To my Liane @ 1

Dear L,

I look at you now, soundly and peacefully sleeping and remember that this day only a year ago, I was drying myself off with a towel from a relaxing warm steam bath after swimming at Tagaytay Highlands when some bright red bloody show made my heart skip a beat. That was the happiest and most exciting show of blood I have ever seen. I was so excited to finally meet you in person after 38 weeks.

 7:00PM 4-19-14

I calmly put on fresh clothes and dried my hair and packed my things before I told Mimi about it and she panicked for me.

We got home and I took my time putting make up on and ironing my hair. I wanted to look pretty on labor! I run through the stuff we needed and then timed the contractions and at 12am, we went to the hospital.

Everything was prepared and went smoothly. We stayed in our room through labor because I wanted to be with Daddy. My excitement to see you and my will to make it all natural kept me positive as the contractions became more intense. I would grip the bed rails until a contraction was over and await the next one. Wheww!

At 6am, I was already 6cm and gave in to an epidural and at 9:23am on 4-20-13, I finally believed at love at first sight. You, Liane Xandrea were born. You made your grand entrance to the world, into our lives and into my heart where you will always be. Your strong cry was music to my ears. It was the best sound! 

Today, I look at you and its love at 2nd, 3rd, 4th and nth time.

At 1 year old, you may be tiny but you have changed our lives. I thank Jesus everyday for giving me a chance to be your Mommy. I don't deserve it but His grace makes everything possible. 

Liane girl, you are so smart, so sweet and so beautiful. Your sweet dimpled smile and your spontaneous butterfly and flying kisses make my day. I love you so much.

Happy first birthday to best best girl in my world!

Turning 1 Soon

I have so much in my mind I have to write about. A lot of things have transpired, plenty have changed for the better and an overflow of blessings have poured into our lives this year. But someone special is too precious not to write about... 

Our greatest blessing is turning 1 soon and yesterday was her pre-birthday photoshoot. I have so much to be thankful for. 

(L's shadow bum shot in her pink Modia Ellie Nappy)

I relocated with a clean slate, not a lot of friends and a baby on the way. Today, we have friends who sincerely are there for us. It's so nice to constantly keep in touch, have mommy meets, baby playdates and communicate daily and express support.

(Lulai and Piglet's Ria-- enjoying Chewelry)

(Ria loves Chewelry!)

Liane's shoot was scheduled at 4pm. Lulai and Piglet with Baby Ria (Ingente-Valencerina Photography) were here at 2pm to set up and occular the venue. Mommy Marge with Achi Nikki, Gab and Liane's bff Kenzie were here earlier with her Smash cake, art materials and support!  You ladies always show overwhelming support. Liane and I super love you.

(Mommy Marge "Poppins" with the girls)

I didn't know what to expect so I prepared a handful of outfits and props. Piglet of IV Photography made this home shoot easy and relaxed. We literally enjoyed it. L was not stressed, I did not have to tell him what to do and he thoughtfully prepared details and bullets of the flow so we could all be on the same step. I would definitely and highly recommend them for important events! 

We had a long productive day yesterday. L girl ate cake for the very first time and trust me, she loved it and was bouncing until 9pm. She will not be eating a bite of cake anytime soon. 

Some behind the scenes photos :)