[Zei the MOM] Zia's (first) solid experience

This day in particular is blog-worthy. Today Zia ate her first solid food. I was really planning to make her pureed avocado or banana, but I had to give her Cerelac as ordered by her pedia. So the Dr. Brown's simple puree handheld blender I bought will have to wait for a month. Zia's pedia said to start her with rice cereal first (read: Cerelac or Lugaw) so that's what we gave her this morning. Looks like she liked it. I didn't have any discouraging moments (which I was actually prepared for). She took it in stride and seemed to like her first meeting with the spoon.

Oh, and of course, we had to get her camera ready for the momentous occasion. Thanks to her go-to pretty bow from http://www.celestinaandco.multiply.com/ and her cool statement bib from http://www.inthecrib.multiply.com/ Zia looked every bit cute for her morning meal.

Looks interesting =p

Hmm... interesting! This is different.

I think I'm getting the hang of it mommy and daddy!

I think I like it! Tomorrow again please. =)

[Zei the charmed one] Weekends are heaven sent

Weekends with this little girl make me wish weekends don't end.
I love how I have time to play dress up with Zia during the weekends.



Weekends = Happy, Wacky and quality family time

I've always loved weekends. Back then, circa life without a husband and a baby, weekends used to mean going to the mall, shopping, eating out and just hanging around people I love (but really, more of going to the mall), but now, weekends seem to be more special. Wanna know why? Well, because it means two straight days of spending quality time with my favorite people in the world a.k.a the two loves of my life.

Do you agree, weekends are heaven sent? =) I'm pretty sure you do. =)

[Zei the MOM] She's got mommy's smile

I've always wanted to have a mini-me, but when Zia was born and everyone was saying she looked more like her daddy I didn't mind any of it - when she arrived, all I wanted was for our daughter to be a happy baby - never mind if she looked more like me or Rich.

Today, at a little over 6 months, it seems like I have a mini-me. Zia is reminding me of myself more and more as each day passes. But the more important thing is, our daughter is a happy baby. Just look at her smile, which she got, most evidently, from (ahem) me! Although beyond the big smile, my wish and prayer is that she would get my optimism and happy disposition when she grows up. You see, those who know me always say I'm an optimistic person and I've always been a happy and cheerful person. I guess my main point is that I hope Zia sees life the way I see it, with a positive outlook - that each waking moment is a blessing and that each day is a reason to be thankful.

The good thing is, I (together with my husband) have a hand in making Zia see life exactly like that.

Just sharing one of my weekend thoughts. Hope you're all enjoying the weekend as much as I am!

[Zei the charmed one] You gotta have Faith

Photo credit: www.elev8.com

Because today is ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten season, I've decided to reflect on last Sunday's sermon. The gospel last Sunday was about the paralytic man's faith in (the healing power of) Jesus, which is actually very apt for ushering in the Lenten season. Our priest, during his homily, said that when one has faith, everything is different and better, everything is refreshed. And I definitely agree. Despite all the challenges we face in everyday life, somehow, when you have FAITH in our Lord, you still manage to sleep with a light heart and wake up with a feeling that things are bound to get better. I know each one's faith is being tested day by day in different ways, but I also know in my heart of hearts that when you have faith, you have the power to change things.

Here's praying for a blessed Lenten season for everyone.

[Zei the MOM] What I learned after 6 months of being a mom

I've been a mom to our darling baby girl Zia for 6 months today and allow me to share with you what I've learned in half a year about being a mom and being a parent. It's nothing profound and not about the hard fast rules - it's quite simple actually. I've learned that you really won't love anyone else, more than you love your child. That's it. Plain and simple, but true. The other stuff I learn by day - but the unconditional love bit is encompassing.

Disclaimer: The statement in bold doesn't in any way diminish the intensity of love for my husband (whom I love with all my heart). It's just how it is when you become a parent (for me, that is).

This one's for you Steph!

This one's for you Steph! by z-e-i featuring sleeveless cotton shirts

Dion Lee sleeveless cotton shirt
£195 - brownsfashion.com

Quiksilver shirt
$30 - quiksilver.com

Gathered skirt
£23 - topshop.com

Giuseppe Zanotti flat thong sandals
$930 - bergdorfgoodman.com

Audrey Brooke high heel pumps
$60 - dsw.com

Givenchy white scarve
£180 - liberty.co.uk

[Zei on Fashion] Mullet must-haves

L-R: My super friend Vero and I posing with my mullet skirt from www.iheartmatilda and her mullet dress from Una Rosa during the wedding of our kabarkada's sister; my first mullet skirt from Forever21; my halter style mullet dress from www.fashionfruit.multiply.com

Photo from my friend and former colleague Frances of www.ilovestylefix.blogspot.com during Zia's Christening (me showcasing my mullet skirt)

I've always had a lot of skirts, and yes, I've always been a skirt-wearing kind of girl. And right now, my closet is slowly piling up with a couple of these mullet skirts and dresses. I bought my first one last year to wear to Zia's baptism and I've loved it ever since. I like how it billows when you walk and makes you feel regal, girly and carefree at the same time. There are a lot of mullet skirts going around right now. Got mine from Forever21 and 2 from http://www.iheartmatilda.com/ and my mullet halter dresses are from Fashion Fruit (http://www.fashionfruit.multiply.com/).