Derek's First Christmas!

Derek really enjoyed his first Christmas. He got some really cool gifts and took pictures in front of 3 different Christmas trees. We spent Christmas Eve with my family and Christmas Day with Erica's family, a tradition that has been going on since Erica and I got married. This time we have our little man to celebrate with. The festivities began at our apartment on Christmas. Erica, Derek and I got dressed to go to my brother Jay and his family's house for Christmas with the Buenaventura's. We loaded Erica's car with presents for both families and our luggage for the trip to Delano. With all the stuff in the car, by the time the three of us were inside, Erica's car closely resembled a tightly packed can of sardines. Before we left, we took a photo with our Christmas tree.
As soon as we got to Jay's house, it was dinner time for us(including Derek). Those in attendance were my entire side of the family including my grandma, mom & dad, oldest brother Ron, Jay (he didn't have to work this time around), Joanna, Jalene, Jolene, my mom's sister Auntie Baby and her husband Uncle Boy, my cousins Charm, Sam & Don, and another one of my cousins Katrina. We were also joined by Katrina's mom, Marites and Joanna's mom, Jennifer. Some of the things we ate included turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, ribs, and double chocolate cheesecake. It was like Thanksgiving all over again! Once everyone ate, we gathered around to open presents. Derek opened his first present from his mommy and daddy. We got him a baby block toy with lots of colors (we also got him a bunch of other toys and clothes, but only wrapped this particular toy). Then he opened the rest of his gifts. We opened our gifts too. The rest of the family opened theirs and they were very pleased of the things that we got them. After the gift opening, we took some family photos and other random pics. We left Jay's house at around 10:30 and proceeded to our next destination, Delano.

Before we head on our road trip to Delano, I grabbed a 24 once french vanilla mocha at 7-11. This drink kept me up the entire 4 hour drive and it was only $1.69. I recommend it if you ever need to stay up for a long period of time. During the drive, there was no traffic at all, although I was surprised on how many cars were on the road at around 1:00 AM Christmas Morning. It was raining for a bit of the trip and we finally made it at around 2:30 AM. Derek was knocked out for the majority of the drive and we immediately put him to bed. Erica and I decided to open gifts that we got each other since technically it was Christmas morning. She got me two pairs of shoes($50 each via ebay, which we didn't wrap), a nike beanie and a planner. I got her some Ticori earrings and the Multiple Blessings (Jon & Kate + 8) book. After that, we went to sleep.
On Christmas morning, we gathered around the Sison Christmas tree for part 2 of Derek's first Christmas. Everyone was in attendance including Mom, Dad, Jocelyn, Elaine & Carlito and their kids Xavier, Zachary and Ysabelle, Rick and his kids Kyle, Alethea and James and finally Erica, Derek and I. The first to open gifts was the kids, youngest to oldest. Derek was first to open gifts and then the kids alternated gifts. All of Derek's gifts we're awesome, but the best one was the Excersaucer that Elaine, Carlito & Jocelyn got for him. Then it was the adults' turn. We did if different this year. During Thanksgiving, we picked names for Secret Santa and each adult provided a top five wish list that consisted in which each item had to be at least $100. It went really well and I'll I can say is that everyone was happy on what they got, including Dad. I picked him and Erica and I decided that we should get him an IPOD Nano. It was the perfect gift. He enjoys his new gadget. Erica got some Bare Minerals makeup and face cream. I got an upconverting HD dvd player and an added bonus, a Chargers fossil watch(that wasn't on my list but I admit that I like that one a lot better than the dvd player). Erica got Rick and we got him a Shiatsu back massager. Elaine got a leather brief case/computer bag from Mom. Jocelyn got a Coach bag from Elaine. Carlito received a Flip mini camcorder and finally from Jocelyn. Finally, Mom got Tresor, a perfume set that she was really excited about.

Christmas Shopping & Photos With Susie

Wow I haven't been keeping up. Sorry for the delay on the blog. This past weekend was a mix of fun and accomplishment. We finally wrapped up our Christmas shopping. We we're missing just two more gifts. On Saturday, we drove down south to my old stomping grounds, Westfield's Plaza Bonita Mall. For about three plus years while I was in high school and part of college, I worked at Champs Sports. Over at Plaza, we picked up a few things for ourselves as well as a gift for my mom(can't say what it is just in case she decides to read this). We got a Derek's 1st Christmas ornament with custom engraving from things remembered, some 50% off toys for Derek and games at KB Toys and a picture frame. After our trip from the mall, we headed to Costco to pick up our final gift from our Christmas list (also can't say what we got) and a few groceries. Once we completed our list, we topped off our day by picking up some California Burritos from Cotixan in Chula Vista. Just in case you were wondering or have never had a Cali Burrito before, the ingredients include carne asada meat, potatoes (some places use french fries), cheese and salsa wrapped in a huge tortilla. Its a must for those who enjoy Mexican food.
Sunday was a very special. We got to hang our with our really good friend and life photographer, Susie Linquist for another photo shoot of Derek at 3 months. We are so blessed to have known her for over 2 yeras and trust her for our memories caught on camera. She always seems to get the best shots and its a pleasure to be her friend and her client. The site for the shoot was up in Encinitas Beach in Encinitas, CA, where Susie resides. It was a milestone for Derek, his first time at the beach. Derek did really well. He smiled for Susie and was calm the majority of the time. He got sleepy towards the end, but overall, he did great. We can't wait to see all of the photos. Susie is so awesome(nothing new) that she even gave us a few teasers of the shots she took today. Check them out: Pics of Derek at 3 Months by Susie Linquist.

Here's one of the shots (Thanks again Susie!)
By the way, we weighed Derek this weekend and he is now 15 pounds. Check out the progression shots since day one:One more thing. Check out the mpeg of Derek smiling at Erica:


I forgot to mention, GO CHARGERS!!!!!!!! Thank you Buffalo for beating the Broncos. Showdown at the Q for the AFC West and a shot for the Playoffs!

'Tis The Season to be Jolly!

So this past weekend was the beginning of Derek's first Christmas. On Saturday, did some shopping at Babies R Us, and the Las Americas Outlets. We knocked out a few people on our list and even picked up some stuff for ourselves. Derek had a great time and didn't cry that much. After a long day of shopping and walking, we went home and crashed.
On Sunday, we slept in for a few hours and planned a quick outing. Before we left the house, we gave Derek some tummy time. He can actually keep his head up for a good 3-4 minutes.
We dressed Derek up his reindeer outfit and then headed to Mission Valley Mall where Derek too his first picture with Santa Claus. He was asleep the whole time and didn't notice that we picked him up and placed him in Santa's arms.
Afterwards, we headed to Sports Authority and then to Sears, where we picked up Derek's photos from his 3-months shoot.
We then proceeded to Costco and Vons to pick up some groceries and headed back home.

On Monday and Tuesday, we put up our Christmas Tree. We wanted Derek to witness this momentous occasion so we did as much as we can on Monday before he fell asleep and then finished the tree the following day. Derek had his new routine (see below under milestones).

*Couple of fun facts and milestones: Derek now stares at his feet, we now set up a bedtime routine of food, then bath/hair, then book reading & singing and finally, bedtime and he babbles.