I've been a delinquent blogger. More than a month has passed since my last entry! The holidays and the weeks after that were pretty hectic and I haven't had the time to go online and do much writing. It would be such a chore to write about the undocumented five weeks so I'd just use photos.
December 19
Christmas came early for Ziv! Since we were bound for Manila on the 21st, we made Ziv open his presents on the 19th. He got super cool toys from his Singapore aunts and uncles--a learning walker from Ninang Nell, a walker/ride-on from Tito Erwin and Tita Khay and a so, so fun ball popper from Tito Gerald and Tita Rina. For his first Christmas, I and ze hubby decided to give Ziv the classic book, Guess How Much I Love You.
December 21
Travel day to Manila. We left home around noon then arrived in NAIA early evening. Ziv didn't sleep during the flight, except for a couple minutes before landing, so we had to keep him entertained. Good thing we flew via Singapore Airlines; the screen, Puss and Boots, and Elmo came in handy. From the airport, my dad and brother picked us up and then we made our way to San Pablo City.
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| Ziv playing right before boarding; Sophie travelled with us! |
December 22
We left San Pablo City around 5am to travel to Calapan City, ze hubby's hometown. My dad drove us to the Batangas City Pier where we'll be boarding the fast craft to Oriental Mindoro. Ze hubby misread the ticket and thought the fast craft was leaving at 6am, when the actual departure time was 6:30. We thought for a minute it would leave without us but luckily, we made the terminal with just enough time to check in and have our luggages inspected.
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| It was Ziv's first time to travel by water; Bonding with Lolo Eddie and Lola Lagring |
Ziv did well during the journey. When we arrived at the Calapan City Port, Lola Lagring and Auntie Nol were already waiting for us.
We spent most our days in Calapan eating, lounging, sleeping and eating, while Ziv played when he wasn't napping or tormenting Andrew, the house cat. Tita Kim, ze hubby's close friend visited us while we were there too!
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| Ziv going after Andrew; Ziv with Tita Kim |
Ziv also spent time with Lola Emy and Ate Nikki who lived right next door, as well as Kuya MJ, who visited with his Lola Nelly.
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| Ziv playing with Ate Nikki; Ziv thoroughly entertained by Kuya MJ |
December 25
The previous day, ze hubby got hit by a stomach bug. The poor thing had a fever, diarrhea and was throwing up. He wasn't able to eat the sumptuous noche buena mama prepared, which included crispy pata and pancit, but he stayed up for the exchanging of gifts.
Fortunately, ze hubby recovered and felt well, like nothing happened, on Christmas morning. We had a nice breakfast, Ziv opened his presents and then we went to church.
That afternoon, the Chavez family reunion, which mama and papa were hosting, took place. There were lots of food, fun games, a raffle, gift distribution and a bit of entertainment too. We had a blast!
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| Ziv opening presents on his first Christmas morning; Ziv receiving pamasko from Lola Maring |
Ziv got to meet most of his lolos and lolas, aunts and uncles and cousins from his paternal grandmother's side.
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| The Chavez clan |
He won't remember any of them, but we'll make sure he'll get the chance
to meet them again when he's older.
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| Ziv fell asleep during the reunion; With Lolo Eddie, Lola Lagring and Tita Apple |
This reunion happens every year after
all.
