Dimsum: A Bit of Heart
Friday, August 14, 2009 / 4:28 PM
What is your comfort food? Mine is Cantonese Dimsum (點心).
It's the kind of food that gives me a sense of home and contentment. :)
SHI-ART
Whenever I need my comfort food, we would drive to Richmond, haven for Chinese food.
There are several dimsum restaurants in Richmond but I got to try Shi-Art last month. :)
SIOMAISteamed pork with mushrooms and shrimps topped with orange fish roe
wheeled around in trolleys and served hot in traditional bamboo basket.
BEEF BALLSThese steamed balls are made with finely grounded beef and cabbage.
Beef balls are soft yet crisp and very flavorful with every bite.
Dimsums are my ultimate comfort food... the kind of food that warms my heart.No wonder when you translate 點心 in English, it actually means a bit of heart. :)* * * * *
SHI-ART
RICHMOND, BC
CANADA
Labels: Chinese cuisine, restaurants
Saltlik: A Rare Steakhouse
Thursday, August 13, 2009 / 8:03 PM
It was a little ICA reunion once more as we welcomed Maan in Vancouver last Monday.
We ladies went all the way Downtown despite the rain to have lunch at Saltlik.
SALTLIK: A RARE STEAKHOUSESaltlik is an upscale steakhouse and lounge located in the heart of Downtown.
I love the high ceiling and stylish wine cellar that led up to the upper level. :)
SMOKED BACON, ASPARAGUS, AND SWEET PEA LINGUINITwo thumbs up for this creamy pasta served with bacon bits and peas!
My only complain is that the serving is too small for a pregnant woman. :)
CHOCOLATE GANACHE LAVA CAKEThis choco lava cake is served with wild berries in sweet syrup
Plus a huge scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side.
Absolutely delicious! :)
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SALTLIK
VANCOUVER, BC
CANADA
Labels: restaurants, Western cuisine
Long Time No See, Maan!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 / 12:22 AM
Who would have thought that some 10 years after the pad paper incident,
I would be having lunch with Maan in a fine resto in Downtown Vancouver? :)
NICO * SAB * MAAN * STEPH * CANDZ * LES
MAAN * NICO * SAB * STEPHIt's a little ICA reunion once more as we welcome Maan in Vancouver. There she is dressed in black... the girl I never thought I'd cross roads with again.Apparently, when I reminded her, Maan denies the whole pad paper incident. :)It's really great seeing old friends and classmates after a very long time. You walk in and see how much you have all grown and blossomed through the years. Then you get all nostalgic as you talk about the funny things that happened before in school. Then you share about your present life and the struggles and challenges along the way. The best thing about is that we all understand... because we grew up together. And even if our lives are different now, we are all women experiencing the so-called... quarter-life-crisis. :)
Labels: friends
Watermania
Tuesday, August 11, 2009 / 10:55 AM
And the Sunday that Sophie anticipated all week finally came!!!
Thank God the rain had stopped and the sun finally came out! :)
* W A T E R M A N I A *
Watermania is a popular aquatic entertainment center in Richmond.
It has wave pools, whirl pools, water slides, and interactive water play facilities.
Sophie is all dressed up in her cute fairy swimsuit as she walked to the pool.
In the water, my Little Sophie is scared and excited at the same time.
She clung to Nana ever so tightly whenever the big waves came. :)
After a few minutes, Little Sophie has finally warmed up.
She realized that water and waves are so much fun!
That she doesn't have to be scared at all. :)
When it was time to rise and shower, Sophie refused.
She wanted to stay in the water and play some more!
And I am just so happy to see my little daughter enjoy herself! :)
How I wish that I was the one who swam with Sophie in the water
How I wish that B was there to hold Sophie whenever the waves crashed
Many how-I-wishes that would just have to wait for now...
* * * * *
WATERMANIA
RICHMOND, BC
CANADA
Labels: BC, Canada, Richmond, Sophie, sports
My Little Tinkerbell
Monday, August 10, 2009 / 10:46 PM
She is Sophie Belle... My Little Tinkerbell.
Isn't she just stunningly beautiful? :)
Sophie is invited by her girlfriends to go swimming.
So I dressed her up in her new Tinkerbell fairy swimsuit.
A flirty swimsuit from Disney given by her grandma in Manila.
Sophie also wore a woven hat that made her look like little Anne Boleyn. :)
Sophie, there is no doubt that you are growing more and more beautiful each day.
You're the most beautiful thing that's ever happened in mommy's life.
Labels: fashion, Sophie
Body Blues
Sunday, August 9, 2009 / 10:29 PM
When B was here last June, we both did a lot of shopping.
B bought me these tops from Tommy... in size XS.
TOMMY TOPSSure, I love my pregnant body and that beautiful bump that grows each day.But suddenly, I miss my small waist and flat tummy and then I wonder...Will my body ever be the same again or am I gonna get all flabby and saggy?Will I ever gonna get to wear these pretty tops that B bought for me?Labels: Brian and Sab, fashion, gifts, pregnancy
When Sophie Dials...
Saturday, August 8, 2009 / 10:25 AM
Do you remember those glossy black phones of the 70's?
Those that look like cute black kettles with swirly wires?
SOPHIE DIALSSophie seems to be dialing one of those old nostalgic phones...whenever she puts her small fat fingers inside her nose. :)* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Labels: reflections, Sophie
28
Friday, August 7, 2009 / 1:11 PM
Last night, I cried because I suddenly miss you so much...
You called and told me that everything will be alright...The count is 28 days and then we won't ache anymore.Labels: Brian and Sab, reflections
Dave's Fish & Chips
Thursday, August 6, 2009 / 10:16 AM
Summer is the warmest season of the year and is the best time to go to Steveston.
And so to celebrate my birthday, I decided to bring my family to this old fishing village. :)
DAVE'S FISH & CHIPSI really wanted to have fish & chips by the pier but because it was too hot,
I decided to take and treat my family at Dave's Fish & Chips restaurant instead. :)
NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDERI ordered a bowl of creamy clam chowder for Sophie and I to share.
How I love the creamy taste of the soup with bits of clams and scallops! :)
FIRST MATES PLATTER
Then I enjoyed the most expensive platter of the house!
Halibut, prawns, scallops, and oysters with chips! :)
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DAVE'S FISH & CHIPS
STEVESTON VILLAGE
RICHMOND, BC
CANADA
Labels: restaurants, Western cuisine
Once Upon A Playdate in Surrey
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 / 11:18 AM
Yesterday's playdate was hosted by Joy in her beautiful house in Surrey. Sarah, Glenda, Mel and I along with our babies and pregnant bellies travelled all the way from Burnaby and Vancouver to visit Joy and her son, Braden. Joy cooked and served us delicious honey mustard chicken and shepherd's pie. I have to say that Joy, indeed, is one kitchen goddess! Sophie enjoyed playing with the kids, driving Braden's automatic ATV, and eating caramel ice cream. As for me, the best part of the Surrey trip is that part when we enjoyed freshly brewed coffee in Joy's beautiful and breezy porch. :)
BRADEN & SOPHIEBraden is one of Sophie's first boy friends next to Dylan in Gymboree.
NOTE... "boy friend" and not boyfriend coz Sophie is too young for that :)
BRADEN, KIMI, AND SOPHIEBecause Justin is still small and crawling, Braden is the thorn among the roses!
He played with four beautiful girls... Sophie, Kimi, Samantha, and Kalen. :)
SAB, SARAH, GLENDA, JOY, AND MELFive beautiful mommies and wives enjoying a cool summer afternoon.
Three of us are actually pregnant and expecting new babies on the ber months. :)
* * * * *I believe that one of the most wonderful things that happened in my long stay here in Vancouver is that I met and made a lot of friends. I thought I would never have a life here... coz I left my life and my heart in Manila. But somewhere down this lonely path I had to take, I found new friends who makes my stay here a happier one. The best thing about it is that we are all young and struggling mothers adjusting and coping with the Canadian lifestyle. I will always look forward to our weekly playdates where we let our babies and tots play with each other while we mommies sit down, enjoy new recipes, and have coffee as we chitchat the day away. :)
Labels: friends, Sophie
Gelato Girl
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 / 8:48 PM
What is it with children that they love ice cream so much?
Here is Sophie enjoying her 1st gelato on a hot summer day in Steveston. :)
GELATO GIRL
Sophie is wearing a pink floral dress with petticoat
(a hand-me-down dress from her cousin Jojo)
and Nana's pink paisley print hat. :)
Sophie is happily licking her green tea gelato on a waffle cone.
She obviously hasn't mastered the poised way of eating ice cream.
But that's okay coz Sophie is such a cute and adorable messy eater! :)
Just like that and Little Sophie is no longer a gelato virgin.
Sophie's 1st gelato was bought by Grandpa at Mary's in Steveston. :)
THANK YOU GRANDPA!!!
* * * * *
MARY'S ITALIAN GELATO
STEVESTON VILLAGE
RICHMOND, BC
CANADA
Labels: Sophie, sweets
SOPHIE * SAB * LES * CANDZ * STEPH * NICO
SEAFOOD PAELLA
GYOZA
CASSAVA CAKE
