toothless wonder...

So his eyes are closed, he's not looking at the camera and the image is kind of dark. Doesn't matter. I finally captured a pic with him smiling just like I remember him smiling for the first time... in his sleep. love ya noah.

Justin turns 17!

Happy birthday Justin!!! It's hard to believe that the little boy that would make my day everytime I was around him is now on the brink of adulthood. Do you remember...

• sticking cheese underneathe Grammy's table?
• reading Farmer Brown?
• "Coco" Power Rangers?
• colors and names of the Ninja turtles?
• Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael... which turtle were you? And Auntie Lizel?
• your little tiger stuff animal from Apo?
• playing with legos?
• me making you walk to different playgrounds besides the one across Grammy's street?
• your bedtime prayers? (ie. Angel of God)
• my threats to call Santa whenever you misbehaved?
• seeing "Mickey Mouse" in Grammy's kitchen?
• the cops coming after you and Jaden dialed 911?
• playing sonic, captain america, jungle book on nintendo/sega?

Justin... you were an easy going, smart, fun loving and wonderful kid. I miss spending time with you especially over the past few years. You are now a bright, patient, talented and caring young man exerting your idependence and personality in this crazy world of ours. May you always find comfort and seek out guidance from the people that love you best... your family. And may you always set a good example for your brothers and cousins. Wishing you a lifetime of sunshine and happiness. Take care. God bless. And have a great, great 17th birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Love ya!
p.s. can't wait to hear your band!

ONE month old...

It 's been 30 days since Noah graced our lives with his presence. He is such a good and adorable little man. Only cries when hungry. Doesn't mind the clutter that surrounds him. Or even the drool that lands on his head when his kuya hovers a little too close. It's too bad he hasn't licked the bout of jaundice he's had for a few weeks now. Today we were back at the doctor's office getting more blood drawn. The levels are still elevated but not high enough to require light treament. So his doctors are monitoring him closely and he's scheduled for more blood tests on Friday. Poor little guy... Friday will be his fifth visit to the MD office and he's got prick marks all over his heels. Here he is getting his heel warmed up prior to his last blood draw. Stay healthy my brave baby. You're in our prayers. mama loves ya. lots.