Cereals Galore!

Cereals have become part of my toddler's diet. I always assure that it's on our grocery list so I won't run out of stash. Every morning, he grabs a box of it and handed to me and will say, "Nanay kain." (Mommy, eat.) He likes it with milk or fresh fruits on it. I'm one happy mom every time he does it. Yay!

And my toddler is one lucky boy for he always receives Cereals from his daddy's cousins abroad. Just like the pictures below. Thanks Tita Eunice, Tita Hannah and Tito Sam!

26 Months of Breastfeeding

Today is my toddler's 26th month and while I was staring at him, I knew that it is also my 26th month of breastfeeding him. Oh wow! I just can't believe I have gone that far and I am truly amazed that I have been nourishing him all throughout with my milky breasts. A lifetime blessing!

Every time people will ask me, be it like the elderly, relatives, co-moms or even his pediatrician why I still breastfeed M, I answered them with a smile. I don't want to answer them in long sentences and afterwards will receive an anxious look. Well, my only reason is this: I have milk pouring down from my breasts and as long as M needs it on his development why not feed him. I am a SAHM and there's nothing more I could give him but love, food, and care. That is how breastfeeding is all about. People around you who doesn't know more about breastfeeding and still living in their own thoughts will really give you criticisms you don't want to hear because it will just hurt. For me, I took it as just everyday thoughts as long as M will nurse on me. 

Right now, I don't have plans on weaning my toddler. Although, sometimes M has really crazy behavior when he nurses, I just let it go. It's part of him growing up. 

How about you other Moms? How long will you breastfeed?

A Letter to my Men

How time flies so fast and I couldn't describe how blessed I am to have 2 wonderful boys in my life. They both celebrated their birthday last November and that is magical. Matt was born on the 23rd while Jef was on the 25th. Everytime I tell people of their birthday, they always throw me a joke that I should have waited on the 25th to let Matt came out for them to have same birthdays. And I always laugh out loud.

Anyway, November will always be a happy month so I want to share a letter to my Boys so that they can always remember that November is the month I am really thankful for. 

Dear Matt, 

You're two years old now. As you read this letter from me your Nana (Nanay) as you always call me, I want you to know that you are everything I wished for. Everytime I browsed your pictures, I still can't believe that I have raised you for two years already, time's gone so fast and your totally nearing big boy now. I loved you dearly as a baby kept and embraced in my arms. Now that you're grown little by little, I want you to be as good as you can be, live in your childhood dreams and build yourself as how God spiritually created us. 

Dear Jef, 

You are actually four years older than me but don't worry darling, we looked as if we're of the same ages. In short, you looked also 27. LOL. Your being older to me is a gift for bringing up the maturity in me. I have been childish for some reasons but hey, I thank you for always showing me the positivity beyond my immaturity. As I always say and will forever do, I am happy to have you as my husband and best friend. You never fail to cheer me up when I am stressed and depressed, and those pizzas every Friday are well enough to show how much you care for my little thoughts of Joy. You know what, I like to say that life is like a pizza, full of toppings and you can add different types of sauce. The toppings are the people you have shared your slice and the sauce is your memories. Eeeek! How funny realization is that right? Haha. Thank you for our pizza-like life, I enjoy eating it with you. I love pizza so I love you! 

Love lots,

Julieanne

Hooray for 2 years of Breastfeeding!

I was breastfeeding M a while ago when I remembered that November is going to an end and yet I didn't had time to greet myself to have breastfed my boy for already two years. So I will never let this end month without congratulating myself a happily HOORAY for 2 great years of breastfeeding! :)

Actually, I planned to wean him already when I had my getaway but the power of my boobs plus the immense sucking he is doing everyntime he feeds on me really did not work. I, too is not emotionally ready but physically yes. Sometimes his biting and tantrums while breastfeeding put me in total hurt to stop. But I guess, I wouldn't want him to see emotionally and physically stressed just because I want him to stop to breastfeed. Maybe, it's not yet time. I guess he really enjoys my breasts and me wants to bond always! So here's a breastfeeding photo (not a good one because of my big face, haha.) where the toddler sneaked in to my breasts to nurse. 

My very First

I've experienced mixed emotions when the time came I have to be away in the city and will spend time at the beach for three days. Yes, it is my very first and I couldn't explain the feeling. It's mixed - excited and sad because it will be my first time to be long away to my little one and our first time to experience a real getaway. 

The plane ride. 

This is my very first time to ride an airplane. The feeling wasn't good at first. I'm nervous and all I could imagine was a scene riding on Anchors Away in Enchanted Kingdom. Haha. I got dizzy at the last few minutes before landing but the view outside the window took me to take away the feeling of awkwardness. It's my first time so I really treasured every view I could see outside the window. Hehehe. 

The beach vacation. 

I've been to different parts of the country when I worked as a Brand Assistant for events. I was there mostly for work. But for vacation, this is my very first. When husband told me he got free airfare tickets, Kalibo was the first thing came to our minds, and then the beach. Oh Boracay I must say!  It was really worth it to take a vacation at the beach such as in Boracay. 

The swimsuit. 

Me wearing my Ilovekoi Miramar Maillot 

Actually, this is my very first to show off in a swimsuit while on the beach. I didn't care if I'm fat and the others are not. I just want to be uniformed and relaxed like that of other belles in Boracay. I said to myself that Boracay is a treasured beach so I really spent a penny for my I love koi swimwear. 

The breast pump.

The goodness of Unimom Mezzo Manual Pump

After 1 year & 6 months of not seeing my breast pump, we're reunited again in the island of Boracay! Hahaha. I have plans of weaning M already but I don't want to swim with engorged breasts so  I pumped twice in a day when I was there and I was surprised with the output my pump and breasts did. 

My Epic-fail Popsicles for M

I always wanted to make popsicles for M but unfortunately I don't have any popsicle molds. Luckily, when I went to Robinsons Manila I got this cute popsicle mold and eagerly bought it for a cheap price. I got this for only 88 pesos at Saizen store. 

So the next day, I planned to make popsicles for my toddler. Since he loves peanut butter, here's the recipe I saw from internet.

Peanut Butter Banana Popsies

5 ripe bananas

5 tbsp peanut butter

2 1/2 tbsp honey/sugar

Blend all the ingredients in a blender then put on popsicle mold. Freeze for 4 hours until frozen. 

I was excited. Very. As in. And I am imagining how my little one will love his popsies. But when I had it frozen, I took out one and boom! Epic failed! The mixture didn't go with the stick. It's hard and frozen but everytime I took it out, it really didn't go. 

That's the epic-fail frustrating story of my popsies. The toddler ended eating the mixture as ice cream. :)

My Experience on Milksharing

Compared to some moms who shared their breastmilk in bags to moms and babies who are in need, I only shared mine in a bottle and through my breasts. Odd? Yes. I never experienced the typical milk sharing that some moms do when they have extra milk bags in their fridge. I did but with just one bottle (2oz) and breasts (20mins) and the feeling was really heartbreaking.

                

I could remember that day when Matt was still 2 or 3 weeks old when a baby arrived in our neighborhood, asking for my breastmilk. She was adopted from the time she was born and never tasted mother’s milk. She was 1 week old. I was religiously direct breastfeeding Matt then, and occasionally pumping when my breasts get heavy. Her grandmother came to our house and asked if I could pump a bottle for her grandchild. I did and gave her a 2oz bottle of my milk – fresh from my boobs, creamy and tasty. That moment when I gave the bottle to her and saw how she finished the milk to the last drop was fulfilling in my part. I was on the thought of offering my breasts to feed while watching her but her lola said no, “nakakahiya naman.” I didn't insist anymore for I don’t know what thoughts are running in their minds. I am just happy that time because I knew my milk is worthy enough to share even though it’s just 2oz in a bottle.

                

Milk sharing is not just limited through donating breastmilk in bags. I had my another experience through my breast. No bags, no bottle, just my breasts only and the feeling was different yet remarkable. It happened when I breastfed my sister’s daughter. It lasted for 20 minutes just to calm her when her mom was away for an hour and it felt a deep yet special part in my heart. I couldn’t believe the thought that she really took my milk and considered it as her mom’s.  I was laughing out loud then because I never thought that it could be happening and it really was. It really helps to have a sister who is breastfeeding too. I got the same scenario and she too did what I have done. It was an amazing experience to nurse another child who are not yours, double on purpose: share and feed. 

This is my experience about milksharing and I know I am a bit late to contribute my own experience for the World Milksharing Week. But then, I am glad I did. 

Got milk? How did you share it?

My Little iPad Boy

I've been in my twenty months of yaya-less. Yes, I always go on solo after him - feeding, taking a bath, putting him to sleep, and playing. And I always go on my full effort to discover new tricks to handle things the easy way. Sometimes, I feel like I'm totally insane and bad, but it's okay. I guess, motherhood is really the perfect job for me. :-)

But good thing, there's this one thing I am really thankful for, for this thing keeps me sane and my little one tame. The iPad. Thanks to BIL (brother-in-law) who owns it and religiously offer it to MKJ for playing and watching videos. This is one good trick to let him do what he wants on his own, while me doing things I need to do. 

MKJ and the iPad

M loves watching videos of Pororo & friends, Jollibee, Disney Junior Birthday Song and Barney. He loves playing Face Fighter, Cut the Rope, Temple Run, Pororo Flashcards and Angry Birds. And do you know what M really loves to do with the iPad is to take pictures - stolen shots! Cool kid!

MKJ can speak but not in full, so what?

My toddler at 19 months

MKJ will be turning 20 months this month, and I don't care if MKJ cannnot speak like that of other child, who can say Mama, Papa, eyes, nose, and etc completely. Actually, MKJ can only speak a few words but still he can't utter the right words correctly. He says cheese like chit, nanay (Mother) as nana, saging (banana) as aging and so on and so forth. I don't know why he's like that, although I teach him how to speak, and maybe he isn't ready yet to utter words on his own. 

In the family, I get annoyed when some of them commented on why he's not speaking in full yet, that maybe I didn't teach him or I am busy with something else and didn't effort much on letting Moty speak in full. I don't care. I don't want to force my child to speak when he doesn't want to. I don't want to teach him how to say that or this, and then in return he really doesn't know about those words. What am I happy as of now is that even though MKJ can't utter words the proper way or speak some words, it's good to know that he knows everything in his environment. He knows when it is time for sleep, and let his stuff toys go in proper place. He knows how to throw something in the trash can, put his own shoes and shorts, clean his bed and sweep the floor. He even knows the thought of counting coins in my purse, and let me put my lipstick on. I am not in the fast track like what other Moms want for their child. He's smart, and I know maybe time will come that he can speak and utter words correctly and completely on his own effort. 

MKJ at iPlay

Everytime I went to the mall, I always gazed at children who were busy and happily playing inside play areas in the mall. I wonder what's in their smiles while playing and roaming around with other children together with their desired toys. On the other hand, I wonder too if what MKJ thinks whenever he sees children of his age doing inside those play areas.

So, one fine afternoon, while waiting for J to finish his business negotiation with his client, I decided to let MKJ experience the happy world inside a play area in the mall.

There are 5 play areas in the mall (SM Batangas). I chose one that is not crowded with kids, full of balls instead of other toys (MKJ loves playing balls), and with comfortable area to roam around. And that is iPlay.

MKJ had a blast of playing around with pools of balls and bunch of balloons. He gave the balls he picked to every kid he plays with. Thoughtful and playful he is. Here are the pictures taken when my little one is playing inside iPlay.

MKJ really had a one-hour fun at iPlay! A must try for your kiddos! :)

My Husband's Best Breastfeeding Advice

"Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (February). For this month, we focus on back to basics. Participants will share advices - either the best breastfeeding advice they received OR/AND the best breastfeeding advice they can give to new moms.  Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of carnival entries."

In my 26 years of existence in the world, breastfeeding has been one of the things I am truly proud of. I called it as one of my lifetime achievements aside from giving birth and getting married.

When I gave birth, I never had breastfeeding as a choice of nourishment for my child. I never knew that I could breastfeed exclusively. It just happened and happening right now. As months go by, I discovered (through reading blogs, internet, and from other breastfeeding moms) the wonder and magic of breastfeeding. And so, here are my top 3 reasons why I breastfeed and will still breastfeed.

1) it's free and healthy (definitely, very and super!)

2) it's a perfect bonding experience between mother and child (very true!)

3) it's restful (I like most of the time when lying down while breastfeeding)

But in my 14 months (and counting) of exclusive breastfeeding, I encountered some problems from persons I thought are my support group, that merely put me in the thought of giving up and switch to giving formula instead.

Here are the things they say:

* "I never saw MKJ fat like other babies. I think your milk is not good enough, give him formula instead."

* "At six months, breast milk loses the nutrients suitable to child's growth, like iron. Breastmilk doesn't have that anymore as your baby grows older."

* "Maybe it's because of you're milk why your baby doesn't have regular bowel movements."

* "MKJ is already 1, give him formula from time to time for him to gain more weight."

* "Does your milk still have the nutrients your child need? I don't think so. Why did he get primary complex?"

Ouch. Ouch. Ouch for the nth time is all I can say every time they say those things. It feels like I haven't been a good mother to him because of their observations. There was a time that it came to a sudden thought of blaming breastfeeding when MKJ was diagnosed of Primary Complex. 


Thinking and hearing those hurtful things, I still live to the best advice why I keep on breastfeeding my son. If not for this worthy and supportive advice from my husband, my breastfeeding journey won't be great. 


Here's what my husband taught me to realize about my breastfeeding relationship with MKJ:

"You are still the mother. No matter how many times you hear those nasty things about breastfeeding our son, don't live with it. The last words will still come from yours. What am I here for? I am your husband, and I am here to support you in breastfeeding MKJ the best way I can."


Remembering those sweet words from him strengthens my heart that we are together in breastfeeding our son. I have the milky breasts and he has the heart for breastfeeding.


Have time to read the other participants' posts. Happy reading!

The Articulate Pen's Breastfeeding needs Patience

Diapers and Stethoscope's Back to Basic

My Mommyology's What I've Learned About Breastfeeding

Ms. Masungit's From One Mom To Another

The Odyssey of Dinna's Breastfeeding Words of Wisdom

Mrs. Bry126's We're All in this Together

I Am Clarice's Paying it Forward

My Mommy Kwentos' Sharing My Favorite Breastfeeding Advice

Planet Marsy's Better Than None

Mommy {T} Coach's Saved by the Nursing Mommas

Mama Drama's Patience and Breast-friends

Adventures on Planet Mom's Stubborn Me! Sure Glad I didn't give up

Nanaystrip's Eat Malunggay, Say "I Have Milk" and Love your Baby

Starting at Twenty-Five's My Husband's Best Breastfeeding Advice

Nanay *Loves* Purple's Why Attend Breastfeeding Class/Seminars

Truly Rich Mom's My Top 5 Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

Legally Mama's Take it from the non-expert!

Mommy Mama Rat's My Breastfeeding Mantra

Mr. Jacob's Mom's Breastfeeding Tips from a Non-Breastfed Mommy

Hybrid Rasta Mama's Breastfeeding Lists, Advice, Links and More

Apples and Dumplings' One Word of Breastfeeding Advice

Touring Kitty's Just Do It

EthanMama's Only the Best for My Baby

the canDIshhh tales' My Breastfeeding Advice

Mec as Mom's Enough is Enough

Chronicles of a Nursing Mom's On Breastfeeding Number Two - Redux

Got an Instant TV Set!!

Several months ago, J and I were talking about putting a television set in our bedroom. Both of us were not TV addicts. There's a television set in the living area so I guess the need for another one is not important. But when MKJ has the thought of watching cartoons, J told me that it would be necessary to put one, plus a lot easier to look after him. And so, we ended up buying a TV tuner instead of the real television set.

I'm glad I have a husband who knows everything when it comes to electronics. From being a Computer Engineering graduate and a Professional IT-savvy, he incorporated the use of TV tuner instead of buying a television. He needed a TV tuner (Php1600 in Greenhills), an LCD TV wall mount (Php150 CDR King), and a used LCD computer monitor  plus cable wires (Php10 per meter).

TV tuner

LCD TV Wall Mount

And here's how it looked after.....tadaaaa!! We got an instant TV inside our bedroom! It is cheaper than other television sets and only intended for my little one's watching hour. Cartoons only for viewing but I sneak in to my favorite TV shows when he's asleep. :-)

Got an instant TV!!

MKJ's Daily Read

At an early age, I want MKJ to familiarize himself with ABCs, 123s, and other stuffs he might encounter in his journey of growing up.Though he can't pronounce or read all of them, still I want the thought of saving those stuffs in his memory. I am sure that when he reached the right age to speak, spell and read, it won't be hard for him to do that. Thus, advance learning is a good thing for children.

These tiny books are what keeping our bright and sunny reading days up. I called these books a mini library. It has 6 little books in one box. I bought a box of nursery rhymes and basic learning.

Everyday, I allot 1-2 hours of reading aloud and showing the pictures to MKJ. He listens to me but sometimes he doesn't. He pays attention to the picture I am pointing to and sometimes he holds the book by his own little hands. There are times when he asks me early in the morning to hand him the books and let me read them one by one. In that way, my little one shows interest on learning and that really makes me happy as his mom.

Thoughts on: No Yaya Since Birth

Before I gave birth to my little one, J and I talked about getting a yaya or not. We wanted a yaya for the reason that J is not always around at home because of schooling, and I (sometimes with my brother-in-law) are always alone at home. I would be needing househelp too in doing the laundry and keeping the house and baby. But searching for a good yaya is not that easy as you know. Choosing and selecting a good and skilled one is very important. As months go by, I always asked myself, do I really need a yaya? And so the journey of no yaya since birth went on and on. Eventually, I learned so many things, or I may call 'diskarte' moves of having a yayaless motherhood. I experienced taking a bath while the door is half-closed and the baby is in the crib. I do enjoy eating meals on the go, having lunch time in bed for five minutes. I peed and pooped while he's on my lap. I carried him while I wash the dishes and clean the room, and so many more.

Now that MKJ is already one year old and 2 months, I still asked myself the thought of getting a yaya or not. I answered myself Yes just to keep me sane from everyday's routine of MKJ's world. I got tired each day, more tiring at times so I really need someone to switch places to. Yaya to rescue? Sometimes, I answered no for I am afraid and (paranoid, haha!) that MKJ might have his new apple of the eye, and not me anymore.

Ultimately, the only reason that I will urge myself to get a yaya for MKJ is when I decided to work again. He's very little to be left out, and I want to let him enjoy his toddler years, safe and fun with me. So no yaya this time. I can still manage.

So long, 2011 ( A meme)

I know this has been quite late. But I've seen this in one blog and the thought of remembering last year's life events wanted me to do a blog post right after reading it. Writing it, make me as well ponder on the yays and nays of my 2011.

1. Where were you when 2011 began and who were you with?
I was at home, bedroom, breastfeeding my little one who was born last November 2010.
2. Where were you when 2011 ended and who were you with?
I was with the whole family of my husband, in the dining room having a merry feast.
3. Did you go abroad in 2011?
No. I never experience it ever. :-)
4. What is one thing you did in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Cleaning other's toe nails, and that is my husband's! He asked me to do it for him, kinda sweet and hell fun!
5. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
I’d like to have cooking skills so I can cook delicious and healthy meals for my husband and son.
6. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
January 1, 2011: My first new year of being a mother, away from home sweet home.
May 2011: My first Mother's Day. 
June 10, 2011: My 26th birthday celebrating it with my two boys (husband & son).
July 28, 2011: Our first wedding anniversary. We didn't celebrate because husband was in school that time. Phone calls and text messages made it sweet.
November 23, 2011: My little one's first birthday party! We had fun celebrating it with dear families and friends.
November 24, 2011: My breastfeeding anniversary. I've got to breastfeed MKJ exclusively for one year ( and still counting). This is one thing I am very thankful for this year, for having abundant supply of milk!
7. Did you suffer illness or injury?
God is good, just the usual flu, colds & cough.
8. Where did most of your money go?
Even though I have no work, most of my saved money goes to Food! I really love eating!
9. Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or hardened? Happier because I am enjoying another phase of my life: motherhood.
Thinner or fatter? Thinner because I lost too much due to breastfeeding ( and that is awesome!!!)
Richer or poorer? Richer (but not financially) because I have my two boys (husband & son) to give me overflowing happiness.
10. What did you wish you’d done more of?
Blogging. :-)
11. What did you wish you’d done less of?
Eating sweets. I've been eating a lot of sweet stuffs and that is not good I guess.
12. How did you spend Christmas?
Spent it with my family and husband's relatives at home having a party. There were exchange of gifts and games. 
13. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went to church for a mass with my son and in the afternoon when husband came all the way from Manila, treat me to a pizza. I turned 26.
14. What kept you sane?
During those days when the start of the year (2011) is very new to me as a mom, internet (Facebook, twitter and blogger) kept me sane. There I meet several moms, read mommy blogs and find time to shop!
15. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Somewhere in Brooklyn by Bruno Mars.
16. Was 2011 a good year for you?
YES! To have a wonderful little one and a supportive husband made my 2011 a memorable one.
17. What does 2012 hold for me?
I’m hoping for opportunities for stay-at-home moms like me. More blessings and more wonderful moments with family. I am also looking forward to travel locally. :-)

My Babybond Nursing Cover Experience

I've got a total of four breastfeeding covers in my breastfeeding journey. One of them was bought from an online store, and the rest are all prizes from winning in different giveaway contests. I am lucky, right? Of all the four nursing covers namely: a boncho style, the traditional nursing cover, a nursing vest, and a nursing sash, I like how the nursing sash, or Babybond (the brand itself) works on me. It covers me, and not the baby - a thing that my little boy didn't want every time I breastfeed him in public. We were like having eye to eye contact and that makes breastfeeding so peaceful and calm. 

I got this BabyBond nursing couture from winning a giveaway hosted by Golden Charm Blog. If you wish to have a nursing cover like this, like BabyBond on Facebook for more giveaways update. Cool!!

MKJ and his Red Polo

I really love looking at these cute photos of MKJ wearing a bright red polo. He looks so grown-up and I feel that I have a handsome young man, not tall, but pretty small. :)

My little boy is really grown-up. You're so cute!!!

MKJ's Big Day: Our wishes

As part of the program, J and I were called in front to give our birthday wishes to our 1year old boy. We didn't prepare a script for that. We said it straight from our hearts.

Here is J's wish for MKJ:

"...For him to become a good boy; good health and to have a bright future..."

J is so private and shy. He's not used to speaking in large audience. Okay, it's you.

And here's what I wish for MKJ: (teary-eyed)

"...gusto kong lumaki syang masunurin, masipag, mabait at may takot sa Diyos. Nais ko na magkaroon sya ng malusog na pangangatawan. Gusto ko rin ng bright future. At sana gumawa siya ng tama sa lahat ng oras..."

After saying all those things, I felt the motherhood within me. Oh, yes I am a mommy to a 1 year old boy and it's a challenge in life to raise him with all my love and support.

Happy Birthday, my little one!

MKJ's Big Day: The Birthday Boy and his costume

I have no means of dressing MKJ as superman nor batman on his birthday. I don't want too see him too on animal outfit. J and I decided to have a semi-formal theme party so we wanted to see him on a cutie gentleman outfit.

This was my peg of how my little one will look on his big day. My bad, I didn't reserve a piece so the stocks went out. My other resort was to have it made by a seamstress.

And here's the finished product! My little boy really looks like a gentleman, cute and bubbly.

Everyone in the party asked me where the costume was made. They were amazed of how MKJ looked. Everyone was so delightful on how the costume was worn. I love this little boy on his costume!

MKJ's Big Day: The Celebration

It was a blast that our celebration turn out happy and smooth. I guess, because of the feedbacks I've heard from some family members and friends .I am very happy seeing my guests with smiling faces.

We chose a well-established restaurant in the city, Ho-Tsai, to be the venue of my little one's party. Their function hall is simple and clean plus it gave us a comfortable feeling because is air-conditioned. Their food is sumptuous and delicious. We got chicken, beef, pork & fish on menu; leche flan & fruit salad for sweets; and lechon that really tasted so well. Burp burp burp is all that I can see on their faces hehehe.

For the entertainment, we gave the stage to a magician and clown. I didn't get the chance to see their performance but as per my siblings, they did a great & funny job.

As for the cake, we have it from Goldilocks because J doesn't want modern cakes. He's old-fashioned anyway. =) As for him, fondue cakes are super sweet so he doesn't want that.

Our giveaways are very local! Yes it is, from the shopping capital--Divisoria it is! And take note, it is cheap compared to other giveaways. So, let me describe it in three words - cute, affordable and useful.

Our guests consists of three groups of people - J's relatives, my relatives and some of our dear friends. They made it to 100 guests!  Thank you for coming!

MKJ's 1st birthday celebration is truly an awaited part of his growing up. I really cherished that day and I am thankful for that.