Cutty

Meet the youngest member of the family, Joaquin Lorenzo. He will be 8 weeks old in a couple of days.  Time flies.  He is no longer the fussy, always-hungry baby we met a few weeks ago.  It is a good thing that he has adjusted to his siblings' noise.  Thankfully, he still sleeps most of the time.  His waking hours are longer this time.  He spends it talking to Mama or staring at the ceiling fan. He also enjoys listening to his sibling's singing.  He smiles a lot and can hold his head up during tummy time. Since he is our fourth child, it seemed that I've already run out of names.  It took Vic and me several months to decide on a name.  Then I remembered I've always like the names Joaquin and Lorenzo. Joaquin means the Lord exalts Lorenzo means from the place of laurels I had no idea that those names are quite popular these days, due to a telenovela, no doubt. Now that you've met the newest addition to our family, help us welcome...

Here's a quick run down of what my family did last week.  I'm sure yours was just as busy. Unlike most Manilans, we decided to stay in the city this year.  It was usually a quick trip to Tagaytay and Visita Iglesia along the way.  We spent some part of the Holy Week checked in a hotel.  I used up my membership's complimentary night stay.  We enjoyed the pool and the sumptuous dinner buffet.  I was tempted to enjoy the spa as well, but I didn't give in to temptation.  It was a relaxing stay until our latest household drama. That same night, a stranger entered our almost-empty house.  It seemed that two of my yayas decided to let Yaya A's boyfriend inside.  On the morning before we left, we were informed by the neighbors that the boyfriend has been sneaking into the house late at night.  Then he sneaks out at dawn.  Vic authorized the guards to capture the trespasser and to turn him over to the Baranggay police.  Needless to ...

It has been three weeks since this party. I apologize for the delay. Finding time to update my blog is difficult in the past few weeks. ------------------ In the past, we usually have our kids baptized as soon as they hit their first month. This time, we chose to delay Bettina's baptism so we can celebrate it together with Johann's birthday. She turned 2-months old on the day she was baptized. She was baptized at the Our Lady of Pentecost Parish, where Javi was also baptized. I got Verleo to supply the food. I wasn't completely satisfied with their food, though people liked Fish with Aioli. Some of their waiters weren't as seasoned as the ones from Albergus or La Comida. Maybe that is why the two cakes from Layers and Layers had "imperfect spots." It was supposed to be a no-fuss party. In fact, I just planned on sending text messages as invitations. Then it occurred to me that we had to have invitations so people would know we're having a double...

...is what I am these days. There are so many things to do and so many things to prepare for. BUT, here I am, doing none of those. I am in the middle preparing for Bettina's baptism. I already submitted the church requirements so the date is already blocked off. I haven't decided on the caterer and whether I should get an inflatable bouncer. I am waiting to see if it will rain on the day of the baptism. We have yet to book a photographer, order cakes, prepare gifts for the godparents and buy Bettina's baptismal outfit. Did I mention that Johann will be celebrating his 3rd birthday on the day of Bettina's baptism? Apart from that, I have to prepare my resume. It's needed for a franchise we are planning to acquire. I don't know where and how to begin since it has been four years since I held a job. This entails serious brainstorming and reminiscing because I no longer remember what I did for what. I hope I finish this soon. I am up for a panel interview ...

The past weekend was so busy. I barely had the time to sit in front of the computer and blog. Don't be surprised that I am blogging at this hour. ----------- Last Saturday, Javi was baptized. It was an intimate ceremony, attended by the people who play a significant role in our lives. It was held inside the adoration chapel of Our Lady of Pentecost. We were glad that the officiating priest decided to hold it there. The baptistry was too hot and chaotic because of the First Communion attendees. Javi's godparents consist of Vic's sisters, my siblings, a couple of my relatives and some of our friends. A couple of godparents couldn't make it. We had to pull in some observers to stand-in for them. The ceremony didn't take long. There was just a short briefing on what will happen. Unlike most parishes, there were no talks on the responsibility of godparents prior to the ceremony. We were off to the reception in 30 minutes. We've chosen Dencio's in Capi...

We're having Javi baptized tomorrow morning. So, today, I am finalizing what we need for the rite and reception. * Baptismal clothes and cap * Extra clothes for Javi's costume change * Johann's clothes * candles c/o Kris * tokens for godparents * Sabroso Lechon arriving at 11:30 * decors arriving at 11 * ice cream cart arriving at 11 * list of "must-shots" for the photographer * remind godparents and grandparents * final payment for the church and suppliers What else am I forgetting?

As a family tradition, we try to have the new baby baptized in a month's time. Prior to baptism, we rarely take the baby out of the house. We want the baby safe from harm and protected by the GRACE at all times. So, waiting for a month is feat for a lakwatsera mom like me. Trips to the mall are always rushed and are done as needed. But, I digress. At this point, we've already made arrangements for the church. We've chosen Our Lady of the Pentecost Parish in Loyola Heights. I've managed to get a reservation at Dencio's in Capitol Hills, too. The reception venue was actually our stumbling block. It exceedingly difficult to get a venue that will fit our budget and preferred date, during this season of weddings and Christmas parties. I am still waiting for feedback from my preferred photographer and cake topper supplier. I hope that both can accommodate my request. Cathy's Kitchen plans to make cupcakes as give-aways for the guests. Invitations will by DIY...