Just for fun: Jqn & Jcnt

The Hurricane

Miss Jacinta Luxi

Without having clicked on either of the images above, what do you think is the common characteristic between them?

If you guessed that Joaquin and Jacinta are both pursing their lips, then you are right!

But, that wasn't the answer I was looking for. The one I was looking for is...

Joaquin and Jacinta are approximately seven-and-a-half months old in the photos.

Pictures of our couch again... (with a cute baby girl)

I had a little photo shoot with Jacinta this past Saturday, 26 January 2008. The light was nice that afternoon. We had just finished giving Jacinta a bath. Her hair was awesome.

Movin' on up!

Today, Jqn is sleeping on his toddler bed. The bed was converted from his crib. Until we purchase the wall bed, Jqn will be dreaming sweet dreams on this bed.

We did the usual -- bath time, lotion and jammies. These days, Jqn is actually the one who initiates night-night time. Then, we kissed him good night, turned off the light and closed the door. I heard him start crying. Usually, I just let him cry it out but this time it sounded different. Jqn's cry sounded like he needed us.

I went inside and found him sitting up. He looked like a lost boy. I could see through the dark that he looked distressed and immediately knew it was because of the new surroundings. Up until tonight, he was secure within the four walls of the crib. Tonight, he has three walls and a bed rail that is open on one side. We have also kept the baby bumpers on his crib all this time so that probably didn't help either.

Now, Jqn is in his bare toddler bed. I'm so proud of you, Joaquin, because it only took me one time to comfort you tonight.

As I said, I went inside and tried to get you thinking of something else other than this new "space" that you now occupy. Then, I quickly thought about turning on the lamp in your room. I think I can count on both hands how many times we've used your lamp. At least now we are finally getting some use out of it.

Because it was too bright -- we need to change the wattage -- I put one of Jqn's books in front of the lamp to make it dimmer. That made him laugh a couple of times. Why? I don't know. But, I took it. I walked back to Jqn, told him that everything was ok; that everything was still the same. I said good night again, kissed his cheeks, walked out and closed the door behind me.

Jqn's 2nd Birthday Party Pics!

Our heartfelt Thank You to Tasha for taking these wonderful pictures. Without you, this post would not be possible. At all.

I thought I would try the slideshow tool below that I found on another blog. I think it is pretty kewl and it saves me a lot of time when posting more than ten pictures in one post.



Joaquin's party was a smashing success. It was held in the same restaurant where we celebrated Jacinta's Christening. Unfortunately, the owners of the restaurant sold it and the new owners weren't as accommodating. Luckily for us, the lady in charge of our party took good care of us.

I think the main memory that sticks out in my mind right now is when Joaquin poured two whole bottles of salt on the table. He was so mesmerized by the salt pouring out of the little holes. Jqn may also have licked his fingers more than a couple of times. Ugh, Joaquin!

I briefly read through Jqn's guest book and I noticed that both Tia Ellen and Alex jotted down this memory as well. :-)

My Mom, my brother and his family had a heck of a time at the pastry shop when they picked up Joaquin's cake. Apparently, the manager who spoke with Georgie didn't take down our order. The cake wasn't ready so they had to wait around for an hour! Terrible.

Jacinta calmly and comfortably stayed in Tio Gus's arms as we entertained our guests. Thank you, Tio Gus!

Riley enjoyed the calamari and the cake. He is getting so big. It's amazing to see that he is taller -- and probably weigh more -- than Joaquin and he is around four months younger.

Jme is glowing. You, too, MV! So, what is it that you said that made Jacinta cry?

Tita Lily also took care of Jacinta. Jcnt fell asleep on Tita Lily's shoulder.

Jacinta was a trooper. She didn't complain to be fed or changed while we were at the restaurant.

Jqn loved running around the restaurant, especially by the area that has one step. He, Christian, Ethan and Isabella were hanging out in that area. The older kids were all jumping up and down that one step and Jqn playfully and carelessly copied the stunt. There were times I felt I was going to faint while watching Joaquin run towards the step.

The cake was huge, by the way. I think if we had twice as many people, the cake would still have been too much.

Jiyoung stopped by and dropped of her and Sue's present. I wish you could have stayed, Ji! I know Shimi and Mari looked forward to hanging out with you and Sue, too.

As has been our fortunate experience, Joaquin received lots of presents. You are all so giving and we thank you.

For the giveaways, I bought some Cars-themed stuff like coloring stickers, pencils and tattoos. I also included a matchbox.

--
On Joaquin's real birthday, he shared a couple of bites of his ice cream sandwich with Jacinta.

Breakfast of Champions

It's Sunday morning. Jqn just went down for a nap. Jcnt is in the living room on the foam mat, playing with Georgie.


So, I thought I would take a few minutes to jot down some things about the children that are new and exciting.

Jacinta has been saying, "ba ba ba ba." She has also been hanging out in the exersaucer. I'm watching her now -- she's no longer on the mat -- bouncing in the 'saucer while playing with one of the attached toys.

Jcnt's appetite is pretty good. We are giving her the jar foods and cereal from Earth's Best. Thank goodness for the jar foods -- they are so convenient. Jacinta now sits in Jqn's chair at the dinner table. Like Jqn was in the beginning, she is easily entertained by the belt that secures them in place.

The "H" position where Georgie and I are the vertical lines and Jacinta is the horizontal connector. We truly need to upgrade to a California King.

She smiles at me whenever she sees me. Jcnt has also been attached to me and Georgie. She will oftentimes not willingly go to anyone. We hope she will grow out of this soon as we know you all would like to hold her. hehe

Joaquin. This guy has been non-stop learning and doing new things that both amaze and surprise us. It's like a switch was turned on and he's

growing

right before our eyes.

Joaquin prefers to sit on the bench now during meal times. I should mention that it finally dawned on us that this is what he wanted when, after dinner, Jqn would always signal for me to pick him up and sit him beside me. Then, he started to get down and climb onto the bench all by himself. Yes, it's scary to watch. It's times like this that I wish we could put the foam mat underneath the table. That, or have Jqn wear protective gear like a helmet, shin and elbow guards. Oh, and probably a mouth piece because he has such nice teeth. I hope Jqn's permanent teeth grow as nicely as did his baby teeth.

Jqn is more interested in books now. He likes to look at the pictures and if there is a texture of some sort, he likes to feel them. Sometimes -- and I cringe to even mention it -- he likes to stand on them. It is mostly the books that have the pull-out puzzle pieces which are thicker and softer that tempts him.

We are also beginning to experience having simple conversations with Jqn where we ask him a question and he asks us another question, even if it isn't relevant to anything that we were talking about. He has been pretty good though at asking what we are doing because he probably hears us ask him daily, "What are you doing, Joaquin?" when we don't hear a peep out of him. If Jqn is up to something naughty -- in our eyes, as we realize that he is still a baby and continuous to learn what is right and what is wrong -- he is usually quiet.

One last thing for today; my Mom calls Joaquin "The Hurricane". Georgie and I think it is appropriate because, being a hurricane, everything in Joaquin's path is shifted or tossed from its location. I think it's a pretty cute nickname. Yes,

I'm still against giving our children nicknames.

But, since this nickname doesn't have any kind of variation from his name, I'll let it go. Ok, Lola?

A shout to MTV Made [Episode 13] fans (from Georgie):

My name is Joaquin, and The Hurricane is coming!

Wataryoudoowinmama?

Last night, while Georgie was making dinner for us I went into the computer room -- still in the process of becoming Jacinta's bedroom -- checking my email and surfing. I closed the door behind me. Not more than a couple of minutes later, I hear Joaquin on the other side of the door.

Jqn: Maaaamaaa!

Me: Yes, baby?

Jqn: Mama?

Me: Yes, I'm in here. I'm checking my email.

Jqn: Wataryoudoowinmama?

:-)

The first half of January

Phlog.

2 January 2008

We had dinner with Kuya Josel, Ate Gayle and Carol & Richard Rusch at a nice Italian restaurant in Niles. Ate Gayle and Kuya Josel were in town from California.

Ate Gayle and Jacinta.

We were joined by Ate Trisa and her family and my Mom.

Ate Trisa and Kuya Josel are siblings. They are Tita Zeny's and Tito Ernie's children. Tita Zeny is Lola's sister.

Jacinta with Ate Gayle and Kuya Josel.

Group shot.

It was after this dinner that we went to the ice cream shop where Jacinta had her first taste of ice cream. While at the ice cream parlor, Jqn did his usual thing and ran around the whole store -- even behind the counter! At one point, Jqn dropped something -- I don't remember what it was -- and Ate Gayle said, "it's a decoy!"

With me.

6 January 2008

We all went to Hooter's for Tricel's last lunch with the family. The restaurant truly does have tasty buffalo wings. They also have pretty good breaded fried shrimp.

Richard and Antonio.

Richard, just remember when you are rich and famous that I did your first headshot.

Tito Eddie and Kuya Jojo.

Tito Eddie is Tita Lily's husband. Kuya Jojo is their son. Tita Lily, Tita Zeny and Lola are sisters.

Tita Lily with Jacinta.

Tricel and me.

Tricel is Tito Mauro and Tita Bessie's daughter. She is one of my first cousins.

Kuya Jojo and Tricel.

My handsome boys.

We met up with Michael and Jme at an Italian Restaurant afterwards. Yeah, I don't know either how we were still able to eat anything after we ate at Hooter's. But, we did.

With a glowing Jme and MV.

That night, Jqn and Jcnt enjoyed a bath together; Jqn in the tub and Jcnt in the tub inside the infant tub. I don't think we will be doing this again anytime soon. There was just not enough space for them this way. I think the next time we bathe them together will be when Jacinta is able to bathe outside of the infant tub.

Jqn & Jcnt splish splashing

10 January 2008

Alicia came by on the 10th bearing gifts for our children. You are so sweet, Alicia! Joaquin received blocks, which he seriously loves to stack and throw every which way. Jacinta received a '1st Christmas' bib and her very own reindeer purse.

A lovely smile from Alicia.

12 January 2008

Just a few snapshots from a Saturday morning.

In the last picture, it almost looks as if Jacinta is saying, "OK... enough already, Mama."

14 January 2008 -- Lola's birthday!

Danielle and Tita Edna.

JJ lighting the candles.

My mom with her grandchildren and nephew.

I've posted pics of Joaquin eating cake before...

... Now here are Jacinta's pics.

Cutie!

16 January 2008 -- Papa's 40th Day

Jacinta in the morning.

This teal fleece jumpsuit is from Fabi. Thank you!

The really cool pink onesie with the black bird is from Alex and Tasha. I've been waiting to put this on Jacinta since they gave it a few months ago.

There you have it. I'm almost caught up.

Mama aka The One who gives Jqn his snacks

This morning, I awoke to Joaquin standing beside me.

Jqn (sweetly): Mmmaaahmaaah.

Me: Oh! Good morning, my love!

Jqn: Mama?

Me: Awww, you're dressed already?

I lovingly brush my fingers through his hair. Then, Jqn begins to grunt as he holds out his right hand signaling me to get out of bed, hold his hand and follow him. I comply and quietly get out of bed as Jacinta was still asleep.

The floor was cold and I was half awake following Jqn. He leads me through the hallway, past the living room and into the kitchen. I knew what was coming.

He points his finger at the buffet table where all our snacks currently reside.

Christmas & New Year's Eve

The following were taken on Christmas Eve at Mama's place.

Erin and Jacinta.

It was on Christmas Eve that Jacinta had her first solid food. I mentioned it before, but I didn't post any pics. Jacinta really enjoyed the sweet potatoes. These days, she has a nice appetite for food in addition to milk.

Fabi feeding Jacinta.

Elaine, Ate Trisa, Joaquin, me and Tricel.

Me, Ate Trisa and Tricel.

When are you coming back to the U.S., Tricel? I can't believe you're gone already. It seems like you just arrived. We didn't get to spend too much time together. But, we look forward to seeing you again when we go back to the Philippines for a visit!

Elaine and Jqn.

Thank you, Elaine (and Erin), for always being the first to take either Joaquin or Jacinta when we arrive at parties. You are a big help to us! And, Joaquin knows it too when he sees you because he follows you around.

Kuya Darius and Tricel.

Tita Au and Lola Ida with the kids. (This was not taken on Christmas Eve.)

Danielle with Kuya Darius.

Wine, please. (Christmas Day at Tia Marie's.)

Thank you, Becky, for these handmade stockings!

Becky, you are very talented and creative. I'm still so amazed just looking at them on this photo. Our children are so lucky to have you in their lives. We hope you, Sammie and Lawrence can make it out here again this year!

The following were taken on New Year's Eve. We spent New Year's Eve at my brother, Tristan's, house. [Mama, Manong, Jo Anne, JJ, Christian, Danielle, Ate Trisa, Kuya Joel, Richard, Krystal, Tita Virgie, Tita Edna, Tito Tony, Jeanette, Ronald, Christy, PJ, Tyron, Tita Lily, Georgie, Joaquin, Jacinta and me.]

Jacinta with Ate Trisa and Krystal.

Come on, guys, show us how you really feel about each other.

The sleepy girls.

Joaquin loves following Christian around and copying what he does.

Preparing for midnight.

Karaoke!

Yay! It's finally midnight!

Joaquin was ready to go home after midnight.

We had a white New Year's Eve/Day.

Jqn's 2nd Birthday Party!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Joaquin!

Georgie and I would like to say

Thank You

to everyone who attended Joaquin's birthday party today!

Jqn's 2nd Birthday! (part 2)

Happy 2nd Birthday, Joaquin!
This was taken earlier this evening, before we had dinner.

A year ago today.

In the morning, after waking up. All smiles already.

Jqn and Jcnt hung out on our bed while watching tv.

Good thing Fern doesn't mind the kids pulling on his tail... too much.

Jqn blowing his candles.

Why is it still there??

Satisfied.

Joaquin's 2nd Birthday!

Dear Joaquin,

It is 1am right now and you are in dreamland. I'm not sure if Daddy is sleeping as well, but your sister surely is fast asleep, too. On the Boppy. On my lap.

Your Uncle Alex and Miss Tasha left about an hour ago. They came earlier this evening and brought us some dinner. That was very sweet of them, especially on a cold night like this. We'll just say that we celebrated your birthday eve. They brought you and Jacinta a little souvenir -- cute t-shirts -- from their Colorado vacation.

How can I sum up the past year? Fortunately, not easily because it was a very eventful year. Unfortunately, I won't be able to relay everything that has happened in this one blog. It is my hope that our monthly blogs on the day that you and Jacinta were born will help us tell you about you as you grow up.

You didn't walk on/around your first birthday. It was more like 3-4 months after your first birthday. Since then, you've been on-the-go.

I should probably mention your more recent developments. Let's see...

Your vocabulary is beginning to grow. You went from mimicking single words to stringing along phrases that you've heard us say to you like, "where are you going?" and "what are you doing?" And, even though we've tried to teach you not to say "No", somehow you've learned it anyway because your default answer for most of our question is "No."

Joaquin, do you want some milk? No. Are you hungry? Uhh, no. Is it time for night-night? No!

Speaking of night-night... in order for you to sleep soundly, you require: a binky, a blanket and a sippy cup filled with water. And, when you wake up in the morning and we come into your bedroom you hand us your binky, blanket and sippy cup signaling us that you're ready to get out of your crib and into the living room to watch some gg.

This morning, as Daddy was getting you ready for school, you were doing some kind of scene from the 'Exorcist' using all your new words and phrases. I was in the kitchen getting my coat and shoes on when I heard you crying and whining while spitting out words and phrases that had nothing to do with the situation. You just needed to get them out anyway to get your point across to Daddy, I suppose.

I wonder if most other parents have a hard time getting their children's faces cleaned up. You and Jacinta do not like getting your faces cleaned. This is something that you've been pretty consistent with. Now it seems your little sister is following in your footsteps.

Mama. I so love it when you call me Mama. And you say it so sweetly.

Joaquin, you still love popsicles (fudgesicles, especially) and ice cream. Really, I think you would be happy being fed just these two food items. I wish you would eat more real food though. You tend to eat just a few bits and you grow tired of the food. The food on your plate eventually ends up on the floor, plate, utensils and all. I'm happy that you know how to eat popsicles when you're close to the end -- by eating the sides instead of sticking the stick down your throat. You can thank Daddy for teaching you this.

We're still giving you whole milk, which you really like. I'm happy about this because it gives me a little bit of comfort knowing that you're getting some nutrients other than the nutrition-less popsicles and ice cream. I know, I know. But, it's so good!

The one food that you can't say no to, even though you do, are bananas. You love 'nanas. Recently, instead of giving you a half of one I gave you a halfway peeled banana to hold.

We are delighted to see that you like to be helpful. We can now ask you to get a diaper for your sister. You have also, without being asked, put the container of wipes away. My favorite helpful thing you do these days is helping me unload the dishwasher. I stand by you as you pull things out of the washer one-by-one and hand them to me. I like that you hand them over your shoulder without even looking at me. You trust that I'll be there.

Joaquin, you haven't always been very touchy-feely. It takes a lot to get you to give hugs and kisses. But, this month we've been able to teach you to give proper kisses. Well, to me, Daddy and Jacinta, at least.

This past week, you were able to identify Lola's voice on the phone. That was pretty amazing. I had Lola on the speaker phone and when she started speaking, you said, "Lola!"

"Moo" for moon, as you look up in the night sky.

What's ahead? We will begin potty-training you this year. We also hope to wean you off of the binky. (We'll see how that one goes.) Perhaps we will introduce bedtime stories in your bedtime routine. It's time to get you to learn Tagalog and Spanish. Let's work on your jumping, climbing stairs and posture. Tying shoe laces. Saying Yes.

Our birthday gift to you this year is a wall bed. We think it is a good idea so that you will have more space to play in your bedroom.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Joaquin! You continue to bring our lives so much happiness and laughter. We love you forever and ever, for all eternity and beyond.


Love,

Mama

P.S.
I should also mention that your cutest act of mimicry is whispering.

P.P.S.
Just for today and tomorrow, in case people would like to email you, I will put your email address: joaquin dot diversiev at gmail dot com.

Joaquin in 2007

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Nine days ago.

The coldest day this winter, so far.

Matherites 2nd Annual Holiday Gathering

Hello, Class of '92! Georgie and I are still amazed that we all found each other again after almost fifteen years.

Pangela, Jacinta and Emma.

Can you believe that 15 years ago, we all went our separate ways to find ourselves and to find out just what is out there?

Jcnt and Sue.

Emma and Erik. Emma, your shirt rocks!

Did we learn more about ourselves and what we think will get us through life's many unfair realities? Perhaps. But, for now there are certainties about our group that make me happy. Everyone still has the same charm that is endearing to each one of us. We all still get each other's humor. We support each other's situation. And, we will forever have our high school memories to dig-up in case we have nothing interesting to talk about.

Shimi and Marie.

Thom, Emma, Erik, Roberto and Georgie. Oh yeah, Pangela (again!) is in the background with Jcnt.

It was lovely that Emma and Erik were able to make their way all the way over here from Cali. The last time that we saw Chuck was at a mall a couple of years back. Faustino. Now, you, I didn't think we would ever see again. And, of course, the fabulous duo of Thom & Leila! All the way from the East Coast. The rest of the peeps, you all know.

Georgie, Thom and Emma. (Same pose in our high school yearbook.) Thom, you have not changed at all!

Alright, I know that we all wrote down our email addresses on a piece of paper. Who was in charge of sending out an email with everyone's email addresses?? I'd like to get the email, please.

Emma and Jcnt.

Leila and Jcnt. I love your hair, Leila!

This year (on 22 December 2007), we went to a Thai restaurant in downtown Chicago. Last year, if I remember correctly, the gang went to Chinatown. The food was delicious. I sat next to Jiyoung. I asked Jiyoung if she would recommend a dish and she suggested some kind of dish that sounded good. It turns out that this dish that she described is the same dish that is my favorite; Thai basil chicken. Mmmm. Oh, this particular one was extra spicy.

Erik and Jcnt. It seems like everyone took a photo with Jacinta!

Me and Ji.

Georgie and I brought Jacinta along with us. Joaquin stayed with Fabi. We were able to eat well because we had around twelve babysitters to help us. So, when can you guys babysit next?

Pangela and Leila.

Me, Jcnt, Pangela and Jiyoung.

I'd like to end this post with Georgie's thoughts on our getting in touch with our dear, old friends.

The people we were... and later became. Amplified and true... not so different from who I knew...

We sat down to share a meal as alumni, as friends, as travelers through time who happened to share the short flicker of time together in high school.

It's funny that some of us will never see our grammar school or college classmates again, yet we were all lucky enough to make friendships with each other and more importantly, ultimately keep friendships that have stood the test of time. I'm negligent in this fact. I rely on Mi and many of you to weave the story that I am happy to be a part of.

I still remember everyone as in high school. Everyone looks and is fantastic!
Like fine whiskies, wines, art... life's chiseled out each of our essence and it shines through brightly.

Go Rangers!

Happy Birthday, Lola!

To our dearest Mama | Lola | Tita Luz | Ninang | Luz

We wish you the best birthday. You are our harbor, to whom everyone -- family and friends alike -- gravitates. You have always been the one, to me at least, who takes charge at planning get-togethers, parties, showers, any special events both great and small.

When I was younger, I really despised these events because it meant I had to be extra helpful. But, I realize now why you needed me to be extra helpful. It was because you wanted everything to go smoothly. You wanted everyone to enjoy themselves. I get it. Of course I wish I had gotten it then -- I wouldn't have been so grumpy about helping out.

Mama, you have been so generous with yourself to others. What I mean is you have always been the one on whom people can depend in countless ways.

My wish for you is that your good karma will return to you tenfold this year and all the years following. You truly deserve to be happy.

We love you very much, Mama!

With respect and admiration,

Mimi

Mama with Tita Lily.

With Ate Trisa and Kuya Joel.

With Krystal.

With Jcnt and Fabi.

With Jcnt, Danielle and Jo Anne.

With from left: Benedict, Jqn, Kuya JOel, Allison, Georgie, Ate Trisa, Richard, Christian, me, Tricel and Tita Lily.

Papa's Funeral

Papa's funeral was on Saturday, 15 December 2007. The funeral Mass was held at St. Timothy Church, Chicago, IL. Papa's final resting place is at Maryhill Cemetery & Mausoleum, Niles, IL.

It snowed that day. My brother, Tristan, said that Papa, "wanted a snowy send-off."



Afterwards, family and friends dined at Amici Ristorante.

• Church program, page 1 [PDF, 2.5MB]
• Church program, page 2 [PDF, 2.7MB]
• Eulogy [HTML]

I do not recall who was taking pictures of that day with my camera. Would someone please let me know?

Jcnt: 7 months old!

Happy seventh month old, sweetie!

Time flies. Has it really been seven months since Jacinta was born? Seven months since our life became so much crazier and more delightful? Indeed.

We are enjoying every moment of having Jacinta in our lives. She is a happy baby who loves to be surprised (startled). Georgie says she takes after me because I love scary movies. Actually, both children take after me in this manner. I look forward to having horror movie nights when they're older.

Smiles all around!

Jacinta can roll every which way now. She can even sit up for a few minutes at a time. No crawling yet, although she has shown an interest in going for far-away things by moving her body in that direction. No signs of teethsies yet. We started to give her solids on Christmas Eve. Jacinta's first food was sweet potatoes, fed to her by both Grandma Fabi and Lola. She also had her first taste of ice cream -- strawberry cheesecake -- while Kuya Josel and Ate Gayle were here.

We're off to shopping now with Lola. I'll try to take more pics of Jcnt today.

Blogger Slideshow

I just learned about the cool Slideshow widget that Blogger.com offers. I replaced the static photos at left with the slideshow that pulls from our Flickr accounts. It makes this part of my maintaining this blog that much easier. Awesome.

 

Papa's Vigil

Rollover the thumbnail images to view a larger version. If you have a slower connection, it may take a moment longer for the larger version to load.

Papa's vigil was on Friday, 14 December 2007.

If you were at Papa's wake, I think it would be nice if you would please leave a comment for us all to remember. Thank you.

 

December Babies

Here are pictures from December 2007 -- mostly of Joaquin and Jacinta. These are mostly in chronological order.

Good morning!

Same morning, finally dressed.

Hanging out together.

I finally gave in and started bathing Jacinta in the bath tub. Although it's not as convenient (for me) as bathing her in the kitchen, she seems to enjoy it which is all that matters. Jacinta bathing in the tub actually seems to help her with sitting up because she likes to grab the toys that are floating around her.

Jacinta's first bath in the tub.

The Friday following Fabi's arrival, we went to Steve and Paola's house for dinner. Thanks, guys, for serving up some yummy Mexican food from Uncle's Julio's.

Tasha, me, Jqn, Fabi, Jcnt, Paola, Steve and Georgie.

Reaching for the apple ornament.

Steve and Paola had their Christmas tree up and it called for a few poses by the tree.

With Uncle Alex, who arrived later.

Me and the girl. Why was I so serious?

Fabi knitted the hats and scarves above and below.

So soft. Thank you, Fabi!

This hat was also knitted by Gonzalo's sister.

We went to Sunday brunch at Tio Gus and Tia Ellen's house. Thank you for hosting! Jqn enjoyed playing in their house because there was so much open space that he was able to run around, back and forth, here and there. He also got to toss a few tennis balls around for Puka to fetch.

Tio Gus, Jcnt, Fabi and Sarelle.

Jcnt with Paola, Marni, Sarelle and Steve.

These blocks belong to Tia Ellen's grown-up children.

Jqn playing with Puka.

The light in Tio Gus and Tia Ellen's living room was great for taking pictures.

The fireplace in the background.

We went to my Mom's place for Christmas Eve. I can't believe how many people can fit in her house, but we did. I guess it's a good thing that we all mostly like each other. :p

Jacinta and Danielle posing with the mountain of presents at my Mom's house.

Jqn was not thrilled to pose.

At least this rocking bug didn't completely go to waste. I bought this last year for Jqn's 1st birthday.

We received a package via snail mail from The Arguello's a few days before Christmas. We didn't open it because we guessed that they were presents for Joaquin and Jacinta. It was a good thing that Becky gave Georgie a call to let us know that the package contained clothes that Joaquin and Jacinta can wear during Christmas Eve and Day.

Thank you to The Arguello's for this lovely dress!

Are you done making flashing lights in front of us?

Us!

We went to Tio Gus and Tia Marie's house for Christmas Day dinner. Thank you! We exchanged secret Santa gifts which was confusing at first. But, in the end, everyone got a nice present.

Everyone!

Jqn enjoying sitting on his new couch, given be Alex and Tasha.

Maybe she's teething.

This couch is mine.

Sigh.

We would like to thank everyone who gave us Christmas presents, especially to our children, and those who sent us holiday cards. You all truly made our December special.