November 19, 2015

November 16, 2015

This emoticon is so powerful. No words needed. #icanteven



I am literally restraining myself from typing this emoticon on the comment section of some FB posts I'm reading right now. Like pffft. Some people just doesn't have the tiniest grip on what LOGIC means. 

My fault. Why am I on Facebook again? 

November 10, 2015

Big Three Oh!

Spare me from those who dread getting old because I am one of those who celebrate the inevitable increase in age. My heart is swelling with gratitude as I reach my big 3-0 as I often associate age with accomplishments. I live my life based on a timeline I set. There may be adjustments based on Divine Intervention which are mostly beautiful surprises thrown along the way but, alhamdulillah, I have targeted most of the goals I set for myself. The most important thing I have accomplished before I turn 30 is having a child. It is the most beautiful thing that ever happened to me in my 30 years of existence! I couldn't be more grateful! 

Photo taken last February at a temple in Chinatown in time for the Chinese New Year. Behind me is a portrait of the longest reigning  and the richest monarch in the world, King Bumhibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). I was 3 months pregnant in this photo. 


I have transitioned a lot this year. Aside from being a full time wife, I am now a full time mom (until we return to the Philippines and I go into residency). I have learned to value substantial relationships with the people who really mattered to me such as my parents, siblings and friends who have stood beside me through thick and thin, I have learned to let go of those who doesn't value me back as a person. We live in a temporary world, whatever we have now will vanish into thin air someday, so I have also learned to live in the present and cherish each second I spend with my love ones.  

At this age, all I want is continuous good health for my parents, siblings and nephew, husband, daughter and for myself. I pray for an increase in my imaan (faith) and knowledge; and to be able to fulfill what is expected of me as a Muslim, a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister and as a friend. I pray to be able to hone my craft as a physician and touch more lives. I pray to have a more grateful, forgiving, patient and joyous heart. 

I plan but Allah is the Best Planner. 

November 6, 2015

Thank you, Jabar, for leaving the office early to have this birthday dinner. Having you, #AminaMariam, and our family and friends back home, I couldn't ask for more. May He continue to bless us with good health and halal provisions. Alhamdulillah for everything. 😊 #bigthreeoh #birthdayinbkk #bkkliving #family #love 💝🎂🍃


via Instagram http://ift.tt/1kfa86L

Our Little One Goes Malling!

If being a wanderlust is encoded in the genes, then my daughter has definitely inherited the trait. I am grateful to be living in the heart of the city where malls and leisure establishments sprout like mushrooms. When my baby was still inside my tummy, I used to explore the neighboring malls, coffee shops, bookstores and restaurants almost on a daily basis. I easily got bored inside the house so I try to find refreshing reading nooks. Perhaps babies love the swaying and bouncy feeling inside the womb when the mother walks that's why they seek it when they're in the outside world. 

We first brought Yam to Central World when she was only 3 weeks old. My mother-in-law who stayed with us after I delivered was scheduled to fly out of the country that week so we treated her for lunch. We were sort of "forced" to bring the baby with us. But I was secretly pumped up because it was also my first time to wander right after delivery. I was dying to smell the outside world!!!     
                        
Jabar rocking the Ergo baby carrier.

I was quite surprised that Yam behaved the whole time. I was expecting that the new environment and the noise would make her fuss, on the contrary, it lulled her to sleep! Very good, anak. :) 


                   


Mom-in-law and sister-in-law in Manhattan Fish Market at Central World. Look at my tiny baby with her thin legs! Awwww... And please don't mind those extra width on my hips. I am still edematous here. I've already shed a significant amount of weight as of press time, those in the tummy and hips are quite stubborn though and I haven't got back to the gym yet. I completely have no idea when I will start to try to lose weight. I'm still enjoying my daily eat-all-you-can meals! Haha! 

Three weeks later, we brought her to Emporium and Emquartier, the mall that is stone's throw away from where we live. This was where I frequent when I was preggers because of its proximity, it is less than 10-minutes on foot. So far, this is where we usually bring our little one. I love Emporium and Emquartier because it is less crowded and it offers various pretty and delish restaurants, plus we don't need any transpo vehicle to get there, we only need our feet and her stroller!  

"Ina, when will I get to eat all these food?"
Our first ever dining experience as a family

We noticed later on how much she looooooves going out! She was fussing and crying one afternoon for no apparent reasons. She had just finished feeding, her diaper's fresh and I was carrying her on my arms. I was so stressed I went down the building to buy chips with her on her stroller. And lo! She stopped crying as soon as we stepped out of our unit when she has seen the parading lights on the hallway and at the lobby. From then on, I always bring her at the building lobby every afternoon where she's fascinated by the lights, the people she sees, and the noise she hears. Haha! It's too early to tell, but she might not inherit my introversion.  

I can't wait for my future travel buddy to grow up!

A father will always be her daughter's first love. >3