A Nice Christmas Gift

It all started when I saw this post in Smart Parenting FB page. Smart Parenting is the parenting authority for Filipino parents to help you raise bright, happy, healthy kids. For parenting tips, visit www.smartparenting.com.ph. (Taken from their FB page)

I didn't think twice, I knew I had to share our own miracle so I emailed her the link to my blog post about Matt's story.  After a few hours, Ms. Maika replied to say "Thank you for sharing your miracle story."

Two weeks after, I was surprised to receive another email from her...

Ms. Maika told me that the feature will be all about Matt's condition, the challenges he and the rest of the family experienced and how we all overcame them. Matt is turning 13 this December. My firstborn will soon be a teenager! I thought it would be nice to read our own story in a leading parenting magazine. Much better is that we can inspire other families who are also going through their own battles. After consulting my husband, I agreed and set a schedule.

The photo shoot and interview happened last Saturday, October 20 at the Summit Studio in Pasig. I explained to Matt beforehand what will happen so he's ready for the pictorial. We even practiced how he's going to smile:) Belle was also excited because they allowed her to join too.  Originally, it was supposedly me and Matt only. 

Belle had an activity in school early morning then ballet class after.  We left Alabang immediately after her class and arrived at the studio before our 2:30pm call time.  Ms. Maika started to interview me while waiting for the make-up artist and photographer. Around 3:45pm, we're ready to start the photo shoot.  I was all made-up and about to change when I realized I left my black pants at home.  I forgot to bring accessories too!  Obviously, I was not organized that day.  Tsk! I must admit I am not really used to this kind of thing.

I asked my husband to take pictures but unfortunately, photos in our camera were not so clear. I was really disappointed because I don't think I will get a copy from them. It's company policy not to give copies to the subject.

I'll just post some of the behind-the-scenes photos, we just all have to wait for the December issue to come out hopefully by the end of November.

Matt's solo pic first

Matt looks sleepy here but Alfred of Portrait Studio captured Matt's smile in his camera.

Mommy and Matt's turn

My back was aching already!  Old age!

Yey Belle's face lit up when she was called to join us!

I don't know how many times Alfred took our pics, all I know is... a lot of times!

This is my favorite!

What an exciting experience! It was our first and maybe the last. December is not too far away.  Before we know it, we'll be able to see how our pictures will turn out.  Then it would be Matt's 13th birthday which reminds me to start planning for his celebration and birthday cake soon!

Ballet Pictorial

I remembered when Belle started ballet lessons during the summer of 2010, April 9 to be exact. She's only 3 years and 10 months old.  A little chubby, very clumsy but really determined to learn ballet. Of course, Mommy has been very supportive since then. I would accompany her all the time with my camera on hand so I have lots of pictures and videos. It kept her busy during the summer.

 

 

I was so happy she enjoyed her classes and continued during the school year. She had her first recital 8 months after. We're all very proud of our little girl!

December 13, 2010. Dainty Slippers Ballet presented "Snow White."

 

Pictures and stories of last year's performance (December 28, 2011 - "The Sound of Music") can be viewed in this blog post.  She has grown taller, slimmer and more graceful!

Earlier today, Belle had their pictorial for her 3rd recital which is scheduled on December 21, 2013 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.  It would be very special this year because it's their school's 10th year anniversary. They will be showcasing "The Philippine History Unveiled in Dance". I'm with Belle all the time so I already watched their dances. They've also started to run-through the whole production. All the girls (ages 3 to teenagers) are all doing their best to perfect their numbers.  It's so exciting to see the bit and pieces finally coming together beautifully. I just know that this will be another great show! 

 

Here are some pictures of today's pictorial.  I'm glad we're allowed to take as many pictures as we can as long as we are not interrupting the shoot.

The Head Shot

She looks so grown up!  She's only 6 years and 5 months!

I'm just worried that she's so thin now!  Too much activities in school with bi-weekly ballet classes.

Full page sponsorship with Joeke (pronounced as Yu-ka.)  She 3/4 Dutch and 1/4 Filipina. She is Belle's best buddy since they were only 3.  They're inseparable, every time the teacher tells them to get a partner, they will hold on to each other tightly. They give encouragement to each other that is why they always look forward going to class together. I'm amazed how these two kids grew up so fast and very pleased that their friendship has blossomed through the years!

Teacher Chippy instructing the girls on their pose.

Pretty Ballerinas!

The Water Fairies

Group Picture

"Point your toes, girls"

 

Belle will be very busy in the next two months.  They have their own musical production in school this November. She's also taking piano lessons too.  She really wanted to, promise, I did not force her :)  She still has the time to play at home because they do not have homework.  So I guess she's enjoying her busy schedule.

'Til next update!

"Grow Old with You"

Just last week, October 3 to be exact, we celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary. I can only say we are blessed and so grateful. Blessed with two wonderful kids and grateful, in spite of the many challenges we are facing,  God has been pouring his loving favor upon our family. We started another journey of our marriage life and we can't wait for our 15th anniversary next year.

We make it a point to have our annual family picture taken during our anniversary month. We all have grown bigger literally but more importantly more loving and understanding of each other's needs.

A lot of friends keep on pushing us to make another baby.  I always say, it's for the Lord to decide if he wants to bless us with another child. For now, I am just content with our two sweet and adorable kids.  O, how I love them both, so dearly!

I am including my favorite photo below because Matt looks so happy here. Belle will be a little mad at me if she sees this! She's so disappointed and keep on asking why all three of us were smiling while it was supposed to be a wacky shot!  

Since it was a school day, we celebrated it quietly.  We just planned for a dinner date and later watched Phantom of the Opera.

Matt kept on announcing our anniversary in his school so I baked some Oreo-Chocolate cupcakes for everyone.

I also baked Matt's favorite chocolate cake. A bribe, so we can leave the kids at home and go out for a date.

She just loves flowers!

Flowers from Daddy!

It was a stormy night but we just have to brave the heavy rains for our date because I purchased our Phantom tickets weeks ago. Thank God, the streets were not flooded.

Quick dinner at Yakimix, Macapagal

Photo taken after the show

Grand and awesome production of The Phantom of the Opera! 

A dear friend greeted me thru text.

"May our God warm your hearts with His fire and may He fill your marriage with peace and joy, surrounding you with His wings of blessings."  Yes, this is the desire of my heart too!  

Happy 14th anniversary, Daddy! Thanks for everything! Looking forward to grow old with you.