The day before Christmas started off with a very pleasant surprise with a visit from our very good friend, Bong Mendoza. We know Tito Bong through my brother, Tito Nico and through the years he has pretty much become a part of our extended family.
Here's Tito Bong carrying Little Nio. We asked our son to point to the moon, and he unerringly pointed straight up instead of the shiny shaved head of our gentle friend.
Out on the street in front of our house, the neighbor's dogs are barking furiously at our son. Much to my surprise Little Nio didn't jump back in fright or surprise, but balls his tiny hands into little fists and stands his ground with a serious face. Even though the dogs were safely behind a closed gate, I was still very proud to see first hand that our son has a naturally courageous streak in him. Something to be developed and guided properly as he grows up.
Getting ready for Christmas Eve mass, Little Nio and his Mommy feign surprised expressions when I jump out to snap this photo. Too funny. These two characters are really something else.
My wife, Kanittha, posing with my younger brother's girlfriend, Tita Jocelyn. I am very glad that they have become such good friends. We are expecting Tito Nico and Tita Jocelyn to visit us in April 2009, when we can all celebrate Songkran together. We are really looking forward to this visit and plan to make it very special for all of us.
Back from Christmas Eve mass and almost ready to start our Noche Buena, Christmas Eve traditional family dinner. Here I am seated behind our niece, Sofia (who is the daughter of Tito Louie and Tita Tessa) and Little Nio who is munching contentedly on an ice cream cone, sans the ice cream.
Crowding together on the family room couch, from left-to-right, my wife Kanittha, our niece Ate Sofia, our son Little Nio, and his older cousin Kuya Jose (eldest son of Tito Louie and Tita Tessa). Not sure what's with the raised fist, but it could be some kind of gang sign.
A rare family photograph, but Little Nio is more interested in the television show rather than preserving the moment for posterity.
Time to open our Christmas presents! Here's Little Nio opening up the gift from Tita Jocelyn and Tito Nico — a wonderful Starbucks "Bearista" bear dressed up in a cap and blazer and waving a flag with "Philippines" written on it. His Mommy promptly named this new stuffed toy "Billy Bear", to compliment his other favorite named "Barry Bear".
Little Nio received so many wonderful toys and gifts, with so many mini-basketballs and little toy trucks, and all sorts of puzzles from Lolo Jun and some beautiful books from Lola Nene. He received a wonderful bowling set from Tita Via, an awesome pop-up book from Lolo Mon and Lola Charing, personalized stuffed letters from Tito Louie and Tita Tessa... and so much more.
Lolo Jun looks on and watches everyone opening up their gifts.
From left-to-right, Kuya Jose and his father, Tito Louie, and seated on the couch is his mother, Tita Tessa.
DAY SIX
It's Christmas Day! Merry Christmas everyone!
Tita Via, my elder sister, came to visit and have Christmas breakfast with us. Right after breakfast she made sure to spend time and give Little Nio some special instructions on how to bowl.
Here they on the rug of the common room playing bowling, from left-to-right, Tita Via, Little Nio and his Mommy.
Time to take a quick power nap with Lolo Jun on the big bed. Little Nio didn't quite get to sleep, but it was a great chance to spend some quiet time with his grandfather.
Posing with a papaya that's as big as his head — Little Nio on center, flanked by his Lolo Jun on the left, and his Lola Nene on the right. Not sure why they are posing with fresh fruit in the first place, but it does make for an interesting and unusual photo. Charming, in a slightly fruity way.
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