Thank you 2010

2010 has indeed been a year of challenges, wonderful blessings and countless little miracles and moments of grace for our family. I feel we are so much blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people, family and friends who continue to share their love and prayers to us. I guess I'd like to take this time to write about the most significant things that happened to me and to my family this year... sort of looking back and to help me realize just how blessed I really am.... I promised myself that this coming 2011, I'd focus more on what I do have and all the good things/blessings in my life, and how I can be more of a blessing to others as well. It's a tough job order, I know, but I have to start somewhere.. right? :-)

HIGHLIGHTS OF MY YEAR 2010

Birth of our Baby Girl, Ysabella Lily, or "Belly" as we fondly call her.

Belly was born on May 3 at 11:54 am. Even though I tried to have her come out earlier (it was summer and I was very tired of being preggy already), she decided when she would come out.. at the perfect time. Did not give me a hard time at all and just had a total of 5 hours labor. She latched on right away. She was my 2nd little angel. :)






Santi's 32nd Birthday in Subic

This was our first out of town trip as a family (just our little family of four). It was the perfect time and place! Although Santino loved swimming in the pool, he didn't care much for the sand getting in his slippers and in between his toes (that's my OC kid for you, haha). We stayed at the lighthouse hotel (I would recommend this place!) and we were able to take the kids to Zoobic, to which we also enjoyed! But of course the train/tram outshone all the animals in Santino's eyes. He wouldn't get out of the tram even to see the lions or elephants!








Santino's 2nd Birthday

Our little boy is growing up so fast!! For Santino's 2nd birthday he got his long time and EVERYDAY wish.. to ride a choo-choo train! Thank God for my little boy's simple joys. So we took the whole family and both our parents and siblings (and families) for a free ride on the MRT line. Neat huh? He was in awe the whole time! Of course we had the whole THOMAS AND FRIENDS theme going on, from tattoos to party hats, balloons, cups, etc etc.











Boracay vacation

Our annual family vacation (My side) where our whole family gets to spend 3-4 blissful days doing nothing but lounging around. This year it was back to the wonderful island of Boracay. We stayed at the most awesome Discovery Shores (would so highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a beautiful place to stay in Borcay) and had the most amazing 4 days of fun in the sun. Although having 2 kids and no yayas is quite a feat, it was all worth it. Family bonding is priceless. On a lighter note, the moment we got home (in Manila) and saw our yayas, Santi said "Now my vacation can begin." LOL.

Belly's UTI diagnosis, DMSA, VCUG scan and positive results

I just realized that I have the most amazing, beautiful, special and brave daughter EVER. She had gone through so much for someone only few months old (see my pasts posts on Belly's UTI and procedure), but she still took it all in stride, and just like a real trooper, went through everything with a smile. I love my daughter so much and I am so grateful for her in my life.





Our 3rd year anniversary

Our wedding day with our entourage

Has it been 3 years already?? My time flies so fast, especially when you've already got 2 kids!! :-) Santi and I are so blessed to be given such great blessings so early on in our marriage. Sometimes it's a bit of a challenge, adjusting to married life AND being parents at the same time, but I don't think I would change anything. I'd like to think that these past 3 years together, and this past year in particular has really been such a turning point in my personal maturity as a wife, mother and partner in life. People speak the truth when they say that marriage is hard work, a real commitment, lots of love and even more prayers!! I thank God for my family and all our friends (especially fellow married friends) to whom we get to share our struggles and victories with, it really helps to have a support group of friends who also know what you are going through. It's only been 3 years and I look forward to many more years with Santi and our kids.... and more kids (well, maybe in 2 years or so ;-))






Thanks for taking the time to read this post... I had a blast reminiscing.
Merry Christmas everyone.. and wishing you the happiest and most wonderful 2011, from our family to yours. :-)

The Padilla-Edralin Family :)