My other love

My other love, Wil, is another year older! we celebrated his birthday last week - both in NJ and in MN. in MN, we had an impromptu dinner with our close friends and family and had such a great time catching up and just hanging out like old times.

in NJ, we ate at a famous filipino chain, Max's in Jersey City. The food there was amazing. It was a bittersweet meal since, aside from Wil's birthday, it was also our last family dinner in NJ. After being there for 3 weeks it was so hard to leave my family. The thing that keeps me going is knowing that i'm going to see them in a few weeks for our fam trip to the Philippines! Can't wait!!!

Happy Birthday, my love. I love you so much.

famous filipino dessert - "halo-halo"
our little family
Gabriel Viggo 9 months old
Jersey City, NJ

3 months of love

Here are 3 month's worth of baby Gabe growing up :) These pictures are snippets of our life from December 2010 to March 2011 so Gabe is between 6 to 9 months old. They flew by way too fast if you ask me: (disclaimer - i have to apologize for Gabe's wacky hair - it has a mind of its own :) )

Far Away From Home

Gabriel Viggo 9 months

The month of February was filled with a lot of traveling for our little family. The month began with a road trip to Tampa, FL. The middle of the month we found ourselves on a plane New Jersey-bound for a trip that was meant to last 1 week but ended up as three weeks. And to end February, we flew to snowy Minnesota to celebrate Wil's birthday with friends and family. Its been fun, but i'm kind of looking forward to time off here in quiet Atlanta. We'll be flying overseas within a few weeks so i really want Gabe to be able to enjoy his own crib for a little bit.

While we were in NJ, I was able to do a lot - see a lot of friends, catch up with people i haven't seen in awhile, spend time with family. We were also able to attend one of my good friend, Archieline's son, Connor's baptism. Its always so nice to catch up with everyone. Here Wil, Gabe and I are getting ready to party for Baby Connor. As you can tell from Gabe's smile, he's excited to party and meet his buddy.

Playing with Python

Michael Kors - Python Wallet

I am in love with my new toy - my Michael Kors Wallet. I've been wanting a new wallet for awhile - its just one of those accessories that you really don't pay attention to - but really should since you carry it around everyday. For the past 4 years I've been using my Mimco wallet that I got from Australia. It was definitely time for a change.

I spotted this gorgeous snakeskin accessory and I couldn't resist. (Thanks to my hubby :) ) Its the perfect size, its big enough to hold my passport, checkbook, etc. The neutral color goes with everything. The gold hardware on the zipper and on the faceplate gives it a luxe look. LOOOOVE IT!!!

Bye Bye Baby

Gabriel Viggo Cayetano Leano

9 months

There's my little baby, proving that he's not a baby anymore. Gabe is so determined to walk and see the world. Its so amazing to be able to see your child's personality already. I'm not worried about him, Gabe is very strong minded and goes for what he wants so I know the future is his. As a mom though, its so tough knowing that he'll want to leave and do bigger and better things. I want to just hold onto him forever.

At this stage Gabe is crawling all over the place. He just learned to climb the stairs which was exciting - but scary. He doesn't know how to go down quite yet. He's eating A LOT - he's still on his rice cereal and his baby food. I haven't taken the jump to feeding him from my plate yet. Maybe in a month or so. He's copying us more and more. His new tricks of the week are clapping his hands and pointing to the light in the room. He's such a smiley baby. He smiles and laughs all the time. I'm calling it now - he's going to be such a flirt. Again, I'm not happy about this. lol. He's got 4 teeth now. 2 on the bottom and 2 on top. His grin is absolutely adorable.

He is at the stage where stranger anxiety is kicking in. I have to admit, i like it when he looks for me. hehehe. But of course, its also tough leaving him.

We're still teaching him sign language. He hasn't fully grasped it yet, but i think now that he's mimicking us a little more, he might understand sign language soon.

Gabe's sleeping has gotten a lot better. He sleeps through the night now. My only regret is he still needs a bottle before he sleeps. I have a feeling weaning him off will be an issue. We'll see. I'll save that for another post when the time comes.

My favorite toy for him at this point is this little gumball machine toy from fischer price. I got it for him from a garage sale awhile back. It spits out little plastic balls when you press the lever down. Gabe pressed the lever once by accident and ever since then he knew how to play with it. I guess it just amazes me how babies can now comprehend cause and effect, and how they now have minds of their own.

I could watch him for hours, watching what he does, how he does it, why he does it. I'm so lucky to be able to work from home and share all his firsts with him.

To my baby Gabe, you are such a joy to your daddy and I. You amaze us everyday. We love you. mwah.

Happy Valentine's Day

Greetings from NYC! Have a beautiful Valentine's day!! Looking forward to spending the day with my wonderful husband and with my sister and brother in law. I know my parents are enjoying theirs seeing baby Gabe's smile in person. It feels great to be home.

Happy Friday

image from www.weheartit.com

Its a been dark and gloomy these past few days in atlanta. Its those type of days where you just want to drink you coffee, and snuggle up in your warm cozy blanket and catch up with your favorite characters in your paperbacks that have been piling up. But of course, this isn't possible in mommy-ville. Rainy days means placing a slew of the baby's toys all over the floor and playing with him all day long to keep him occupied. I love those types of rainy days instead. I could watch him smile and laugh forever.

Although its rainy, we still have a bright weekend ahead that we're all looking forward to. My parents are flying in tomorrow and we're driving to our vacation house in Florda. I'm looking forward to spending time with my parents and watching them play with Gabriel. He's their first grandchild so of course he brings them so much joy. Having them around means.....date for Wil and I :)

We're planning to head to Orlando to visit Universal Studios! umm..hello - Harry Potter World!!! Can't wait.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend doing something that brings you joy.

Date Night

2 week countdown until Valentine's Day!! Woo-hoo!!

I'm really looking forward to vday this year. Last year, Wil and I had a lot going on so we pretty much overlooked it - a sin - i know. Valentine's day is a pretty important holiday in my book. A lot of people think its so commercialized and its just a day for people to spend money on chocolates and flowers. But I disagree, how wonderful is it to have a day dedicated to being romantic, getting surprised, sending candy grams in school...Yes, people should be romantic all the time, but its still nice to have a day dedicated to PDA.

I love Valentine's day so much that i usually skip sending christmas cards and send valentine's greetings instead. Why be one of hundreds of christmas cards that get thrown out when you can be the one valentine's card that goes on the fridge?

This year, Wil and I are heading back to New Jersey. Not only am i excited to be home, but my mom and dad said they didn't mind watching Gabriel while Wil and I go on a date. I can't wait. Its so rare that Wil and I get to go out on our own. I'm really really looking forward to it.

I can't wait to dress up!! Have you planned your Valentine's day outfit? I have no clue yet what i'm wearing but here's sophisticated but fun outfit i created.

valentine's day by kleano featuring chains jewelry

ドレス
79,800 JPY - mirabella.jp
Stella mccartney dresses »

fancy fur coat
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Fancy coats »

"I Love You" Hearts in Shop All at Dylan's Candy Bar
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Women's Christian Louboutin Patent Pointed-Toe Pump
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Patent shoes »

Y-Mail Metallic Leather Clutch in Silver or Gold
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Silver handbags »

ABS Pave Goldtone Chain Link Bracelet - Max and Chloe
$125 - maxandchloe.com
Chains jewelry »

David Yurman Albion Rose Quartz Earrings
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Rose quartz jewelry »

Ted Baker Sammy Pearls Long Single Strand Necklace
$29 - asos.com
Strand necklace »

3-D Hearts Set of 4 - Red : Target
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Secrets of Cartier - History of Cartier - Bazaar.com
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Cartier bracelets »

Cartier Bracelet
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Just Because

My favorite type of flowers, "Just Because" flowers.

the kind that doesn't warrant a reason, no holiday, no "i'm sorry."

just something to remind you that you're loved and appreciated.

During a tough week, these hit home. Thank you to my loving husband.

You know me so well. I love you.

Snow Day

(image from www.weheartit.com)

I have to admit i was laughing prior to today. The state of Georgia had a "winter weather alert" for today. Everyone's facebook status's and tweets were talking about stocking up and getting ready for the "big storm." I even heard there was a line just to park at the grocery stores yesterday because everyone was panicking to get food. When i checked the weather to see what was expected, it said 3-4" of snow was expected.....I literally thought this was a joke. 3-4" in MN or NJ is nothing!! we drive in 3-4". Here, before the storm even came, they announced that school was closed and that flights for today were cancelled. Don't get me wrong. I understand that the south is not used to this type of weather and isn't equipped to handle snow removal, but its just funny in comparison.

Anyway, i woke up this morning to winter white outside, while the snow on my deck railing only shows about 3" of snow, its still nice to think of it as a snow day. Luckily its Wil's weekend so he, I and Gabe are spending quality time at home lounging around in our pjs. Perfect day for hot chocolate :)

I love the feeling of being in our home watching our baby play. Gabe is so cute crawling around the house. As i was cooking he crawled into the kitchen, crawled by my legs and sat down. It was such a priceless moment for me. I love snow days in with my family.

Here's to many hot chocolate happiness days.

Half a year of Happiness

I can't believe I'm even saying this but our little Gabriel is now 6 months old!!! Where the heck is time going?? People always say it flies by fast but you really don't realize it until it passes you by. He's growing right before our very eyes. Every morning when i pick him up from his crib i swear that he grew overnight.

He's doing so many fun things now:

- he can sit up on his own now for a few seconds

- he grabs for things on the table or toys that are farther than arms length

- he giggles all the time

- he sits in his highchair and eats his rice cereal

- he bounces around in his Baby Einstein jumper

- he can hold his baby bottle

- he loves being tickled on his tummy or being kissed a million times on his cheek

- he can squirm from one of the room to the other in less than a minute (i don't think i enjoy this very much though - lol)

- he loves reading books

- he talks and babbles all the time

- Wil and I think he says mama and dada but we have no clue if he knows what it means or if he's just saying jibberish

Its been a half year of learning so much from such a little person. But we can't wait to see what the other half of the year will bring.

So in honor of Mr. Gabe's birthday I baked CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE STUFFED CUPCAKES. They were amazing. I'll post the recipe for them as soon as I can.

Happy 6 months to my son Gabriel. Words can even explain how much i love you. Thank you for being our angel.

So Thankful

Sorry for the lack of posts - Mr. Gabe and I were sick with the flu! What a horrible feeling. I haven't had the flu in a long time - a cold, yes, the flu, no. It wouldn't have been so bad if i just had a simple cold but taking care of a baby when you're feeling naseuous, achy, and tired is not fun - especially a sick baby. There was nothing we could really do but rest it out and drink lots of fluids. Luckily, we're A LOT better. So i learned with adults the flu bug lasts only about 24 hours but with baby's, it can last from 3-5 days. I'm fine now and Mr. Gabe is about 90% better. yey! Wil and I have been waiting for him to feel better for awhile! He had a cold for a few weeks and he just ended his flu bug. I'm hoping these boosted up his immune system. we'll see.

Anyway, we were able to celebrate our first thanksgiving as a family. It was so nice having the 3 of us together to start our own traditions. It was nice and quiet. We had Christmas music on, Wil played with the baby, I wrapped Christmas presents and cooked a nice dinner.

I haven't conquered the turkey yet so i was going to bake some cornish hens for us. I even got Gabe some sweet potato to try as his first baby food :) But since he was still under the weather, I held off. Anyway, Wil's not a big fan of thanksgiving food (neither am I) and so we had a Thai Thanksgiving. I cooked thai basil beef and chicken pad thai. Yum - it was soooo good.

This thanksgiving was also special because Wil and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary. I can NOT believe its been 4 years since our wedding in Aruba. I still remember it like it was yesterday. It was a vacation for everyone - including us.

This year I'm so thankful for everything in my life. I know how lucky I am. I have an amazing husband who would do anything to give me the world. I have wonderful friends and family. We're so lucky my husband has a job that allows us to see the world. And the best part, is our adorable son - Gabriel. We've been waiting so long for him to come into our lives. And its still so surreal that he's finally here. Our lives are finally complete.

Hope you all had a wonderful and special thanksgiving.

Another Era

After we put the baby to bed, my husband follows a few shows - one of which is "Boardwalk Empire." I have NO clue what this show is about but let me tell you - i am mesmerized whenever i watch it. I LOVE the fashion - i love the fringe, the single strand pearls, the clochet hats, the lace, the bob haircuts....i love it. I did a little more research and found out the series takes place in Atlantic City (yey for NJ) - during the Prohibition Era which is basically the 1920's - or the "roaring 20's" as its referred to. Most people know this era for its flapper dresses. Here are a few pics i came across.

image from mamapop.com




image from myseedfactory.com





image from nypost.com

image from srslyliz.com

image from 1920s-fashion-and-music.com




image from bigread08.wordpress.com

image from the conde naste store

image from pastreunited.com

image from harlowdarling-elegantlywasted.blogspot.com (scene from Boardwalk Empire)

image from designersblock.blogspot.com



image from artdecoblog.blogspot.com

image from stylehive.com



image from fashionart.onsugar.com

image from pastreunited.com