Big Little Moment #9 Hanging with Babachan

My grandma will be 93 this November!  Boy she has seen it all.  Born in 1918 on the island of Kauai in the year of the Fire Horse, my grandma is a natural born fighter.  When I was growing up, she was tough as nails, but always had awesome stories to tell about her childhood.  My favorites were her ghost stories from the old plantation days. 

I never could understand my grandma's complex personality. She had a pretty sharp tongue and a way of doing things.  But one thing is for sure, she really loves her great-grandchildren.  We call her Babachan now.  Madison got to visit Babachan for the first time on Easter.  It was a joy to watch Babachan stare into Madison's eyes with so much love.  Even after 93 years, Babachan was a pro at carrying babies.  She soothed Madison and put her to sleep.  Don't know how many more years Babachan has, but one thing is for sure, I'm not looking back.  Gone is the tough exterior my grandma always had.  When I gave Madison to Babachan, she held the baby and thought it was me for a little bit.  She caught herself and looked at me and realized I'm no longer a child.  Before we left, Babachan offered a little bit of mommy advice to me, too.

All I know is that I'm looking forward and building new moments with Babachan and the girls. 

Big Little Moment #8 Maya's Miss Hollywood Glasses

Little Miss Maya Bee really is a character.  Maybe it's the fact that she takes after her Grandma V, but Maya loves to dress up and wear her Hollywood shades!  Whenever we go out or if we are just lounging around, Maya MUST wear her glasses.  She'll even wear them upside down and say "peace" for the camera! 

Big Little Moment #7 Flying Home Made Kites

Daddy is really big into kites.  He spends some of his free time perfecting home made kites.  Maya just loves flying them.  We've been taking the girls to the park for some fresh air plus Maya needs to burn off energy by running.  Daddy and Maya fly kites while Mommy runs.  This was Maya's first time flying her kite solo!

Big Little Moment #6 Sisterly Love

Growing up as an only child, I've always wanted a sister.  So far so good with the girls.  Maya loves being a big sister.  When Madison is crying, Maya will tell her, "Baby, don't cry," and she'll put Madison's pacifier in her mouth.  Maya loves to help with diaper changes and she loves giving her sister hugs and kisses.  However, pretty sure things will change once Madison starts taking an interest in Maya's toys.  Gearing up for the cat fights.  Now, Maya just loves getting into mischief to get our attention.  She is one curious little monkey.

BIg Little Moment #5 Maya's First Steps at 10 Months

From the time Maya was in my tummy, she was kicking and dancing around.  She especially loved Lady Gaga!  When she made her big debut, she never stopped kicking and her large, beautiful eyes never missed a thing.  Come to think of it, she rarely slept those first couple of months.  Bernard and I endured countless sleepless nights.  And Maya never looked back.  When she took her first steps at 10 months, Maya discovered a new way of discovering the world.  Now, we're training her to come and stay on command.  :)

Big Little Moments #4 Maya Rehearsal Performance

Maya loves to sing and dance. Anything with a melody or beat, loud or barely audible puts Maya in a dancing mood. She loves playing on the piano or singing into a microphone. Maya really puts on a show when she gets to do both.

Big Little Moment #3 Madison's Big Debut February 10, 2011

Boy did I have a rough pregnancy with Madison.  The only good thing was that I gained only 15 pounds.  Morning sickness, mood swings, fatigue, back pain, leg cramps, you name it; I had it.  Then, Madison came as a big surprise when she decided to bless us one month early!  Two days after our family baby shower, I had contractions all day at work.  I had nothing ready and was totally freaking out.  Most of all, I was worried about Madison being born early.  She was a tiny little thing compared to her big sister Maya.  She spent her first 3 days in the NICU.  We went religiously every 3 hours to feed and cuddle with our Mady Bug.  Madison was so peaceful and calm.  Looking into her beautiful face, I knew God was in control and everything would be okay.  She's now 7 1/2 weeks and growing stronger each day.  She's also not as stubborn as her big sis.  :)

Big Little Moment #2 Maya Bee's Big Debut June 11, 2009

We were so excited for our first born...and a little nervous.  We had no idea what to expect.  I had a really good pregnancy so I expected a smooth delivery.  I was busy getting ready for the labor and delivery, but little did I know about the sleepless nights to come!  Hahahahaha! Maya was a stubborn one to say the least.  I had such a long labor and pushing her out was another story.  I must say it was the most hardest labor intensive thing I've ever done.  They don't call it labor for nothing.  By the time Maya decided to grace us with her presence, we were beat!  Bernard was crying, I was crying, my mom was crying, and Maya never stopped crying....and she's still a stubborn little monkey.

Big Little Moment #1 Our Wedding Day June 29, 2008

Went to a beautiful wedding of a dear friend this past weekend and it brought back so many memories.  I remember as if it were yesterday.  I had no wedding day jitters or butterflies.  I was just so excited to finally be able to spend the rest of my life with Bernard.  It was a beautiful June summer day.  We could not have done it without all of the wonderful friends and family.  I planned the wedding in 6 months since my maid of honor was being deployed.  I've known her all my life and couldn't get married without her by my side.  Funny thing, she even called me from Iraq right when my water broke with Maya!

 

Looking back, all that planning for the big day, it was just the beginning.  We were so excited to start our lives.  We had big plans and we felt like nothing could stop us.  It's been almost 3 years now and we've been together as a couple for 10 years.  We've come so far and we've both grew so much.  We're still striving and still growing.  We still have so many more goals and dreams to accomplish.  Some days are harder than others.  But, we've been so blessed with two beautiful daughters who light up our lives.  Through all the ups and downs, I think back to this day and a sense of peace comes over me.  When I hold B's hand, there's nowhere else I'd rather be.