January 2015 was a boring one.
this time of the year would have been the best time to be in cebu because of the sinulog festival and the fiesta senyor in honor of the holy child Jesus. But well, we’re in china, and as jeff would say: “you get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit.”
We moved to the new apartment around December 28, 2014. It broke our hearts to leave our Garden Hotel apartment because it was a great part of our family life; it was the place where the twins first crawled, where they took their first steps, where we love the service of the cleaners. It also made life very convenient for all of us.
But we decided to move because it was so expensive to live there. The monthly rate was just overpriced noting its location. we stayed there for free (excluding tax) because jeff had a contract with the hotel. But that expired in December 2014 and it wasn’t renewed.
With the help of Danney, Jeff’s colleague at the China Southern Airlines, we found a modest apartment in Baiyun district, far from the city center, but within a gated community that was clean, relatively close to a subway statio, and surrounded by shops.
It was not a Garden Hotel ambiance but it had two bedrooms, a living room, one bathroom, a small kitchen, a laundry area, a balcony (which gives a great view of the surrounding community). The entire complex also has a pool, a garden, a play area, a nearby pastry shop. The open-air market was only a five-minute walk from the apartment. We get our fresh produce there. The apartment is also near the main office of China Southern Airlines so Jeff can actually just walk when he needs to go to the office.
The twins during this time were introduced to Winnie the Pooh and his friends. We limited TV exposure to one hour but unlimited time for coloring/drawing/scribbling and “reading” books. Amazon China was still my bestfriend in purchasing English books because they offer cash on delivery.
Antoinette was showing more of her personality (the gutsy, explorer, I-can-do-anything kind of personality, much like me). Jeff continued to give her flowers, which she likes very much.
Nothing much happened on January 2015 but overall, I am just thankful that the twins are growing up smart and healthy.
I can’t wish for anything else right now.
