Energetic. Full of life. Goofy. Silly. Fun. Loving. These are all words that pop into mind when I think of Lizet and her huge smile that is always on her face. Lizet is part of my extended family, cousin-in-law, cousin by marriage – we were trying to figure out how to describe our relationship and we came up with all of these, but eventually settled on the fact that her future daughter will probably call me auntie and Taro uncle. Regardless of the title and name, Lizet is family and I am excited that her and Rich are going to welcome a baby soon.
Lizet is going to be a wonderful mother. This is how I know. At one of the parties we had at our house, Lizet was sitting outside when a squirrel fell from the tree. She wanted to take care of the injured creature so Lizet walked inside and grabbed a handful of nuts to feed the squirrel. There was this innate desire to care for it. Most people probably would have left the squirrel alone and just completely disregarded it; Lizet didn’t. Even though the story itself does not have a happy ending (Sadly the squirrel was torn to pieces from neighborhood cats.), Lizet cared for an animal that most people would stay away from or shoo away. This is what a mother does – nurse, care for, love, and shelter a little being who is trying to understand and take part in the big, open world.
Lizet looked absolutely stunning at her shower. She was making jokes, laughing, and rubbing her belly. I also thought it was cute when she would scratch around her belly and tell us how she was hot and itchy; it seemed like a typical silly action made by Lizet with the recognizable smile on her face. You could feel the excitement in the warm, spring air from Lizet, her sister, and her mother as they talked about the new addition arriving in early July.
Lizet, congratulations again on your pregnancy and Taro and I look forward to welcoming a baby girl to the family! We are so excited for you and Rich and know that this baby girl is extra lucky to have you two as parents!
Audrey, Rich’s sister, threw an amazing baby shower for Lizet. Audrey gave Lizet two options for the type of food that she wanted and Lizet selected fried chicken. The fried chicken was amazing and made entirely from scratch! When I arrived to the house, Audrey was busy battering the chicken and frying it on the stove. On top of that, she made biscuits herself. It was a southern-style feast and people could not keep their eyes or hands away from the spectacular spread! Check out Audrey’s blog for details about her homemade chicken.
The lovely chef in the kitchen:
Dessert was cupcakes from Dots:
The first baby shower game was measuring Lizet’s belly. I love her stance; she was ready to be measured and according to her, anyone who guessed too large would have to immediately leave the premises.
For the second game, everyone had to draw their own version of Lizet’s future baby…but on top of their heads on a paper plate! Some were a bit abstract while some closely resembled a baby. There were a lot of laughs as Lizet went through each image. I especially like how Lizet’s sister drew a baby farting since Lizet’s nickname is Stinky.
I love the expression on Lizet’s face in these two pictures. The first one has her holding up cute yellow shorts while the second one shows a look of shock when she heard how many diapers a baby could potentially go through in one day.
A miracle. That’s the only way I can describe it. The first time I felt Isabella kick and move, it was amazing. To think there was this tiny individual growing in the safety of Melissa’s cocoon was simply unbelievable. What made it even more special was the look on Melissa’s face as she would gently place her hands on her belly and talk to Isabella. Isabella always loved the touch of her mother’s hands and whenever anyone else would try to feel a hand or foot, Isabella would quickly shy away and Melissa would fondly call her a stinker.
And then there was Jason’s Facebook post: This is it. And all of a sudden, after much anticipation, Isabella arrived. Friends frantically posted up comments and well wishes during the delivery. Jason had pictures posted of Isabella within ten minutes of an adorable, yawning baby girl. From everyone, there was instantaneous love for little Isabella. Personally, I just adored her from the pictures – and could not wait to meet her.
A day before her one-week birthday, Taro and I had the chance to visit the new parents and Isabella. I have never seen a newborn baby before and the minute I laid eyes on Isabella, I fell in love. In between sleep and being awake, Isabella yawned, smiled, made a “kissy” face (as Melissa calls it), and even made cute, funny sounds (that sound you make when you pout her lips and blow air out). What I loved even more was how Melissa looked at Isabella with unconditional love – cradling her closely in her arms, talking to Isabella, and just showing how powerful a mother-daughter bond is. Jason, too, has that glow – the proud father, the one who is going to protect his daughter, but obviously shower her with hugs and kisses.
Taro and I cannot wait to shower Isabella with love and are proud to be her auntie and uncle. Congratulations, again, Jason and Melissa! Isabella is a beautiful girl and we cannot wait to watch her grow!
Isabella in Grandma’s arms:
Isabella with Mommy:
The happy family:
The little angel:
Daniel is one of Taro’s childhood friends and I was fortunate to witness his marriage to Darbi. I remember their wedding ceremony like it was yesterday – the giant smile on Darbi’s face, her offering Daniel a tissue when it looked like he might shed a tear during the ceremony, the funny, sentimental speech made by Daniel’s brother, the gorgeous attire during the lion dance performance and the anticipation and silence as the performers jumped on each others’ shoulders, and just the overall excitement that two individuals found in each other. Darbi is Daniel’s perfect match, his “little elf” as his brother described her.
So it was very exciting news when Taro and I found out that Darbi was pregnant. We learned this news at Paul’s wedding in June 2009. Before Daniel said anything, I happened to notice that Darbi was fondly resting her hands on her belly, occasionally rubbing it ever so gently. I did not want to say anything just because it could have been a multitude of things. What if she just was not feeling good? But there was this look – that look of contained excitement (in order not to draw attention to herself), protection, and unconditional love. And then they announced it to us and I said, “I had a feeling, but didn’t want to say!” When I explained what I noticed, I could see the giddiness come out in the couple.
What was even more exciting than hearing the news was the birth and arrival of Daphni. Pictures were posted online and friends commented on the little bundle of joy. So before I even met this baby girl in person, I watched her grow within the first month through photos. I could not wait to meet her and when I finally did, she looked just as adorable as in the pictures.
At the one month party, Daphni was fascinated by the lights and people, observing everything around her and even falling asleep in the arms and shoulders of family and friends. She is definitely something special. Congratulations, Daniel and Darbi! Taro and I are excited for the two of you and we cannot wait to watch Daphni grow into a beautiful, young woman.
You can see the love in Darbi’s face when she looks at her baby girl. It is just too precious!
Pictures of Daphni with her daddy:
I was able to reconnect with Tina, a friend from the days when we were lifeguards at Barnes Park in Monterey Park, at Daniel and Darbi’s wedding. At the wedding, her daughter was still in a stroller and now, she, aka “Frog,” is a little girl. She is adorable!
One last shot of the birthday girl, happily falling asleep:
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