Bonnets & Mittens
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 / 10:21 PM
Whenever I look at Brandon, I can't help but fall in love...
Brandon rode the cab to see Dr. Chanoine today.
He looks overly adorable with his bonnet and mittens
snuggled warm in his Carter's doggie paw print sweatsuit. :)
Labels: Brandon
2 comments
10 Days Old
Monday, September 28, 2009 / 10:54 PM
10 DAYS OLD
Brandon Sebastian is now 10 days old in this planet called earth.
He drinks 60 cc of milk every 3 hours and would sometimes demand for more.
He is always wrapped up like a burrito to keep him warm in the cold autumn days.
Today, he is wearing a cute brown pajama set that his dad picked for him at Carter's. :)
Labels: Brandon
Who Said I Love You No More?
Sunday, September 27, 2009 / 3:31 PM
Today, you rode on a taxi cab with Daddy and Mommy. We went to the hospital to see your doctor. While waiting at the doctor's clinic, you rode on a little toy car while Mommy pushed you from behind. You laughed and smiled because you actually believe that you were really driving. That moment, I realized how much I've missed you and the times we spend together. The times when it was just us... Sophie, I know that the past weeks have all been about Brandon. You have been hugging Mommy's legs asking to be carried. I could have shrugged you off in the middle of a busy day while I run from room to room, pumping milk, and changing diapers. You would burst into tears and hide in a little corner where you think Mommy can't see. You probably feel a threat towards Mommy's love. But don't you worry... You'll always be Mommy's honeybunch and peanut butter ball. Nobody can replace you in Mommy's heart ever. But understand that your little brother, Brandon, holds a special place in Daddy and Mommy's heart like you do. So don't you worry and cry, little Sophie... You don't have to be scared at all. Who said Mommy loves you no more?
Labels: family, Sophie
A Little Xavierian
Wednesday, September 23, 2009 / 3:45 PM
Blue and Gold... Brandon is our little Xavierian :)
It is always a sight for me to see when B would feed Brandon his morning milk.
It touches my heart and makes me realize how lucky I am to be with my family. :)
Labels: Brandon, Brian, family
If A Man Wants You...
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 / 11:21 PM
If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away.
If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay.
Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior.
Allow your intuition to save you from heartache.
Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that's not meant to be.
Slower is better.
Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy.
If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve,
then heck no, you cant be friends. A friend wouldnt mistreat a friend.
Don't settle. If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is.
Don't stay because you think it will get better.
You'll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better.
The only person you can control in a relationship is you.
Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women.
He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant.
Why would he treat you any differently?
Always have your own set of friends, separate from his.
Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you.
If something bothers you, speak up.
Never let a man know everything.
He will use it against you later.
You cannot change a man's behaviour.
Change comes from within.
Don't ever make him feel he is more important than you are.
Even if he has more education or in a better job.
Do not make him into a quasi-god.
He is a man, nothing more-nothing less.
Never let a man define who you are.
Never borrow someone else's man.
If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you.
A man will only treat you the way you allow him to treat you.
You should not be the one doing all the bending.
Compromise is a two-way street.
You need time to heal between relationships.
There is nothing cute about baggage.
Deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship.
You should never look for someone to complete you.
A relationship consists of two whole individuals.
Look for someone complimentary, not supplementary.
Make him miss you sometimes.
When a man always knows where you are
and you're always readily available to him,
he takes it for granted.
Never move into his mother's house.
Never co-sign for a man.
Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't give you everything that you need.
Keep him in your radar but get to know others.
Share this with other women and men just so they know.
You'll make someone smile, another rethink his/her choices,
and another woman prepare, and a man aware.
-OPRAH
Labels: insights, poems, reflections
Nana's Boy
Monday, September 21, 2009 / 10:02 AM
NANA & BRANDON
I am still recovering from labor when I was suddenly overwhelmed by motherhood.
Mommy, I'm so thankful that you are here to help me when I needed a hand.
Labels: Brandon, family, reflections
Simply... I Love You
Sunday, September 20, 2009 / 4:07 PM
Brandon, I look at your little face and I cry no more.
No matter how hard it will be...
No matter what they say...
Mommy loves you.
Labels: Brandon, reflections
1 Day Old
Saturday, September 19, 2009 / 12:14 AM
I am head over heels in love with my Baby Brandon.
This is a photo of Brandon taken after he finished his first bath in the hospital.
I just wanna share this to the world before I drift back to sleep again. :)
BIG THANKS TO MY MOM FOR TAKING CARE OF BRANDON!
Labels: Brandon, reflections
Brandon Sebastian
Friday, September 18, 2009 / 12:00 PM
I felt like I have been pregnant forever, carrying a heavy canon ball wherever I go. Already 3 days overdue when B suggested to take a walk just after sunset, hoping that a little walking would induce labor. That night, I started feeling cramps in my tummy. I thought the cramps would eventually go away but it didn't. B was always on the look-out, constantly checking if I had broke my water and wet our bed. I hardly slept the entire night. The sun rose and my cramps got worse that I would have to curl my body to bear the pain. Then I realized that I was already having contractions. I was already in labor.
WOMAN IN LABORI was rushed into the Burnaby Hospital by B and my brother. I was wheeled into the birthing suite, changed into a hospital gown, and laid on a bed with stirrups. The contractions were becoming more and more painful with each interval. B never let go of my hand. The nurse gave me nitrous oxide and pain relief via IV but they were never enough. I can vaguely understand what was going on. All I know is that all of them were screaming a common mantra... PUSH. I screamed and pushed. Shouted and pushed. Cried and pushed. I have never felt pain so pure, merciless, and intense like as if even my last breath is cruelly being taken away from me.
BRANDON SEBASTIAN I battled with the pain and fought like a lioness. I gave the last ounce of strength my battered body was left with and pushed. Suddenly, a pain so short yet so intense... Followed by a moment of release. A newborn baby boy, tiny and fragile, yet crying fiercely, was placed on my chest. I wrapped him in a mother's sweet embrace before B cut the umbilical cord that used to be our baby's life support for nine whole months in my womb. Brandon Sebastian was born into this world at exactly 12 noon on September 18, 2009 after 4 hours of labor. He weighs 7.3 lbs, has a round face with puffy cheeks, lots of hair like a little man, and a chin that resembles that of John Travolta.
FAMILYIt all feels so surreal. My hubby and I are overjoyed as we both peeked into Brandon's handsome little face. Our baby was sleeping like a little angel, so pure and innocent. But all of a sudden, just when I thought it's all over, something we never expected happened. Blood was gushing out my body and the doctor was very alarmed. I was losing too much blood. I was injected with oxytocin which was supposed to stop the bleeding. A dose was not enough and I was suddenly very pale, shivering with chills, losing more and more blood. I was given layers of warm blankets but I had B, the warmest blanket of all, to wrap and hold my shivering body until I was no longer cold.
A BOUQUET OF ROSESThen I fell into deep slumber in my hospital room. Nurses came in and out of my room checking my vital signs and injecting me with more oxytocin. Brandon lay on a glass bassinet beside my bed. It was B who woke up every 2-3 hours in the middle of the night to feed our newborn baby and change his soiled diapers. It was also him who fed me and gave me whatever I need to ease my swelling and pain. Watching my hubby do all these for me and our little baby brought me to tears. The next day, I was surprised when he handed me a bouquet of red roses with a note that read "I love you. You are very brave." A few moments later, my mom and Sophie came. My mom met Brandon, her first grandson, for the first time and Sophie met her little brother for the first time too.
BIRTH REGISTRATIONWhen I arrived in Vancouver with a heavy heart last February, I have been patiently and impatiently waiting for one day. That is the day Brandon will be born into our lives. Winter, spring, summer, and fall... It hasn't been smooth and easy at all. Rather it was full of pain and heartaches. But looks like we've really made it. I remember what you told me last night before I drifted off to sleep. You smiled as you said you can't quite believe that we now already have two... Sophie and Brandon. Our family is growing. Our lives are gonna change once more. Just when I thought that I've given all the love I have to you and Sophie, I realized I have a whole lot more to give to our handsome little boy, Brandon. :)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY, BRANDON!!!
Heaven wept for the lost of their sweetest angel on the 18th day of September
because you have shed your wings so that you may be born into our lives.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Labels: birthdays, Brandon, family, pregnancy, reflections
Little Polk
Thursday, September 17, 2009 / 9:07 AM
They all say that Sophie is a carbon copy of her PAPA.
Yet if you look at Sophie at a different angle (side),
you will see that she actually looks like me too. :)
* * * * *
I am starting to introduce fall colors to Little Sophie.
She is wearing a gray top with polka dots from Zara
and a pretty white bow hairband from H&M. :)
Labels: fashion, Sophie
Zefferelli's
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 / 12:22 AM
I cherish the times hubby would suddenly offer to take me to an Italian dinner.
After Earl's, we moved to a romantic Italian spot in Downtown Vancouver.
ZEFFERELLI'SZefferelli's is a popular Italian kitchen in Downtown Vancouver.
A bit overpriced but serving delicious and divine Italian pasta.
APPETIZER BAR
SPAGHETTI CON VONGOLESpaghetti cooked al dente with garlic and clams in extra virgin olive oil I'm a garlic and seafood lover and this, by far, is the best pasta vongole I've ever had!Hubby is not a huge fan of Italian pasta and he claims that he is already full from Earl's.So he just sat across me and watched me until I finished my plate of pasta vongole.
THANKS HUBBY! :)* * * * *ZEFFERELLI'SVANCOUVER, BCCANADALabels: Italian cuisine, restaurants
Twilight Date Downtown
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 / 1:45 AM
The funny thing is that I was supposed to be in the hospital giving birth...
Yet I find myself walking like everyone else in the busy street of Robson. :)
VANCOUVER ART GALLERYHere is a photo B took of me in the
Vancouver Art Gallery.
I am wearing a red bandeau over my little black dress,
black stockings and a pair of red ballet flats. :)
* * * * *In Downtown, I was able to do my first mystery shop in
GUCCI at the Fairmont Hotel.
Then hubby and I had some drinks followed by a delicious dinner at
Zefferelli's.
Somehow, I'm glad that we went out on this date afterall before labor strikes. :)
Labels: BC, Canada, fashion, Vancouver
40 Weeks
Monday, September 14, 2009 / 9:14 AM
I have yearned to labor and deliver Baby B into this world the normal natural way. Like those women who suddenly shout "my water broke!" in the middle of shopping or those women who is suddenly alarmed by the sight of blood trickling down their legs. Then they are rushed to the hospital by their husbands, who are eager and excited fathers. But today is already the 14th day of September and I do not feel any signs of labor. No contractions. No dilations. No nothing. I am still sitting at home... growing impatient by the minute. I am now 40 weeks pregnant and I have already gained a whopping 28 lbs. I'm at my largest. Sleeping and finding a good position is getting more and more difficult. But I seek comfort in knowing that this will soon be over. In a matter of days, I shall be giving birth to Baby B. Right now, I just have to keep my optimism and patience.Labels: pregnancy, reflections
Earls No. 4
Sunday, September 13, 2009 / 12:03 AM
I am used to sitting and eating alone while I do my mystery dining at Earl's.
But now, I am no longer a loner because I already have my hubby...
to take me out on these mystery dates and dine with me. :)
STELLA ARTOISB and I chilled in a corner booth seat in the lounge area :)
B was enjoying his glass of Stella Artois... a premium Belgian beer.
LEROY'S CRISPY DRY RIBSTossed with coarse salt and cracked black pepperWe nibbled on these crispy ribs down to the bones! :)* * * * *
EARL'SBURNABY, BCCANADALabels: restaurants, Western cuisine
Fall Princess
Saturday, September 12, 2009 / 11:22 AM
It already feels like autumn in the last few days of summer.
Sophie doesn't have a huge autumn wardrobe in Vancouver
Just a few knits and long-sleeves to keep her warm. :)
Today, Sophie is wearing a gray tunic top from Guess,
black leggings from Cherokee, violet beret from Nine West
and a pair of Mary Janes rubber shoes from Skechers. :)
Labels: fashion, Sophie
Papa's Girl
Friday, September 11, 2009 / 10:41 PM
Whenever an airplane flew high in the sky, you would look up from the window, point at the clouds, and call out... PAPA. Somehow, you remember. Somehow, he still holds a special place in your heart even if he's been gone. So special that when you saw him standing outside the airport, you smiled your sweetest smile and silently whispered PAPA. As he walked closer to the car, you suddenly blushed with a shy smile on your face... like a little girl who just saw the boy she has a crush on. You called out softly... PAPA, two syllables that was music to his ears. You would never know how much joy I saw in his eyes as he looked at you and carried you in his arms once more. Your face and your smile, sweet as honey, are more than enough to soften and butter up his tough heart. Somehow, as you sat on his shoulders and played horsey, I know you felt a love, as unconditional, yet quite different from mine... a father's love.Labels: family, reflections
Love Fool
Thursday, September 10, 2009 / 1:45 AM
Sometimes, I wonder about things that are too good to be true.
They say too good to be true can't be true... But what if I'm just really lucky?
Labels: Brian and Sab, reflections
The Time Traveler's Wife
Wednesday, September 9, 2009 / 11:00 AM
I've been separated from B for a very long time... He comes and then he goes.
Leaving me alone with only sweet memories to blanket me at night.
"Why is love intensified by absence?"
"I wanted someone to love who would stay.
Stay and be there always."
Somehow, I find myself in the shoes of Claire Abshire.
Always waiting... Why has he gone where I cannot follow?
We couldn't have watched this movie at a better time.
Two things I realized... It's hard to be the one who stays.
But it's also hard to be the who goes away... maybe even harder.
Labels: Brian and Sab, movies
Breakfast with B
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 / 11:14 AM
It was dark and rainy outside yet I woke up feeling cozy and warm this morning. I realized that I was cuddled in his arms the entire night. I made a small movement that woke B up from his sleep. We had a moment of staring at each other, talking with morning breaths, before we finally stretched and rose from our bed. I went to the kitchen and prepared our breakfast. There are flossy pork buns, cheese and hotdog buns, strawberry banana juice, dairy milk, and a chocolate cake for the family. I set them all up on the table. I woke Sophie up from her sleep and called out for hubby. We gathered on the breakfast table and started eating hot and delicious buns. B and I sat across each other. Sophie sat between us on the high chair sipping on her milk. I had miss this feeling so much... the feeling of being a wife and this simple joy of having breakfast with my family. :)Labels: Brian and Sab, cakes, reflections
Earls No. 3
Monday, September 7, 2009 / 10:20 AM
EARL'S... I keep coming back to explore new foods and flavors.
This time, I steered away from my usual pasta and ordered my first steak. :)
GRILLED GARLIC BREADGarlic herbed butter on fresh baked pan bread
STEAK FRITES7 oz certified Angus beef top sirloin served with Yukon gold fries
* * * * *
EARL'S
RICHMOND, BC
CANADA
Labels: restaurants, Western cuisine
Falling Asleep With A Good Book
Sunday, September 6, 2009 / 6:25 PM
The simple pleasure of falling asleep with a good book on cold rainy days
I'd say it's one of the best and most relaxing things in this life...
I bought 4 hardbound books to add to my collection at a very good deal yesterday.
These books ought to keep me occupied as I sit and wait for the day Baby B will be born.
PS. Currently reading Alice Sebold's Lovely Bones and I can't seem to put it down. :)
Labels: books, collections
Right Here Right Now
Saturday, September 5, 2009 / 9:05 PM
A pair of dirty sneakers parked on my mom's door mat this afternoon.
I know this pair and I never really liked it but somehow I smiled when I saw it. :)
The long wait is over... The long distance love survived afterall.
Coz you are back in my arms lying close to me... right here right now. :)
Labels: Brian and Sab, reflections
Earls No. 2
Friday, September 4, 2009 / 2:41 PM
Another mystery lunch meal at
Earl's for the pregnant lady.
My goal is to try every appetizer and every entree in the menu. :)
ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS FLATBREADHousemade garlic hummus with balsamic drizzle
PENNE ALFREDOSimmered with fresh cream, garlic, and nutmeg, grated Grana Padano parmesan* * * * *
EARL'S
VANCOUVER, BC
CANADA
Labels: restaurants, Western cuisine
Earls No. 1
Thursday, September 3, 2009 / 5:09 PM
Last week, I accepted a lot of mystery dining assignments to keep me occupied.
Here are the delicious appetizers & entrees this pregnant woman delightfully savored. :)
CLAM CHOWDERRich and creamy... Full of baby clams, bacon, and garden vegetables
PRAWN & SCALLOP LINGUINIPrawns and scallops, citrus white wine cream sauce, grape tomatoes,fresh basil, arugula, grated parmesan, toasted pine nuts* * * * *
EARL'S
BURNABY, BC
CANADA
Labels: restaurants, Western cuisine
The Little Pianist
Wednesday, September 2, 2009 / 9:05 AM
She must be musically-inclined... I see that she has an early love of music.
She would play with toy drums, guitars, and the piano while singing melodies. :)
THE LITTLE PIANISTSophie is dressed up in her pink dress with a big bow tied at her back.
She is pretending to have her first piano recital at two years old. :)
PIANO DUETBraden and Sophie... A handsome boy and a beautiful girlFour little hands on the piano keys... Performing a piano duet. :)* * * * * * * * * *Little Sophie... Mommy is truly happy to see that you have a passion for music.I should let you learn to play the piano and become a pianist... someday.The piano will teach you to love and appreciate classical music. :)Labels: Sophie
Sweet September
Tuesday, September 1, 2009 / 9:09 AM
Somehow, I had a good night's sleep last night with no heartburn to wake me up.
The sound of rain slapping on the ground woke me up early in the morning...
The first leaves of autumn are falling... Summer has really gone.
The wait is almost over... Is it really September now?
Labels: Brian and Sab, reflections
Today, you rode on a taxi cab with Daddy and Mommy. We went to the hospital to see your doctor. While waiting at the doctor's clinic, you rode on a little toy car while Mommy pushed you from behind. You laughed and smiled because you actually believe that you were really driving. That moment, I realized how much I've missed you and the times we spend together. The times when it was just us... Sophie, I know that the past weeks have all been about Brandon. You have been hugging Mommy's legs asking to be carried. I could have shrugged you off in the middle of a busy day while I run from room to room, pumping milk, and changing diapers. You would burst into tears and hide in a little corner where you think Mommy can't see. You probably feel a threat towards Mommy's love. But don't you worry... You'll always be Mommy's honeybunch and peanut butter ball. Nobody can replace you in Mommy's heart ever. But understand that your little brother, Brandon, holds a special place in Daddy and Mommy's heart like you do. So don't you worry and cry, little Sophie... You don't have to be scared at all. Who said Mommy loves you no more?
WOMAN IN LABOR
BRANDON SEBASTIAN
FAMILY
A BOUQUET OF ROSES
BIRTH REGISTRATION
ZEFFERELLI'S
APPETIZER BAR
SPAGHETTI CON VONGOLE
VANCOUVER ART GALLERY
I have yearned to labor and deliver Baby B into this world the normal natural way. Like those women who suddenly shout "my water broke!" in the middle of shopping or those women who is suddenly alarmed by the sight of blood trickling down their legs. Then they are rushed to the hospital by their husbands, who are eager and excited fathers. But today is already the 14th day of September and I do not feel any signs of labor. No contractions. No dilations. No nothing. I am still sitting at home... growing impatient by the minute. I am now 40 weeks pregnant and I have already gained a whopping 28 lbs. I'm at my largest. Sleeping and finding a good position is getting more and more difficult. But I seek comfort in knowing that this will soon be over. In a matter of days, I shall be giving birth to Baby B. Right now, I just have to keep my optimism and patience.
STELLA ARTOIS
LEROY'S CRISPY DRY RIBS
Whenever an airplane flew high in the sky, you would look up from the window, point at the clouds, and call out... PAPA. Somehow, you remember. Somehow, he still holds a special place in your heart even if he's been gone. So special that when you saw him standing outside the airport, you smiled your sweetest smile and silently whispered PAPA. As he walked closer to the car, you suddenly blushed with a shy smile on your face... like a little girl who just saw the boy she has a crush on. You called out softly... PAPA, two syllables that was music to his ears. You would never know how much joy I saw in his eyes as he looked at you and carried you in his arms once more. Your face and your smile, sweet as honey, are more than enough to soften and butter up his tough heart. Somehow, as you sat on his shoulders and played horsey, I know you felt a love, as unconditional, yet quite different from mine... a father's love.
It was dark and rainy outside yet I woke up feeling cozy and warm this morning. I realized that I was cuddled in his arms the entire night. I made a small movement that woke B up from his sleep. We had a moment of staring at each other, talking with morning breaths, before we finally stretched and rose from our bed. I went to the kitchen and prepared our breakfast. There are flossy pork buns, cheese and hotdog buns, strawberry banana juice, dairy milk, and a chocolate cake for the family. I set them all up on the table. I woke Sophie up from her sleep and called out for hubby. We gathered on the breakfast table and started eating hot and delicious buns. B and I sat across each other. Sophie sat between us on the high chair sipping on her milk. I had miss this feeling so much... the feeling of being a wife and this simple joy of having breakfast with my family. :)
GRILLED GARLIC BREAD
STEAK FRITES
ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS FLATBREAD
PENNE ALFREDO
CLAM CHOWDER
PRAWN & SCALLOP LINGUINI
THE LITTLE PIANIST
PIANO DUET
