at 30

Oh gosh, I'm Three O already!? I still can't say it.. I'm still in denial. I feel old (hikbi!). I used to say that I've decided to stick with just one age.. that's 22. Why? Cause that age is not too young and not too old either.. its a legal age (well except for marriage without consent). But now it seems childish to say that I'm 22 when lines in my eyes are forming, when dark circles are visible under my eyes and these post baby fats are not going anywhere anytime soon. On the bright side, I was able to experience what a WOMAN should by this age: had a fab wedding, survived what they call "hell on earth" a.k.a. labor pains and gave birth to a beautiful baby boy (normal delivery with epidural of course!).

I have been blessed for 30 years with a wonderful family, a mother that will swim a thousand seas and sacrifice her own happiness for her children, a husband that loves and comforts me, a son that fills my heart with joy and given me my life's purpose. Friends, who cares for me and treated me like their own sister.

I thank you Lord for all of these people who became part of my 30 years of existence. and I pray for 30 more and another 30 more years to share with them your blessing.

Adrian woke me up at the strike of midnight to give me my present.

Plastic or Not its still a bag

This is the closest thing I'll have to a must-have Hollywood' fashion, my "I'm NOT A Plastic Bag" bag. Thanks to my (college) friend Lesh, who gave this as her Christmas gift to the barkada ... So I think this makes shopping more worthwhile because shoppahoclis helps save the earth right? That's why after our lunch at Seaside near MOA, hubby, Andre and I went to Mall of Asia. We were actually looking for a shirt for hubby because he's shirt is covered with crab chili sauce. Then we saw the Branded kiosk of the Tshirt Project. The plan was for him to buy a shirt to change into but then the shoppaholic in me comes alive and had a great idea! Why not have a his and hers shirt.. so we chose some shirts (NU 107, t-shirt day etc) but no XXL and double XL sizes for his and hers with the same design... so we just decided that the store attendant juts find us a shirt the have our size regardless of the design but the store attendant still insist that we choose the design and she'll check if it has our sizes (yes, we're healthy people kasi eh,,hehehe!) And so finally.. I saw this SARAO brand "Jeep my Ride" and like the pattern and olur sizes are available.. yey! And after paying for it, I got this nice "I am A Plastic bag" bag... and it says "Please recyle me" at the back.

More and more enterprises are concern about our environment or is it because its a fad, with all this "im not a Plastic bag" craze going around? We'll I hope not.. I hope they are really doing this for a good cause and not just following the trend.

our his and hers branded shirt by The Tshirt Project

wrapped and candid

I'm halfway done with my Christmas shopping and I have started wrapping gifts last night. With dim lights and as careful and noiseless as I can be so as not to wake Andre up. I have no time to wrap and no place to hide while wrapping except in the comfort of our bedroom. Since my mom is always in the living room which connects to the dining and kitchen so I have to settle with what little space our room can provide. Funny because, I like the sound of a tearing wrapper and I kept my peripheral view at Andre just in case he gets bothered by it and wakes up. Aside from the noise it brings.. I love wrapping gifts. It' s like taking art classes again. Though, I'm not as good as those professional wrappers (is there such thing ?), I'm pleased with myself after giving my work a last glance before stacking them up (in wrapper design order ).. Hahahah! I know OC!

Anyway, I want to share this photo with everyone..I met up at Kitchen with Hubby at Greenbelt 3 for Lunch after my client call in Makati. And while waiting for our order, I was snapping photos here, there, everywhere and then I snap at this candid moment. I seldom took picture of him with such genuine smile and "kakulitan". This is my favorite photo of the month.. DING! (idea coming in…) I think I'm gonna start doing a "favorite photo of the month" starting with this.. It could be anyone from my friends' collection of photos may it be professionally taken or just as candid as this one. Life is Good! Love it!

xoxo,

s

Contribute your thoughts

I was chatting with my friend and during our conversation.. these phrases came out and found it worth to share... and He thought of why not you (yes you my friend) add something to this through your comments... lets see what we'll come up with...

That Smile...
that smile that you have when you know that something just happened that somehow hit you right on the spot....

whether it was just a song that reminded you of something from before..

or a great piece of chocolate that just gave you the right amount of sugar high

or a gesture that made you feel flattered- Erwin

or when the timing is just perfect
-Shiena....now its your turn

all i want for Christmas (and my Birthday)...

Yesterday, I met up with hubby at Glorietta for dinner and coffee (starbucks of course! Just to get those stickers). While driving through traffic on our way home, we were talking about the coming holiday, gifts to buy for Andre this Christmas. Then he asked me what I wanted for Christmas...with a disclaimer... "yung mura lang ha". But I corrected him... the gift should be not just for Christmas but for my birthday as well which is 3 days before Christmas. So I gingerly told him that I can choose an expensive gift since its for 2 separate occasions *grinning*. Though I was not able to answer what gift I want because I have so many on my mind and I want to see then all under our tree.. I just told him to read my blog today so he can choose what to give me.

So here goes... my Birthday and Christmas wish list (in no particular order):

1.
Nine West Gathering Slim wallet
or a Nine West Checkbook Wallet - I saw a nine west gift bag with blue and silver ribbon in our cabinet.. i think a wallet is inside it :) Thank you Be!


2. Shu Uemura Silver Eyelash Curler - have been in my Christmas list for 3 years now...



3.
2GB Flash Drive - I lost mine just last week :(
- Abi found it inside one of the laptop bags



4. Diamond Letter "S" pendant with necklace in white gold - "S" for Super Shiena :P



5. A Volume One shirt from The Tshirt Project



6. GC fom VNC - a woman can never have enough shoes you know.



7. GC from Dorothy Perkins or TopShop - nor enough clothes in her closet.



8. Hair iron (as seen on tv )



9. Mercedes-Benz SLR Coupe



10. A date with Wentworth Miller (in Amanpulo)




Ok.. # 9 won't fit under our little tree .. I suggest just put the key in a big box and wrap it. It might get lost if you put it in a small box.
For # 10, The date does not have to be on Christmas eve or Christmas day (since we should be with our families)... Maybe we can schedule it during off season of Prison Break.

If you know my Birthday Santa... please pass this to him or her :)

AJ's back

I didn't bother watching Prison Break last night because I wanted to sleep early so I could clean the house the next day. Why clean the house on Wednesday morning? 'Cause AJ will be home soon and we'll be picking them up at the airport. I can't wait to see him. I hope he still recognize us when he sees us.

We arrived at the Airport 30 minutes early and I kept on looking at the arrival monitor to see if their plane had landed. 12:50 ETA. It seemed hours, but then the ARRIVED flashed, 12:50 ATA. They're Here! I called my mom immediately and she said that they have landed. We waited and then I saw Andre being carried by his yaya.. I called out his name and when he looked at me... he smiled then giggled. It was the most sweetest smile I ever received. It melted my heart. I hugged, kissed and carried him until our car arrived. I sat him on my lap and cuddled him all the way home. No more peace and quiet. But I like it more that way.

Christmas Tradition

I've finally put up our Christmas tree. By Pinoy standards, I'm already late since most of the malls and main roads already have their decors up right after all saints and all souls day. I wanted to have this setup just in time for Andre's return from his (more than) 2weeks vacation with Mamita. Red and Gold is the color motif of our Christmas tree this year. We bought red lights for the tree, red ribbons with gold trimmings and plastic poinsettias. I specifically stayed away from those ornaments with glitters just to be safe since Andre would be curious as ever when he sees the tree. The gold Christmas balls were courtesy of Kim and Dominique because these where their souvenirs at their December wedding last year. I actually took more souvenirs than allowed hehe! I know.. evil! After I'm done putting all these ornaments, I plugged the lights and enjoyed our twinkling tree. It was nice.

Since we are talking about Christmas, another tradition is now up for grabs... the 2008 Starbucks Planner. Yup, I'd be going in and out of Starbucks again to collect 24 stickers (you get 1 for each cup you buy) so I could get my hands on this planner. Now this is a good time to schedule that coffee klutch with the girls... see you at Starbucks!

my newest addiction

A friend advised me to take advantage of this rare time (AJ is away with Grandma) to do the things that I wanted to do…watch a last full show movie, have a weekend getaway with hubby, go to a spa, meet up with friends after work, stay out late and have fun etc…

I have actually done the weekend getaway with hubby during the all souls and all saints holidays last week. We went to visit his maternal grand parents in Batangas who just arrived from California and played pool which I lost by the way (sore: a humiliating 2-5). As much as I want to watch a movie, there just isn't any thing being shown that interests me. Friends are all busy busy busy so coffee clutch after work is out of the picture. While Spa is very tempting, I'm saving up on a Christmas tree that I'm eyeing to buy this weekend. Which is our surprise for Andre when he comes home (He'll be home in less than a week..yey!). I know he'll go crazy on the blinking lights since he's fascinated with them nowadays.

Given the above, I've found an alternative to keep myself busy while I'm home alone since Hubby usually stays late or overnight at the office for their project is nearing its deadline. So what am I up to on this dull and idle moments? It's actually WHO I am up to... Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) is keeping me company during these bad times and I'm loving him!!!! I know, I'm a late bloomer, its better late than never right? Prison Break, a TV Phenomenon in 2005... but its only now that I had the time to watch the series (since I have more important things to do during 2005- like giving birth and all). God Bless TV.com where hubby downloads all the series that I watch. And I'm sooooo addicted that I stay up as late as 3am. I think if I don't have to go to work in 5 hours, I'll keep on watching until my eyes bleed.


My friend said she does not watch this series because its too brutal for her. This is true because I sometimes find myself covering my face (with a slight gap between fingers so I can peek) when there's a scene where one inmate is trying to kill the other. But there's 2 reasons why I'm addicted and kept on watching this series: 1. Wentworth Miller (of course!) and 2. I find Michael Scofield's character very interesting. He has a low latent inhibition condition but with a high IQ, he becomes this creative genius. And he is extremely empathetic and altruistic towards other people's emotions that he is more concerned with other people's welfare than his own. Now that's my kind of guy! Intelligent and selfless.
I still have 7 more episodes to watch before I can move to Season 2. I can't wait to go home na!

miss him like crazy...

...who wouldn't go crazy for such charming little man?







his latest photoshoot at 16 months old

Separation anxiety

I thought I was prepared for it. But I was wrong. Separation anxiety creeps in the moment I lost sight of him through the iron gates of the airport, I lost it. Uncontrolled tears where all over my face. I miss him already.

For more than a month I've been asking God if its the right decision, if this is his will, if this is what's best for us, for Andre. I have been haunted for months by my dilemma of not having someone I trust look after my son while we are at work. My mom had been my angel looking after AJ ever since he was born. And when my mom needed to go to the province (Samar,Leyte), Hubby and I had to decided on the best arrangement for our son. We were blessed to have a yaya for our son but I have trust issues when it comes to leaving my son alone for more than 12 hours with a yaya. We came up with so many options that none of them felt right. I was even tempted to go on a weeks leave until my mom's business is done. But that also didn't seem possible because I'm still way behind my target. So I've made the hardest decision I've ever made in my entire life. I agreed to my mom's suggestion to take AJ with her on her 2 weeks and 3 days stay in the province.

Am I a bad mom? Letting my child be away from me this long? Am I selfish to put my work first before my duties as a mother? Am I irresponsible?

This morning, we drove them to the airport. I've asked Hubby if we could stay at the airport until they boarded the plane. We stayed at the waiting area for 3 hours until they had checked in and embarked the plane. While waiting, I kept on wiping my tears that blurs my vision, as i stare into nothingness.

Special thanks to our good friends, Varian and Janess, who kept us company before we went home to our empty house.

update: While I was writing this post, my best friend Elenore, sent me a chat message and I told her that I was suffering from a separation anxiety. She said she was sorry that I miss Andre. Her dad is in the hospital. And he's in a critical condition because of his kidney failure. He might be dying soon. And she's in Texas and her dad is in Bulacan.

Hope you can say a prayer for Elenore's dad.

Tales from the Crib

I thought of doing another tales from the crib post since my last post about AJ's development was 5 months ago.

So AJ is now 16 months old and is a grown little man. He's not just walking but also likes to run. He loves playing around other kids in the village too which is very good for his social development. I'm glad that he's outgoing and not shy around other kids even if they are older than him. Later today there's a trick or treat event in our village so I'm excited to dress him up and be his personal photographer. Its his first Halloween party so this has got to be in our photo album.

Few months back we introduced to him the colorful plastic spoon and fork while we feed him so he'll get used to it and so he'll identify them with eating. Of course its a mess (as always!) but its fun and we get to laugh every time he's being silly but also tells him that throwing food is bad. Brushing teeth is another story... he's got a total of 14 of them so brushing his teeth is inevitable and a whole lot a challenge. I sing, I count, even try to fool him that we'll go and see an airplane after brushing his teeth just so he'll open his mouth. I also tried placing him in from of a mirror so he'll smile at himself so I can brush his front teeth. Its a challenge 3 times a day!

After his diaper change in the morning, he picks his shoes and tries to put them on. He already knows that he has to wear shoes before walking around the house. He also helps when we dress him up. He's the one who pulls down his shirt and lifts his foot on his own when we're putting on his shorts. And when his diapers are full, he lets us know that he need a change by removing his diaper and dragging it while walking.

He's also started talking and gibbering a couple of months ago and here are some of his most common words:

Mommy: ma-ma-mi
Daddy: dada
Milk: ik
Light: ayt
Dog: a-a-a-a-a
Cat: a
Hot: at
Diaper: aper

Things he loves to switch on/off:

Light
TV
computer cpu and monitor
cordless phone

Watching TV is one of his favorite things to do. He loves watching Blue's Clues and every time he sees someone singing or dancing.. he dances along and sings also (gibberish of course!). One role play that he enjoys is cooking. Yup, I think we made our future chef here... This was also very evident when we went for another photo shoot and after doing some shots with big bear, books and a baseball cap... we gave him a spatula and casserole full of plastic veggies and what did we get? A very pre-occupied little chef.

photo shoot at the picture company

my little Christmas wishlist

We have 68 days before Christmas and I already want to do my Christmas shopping for Andre. Yes I've been going in and out of baby stores and toys R us for the past 3 days just looking for ideas on what to give my little man. Its his second Christmas already but I believe that this Christmas is as special as the first one because now, he can open his own presents, he can hold the angel with confidence and put on top of our tree, he'll be curious about why the different colors of the Christmas lights blinks etc. I want him to get excited once he sees the gifts under the tree. These are the reason also that I'm eager to put up our Christmas tree but that should wait until the end of Halloween.

So for now, I have to satisfy my Christmas spirit with a wishlist.. these are the things that I like AJ to have.. If I can't afford it, I hope one of the Godparents can. hahaha! Merry Christmas!


Top L-R: Rockin' Puppy by Little Tikes, Tadoodles by Cryola Beginnings, Flip 'n Play Table by Chicco

Center L-R: Climb & Slide Castle by Little Tikes, My first Drum Set, Modo Maxi Blocks by Chicco


Bottom L-R: Power Wheels Diego Lil' Quad by Fisher-Price, Adidas rubber shoes (size13-13.5), kiddie table and chair

Domesticated? Not really...

Last Friday was declared a national holiday to celebrate the end of Ramadan. It was a delight to be able to get an extra day off work and relax with the family. I was actually in my domesticated mood, which was unusual, so I thought of cooking for my boys. Big Adrian and Andre boy. So what will I cook? I checked on our supplies and my mom suggested to cook chicken curry since she have red curry mix that was given by her friend.

Everyone who really knows me are aware that I am not a domestic goddess. I'd be out of my mind if I manage the house all by myself. So what do I know about cooking curry? I have to resort to my allies, the world wide web. I know Jmom have her kitchen site and I've been a lurker in her kitchen but never really dared try one of her recipes. But now, I need to know how to cook chicken curry. And as reliable as a mom.. she does have curry in her kitchen. I have to do away with the other veggies in the recipe because they are unavailable so I just add the usual potatoes and carrots. After about 30 minutes, with our own kitchen smelling like a yummy curry, its done and everyone loved it! Well, except for Andre, since I didn't dare give him any since red curry is way too spicy for kids. I'm happy that even if I'm not domesticated, I can still cook without everyone heading to the comfort room.

Thanks Jmom! *hugs*

Blogging for a Cause

I received an email with the subject line : Are you a blogger? Do you read blogs? Here's one for you.... Since I'm convinced that I am (in some way or another), I read the email and got so excited! Like a child on Christmas morning ready to open her gifts. So why am I excited? My employer decided to put up a blog. Its actually in its developmental stage but I grew even more excited when I was asked by the content manager to be a contributing author. Of course he didn't just asked me to join out of the blue. I had to send him an email with related question so he'll get the hint... and glad he did. Hahaha! But seriously, its a no non-sense blog since all entries should be, "by its very nature, must be geared towards achieving the company's objectives." which is Improving People's Lives Through a Better Career.

We were asked to make our entries more personal: like talking to our readers on a one-on-one basis about jobs, careers, ideas, etc in a more conversational way. I'd like to think that contributing in this blog would mean helping people in my own little way ...to achieve their coveted dream job.

So for starters, I posted today an entry entitle: Show up for Success. Read it here

Wish me luck on this new endeavor!

Pinoy bigotry on US primetime TV

I posted few months back about the bigotry of OFWs made by a socialite-writer. And now another bigotry on Filipino medical practitioners specifically doctors. And this time it was on Primetime TV in the US, where a lot of Filipino doctors and nurses work. I'm glad I'm not a fan of Desperate Housewives. If you are, I know you've seen the Sept 30 episode. I just heard this on the news this moring.

Dr. Mayfair told a visibly terrified Mayer that the word “menopause” seems to open a Pandora’s Box for the age-conscious middle-aged woman. “They hear ageing, brittle bones, loss of sexual drive…” said the doctor who was cut midway from his explanation by an agitated Mayer. “Before we go any further, can I check those diplomas? ‘Coz, I just want to make sure they’re not from some med school in the Philippines,” she said while searching for the doctor’s records.

An online petition has been started and you can add your signature here.
Quote from pinay.org

Wanted: Halloween Costume

I miss this. Blogging. 3 years ago, I used to write more than 15 entries a month. Now, this is just my second post this month and its already the 26th. I guess I'm not as busy before as I am right now and priorities have dramatically changed when I became a wife and a mother.

Ok, so what do I write about?

Oh yeah, we were invited to participate in a Trick or Treat event in our subdivision. It's the first time for all of us (me, Andre and hubby) since this tradition is not really practiced here. So I'm pretty excited and at the same time worried on what costume will Andre wear. I'm afraid that when he wears something that is not comfortable he might be irritated and throw a tantrum. So, I have 1 month to think and look for a costume that he'll wear without making a fuss. Help me God!

Speaking of Andre, he's a baby no more that's for sure. He's been busy walking, running and exploring cabinets, switching the lights on-off-on-off, opens the door when he wants to go outside, brushes his teeth (actually he just sucks the water from the bristles), eats on his own (using his hand.. a true Filipino!) and he loves spinning the wheels of his pram and scrutinizing how it works. I think he'll be an engineer like his dad.

A friend asked me earlier when will we make another one (she just gave birth to her second baby last month)...the truth is, we still can't get enough of Andre. Since we're working parents, we get to bond only during weekends because by the time we arrive home, he's fast asleep already. And when he wakes up, its time to leave for work. So I guess Andre will have to wait a bit longer to have a sister or a brother.

Andre after his hair cut at CUTS for TOTS

our love story

Today is our 2nd wedding anniversary but hubby and I have been together for 7 years now. So how did it all started? I've mentioned to Kat a few months back that I'll do this sort of thing just like she did on her anniversary. So here's how our love story unfolded.

Circa 1999
We met at our old employer. We were both hired in 1998,fresh from college, just one month apart (he in July and I in august). It was both our first job. But we were from different departments, he was with PRED (planning research and engineering division) and I was with the Billing Dept. I did not know him and we were not formally introduced. Not until the time when management decided to get a billing system (Infranet). This meant collaboration between our departments and numerous overnights to complete the migration of the old billing format to the new billing system.

Infranet
Hubby and a PRED colleague arrived from their training in London, England and the journey began. Overnights for months including weekends. I sometimes go home just to pick up new sets of clothes. And back to the office. We became close as we usually take our yosi (cigarette) breaks together. Though, we were not alone since I have 2 other male buddies who joins us. Yes, my office barkada are all men because the women in my department are either old, married or matandang dalaga and they are non-smokers. (Yep, I did smoke during college until 2005, when I learned I was pregnant. But not anymore). No, it was not love at first sight for me. I was even dating another guy from another department during that time. And he was some-kind-of-involve with another girl as well. We became great buddies. Hubby, Eric, Ryan and I were called the Three Musketeers and a Lady because people always see us under that tamarind tree in the parking lot during yosi breaks. During our overtimes and overnights , we have breakfast at the nearby Burger Machine and order those bulilit burgers. During payday, we go to the nearby Greenhills to have lunch at Le Ching and buy (Marlboro) Mediums. After office, we watch movies, have coffee at Starbucks or spent hours playing billiards in Megamall.

The Phone Call
The evening of Christmas eve, he called my cellphone to greet me a Merry Christmas, but I fell asleep in the living room so the guy I was dating picked up the phone and answered it. I thought, how sweet of him to call. I don't know why but I felt elated when I learned he called just to greet me since I most of my friends just sent sms greetings.
One afternoon at Starbucks, he asked for my number, unfortunately I can't remember why he did. I can only remember that we were talking about books and he has this book that I wanted to borrow. Anyway, I wrote my home phone number in the sleeve of my Starbucks cup and handed it to him. And since then, he calls me up and we spent hours on the phone talking about anything under the sun, he made me laugh and we joked around. I didn't feel I have to put on my best foot forward around him since I'm already comfortable around him.

The New Year
Y2K came, and I was still going out with this other guy. No commitment yet but I was having second thoughts about him ever since he had this issue with my BFF. I had decided to dump him. I actually felt bad since he was all tears pleading for another chance. But I'm as stubborn as a Capricorn could be. During this time, The Three Musketeers and a Lady are inseparable.

Table 13
29 March 2006, after office hour, the four of us went to Megamall's Billiard and Bowling Center to play our favorite pass time. Table 13 was our table. I just finished my turn playing 9 balls with Eric and this time Hubby and Ryan are playing. We were all joking around and trying to piss off the other player so he'll miss the shot. Then out of no where, IT happened. Right there. Right then. With all those people around. Ryan was there. Eric was there. I can't even believe we did it. It was a spur of the moment. We kissed. I'm not conservative but I'm also not liberated. It just felt right. My mind was in limbo that night and I was thinking why it had happened.

The next day, we talked about it and we decided that our anniversary would be the day we kissed.

Until now, we can't remember who kissed who or who initiated it. But who cares? All I know is that it was one sweet kiss that started it all.

Controversial Article

My brother is an OFW in Mobile, Alabama. And no, he does not smell like AXE.
Read a Filipino's bigotry to his countrymen (especially to OFWs). Such a shame.




Read more here.

The face behind the blog

“One picture is worth 10,000 words”.
Chinese proverb

David said:
Putting a face to the name of someone you haven’t met helps recognition and adds a more personal feel to your conversations.

As blogging is truly international, and the chances of meeting the people behind your favourite blogs are slim, today I’m announcing The Face Behind The Blog meme.

I was tagged by CheH for this blog meme.

So here goes:

This is me at work. I'm an Account Manager for an IT Services company. Been here for 6 years (loyalty awardee!)

The above was taken during a photo shoot when I was 8 months pregnant. This is one of my treasured experience. I felt like a model. I even got to do an ala Demi Moore Vanity Fair preggy pose. Not only did I get my prints for free, my photos were also used for the studio's portfolio.

The COVER: That's my belly in the center with the orange flowers

 



 I'm a first time mom to my little hurricane, AJ, below is our wedding photo. I am married to hubby for 2 years in 4 weeks. (clap! clap!)





My ultimate dream is to travel around the world in 1 year (sounds very much like Becky Bloomwood). But for now, I'll settle for South East Asia (no visa required). The photo above was taken last Feb 2005 in Ayuthaya, Thailand.

 
And, if you want to cheer me up, a yummy food or dessert is the only answer


  Click on David's blog for instructions on how to go about this meme :)

Now, I'm tagging mistyeyed; kat; fritz and all my contacts in multiply :P


Take care everyone!.

Career Blast!

Mark your calendars and spread the word. To pre-register, click here!

See you there!

trip to the ER

I arrived home Thursday night and surprisingly catch AJ still wide awake and watching deal or no deal. He climbed down from mamita's lap and ran wobbly to me and eagerly embraced my knee and pleading to be carried. So I carried him with my bag still at hand. He was actually sleepy at that time and pointing at the stairs (which means he wants to go upstairs already and sleep in his/our bed.)So my mom brought him up while I ate dinner. Around 11pm, I was watching TV while waiting for hubby to arrive from work, AJ just suddenly woke up and vomited all over the bed. I was surprised and scared at the same time. AJ didn't cry or even made a sound. He just sat there and we looked at each other, maybe he was shocked as well. Gave him water to drink then I woke up my mom to tend to AJ while I clean up the mess and change the bed covers. Then, he vomited again. Then again. We were scared that he'll be dehydrated so we rushed him to the ER. Called hubby (a bit angry already because he's not yet home)and told him we're bringing our son to the hospital. This is my first emergency room experience (we'll I don't consider the one when I was in labor because I was brought to the delivery room immediately after I arrived). I was asked to fill out forms, asked questions on what happened and we were escorted to one of the ER cubicles which were divided by green curtains. After the necessary emergency SOP (heart beat, breathing, temperature), we were ask to get a sample of AJ's urine so it can be tested. I brought AJ to the restroom and wash his genitals. I stimulated him, thinking that this would make him pee, but I was wrong. Around 1am, still AJ hasn't peed, Hubby arrived at the hospital. We had no choice but to wait for AJ to pee. I don't want to go home yet because I'm afraid that he'll vomit again. It felt safer to be in the ER than any other place. AJ was not at all sleepy, the nurses and interns were playing with him, giving them high fives, hugging them and giving flying kisses. He's such a heartthrob even at a young age hehehe! It was a good thing that the ER was not as busy and no such emergency like the one's in E.R. TV series. AJ eventually fallen as sleep around 2pm. He didn't vomit anymore (Thank GOD!). As for me and hubby, we didn't get to sleep at all. It's hard sleeping on a sitting position and your back is arched forward leaning on the bed so AJ won't fall off the bed if he decides to move and turn on his side. And not to mention the air condition is right in front of us and I didn't even think to bring a sweater for myself. I think I just slept for 2 hours with an aching back. When AJ woke up, I decided to stimulate him again. He didn't pee once while he was asleep so I know that he has to pee anytime soon. And true enough he did while I was cleaning him up. We waited for the lab result before we were released from the hospital. Good thing UTI was ruled out (it causes vomiting to babies), the doctor says he might had just been over fed. After we were given prescription if he vomits again, we were finally discharged from the ER, Friday morning.

Andre playing while waiting to pee

We're 1 year old!

Last June 16, we celebrated Andre's 1st Birthday (which is June 13) at Jollibee Bluewave. We arrived at the venue 15 minutes before the party and there were no guests yet so we took the chance and took some family pictures with Andre's Justice League backdrop. The early birds were my boss and his family followed closely by Maya, Winnie, Vince & Emmy (thanks for the car pool Maya!). As usual, Pinoy time was observed and most guests arrived forty-five minutes late thus there were only 3 games for the kids and 1 for the adults. But of course when Jollibee entered the room, all kids were on their feet. AJ was dancing while Jollibee did his dance number. And I'm glad that he's not afraid of the mascot even if he's huge and all. He was laughing and smiling and touching Jollibee's face and even poking his eyes...I know he had a grand time and I hope our guests did too.



AJ with Daddy

Getting help with Mom & Dad on the birthday candle

Well except for the time when after we gave our thank you speech when the host asked our guest to leave the area because they'll be cleaning it up already for the next party. And even asked me let my late guest eat out side.. of course I didn't asked them to eat outside.. that would be rude especially since they've already started eating... so the crew cleaned while the late comers ate inside the function room.
Anyway, I have no intention in letting that incident ruin our perfect day. (My uncle-in-law ) Uncle Ating and his family didn't make it on time so they just ate at the customer's dining area. AJ joined his uncle Rylan (2 years old) and entertained them while in their respective high chairs.

AJ with uncle Rylan

Thanks everyone for sharing your blessings and time to celebrate with us our son's first year milestone! I too feel like a celebrant myself...its my first birthday becoming a mom. :)

More photos of the party here.

magna opera

I have finally finished my magna opera. For the past 3 months I've been working on 2 special projects. My world evolved on project overview, process documentation, sales back-end process, time lines, coordinating with regional point-persons, pricing, launching materials, back-end support, data research and what have you.. And all these on top of my 1.2M sales target for the month. Not to mention keeping me from my quality time with AJ since I took home some work during weekends (all weekends of June if I may say). It was physically and mentally draining and I so faithfully pray that July would come so I can have at least time to check my personal emails and my blog sites. Doing such at the end of the day is my gauge that I'm still in control and I still have a work-life balance.

I got a "great job" remark from my GM for the first project. And I'm proud for the process documentation that I made for it became a bench mark for all special projects assigned to my other colleague. For the second project, I got a "thanks!" from our VP for Operations, when our GM forwarded to him the Project Overview I made. I can't complain with "thanks", it's the Region talking here. Just for them to know that I made it was enough recognition. It's nice to have your work praised or acknowledge but its more heart warming to know that your effort and hard work is recognized and appreciated. I felt my heart skipped a beat and a tear that I hold back when my Manager told my colleagues to listen to me (during my cascade to team) for I have spent a lot of effort on these projects. And for that.. Thank you Boss!

And so last Friday, after only sleeping for 2 and a half ours (finished my presentation material at 3 a.m.), I've finally did my cascade, requested for the mass email to be sent out to clients, banner request to be uploaded in the site. I'm done. Hurray! I can get my life back!

And now, its July... a new month, a bigger target and a Resume Party to sell. Wish me Luck!

Happy 1st Birthday my Love

Look at how you've grown... 9 months in my belly, after 1 hour and 24 minutes of labor, you came in to this world and now look at you... your now 1 year old.




At 1:20am in the year 2006, I laid in the delivery room, pain was all over my body. My cervix is already 8cm dilated when we reached the hospital. Yes, I felt the contractions but I didn't know I was in labor (I was waiting for my water bag to break) until I can no longer bring myself to the bathroom to pee. I held my breath to push as hard as I can. I was ask to do another push for 10 seconds holding my breath. Then the doctor said, here he comes... one more push... one two three four five six....ten. Then I was unconscious. I woke up groggily as they are stitching my v****a. I heard a nurse say... "Tapos na po". Literally it felt like I just pooped.. the biggest poop I've ever had. I felt exhausted and the next thing I knew I was in the recovery room at 5 in the morning. I was moved to my private room by 7am and I waited... for the nurse to bring me my son. And at 10am, 8 hours after I gave birth, I held your tiny precious body in my arms. I was at the most happiest and yet it was the scariest moment in my life.

I was actually reminiscing with my mom what we went through when I had AJ and when she had me and my brother. It was truly an experience of a life time.

Happy birthday AJ! Mama loves you.

my advice on Smart Parenting

Yesterday I received a sms from my mom..

"Nand2 k smart parenting yon Be an Early Bird but not a winner! sori better luck next tym"

I had no absolute idea what she was talking about so I shrugged it off and went on with my busy day at the office. When I arrived home, I asked her what was her message about.. She handed me the back issue of Smart Parenting (Jan-Feb 2007) -- and leafed through the pages until I came across the Parents' Helpline page.

And there it was.. my first ever parental advice published on a glossy-nationwide circulated-parenting magazine. I'm so (excited) proud to see my name with designation as

"MOM TO ANDRE JONAH, 3 MONTHS". I believe its the best and at the same time the hardest job in the world.

Anyway, now I remember receiving an email from our company mail moderator (around September 2006) that Ed-In-Chief, Jenina Alli is asking for parental advice for a working mom who went back to work after her maternity leave and now her baby favors the yaya more than her. I just replied not knowing that my advice would be published in their first ish for 2007.

This is a very special memorabilia and I intend to keep this magazine for AJ to see when he comes of age.

tales from the crib

A few weeks back, I cleaned up AJ's cabinet and drawers where all his clothes are kept. I packed all his (new born to 9 months) onesies and all the wrap around shirts that we bought before I gave birth. His baby socks and mittens and baby caps were placed in zip lock bags for easy storage. Found out that he got a lot of "bigkis" that I was not able to use. I can't believe that he was so tiny then. I was laughing while holding out his tiny socks that I used as mittens while we were in the hospital because I just packed 1 pair of mittens in my hospital bag. I hope he won't glare at me when he sees his picture with a sock on his hands.

AJ started blabbing and cooing words at 7 months and his first word was "abu" (which I don't have a clue of what it means). I was disappointed when he was able to say "papa" when he was around 8 months. I've convinced myself that it was just a word and not really referring to my hubby. At 10 months he's blurts "akang"! and "bababa", "yak", and a lot more... And Today, at 11 months and 2 weeks, He uttered the most awaited word... "Mama" and that's not all.. he said it with both arms raised in front for me to pick him up. Ahhh, it was such a beautiful music to my ears.. I surely was not able to resist him and so I picked him up and showered him kisses.

AJ's pedia says that he'll be walking on his own around 1 year old. To build AJ's confidence to be independent, his doctor said that we should encourage him to walk on his own (with the help of a cloth around his chest and armpit) or he can push a cart or a chair..

I think he's getting there... last Sunday he was pushing the mono block chair back and forth in our living room 4 times with around 10 steps each and no stopping. By the time I was handed the camera, he's already too tired to continue. As an advance birthday present we went to Toy Kingdom to look for a developmental toy that he can use to practice his walking skills and we found this stride and ride walker from fisher price. When we got home and hubby assembled it, AJ was too tired to stride so he just rode his new toy and was so engross with the sound that it produces whenever it moves.

I hope AJ does not end up a couch potato. Whenver his watching TV (his 100% attention goes to action when commercial is on and goes back playing when the real show starts) and we turned it off.. he starts crying his heart out and stops abruptly if we turn it on again...is this what they call tantrums? Oh Gosh!

Our baby is becoming a little man already... a little person that knows what he wants and gets it one way or the other

my first Mother's Day

with my mom & aj

Happy Mother's day to my mom and to all the mothers in the (blog) world (especially to Kat, JMom, Winnie & CheH). I'm so excited to celebrate this day like its my birthday.. though I have not received any gift, a movie date with hubby and a wet kiss with 6 teeth from my little rascal is enough to fill my day with gladness. I'm so looking forward to what AJ will give me when he enters pre-school or summer gymboree... will it be a self made card? or a drawing? or a flower picked from the neighbor's garden? Whatever it will be I'm sure it will be a tear-filled moment :D

For my first Mother's day experience, I'm greatful for all those who greeted me.

Dave: Happy Mother's Day! :-)


Kim: Happy Mother's Day!


Varian: Happy Mother's Day!


Autie Nida: Motherhood is a tough 24-hr job. No pay, No day-off, most often unappreciated & yet resignation is impossible! But then again a job not just anybody can qualify to. Hello good mom! Happy Mother's Day!


Khor: Happy Mother's Day


Ms. G: Happy Mother's Day


Maureen: I wish you wake up ds morning realizing what a wonderful person you are and the world is blessed to have u as a part of it. enjoy lyf! happy mother's day...


Lizette: Happy Mother's day to you! May God continue to bless u n ur family. muwah!


Maya: Sabi nga nila 2 the world your just 1 but 2 1 your the world. Happy mother's day 2 u :) [the winner message!]


Janess: Happy Mother's day! have a gr8 day ahead :)


Winnie: (image of flowers text format) Fresh flowers for a very special mom who never fails to do d best 4 her family... Happy Mother's Day...


Noel Carillo: A MOM is like a simple calculator. Someone who ADDS comfort, SUBTRACTS fear, DIVIDES blessings & MULTIPLIES joy. Happy MOTHER'S DAY 2 a beautiful Mom like u!


Abs: a flying text kiss to you to say:Happy Mother's Day!

The Last Days

I was on my way to work this morning and this song played on my mp3 player, first person who came to mind was Julia Campbell.

If Julia have known that it was her last day, would she have spent it with her friends or her family instead of vacationing in the north? If the students in Virginia Tech knew that they'll be killed that day, would they have said sorry to their parents or kiss them goodbye?

If today were the last of all days, what would you do?


It would have been easier if we knew if its our last day but we don't have that luxury. I guess that's why there are words like," Live life to the fullest for we don't know what the future holds."


How ironic, Julia's last entry in her blog was entitled "Buhay pa Tayo"

This is for Julia.

the last days

sung by hourglass, acoustic night live 1

if today were the last of all days
would you change how you feel, who you are
would you rise for a moment above all your fears
become one with the moon and the stars

would you like what you see, looking down
would you give everything that you could
have you done everything that you wanted to do
is there still so much more than you would

follow your dream to the end of the rainbow
way beyond one pot of gold
open your eyes to the colors around you
and find the true beauty life holds

would you live for the moment like when we were young
and time didn't travel so fast
be free in the present, enjoying the now
not tied to a future or past

follow your dream to the end of the rainbow
way beyond one pot of gold
open your eyes to the colors around you
and find the true beauty life holds

you probably said all you wanted to say
but doesn't it strike you as strange
then we'd only begin to start living our lives
if today were the last of all days
if today were the last of all days

Connecting People with my N73

I have been bitten by the mobile bug again..this time.. mas high tech (hahaha!)3G! Ever since I got my first SMART (a PH mobile operator) mobile line plan, I've been looking forward to my 18th month as a subscriber (I inquired about my retention options a month and a half ago.. I'm that excited). Why? It's because of their retention program where you can get a free phone or get your favored phone model at a lesser cost that the retail price. The catch? They get to keep you as a subscriber for another 24 months. And that's not a problem with me. I love being with SMART.. coz it's simply amazing :) 30 minutes GPRS/3G connection for just 10 pesos?! Now, who can top that!? I just wish they'll soon open the 3G lines to the other operators as well. So I can fully enjoy the benefit of video calling.

So why do I love my N73 music edition? aside from a 2G memory, it has a Carl Zeiss Tessar lens with 3.2 MP camera, Opera browser (which I so love), cool surround sound, has an adobe reader, you can create your own ring tones, MP4 player, podcasting capability, easy sharing of photos in flicker, etc... on the downside.. the more files you upload on the memory the slower it gets to move from one menu to the other... but I think I can live with this single flaw since its proved to me that it can do so much. So I just have to set some limitations when to stop uploading songs or taking pictures and videos and time its to download them to the pc so my phone can take a breather. I have not yet finished browsing through the manual but just to show you how great this piece of technology is.. here.. have a look.

sample video here.

tears for the unborn

Last Saturday, April 14, we were in the doctor's clinic for AJ's monthly check up when I received a text message. It was from my friend Kim, who was less than 20 weeks pregnant. "We lost our baby last Thursday, Please pray for us.....Please tell the others for me". I thought.. is this some kind of a joke? But who would joke about this? I called her up and confirmed it. I hate it when my friends let me announce the bad news (my best friend from college also asked me to inform our friends about the death of her father) to all our friends, its like I'm the messenger of bad news.

Anyway, It was weird because when I spoke to her, she seemed okay even if she lost her baby 2 days ago. And thought that she have accepted the reality of losing her first born. I felt, I was more affected of her loss than she did. But when I read her post, I cried. I was wronged and I felt so ashamed how I could have even thought that she didn't care.

In my previous post, I was so excited about about her having a baby and was so excited on the baby shower and baby Q&As, but now its like a blur, a dream. She posted an eulogy for her baby angel. Again, I was crying while reading her eulogy and even more while I was typing my comment.

I'm crying for all the unborn children who were lost by people who will be good parents and will love them unconditionally. And I'm crying for all the unborn children who were aborted by their parents. There are a lot of good people I know who are still trying and waiting to have their own kids. So, treasure your own. They are beautiful gifts from God.

a new family Holyweek-end tradition

Gosh I miss doing this.. blogging I mean. As usual, work is keeping me from my balanced life and sad to say, Andre is the one keeping me sane from all these report analysis that I have been doing for weeks (3 weeks to be exact if you include working over the holy week). Can't they understand the meaning of Official Non-Working Holiday?!

Anyways, even if I had to bring some work during our Holy Week vacation in Nasugbu (Batangas), I was able to spend a very good QT with my little cute rascal and the equally handsome (and equally rascal in a rough way) hubby of mine. We drove to hubby's hometown early morning of Holy Thursday to avoid traffic (Kat, there's no Car Seat Law here in PH) but I guess most people was thinking the way we were because as early as 5:30am, EDSA was packed with vehicles… it was like a normal early Monday rush hour. We took the Cavite route (we usually go via SLEX) because hubby had a feeling the SLEX will be swamped by cars, bus, vans and what have you, even motorcycles. It was indeed free from traffic, we were already in Tagaytay by 7:30am and stop over for breakfast at McDonalds. Traffic came when we were approaching the town proper of Tagaytay, where I spent video taping AJ to pass the time. AJ and I fell asleep right before we enter the Nasugbu welcome arch. Thanks to Baby Mozart playing on our car cd player. And woke up when we reached the house just before 9am.

The rest of holy Thursday and Good Friday, we just stayed indoors, playing and sleeping and visited Lolo Paco (AJ's Great Grand Lolo). Early morning of Black Saturday, we went to the nearby beach to catch the sunrise and to see the newly made monument of the Batangas Landing (just like the MacArthur Landing in Leyte).

Easter Sunday, around 6am, we (with Hubby's brother's family, Dandin, Gina and Abby) headed to the Calayo Beach to avoid the late morning heat of the sun (yeah we're afraid our babies get sunburned). AJ was crying and scared of the water when we dipped him in the beach and tried to get him in his inflatable giraffe. We tossed the giraffe and hubby just held him while in the water. Eventually he was calm and playing with the water with one hand and the other gripping around hubby's shoulder.

We left the beach just before 10am and headed to hubby's 2nd cousin's house. When we arrived there, Alexia and AJ (Angelina Joy), (both are Andre's 3rd cousins), were already swimming in their big inflatable swimming pool. So Abby and Andre joined in the fun with all the daddies inside the pool as well playing the roles of lifeguard while the mommies are on the outside cheering, taking pictures and videos (That's me) and holding bath towels. It was indeed fun to see those kids enjoy themselves.. guess as a first time mom, I enjoyed it more than anyone else.. oh but wait.. all of us there are first time parents ... heheheh! And I just realized that all our babies names starts with the letter A! (Abigail, Angelina Joy, Alexia Reese and Andre Jonah) CUTE! By 12nn, Andre was already snoozing which I'm glad since I was able to eat peacefully and heartily the food that the daddies prepared ( Hubby grilled the fishes ~ fresh dalagang bukid, pla-pla and pork chops, brother-in-law, cooked Pinakbet and we also had some Indian Mangoes and watermelons). Like clockwork, Andre woke up just past 1 pm as I was finishing up with my plate. Now its his time to eat.





Monday morning we were all set to leave and go back to the hustle and bustle of the city and can't wait for the next holiday in Batangas, we, especially Andre did have fun! I think this will be our new family holy week tradition.

the Baby has arrived

my Sophie Collections

Finally! The long wait is over. Exactly one month after hubby ordered it from amazon.com, I now have the newly published Sophie Kinsella novel, Shopaholic & Baby in hard cover. It was suppose to arrive 2 weeks ago, but due to an unexplained reason, we were asked to wait for another week. Then another. I endured to a whole month of anticipation. And to add insult to the injury, I saw a copy of the book at the newly opened Best Seller Bookstore in Galleria at a cheaper cost. I was so tempted to buy it and planned to just give the one from amazon to someone else as a gift. But I resisted and thought its not a very cost effective decision ( oh, Becky Bloomwood will never, ever think about such thing!). And besides, hubby bought it for me and I have to at least take that into consideration. Anyway, Amazon gave a partial refund of $16 for the delay of delivery. Since the Shopaholic book was about $14, this means that, we actually got the book for free :) (now that's the Becky Bloomwood way!). So now, I have to stop this post and start reading.

AJ's sick! call the doctor very quick

It has been 10 days since my last post and I think the hiatus is gettin' to me for I don't know how to start this entry. It was a helluva week, aside from the unrelenting office stress that caused me to get sick last Friday (March 16). AJ's running nose came back after his flu shot was given. Saturday night (March 17) he felt very warm but the thermometer suggested not to worry (only 37.1 degrees C). (March 18, Sunday) His temperature plays around 37-38 degrees, and aside from a running nose, he started coughing like a congested bark. Poor thing, he can't sleep and lost his appetite. Those table foods that he loves to eat (rice, squash, applesauce etc) are like the most tasteless thing on earth.. He just cries whenever he is being fed. Consumed only 1 bottle of milk the whole day. Monday (March 19), I didn't report to work to attend to AJ. We gave him Tempra for his fever to go down. Even with cough, fever and flu, AJ was still very active (crawling and standing up and sitting down) but he just seeks more attention than usual. Like he does not want to be laid on his crib when he sleeps, I guess he finds comfort with another person's body heat. He sleeps longer when he's being held and when we try to put him down.. He wakes up and wails with tears and all. It was very stressful and frustrating. I wish I can switch place with him. His fever went down a bit but his cough has worsened, he was coughing like an old man. We brought him to the doctor and her diagnosis was due to the change in weather condition and the immense heat brought by the summer season, he developed a respiratory infection and has phlegm in his lungs. He was given antibiotic (Cefalexin), he was also given Ambroxol for his phlegm, Disudrin for his running nose. He was taking all 4 medicines (including Tempra) 3 times a day.. and it was such a pity to see him cry every time we give him his medicine.. I think he has already mistaken me as a walking medicine dropper. (March 21) His fever was gone. But his cough was hurting him because he cries every time he coughs. We were really sleep deprived. And since he does not want to lay down on his own, we snuggled in our bed the whole time that we were sleeping. It was very uncomfortable since I can’t move my left arm and it already felt numb. But I have to bear the pain just so he can sleep comfortably and sleep longer. (ahh.. a mother’s sacrifices…that’s why I love my mom even more now that I’m a mother myself).

(March 25) AJ is feeling better. He occasionally coughs but no longer cries when he does. And now sleeps overnight without interruptions - except for the night feedings. We have another doctors appointment this week for his follow up check up so I hope we get to hear the good news .. No More Phlegm in the Lungs!

Did I mention I was sick last last Friday (March 16)? This is what AJ was doing while taking care of me.



He's entertaining me with his uncanny self. Cute!

more pics of AJ and his mesh toy keeper.