Christmas card details

For some reason it wouldn't let me post my description with the Shutterfly picture of our Christmas card, so here's what I tried to write below it.

Ok, I must confess that I was a little late ordering our cards this year and will probably not be mailing many out. But I just couldn't resist the opportunity to create something that Alana will be able to see from every Christmas since she was born. Call me sentimental, I know, but I just had to do it before it was too late. Better late than never I guess!!! 

Our First Christmas Card

Classic Initials Christmas Card

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Our first family tradition

I've missed having a Christmas tree at our Liggett house for some time now. I guess it's been a while since we were kids and needed one so for the past few years we haven't really had a tree. Last year my parents attempted to buy a living Christmas tree, but it's lack of presence in our house tells you one thing...it's no longer a living Christmas tree :P

Anyway, this year, Francis and I decided to start a new tradition with Alana. Every year we hope to cut down our own Christmas tree!!!! Our friends the Posse gave us this idea during our annual Thanksgiving get-together this year when we cut down a HUGE tree for the Langdon house.

We immediately decorated the tree with lights and ornaments and the best part of the day was seeing Alana's face as she stared at the fully decorated Christmas tree. I'm a little sad that the end of this year is quickly approaching. I've had such a blessed year: I married my best friend and gave birth to the most beautiful child I've ever seen in my life! But as sad as I am to see this year come to a close, I'm excited for many more memories that Alana will surely bring in the years to come!

Disneyland...again :)

December 3, 2011
This past Tuesday was our 5 year anniversary (it sorta resets since we got married this past march) but we wanted to celebrate it just a little so we took a trip to Disneyland :)

Francis generously bought us Winnie the Pooh stockings and a new Minnie sweater for me <3

Here are a few pictures from tonight
















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M.I.A.

Hello Everyone! I apologize for the missed posts, but with work and everything going on, I've been having a hard time balancing everything. The way I've seen it this past month is: I'd rather be spending time with Alana when I get home from work than sitting in front of a computer talking about it. But I know that I'll regret not documenting her milestones and being able to show her these memories when she's older, so here I am.

Alana sat up in her Bumbo chair for the first time last week and I was so proud! I couldn't believe that my baby was sitting up already!!! She has said "mama" a few times during her fits of crying or babbling sessions :) She can roll over during tummy time and is all smiles the rest of the day! A lot has happened over the past month and I promise I will be better at documenting all of it. For now, here are a few pictures to catch you guys up!

Alana and Mommy's hands :)

Daddy's already teaching her how to use her iPhone

In the Bumbo chair sitting up

Food Coma!

Playing video games

Thanksgiving with the Vita Family at The Odyssey

Family Picture

Mickey and Minnie

Aidan and Alana

Santa's Little Helper

Her first shots

Today Alana turned 2 months and had her checkup with Dr. Ching. I was worried about this visit because I knew she would be getting her first set of shots and have witnessed and heard a few horror stories.

She first did an assessment on her and she is now a whopping 9 lbs. 8 oz., 22 in. long, and has a head circumference of 14.5 in.!!! She has gained almost 4 lbs since birth! No wonder why my arms are aching when I carry her for too long! During the assessment the Dr. noticed a murmur in Alana's heartbeat and is referring us to a pediatric cardiologist. She said that it was nothing to worry about but she just wanted to take extra precautions. Cross your fingers and hope that everything is ok!

When the time came for her shots, I knew it was just going to go downhill from there. They tried to give her one orally, but of course, she threw it all up the second that the nurse finished giving it to her. Then the 3 painful shots to her legs. Her cries sounded like a whistle (and if you know Alana, she rarely cries). I felt horrible!!! When we got home she would not stop crying. Her left leg was red and swollen and I couldn't do anything to ease her pain.

It's funny because all of the cliches I've heard about parents and what they go through are finally hitting me. I understood what they meant, but I don't think I could ever describe the feeling to someone who doesn't have a child yet, though I wish I could to help them prepare for it all. Sorry guys!!! Motherhood is tough...and I've only scratched the surface. I am NOT excited for her teenage years!!!!

Before getting her shots

Happy Birthday Jorge!

This weekend, Jorge came down from the bay to spend his birthday with us and sadly we weren't able to participate in all the activities. We have Alana so instead of going to the bars, we decided to meet them up at the restaurant Mas Malo. I didn't expect the food to be so good but it was!! We ordered something called chewy chips (chewy center but crispy on the outside). The salmon and the spinach salad were good too. During the dinner, Alana was being passed around and for the first time, I was a panicked mom. A few friends decided it was ok to pass her across the table and since she couldn't hold her head up, her head fell backwards as they passed her. I've tried my best not to be one of those moms that freak out at everything, but that was the first time I was actually scared for her. Ahh.....the joys of motherhood. Now I know what my parents meant when they said they were worried. When you love your child so much, you worry about every little ache or pain. 

Anyway, it was Jorge's first time meeting Alana and the first thing he said to me was, "Whoa, that came out of you!!!" As always everyone was a bit tipsy but enjoyed themselves!!! I know Jorge did!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORGE!!!! Hope you had a wonderful, drunken, memorable birthday!!!

Alana's First Photoshoot

If you guys didn't know, my classmate from RN school was my wedding photographer. Being a good friend of mine he happily accepted my request to take baby pictures of Alana. Francis and I didn't know what to expect and neither did Stephan but we made the best of the situation. I have no idea how people like Anne Geddes take such amazing pictures of babies! They must spend countless hours on getting the perfect shot. Anyway, check out Stephan's website to see Alana's pictures. Enjoy!!!

http://stephanarias.com/?p=1482

Birthdays, birthdays, and more birthdays

Lately there have been so many birthdays! Yesterday we went to Monica's birthday dinner at full house and then to Tujunga for Francis' Ninang and Lola. Busy time of the year but I'm happy to be spending this time with family and friends.

Now for today, off to a BBQ at Monica's house!!









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Francis is home!!!

Today officially marks the start date of Francis' leave from work and Alana and I couldn't be happier!!! I know that usually parents split their leave but I really wanted to take this chance to spend time together as a family. We wouldn't be getting 6 weeks of vacation together again anytime soon so we decided to take advantage.

Since he was home, Francis and I scheduled our appointments for today. He got his shots for whooping cough and I was finally cleared of all my restrictions. Good thing is that I can workout now...bad thing is I HAVE to workout now. No excuses!!! I still have some baby weight to lose so I guess I'd better start now! Thankfully I have an awesome husband who is willing to go on a diet with me. I don't know if I would be able to lose the weight if he didn't join me so THANK YOU FRANCIS!! I love you. Parenthood has been amazing with you by my side <3

Happy Birthday Rees!

Today was Rees' birthday and we went to Wokano. I finally had sushi and it was soooo good!!!

Anyway, I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to an amazing woman. I don't think that there has been one major milestone in my life that you have not been there for. I love you so much Rees' and you deserve every moment of happiness you receive today!!!

I LOVE YOU REES!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Alana the gloworm

As a new mom, I've definitely enjoyed being able to dress my own "little doll", but this time it was Francis' idea. A few days ago we bought a gloworm for Alana because I had one as a baby and I loved it. I think I still have it somewhere in this house. Anyway, enjoy the pictures! I know I do! Motherhood is amazing!!!! Can't wait until Francis is finally on leave!!!

Alana's first visit to Disneyland

We're such big Disney fans...are you really that surprised that we took her? Cristine Mae and Stuart joined us in the park a few hours after we arrived. Even though she couldn't fully enjoy the park, she did enjoy the room that Francis proposed to me in. The lights throughout the room kept her awake and staring at the walls for a while. To our surprise though, our trip to Disneyland wasn't as hard as we thought it was going to be! She barely cried throughout the day :) Guess she loves Disneyland as much as we do!!!



Triathlon on Sesame Street

Yesterday was the first time Alana traveled in the car and she was pretty easygoing! She slept throughout the whole 2 hour ride to San Diego and was such an angel. We arrived ar around 10am as Jay finished his Triathlon and of course everyone was in line for free beer!!! Don't worry, I didn't join in the festivities!!!

Afterwards, we went to join Francis' family at the park and celebrated Alana's cousin Raynen's FIRST birthday! Appearances from Bert and Ernie were made and I don't think I carried Alana once during the party! Grandma happily took care of her as we enjoyed the party.

Jay after his triathlon. He doesn't even look tired!!!!

Rees with Alana

Meet Adelynn Rose Ayala

Welcome to the world Rose!!!!

Missing Pregnancy

Lately I've been missing pregnancy just a little bit. Don't get me wrong though, the frequent trips to the bathroom, not being able to stand for long periods of time and the swelling are thankfully gone, but there is just something about pregnancy that I can't really put into words.

I miss the feeling of knowing that she is always with me. I would constantly rub my belly, comforted to know that she was right there, just waiting to meet the world. Now she's here and I absolutely love being a mother, but there's just something missing. I'm a little worried because I haven't been apart from her since birth and I'm wondering if I'm going to have separation anxiety. Hopefully not!!!

Anyway, I was reminded of being pregnant because today Cat and Monica visited me for a quick hour before Cat went to the hospital to be induced. Baby Adelynn Rose is finally on her way!! She will be induced tonight at 6pm!!! Best wishes for a safe and happy delivery guys!!!

Bath Time

Alana had her first bath today and it was too cute. She has always been so calm and so it was no surprise that she didn't cry once during her bath. My mom bought her this fancy pink bathtub complete with a showerhead and Alana loved it!! Thank you grandma!!!!

Happy Birthday Bobby!

Sorry we won't be with you on your actual birthday but hopefully you'll have a great time in Miami!!!!!

Today was Alana's first party and she was so well behaved!!! It was pretty funny because since it was her first time out with us, Francis and I made sure to pack everything and I didn't realize that so much planning went into such a little baby! She's so tiny but she needs so much stuff! It took us at least an hour to get her ready. Hopefully we'll get a little more used to this and be able to get ready a lot faster next time :)

We missed him so much that we had to go visit him at work!!!

Here's Alana all dressed up for Daddy :)





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Location:Visiting Daddy :)