Our Little Tike's Little Tikes!

Most of the biggest toys Ashrie have are the ones that we didn't buy. They are also the ones taking much space in the house. And to say, more than half of it are Little Tikes toys. But we are definitely not giving them away just yet.

She loves 'em! The enjoyment of playing with big toys is joy beyond compare. I can say it's a smaller version of a playground, or come to think of it, a playground can also be considered a humongous toy itself!

We got all those for free! Well, not at one time but as there is a Huggies Promotion, we make sure we avail of the opportunity. It's simply a "reward system" promotion for buying diapers in bulk. So it's a win-win deal!

Ashrie got the 2-in-1 Sit 'n' Scoot, Spray & Rescue Fire Truck, Get Out 'n' Grill Barbecue (which she uses indoors), and the Cupcake Kitchen, the latest addition to her toys.

Now that she’s three and potty-trained, actually even before she turned two, she will eventually graduate on wearing diapers. (She’s already wearing regular undies when at home). Very soon, she would not need diapers anymore and no more big toys from promotions.

Thank you Huggies! Until next baby!

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

We have baked cookies, created cakes for special occasions (although we haven’t perfected the frosting) done some fluffy meringues, made Brazo de Mercedes (a light meringue roll with custard filling), and last week we baked our own Cinnamon-Raisin Rolls!


Freshly-Glazed Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

From mixing the ingredients, to kneading the dough and waiting for it to rise, and finally baking it. The process was all exciting for us because we are just new to baking. And boy, the result did not disappoint. However, we deviate a little on the original recipe by putting on raisins instead of nuts.

The smell of the cinnamon in the kitchen while baking is “Christmasy” and the taste of the rolls when baked is simply divine. We will make sure that we will be doing this again sometime soon.

Play-Doh Jewelry

Ashrie undeniably loves Play-Doh. I think for months now it has been her favorite toy. Kneading it is fun, molding it to shape is such a joy (especially if you can decipher the forms that you created). But sometimes, what gives us the most laugh are those "not even close", "trying hard" sculptures that each of us created. And yes, we play with her most of the time.

Just yesterday, Jane and Ashrie made clay jewelry. We have cooked and eaten Yummy Dough before, but now Ashrie got to wear Play-Doh and I have a couple of photos to share.


Ashrie's Play-Doh neckpiece
and hand accessories



Hello Kitty Plushies at McDonald's

Attention Hello Kitty lovers! The world’s most famous feline is back at McDonald’s Singapore. Grab one of the four cute plushies every week starting today. Each is dressed with the iconic McDonald’s mascot costume. And for this week, you can avail Hello Kitty in Hamburglar’s costume. Promo ends June 13.

I just got one for Ashrie this lunch. One down, three more to go!

Mother's Day 2012

We had a simple celebration yesterday in honor of our beloved Jane, the mom. Our day started by attending the Mother's Day special service at church. As I mentioned in my post last week, the event was dubbed Tea With Mom and as a special treat, each of the mommies received a bag of Crabtree and Evelyn goodies. Inside were a box of lemon biscuits and a pack of afternoon tea, to be precise. Concurrently, I accompanied Ashrie in Sunday School and she did this card.

At Sunday School

After the service the dads served pastries and tea to the moms, an activity we did not partake of. On the other hand we headed to Northpoint for lunch. With a toddler we must carefully plan a schedule which will be easiest for all of us and which would not affect her time of eating, primarily. Amazingly, the mall had a festive ambience, with the grocery full of shoppers especially crowding the fresh flowers section! When we purchased something they even had a craft activity for moms and kids. So my two ladies sat down to make a terrarium. What a keepsake to remember the day!

Evangel's goodie bag

Lunch with MyGirls

Craft Time at the mall

As I do not have a surprise for her this year, I bought a bigger oven as a present (If my memory serves me right, she wore this day the pearl jewelry that I gave her last year). Back at home, we tested the oven by baking a cake. Our second try and I think this one's better than what we did for Ashrie's birthday. Jane still cooked dinner (even it's her day). It was crab in pumpkin and coconut milk, served with hot steamed rice. So yummy!

This coming Sunday, Jane will go out with two of her girl friends for a mommy’s day-out! And I will be in-charge of taking care of Ashrie for the time that she’s away. So help me God.

Creative Children Photography

Found this online and I think the photos are way too cute! It's not the usual "baby on a bucket or little girl in a tutu holding a flower" type of photography but it captures the "funny and most of the time crazy, chaotic relationship, siblings share.

Check this out!

My personal faves includes the "girl lifting the sofa", the "blouse with iron marks", the "pliers", and the siblings in the trench coat. Witty!

This is so inspiring, I think I should try doing some creative photography sometime.

And oh! Just found out through my brother's extensive research that these pictures has been out for quite some time already and these kids are bigger now (obviously)! Catch more of these adorable kids through their blog.

Tea With Mom

Jane received this lovely carnation last night, alongside an invite for Mothers' Day celebration this coming Sunday. This is actually from Evangel Family Church, our home church here in Singapore.

So as early as now, let me greet the mother of my daughter, a Happy Mothers' Day! You are doing a great job and I appreciate your every effort. You are really (as we Filipinos say it) the light of the home. I love you dearly.

And to my mom, thank you so much, for everything.

Evangel Family Church meets every Sunday at 9am and 11am for the Chinese and English Services respectively. For more info check out Evangel's website.

Butterfly Kisses

I have known this song probably since my days in university. I used to think it's a beautiful song, with its poetic narration, amazing melody, and of course the wonderful voice of Grammy Award-Winner, Bob Carlisle.

But never it had such connection to me until I heard it again weeks after Ashrie’s birth. I couldn’t fight the tears, my eyes just welled-up and in no time I found myself crying, thinking about her on her wedding day. To note that she is only a few weeks old that time.

Ever since, this song has been a personal favorite, and no song (so far) has ever touched me as a father than this one. My heart’s desire is to still be "there" on her special day, and see her children if possible.

To Ashrie, as early as now, I would like to say, it has been a privilege to be your dad. I love you so much.

Let me end this post with the lyrics of Butterfly Kisses and a couple of our cherished photos.

Butterfly Kisses
Bob Carlisle/Randy Thomas

There's two things I know for sure
She was sent here from heaven
And she's daddy's little girl
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes
And I thank God for all of the joy in my life
Oh but most of all

For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair
Walk beside the pony daddy it's my first ride
I know the cake looks funny daddy but I sure tried
Oh with all that I've done wrong
I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every mornin'
And butterfly kisses at night

Sweet 16 today
She's lookin' like her mama a little more every day
One part woman the other part girl
To perfume and make up from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world
But I remember

Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair
You know how much I love you daddy
But if you don't mind
I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time
Oh with all that I've done wrong
I must have done something right
To deserve her love every mornin'
And butterfly kisses at night

All the precious time
Oh like the wind, the years go by
Precious butterfly
Spread your wings and fly

She'll change her name today
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away
Standing in the bride room just staring at her
She asked me what I'm thinkin' and I said I'm not sure
I just feel like I'm loosin' my baby girl
And she leaned over

Gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair
Walk me down the aisle daddy it's just about time
Does my wedding gown look pretty daddy?
Daddy don't cry
Oh with all that I've done wrong
I must have done something right
To deserve her love every mornin'
And butterfly kisses

I couldn't ask God for more man this is what love is
I know I've got to let her go but I'll always remember
Every hug in the mornin' and butterfly kisses

2010

2012

And oh! Happy Third Birthday Ashrie!

Ashrie's Sweet Shoppe

We celebrated Ashrie's Third Birthday exactly on her birth date and we are so thrilled to share with you the photos from her party.

Unlike her previous birthdays wherein the food is catered, it is doubly hard for us to prepare for this one because we cooked the food and also prepared all the necessary and some would say, optional decorations. (Well, for any event, I think every minute detail counts.) We even baked her birthday cake! So even if I didn't have any sleep on the eve of her special day, I am very pleased with what we have accomplished, and the wide-eyed reception from my friends.

So before I share the photos, let me thank all those who graced the event and those who sent their generous gifts. A BIG THANK YOU to all of you for sharing with our joys as our little darling turns three.

We welcomed our guests with this door sign

Pompoms and vintage-inspired bunting
(shown in the next photo) adorned the ceiling

Ashrie's Sweet Shoppe

Ashrie's Birthday Cake
We baked this Chocolate Fudge
with Creamy Vanilla Frosting
(Our first try!)

The Birthday Girl checking out the sweets! 

The Sweets Buffet
Chocolate Mallows and Polvoron
(all the way from the Philippines),
Marshmallow Pops, Cupcakes,
and Meringues

Not on the rack anymore but the ZARA
saleslady was kind enough to search
this fully-sequined ballet flats when
we couldn't  find anything that
matches her dress.

Daddy & Ashrie

Ashrie & Mommy

Me&MyGirls

She's now three, how time flies! Don't grow too fast baby! Daddy and Mommy loves you dearly!

For a complete set of her birthday celebration photos, you may visit the Me&MyGirls Facebook page. The link is on the sidebar of this webpage. Thanks!