Miles' 1st Christmas!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We enjoyed our first Christmas with Miles this year and that in itself is the best present ever. We got back from our trips on Christmas Eve and spent the holiday at Tim's brother's. It was fun to hang out with Kareem and Dina and the kids. We went to church with them on Christmas Eve, Dina made lots of delicious meals for us, we played a little bit of ping pong, and we played a pretty intense game of Trouble on Christmas night. That Trouble game would have been entertaining for anyone to see. hah! It was a really enjoyable time.

California & Honduras Trips Recap

Traveling, being sick, and taking care of sicky people has gotten me to be a little late on my posts. We are all at home now, just relaxing and trying to get better for the new year.


So, to recap... Miles and I had a great time in California. He had fun playing with Lily and Ian. He loves listening to his cousin Lily sing =) During our short trip there, we got to go to a restaurant on Diners Drive Ins and Dives .. (I love going to restaurants featured on TV shows, haha) and also to Universal Studios. This was my first time going inside Universal Studios - I've only gone to CityWalk a few years ago. Grinchmas was the theme for the park at this time and Lily & Ian were very excited about that. They had real snow at the park. It was pretty ironic that we got our first sight of snow of the season in California rather than in Illinois. We spent the day at Universal Studios and got to do the Studio Tour. That was actually really fun. After playing and walking around the park, we hung out in CityWalk - very fun and busy. I brought Lily and Ian to the center where many people were dancing. They had a great time just dancing around and seeing themselves dance on the huge screen above. It was cute and reminded me of mine and Tim's first time dancing together (which was at that same spot on New Years Eve 2004). It was a really nice vacation. I got to relax a lot more since my family helped out in everything with Miles. It was also fun to have a little pre-Christmas celebration before Miles & I left. We got to watch the kids open some Christmas presents =) Miles is loving his new blocks! Thanks Ninang!

We also hung out in Santa Barbara one evening and took some nice pictures on the beach. 

A little recap of Tim's trip - Tim enjoyed his time in Honduras. He went scuba diving with his buddy, Ruchir. They got to swim with sharks (which made me very uneasy!). They went diving everyday.This is Tim's 3rd time scuba diving - and 3rd country to do it in. I wonder where he'll scuba dive next!

Playing with California Cousins

Miles & I flew to California on Sunday night while Papa flew to Honduras for some scuba diving adventures. Before heading out, we spent Saturday night at Tim's brother's house. It was nice to spend some time with the kids. We even got to attend church and watch Gabe's Christmas Program on Sunday. Miles had a lot of fun playing with his cousins in Naperville.


Miles & I have been having a nice time in California so far. It's been relaxing to hang out at my sister's house. I even got to sleep in a bit while my family watched Miles (yay!) =) The weather is nice and mild here - which beats Illinois weather! Miles did great during our travel. He was such a happy baby at the airport and entertained lots of people. On the plane, Miles did great too! Tim got us an upgrade seat, which made it more comfortable to hold Miles (who is very fidgety nowadays!). On the plane, Miles was either asleep or happy happy, so it was a relaxing trip.

So far, Miles has been playing and having fun with everyone. He seems to be "talking" a lot more now. He's been saying "Mama" and "Tata" a lot, and he tends to respond with a certain sound whenever you say his name or get his attention. It's really fun to hang out with Miles. He's been cracking us up. Miles, Ian, and Lily have been playing a lot. And Miles loves to laugh whenever the other two laugh. Miles really enjoys seeing dancing, so he loves watching Lily and Grace twirl around. Grace was dancing for Miles when we were in Naperville. Miles' laugh for whenever his cousins twirled around sounds so so cute =)

These three little kiddles sure love the iPad! The 2nd picture makes me laugh. Miles and Lily were looking at the camera and Ian would not look, so I told Lily to get Ian to look - this was the result. =)

Playing with Inay & Tatay

Ever since Thanksgiving, we have had guests at our place at different times. My parents spent time here during Thanksgiving & the Baptism, then headed to New Jersey & Michigan.. and then headed back to our place. Miles had a lot of time to play with my parents and when they left the first time, I could tell Miles was looking around the house for them. When my parents came back, he was very excited. He really enjoyed seeing them each morning. He was always full of smiles whenever he saw them. 


While here, my parents had friends over one day, and they got to play with Miles too. And later that same day, my friend dropped off her son to play with Miles so she could go to her doctor's appointment. It was a busy and full day. Miles loved having so many people to play and interact with. He is always so smiley and laughs a lot while everyone else talks or laughs. It's really cute. He wants to be a part of the conversation.


It's always interesting to see Miles the next day... when everyone has left and it's just me and him. He seems to be looking around a bit more .. trying to find everyone he played with the day before. It's so cute and sweet. He tends to be more fussy and clingy the first day after everyone has left too.. I guess he doesn't want me to leave either. =P


I'm really glad Miles got to spend time with Inay and Tatay. He loved talking to Tatay. It was really cute to hear them talk to each other. =) Tim and I even got to enjoy a night out alone while my parents watched Miles. (Very rare!!) =)

Homemade Baby Food

I have been feeding Miles solids for a few months now and he is really enjoying them. While pregnant, I got the Top 100 Baby Purees cookbook from Tim's high school friends and I really like it. It organizes different recipes for different age ranges. Most of the recipes are fairly basic (they are baby food after all) but some can be legitimate dishes, with several ingredients. It's a great book to look through while pregnant and during the early months, to get a good idea of what foods are good for what ages..


I cooked a chicken dish from the cookbook for the first time a couple of days ago. It was called "Chicken with Sweet Potato and Apple" and Miles really enjoyed it. The recipe makes a decent batch, so I froze them in these Ball plastic containers I found at the grocery store. I am a fan of these plastic containers. They are a good size, freezer-safe, and when I'm done with making/freezing baby food, I can use them for other things. I have tried freezing the pureed foods in ice cube trays and that has worked out all right, but I like these containers a lot better since they have their own lids. For the ice cube trays, I would use those Glad Press & Seals to cover them while they sit in the freezer. I definitely love being able to make food for Miles and to see him enjoy it is probably one of the most rewarding feeling I have ever felt in my life.


"Chicken with sweet potato and apple" Recipe from Top 100 Baby Purees


1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped onion
4 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped
1 large sweet potato (12 oz), peeled & chopped
1/2 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped -- I used the whole apple since I didn't feel like saving it for later nor eating it at that moment...
1 cup Chicken Stock


Heat the butter in a saucepan, add the onion, and saute for 2-3 minutes. Add the chicken and saute for a couple of minutes until it turns opaque. Add the sweet potato and apple and pour in the stock. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Puree to the desired consistency.

Scooting Around (A Little)

Miles is turning 8 months old this Friday. I can't believe it and I've said this every month! hehe It's so unreal that 2011 is almost over.. 2011 was such a life-changer and it has flown by so quickly! At this time last year, I was (very) pregnant and couldn't even imagine what life was going to be like right now.. Life is great though. =) It's so rewarding to watch Miles grow and develop. Miles is sitting well now. He's pretty content while sitting.. and has started to scoot a little bit on his butt to reach his toys & books. It's really cute to watch. hehe I don't think he'll be a crawling baby... but we'll see.


After a busy and great time with family, we are trying to get back to our norm, for a little bit. This Thanksgiving vacation was such a great one. I'm so glad Miles got to spend some time with his cousins, Lily and Ian. And I'm glad he got spend time with his Khoury cousins during his Baptism. I want Miles to know his family and to be close to them growing up...


Miles is getting good at recognizing people now (which also means he knows they are not Mama). When I ask him "where is Inay?" or "where is Tatay?" - he knows to look around and try to find my mom or my dad, respectively. It's so great to see him learn and explore.. he has this curious expression that I love to see whenever he sees someone or something new. He also enjoyed listening to Lily singing and cracked up often when Ian would talk to him. I'm glad they had a few days to hang out together. And it was also nice that my parents got a chance to attend KinderMusik with me and Miles. They got to see him laugh and dance around with me. =) It was cute.

Miles' Baptism

This Thanksgiving break was a fun-filled one. We celebrated Thanksgiving and Miles' baptism. My parents, my sister & her family, and my brother all came down to visit us and we celebrated Thanksgiving together. It was so fun to see my niece and nephew, Lily and Ian, for Thanksgiving. They enjoyed eating turkey and cornbread. It was really cute to see them so excited for Thanksgiving and for Miles' baptism.

We had Miles baptized this Saturday. It all went really well. We had our families there and it was just really nice. We attended mass and Miles' baptism happened afterward. Miles did great during his baptism..he didn't cry while the Priest poured the water on his head and listened attentively to him while he said the prayers. After the baptism, we had a little reception at our house. My mother and Tim's mother made some delicious food for the reception. People really enjoyed the good food. Our nieces & nephews had a great time playing all together. It was really cute and really loud haha. It was nice to hang out with all of our family. Miles enjoyed seeing everybody and laughing with the kids. We are so grateful to everyone who attended such a special event for us. It meant a lot to us to be surrounded by family at church. We are so happy and blessed to have such a beautiful baby boy.

Miles Update

It feels like it's been awhile since I've posted. We have been busy lately and right now, we're out of town. I've been trying to get the house cleaned (a bit at a time) before visitors arrive for Thanksgiving/Miles' Baptism. Lots to do once we get back home tomorrow. I'm not feeling completely excited about this since I got a cold earlier this week and have been feeling so eHh, but oh well.. it's gotta be done right? =P

So.. to update a little bit on Miles. He is now 7 months old. We have a happy little social baby. When hanging out with other people, he is great. He loves it. When it is just Mama & Miles at home, he has gotten pretty whiny lately..and a little bit more attached to me. He loves being held. A few nights ago, Tim noticed that 2 little bottom teeth are starting to show.. so, that probably explains the whiny fussiness. I can't believe our little baby has teeth! hehe He is also sitting a lot better now.. not as wobbly. hehe Still not crawling, but more of a roly-poly baby. hehe He loves when I do "Close Open Close Open" with him.. a little song sang while opening and closing my fist. He opens & closes his hands too! So cute! =) I noticed that he has really good memory and pattern recognition. It's so fun to see him learn! Our baby is getting bigger and bigger, and we can't believe how fast time has gone by!

 

Giggles & Lily Singing

Miles has been more and more giggly now. It's a lot of fun to hang out with him during the day. We usually listen to his cd from KinderMusik. We dance around and I usually do random silly stuff in front of him. During our last KinderMusik class, we got a new cd, book, and a little egg shaker and blue scarf. They use egg shakers and colorful scarves a lot in class. I'm really glad we go to KinderMusik.. Miles enjoys it a lot. Miles was loving the blue scarf when I would toss it in the air and let it fall on him. I had to capture it in pictures =) I absolutely love to hear his belly laughs! I can't get enough!

Tim bought some dvds for Miles.. an Arabic version of Baby Einstein.. and we started to watch it this week. Miles seems to enjoy it. He would sit up in his rocker and watch it with such concentration! I also found a few videos on YouTube of popular Tagalog kiddie music. He likes those videos too and tends to laugh and talk at specific parts of the song. Maybe he's singing along? =)

On a different note... my niece Lily is such a smart, funny, witty little girl.. and very talented in singing and dancing. She impresses me so much. Here is a video of her singing. My brother-in-law is playing the guitar while she sings along. (This video is actually just of her singing.. I wish I could actually watch her sing - maybe they will do another session!) =) Lily is singing "Someone Like You" by Adele. Enjoy!

Hot Diggity Dog!

We hope everyone had a fun & safe Halloween yesterday! Miles had a good time dressed up as a hot dog! =) We trick or treated during the day and visited 2 offices. First, we went to the dental office I used to work at ... everyone loved seeing Miles. They thought he was the cutest thing! Miles had this look on his face that seemed to say "What's so funny?" Surprisingly, Miles didn't hate being in the costume. After that first stop, Miles fell asleep in the car while we were driving to the next office I wanted to stop at. So, we went to Meijer and Miles took a good nap! After that, we headed to the OT office I used to go to, and visited some friends there. The employees all dressed up as Disney characters. It was pretty fun to see them all dressed up! And they also loved seeing Miles. Miles was getting a bit hungry, so he wasn't as excited to be a hot dog for the people at the OT office. We stayed for 5 minutes and headed home. It was still fun to see everyone though. So, for Miles' first Halloween.. he might remember it as a bunch of ladies squealing with delight! haha


Tim went trick or treating with his "little" brother (for Big Brothers/Big Sisters) while Miles & I stayed home and passed out candies. Miles was dressed up in his costume for a little bit, but it got tiring to hold him as a hot dog the whole night. hehe It was a really fun Halloween.

U of M Trip!

We spent last weekend in Ann Arbor for the U of M Homecoming game. Tim played in the Alumni Band, so that was pretty cool. We arrived late Thursday night and stayed at my friend Carla's place for the whole weekend. It was really nice to hang out in Ann Arbor again. Had a lot of good food and enjoyed some bubble tea from Bubble Island =) Miles had a great time walking around Ann Arbor (in the bjorn). This baby of mine loves to look around. Tim got Miles a very cute Michigan hat and a hoodie. I really love it on him.

On Saturday, we got up and out very early. Miles did great and slept a good amount in the morning while Tim practiced with the band. It was so so cold outside during the outdoor practice. Miles and I watched a bit of the end. It was cute to see Miles all bundled up. He enjoyed seeing everyone and listening to the Michigan Marching Band. We tailgated with some other "fossils" (alumni bones) and also with Cass City friends. It was a really fun time. Tim went to the game and Miles & I headed back to Carla's and took a well needed nap!

My brother and cousin also drove up to Ann Arbor to hang out with us. We got to try out a new restaurant .. Zingerman's Roadhouse. It was pretty good. It was really fun to hang out with my family & friends - they loved playing with Miles.

Before heading back home on Sunday, we had brunch with my old college roommate and her fiance. It was their first time meeting Miles. I haven't seen them in awhile so it was cool to catch up with their life, their wedding planning, etc. We have so many weddings to attend next year!

I also want to greet Tatay (my dad) a Happy Birthday! I hope you had a great birthday!

New Mamas Party & New Food

I hosted my first mama party today. I invited a bunch of new mommies over to our house. I met them through prenatal yoga and childbirth classes. It was a nice time and Miles enjoyed seeing new babies. He even got to play with his birthday buddy! =) Miles and Mackenzie were the older babies of the bunch. It'll be nice to have other mamas & babies to hang out with.

Miles tried avocado for the first time today. I mixed it with some breastmilk and he really enjoyed it. I was really surprised. Miles hasn't really loved any specific "solid" food yet. He'll eat them but he's not super excited... so tonight was refreshing. Tim even got to feed him tonight. Miles missed having his Papa around this week, so it was nice for them to have some time together for Miles' dinner.

Playing at Home

Miles and I had a lot of together time this week since Tim had to go to Indiana for training. It was fun and somewhat tiring at the same time. I think Miles is going through the 6 month growth spurt since he's been fussy, whiny, taking shorter naps lately and waking up more frequently at night this week. Yeahhh, fun times. =P I think he is going through that stage of separation anxiety too. Anytime I'd sit him in his rocker or leave the room, he'd start whining/crying. And with this *cold* rainy weather, we've been stuck inside a lot more. But we've definitely had fun though. We played at home a lot more, had more time to just roll around, play with his toys, and read books. He enjoys reading books at night, it's pretty cute to see him turn the pages in an excited way. =) Miles also likes dancing around with me and also watching me dance (like a silly crazy lady!) in the kitchen. It's fun.

The weather was nicer today than the past few days, so we took the opportunity to go out. We went to lunch with a friend of mine and we also visited my former coworkers. They love seeing Miles and they would walk around the office with him. I'm glad that Miles is pretty good with other people still. The whole "stranger danger" anxiety hasn't hit him..yet.

Miles is getting more and more active by the day. It's so cool to watch him explore and roll over. He reaches for things when we're on the floor playing and also when I'm changing his diaper, he's very squirmy now. Makes for an interesting diaper change experience. =P This week, I noticed Miles has been understanding what I'm saying more and more. Whenever I ask him "Where's the balloon?", he'd turn his head & body and try to find the balloon until he finds it. So fun! I'm such a proud mama! =)

Fun Fun with Family

I'm really glad Miles has gotten to spend so much time with family lately. My oldest brother was here from the Philippines for a few weeks (here and Michigan) - and Miles really enjoyed hanging out with him. And this past weekend, we celebrated with Tim's side for his nephew's 3rd birthday. It was really nice to see everyone and to have all of the cousins play together. It was really cute to watch Miles and Sophia interact more this visit. They are getting more and more active - rolling around on the floor. Really cute to watch. =) It'll be fun to watch them grow up together along with their younger cousin, Abagail. Miles had a great time this weekend. He loved watching everything and everyone. I'm sure he enjoyed looking at all of the balloons at the party.

This month is really flying by! Every weekend has something going on. I'm getting myself and the house cleaned and ready for a little party I'm having this weekend. I invited a few new mamas over to my house. I'm excited for it. I always like having Miles interact and see other people and kids.

Thank You Card

I made a quick thank you card on Shutterfly tonight.. I got a coupon code for 15 free ones. Gotta love free stuff. It's just a simple, little thank you card to give out to sweet people who give presents to Miles. =) People have randomly given him stuff and we're so thankful.
If you embed your Shutterfly project on your blog, Shutterfly gives you a discount for a future order - that's pretty neat. Here it goes:

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Happy 1/2 Year Birthday, Miles!

Dear Miles,

Happy 1/2 year birthday! We can't believe how fast time has gone by. You are such a wonderful, smart, happy little baby. We love watching you grow and explore all around you. We love how you look at everything with such wonder. It's so fun to watch you develop physically too. Lately, you have been rolling over and reaching higher and higher too. We wonder when you'll start crawling! You also smile so much - it makes Mama and Papa so happy to hear you squeal with delight. We also love hearing you talk. You chitchat so much and your facial expressions are so .. expressive already =). Mama also loves sitting around and reading books with you and .. we also love to watch you "read" your book on your own. You have made the past 6 months so wonderful. We look forward to the next six months and we'll throw a great 1st birthday party for you! =)

We love you so much,
Mama & Papa

We celebrated Miles' 1/2 year birthday today. We went to church in the morning, Miles loved it. He was looking at all of the stained glass windows and the little girls sitting behind us. He is such a ham! =) We headed home after church for Miles' noon nap. While he was sleeping, I quickly made a cake for him. Tim played flag football while Miles & I stayed home. Once he got back, we just hung out a little bit at home and then got ready to go to the pumpkin patch. Miles loved walking around at the pumpkin farm. He was so happy happy to watch all of the little kids running around and jumping on the big balloon pillow thing. The weather today was absolutely perfect. Felt like a great summer day. During our drive back home, Miles zonked out. It was so precious to see. He was reading his favorite book during the drive and a few minutes later, he was asleep!

At home, we celebrated with half of a birthday cake and a balloon. We sang to him and let him try to blow out the candle, hehehe. (I can't wait to plan his 1st birthday in six months, hehe) Miles really loves the balloon. =) It was cute to watch him watch it. Tim and I are so happy. We can't believe how blessed we are with such a wonderful baby. Miles has really changed our lives and we're loving it.

Enjoy this video from a couple of weeks ago, it makes me smile every time I watch it:

Michigan Trip & Wedding #3

Our Little Road Warrior

Last weekend, we headed to Michigan for Wedding #3. Before the weekend, we picked up Tim's mom - she was staying at Tim's brother's house for the week and she drove to Michigan with us. She had a fun time sitting by Miles throughout the car ride. 

We have attended 1 wedding per month for 3 months in a row this year. Miles has attended them all. This wedding was #3 for us and it was Tim's high school friend, Danielle's wedding. It was nice to see them again and their wedding was very lovely.. held at Dow Gardens. After the ceremony, we walked around a little bit and took a bunch of pictures. Miles enjoyed looking at the fountain and the different colorful flowers.

On Sunday, we drove down to my cousins' place.. my aunt and uncle finally met Miles in person. It was cute to see my Aunt play with Miles. It was also a nice surprise to see my friends Carla and David (newly engaged!) =) Since we had such a late start to head back home, Tim and I decided that Miles and I should go back home on Wednesday instead. The road trip back would have been a bit too much for Miles. So, Miles and I stayed with my brothers for a few more days and took the Amtrak back home. Miles was a trooper during our train rides. He did great. But now that we're home, I think it's taking a little bit of time to adjust back to the routine.

Mama's Birthday

Last week, I celebrated my 28th birthday with my favorite guys. Tim really made it a special day for me. It started with a surprise birthday breakfast in bed. And then we all headed to church. Later on, Tim and I had to go to a Parent Orientation for Miles' KinderMusik. heh It felt kind of funny/neat to go to a parent orientation for our little baby. 

After that, Tim took me on a dinner date while our friends watched Miles. It was our first time leaving him anywhere...(other than my parents at home). It was nice to spend some alone time with Tim. Miles was ok for most of the time we were gone until 15 mins before we got back =P He just missed his Mama.. 'cause once I held him, he stopped crying instantly. Tim also surprised me with a little ice cream birthday cake.. and we shared that with our friends too. =)


It was a great birthday. It's so surreal to spend a birthday with my own baby.. life is so precious. I am so grateful for my life and all of the wonderful people in it.

Wisconsin Trip

For Labor Day weekend, we headed out to Wisconsin to see the newest Khoury baby! [It's also another state for Miles =) ] Miles did pretty well driving to Wisconsin.. fell asleep in the beginning of the trip which is always a good thing. We arrived at Jalal and Mary's new house late afternoon on Friday. It was so nice to see them again and of course, we were very happy to see Abagail! She is a cutie. =) Congratulations to Mary and Jalal =)

It was a nice trip - we also got to spend time with Tim's mom and Tim's oldest brother and his family. Miles got to play with a few of his cousins in this trip. It was cute to watch Mena and Miles laugh together (I will upload that video soon). We ended up staying longer and got to hang out some more. =) Jalal and Mary have a lovely house, very comfy-feeling.


On our drive back home, we made a little stop at Sprecher Brewery. Tim and I have been there before and did their brewery tour. This time around, we just wanted the goods! Hah! Tim bought our favorite beer and sodas. I'll only be enjoying the sodas. =)

Here's a little video of Miles playing the piano at his Amu Jalal's house. =)