December 13, 2012 I’ve been toying with the idea of competing. Since I am prepping for a photoshoot in January, I thought, “why not compete at the same time?” The difference in my preparation for both endeavors is an extra 30 minutes of cardio, one less bite of my son’s pb sandwich and foregoing any holiday temptations outside the allotted ‘free’ meals. Focusing on a contest will also motivate me to eat more consistently, sleep more regularly and train more…
Thanksgiving 2012: a year of thanks in pictures.
November 22, 2012It’s Thanksgiving 2012 and it’s been an incredible year. There are so many things I’m thankful for – here are some of them: I’m thankful for my family. In just 3 short years, David and I expanded very quickly. Some of it was planned, most of it wasn’t – but in any case, it has been a wonderful, crazy, stressful and fun ride. Watching these kids grow in curiosity, excitement, laughter and love is an amazing blessing. I’m thankful for…
Turning the other Cheek
July 26, 2012July 25, 2012 I met my stepdaughters when they were six and eight years old. They greeted me in their school uniforms and we went to go paint at a small pottery place in Mississippi. Since then I have witnessed them blossom year after year. This past summer we enjoyed so much activity, the biggest activity being the time spent at the gym. Right now I’m slated to go workout, but I fear I might have an angst of loneliness…
Parental Achievement
July 18, 2012July 18, 2012 Gabriel was baptized on Saturday. It was a whirlwind leading up to that event. My stepdaughters are in town so we have been active nearly every day. In addition to horseback riding, attending parties, swimming and sightseeing, we have also been working out nearly every day. Since they know we enjoy living a healthy and active lifestyle, promoting fitness with my stepdaughters wasn’t something I wanted to enforce. Instead, it was something that came natural because of…
an American Tale
July 3, 2012July 2, 2012 Everyone has an American Story. My story begins with my Lolo, George Aducayen Jr., my mother’s father, and former Ambassador of the Philippines. During his foreign service, in 1961, my mother was born in Washington D.C., instantly making her an American citizen. Years later, my Lolo’s international work would take him to New Zealand where my mother would meet my father, a man who was born in Malaysia but had roots from the Fujian province of China.…
The Truth About Motherhood.
April 18, 2012April 17, 2012 Two years ago, I became a mother for the second time. I can distinctly remember rushing to the hospital, getting wheeled into the delivery room and pushing Nicholas out within minutes after being admitted. It’s been an incredible ride since then. Nicholas is undoubtedly my most ‘hard headed’ son. His smile can light up your world, his cry can make your heart melt and his whine can make you go crazy. Yes, you read that right. I…
Sisters.
March 13, 2012
March 13, 2012 I’ve always believed that one of the best gifts you can give your child is a brother or sister. When you grow up with a sibling you learn about love, contempt, compassion and forgiveness. You learn how to share, how to compromise and how to compete. Your sibling is your only friend who has known you nearly your entire life. You love the same parents and are influenced by the same upbringing. My younger sister, Christine, turned…
The birth of our 3rd son.
December 27, 2011December 27, 2011 As we were driving to my husband’s family gathering last Saturday evening I received a call from my doctor encouraging us to come in that evening or the following day for an induction. Since I have a history of high risk and fast labors, it was important that we create a controlled labor setting. As we laughed with family and celebrated the holiday season that evening, it was odd knowing that in less than 24 hours, if…
Memories of my 3rd Pregnancy
December 7, 2011December 6, 2011 I’ve packed my hospital bag, the boy’s bag, completed my birth plan, wrapped 90% of my Christmas gifts, decorated the majority of the house, cleaned all my newborn clothes and am planning on sending the last of my Christmas cards tomorrow. I’ve never felt really uncomfortable during any of my pregnancies, but I do admit that this time around I feel like my tummy is heavier and rounder than usual. As a tradition, and to be fair,…
Unbreakable Love
November 16, 2011November 15, 2011 I’m scheduled to see my doctor every week now since we are closing in on our last month before our third son’s arrival. He loves to move every evening around 10pm and especially enjoys the left side of my belly, just as Christian did before. While I am becoming more exhausted, there is little time to reflect on that truth. Every day I’m awaken by my little son’s feet climbing up the stairs to our bed and…