Inspired

Today I showed Zoe a video of her friend Grayson "walking" (just like Zoe, he just recently took up to walking) ... she was very attentive and at the end of the video, she started clapping non-stop.  Once she stopped clapping she wanted to immediately practice walking!  I think she was inspired by her friend!!!  Prior to that she was "walking" on her own from time to time but this time, her practice session was different.  She seemed a lot more determined and her steps were less wobbly and more firm.  I couldn't help but take some video of her efforts ... by the looks of it, Zoe might really be walking by Christmas!!!

Here's her training session:

Zoe's first ever Christmas gift!

Ninang Tasha and Uncle Lawrence are super awesome! Today after mass they gave Zoe her FIRST ever Christmas gift!!!  Those two totally beat mommy and daddy to it!  What's even better is that they got her a baby nativity set!  How cute is that!!  Zoe LOVED opening the gift and was even more delighted to find super cool baby figures that made up the nativity.  I've always always always loved nativity set -- no home is complete without one.  It's just a great reminder to everyone who sees it just what we're celebrating on Christmas ... that God loved us so much that He gave us His Son to save us all.  So it's actually kind of perfect that Zoe's first gift is the gift of the nativity scene (gooooooood job Ninang!!!).  Even though all she knows is to put the little figures in her mouth at the moment, when she gets a little older I'll explain to her in great detail the beautiful story of Christ's birth.  But for now, she can go ahead an chew on the magi's heads to her heart's content =) (hopefully they don't mind) ...

A visit from the Yumuls!

Black Friday, what?!  Today we decided to just stay home a relax and enjoy the time off ... who needs to be waiting in line at the crack of dawn, anyway?  As a special treat, we got a visit from the Yumul Family!!! Phoebe, at just 2 weeks old, is already out and about (she will be adventurous like her parents for sure) ... it was great to spend the day hanging out with them and hearing about how the past 2 weeks have been.  Phoebe slept most of the time (with the exception of the major poop she christened our house with) but she was also awake here and there.  It was the first time I got to see her eyes open in person =) ... Zoe was very curious but nice and gentle with her.  I seriously can't wait to see these two ladies interacting one day ...

It was nice to spend time with Dan and Dennis.  I'm so proud of them -- they have worked together as a team these past two weeks and are getting the hang of this whole parenthood thing (to the extent that one can, anyway).  I always enjoy being around new parents because it reminds me of where we used to be with Zoe and where we are today.  I think when new parents are around Zoe they, too, are encouraged that "it does get better" and slightly easier ... it's always fun to physically see the "pros" and "cons" of babies at different stages =).

We are so blessed to have such great friends!!!  I love that we are all growing up together as our families grow.  Our crazy college days seem like a million miles away now but I'm glad to know that we've all been able to enjoy this crazy ride called life together and I look forward to the many more memories we will share throughout the years!

Here's some pics of Little Phoebe

Ate Zoe watching Phoebe as she eats ... 

Oops ... too much milk =/

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Our family hosted Thanksgiving this year and we had a great time doing it!  When Mike first volunteered our home, I was a little hesitant only because I didn't feel like I was "good enough" yet to make the turkey.  I've only been cooking for a few months and I didn't consider myself at "turkey level" just yet.  Luckily, my mom volunteered to do the turkey and everyone else would bring their own dish to share with the group.  Mike and I made truffled macaroni and cheese (we used 6 different cheese and put bacon of course), creamed corn au gratin, honey butter rolls and asparagus with my lemon garlic aoili =) ... Mom made turkey with stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and chicken skewers ... Jay made green bean cassarole ... Mao made grilled veggies ... Mike's parents made ham, stuffed pork loin, mashed potatoes, shrimp, fruit tart, young coconuts and baklava ... Tita Bot made a grilled veggie platter ... and Khristine made pumpkin cupcakes and potato salad ... as you can see, we really FEASTED!!!

Before the meal, we decided to do Fr. Francis' candle tradition and each person in the room each took turns thanking God about something/someone in their life.  It was a great way to kick off the Thanksgiving celebration and we spent the rest of the day grazing and playing with Zoe.  The "oldies" didn't even have to play mahjong this year!  Even though they brought the mahjong table and set no one felt the need to do anything else but feed or play with Zoe!!! That little girl had a blast hosting everyone ... I have no idea how much "real" food she ate but every time I looked over at her, she was being fed by a family member.  I have no idea how big that little girl's tummy is, but she is able to eat and eat and eat and eat!!!

It was so nice to have our families in our home ... I know Zoe really enjoyed herself ... hopefully we can host more holidays here at the house throughout the years (hopefully by next year I'll be brave enough to take on the turkey!).

Thank you Lord for my amazing family.   I have the best husband and the best daughter.  I find myself in constant awe with all the blessings that You continue to shower upon me.  Thank you for my new job as Zoe's mommy.  I have learned so much this past year and look forward to continuing to grow in faith and love as each day passes.  I am constantly surrounded by family and friends that truly love and care for me ... for all that and for so much more, I am truly THANKFUL!

Happy THANKSgiving!!!

Nom nom nom!

Turkey by mom

I don't think we have enough food ... 

Grilled veggies by Tita Bot and Mao

Chicken skewers

Roasted asparagus with lemon garlic aoili

Grilled shrimp

Turkey with a mohawk

Yummy young coconuts!

Fruit tart

Truffled Mac'n'Cheese!

This is what Zoe was doing ALL day!

The Venue =)

Chug chug chug!!!

???

Happy Thanksgiving from the Sudjati Family!