Holiday Highlights

Dear Aiston:

This was a very special Christmas for us, the first one as a family. It was also the first Christmas in eight years that your Mommy, her brother (Tito Ryan) and her mom and dad (GramLola and Lolo) were with each other to enjoy the festivities.

We went on our first real vacation to Takatuka, a quirky little resort on the island of Negros. We traveled with our very close friends, Grant and Paula, and their kids Charlotte and Connor. This was your first experience on the beach and you weren't quite sure what to think of the sand and the crashing waves. Daddy and I would laugh because you would often do your flamingo pose when the water lapped up to touch your toes or when you were being lowered onto the sand. That way, you'd only have to keep one foot on the wet or prickly stuff. Sometimes, you would let us set you down on a mat while you played with buckets and other sand toys. You loved splashing in the ocean, as long as someone was holding you tight.

Then we celebrated Christmas. 

The 25th and the 29th were full of family and friends and laughs. We ate lots of delicious food and had a beautiful tree with lots of meaningful gifts underneath. Some of your favorite presents you received were a music box from Tito Ryan, stacking cups, balls of all sorts and books galore. Your time with your Mommy's side of the family was precious and everyone loved spending quality time with you. We visited Ayala Triangle Park for the light show, the American Cemetery and Sala Bistro for a New Year's Day brunch. We took walks, sang songs, read books, danced and took many photos. 

We also took a quick trip to Boracay, the Philippines' Number 1 Tourist Destination, a beach known for its powder white sand. We went for a wedding, but squeezed in lots of pool and GramLola time.

You started cruising along the furniture on your feet during the holidays. You also really started interacting with other kids. Before, you would be in close proximity to friends your age, but do your own thing. During the three-week holiday break, you started sharing toys, exchanging pats and babbles and laughing with and at others. It was fun to watch you and Connor socialize on the beach. You switched from formula to whole milk during the vacation, without a problem.

And your favorite books to read continue to be Big Bear, Little Bear by David Bedford and Jane Chapman, and Faces by Mommy.  

Love you and Happy Holidays,

Mommy