Big Sister Gift Bag

 

As the day draws near for the arrival of Baby2, I find myself feeling more emotional and nostalgic about Eliana being an only child. I tend to indulge her more in things I wouldn't have before and just letting both of us savor every moment before she becomes a big sister and I become mommy of two. That means lots of extra kisses and hugs and mommy and me time which these days involves lots of rubbing and poking of mommy's belly :)

I can surely say I didn't know I would have all these feelings about transitioning to two kids, needless to say you don't always know what to expect along the way

 I know Eliana will be a good big sister and all I can do is involve her as much as possible so she doesn't feel left out. So when baby comes, he/she will come with gifts for big sister which she is already looking forward to. She got a couple of early deliveries from baby already so she is excited to get the rest of her gifts when baby arrives.

I originally wasn't planning on packing a gift bag for big sister but after the baby shower I knew I had to. While opening the gifts for baby, Eliana was there and as we opened each gift bag or box she asked if it was for her.  Since her birthday just passed not too long after the shower and she received her birthday gifts, she now understands the concept of gifts; and since my birthday, she now understands the concept of surprise gift.

Thankfully in all the gifts we received during the shower, a co-worker of mine was nice and thoughtful enough to get Eliana a gift as well. When we finally got to open her gift, she was beyond excited and said “I want more”...bahaha.  Seeing her reaction to being somewhat included in all the 'it's for baby' remarks. I decided it will be nice to pack her a little gift bag to present to her from her baby brother or sister when he/she arrives.

She received some of these already as we prepare her for her duties as a big sister.

Here are some the things I'm including in her gift bag.

 Big sister shirt. because every big sister needs one. 

An everyday wear necklace. She's always ask for one when I’m putting my on. She has a pearl set that I only let her wear on outings. Yes, she is a girly girl. She loves to paint her nails and pink is her favorite color.

New sunglasses. She loves her glasses but as you can image they don’t last long. I found these ones at Walmart on sale and decided to get her two new pairs. 

A couple of books on being a big sister. Early deliveries.

New pairs of socks.

A wrist watch, same idea as the necklace. She pretty much wants her own version of everything I have so this is something else she’s been asking for. Since we’ve being declared the Peppa Pig family by Eliana of course, this is more than idea. 

Chances are these pieces won’t last too long before they get broken or misplaced so I went for very basis options that I won’t lose sleep over if she breaks or lose.

A new handbag because She likes to put all her “stuff” in her bag, as much as she can fit in there. These include things like her toy phone, glasses, markers, scissor, school/church projects and other random stuff she thinks she needs for the day. The one she currently uses we got for her on our last visit to the Bahamas so I figured I'll get her a more fashionable one.

And lastly, couple of cold weather necessities such as hats, gloves and ear muffs that will go perfectly well with her new winter Jacket. 

The thought was to get her basic things she can use everyday and things she need and wants while keeping the cost down and I think all these goodies check that box and will put a smile on her face.

I’m pretty sure she’ll love Baby2 for bringing her all these gifts and I can not wait for them to meet.

Letter to My 3 Years Old Sweet Eliana

 

As usual, better late than never. Here’s my note to you at 3!

Oh my sweet girl. You are growing right before my eyes and I am thankful every day for you and for the joy and happiness you bring into our family every single day.

I am glad to report we did not experience the "terrible two", but rather, we had a season of wonderful two's. Let's just hope I didn't just jinx it.

The road to three was a fun filled and pleasant one with lots of learning along the way.

So, as a 3 years old,...

You love to read. No matter how tired or late you end up going to bed, because those days do happen, you still pick a story for the night before you get in your bed and would not fall asleep till you hear "the end".

You have no problem sleeping in your own room. I was a little worried transitioning from the apartment where you pretty much always ended up in bed with us to going back to your own room at the new house, but you had no issues with that. Needless to say, you love your big girl room and bed, and your space.
 
You can say your nightly prayers, praying for everyone from mom, dad and baby, to grandmas and grandpas, to aunties and uncles, and your friends and teachers by name.

You love doing gymnastic and ballet move. At least that’s what you call the moves. When you start somersaulting across the room, you call that gymnastic and when you twirl and try to stand on foot to spin, you call that "ballerina", both are pretty accurate. That's a cue for me to find you ballet or gymnastic class. I promise, I'm working on it, just waiting on your baby sister or brother to get here so we can get adjusted to our new schedule before we take on anymore commitments.

You love to help, you always have and when we don't allow you to, you get sad. Can't wait to utilize that helpful nature of yours when baby gets here.

You think you're getting and wants a baby sister even though we don't know yet. Telling you it might be a baby brother upsets you, but I’m sure in the end you’ll be a great big sister and will love your little baby regardless.

You love riding your bicycle, anytime, anywhere.

You want to put a bandage on any little boo boo, even when it's non-existence.

Every kid, big or small on the street is your friend.

You love the camera, when you're in the mood. You already have your signature pose. No doubt you picked that up from mommy.

You don't like being called baby anymore in any context, because according to you, you are now a "big girl" or a "big sister big girl".

You are very independent. A common theme since you were a baby. These days you just tell me "I'll do it myself" and refuse to let us help you with most things.

You are curious and asks why like a million times a day.

You love to play outside, as it has always being the case. If allowed, you’ll be on the playground all day. When I arrive to pick you up too early from daycare and you are about to go outside or just stepped out, you get upset and cry. Weather permitting, mommy ends up taking you to the playground when we get home.

You are finally overcoming your fear of the swing. You stay on without screaming like you used to and say “mommy push me a little”. The slide is still your favorite activity to do at Park / playground.

You now eat candy. I honestly do not know how that happened but you do and will ask for it when we got on the supermarket like you like to call it.

You prefer water over juice and you only like apple juice.

You love smoothie and you're still a picky eater, sticking to your regulars.

You're learning all about shapes and colors (pink is your favorite and I think purple comes in second), ABC’s and 123’s and getting better each day.

Eliana we love you so much and my prayer for you in this new year of your life is that you continue to grow in the wisdom of God and under the shadow of the Almighty. The road to Four is going to be filled with even more adventure and I pray for God’s protection and guidance along the way. Just always remember you are beautiful inside and out, you’re unique and wonderfully made and God has great plans for your life.

With love, my precious first born Sweet Eliana

All Skirts and Bows/Head wrap by EliFab Accessories

Blush Birthday

Hi Loves!

Happy Birthday to me!

So since my actual birthday falls on a Tuesday this year, we spent the weekend doing some early birthday celebration and hope to continue through this coming weekend!

As I look back through the years, I have truly been blessed beyond measures and I'm grateful for all God has blessed me with, most especially my little family that keeps growing. 

God has been good to me in many ways than I can re-count and for that I am eternally grateful.

So this year I celebrate not just me but also hubby and Eliana and the little one that is about to join us. I celebrate where I am now and and where I am going. I celebrate my sister, parents and friends for  their help, support and impact in one way or the other.

Cheers to the beginning of a new year !

Cant' help the thought of the big 3-0 getting closer and closer :)

Here's my look for a birthday dinner date with hubby. Comfy as can be at this stage of pregnancy. This dress is actually the first and only maternity clothing piece I bought during this pregnancy and that's because I know / hope it will fit just fine post baby. Temperatures are dropping but not low enough to warrant a real Jacket at least not here in NC so I opted for this waterfall sleeveless vest  for some warmth and finished off with my pointed pink spike-heeled flat and a cross-body bag.

Hope you're having a great day.

Talk to you soon!

Dress: Asos Maternity In Blue & Nude

Vest: Boohoo

Shoes: Nordstrom (try this here)

Bag: Zara (old, similar here & here) 

Bag poms: T.J.Maxx (similar here in Maroon, Mauve, Burgundy & 6 other colors)