Trick or Treat?!

"And HOPE does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Romans 5:5)

HAPPY HALLOWEENIE! This was the first Halloween that Naomi could really participate in and she had a lot of fun. She helped me pick out her own costume and I LOVE Strawberries, so I was very happy with her choice :)


STRAWBERRY MIMI-CAKE :)

On Thursday and Friday, Adela and the kids at daycare had a little Halloween Party. Here are some pics of Naomi and friends...


Tigger (Samantha) and Ms. Adela the Good Witch and Sweetie Naomi on Oct. 28


With Cade the Firefighter on Oct.

Here are some pics of Mimi getting ready for the big night out:







We were a little nervous about how Naomi would react when she saw some of the scarier costumes out there. The Boyz weren't wearing anything that would scare her, but when she saw the neighbor Kyle's mohawk mask, she came running into my arms and didn't want to have anything to do with taking pics with this gang! (lil Kami the Pumpkin was quite brave!)


Train Conductor-Weslee, Ninja-Josh, IronMan-Owen, SWAT Police-Jake, Samurai-Dean, Pumpkin-Kamrin, Skeleton-Kyle

When it finally came time to go door to door, Naomi was shy at first. Richie had to carry her from house to house and I helped her to each door and held her basket.



After a little while, she started to get into the swing of things and didn't want any help walking around the middle of the street. She was already starting to grab candy out of her basket and was running to the next location. Happy as can be! Here are some fun family pics:


The Dimalanta cowboys and their strawberry


Karl and Kristin Isleta with Kamrin on her darling push-car


Bella, Leia and Yo! Gabba Gabba's DJ Anthony

The three little ones above split up from the rest of the "big kids" crew and went back to the house early where they helped greet trick-or-treater and pass out candy. Well, Auntie Leia passed out the candy, while they tried to eat it all!





Naomi really had a lot of fun with all of her cousins playing dress-up and hanging out late on a school night :) Next year, we'll see if she asks for a specific costume. That's all for now folks!

Independence Day

And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. (2 John 1:6)

July 3-4, 2010



Soooo... for all of you who have seen the little Princess in the last, oh say, seven weeks, this should be no surprise to you: Naomi Hope is walking! When she turned one in May, I made a guess that Miss Mimi would be walking around 14 months. Actually, to be more precise, I predicted that she would walk by July 4th. I'd say it was probably a combo of "Mommy knows best", God heard me loud and clear, and Naomi unconsciously reaching a goal I set for her, but baby Ganda officially walked on July 4th weekend! Here's how it happened:

From Independence Day

Leading up to "the big weekend," around the same time that we bought Naomi her new car seat, we also got her one of those "walker" toys to help her practice. Not the kind that she sits in (she already had one of those) but the type that she could push around like a shopping cart. We would hear stories from Teacher Adela about Mimi standing up for a few seconds but not taking any steps. We also saw her take two or three steps at home before carefully sitting down - like she knew that she couldn't balance so she didn't bother trying.



One cute thing that Naomi did before walking was to "knee-walk." She would get in the kneeling position and scoot around on her knees. It was her adorable way of getting around without crawling in a semi-upright position. Of course, she also liked to stand up and furniture-cruise.



I was thinking that she might be one of those babies that just "gets it" one day and takes off running! It didn't happen quite like that, but pretty close. Tita Angeline was staying at our place for the 3-day weekend. We all went to church on Saturday night and watched the service from the "Family Room." Naomi was scooting around on her knees, but she was really determined to stand up and furniture-walk along the chairs. Our friends at Cornerstone were encouraging her as well: Catherine, one of the children's ministry teachers, would hold her hand and walk with her, while Sam, the usher/greeter, extended his hand out for Naomi to reach out to. "Any day now!" they both said.



Little did we know how soon it would truly be. That same night, July 3rd, Richie stepped out to rent a movie while Angie and I played with Naomi in the living room. Everything was just "normal": Angie was chilling on the couch, I was sitting on the floor, and Mimi was practicing on her walker. The magic happened when Angie got up from the couch to go to the kitchen. Next thing I see if Naomi walking across the room to follow Tita Angie! I couldn't contain myself! "Angie! Angie! LOOK NAOMI'S WALKING!" Angie turned around and Naomi just stood for a moment. "WOW! YOU'RE WALKING MIMI!" I guess I must have been too excited, because she sat down and started crying. Oopsies. "It's okay, Naomi, Mommy's just so proud of you!" When Richie came home only moments later, I was delighted to share the wonderful news! It was only about 8 steps, but it seemed like she coulda gone more if there was room and I hadn't embarrassed her.



The next day, July 4th, Naomi was practicing her new skill with a new found confidence. She just needed to get over the initial fear. She liked starting off holding one of our hands and then letting go. Here is a video of our little toddler:



For the fireworks festivities, we walked down to the Emeryville Marina. Even with our jackets and hats and blankets, it was freeeeezing cold! That didn't stop Naomi from having a great time. We had a nice view of the Berkeley fireworks conveniently located just a hop, skip and a jump away. Mimi stayed up for the entire show, but once we put her back in the stroller and strolled home, she was out! She must have been pooped from all that WALKING!!

HAPPY GEN-EASTER!

Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6)



Naomi's First Easter.... WOO HOO!! Christ is risen!! On Saturday, we watched a musical drama presentation at Cornerstone called "All Who Hunger" with our new friends the Gonzales Family. Baby Malaya wasn't able to come out to play, but Naomi stayed at the nursery while we enjoyed the show. Afterwards, Grandma Lily and Titas Eva and Angeline came over for a pizza party =) They gave her a basket of goodies, including some adorable bunny ears!



On Easter Sunday, we went to a party, not only to celebrate our Savior's resurrection, but also to wish Genina a Happy 30th birthday. Lots of people were decked out in their 80s gear, but Naomi took home the "Best Dressed Baby" prize.... she well-deserved it!



There was a "Star Search" talent show/dance-off. Richie sang the theme from Growing Pains and I did my version of "It's Tricky" by Run DMC. Lots of fun and laughs all around! Here's what Richie and I would have dressed like if we met in junior high =P



Everyone also shared stories or words of advice for our lovely Genina. Even though it was raining cats and dogs all day, that didn't damper our spirits. The Lord's presence was among us and we all had a TOTALLY RAD time!

From Easter 80s

A limerick

But as for me, I am like a GREEN olive-tree in the house of God: I trust in the lovingkindness of God for ever and ever. I will give thee thanks for ever, because thou hast done it; And I will hope in thy name, for it is good, in the presence of thy saints. (Psalm 52: 8-9)

Hello Friends, Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Time to get spirited, have fun and play!
Pinch a stranger... just for fun.
Let your smile shine like the sun,
Winter is done - Hip Hip Hooray!

I just wanna pinch this li'l sprout's cheeks!!

Naomi's 1st Christmas

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”(Luke 2: 9-12)



Christmas time is always special because we get to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. We share this time with our dearest family and friends and enjoy the spirit of giving and glad tidings. This Yuletide 2009 was extra special because Richie and I had our babygirl Naomi to spend it with. If just for one moment, we tried to relive Christmas through the eyes of a child. Our child. =)

On Christmas Eve, we went to the Cornerstone Candlelight Service at 8pm with Grandma Lily, Tita Eva and Tita Angeline. Naomi spent her time at the nursery. Since there weren't any parties for us to attend that evening, we started our own family tradition and opened gifts with just the three of us. That night, Naomi slept as peaceful as an angel.



We took our time getting ready during Christmas morning and started off the festivities in San Jose. After stopping by to visit Mimi's godsister Cathleya, we made our way to the Blasing's home. Tita Berna, Uncle Andrew and cousin Andy have the house covered in Holiday decorations! The perfect place for the little ones to explore and experience the joy of Christmas - up close and personal with lots of fun moving musical toys!

From Mimi's 1st Christmas

The real fun began when Mimi's cousins Andrea and Meleia showed up =) Ninang Jasmine bought them reindeer headbands... These girls are too cute!





After all the adults exchanged Secret Santa gifts and all the kids opened their presents, we left San Jose and headed back to the East Bay. Our first stop was Pinole to enjoy the presence of Richie's immediate family. Everyone had been waiting for little Mimi to show up so we could open all of the gifts together. Even at only 7 months old, Naomi sure knew how to rip the giftwrap off her presents!



Next, we drove to Hercules to Naomi's Auntie Genina and Melissa's house to sing Christmas carols. All of the kids wore their reindeer antlers and we all sang merrily to the strum of Uncle Lin's guitar.



Check out Mimster =) .... looking like she's singing along and feeling the music in her heart and soul!



The following day, I took a picture of Mimi in front of our wall of cards:



Then, I gathered all of Naomi's loot and spread it out on the bed. WOW! Thank you soooo much to everyone that showered our little princess with all the toys, clothes, books, gadgets and gizmos... a plenty! She's got whozits and whatsits galore! Look who's smiling now =)

From Mimi's 1st Christmas

Over the next couple of days after Christmas, we went to Pinole to spend time with baby Arabella and the Joaquins before they headed back to Southern California. Mimi and Bella had a lot of time to bond. Bella is crawling all over the place and Naomi thinks that everything has to go in her mouth!





Bella can be a little aggressive at times and Naomi was a little taken aback by her cousins forward demeanor. A couple time Bella tried to reach out and touch Mimi... which would end up with Naomi crying out for "Help!" I think Bella just wanted to squeeze Mimster's cute chubby cheeks... just like everyone else =) To keep a little bit of space between them, we let Bella roam around on the carpet and Mimi played in the activity center that Grandma and Grandpa bought especially for the girls.



Mimi used to be a little camera shy, but with all the Christmas spirit in the air, she was really hamming it up!



I know Naomi won't remember much about her first Christmas when she grows up, but Richie and I surely will. I'm glad that she'll be able to look back on the pictures and see what a wonderful time she had with all!

From Mimi's 1st Christmas

Santa is in town!

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:15)



On the morning of Christmas Eve, Richie's company Astro Business Technologies hosts a breakfast to kick off the holidays. This year, the celebration took place at the Doubletree in Livermore. This just so happens to be the first time that any of Richie's associates have met little Mimi. She must have known it was Richie's party, because she was Daddy's Girl, giving him plenty of hugs and kisses for all to see:



The funnest part of the morning is when Santa comes by and gives a gift to each of the good boys and girls =) She was a little scared of him at first, but definitely warmed up after he gave her a brand new toy!

From Astro Company Breakfast

Naomi received a spinning toy from Santa Claus (Thanks Auntie April!) and she couldn't wait to open it up and play with it =) It was a great way to start of Naomi's first Christmas!

Happy "Sweet Potato" Day!

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting. (Psalm 118:1)

Naomi woke up on Thanksgiving Day in a wonderful mood! It was as though she knew that it was a special day =) Now that she knows how to roll over in both directions, she doesn't fuss when she's on her tummy. Mimi smiles and holds her head up high. She's probably going to be crawling very soon. I dressed her up in her cute lil "Jack and Janie" floral dress and we were ready to head off to South City for lunch.

Naomi and Meleia have been getting to know each other a lot more because we go to South City on Thursdays when Grandma takes care of Mia. I can't believe that Meleia can walk already!!!!


Naomi enjoyed her first Thanksgiving feast... not with turkey - but with sweet potatoes! We have been feeding Mimi solids since November 1st and introducing new foods to her very slowly. Before Thanksgiving, she tried green beans, peas, carrots and squash. I decided to give her sweet potatoes for the first time in the spirit of the holiday =) She really liked it!

From Happy Turkey Day

I wanted Naomi to enjoy the tastes of vegetables before diving right into fruits because babies tongues are 10x more sensitive to sweets. I didn't want her to reject her veggies because they taste rather bland. I tried giving her some bananas the following day and she actually made a yucky face! It must have tasted waaay sweet, so I added some rice cereal and she ate it hesitantly. That evening, I gave her peas and brown rice for dinner and she ate it much more quickly - and with pleasure =) Naomi really likes her veggies! Now if only she would love that darn bottle, too... Pray for her, please!