The New Gerber Baby Looks A Lot Like My Baby!

A friend recently sent me a message notifying me that the new winner of the Gerber Baby Contest looks just like my daughter.  I must admit, they do look somewhat similar!

Photo courtesy of Latino.FoxNews.  You can read more about the new Gerber Baby here.

However, I still think my daughter is cuter.  I do not say this out of maternal bias but as a matter of fact. ;)

Speaking of model babies, has anyone else seen the baby on the Pampers Size 3 box?  Long before we got pregnant, I saw this diaper box at a friend's house, and I told my husband that our kids would look just like this.  Boy, was I RIGHT!

My Favorite Christmas Hymn

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!  Just wanted to share my favorite Christmas hymn, "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus."  

I usually don't appreciate new and more modern renditions of old hymns, but I happen to love love LOVE this little arrangement by Derek Webb and his wife Sandra McCracken.  Check it out!

Here are the lyrics too.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with Biblical theology, the part where it talks about "Israel" is talking about the church, those who follow Christ as their Lord and Savior.  In the Old Testament, the nation of "Israel" were God's chosen people.  Post cross and resurrection, the new "Israel" are the Church, "those who are called" -- meaning, those who have placed their trust in Jesus to save them from their sins.  

Just as a Bride eagerly waits for her wedding day, so we as the people of God wait for our Jesus!  

"Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.

By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne."

CAN'T STOP SINGING...."A Heart Full of Love"

Le sigh.

Les Misérables.

I saw the musical last night with my mom and sister at the National Theater.  Amazing!

Check out the photo of my mom and sister (with a box of tissues).  And my sister's new nose ring...and bangs!  Bangin' bangs!  

One exciting fact about last night's Les Miz show: MARIUS WAS PLAYED BY A FILIPINO!!!!!!!!  Way to represent, Devin Ilaw.  He is seriously so talented, and I'm not just saying that because he and I are Filipino....

Here's the thing about me and musicals.  After every one I see, I immediately become obsessed with singing all the songs pretty much all the time.  I went to bed last night singing "A Heart Full of Love" - yes, all three parts: Marius, Cosette, and Eponine.  Yes.  My husband thinks I'm outta control.

Up above is a video of a Les Miz show from 2008.  Why this video out of all videos?  Because Eponine is played by Lea Salonga.....another FILIPINO!  Awww yea!  I love her.  Did you know that she was Jasmine's AND Mulan's singing voice in Disney's Aladdin and Mulan movies, respectively?  A talented brown girl for the brown princesses!  Thank you, Disney.  Learn something new everyday...about Filipinos.  :)

"A Heart Full of Love" is hands down one of my favorite musical songs....even though I would not advise anyone to profess their undying love on the first day they meet someone and do not even know their name.  But that's for a whole 'nother blog post.  ;)

For Kicks and Giggles

Oh my word.   

It has been MONTHS since I last blogged.  How embarrassing.  Even after I made all those promises that I was back for real.  I'm not gonna promise that anymore.  But I would like to say...yet again...that after a half-year hiatus, I am back...again.  PS: Please don't judge me for the fact that at least 25% of the content in my blogs are "I am back!" announcements.  :)  

You must think I am all over the place.  Well.  Just to confirm your hunches, I would now like to announce that my blog has a new title!  And a new address.  HA!!!!  Welcome to my new corner of the blogosphere: "My Small Town City."  I've had some blog identity crises, but I am finally confident this will stick.  Lord willing.  :)

So.  Why the name?  Because no matter how many people call DC a city, it really feels much more like a small town.  I can hardly go anywhere without running into at least a few people I know: neighbors, shop owners, baristas, fellow church members, friends, all of whom I know by name.  Kinda like Cheers!  Urban cities typically get a bad reputation for being these dark and desolate places where everybody is just cold, mean, and sad all the time.  Nothing could be farther from the truth (with a few exceptions...like when people are in traffic, in which case, most propriety goes out the window).  In my personal experience, I have found people in the city to be more desirous of community and familiarity with neighbors.  

Furthermore, living in such close quarters (apartment buildings, condos, and town homes) helps in building community a whole lot too, since there is quite literally not too much room to preserve your own personal bubble.  For example, I am currently waiting on my neighbor's general contractor and electrician, so I can let them in his house and give them instructions on the work he wants done.  Ha!  The other unique thing about DC is that not too many people are "from DC."  Everyone else is from everywhere else, and they come to DC for university and graduate studies, for a career, to pursue their dreams of taking over the world, etc.  I believe that also contributes to the greater desire for community and belonging.  We work near each other, we share furniture, clothing, toys, meals, whatever, and we help with each other's errands.  People are typically quick, ready, and willing to respond when you ask for help.  I almost feel like I live in a small town, but the fact that our home literally faces a major highway junction and the fact that whizzing police cars and presidential motorcades regularly interrupt my attempts to make it to playgroup or the grocery store acutely remind me I still live in the city.  :)  But no matter how many sounds of the city annoy me to no end (especially when compulsive honkers, loud trucks, construction, and sirens wake up my napping baby), deep down inside I truly do love our urban village.  

Next blog: All Things Christmas!