My 28th

I had one of my best birthdays in years.

I must admit I was a bit skeptical during the days leading to January 26th because--let's face it--I am getting older and the excitement has started to wear off through the years.

Luckily, I have people around me who think I am worth celebrating, and that made me feel very special indeed :)

I was greeted by this sight when I went to work in the morning. My officemates "decorated" my cube in my honor. While it still isn't clear to me if they were greeting me a Merry Christmas, a Happy Halloween or a Happy 4th of July, I'd like to think that they knew it was my birthday, and I reminded myself it's the thought that counts :P

My pregnant belly didn't like cleaning up one bit

Then on my actual birthday, Gary took me to San Francisco with my good friend from work, Ate Lucille. We just walked around and enjoyed the street performances at Pier 39. The weather was pretty chilly but we managed to stay the whole day to see everything there was to see.

Me and Ate Lucille

Gary, Ina and Stella

The gifts I got this year were also exceptional. Gary's sister, Debra, gave me Urban Decay products. Pure love! I got the Naked 2 palette and a bottle of makeup setting spray. They're amazing!

<3>

But the biggest treat for me was Gary's present. I simply can't express how happy I am with his choice this year :D It's just PERFECT!

If it's good enough for Audrey Hepburn, it's good enough for me...

After opening my major present, we headed out to dinner, where I had to endure the attention-grabbing birthday song from the food servers.

The morning after my birthday, I woke up crying like crazy. I still think it could be the hormones, but it suddenly just hit me that I am so very lucky. I have a husband who absolutely adores me. I have a stressful but rewarding career. I have a precious baby on the way. And while I miss my family back in the Philippines, what right do I have to complain? I am just in a good place in my life and for this I am very thankful. God is good :)

stuff

For the first time in my life, I was told I'm overweight. Apparently, I've been enjoying eating for two so much that my doctor warned me I have now reached my end-of-pregnancy weight, at 27 weeks. Of course the husband went health-instructor-crazy on me so I started walking and eating healthier...for about a day or two! LOL 

 

I tried, I really did...

But how could one survive in this cruel world of yummy food?!? For New Year's Eve, I prepared dinner for two: Aligue Pasta. All Gary could do was shake his head as he watched me throw caution to the wind and reach carbs heaven.

My Aligue Pasta

 

On to a different note...the nights are getting too cold for my slowly swelling feet and I found the most comfortable pair of chinelas. It's as cozy as it looks I tell you!

 

 

AND!!! It's Gary's Big 3-0 today :) I don't want to spoil anything so I'll just stop right here, right now by saying: Happy Birthday honeybunny, Lella and I love you soooooooo much :)

Christmas 2012

Christmas was extra special for us this year because we finally have our little Stella with us. I know 2013 can only get better, so we’re really excited about the year ahead. So many blessings to be thankful for!

Let me share some of the highlights of this year’s Christmas celebration.

Christmas Eve, only Gary’s sister Con and her family visited. We were about to open the kids’ gifts but decided to wait until Christmas Day, when Gary’s brothers Jeng and Sherwin’s families would come too. While it was a little last minute, Gary and I managed to host the party, which was attended by all of his siblings who are in California and some of his cousins,  uncles and aunt as well. The gifts were hilarious this year, and it was good to see everyone have a great time.

Excited parents-to-be

Ate Con, Jake, Junior, Judee, me and Ty

Huli nanaman! Me eating for two...



resting my inflated legs

Annber loving her gifts

Ate Con

Kiana and her gift from Auntie Ella

Debra with her gift from Gary and I

Glenda and Ate Ellah opening their gifts from Debra at the same time

Jake with his gift from Uncle Gary and me

All the boys