The Royal Wedding

I woke up to feed the baby at 5:45 this morning and was thrilled to see live coverage of the royal wedding. It was magical and so romantic in its dignity and traditional honor. Kate Middleton did her own makeup on her wedding day. I admire her integrity in that she wanted to most closely resemble herself on her wedding as the girl Prince William fell in love with.



I was more of a traditional bride on my big day. I was not over the top nor was I too simple. I felt like a princess adorned in my hand-sown veil and satin white gown.



I went for simple elegance and remained emphatic yet poised throughout the nuptial mass service and evening reception. My hair was down with loose curls and partly pulled back. I wanted to look like myself and not terribly made up. I did have a talented makeup artist for my wedding day. She was the best in her craft. She created a naturally flawless look accentuating my facial features. She did an incredible job complementing what God gave me. I have never felt more beautiful than on my wedding day. That’s how every bride should feel on her wedding day. Whether royalty or not, every blushing bride is a princess bride.

The only two things that we did that strayed away from the conventional were the father-daughter dance and our surprise tribute to our friends and family. Again our wedding day was such a joyous occasion. We partied the night away and put on a show for our beloved in attendance. We created a moment both my husband and I will forever remember and hopefully for those who were there will also never forget.





Now please don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to compare myself to the incomparable Kate Middleton, but I wanted to share just how special simple elegance can be for a blushing bride on her big day. To you ladies who are about to be married, I believe you will look your best by looking most like your everyday beautiful selves. Basque in the honorable beauty embodied in the nuptial ceremony. Remain poised and confident throughout. After all is said and done, you will look back truly cherishing every fleeting moment when all eyes are on you and yours will be on the perfect man you're going to marry.

Peace be with you

In her Lenten devotional blog post, my dear friend reminded me of a simple and necessary effort. How sweet and simple it is that we share peace with those that we love. During mass, the congregation spreads peace to each other prior to receiving the Holy Eucharist. With a neighborly handshake, we greet our friends, families and nearby strangers warmly by expressing, “peace be with you.”

Mass is a time of prayerful meditation for me. During mass, I am most peaceful in mind and in my heart. Although I conjure up my troubles and temptations or joys and praises, my soul is uplifted knowing that His house is my peaceful sanctuary. I talk to God anytime and everyday but of course, it’s so different while kneeling in my pew.

I realize the necessity of peaceful acceptance with the hand I’ve been dealt. Peace can come in the form of accepting my current life situation. It can also come in the form of accepting a broken relationship. But I feel the most rewarding and daunting attempt could be peace in the form of forgiveness.

Sharing peace with others can be a silent effort in your heart when lifted up in prayer. Only God knows what’s truly in your heart when it comes to others. Only God will judge your true intentions and knowing this, I’m reminded of the power of prayer. I keep telling myself that prayer doesn’t change God’s perfect plan. Prayer changes me.

I’ve recently come face to face with former friends. As a result of past mistakes made between myself and another guilty party, certain people have publicly and privately turned their backs on our friendship in one way or another. It was bound to happen that these former friends and I would one day meet again. To my surprise, our anticipated reunion was completely peaceful. I didn’t get the silent treatment and thankfully it wasn’t too awkward. I somehow found it in me to genuinely smile and lovingly embrace a particular individual despite the reality we now face of no longer being “friends.”

Although I was the one who initiated communication after so many months of creative avoidance, I believe the peace I found in my heart to approach her was God working His way in and through me. God’s perfect plan was to let each of us go our separate ways despite that pride was the overriding reason. But my prayers to Him helped me change who I once was towards her. The encounter could have been dramatic and unproductive if we let prideful unrest get the best of it. But again, I dug deep within my soul to offer peace despite the past. For me, this peace was beautiful and transcendent. In this peace, I found acceptance of our current friendship status (or lack thereof). In this acceptance I found closure and contentment.
At this point I would have it no other way, and I praise God for how it all turned out in the end.

As I sit and think about friends who have come and gone and those who have withstood the test of time, to each of them I bring peace. As I would do in church, I offer each of them peace in the silent form of prayer, acceptance and forgiveness for whatever will be will be.

“Peace I give to you, my friends…my friends
And I will love you ‘til the end.”

I'm a mom!

I haven’t posted an entry in quite some time. Obviously, I’ve had much bigger priorities on my plate. I’m blessed to share that Isaac Neil Ignacio was born on Monday, Feb. 14th at 3pm. Isaac was born at a healthy weight of 8lbs 12 oz. He’s a big beautiful baby boy!



Scheduling a last-minute cesarean delivery definitely had its tradeoffs. It’s remarkable to realize my amazing doctor safely delivered my baby in about 15minutes. But recovery has been slow and at times quite painful. I am forever grateful to God for giving me my helpful family and friends and my ever so helpful husband. He definitely played Mr. Mom while I lay helplessly in bed for the first few weeks after bringing home baby. My husband went above and beyond in every aspect for mom and baby.



My baby boy is nearly 7 weeks old and I still pinch myself every time I look at him. Am I really a mom? Am I really his mom? Is this beautiful baby really mine? Motherhood is quite a concept to fathom. I praise God for the motherly instincts He designed to kick in on demand. I never knew I had it in me to be a mom, but I apparently was cut out for this amazing gig.

But I must admit that while it’s been heavenly bliss raising this baby, I’ve had my tumultuous spats of postpartum depression. It’s hard to admit this, but there were times I was completely miserable, angry, frustrated and helpless when it came to sustaining the life of my newborn. I am going on seven weeks of breastfeeding. The first three weeks were absolute hell. Bloody scabs, a fever coupled with an infection welcomed me to the wonderful world of breastfeeding. Not to mention, I was recovering from major surgery. The first few weeks were the biggest challenge I have ever faced physically and emotionally.

Although my husband and I were ecstatic to have this healthy baby, we got into some of the most vicious arguments. My postpartum depression involved emotionally berating my husband with hurtful words. Each time he lovingly tried to pacify my frustrations, I became enraged. In one particular instance, he attempted to calm me down with good intention. He said, “We’re in this together.” I lashed out hatefully saying, “No, I’m all by myself on this!”

That retort crushed my husband. To him, it was demeaning, hurtful and made him feel like a useless counterpart in our early stages of parenthood. Sadly, I meant to hurt him because at that intense moment I truly felt ALONE. He had no idea what it was like to nurse a child while recovering from surgery while managing heightened emotions. My self-inflicted negativity brought about jealousy and envy towards my beloved husband. I was so jealous that he didn’t have to go through the torture of child birth and breastfeeding. I was so jealous that it was only me feeling the agonizing pain after my body had been surgically mangled to bring about this new life. I was so jealous that he didn’t have to go through anything physically and that he could do nothing to take the pain away. I was a jealous beast…and although I could completely blame it on postpartum depression, there truly was more to it.

Being the strong Christian believer that he is, my husband would routinely remind me that every postpartum internal conflict I lost was another victory for the evil one. He made me realize that postpartum depression is not clinical…it’s spiritual. He believes these symptoms were a psychosomatic manifestation of a spiritual battle. He would remind me not to let the devil in…not to let the devil win.

Did I listen? Not at first. It was hard to. I was in too much pain to get out of my heart and into my head. But as humility would demand of me, I had to deny everything negative about each conflict. I didn’t want to constantly face defeat for the sake of my marriage and for the sake of my precious baby. When I felt distressed, the baby could feel my stress. I hated that. So I decided to forcefully shake off the postpartum depression symptoms as best as I could. I’m only human so naturally I would weaken here and there. But it took everything in me (along with my God-fearing husband) to realize that I wasn’t fighting myself on this…I was fighting the lesser of powers, aka, the evil one. Note to self -- it’s spiritual, not personal.

Now after nearly seven weeks of being a mom, things have truly taken a turn for the better. I’m excited to share that both baby and I have mastered breastfeeding and it’s virtually painless. Yes, there is hope for you soon-to-be-breastfeeding moms out there!

It’s amazing what patience, persistence and most importantly, prayer can miraculously do. I do still experience fleeting moments of sadness or negativity. But in these times, I’m now better equipped to face the struggle. Each time I look down at Isaac’s beautiful face, I’m reminded that it’s all totally worth it. Pardon the euphemism, but I believe the juice is definitely worth the squeeze. I love being a mom and am reassured that this most amazing gig is meant for me.

The home stretch

For those who may be curious, I’ll take this moment to fill you in on my progress now that I’m one day away from my estimated due date. Yesterday was my weekly check up with my OB/GYN. For whatever reason, I had high blood pressure and was ordered to get additional blood work done along with a sonogram. The doc needed reassurance that I was okay health-wise and that this baby boy wasn’t much bigger than what she had expected. Praise God, my blood work came back perfectly normal and my high blood pressure dropped dramatically after some rest and relaxation in Triage. The sonogram estimated Baby Isaac to weigh in at 8lbs 5oz…he’s a big boy!

Although I’m nearly 40 weeks in, this baby has not engaged himself for birth…at all! He’s still “way up high” but constantly kicks mommy like he insists on coming out. So what can we conclude from all this? He wants to come out but there’s not much room for him to make his big entrance.

Before leaving the hospital, I was told to pray and discuss my options with my husband and my mom, who is an RN and has the skinny on these types of medical predicaments. After a lot of talking and prayers lifted up for baby and me, I have decided to schedule an elective Cesarean on Valentine’s Day. Not only is my gut telling me to opt for a C-section, but it really is what’s best for baby.

But I must admit, I always dreamed of having my first child by experiencing all of the joys and pain accompanied by full-fledged labor and delivery. I envisioned enduring a 17-hour labor after public humiliation when my water breaks at the mall. I always thought I would have a “normal” delivery since I’ve been blessed with a “healthy” pregnancy from start until now. But God has other plans and I’m left to accept what is best for baby although it’s not my most favored option.

All in all, the outcome will be the same. My husband and I will finally get to meet our little (big) boy in a few days and we’ll finally get to try our hand in parenting. It’s crazy to think I’m going to be a mommy very soon. All I ask are for your prayers and to stay tuned for more as the rest of this exciting story unfolds…

Six-Word Memoir

A few days ago, Our Daily Bread Devotional referenced SMITH magazine, an online community that “celebrates the joy of storytelling.” SMITH asked their readers to write six-word memoirs to best capture their lives. They received thousands of responses with 6-word stories ranging from light-hearted comments like “Sweet wife, good sons—I’m rich” to the more brutal “Sixty. Still haven’t forgiven my parents.”

What is your 6-word memoir on your life? Mine would be one of the following:
- Truly blessed – couldn’t ask for more.
- Personal mistakes yield great lessons learned.
- My God made all this possible.

It’s now February and it’s crazy to think we’re going to have a baby in a matter of weeks…or maybe even in a matter of days! We’ve been so blessed over the course of this pregnancy, and I’m forever grateful to have such a healthy experience these past 9months. But I’m doing my best to look past the 45+ pounds I’ve gained and all of the water retention that makes me look like a bloated pregnant lady so soon to pop.



I just wanted to take the time to thank the special people who helped make all of our three memorable and enjoyable baby showers such a success. My husband and I have enjoyed three consecutive baby showers in the past three weeks. I have never eaten so much cake in such a short amount of time…but hey, I ain’t complaining.







Thanks also to everyone who showered us with such great baby gifts. Isaac is truly well equipped with the essentials and has more adorable outfits than I can keep up with. What I will remember most from all of these baby showers is the effort that everyone put into making each event a special one for us and for our guests. Many thanks to you all very special people in our lives. We feel so blessed to have your love and support. Thanks for everything! As in my 6-word memoir and thanks to you all I feel, “truly blessed – couldn’t ask for more."

A new way to start my day

I attended an all-day MK educational/work event yesterday. With a fresh start to a new year, I’ve been encouraged to experiment with my daily walk with God. I now want to make little tweaks to my daily routine to positively affect my livelihood in a HUGE way.

Although my husband and I have disciplined ourselves to include daily devotionals a part of our lives, I want my own discipline for me. My MK director encouraged me to wake up each morning thanking God for 10 blessings in my life. Yesterday, I wrote out a simple list of 10 things I’m grateful for, whether they’re material, spiritual or just personal items, I was sure to list them. My list of thanks included the following (in no particular rank or order):
1. My husband
2. My spiritual life
3. My spiritual wisdom
4. Our house
5. Our car
6. Our puppies
7. The health of our pregnancy
8. Our friends
9. Our family
10. My overall great life

It took only seconds to think of 10 things to be grateful for at that moment. My New Year’s resolution is to start off the day with a positive attitude so I can always expect great things to come. I have it in me to be the infectious positive influence to those around me. I could never see myself as being the killjoy in the group. I want to leave any room satisfied knowing that I may have brightened up someone’s day by just being happy and grateful for the blessings in my life. I have the wisdom to know that in order to start my day with “positive expectancy,” I must start from a place of gratitude. As Ed Young Jr., the emphatic preacher at Fellowship Church in Grapevine, TX suggests, I too strongly believe negative people are smaller than positive people in the grand scheme of things. But sometimes there are those influential people in our lives who seem to bring the cloud of darkness into every situation.

For instance, there was someone who was once a part of my church and social life. Although she’s been blessed with beauty, talent, creativity and outgoing charm, she seems to ALWAYS be miserable. Every time she walks into a room, instead of cheerfully greeting those she’s around, she dumps her ongoing struggles and problems. She can’t just be happy, and I can’t understand it. Every sigh she releases is one of frustration, disappointment and/or disgust with all things or people in her life. It’s as if her mission is to bring the storm rather than infect people with positivity. I wish I had the guts to ask her, why would you want to be the negative interruption in people’s lives? If you really care and love those around you, why dump your problems and frustrations on them? Does that show that you truly care and love them?

As my MK director so beautifully stated, “When you want more, you must be grateful for where you are now.” Positive expectancy is an area of attitude change that brings about abundance in life. We all want more and I’m sure we all feel we deserve more in our own right. Some of us work towards achieving more by surrounding ourselves with people who think bigger than us. Others surround themselves with people they aspire to one day be like. Purposely surrounding yourself in positively influential surroundings is a means of striving for positive expectancy, I believe. As I’ve stated in a previous blog post back on July 12, 2010, we are where we are by the choices we make. Why not choose to be positive? Why not be the person that infects positivity that leaves a lasting impression? It’s totally do-able, but only if we choose to be happy for where we currently are and purposely begin from a place of gratitude. Would you agree that we all have so many things to be thankful for?

But it’s so much easier said than done. In fact, this morning I already began complaining with my fears and worries about bringing home baby. We have our marriage and careers, 3 dogs and a house to care for. It’s daunting to think about juggling these while trying to figure out how to raise a child. I’m plagued with doubts… how am I ever going to learn how to care for this baby when I’ve got 3 yapping pups and other important priorities surrounding me? It’s hard enough at the beginning…but I’ve already set expectations that it’s going to be a nightmare at first. So what if it is? I’m a strong woman blessed with a huge support system. There is no reason I should dread how hard the first few weeks with baby could potentially be. Envisioning the stress and frustration at this point already negates my intention to live by positive expectancy. Why can’t I just expect that God will guide me as I find a way and make a way?

It’s so much easier said than done! But at this point, all I can do is trust that through my faith in the Lord and by positively expecting things could actually work out for the better, already my attitude can bring about a HUGE change in me. Coming from a place of gratitude for my support system and faith will set me up for living each day with positive expectancy. As I’ve stated in the beginning of this long post, that’s exactly my point!

Six more weeks to go!

Not only is it hard to believe that it’s now 2011, but it’s surreal to know I have just six more weeks to go in my pregnancy. Baby Isaac is due mid-February, and I love telling people I will have a baby next month! I don’t know what feeling overwhelms me more – excitement or absolute terror. Anyone who knows me is familiar with my rather low threshold for pain. How am I ever going to pop out a baby? But on the flip side, all I can think about is bringing a new life into this world. I can’t wait to see my husband as a father. I can’t wait to meet my baby boy for the first time. Already this baby is so loved. We’re all so eager to finally meet him.

I must admit, it makes my day when strangers congratulate me on my baby bump or receiving special treatment from passersby everywhere I go. Clearly, it’s hard for me to do simple things on my own. There have been so many nice people along the way who offer a hand to a pregnant woman on her feet. I get so tickled when people take notice of me noticing other toddlers from a distance. I’ve even had some businessman at Starbucks ask me if I’m ready for what’s ahead after watching me watch a mom with her baby boy.

Just before New Year’s my husband and I ate at our neighborhood Cheddars – I had a specific craving. In the parking lot, we both went gaga over this precious little girl who had to be 3 or 4 years old. She was too adorable for words. She was a spunky one. Funny enough, her family was seated directly across from us. Each time I could secretly admire her lovable spirit, I’d glance over to see her enjoying her food.

Just after we paid our bill, we got up from the table to leave and I noticed as I stood up, the little girl looked directly at me as if she’d been trying to get my attention. When she noticed that I noticed her, she gave me the biggest, warmest smile I’ve ever seen. This precious little girl completely made by day by flashing such a beautiful and genuine smile. My husband noticed and as we exited the restaurant, he leaned over to me and said, “Well that was the cutest thing ever!”

She warmed my heart and another fleeting moment overwhelmed my soul. Once again, I couldn’t wait to be a mommy. She was just so precious and so full of energy. I appreciated how she didn’t shy away when I smiled back. In fact, she just smiled bigger! It was a nice way to end the evening and I know I’ll never forget the way that little one warmed my heart so. Man…I’m SO ready to have this baby!