When we went back to Chateau Royale Resort last weekend for some R & R, I was dead set on letting Abby have some fun in the pool right after we checked in (Saturday, 25 March), even if it meant I had to get in the pool with her.  But she preferred playing in the playground, which she had all to herself.  After dinner, she took notice of her new swim vest and decided to try it on even if she was already wearing her PJs.  I wasn’t surprised one bit when she didn’t want to take it off.  She even grabbed her “tennis” racket, got on the bed and started to row! (This is your cue to turn up the volume of your PC.  He he!)

She’s had better videos.  But hey, this is still post worthy…if I may say so myself.  :D

p.s.  If  for some reason you can’t view the video, just click here. :D

              

Last weekend (25 March), Abby welcomed the summer and showed off some a lot of skin by donning her 2-piece swimsuit for the first time this summer.  When will you don yours? ;)

P.S.  Special thanks to Abby’s Ninang Claude for this ultra fashionable swimwear. :D

Since last week, Abby has taken a special interest on American Idol, which she simply refers to as “Idol”.  It was Diana Ross night in last week’s episode.  Thanks to Phil Stacey, Abby was singing “I’m gonna make you love me.  Yes I will.  Yes I will.” for several days. 

This week was “British Invasion Night”.  It’s funny that she was still expecting Phil to sing the Diana Ross song.  :) And everytime an idol finalist came on cam to be interviewed by Ryan Seacrast, Abby would ask, “Who that?”  And then, when it was Chris Sligh’s turn….

Abby:  Who that?

Mommy:  Chris.

Abby looked confused.

Abby:  Chris?…Game na?

Nyiiii! ;)  No wonder she got confused.  She got Chris mixed up with Kris (Aquino)!  Hehe.

Last Saturday, 17 March 2007, Abby was a flowergirl for the first time ever.  It was her Ninang Claude and Tito Jun’s wedding and she was exactly 2 years and 7 months old.  The wedding was held at Chapel on the Hill in Batangas City, just at Tagaytay City’s doorsteps.

When Abby showed signs of waking up early that morning, I made sure that the tv was turned on and tuned in to Nick Jr. so she would get up right away. :)  And she did!  She woke up happy, which I took as a sign of good things to come later in the day.

We initially planned to be in Tagaytay early so we could take a leisurely time getting to the wedding.  And besides, my Mom, who is one of the principal sponsors, will be doing all the driving since Dondi is in the US and my brother and his wife can’t join us.  As I almost expected,  the exact opposite happened!  We found ourselves practically chasing after time.  As is always the case when one in a hurry, traffic caught up with us (or is it the other way around?) near the Bicutan exit of the South Superhighway and at the Santa Rosa exit.  By the time we exited Santa Rosa, it was already 2:30pm, and as per the invitation, the wedding is at 4:30pm!  Since we’ve already had our hair and faces done (except Abby), we only needed to check-into our hotel and change our clothes.  But then traffic is just too unpredictable!

We got to Chateau Royale at about 3:45pm.  Fortunately, the church was just a stone’s throw away from the resort hotel.  Needless to say, we were like headless chickens rushing to get out of our everyday clothes to get into wedding appropriate clothes, that meant gowns for both Abby and my mom.  I was a nervous wreck on the way to church fearful that Abby might not make it in time for the “march”.  In spite of our efforts to do everything ever so quickly, we didn’t get to the church ’til 10 minutes after the time stamped on the invitation.  When we secured our parking space, I was surprised to see people already going down the church’s steps to ride their cars.  Oh, no!  The wedding’s over?  But I read and re-read the invitation several times and it said 4:30 in the afternoon.  How can it be over already?  It took me a while to realize that those were people from another wedding.  Whew!  Apparently, Claude and Jun wanted their guests to be in church a good 30 minutes before the actual wedding time, which was at 5:00.  Double whew!

THE MOMENT OF TRUTH

When my nerves settled down, I presented my flowergirl daughter, whom I carried up the steps to the chapel, which was literally on a hill,  to the wedding coordinators.  We were handed Abby’s floral headdress and basket of flowers.  Alas, Abby didn’t want me to put her down.  After a few minutes of cajoling, she finally agreed to be put down but didn’t want the floral headdress to be pinned to her hair nor did she want to carry the basket of flowers.  Oh man!  There were two other flowergirls and thank God we caught sight of one of them!  I pointed to Hillary, the 10 year olf flowergirl, so Abby could see that she was wearing the headdress.  Finally, she agreed to have her crown of flowers pinned to her hair.  This was turning out to be more stressful than I thought!  She did proceed to carrying her basket of flowers but every now and then, she would let it rest on the ground.

When time came for the wedding entourage to assemble outside the church, Abby was very cooperative.  Maybe it helped that by this time, the third flowergirl was also already there…smaller and a few months younger than Abby.  There we were, standing patiently in line as every pair of sponsors, secondary sponsors, bridesmaids and groomsmen entered the church and took their respective places.  And then it happened, when Abby was given the cue for her turn to walk down the aisle, she suddenly froze on her tracks and stopped just when she reached the designated “entry point”, which was the last row of seats.  She seemed to be taking in the sight of unfamiliar faces before her.  She wasn’t crying.  She wasn’t whining.  And she didn’t even run to me!  She was just standing there in the middle of the aisle.  The coordinator signalled the older flower girl to go in the hope that Abby will follow her.  No success.  I started to hold Abby’s hand ready to walk with her.  She pulled her hand away and signalled me to stay on the side as if to say, “Stay there, Mommy.”  The younger flowergirl overtook her next.  And then the ring bearer, then the coin bearer, then finally the bible bearer.  All this time, I was encouraging her to walk and was volunteering to walk with her.  Every time I took her hand, she pulled away.  I tried my best to bribe her with chocolates, heck I even heard one of the guests say, “You’ll get chocolates when you get in front.”  :)  In a last ditch effort to salvage the situation, I told her her I’d re-apply lipstick on her lips after she walks.  It didn’t work.  The sight of the matron-of-honor signalled ”all or nothing time” for me.  I thought if Abby got overtaken by the matron-of-honor, we should just as well head over to our seats.  Finally, she allowed me to hold her hand and walked with her but not without stopping for a few seconds after a few steps.  My Mom helped by leaving her place and standing in front of the altar encouraging Abby to continue walking.  She We did get to the front, thank God! 

oOo

In the more than one month that Dondi has been away, it was during that wedding that I missed him most.  I so needed a tag team partner.  For one, Abby didn’t want to sit down nor stand up on her own.  She wanted to be carried.  And at 2 years and 7 months, she’s not exactly very light!  Out of pity for me I guess, she would agree to sit down or stand up for a few minutes, but would want to be carried again.  When time came for the picture taking, I carried her to the front of the church so she could join in.  Guess what, she wanted out.  At that point, I was too darned tired and pikon already.  So I simply carried her again and went back to our seats.  She got a “dagger look” from me after that.  I know, I know, she’s only two and didn’t know better.  But I did try my best to be a good sport, and for the greater part of the day, I was.  I really was.  Since I was a single parent that day (and night), I couldn’t take a lot of pictures.  I would have wanted to take a video of Abby walking down the aisle.  But that just wasn’t possible because I was walking down the aisle with her!  Oh well, there’s always a next time.

She was almost her normal self at the reception except that she wasn’t as friendly to everyone as she normally is.  Well, that’s the story. :)  Hopefully, she’ll we’ll do better next time…lipstick or no lipstick. ;) 

And before I forget, for those of you who read UnHappy Feet, here’s a pic of Abby’s gorgoeus SM bought shoes….

  

As always, here’s the link to the rest of the Flowergirl pics…and then some. :)

Early this week, I received an unexpected yet most welcome invitation…to be one of the contributors of WifeSpeaks.  And before MrsPartyGirl could have second thoughts about inviting me, I immediately accepted. :) 

This week, WifeSpeaks celebrates its 2nd year.  What makes the week even more special is that it’s all about the WS readers.  The wives (misises :) ) that make up WS wish to  get to know their readers.  What’s the sure and fast way of getting to know someone?  The good ‘ol fashioned way…via a Slumbook! ;)

Since I am, first and foremost, a WS reader, I’d like to fill up the slumbook as well.  Here are the questions and my answers…

The Basics:

1.  What is your (screen) name, and why did you choose that as your screen name.

Munchkin Mommy.  Hubby and I have been calling each other “Munchkin” since our kilig college sweetheart days…because munchkins, like every other donut from Dunkin, smells good…and tastes even better.  ;) (Bawal ang maduming isip ha!)  The addition of Mommy is for obvious reasons…I’m a mommy (who smells good and tastes even better!).

2.  How long have you been married?  Have kids?

5 years, 2 months and 11 days to be exact.  We have a beautiful little munchkin of a daughter, Abby.  She’s 2 and a half years old.

3.  What is your favorite color?  And how has your favorite color influenced your life (if it has)?

I used to think that “green” is my favorite color.  But come to think of it, I’m simply drawn to girly pastel colors.  I might as well come out of the closet…I’m so much into Feng Shui right now and everyday, I wear “lucky colors” as per my Mom’s feng shui calendar. ;)

4.  What are your hobbies?

Watching tv, reading Smart Parenting and Good Housekeeping (Phil.), stuffing my face with food, lurking and depending on the season….bargain hunting! ;)

5.  What is your motto in life?

It is better to have tried and succeeded, than never to have loved at all. (Hmm, that didn’t sound right!) Joke lang ha!  Parang I can’t really put it into words.  Pass muna.

6.  Do you have pets?

Yes, a three-legged dog, Dala.  (She’s a gift from a friend.  Shih-tzu daw.  Pero parang hindi naman, e!)

7.  What are the three adjectives that best describe your spouse?

Selfless.  God-fearing.  Self-made.  Simply put, “a good catch”! 

8.  Give three songs that best describe you.

I’m Too Sexy.  Pretty Woman.  Beautiful Girl. :P  Joke!  Pass ulit.   

9.  What satisfies you about the work that you do.

I design home accents (since 2000) and furniture (just recently) for a famiy owned exporting/manufacturing company, Topmark Interiors and Novelties.  I think it’s swell that various companies from all over the world buy stuff that I designed to be sold in their stores (Check this out for size: ZGallerie).  Plus, I get to travel a lot and talk to people from different countries because we always participate in international trade fairs.  Because of the work that I do, I learned a third language….German.  May I add also, that since it’s a family business, it’s not a strict 8-5 job and I get to bring my daughter with me everywhere practically all the time. :)

10.  Do you blog?  Where?  Can we visit?

Yes.  Wordpress.  By all means, yes!

CHIKAHAN:

1.  Define love.

In no particular order:  Putting somebody else’s needs (even wants!) before your own;  not being able to “relax” until your loved one is home safely (this applies to everybody: family, friends, etc.); the kindness of strangers; giving up that last serving of ice cream or cake ;) ; acceptance of someone for what and who he or she is….dami pa!

2.  Kakaibang talento mo.

I have a very good memory….bago ako na-CS. :)  Either that or I simply can make up very good stories.  Hehe.  I can type fairly fast without looking at the keys and with my fingers in the proper typing position. :)  (My 1st year high school classmates can attest to this!)

3.  Share your adobo recipe.

Pass ulit.  By May meron na! ;)

4.  Describe your current screensaver/wallpaper.

My daughter’s photo.

5.  During your teenage years, what fad/s did you follow?  Why?

Hairspray.  Hairspray.  Hairspray.

6.  How many times have you had a broken heart?  Which was the worst and how did you recover from it?

I thank God that I’ve never had a broken heart.  I married my first and only true and last love. :)

7.  If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

The power to heal.  No explanation needed.  On a more earthly note, the powers of the “charmed ones” would be really cool!

8.  What frightens you about getting old?

That I will not be able to recognize the people I love and who love me back and that I will not be able to remember all the wonderful times that I spent with them.

9.  Do you have a guilty pleasure?

Hotel buffets, sweets, fairly expensive haircut, outlet shopping (when travelling) 

10.  What’s your favorite chore?

It’s not really a chore…bathing, feeding and looking after Abby.

11.  Describe your wedding ring.

White gold with 6 little (as in little) diamonds.  Sana engagement ring na lang ang pina describe! :)

12.  If you could have a tattoo, what would it looked like?

When I was younger, I wanted a rose tattoo on my right ankle.  Uso kasi dati.  But I’m wiser now.  Wala na lang. :)

13.  What book would you like to be made into a movie?  Who would you like to star in it?

Sorry.  Pass ulit.

14.  Share something that you do not believe in.

That all men are womanizers?

15.  What qualities are important to you in friendship.

Loyalty and selflessness…period.

16.  So far, what WS topic have you found most helpful?  Most entertaining?  Most controversial?

Most helpful:  the one about putting up a pre-school; Most entertaining:  the proposal stories; Most contoversial:  Uhm.  Magrereview muna po ako for this one. 

QUALIFIED TRUE OR FALSE:

1.  First love never dies.

True, because I married my first love.  Otherwise, it’s false. :)

2.  You can change your partner once you’re married.

True, for a teeny weeny bit.  Hindi complete overhaul!

3.   The Philippines is worth it.

True.  I owe it to my country to be loyal to it.  And besides it’s the only country I can call my own.  Someday, and I hope soon, we’re all gonna wake up and decide once and for all to get our acts together.

4.   Women are moodier than men.

True.  No explanation needed.

5.  James Yap is innocent (Sorry Kris!).

False.  Let’s put it this way, Bill Clinton was guilty and his wife was able to stand by him in all her dignified glory.  James claims to be not guilty, and yet look at all the hoopla they got themselves into.  Why the heck is Kris so darned angry?  Tulad nga ng sabi ng isang Philippine Star reader, not all women can be a Hillary Clinton.  Amen.

6.  80s fashion is coming back.

True.  And it gives me the shivers! :)  I don’t appreciate the fact that leggings are back worn under a mini skirt.  Kinda makes you wanna break into song:  “Papa don’t preach…I’m in trouble deep…” 

7.   Angels.

True.  Again, enough said.

8.  Good and bad luck come in threes.

False.  Ok lang if it’s good luck,  but it’s so sad if bad luck comes in threes!  Huwag naman!

9.  Destiny. 

False.  It’s nice to think that we all have a fair chance “to be destined for something great”.

10.  It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.

True.  Just like that Meg Ryan and Nicolas Cage Movie. :)

TIPS:

1.  What is your favorite skin care product?

Lotion, lotion, lotion.  I heard Obaji does wonders!

2.  What do you do to keep fit?

Look after Abby. :)

3.  Where do you do your bargain shopping?

Bazaars at Tiendesitas and Green Meadows, SM (kahit hindi sale) and Robinsons Department Store (during sales)

4.  Recommend an effective household cleaning item.

Joy Ultra?

5.  Sex.

*Blush*

If you ever got this far, congratulations! :)  Consider yourself tagged if you haven’t thought of a topic for your next blog.  Hehe.