Always my Valentine

February 14th marks a very special day for Jason and I. Not only is it thee LOVE day but it is our love day. We celebrated our 3rd Wedding Anniversary this year. 

I'm a really big planner and love to extend celebrations for longer than their usual DAY. I tend to celebrate for weeks, probably even months if time allowed, haha. So this year I did a week countdown until valentine's day. I turned it into something Bri'elle and I could do through the day and surprise daddy when he got home. Things like making him cards, to little Valentine's crafts, jello hearts, conversation cut outs, dinners, making him lunch, cleaning the house, etc..etc.. I think you get the picture. It was nice to do these things for him. He was surprised to or would say, "Whats this for?" and it was a great time with Bri'elle. Everyday, I would tell her about Valentines day. More about the meaning of love. I would show her a heart and tell her it means love. She knows where your heart it and the sound it makes, thmp, thmp, thmp. I would then ask her to tell me the things she loves. One day she started by saying mommy, daddy, and continued as she went through all her grandparents, all her aunts and uncles, her friends, and then mentioned different pets she loved. It was so cute. Another day (this was my favorite) she started by saying she loved herself. I was pleased to know she included herself. So I told her yes, it's important to love yourself because Jesus loves you and everyone loves you. Then she continued and said Jesus along with the remaining people and pets from the day before. She also added different items like her blankie, some of her favorite movies, etc. 

On Valentine's day these are the things we did:

Gave Bri'elle her Valentines - A card from mom/dad, the movie Lady and the Tramp, and heart shaped peeps

Bacon for Breakfast

Mommy got ready and Jalilah wanted to say hi to daddy, so I took a pic and sent it to him at work :)

Yum! Jay bought this for me a day before so I decided to get it out and make him a snack for when he got home

The chocolate cheddar cheese is in the middle!!!

Yes, that is In N Out

Grubbin'

This is exactly what I wanted, double cheddar cheese burger extra well done with fries a rootbeer and a choc shake

After eating in the car before heading into the movies

All these were taken on our phones, haha. I had my camera with me but it was so much easier at the time to snap a quick shot with my phone or Jay's phone. I need to get out of this habit. 

Jay worked and Bri'elle went to preschool so I got some good quality ME time until about 4:00 when Jay got home. We spent about a half hour talking and cleaning the house before we left to pick Bri'elle up from his parents. Once we picked Bri'elle up we brought her to my parents to spend the evening while Jay and I went on a date. We couldn't make up our minds where we wanted to eat so both of us said heck with it and decided on In N Out. I'm so happy we did. the food was extra good. After ordering it from the drive-thru we drove to the nearest movie theater which was only two minutes from In N Out and sat in the parking lot eating our dinner. We played R&B love songs while we ate and talked about our timeline of friendship to marriage (from highschool to now). It was so romantic!!! I loved every minute of it. I felt like just sitting in the car and making out for old time sake, haha but realized my belly would be really uncomfortable in Jay's stick shift Mustang coupe. Not fit for someone preggo for sure. Once we finished with dinner we went into the movie and watch Man on a Ledge. I highly recommend this movie! It was so good!!!! we were going to see a chick flick/romantic movie but I was in need of some action and have been watching to see the movie plus it was something we both wanted to watch. Better to please both of us :) After the movie we stopped at Mel's diner before picking up our little valentine. I ordered a hot chocolate and Jay got coffee. We sat there for a long time just gazing at each other, gushy I know! Right before we left a song came on from the jukebox and it was MY song literally. Not sure if any of you will know it, it's called Brandy by Looking Glass. It was perfect timing and couldn't have been picked on a better night. When we were leaving a group of girls between the age of 30's-40's about 3 of them. I noticed them looking at my belly then I heard one girl say awhh and when I looked at them they smiled with sincere admiration. I was completely glowing by this point. My night was definitely getting better and better. Next we headed home and picked up our little girl. 

And that was pretty much our Valentine's/Anniversary <3

 

Pretty & Pregnant: Your Name

We decided on your name

I have to admit we've had it since Christmas but kept it a secret so we can test it out and see if it really fits you

It fits you!

You don't have a middle name yet - but it will be Hawaiian just like your sister's. We plan to give all our kids Hawaiian middle names. 

There is one middle name we have talked about but there hasn't been any decision. We want to see what else is out there and it has to fit.

Are you Ready?!?!......

Jalilah Alfonso

Meaning: great, revered: interpretation is one with flawless beauty.

Hasn't been ranked in the last 100 years within the US

As we did more research for the name we came across one that said to be prized or is a prize, a gift, to be respected and honored. When we read this our mouths just dropped. This is it, as we both looked at each other. You are OUR PRIZE. A gift that has been given to us by no else but God. In the circumstances we wanted your name to fit your birth and pregnancy story. When I read that people expect the person to have a radiant flawless beauty, I immediately thought of you. Not because, I know you will be beautiful on the outside but for the beauty on the inside and what you have taught me. Through this trial you taught me that things are still beautiful with many flaws. We had many flaws throughout this pregnancy, some I had to experience on my own but for the most part as a family. It has been tough and definitely something that isn't easy to adjust to. BUT it has been a journey that has been worth it and describes the beauty of pregnancy, birth, family - all God's plan for us. You are God's plan for us. 

So with this.... We, your parent's, name you: Jalilah

Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.
 Psalms 127:3

I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.

1 Samuel 1:27-28

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17

Here's a glimpse of our invitation:

 

 

Pretty & Pregnant: Your Face

February 2nd, 2012

At the appointment today we saw your FACE!!!!! Well half of it. You had one side covered with your arm. You like your arms up by your face. It was so amazing to see how clear it is. Everyone says you look like daddy. In the ultrasound, I have to admit you do. Now the curiousity begins with how much you look like him since you only exposed half of your face compared to what you will look like when you are born.

This appointment really went well. The doctor said everything is still looking good. Since I was just getting over a cold he prescribed me what he called, "some good cough medicine" to help me sleep because I'm only getting a couple of hours of sleep and have been feeling extremely exhausted. 

I go back in two weeks to see you again. After that we will go every week as the time is ticking down.

Baby weighs: 2lbs 12 oz - which is above average for the stage we're at. The doctor said either you'll be a bigger baby or the due date is off. Yikes, now your really playing a guessing game on when your going to come. 

Mommy's weight gain from last appt: 2lbs
Mommy's total weight gain:29-31lbs



 

Pretty & Pregnant: Third Trimester

January 26th, 2012


We are in our third trimester either by a couple days or a couple weeks. The time is really drawing nearer. 

This week you have been making really big movements. I have been able to feel your different body parts as you move around. When I put my hands on my belly, one on each side, I can imagine holding you and if your positioned just right its as if I really am. Truly amazing!

I sent out invites this week for the "Mocktail" Party in our honor. I so can't wait to have this time to celebrate the pregnancy and your soon birth. Mommy really needs this time as I haven't been out of the house too much or able to go anywhere besides occasional trips to different houses and the movies. I am very happy that I've been able to do those things though. Daddy is having a little party inside the condo with some of his friends and big sis will have a little hangout with some of her friends too, a celebration for all of us. And we are announcing your name on the invite, I'm super excited!!!

Lately I've been feeling the pregnancy glow...

Just feeling great because I know your almost here. Wanting to get dressed and stop wearing daddy's pj pants with an extra large shirt. Doing my hair and makeup; somewhat painting my nails every couple of days and I've been cleaning....ALOT!

I just feel great and an over abundance of JOY

 

My First Outting

 January 15th, 2012


Since I've been cooped up in the house majority of the time this pregnancy with the doctors approval I have been able to get out a little more. I'm still limited to the things I can do and the length of time I'm on my feet but at least I can get some fresh air. I have to say I have been able to do more the last few months than when I was first put on bedrest especially now that I know she is a healthy little baby and there aren't any worries about if she would need to be delivered she would be fine. Granted I've been extremely blessed! 


So Jay decided/surprised me with a date after church on this Sunday. On Sundays we have family dinner with my parents as something we started for the new year and since we've moved out. It was a tradition on my dad's side of the family when he was little so he wanted to start the same thing with us. Jay checked with my parents to watch Bri'elle in the afternoon then we would join them for dinner when we got back. Of course, my parent's said yes...so our date began. 


Jay took me to Bay Street in Emeryville. It is filled with tons of shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. Our first stop was Elephant Bar for lunch. I was craving a cheeseburger with all the fixings. Jay craved the same thing since I talked it up so we had the same lunch. I love when we happen to want the same thing. :) The burger was so yummy but I didn't finish it all since Jay ordered me coconut shrimp for an appetizer, another craving. 


After lunch we went to the movies to see Contraband. It was a pretty good movie! I love action movies and especially ones that have some pretty good actors, I won't mind watching a guy film if it makes him happy. 

Once the movie ended, Jay said he wanted to take me shopping. I was a little confused because I can't just GO shopping. For one, I'm not really suppose to be walking around. Two, I'm pregnant and didn't want to load up on maternity clothes. Three, well there is no three... How can I turn down shopping when the hubby wants to do something nice for me. Well, he leads me to Victoria Secret! Ha! he must have something up his sleeve. Which he did... I had a gift card that has been sitting in my drawer forever. I have no idea when I got it, maybe my birthday. Jay said he knew that I would probably let it sit there at least until I had the baby and knows how much I enjoy shopping...free shopping at that. I blushed because it made me feel really good he thought about me and how I've been feeling with being on bedrest. So... I let him go to town.... Nothing better than the hubby picking out your lingerie. 


After we went to one of our fave places for dessert, The Tea Cake Bake Shop at Bay Street. They have the best pink velvet cupcakes. We bought a box of assorted flavors for my family since they watched Bri'elle. We also saved ours to enjoy with them. 


It was a GREAT first outting out and about!!!! I'm so thankful the hubby did this for me.

 

Big Sister in Training: Back on Schedule

We finally have a routine!!!! Since moving in and being so caught up in everything we were able to get back on track. It was important to us that we get Bri'elle on a routine quickly since she was also starting preschool. It is also nice because now the hubby and I have some time at night to spend with each other rather than all three of us going to bed at the same time. 


Ms. Bri'elle - you are so stubborn when it comes to sleep and getting back on track. You LOVE your sleep!!! You are not a morning person unless it is on your time. You are definitely a night person like your mamma. You can stay up for hours even if it is waaayyyy past your bedtime. It's like it doesn't phase you. And you get more energy the longer you stay up. When you do go to sleep you can sleep for hours and I mean hours. You can sleep about 10 hours if we let you, probably even more then that. 


Right now you are still sleeping in mommy and daddy's room since we had to return the bedding we got you (it didn't fit your bed). We're hoping to get the new one in the next week or two. You will even climb in bed with us and you are so sly that we don't even know you're there until we wake up the next morning. I remember doing that when I was a little girl. I loved sleeping with my parents so I understand. It's the comfort we give you to know that we are right there by you. It's also nice when I do know your there and you snuggle up closer to me. I love smelling your sweet little "baby" scent as I sleep and giving you tons of kisses as if for you to have better dreams. So at the moment I don't mind :) It's only when you start to move around in your sleep that you get put back into your little bed on the floor. You have a tendency to move around ALOT when you are sleeping and talking. Sometimes I think that you and daddy are having conversations back and forth because when I get up to use the bathroom at night you both will be mumbling things in your sleep. I would hate to see all three of us sleeping because I have the same "talking in my sleep" habit. We probably continue our conversations from the day in our sleep. Now wouldn't that be funny to watch!?


You were sick this past week so the schedule kind of caught kicked to the curb but we are reinforcing it this week. Today you tried to sleep in a little past your wake up time for school but as soon as I started to talk to you and show you your clothes for school you began to wake up. You even held on to me for a good few minutes as I stood you up to put your pants on. It was a nice feeling. Will you always stay my little girl? I surely do hope so. I'm loving the love bug stage your at. You are such a sweetie pie. 


I got an update from Auntie earlier saying you have more energy today. Most likely since your cold is pretty much gone. You only have a little bit of phlem in your chest. I tried to teach you how to cough it up but you looked at me like "really, mom". So I guess it will have to pass over time. I'm really glad you are doing better and feeling better today, even if it means you missing your nap. You will just go to bed extra early tonight. 


Now we need to get back on track with POTTY TRAINING - you recently started asking again so let's hope that means more progress. Oh and you are in LOVE with your new stool for the potty and counter so let's hope that gives some persuasion..


I love you my sweet little girl!!!! You sure are growing up quick! - Love, Mommy

Such a Great Feeling

Its such a great feeling when...

You Love yourself

When it pleases you to make someone else happy

Can embrace the little things in life

Have so much love for someone you have never met

Can teach love (Bri'elle giving little sister kisses)

Share love, joy, moments, laughter, tears, with other great women -picture by Olga

This post was inspired after church three weeks ago. We have been in the book of Revelations. At first, I was a little scared to tackle this book that is said to be mysterious and can lead to fear by what it says, but I never really dived into it so I was excited at the same time. Now, I'm loving it and it may just be one of my favorite books. On this Sunday we learned about suffering {{God is speaking to me}}. I knew I had to pay great attention that this message is tugging at my heart. 

Not that I feel like I'm suffering but it has been a challenge these last 6 1/2 months and for majority of my life even at a very young age. I struggled for the longest time accepting what happened to me and most of it I kept inside. From what everyone else saw I was probably one of the strongest people they knew. As the sermon went on there were some things that struck me with the most pleasant delight of satisfaction. God will never allow us to suffer for nothing. God promises a reward for our suffering. Of course, a believer and follower of Christ knows that their eternal reward is the day we get to see His face and live for eternity in the streets of gold. But, I see that on this earth there is more rewards God gives us and its such a great feeling to know you have these rewards. Right now, I know that all the pain, loneliness, and worry is all a now factor meaning it has an end, and end that will bring great reward to not just my life but my husband's life, Bri'elles life, and anyone who is part of our lives will experience the reward that I (and Jay) have been given through the birth of our daughter. God has already blessed us and rewarded us with Bri'elle now we are being rewarded with another sweet great daughter. 

He is no fool that loses what he cannot keep here in this life to gain what he cannot lose, rewards in heaven - Jim Elliott

Lean on Christ - Focus on Spiritual Wealth - Expect Persecution - Stand Firm

To hear the audio podcast go here: How to Deal with Suffering

Out of Commission

 

Before I got sick                                                                                                Now

 I'm out of commission this week! Yuck, I caught a cold sometime last week and now I'm really paying for it as of Monday. Bri'elle is also sick so lets keep our fingers crossed daddy doesn't get sick. I have lots of postings to post just need to add the pics and a few other things. Once I get back on my feet, I'm hoping by Thursday. I will post all of them through this weekend. There has been so much going on I want to share and get it documented so I don't forget and time passes by. 

I hope everyone has a great week!!!!!! Stay away from anyone who is sick!!!!! 

 

Monday was a Funday

On our way out for the day

She knows exactly where we are

Yummy CHEESE pizza..I could've ate the whole thing to myself. lol

She kept saying she was Happy

Her favorite - SLIDES

Playing games with daddy

Movie Time!!!!

 Daddy surprised us when his alarm went off and said, "I don't think I'll go into work today". I was so shocked but didn't want to turn away an opportunity like this. He said his plans are to spend the day with his girls, all 3 of them. I had a smile on my face ear to ear. 


As Bri'elle slept we got up showered and got dressed. Spent a little bit of morning time together then woke Bri'elle up after Jay set out all the stuff he was going to have Bri'elle help him make breakfast. The two of them made breakfast for us then we all finished getting ready. 


When we went through Bri'elles room on Friday and Saturday Jay found a container of tokens from Chuckie Cheese, so that was our first stop. Bri'elle was so excited! It was so nice to be together and watch our little girl smile over the small things. She played for about an hour then daddy had another place to take us.


Next we when to the movies to see Beauty and the Beast. One of my all time favorite Disney movies and I think it's becoming a favorite of Bri'elles. When the movie started she yelled Beauty and Beast, then began to sing along as the musical portion started. Even Jay joined in on the singing. 


We had a blast!!! It was such a nice family fun day together. I will cherish these moments forever... Today Bri'elle woke up and said no daddy work today. Poor thing always thinks he can stay home whenever she gets time with him before.