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leerenah

Our Family Portrait

In just over a month my parents-in laws will be having their church wedding. This is their first ever wedding, so we can tell its going to be grand. A lot of people were surprised to know that they weren’t legally married after all these years, but at least after they patched up their legal problems they still decided to marry each other. It maybe true love, after all. Hehe.

We picked out the best suppliers out there imho, since there’s no problem budgetwise. Our photographer, Jiggie Alejandrino is relatively new in weddings, but is a veteran portraitist. At the wedding fair last year, we were thinking of getting Nice Print again, since they document well and has a reasonable price. But we met Jiggie thru Team OSS (4D photobooth) that we also got, and he showed us some of his works, and they looked great and well made.

As Tabs also studied a bit of photography, he said Jiggie knows what he’s talking about. He is very detailed and meticulous, and getting him for the wedding was one of the best decisions we made. He has the best rates too. He included the prenup shoot in his package, and also included our family portrait. 

Below are some of the family shots that he took of us, amidst the prenup shoot of my inlaws. These were shot in Las Casas de Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan. It was amazing to see the photos so bright and well lit, because I remember it was so dark during our shoot. And these are not even edited yet. He’s a surprise find, this Jiggie. 

We plan on having one or two of these blown up to put up on the walls of the house. You know, kinda like the old houses with portraits of ancestors. Hehe.

   
    
   

Jetsetting

Tickets bought! Prepping for another travel packed year! Korea, Japan, Hongkong (again this year), Batanes and…. NYC baby! Life is good indeed. ā¤ļø

Sad day šŸ’”

Life is indeed short and unpredictable. I can’t believe that Med, my Ate’s best friend, is at her deathbed right now. She had a preterm birth via CS a few days ago. Something must have gone wrong with her surgery, as she was re-opened for another one and had a cardiac arrest in the process. She was in coma for 3 days and was declared brain dead just this morning. Her family and friends, are still in the state of denial.

I was so affected by her ordeal, because one, apart from being my sister’s best friend, somehow she has become a family friend. Her daughter Mishka, was a flower girl in my wedding. We also went to a run together. The last I saw her was in Sophie’s 2nd birthday. She even greeted me personally in viber last christmas and new year.

And two, because she’s going through what I fear the most – death in childbirth. I never told anyone, but this is the main reason I delayed having a child for such a long time. I’m so scared to die while giving birth. Its such a heartbreaking way to die.

Med, I’m thinking of you. We may not understand God’s plan for you, but if you are to leave, I hope you’re at peace.

**Med has passed the night of Feb 6. Her baby boy is well and ready for discharge. Rest in peace Med. You’re home now. 

Seunggi enlists

Nostalgia washed over me as I look at Seunggi’s enlistment photos. Where have all the days gone? Is it that time already? 

Can’t help feeling proud that Seunggi has maintained a clean, good boy image through the years. I have picked the best guy to idolize. I may not be an active fan like I used to, but I’m proud of him just the same.

See you after 2 years Seunggi-yah. Make me – and all the Airens – more proud when you get back. ā¤ļø

seunggi enlists in the army

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School hunting

These past few days I was preoccupied about something. I was researching for a school I will send Sophie to. I know she just turned 2, but as early as now I would like to make a shortlist of my options, since 2 years is not so far away (we plan on sending her by age 4). Also, most of these schools do open houses at the beginning of the year, so at least I can anticipate any of the school I have shortlisted.

If I was asked a year ago, I’d probably say BSM in a heartbeat. But spending for almost a million a year, for nursery until highschool, is waaay too outrageous for me. And considering that we are a normal family, meaning we’re not expats, diplomats, politicians or known personalities. So I scrap the idea of BSM or any international school. Its just a wishful thinking, a fantasy of mine.

I also scrapped the idea of an all-girls school. I have been to one and believe me, it wouldn’t be healthy for her. Co-eds are more fun, esp. in highschool years.

I was thinking of 3 schools last night. SISFU (Southville), DLSZ and CSA. I read a mommies forum and one mom said she’s a SISFU alumna but doesn’t want to enrol her kids there. The kind of crowd she belonged to was not good. Some are kickouts, some are in and out of rehab.. I mean I’m not generalizing. I know its every individual’s choice what to do with their teenage lives. But if you’re exposed to this kind of environment, then there’s a possibility you will become one too, right?

I think DLSZ was my best bet. Though I’m not fond of DLS in general (purely personal, my guts don’t like them) I think DLSZ is conducive for us Southern people. BUT, I read about their color coding scheme and it turned me off. It was implemented just January this year, that all non-resident cars must ONLY have 1 of the 2 colored stickers, and they alternate daily. Say, if you have a white sticker you can only use your car to fetch your child MWF. This was implemented by the exclusive village where the school is located, to lessen the ongoing traffic the vehicles make during hatid-sundo time. Most of the parents are furious about this scheme. I mean I would too, imagine, you incovenient yourself by enrolling your child to this school, when there’s tons of good schools around who do not have a traffic problem, right?

I was pretty bummed about DLSZ. But I know this will be the top contender for Sophie’s school in the future. I know CSA is a good school also, some of my classmates were from here, and they’re nice, down to earth individuals. I think these 2 schools will be my best bets. I’m also thinking if I should include SBA (San Beda) to my list. I think its a good school, too. 

I will be researching more to find the best school for Sophie. Budget-wise, as long as it doesn’t reach half a million a year, I think it should be fine. Of course, its going to be a different story when another offspring comes. 

For now, Sophie is still enjoying Gymboree, but we might transfer her to another kids gym in BF called Club Bambino, or Little Gym in Alabang. Location wise, these 2 are more convenient since we are in BF on weekends. I have to book her in trials first, though. 

Anyways, there’s a good one year or so for school hunting. This is going to be tough because once she enrols, its going to be her 2nd home until she graduates highschool. So this is some serious stuff for a parent like me. Whatever she will be in the future, its us parents who first made the choice. Ā®

Last hurrah of the year

Before the year ends, I just have to post one last time, to sum up my 2015. It has been the best year so far, and maybe my most travelled year. I have travelled to several countries, Vietnam, Japan, HK and locally to Bohol, Cebu, Bacolod and Iloilo. I’ve also been to unforgettable places for the first time, such as the Holy Land and London. The best part of all the travelling was being with my loved ones, Sophie and Tabs. 

Careerwise, there has been ups and downs. I can’t still fully say I love my job, being my in-law is my boss and she gets on my nerves most of the time. But I am groomed for my future life, and I’m too blessed, too undeserving to complain.

Financially, I have saved a little somehow. I still do not have a million, but step by step I will get there. I’m still a big spender, hopefully this is the trait to improve on next year, so I can save more, for Sophie’s future studies and my parents house.

I may have financial issues with my family, as my elderly parents depend on me frequently. But I’m still thankful they are healthy this year. We also travelled locally a couple of times, and hopefully more next year, while they still can and able.

Healthwise, I still haven’t lost some weight. I maybe even gained more šŸ™ˆ. But I had my share of efforts to be healthy. I joined several runs and drink cold-pressed juices sometimes. I still breastfeed so somehow I feel I’m okay, though not fit physically.

Social media wise, this year is probably my most active. I try to post something constantly, a photo or two so I can share a bit of my life to my friends and family.

As for Tabs, we love travelling together. We go to work together, and basically just do everything together. Its a bit sad that he’s not pursuing his medical career, but in exchange, I’m thankful because I can be with him everyday. 

As for my little girl Sophie who turned 2 this year, everyday is so much beautiful with her in my life. Motherhood and breastfeeding maybe the most difficult job gifted to me, but its also the most fulfilling. I hope I deserve another Sophie, (or a boy perhaps) in this lifetime.

What a great year it has been! Thank you 2015. Happy new year 2016, I’m excited to see what you have in store for me. Lets bring it on! ā¤ļø

An ode to my breastfeeding journey

To wean or not to wean? I contemplate time and again. 

Its difficult on some days, some days it gets better.

Then I see my child and realize how fast she’s growing.

That I can’t stop the time so I can keep her little.

I know in time she will stop.

I know in time I let go.

When that time comes,

I will be happy, I will be sad. There will be a feeling I can’t explain.

I will be longing for the little child I nourished,

Wishing that time can take me back, and do it all over once again.

Breastfeeding at 25 months and counting.

Bikram Yoga – a first timer

I have wanted to try yoga for a very long time. I haven’t been working out in several years, except the runs I have every now and then. When I was enrolled in Fitness First years ago, I would always peek at the yoga class and thought how gracious the participants were and how easy it looked. Maybe I can also try that at some point.

Recently I enrolled in KFIT, an online app of thousands of activities at hundreds of gyms/studios (Php 999/monthly). I scheduled for a Bikram Yoga class at the date and time I preferred, at a studio nearby home. Its how convenient this app is.

Before going to Evolve Yoga & Fitness in Alabang, I made known the things I would be needing. I bought my own yoga mat, brought 2 large towels (1 for use on top of the mat, and the other 1 for taking a bath), brought my own toiletries, water bottle and padlock (I forgot this, but they let me borrow). I ate a little and hydrated myself 2 hours before the class. I dressed into my dri-fits, I was nervous but I thought I was ready.

Before the class began, the 3 of us first timers were briefed by Coach Lorena the do’s and don’ts on the floor. No pressure if we can’t do the position or we can catch our breaths and just sit if we can take it anymore. At first I thought I was doing okay, but as the class went on I thought about quitting halfway into it. Bikram Yoga is typically 90 minutes and has 26 positions, and believe me, these dragged on. It felt like forever before we finish one position. It was a hot yoga (read: no ventilation whatsover), the room was stuffy and every pore in my body sweat like crazy, even my palms. I was dizzy and felt like throwing up at one point. I couldn’t follow when it got to the harder positions and suddenly had a bad chest cramp 70 minutes into the class. I whispered to Coach that I was having cramps, and she stretched my arm a bit and told me to lie down and rest. I rested for about 10 minutes but followed again to finish the rest of the class. It was by far, the most exhausting thing I have ever done in my life. 

I decided after the class that maybe yoga is not for me. Maybe its the stuffy room, or maybe because its my first time, but god I never expected it to be so difficult. I felt like I went there to punish myself. I’m not closing myself for a yoga in the future, but for now, I just can’t yet. ā˜¹ļø
 

after my 90 minute Bikram Yoga
 

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