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Simbang Gabi

I've been fighting the urge to doze off for the last couple of hours. I got up really early this morning to attend the first day of Simbang Gabi. Yep...I know you might be wondering why it's called Simbang Gabi when in fact it's in the morning. Don't know the answer to that. But maybe this website will help: http://www.globalpinoy.com/xmas_trivia/simbanggabi.php Anyway....

It's been 6 years since I've attended Simbang Gabi. I remember my dad used to wake us up and go to mass starting on December 16. Simbang Gabi lasts for nine consecutive days culminating with the midnight mass held on the eve of Christmas Day. Some people back home believe that when you complete the Simbang Gabi, you could make a wish and it will come true.

For the last couple of days, I have been planning on going. I was supposed to call the church on Thursday to find out what time the service will be. I have been busy and I completely forgot. So I was thinking that since there were a lot of Filipinos in the area that we live in, the church might follow the tradition back in the Philippines that mass was held early morning about 5:00 am or so (sometimes it was as early as 4:30 am). Because of this I decided to set the alarm to go off at 4:45 am. Kids were sleeping as with the hubby so I went by myself. Can't believe that I'm actually doing this without anyone telling me to. Back when I was younger, I had only done this because my dad wanted me to. My heart wasn't in it nor was my mind. Sure, I prayed a little but that was it. I probably was just looking forward to buying "puto bungbong" after the mass. Now that I'm older (and hopefully a little wiser!) it's different.

I am what some people might call "mababaw ang luha". So when the choir started to sing Tagalog Christmas Carols, couldn't help but get tears in my eyes. Of course I pretended I was yawning para hindi naman halata. I miss my family back home. How I wish we could just get up and leave at a moments notice. Sadly, it's not that easy.

Eight days to go....see you at 5:30!

Back to Reality

Maternity leave is over! After 2 months at home with my new baby I'm back at work as of yesterday. How I wish I had more time to spend with Kathleen but I have to go back to work. Good thing is my boss lets me bring her to work until my mother-in-law arrives on December 23. So while I'm being trained on the new job I'll be doing, baby is comfortably cradled in my arms listening and looking around. Or if I'm lucky she's sound asleep in her stroller.

Oh well, at least I still get to spend the day with her. In a few weeks' time, I'll only get to be with her at night. And by the time I get home she'll be sleeping. I hope I will be there when she says her first word or takes her first step....the usual milestones in a baby's life.

So for expectant mother's out there, enjoy every moment with your baby. Time goes by so fast and before you know it they're not babies anymore.