Halloween Fun

This weekend Isabella celebrated her first Halloween. I think Mommy and Daddy had more fun dressing her up and taking pictures... but I am pretty sure she is used to us oohing and ahhing by now.

We started the halloween weekend off by picking up her cousin Andrew, Manuel's 7 year old nephew on Friday. He spent the day with Manuel and Isabella playing all afternoon. When I came home from work, we got Bella dressed up and took her to the mall for her Halloween pictures. She actually smiled for the photographer... so of course... being the sucker first time mommy... we bought every pose. haha

Saturday came around and Manuel, Andrew, Bella and I started the day off early and headed to the 'Natural Museum of History' in Los Angeles, across the street from USC campus. We walked around the entire museum. We stayed for the dinosaur exhibit. It was soooo cool. A giant dinosaur walked around one wing of the museum. I think Manuel enjoyed it the most. haha. It looked, walked and moved so life like... it was kind of scary. Of course our little trooper Isabella was not scared. In fact she was clapping haha.

When we got home, we carved pumpkins, and decorated the front yard with halloween decorations. Later, we all got ready to go trick-or-treating. I had forgotten how much fun it was to go out dressed up and ask for candy! Manuel dressed up like the Joker, I did his make-up. Andrew dressed up like Batman and Bella was a leopard/cat and I was a pirate. We went around the neighborhood. It was fun seeing the differents costumes. I think my favorite were the little girls dressed as cowgirls. They looked sooo cute! :) Everybody kept complimenting how cute our little one was. Being proud parents, we LOVED it! haha Bella was sleepy towards the end of the night, but she did really well. She loved looking at all of the kids...

All in all... we had a great weekend.

Isabella's Baptism

We have been so busy with getting things together for Bella's baptism on October 17th and her big 1st birthday bash which will be held November 21st and running around after my little one in between... Silly me deciding to do 2 celebrations in a little over a month! What was I thinking? haha anyways... thus, why I have been neglecting our blog, but here I am...

So on October 17th, 2009 we celebrated Isabella's baptism. It was held at St. Helen's Church in South Gate. St. Helen's is a gorgeous cathedral-like church. Father Ward was the presiding preist. He was very welcoming and extremely nice. We felt so comfortable there, even though we do not attending the parish.

Our closest family members were there and shared Bella's special day. The father said a beautiful speech and some prayers and later put some anoiting oil on her head and chest... It smelled beautiful, it was a soft lavender scent... Bella's hair smell good for several days after, even after her baths.

Then we said some more prayers and both the ourselves and Bella's Godparents (my sister and brother-in-law) stood up and walked to the vessel holding the holy water. They blessed Isabella three times with the Holy water. She did so well! She tried to get up once to see what was going on... but no tears! I am so proud of her! :)

After the ceremony, we gathered at my dad's work in his meeting hall and had a small dinner and cake and opened presents. All in all... It was such a beautiful day!!

Now... its all about planning for her birthday party!!! ;)

Papa!

A few weekends ago, we celebrated Great-Grandpa's 89th Birthday!

Papa John suffered a stroke last year and has been in a convalescent home since then. A few weeks before his birthday, he mentioned to my mom he wanted to have a party with cake and presents!

So my mom naturally decided to throw a party for him, right in the front of the convalescent home! haha

All of the family and some friends gathered for some great pasta and yummy cake. We played his favorite salsa songs. Papa was able to talk about the days he used to dance Salsa with Nana.

I tried all afternoon to get Bella to say "Papa" as I practiced with her all that morning and of course she did not want to say it.... until she was not shy anymore. Papa was so excited to hear her say his name in her cute little voice!

Papa topped his fun day off when he finally opened his presents! He was shocked that he got clothes and cologne and his favorite... chocolate candy!

It was a really beautiful day... I cherish the photos I was able to take of Isabella with her Papa.

crawler...

Our little girl is growing up so fast!!

She finally started crawling two weekends ago... and boy is she on the move! She is everywhere now! She loves to crawl!! She even wakes us up in the middle of the night and starts crawling and rolling all over the bed, . I guess what they say is true "Practice makes perfect!" ha ha. Bella's Mommy and Daddy sure don't appreciate that wake up call though! :)

She also is learning to say "Mama-mama-mama" which she says over and over and over and "Poppa!" when she feels like it and "Bu bye" and waves her hand. She also smacks her lips like she is sending kisses, which of course melts our hearts.

Isabella has become a fan of swimming!! She has swam a few times this past summer and absolutely adores it. She is like a fish! She loves to splash and kick and get her face wet. She is a real life mermaid!

Ahh.. Our little princess is getting so big so fast... it makes me sad!

One of my favorite songs...

So I am sitting here.. thinking of my little one at home... and my favorite song popped in my head... just thought I would share the lyrics. Its very beautiful...

"My Little Girl"

Gotta hold on easy as I let you go.Gonna tell you how much I love you, though you think you already know.I remember I thought you looked like an angel wrapped in pink so soft and warm.You've had me wrapped around your finger since the day you were born.

You're beautiful baby from the outside in.Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again.Go on, take on this whole world.But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl.

When you were in trouble that crooked little smile could melt my heart of stone.Now look at you, I've turned around and you've almost grown.Sometimes you're asleep I whisper "I Love You!" in the moonlight at your door.As I walk away, I hear you say, "Daddy Love You More!".

You're beautiful baby from the outside in.Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again.Go on, take on this whole world.But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl.

Someday, some boy will come and ask me for your hand.But I won't say "yes" to him unless I know, he's the halfthat makes you whole, he has a poet's soul, and the heart of a man's man.I know he'll say that he's in love.But between you and me. He won't be good enough!

You're beautiful baby from the outside in.Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again.Go on, take on this whole world.But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl.

first timer...

Well.. I am a first timer to this thing! Thanks to Valerie, I hope to share fun stories and pictures of my little one, Bella. She loves the camera, although it is hard to get her to smile. :)

A little bit about my princess Bella... She is currently 8 months old, she is a total Daddy's girl and loves to play dress up. She is already into my make-up and loves when I pretend to put it on her with my brushes.

We are currently getting ready for her first birthday bash which will be in November... the theme will be "Pink Parisian Fantasy" haha. My mom and I are busily planning away. I cant wait! I feel like a little kid again!