Here's a little update.

Where did the whole month of February go?I feel like life has still been pretty normal for us, it just gets busier everyday.But it is all good. I am now on the waiting game. I am almost 38 weeks.whew! I can't believe that this pregnancy has gone by really fast. I am now getting more excited to see this little girl. And I am still hoping that my body will cooperate and go into labor,if not,then I am scheduled for a c-section on the 19th. Part of me feels like, I really don't mind either way.I just want to see her and be awake when she makes her debut into this world. I never had that experience with Darren,since I was put under during the whole delivery. I don't want to miss the most exciting part this time and neither does Nate. But the other part of me wanted to feel my my body to tell that it's time.Oh and I am not going all NATURAL.I am so bad when it comes pain.I still would love to have an epidural,I just really wanted to feel the normal stages of labor, if that make sense.I am a Mother,after all. 

Everything is ready for this baby.I had awesome baby shower on Saturday. Of course no pictures.Well there are some pictures but my friend has all of it, I just have to get it from her. I got lots of nice presents for this little girl. Her drawer is now full of pink stuff. I am so happy and I feel so lucky to have such wonderful friends and family. After the shower, I made sure that everything that we need gets taken care of.All the last minute shopping for essentials are finally done. Hospital bag is somewhat ready. And now the waiting game begins. And since there's a crazy toddler that always keeps me busy plus work and hubby the waiting game doesn't seem to be that bad. I am constantly doing something taking care of my Darren,making lunch or dinner, cleaning our bathroom,organizing the house,doing the laundry, dealing with some tenants and people that wanted to see the apartments. And since I am busy everyday it actually helps me to get a lot better sleep at night,because by the end of the day I am exhausted. I wouldn't change a thing though, even though some days I just want to be able to just be a mom and not do my job as a Manager. But I have been really blessed with good boss and wonderful co-managers who have become my treasured friends.And because of them my job doesn't seem like a job at times. I really feel like part of my survival here in this new place is because of them. I am a social butterfly and having friends that live close by that I can talk to whether we have our kids around or whether we're just having some girls night adds to the fun of my day to day life as a mommy and a wife.

 I believe that mommy needs a break.And having some alone time or some girls night is good. You get to enjoy and relax and be worry free even for just a couple of hours. I need it.I am a lot better mom, because I take the time to give myself a break. I could give more love and share a better part of me to my child and my hubby. The past few weeks has been really special to me as a mommy. Darren is really at the stage that I love.He can communicate a lot better and at the same time still be like a baby, if that make sense.He is independent but he still needs me. I am enjoying the new tricks and the million words that he gets to say everyday. I am enjoying my one on one time with him,because I know that  in the next few weeks he won't get much of those anymore. I feel that my love for him has expounded a billion times more.Being pregnant and looking forward to meet this little bundle of joy gives me the opportunity to really enjoy all my bonding time with my first born. He knows and understands that there's going to be a baby coming pretty soon.He enjoys climbing on her crib and pointing on my tummy. His new favorite book is the "My big brother book". I always have to read it at least twice a day because he likes it so much. 

I was reading another blog earlier, she was talking about creating memories and living in the Present. You know how sometimes, young parents look forward so much on the future and always anticipate what tomorrow brings for them and their children. Sometimes things turned into an unexpected twist and we long for the memories,and we wish that we could have live our present more fully. And this is really what I have been trying to do, to live and enjoy the present. I really wanted to build wonderful memories.I am bad with camera and documentation.And I know that I need to get better at it.This blog is important to me.I know that someday I will print it off and turn it  into a book/journal.I would enjoy reading what I have posted. But the things that I will really enjoy reading the most are probably not the random thoughts, but the posts about Darren or about our life. I want to look back at them and rekindle the memories. I am in my prime,and I will get to enjoy my prime raising my children and building wonderful memories with the most important people in my life. 

Cheers to good life!

The bump!

I finally decided to get a haircut. Aah who would have thought what a simple haircut can do to your over all outlook about your self. I know I look fat,and I feel huge.But getting a haircut makes me feel at least a little bit pretty.In this last stretch of pregnancy you can either look miserable or put an effort to look good in order to have an extra ounce of confidence. And I chose the better part. 

I am almost 33weeks.Yes, I still have quite a long way to go. I definitely feel a lot more tired and sleepy these days. But I don't mind at all, this pregnancy is definitely a lot easier than the last one.We are finally getting all the stuff that we need for this baby. I hope that we can  prepare everything at least before I reach 37 weeks. 

I hope that you're all having a good Sunday.We enjoyed Church today.Darren sure loves nursery.Seeing him after class running up to me and calling me "mama" is probably the best part of my day. 

I love that boy.

Call me a momma!

 Since the arrival of our second child is getting close, I am trying to soak up all the one-on-one time I have with my little man. And believe me we have plenty of those. Last week I prayed for some extra energy so that I can actually be active and play with Darren.I try to do my best to limit his time watching the TV. This kid loves to watch TV.I really have to make sure of the time limits and boundaries.

Prayer works miracle.One thing I realize,when you are a Mother you pray for the tiniest little things,that doesn't seem to matter, However,the truth is that it actually matter in your household. I prayed that Darren would not throw a huge tantrum when I try to turn off the TV,or when I say no to things that he is not suppose to do. I pray that he would listen more and that I could communicate with him,and decipher whatever it is that he is trying to tell me. I am trying to avoid the meltdowns,because my tolerance is not as long  and not as good as when I am actually in my normal self,and not in the big preggo hormonal mood. And so far it works. PRAYER DOES WORK.I am a believer.Even though our day is filled with play time time,diaper change, time-outs,warning.We do laugh a lot,and give cuddles,and kisses, we sing and dance too. And at the end of the day I actually feel really good. I feel like I have done my part.And the day, even though it seems like the normal typical day.But still, I could say that it has been a good day.And I learned to really appreciate good days.

Darren is into singing and dancing mode the past few days. He would shake his booty and dance the minute he hears the music,it is hilarious. He would sing even if he doesn't know the words of the song.He will manage to make it work. But I love it when he sings his favorite songs. After our night routine and right after I sing to him at night and I say "night night Darren,I love you." He would then respond and  say "niiighh-niiiiggghh mooommmy..wubyu". And oh it just melt my heart. Two year olds, I tell you.as crazy and as terrible as they say it.It is actually a fun stage. They can be stubborn and independent, but they would still look for you when they need something.They would still give you tons of kisses and hugs before you tuck them in bed. In short, they are still your baby no matter how big they seem to be.

My boy is growing.It is bittersweet. I want to him to stay like a little boy.But I am also excited to see him grow,develop and become his own self.

Don't mind the mess.This is our house.Every single day.Toys,wipes,books,balls and the list goes on. Yes,I try to clean it at the end of the day.You know to  keep my sanity.I still like organization.But I don't really care much during the day. I would rather have those tiny little messes as long as my baby is well fed, bathed,entertain and happy. That is all that matters. 

This boy has finally started to smile on camera. 

Precious Darren and Daddy moment

My favorite. This boy is a cuddle bug, I tell you.

What more can I say? I am one lucky momma,and a happy wife.

Total Randomness

I have a lot of random thoughts. I am getting more and more tired and sleepy everyday. The weather doesn't help with this tiredness.I feel bad for Darren cause all I want is to be a couch potato. But other than being tired, I feel good. I can still sleep at night.Thank goodness. I can still function everyday and be a wife and a mother. I remember before I got pregnant, I was worried sick because I thought that I was going to be incapacitated. I thought I was going to be sick all the time,and wouldn't be able to function. I realize that the desire to get up, function and live is really all in the mind.And if you have the desire to do it,you will. And that is how it is for me when there are days that I feel so pregnant and lazy. 

Totally random but I love this quote that I got from Pinterest. It just about sums up what I am feeling. I am a momma. Every single day I have a list in my head.Even before I go to bed and I know that my boy is just in the next room, I still think of him.In fact,there are some nights when he is fast asleep that I feel like I miss him. Like, I totally forgot how crazy my day had been,and how much he pushed my button. At the end of everyday, I am a Mother. Same feeling that goes with this unborn child. I am excited to see her.I think of her all the time. I get excited to feel her move. I worry about her.I look forward to the day that my Darren will meet his sister.And I can finally call myself a mother of two.It is an exciting feeling.

Another Random thought.Have you seen the movie "I don't know How she does it?"? Well it is not the best flix but I actually like it. I can relate to the character in some ways. But I am glad,I don't have her job. Even though I must admit,that I like the idea of dressing up and I like to wear some fine stilettos.The stress level of working in such a high,time consuming, competitive environment is a scary and crazy thought for me. I am happy where I belong, in the home. I don't mind scrubbing floors in my part time job where I sometimes need to clean apartments, if most of the time in a day I get to be with my child.I get to witness the milestones.

I guess I finally gave in.For the longest time I told myself that I am never going to sign up on pinterest.Simply because I don't want to get addicted. But my friend kept on telling me to give it a try.And one night when I totally have no idea what to make for dinner.I gave pinterest a try.And I got hooked . I was able to make a yummy dinner out of the stuff that I have in my fridge and my pantry from the recipe that I got on the site. I think it's better than being addicted to facebook.hah. True.

Lately, I have been craving smoothies. And since I don't always have the car, I decided to make my own. I have been doing some fruit smoothies.I bought a bag of tropical frozen fruits and a bag of spinach from Costco. I just mix the fruits,the spinach and I  added milk, and yogurt, blend them together,and voila my very own smoothies. Sometimes when I feel kind of acidic and my heart burn is kicking in I would just mix a swiss chocolate powder with a whole milk,add some ice and spinach put it all in my blender.And there you have it home made milk shake. I would recommend it, it is really good. I could not even taste the spinach.My boys love it, too.

I am freaking out.I am on a single digit countdown with this pregnancy. I am 31 weeks pregnant.9 more weeks to go.Oh my goodness. This is all happening way too fast.And I am not prepared. I feel like I have to start all over again.It has been 2 years, I have forgotten all the things that I need for this baby.Well not all of it, but you know what I mean. I know I need clothes,diaper,wipes and the list goes on.Oh speaking of list,I need to start making one. 

AnywayI guess I better stop now. My monkey is awake from his nap.

Have a good day!

My thoughts for today

I feel like I am always busy, and I could never get a break. But I don't mind,really. We really enjoyed our Holidays. I am glad that the Taylor siblings got to be together for the Holidays. It is fun to see all of them and all the kids. I think Darren misses his cousins.He sure would love to have a constant playmate. Oh my Darren, I love him dearly. And I would never get tired of saying it. I love that even though he is getting pretty independent in doing the little things that toddlers do,he still comes to me to give me hugs and kisses. Oh I would never get tired of our cuddle moments. I am glad he is mine. 

My pregnancy is great.I am 30 weeks along. 10 more weeks of waiting or maybe even less.Fingers cross. I really don't mind if this baby comes on my 40 weeks mark and not on my 37. So far, I am feeling great.I don't get impatient because I feel like this pregnancy has gone by fast.If anything,I feel like I need more time to prepare for this baby. I was at my doctors appointment 2 weeks ago,and my doctor said that after my January check up they are going to start seeing me every 2 weeks. And I think it was only that time that it finally dawned one me.This is real,this baby is coming.And I only have a few months to wait. I think after that appointment I started to really pay attention into the little girly stuff that I see in the stores. I finally thought of getting a stroller. My minds are in constant thinking of the things I need, to be ready for this little peanut. I am beginning to get excited every time I see little tiny dresses,shoes,and bows. I am having a girl.And I am freaking excited. I don't know what to expect because Darren was a very good baby. And I feel like I only know how to take care of a baby boy.I heard they are way easier to handle.  But I know that no matter what, this baby is going to be a perfect addition to our family. This girl is going to be my other best friend. I am excited to get to know her,and see if she is going to be the little version of myself. Cause Darren for sure is a mini version of my husband. 

I am looking forward to hold this little bundle of joy. I cannot wait for our family to be a family of four. I love being a mother. Indeed,it is a great responsibility to take care of another human being. But it sure is rewarding. I think this is my purpose in life to raise my children and be a mother to them. I think that parenting is a whole new different department.I feel like Motherhood speaks of unconditional love,undying service,and selfless act. While parenting on the other hand seems to be a lot harder. At least for me.It consists of disciplining,training,routine and all other technical stuff when it comes to caring for a child. And the task can be so overwhelming especially when the little one is having a meltdown, and your expectation is not met, or the kid is sick. But at the end of the day after all the fun little adventure,crying moments,time outs,play time and laughter,and when the child/children are tucked in bed.And you know that they are healthy and happy.Being a mother and a parent is probably the greatest consolation in life.Their happiness is your happiness.And it feels so good.

I always pray for my family.They mean everything to me.I always have a prayer in my heart, a constant plea to my Maker on how I need His help in every step of the way of being a mother and being a wife. I pray for my children's health and happiness and so as my husband. This is the prayer of my heart. 

I love this quote that my brother sent on my email. This year is a year for me to be a lot better,one day at a time. And with all the concerns,hope and prayers.It is my ultimate goal to be fully submissive to HIS will,and learn to recognize His hands every step of the way

“The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. It is a hard doctrine, but it is true. The many other things we give to God, however nice that may be of us, are actually things He has already given us, and he has loaned them to us. But when we begin to submit ourselves by letting our wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him.” Elder Neal A. Maxwell (“Insights from My Life,” Ensign, Aug. 2000, 9)

Have a good day everyone!

Christmas

Our cute Christmas Tree are all decorated and lit up since the first week of December. Christmas really is my favorite time of the year.I love the gold and red combination on my tree and just plain white lights to lit  the tree and make it more beautiful. Perfect.I love it! I can just stare at it for sometime while I listen to some Christmas music on the background. I am feeling great.I cannot believe that I am 27 weeks pregnant. Pregnancy has gone by way faster this time than the first. We don't really have much snow here,which makes my little Darren a little sad.Every time he look on the window he would always look for snow and would say "snnoooww...noooowww"? He seems to be way better in coping with the change of environment than me. He is already looking for snow,while me on the other hand is dreading it. Now, we finally have almost all the gifts wrapped and put under the tree.I can breath.I am finally stress free. I mean really, isn't Christmas supposed to be a fun time?But as you get older, and you have more responsibility,most especially when you become a parent,holidays such as this can be kind of stressful.hah!Who would have thought,right?But no I am not spoiling my child he'll get some gifts but it won't be ridiculously much.Why?because I still believe that moderation is good.

 I am excited for the Holidays Nathan's siblings are all going to be in town or least most of them.It will be fun. Darren will get play with his cousins. I finally put up some pictures on the wall of our living room.I love it! Nate actually gets home a little early now than the past few weeks when he had stay really late for some projects that needs to get done. Christmas makes me happy, I get so occupied with excitement of the Holiday season.I could careless about the world and whatever is going on. Yeah,I still watch the news and I feel sad whenever I hear some tragic incident. But I guess, it won't really hit you hard until you know someone who has gotten really affected by it. Well two days ago as I was getting ready for bed and Nate was checking his facebook,and reading the news online. He couldn't believe what he saw.He told me that he didn't realize that one of his area from the mission got badly affected by the Typhoon in the Philippines. He did more research talked to some people he knows.Half hour later it was confirmed his converts the Unabia family who have been really close to him got affected by it.He called Sister Unabia and he found out that they woke up Saturday morning fearing for their lives. Their first floor sunk in the muddy water.They had no choice but to stay on the roof of their house praying intently for their lives to be spared. We couldn't believe it. Why now?Tragedy just before the most awaited holiday. Nate and I talked and decided that we need to help them. And we did.We felt good inside.Yeah money doesn't come easy but we felt that we are put in a position to help.Maybe they are our special family this Christmas season.
I laid in bed that night thanking my Maker for all the many blessings that we have.I thanked HIM for our jobs,the roof over our heads, our health and so many more. I think I had a change of heart. It really humbled me. Isn't Christmas all about love,giving, humility and just being pure grateful?

After all, Christmas is about Christ,that little boy who was born in a manger,who later on gave his life for all of us. The incident was such a good reminder of what I really need to be focus on during this season.

Yes,I would still be excited.And Christmas would definitely be fun this year.But I won't forget to contemplate and think of the true meaning of it,and how it affects my life. Tremendously.


Have a very Merry Christmas y'all!

Happy birthday little guy!

I have been really lazy.Pregnancy,mommyhood,wifely duty,work etc took over my life. But today is a special day and it's worth taking sometime. 2 years ago I gave birth to a little boy. And as cliche as it may sound,time really does fly way too fast. I still can remember the tiny little creature.The little baby that I was trying to get to know day in and day out.I was trying to figure out how to be a mother while getting to know a newborn. 

And as years passed I really fell in love to that baby. And now the baby has turned into a crazy fun little boy that is just full of energy and full of personality. A little boy that made a huge CHANGE in my life.And that I couldn't live without,literally. 

Before I put him down for a nap.I decided to read him this book. I just got it from the mail yesterday,just in time for his birthday. I read it for the first time last night.It made me wept for a little bit.I don't know if it's the pregnancy or this book just made kind of think and imagine myself and Darren down the road. I love it so much. I highly recommend it. Darren listened to me intently. Oh it was one of those moment that is just good to remember and stays in your heart for a very long time. In his little mind he understands. 

To my Darren boy,

I love you forever.

I'll like you for always,

As long as I'm living

my baby you'll be.

(from the book)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE MAN!