Just Us.

Playing with my camera.

2009-09-09T13:48:00.007-04:00

On a whim, I decided to take Ava to a lake behind our condo and snap a few pictures before I headed to work. We were out there for about 45 minutes. I'm still learning about lighting so I was unsure how the pictures would come out at 8am. Here are a few that I took. Enjoy.

Things happen for a reason....

2009-07-28T14:55:00.002-04:00

I got the most obvious and blantant sign on Sunday. Ferd and I took Ava to the library, as we usually do. We typically tag-team once we're there; one reads with Ava while the other looks for books to read, and switch. So, as we all get together to check out our books, Ferd and I realize that we got the same exact book to read... out of ALL the books in the library. So, I'm currently reading The Seven Spiritual Laws for Parents by Deepak Chopra. So far, I love it.

Making progress...

2009-07-23T21:02:00.010-04:00

Okay, it's about midway through summer vacation... I'm looking at my Summer To Do list and I've tackled most of my tasks =) I've enrolled Ava in Wiggle and Giggles and Mt. Vernon Rec Ctr. She loves it and plays with her friends, Emmy, Chloe, and Isaiah. Her favorite is the parachute.

I decoupaged a table for Ava. She uses her table to eat and do crafts.

I took a Paper Source Class with Kris. I had so much fun. We made paper lanterns, stationary, and boxes with Indian inspired paper and stamps. Here are photos from my phone.

I finally bought frames for stuff prints I've collected. We've framed our Kokua poster, Ava's picture from the Egg Roll at the White House, and a Red Sox poster from 2004.

We went camping in Steamboat Springs, CO. Amazingly, Ava coped well. She even insisted on using the potty there.. ew.

Yesterday, we met Sky and Brooke at Wolf Trap for the Children's Theater in the Woods. We saw Hobey Ford and the second performance was Cathy and Marcy with beatboxer and progressive hip-hop artist, Christylez Bacon. Ava's favorite instrument was the washboard.

Next on my agenda is painting my wall (I've narrowed my colors down to two) and orgainze and file all our docs.

Finish up later.. gotta spend QT with Ferd.

Table for Ava.. DONE!

2009-06-24T20:17:00.010-04:00

I should have tried to decoupage on something else before diving into this project. I've never done it before, always wanted to try it, but was inspired by Kristine. What better time than now? I have the whole summer off. I would have done a few things differently. For starters, I would have used a sponge brush.. and I would have glued the back part entirely before sealing the whole table. I chose three patterned sheets of paper. I cut them in different sized rectangles then rubbed some art all over the table. I then sealed the papers with Mod Podge. It came out more wrinkled than I'd like.. but that's just me being a perfectionist. One thing on my summer to do list checked off!

OPERATION SUMMER FUN

2009-06-23T14:47:00.004-04:00

I have an ongoing list of things I am determined to accomplish this summer. School let out last week and I have been on the ball with tackling my to-do list. Here is what I WILL do before September:

Antonette's Summer To-Do List

1. Repaint the walls from brick red to something brighter. This is way overdue, but I know it will do wonders for the condo. Picking the color will be the challenge.

2. Decoupage a table for Ava. Kris inspired me to do this.

3. Take Ava camping in Colorado. We leave in 7 days!

4. Frame art work/posters that I've collected for years...

5. Take Ava to Picture People.

6. Purge my closet. Ferd will be so happy when I get this done.

7. Enroll Ava in a summer class.

8. Take Ava to Wolf Trap for the Children's Summer Series.

9. Take a class for myself. Papersource class scheduled for July 16th.

10. File bills/organize office.

Sounds like a lot, but 2 days into my summer vacation and I'm not doing too bad. Today Ava started her Wiggles and Giggles class with her friend Emory. Afterwards, we went to Sherwood Farmer's Market and the the library. She's down for her nap now and when I clean up a bit.. I'll post some pictures. =)

What is it that Bill Cosby said?... "Kids say the darndest things"...

2009-06-17T11:41:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I was wearing Ferd's boxer shorts with skull and crossbones. Ava looked at me and said, "Mom! You're wearing daddy's pirate panties!" Omg, I still can't stop laughing.

Ferd's first race!

2009-06-13T15:31:00.007-04:00

We're so proud of Ferd. Ferd finished his first race, the Lawyers Have Heart 10k, with some of the partners and employees of Season's Culinary. We headed for Georgetown early in the morning and ended the afternoon at Open City in Woodley Park for celebratory brunch and spirits. To view the entire album, click here.

Mother's Day

2009-06-01T14:40:00.010-04:00

Once again... I'm slipping on posting here regularly. Ferd and Ava took me to Asia Nine for brunch. To our surprise, one of Ferd's employees was working and picked up our tab. Thank you Thoi! Afterwards, Ava and daddy took me to Clay Studios to paint a plate for Mother's Day. We let Ava paint as she wished and Ferd and I put finishing touches on and we were so pleased with how it came out!

2009-05-01T14:49:00.014-04:00

I've learned to upload videos to my blog. Yay!

2009-05-01T14:49:00.012-04:00

... at least I think I've learned. Photobucket has been acting up lately, so if you don't see the video, try back in a few minutes. I'll have to post videos from Ava's second birthday now. I don't think anyone's seen those =)

Here are some pix of Ava out and about. Enjoy!

2009-05-01T14:44:00.001-04:00

Easter Egg Roll at the White House

2009-04-27T20:44:00.007-04:00

Ava and mommy spent Easter Monday at the White House! Every year since 1878 the White House hosts an Easter Egg Roll for children. Barack Obama made the tickets available online so that families outside Washington D.C. can experience this tradition on the South Lawn. I thought for sure I'd be able to score tickets, but after hours online and friends helping me get tickets, I ended up empty handed. The website was just flooded with other people trying to get their hands on tickets. Luckily, a friend of mine from high school and ODU is neighbors with a secret service agent and she was generous enough to invite us along. Oh, but we were not alone! Along with us was James Cromwell, Fergie, Imagination Movers, oh.. and the President and First Lady. We left with "THE" wooden souvenier egg (we hope to collect many more). To order yours, click here. Here are some pictures. For the complete album, click here Easter Egg Roll 2009.

THANKS BE TO COD.

2009-04-26T22:11:00.018-04:00

We enjoyed the weather Saturday having Eamonn's fish and chips in Olde Town Alexandria. We've been a few times, and I think we really go for their variety of sauces. :) I don't think the cod's all that exceptional, but it's good and cheap.

Reflection on Motherhood; A daughter turned mother.

2009-04-23T11:09:00.012-04:00

Mother's day is quickly approaching and every year I find myself brainstorming for the "perfect" gift to give the most kind and selfless person I know, my mum. Because my mother is very giving, never selfish, and always thinking of others, she will most likely say that she needs nothing. This makes for a very difficult person to shop for.

Now as a kid, I remember sitting in the cafeteria ready to eat my lunch (which was always something I didn't want to eat, but had to... OR ELSE). I'd look around and see that my classmates had little notes from their mommies in their lunch box. Little hearts drawn on their brown paper lunch bag and smiley faces imprinted on their peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I thought, "My mom NEVER does that!" Of course I'm older now and wise enough to know that I cannot measure my mother's love based on how cute my lunch was. I've come to appreciate the "real" things that matter. Like how my mom ALWAYS prepares my favorite filipino dishes for me, Ferd, and Ava. She even pre-packages meals for us to store in our freezer. She's done this forever for me. I recall my mom doing this while I was living in Hampton, finishing graduate school... because my mom's main goal was to keep me studying. Unfortuantely, she's created a 32-year-old that cannot re-create any of my favorite filipino foods. But, that's okay... I married a chef =). I'm going off tanget... but my point is: My mother would do any and everything for me if it meant that I would be bettering myself. I love her for that. I've said this over and over before, but I know I will be a wonderful mother because I've learned by example.

Becoming a mother has been an amazing experience. The transformation I went through was nothing like I expected. Here I am turning every moment into a "teachable moment". We are naming shapes and colors, singing songs, teaching manners and right from wrong, and all along I'm finding out that I am not the teacher. Ava has really taught ME more about life, love, and myself than anyone I know. Who would've thought that such a teeny, tiny, creature could (and would) have so much power?! That, in fact, is probably the biggest lesson I have learned: Never underestimate the power of your child (or the pacifier... JUST KIDDING!). Ferd reminds me of this daily. I could write a book on all the life lessons I've learned from Ava, and she's only 2! :)

The very instant Ava was born, I became STRONG. Little ole me, strong? Yes, in every sense of the word. I want to love her intensely, protect her fierecly, and bravely raise her to one day leave her father and mother to live an absolutely extraordinary life.

So, I thank my mother for all that I know and all she's taught me to learn on my own. I thank my mother-in-law, for reminding me about the "little things in life" that bring us immense joy. And I thank my daughter, Ava Love, for opening me up to a "new" world and revealing the true person that I am today. To all my girls, today and everyday... Happy Mother's Day.

Ava on the RUN!

2009-04-22T15:02:00.015-04:00

I don't know how to keep up with her. She's a fast one. She's behind the curtains. She's in her makeshift fort. She's in the cabinets, on the table, you name it... Ava's marked her spot there. Although I LOVE her vivacious curiosity and often encourage it, I am terrified of Ava "getting away" during the split second that I turn around. I've struggled with how to manage getting things in and out of my car while Ava is standing next to me in the parking lot. Sometimes my hands are so full, that I have to put her down for a second to load the car THEN put her in. I often have one leg blocking her in so she won't run off. I've seen a handprint magnet that you can put on your car to teach your children to touch so you can rest assured that your little toddler will stay put. I've used the same exact concept with a Nats magnet we got at last Saturday's ball game. To my amazement, it works and Ava likes putting her hand on the "W", as I call it. In fact, when I'm strapping her in, she tells me, "Mama, put your hand on the W!" Here are some pix of Ava staying still at the Target parking lot =)

Easter egg hunt with Season's Culinary folks..

2009-04-12T19:55:00.011-04:00

Ava had her first egg hunt today after church with Jeremy and Claudia. Ava made out. About four dollars and enough candy to drive mommy and daddy nuts. Enjoy the pix.

Pasta Mia in Adams Morgan

2009-04-12T19:30:00.024-04:00

I decided to take Ava to Ferd's work on Friday. We had lunch at daddy's work and spent the day in DC shopping and walking around until Ferd got off. By the time we finished strolling around the city, we had built up an appetite and decided to go to Pasta Mia in Adams Morgan. If you are unaware of this tiny gem in DC, you don't know what you are missing. The restaurant is small and family-owned. The chef cooks in the order of people seated.. meaning, he'll cook for us first (we were first in line) then moves on to the next, and so on and so forth. If you were fifth in line, you could easily wait another hour in the restaurant before a waiter even sees you. They are only open Tues-Sat from 6:30 to whenever. They don't answer their phone (that is if they even have one), no substitutions allowed, cash only- no credit cards, no reservations, no seating until entire party is present, and get this... the line outside the restaurant begins at or around 5 pm. Yes, we waited that long. By 6pm, there were easily about 45 people in line. By 6:30pm, the line was nearly wrapped around the corner of the block.

The food was sooooo worth the wait. We would have stuck around for their tiramisu, but Ava had had enough of the waiting all day =). Here are pictures of our masterpieces.. Mmmm.

Clams and spicy pasta sauce

Bolognese

It's already April?

2009-04-10T10:17:00.008-04:00

Okay, this is my spring break week. Yes, spring break. Feels like yesterday we were ringing in the new year. I have lots to catch up on. I want to post/blog about the progress of some of my new year's resolutions, silly conversations with Ava, pictures of places we have visited, etc... I am also realizing that I would like to add new goals for myself, I'll get to all that later. For now, I want to share some pictures from our visit to see the cherry blossoms in DC. It's my favorite time of the year. What's best is that the weather last Sunday was perfect. We met up with Tracy and Jason. Enjoy the pix and I'll be back to post more thoughts I have going in the back of my mind....

We are proud to be a part of history!

2009-01-22T11:30:00.027-05:00

What better way to celebrate your birthday than to celebrate with the entire nation as we welcome Barack Obama as our 44th president!

January 20, 2009 was a jam-packed day for our family. For Ferd's 33rd birthday, we had brunch at La Madeline in Olde Towne Alexandria along with Claudia, Jeremy, Anthony, and Leo.

We ate french toast with berries, potato golette, quiche lorraine, oatmeal, eggs, and chocolate croissant. The food was delicious. Right before noon, we all decided to walk across the street to Market Square to see Obama on the jumbotron. Although we were not on the national mall, we still felt the energy in the city. It amazed me to see people flooding the streets of DC. The city's never looked so different. All this excitement, all this energy, ... to see history in the making.

Olde Towne was filled with people, old and young. It was about 20 degrees outside and it didn't stop the hundreds of thousands of people. People were gathered on the steps of Market Square, bundled in blankets. Children were climbing trees to get a glimpse of Obama. People were excitedly waving American flags. I was so proud and elated to be a part of it all along side my husband, daughter, and friends. For my generation, this is one most defining moments of our lives. No matter who I voted for, who Ferd voted for, who anyone voted for... one thing is certain: I have a newfound interest in politics and a genuine sense of hope for our country. I can now honestly say to Ava, that she can be anybody she wants to be, do anything she wants to do,... and beleive it wholeheartedly.

Welcome 2009!

2009-01-02T21:17:00.006-05:00

December was SO busy. I didn't have a chance to write a single entry. Ferd planned a party for my 32nd birthday. So many of our friends came from Virginia Beach, Richmond, and all over the DC metropolitan area. Then it was crunchtime getting all our stuff together for our trip back home for the holidays. I was home for almost a week. I caught up with friends that were also in town so needless to say... I didn't get much sleep (even with my parents and inlaws helping me with Ava!). As stressed as I get during the holidays, I was so glad to spend quality time with both sides of our family. I promise to post pictures once I get a second =)

Now... on to more important things.. it's a new year! I drove home by myself the Tuesday before New Year's. It was the only "me-time" I had the entire vacation. Ava was fast asleep in the back of my car and I was able to reflect on the year coming to a close. It always seems to fly right by me, and this is really the only time in the year that I start to get bitter-sweet feelings about Ava growing up. You know, she's growing up (YAY!) but at the same time... she's growing up :( . I have a few resolutions up my sleeve and I am determined to stick to them this time. Ferd said that he would document more of Ava's silly little antics and funny little sayings. Currently, she's been saying "Oh my goodness!" to anything amazing (which is pretty much everything). And when she's really upset with you, she'll firmly put her fists on her hips and say, "DON'T TALK ABOUT!" We have no idea what it means, but she definitely says it with emotion that's worthy of an oscar-nomination.

More exciting news: I treated myself to a new toy! A Canon xTi. I tested it out today while we were at the National Gallery of Art. I am SO excited about my camera and I can't wait to learn more about it. I will post pictures soon.

My mantra for 2009: "Focus on the positive and amazing things will happen."

Until next time...

Ava's 2nd Birthday Playdate

2008-11-23T11:08:00.033-05:00

Time flies. Wasn't it yesterday when I was planning Ava's first birthday party?! I was determined to have a birthday un-party. My parents, inlaws, and siblings were unable to come to nova, so Ferd and I decided to have a birthday playdate with a few of Ava's local friends. We all met at Build-A-Bear to make stuffed animals. Ava was so excited to see all her friends!! (We missed Sky and Brooke =( Hope you are feeling better Sky!)

After making out puppies, koalas, and teddy bears we had pizza and cake!! Ava practiced all week how to blow out her candle, but Julian helped her put the fire out! Thanks Julez =)

Everyone stayed around to run and jump around in the play area. I'll upload videos once I learn how to post them to our blof (I'm still learning). Thank you all for coming!! Ava had a wonderful time and loved every single one of her gifts! Thanks again!

p.s. We missed you too Niko and Lily. Sorry we couldn't make it to your party. See you soon!

Our Family Pictures 2008

2008-11-19T11:39:00.010-05:00

I'm trying to be good about having Ava's pictures taken yearly. Our photographer, Chip, did my maternity photos, Ava's newborn photos, and Ava's First Year photos at the National Gallery of Art. This year, Chip was busy (with a new edition to his family) and I had to search for someone else to take our pictures. That is when I came across Trevor. I found his ad on Craigslist and was just immediately impressed. At the age of 22, yes.. he's 22, he's traveled to 30 different countries in 5 different continents as a scientist/photographer. He made the whole experience fun and stress-free. After emailing tons of "potential" photographers on Craiglist, I am SOOO happy that we decided to work with Trevor. We will surely be in touch with him for future pictures; plus, Ava seemed to like him a lot. =)

Ava's wild curiosty made for quite an interesting photo session. We decided to go to the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, VA. Ava was just intrigued by any and everything. We let her run around and do her own thing while Trevor snapped away. The most difficult thing was trying to get all three of us in a decent family photograph. We tried our best... but the candid photos actually turned out to be my most favorite. Here are just a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

Thank goodness for the pacifer

2008-11-06T21:56:00.011-05:00

Ava was so excited to find out that we would be having an impromptu playdate/visit from Josie (doesn't she have the most beautiful, big, blue eyes?). They had dinner together, well... they sat together at the table and threw food on the floor and I got a taste of what it's like to have to two toddlers under the age of 2. I had no idea what I was in for. Although I spent most of my time with Josie, Ava didn't seem to mind it one bit. Ava loved the company and once she learned that she could get Josie to CLAP on demand, she couldn't stop laughing =) I have to admit, I enjoyed double the giggles and realized I missed the coos. As the night went on, they both started to get a bit fussy.. but it was nothing that the "mute button", aka the pacifier couldn't solve. The best part of the night: Ava used the potty for the first time since May. Yay Ava! Until next time...

Election Day 2008

2008-11-04T10:59:00.000-05:00

Although mommy and daddy didn't vote for the same candidate... we were very excited to be a party of history! Ferd went first thing this morning around 6am and was off to work by 8am. I had better luck. Just when I started to regret not bringing my stroller in the polling place... I hear, "Last names A through D!" and we moseyed our way up to the front of the line. We were in and out in 20 minutes tops. We'll be up very late tonight watching the results...

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-03T22:24:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween! On Friday, I took Ava (my little love bug) to a Halloween Toddler Breakfast at Lyons Park in Arlington, VA. Ava reconnected with her friend Sky (also a ladybug, how cute) and Sky's new baby sister Brooke Summer. Ava flew down the slides and got down and dirty in the sandpit. Then, we headed to Mommy's work at school to catch the annual Cameron Halloween Parade. Ava napped until daddy got home and then we (Ava as an elephant this time) all headed to Tyson's Corner mall to trick-or-treat! Ava borrowed Gabby's costume and it was a hit. =) One mother even stopped Ava to give her candy out of her own kid's basket.. haha.

On Saturday we made a quick appearance at Matt and Amy's Halloween party, as 80's breakdancer.. and although I don't think many of them got it.. it was still fun nonetheless. Ava was the icing on the cake... complete with the bandana, adidas track suit and cut-off gloves. Enjoy!

Why I'm blogging...

2008-11-02T13:56:00.000-05:00

If you know us well, then you know that we've had our fair share of travel up and down interstate 95, 295, 64 and 264. While traveling used to be a breeze (just pack a few outfits, make-up, and of course my chi), we now have AVA! Now I need everything under the sun "just in case". Let's just say that a simple three hour drive will never ever be a simple three hour drive again (thank god for the dvd player). There just comes a time when we realize that this place (Fairfax County) is just as much HOME as our HOME in Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

We sacrifice/invest time, money and energy to travel home, but we do it so that the bond between Ava and her aunties, uncles, and grandparents remain strong. While we cannot come home for every occassion (and believe me... there are MANY occassions), we want friends and family to "know" Ava. I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by my beloved cousins growing up and I want the same for my daughter. I want to share her "little daily miracles", milestones, and funny stories. She is growing up toooo fast and I want to remember and share every detail.

So, that is why I have decided to blog about our life in Alexandria and about our little angel, Ava Love. I hope you enjoy! We love you all.