Journey to this Thing called LIFE

Photoshoot with Sophia Photography

2009-12-28T00:05:00.000+08:00

I forgot to blog about this photoshoot which happened last Month (11/28/09). The pix were taken by Erwin and Mitch of Sophia Photography inside AAV. We had a good time. JEL was very cooperative. SP was able to capture lots of nice shots which are very natural. I love them!

You can view more of JEL's pix here.

Personalized Planner

2009-12-27T23:51:00.000+08:00

Haven't scrapped again for months but gave some personalized stuffs to some friends using some scrapbooking materials. Hope they like it.

Thanks for the GIFTS!!!

2009-12-27T22:32:00.000+08:00

Here are some of the gifts we receive for xmas this year as of this writing.

Toys for JEL

Dresses/Clothes for JEL

Books for JEL

Hair Accessories for JEL

Stuffs for us

Some of the items we received we're not included in the pictures especially the edible ones like chocolate coated polvoron, homemade chocolates, pineapple, groceries and banana cake.

Just want to thank you all!!! Sa uulitin po!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

2009-12-25T18:30:00.000+08:00

Before the day ends, we would like to greet everyone a Merry Christmas. We hope that you enjoyed JESUS' Birthday today!!!!

More pix to be posted soon!!!!

We got "IN" the "GABBA FRIENDS SITE"

2009-12-14T13:01:00.002+08:00

I just can't contain my happiness. I just tried my luck to send JEL's Yo Gabba Gabba Monthly Cakes in the Gabba Friends site last month and didn't know that we can get in. So happy!!!

Click this link to view the article.

1st Day of December: JEL got her 1st Xmas Gift

2009-12-04T22:05:00.000+08:00

Such a cute pink xmas sock and clothes! Thanks po Ninang Chu!

Trying Our Luck: Need Votes

2009-12-04T21:56:00.000+08:00

JEL attended a 1st Bday

2009-11-24T22:26:00.000+08:00

We attended JB's (John Benedict) 1st bday party last Sunday (Kuya Ricky's Son). JEL was not feeling well due to colds. Good to know that she's not afraid of clowns but still sad because she's not in a good mood. She got scared and cried because of the party poppers and the loud counting of the kids. We're just thankful that she's easy to comfort.

Btw, she got this cute lootbag with puzzle and chocolate goodies inside.

Thanks po!

Cypress Family Health Day'09

2009-11-21T19:55:00.000+08:00

We attended this event with my Mom and Ethan. We availed of the free check-ups. Hubby also availed of the free PT. We enjoyed the games, magic show, circus show and Jollibee Mascot appearance. More pix of the event here.

Btw, JEL also enjoyed dancing to Nobody during one of the games. See for yourself here.

Been MIA & Some Updates: JEL's Hospitalization, Party Preps and New Antics

2009-11-18T21:39:00.001+08:00

Had been MIA in this blog for a long time. We got so busy since JEL was admitted in Chinese General Hospital for 5 days due to severe cold, cough and asthma. Anyway, below are some updates about JEL's condition, 1st Birthday Party Preps and New Antics.

JEL's 5-Day Hospitalization

As I mentioned on my last post, hubby just brought her to the hospital to have her checked but the pedia didn't allowed them to go home. Since I was left in the office and I wanted to see our baby, hubby fetched me back from home. He also needs to bring clothes and other needs in the hospital. I was so sad seeing the IV on my baby's hand. She woke up at around 1am upon hearing the nebulizer and was so happy seeing me.

I can't explain the feeling but I was happy to be by her side while she is having the nebulizer thing. I needed to be back to the office the next day. Just sleep for a while in the hospital and was back home again at 4:45am. Hubby drove back to the hospital.

On her 2nd day, got a good news from her pedia that she might be able to go home on Saturday. We're so happy that time. Hubby fetched me again from home after work. The guards are strict and they didn't let hubby entered the room because our yaya is already inside. Only 2 bantay is allowed. He slept in the car.

3rd Day

It was JEL's 9th Month Day. We pumped some balloons to entertain the celebrant. However, hubby needed to go back to office to get the Philhealth papers for us to be able to go home the next day which is a Saturday. He also picked up JEL's birthday cake. It was good that the cake is nice and tasted good. It eased the tiredness of hubby. The only sad news is her pedia told us the JEL's condition is worse compared the day after and told us that she can't go home yet. She will still check if we can be discharged the next day but worst case it will be on Monday.

We also transferred from semi-private to a private room. Hubby finds our room hot and noisy. The other patient whom we share room is already 5 y.o. and keeps on playing with his cellphone. JEL can't have a good sleep. The adult watching over him is not stopping him and we don't want to make a bad deal with that.

Pix of JEL's Monthsary here.

4th Day
All of us were able to sleep better in the new room. JEL's pedia came in early. She said that she is better than yesterday but still can't be discharge because her breathing is not yet well. Sad because we will be staying longer in the hospital.

JEL's IV was transferred to her other hand because the liquid is not dropping anymore from the bottle. It was heart breaking hearing JEL crying. Hubby just advised me to just stay in our room. When baby is back, she cried a lot. The hand where the IV was removed seems to hurt so much. It was good that we're able to stop her from crying when we let her see herself in the mirror. She smiled and talked to her image in the mirror. Hubby went out to buy a portable mirror so that we won't need to go the the restroom for her mirror remedy.

5th Day
All Saints Day. Boring day for us. We are just inside our room with no TV. All the private rooms in CGH old building doesn't have one. They only have one in the new building. It's just sad that there was no available room in the building anymore. But it is still a blessing that we brought our laptop in the hospital. JEL was able to watch Yo Gabba Gabba videos that we saved in our Hard Disk.

6th Day
We're discharged. Her pedia came in early and gave us a discharge order. She advised us to give PRED10 for 2 days to complete her 7day steriods at home. We're able advised that from now on, JEL will be needing a maintenance medicine for her asthma (2 inhalers - ventolin and flixotide). She needs a puffing tool called Baby Haler. The procedure needs to be done 3x a day with a minimum interval of 6 to 8 hours. The more she cry the better because she'll be able to inhale the medicines better. We're able to get our of the hospital at 2pm. CGH discharge system is so slow. Btw, since JEL was not able to have her trick or treat, we let her wear her costume on our way back home. She was sleeping throughout the trip. She was happy when we got home and started playing with toys but have noticed that she is not moving her other hand freely. She might have thought that she still have an IV. We're telling her, " JEL, you can move your other hand". Hehehe. Well, it's nice to be back home. Hubby cleaned our room before we slept that night. Thanks also to my mom. We asked her to stay with us to help our yaya with JEL's need until she gets well.

View some of JEL's hospital pix here.

FAST TRACK to Last Saturday - JEL's follow check-up
She is getting better and better. Our pedia is happy to see a 1kg increase in her weight for just 2 weeks. She was admitted @ 7.4kg and she is now @ 8.4kg. She is also now 72cm tall. Our yaya is also telling us that she now have a good appetite. She is now consuming a minimum of 20oz milk/day and eating a saucer full of rice 3x a day. We're happy for her improvement

NOW, we need to get back to Party Planning and Preps.
Below is my checklist.
Venue: DP Paid
Caterer: Pencil Booked
Lootbag items/Prizes: Almost complete. Been to Divi AGAIN last Sunday.
Photog: DP Paid
Venue Decor: Pencil Booked
Cake: Supplier Selected. Need to discuss design and pay DP.
Celebrants Attire: Need to Finalize Designs

Btw, just want to rave about JEL's new tricks and antics at 9months.
1. Stands and Dances w/o support (the longest we've seen is ~15s)
2. Attempts to walk w/o support (The last time we saw her, she was able to make 2 steps inside her crib)
3. Knows how to " Mano" but without holding the hand of the elder yet. Just letting her forehead touch the hand.
4. Makes a kiss w/ and w/o being instructed.
5. Appreciates things and kisses them. When we gave the Doctor kit that we bought from divi, she got excited upon seeing it and kissed it. Last night, my mom brought the books that my sister bought for her. She also kissed them.
6. Claps with sounds.
7. Says mama, dada, dede, mommy, daddy, gaga or baba for yo gabba gabba.
8. Swings her body while dancing.
9. Sings inside the church with the choir.
10. Imitates laugh.
11. Knows how to call someone and asked her/him to come nearer (hand movement).
12. Waives Hi and Bye.
13. Do Hi-5, a-line and aprub!
14. Anticipates a call from mom. Our yaya told me that one time, when I called home and she was sleeping. She woke up when the phone rang and said "mama?".
15. Sings and dances to the song " I have to hands...."
16. Plays with other kids and never cry when things or toys are being taken from her. She loves to SHARE and not "madamot".
17. No more stranger anxiety. No more crying but she still needs some time before she will playing with new faces.
18. Don't cry anymore before we leave in the morning. She is now waiving her hands to us. Btw, we don't say bye to her, we only tell her " See you later".

Well, this list will be longer if I'll list every single details. That's all for now. Just a happy and proud mama.

PS:
I'll tell you a secret. Shhhh. JEL doesn't have a tooth yet. We've been waiting for it for quite some time already. Hahaha.

2009 5th LO - Family

2009-11-09T18:04:00.001+08:00

This LO was started few weeks ago and was just waiting for the journal to complete. Wanted to change the title but decided to stick to it. Finally able to complete last night.

Materials:
Mylittleshoebox (PPS, ribbons, frame, diecut), Rubons, Zig Pen, blings, KF brads, Petaloo flower center.

Journaling:
You brought joy and completed this Family! We love you very much!

JEL in Hospital

2009-10-28T21:00:00.000+08:00

Sad but true. Hubby brought JEL to the hospital this afternoon due to colds and cough. We thought that she just needs antibiotic just like the previous weeks. But today is different. Pedia wants her to be confined. She is under observation for Pneumonia and was confirmed to have ashma.

Now, I'm here at home and waiting for hubby. I just prepared all the things needed to be brought to the hospital. We hope and pray that she get well the soonest. Need also your prayers. Thanks!

Squeeze Me LO

2009-10-22T21:59:00.000+08:00

Here is another LO of JEL.

Materials:
PPS (Colorbox and CC), CC Sticker, Paper Adventure 3D Sticker, Blings and Zig Pen.

Journaling:
Juz by merely looking at you, makes us wanna hug and squeeze you!

Hubby's 32nd Birthday

2009-10-21T10:34:00.002+08:00

Hubby had his 32nd birthday yesterday. It was a weekday so we just had a simple celebration at home. I did some simple balloon decors the night before. We ordered a billiard table cake since it is one of his favorite sports. We also ordered palabok from a neighbor and bought Andok's liempo and roast chicken for dinner.

It was simple but special because it is his birthday with our little princess! More Pix here.

Another LO - PEEK A BOO

2009-10-19T17:27:00.001+08:00

Another LO that I started last night nad just finished today.

Materials:
PPS (Bo Bunny, WRMK, ATB), Bazzill CS, Flowers (Petaloo, Prima), Alphas (AC and BG), Diamond Glaze, Ranger Glossy Accent, Blings (Kaiser, Prima), Brads, Ribbon, Sticker by CC, Zig Pens, Stamps (HW and LD), Ranger Distress Inks.

Journaling:
This is your favorite game with daddy. he always gets a smile when you're playing but he was not successful at this shot. Nevertheless, I love the your innocence here. you're so CUTE and PRETTY! (TPC Pictorial 081609).

JEL's 1st Fever

2009-10-18T22:00:00.000+08:00

I was not able to update this blog for some time because JEL got sick. A day after we got my biopsy result, JEL had a fever. We still went to the office the next day thinking that it will not get worse. However, we got worried when our helper started to text us that JEL's temperature is increasing. When it reached 39C, Hubby and I decided to go home and called her pedia for other instruction that she can give.

JEL looked fine when we got home but we can see that she is weak. Her temperature is also lower. Got to Chinese Gen Hospital after 2 hours. She still doesn't have a fever. Her pedia also can't explain why. She just instructed us to have a CBC of JEL the next day if she'll have any fever within the night. We all thought that she is now better. We even decided to drop by my SIL's house in Cubao for a dinner. She was sleeping on our way back when I started to feel her temp rising. It was good that we have a wet towel to use on her. We're not able to bring her paracetamol. We just asked our helper to buy one when we got in my SIL's house. JEL was still playing with her cousins but every 3 hours, her temp is shooting up. She was also chilling with the A/C and fan "ON". We decided to bring her to the PCDC for the CBC at 10pm. We just waited for the result for almost 2 hours before going home. Reached our home in Cavite at almost 2am. JEL still have fever and her temp is rising an hour before her tempra intake. We texted the CBC result to her pedia at 6am. She prescribed an antibiotic because the CBC showed an infection. The dosage is too much for JEL. It was 5ml 3x a day. It was also kind of mentholated as per the smell. We needed to do 3 drops of it since she is choking if we give her more. We're also instructed to bring her to a baby friendly hospital for a CHEST and PA X-RAY. Thus, we brought her to Asian Hospital at 9am. She was crying inside the x-ray room. We're able to do the chest x-ray lying down. But we really had a hard time for the side view even with hubby's help. Hubby just decided to have the x-ray done while JEL is standing. He was holding JEL's hand and I was holding her feet. She looked super "kawawa" after the procedure. My heart really broke seeing the tears of my baby and the fear in her face. We went home after that and hubby just claimed the result after 5 hours. It was good that the result is negative. At least the suspected primary complex was eliminated. She still had slight fever for 2 days. It was good that September 21 was declared a holiday. We're able spend more time with her and see her development. She got well few days after that.

Right now, I am still worried because she again had cough and colds last week. Ariel brought her pedia last saturday (10/10/09) and she again took an antibiotic. She jsut finished it today and now under observation. Another thing that worries me is small lymph node below her right ear. It was there for almost 3 months already. The pedia just advised us to regularly check it if it will increase. We pray that it is nothing serious.

091609 - 1st day of Fever

091609 - with fever but still crawling.

091909 - Still Sick

092009 - Sick Pa rin

092009 - Sick and still trying to play

2nd LO for 2009 - PROJECT

2009-10-18T21:09:00.000+08:00

Been inspired to create a LO last night. It took me a long time to finish this since it's been awhile since I last scrapped. Anyway, I hope that I'll get my mojo back soon. I have a lot of backlogs.

Materials:
MSW PPS, HS Mask, Ranger Distress Ink, TH blending tool, Bazzill CS, Mesh, AC Thickers, KF CS Sticker, HS Blings, KF Rickrack Brad, Ranger Glossy Accent, Zig Pen, FP Transparency, Paper Adventure 3D Sticker, MM Paint, SR Chipboard.

Journaling:
I just love how you project in front of a camera. You're so cute!

Our Ondoy Experience

2009-10-15T21:29:00.001+08:00

We also have our share of Typhoon Ondoy. It was not really bad. We're still blessed. We just got stranded in SLEX for almost 5 hours, not able to go home but able to sleep comfortably in a friend's home in Las Pinas. More detailed story here.

I JAMMED AGAIN

2009-10-15T17:40:00.000+08:00

I was in hibernation for almost a year. The last scrapbooking event I attended was also a SCRAPJAM held July of last year. My last LO was done December of last year and it was for a sideline. Hehe.

Hubby and Jel dropped me off the venue. They stayed for a while as I was checking my pre-orders and doing some shopping. They also played in the playground.

Anyway, it was nice seeing old and new faces. It was a fun-filled day. The foods are also yummy. The best thing is that I was able to brought home a lot of stuffs. Super Happy!

Lootbag contents

My pre-orders.

Shopping Bag Contents

Raffle Prize

Projects and Kits

Parol Project by Jian

It has been a tradition. I got these items from the "PAAGAW".

My entry to the Scrap Challenge.

I was really challenged since I was not able to scrap for months already.

Thanks to Ate Marissa and Nette! Sa uulitin po!

PS:
I think I got my interest back. I'll hope to finish more LO soon.

Fibroadenomatas with Fibrocystic changes

2009-09-16T23:33:00.001+08:00

This is the diagnostic of the masses that were taken from me. In lay-man's term, it is benign. Thank God! Now I can sleep well.

Prolonging the Agony

2009-09-12T22:28:00.000+08:00

We went to Asian yesterday for my Post Surgery check-up as well as for the Biopsy result. We got there at 2pm but the doctor arrived at past 3pm. She removed the plaster on one of the holes and just replaced the plaster of the other 2 because they are still slightly open. She informed us that the biopsy result is still not available when she checked in Medical City and we're asked to come back on Wednesday.

Waah, can't wait for the result. Can't have peace of mind without knowing it. But I still pray that everything will be fine.

Early?

2009-09-12T21:33:00.005+08:00

Finally, we're able to decorate our little HOME with Christmas Decors. We're kinda excited because this is JEL's 1st Christmas. She was very quiet while watching me decorating the Christmas Tree and got surprise and curious upon seeing the Christmas Lights and hearing it's sound.

By the way, this should have been done last Monday. But the Palace excluded our company from the Holiday. At least we're able to do it today. We didn't buy anything. These are old decors. Here's a glimpse of our little HOME.

Our 4 y.o Little Xmas Tree and Table Runner.

Little Xmas Tree and a Xmas Cow Doll

Little Xmas Tree

Curtains and Throw Pillows

Xmas Bell for the Front Door

JEL and DADDY

JEL and MOMMY

Finally it's Done but with 3 Holes and 5 Stones

2009-09-11T00:49:00.000+08:00

Our Sticker Pass to OPD

Finally, it's done. The Mammotome procedure was done on me last Tuesday. My schedule was at 1pm. We got in Medical City 10 minutes before 12 noon. We proceeded to the Breast Clinic but we're asked to go to the HMO clinic first for endorsement. When we got the papers, I got to complete the patients form and was asked to wait inside the clinic. I was called to enter the operating area at 1:40pm. There was a waiting area in the operating room. I was given a hospital gown and asked to change. Hubby also stayed inside the waiting area. I was escorted to the operating room proper at 2pm.

That was the start of one of the longest 2 hours of my life. Upon entering the room, I was asked to lie on the operating table. I was kinda shy seeing a guy inside the room but totally forgot about it when the surgeon started moving. Waah. The 1st thing they did was an ultrasound. I was expecting that they will hang a cover by my face so that I will not see the procedure but they didn't. I was facing the monitor throughout the procedure. All the while, I was thinking that only one mass will be removed but the surgeon did ultrasound on both breast. There were 2 masses in my right and 3 masses in my left. This didn't matched my latest ultrasound which only showed 2 masses on my left. The new mask that was seen has an irregular shape mass. I hope this is nothing serious.

Anyway here is what I have noted during the procedure:

2pm to 2:19
Ultrasound was done by the surgeon. Pictures of the masses where captured and printed.

2:19 - 3:03
The biggest mass was removed. I got 4 shots of anesthesia because I started to feel pain during the last part of the mass removal. Sobrang malalim na yata yung mass. Sobrang ngalay na din ako. I was praying that it will be done soon.

3:03 - 3:07
The surgeon dig a new hole on me for the other mass. Hindi daw kaya with just one hole. The position was far from the 1st one. Another shot of anesthesia inside. It was good that it did not take so long. They were already able to clean and put gauze on my wounds.

3:07 - 3:10
1st shot of anesthesia on my left. Then 2nd shot was done inside. When she starts drilling down. I felt pain. She again gave me another shot of anesthesia. The 1st mass in my left was removed.

3:11 - 3:23
Another shot of anesthesia. Used the same hole to remove the 2nd mass in my left.

3:24 - 3:49
Another shot of anesthesia for the location of the 3rd mass. The surgeon used the same hole.

3:49 - 4pm
Cleaning time and changed hospital gown. The previous gown was already stained with some blood.

During the procedure, I wanted to tell the doctor to stop kasi nangangalay na ako. I was also scared about the pain I'm feeling while the 1st mass was being removed. I am also not prepared for a bilateral mammotome. I thought, only the biggest mass will be removed. It was so tiring. I can still recall the words that I am hearing from the surgeon and the assisting nurses which are POSITION & SAMPLE. Position is when the suction is being stopped to monitor or locate the mass. This is also the time when the surgeon is verifying if all the mass was already removed. SAMPLE means that the surgeon is now ready to get a sample of the mass. This is the removal of the mass - part by part. Whew. The next sound that I'll be hearing similar to a hand dryer. I am also seeing the assisting nurse getting the sample from the suction instrument to the sample container. Each mass has its own container. Another word that I remembered was LIGHT. Lights "ON" for the 1st level anesthsia. Lights "OFF" if it is being injected inside because the surgeon is looking at the sono monitor. I was happy when the lights was permanently turned "ON" because we're already done.

After I changed my gown, I was escorted by the nurse to the waiting room so I can change. After changing, my knees started to shake. I don't know why. I felt cold and weak. But it was gone after some minutes. I was thankful that it was finally over but my hands are totally red. Sobrang nangalay siguro because it was placed under my head while the procedure is being done.

Until now, I am still not sure it I still want this procedure or just the ONE TIME BIG TIME operation which I have before. I was 100% awake during the procedure and it's kinda torture. My eyes were focused on the screen. I don't want to look at the injection and the suction tool. I was counting the minutes and hoping that it will be done soon. Anyway, the agony will not be over until tomorrow. I have a check-up with the surgeon and will also be receiving the Biopsy result. I hope it will be benign.

Another concern I have is the Total of 10 Anesthesia shots that I got. I'm hoping that it will not affect my memory. I don't want another attack of MOMNESIA. Hehe.

MAM - MAM - MAM - MAM & MAM

2009-09-07T23:03:00.000+08:00

Before we left the office today, I am already feeling the ants biting me inside. Although it will just be a minor surgery, I am still feeling nervous. Maybe it's because that I've been there already. I can imagine the operating table, the green cloth that will be hang in front me. I will not see what the doctors will be doing but I'll still be hearing their voices. Waaah. Scary.

But I totally forgot this feeling when we got home. Upon seeing me, JEL said, "MAM - MAM - MAM - MAM". We're surprised. It was the 1st time she uttered these words and this is the day before my MAM (mam-motome). Hehehe.

JEL Got Sick for the 1st time

2009-09-05T00:28:00.000+08:00

JEL had her monthly pedia check-up last Saturday (August 29). She gained 0.5kg. This is better compared to her gain last month. She is now at 6.7kg and 70cm tall. She had her measles vaccine that day. It's good that she didn't cry that much (less than 3 seconds, hehe).

According to her pedia, she is not on the heavy side but she is healthy. She just had colds twice but for a short period of time only. However, she started to cough last Monday. She was prescribed by Loviscol 3x a day. But her condition didn't improved. She even developed colds. It was just good that she didn't had any fever. We brought her to her pedia yesterday because she started to vomit plegm. Her throat is clear that's why she was only prescribed to take antibiotic for 7 days together with the Loviscol.

Today, she still have both colds and cough. She even vomitted after dinner. But it was expected as per her pedia because of the antibiotic that she's taking. We are just thankful that she is not a crying sick baby. She plays and still very active. We just pray that she'll get well very soon.

New Stuffs for JEL

2009-09-05T00:06:00.000+08:00

After my check-up, we went to ATC looking for the Bumbo Play Tray that we need for JEL's Baby Dock Seat. Unfortunately, they still don't have it and they are not sure if they will still have it. We just ended up buying these items for her.

When we got home, we also found out that the TAG-Along Blankie and Block that I ordered from Tinytots already arrived. JEL loved playing with them.

Our JEL is so blessed to have lots of new stuffs on this day. While growing up, we would also like to teach her the value of sharing her blessings to those in need.

Mammotome on September 8

2009-09-04T23:31:00.000+08:00

Last Friday (August 28), Hubby & I took a half day off from work in order to have my ultrasound analyzed. The accredited doctor of our HMO doesn't have weekend schedule that's why we are left with no other choice but to leave from work.

The onconologist / breast surgeon told us that based from the pictures, it doesn't exhibit the characteristics or a cancerous cyst. But, we still need to do biopsy due to it's size (2.3cm) and age (more than a year). She suggested to perform "Mammotome" on me. The procedure will be done on the 8th of September (Mama Mary's Birthday) in Medical City.

I am beginning to feel some fear because the doctor already explained to me how this is done. This will be my 2nd operation. The last one was done way back 2003. I just hope and pray that everything will run smoothly and the biopsy result will be benign. Sigh.

A BUSY SUNDAY & KA-BOO

2009-09-01T22:13:00.000+08:00

Last last Sunday (August 23) was a tiring day for us because we've been to a lot of places. We started the day with a 7:30am mass. From Cavite, we went straight to Himlayan to offer some flowers for Hubby's late mom. Then, went to Cubao for a car swap. We need a bigger car for the the day. We fetched my family from Pasig and had lunch in Antipolo. It was my Lola's 83th birthday. There were lots of foods. Left the place at 2pm and stayed in my parents house in Pasig. Hubby, tried to fix my sister's PC but was not successful that they needed to bring it to a nearby computer shop. Good thing that it was fixed. Left my parents house at 6pm. We claimed prints of JEL's pictorial the week before from ATC.

After claiming the pix, hubby heard JEL said KA-BOO. We're wondering what could be that word. Could it be Peek-a-Boo? Since she always hear this word inside TPC? Hmmm. Wishing lang. Hehe.

JEL's 1st Birthday Party Preps Update: Trip to Diviland

2009-08-31T15:38:00.000+08:00

Last August 21, Hubby and I went to Diviland to check on items we can buy for JEL's 1st birthday. We bought a lot of stuffs but these are not complete yet. We might go back before the Christmas Rush. At least, we already know what we want and need. See contents on our luggage below.

Bday Teaser 3: Pin the Button, YGG Around the World & Writings on Minibooks

2009-08-31T15:19:00.001+08:00

If you can't buy it, D-I-Y!

Received Some Freebies

2009-08-25T23:58:00.000+08:00

Got these cute picture frames from KiddieParty.ph by joining their promo. Check the details here.

Lobulated, Vascular and Appears Taller than Wide.

2009-08-17T23:25:00.001+08:00

Masses in the following locations in cm:

PREVIOUS PRESENT
(10/04/08) (08/16/09)
RIGHT
12:00 B 1.73 1.94
2:00 A 0.52 not seen
9:00 B 2.69 2.38
9:30 A not seen 0.44
10:00 B 1.18 not seen
10:00 B 1.06 not seen

LEFT
11:00 Retroareolar 1.17 1.29
2:00 A 0.77 0.63

The mass at the 9:00 B position of the right "B" is still lobulated, vascular and appears taller than wide. No calcifications seen. The rest of the visualized masses are hypoechoic solid, oval, parallel to skinline, circumcribed with abrubt interface and without calcification. etc

CONCLUSION: Slight interval decrease in the size if the lobulated solid mass at the 9:00 B position of the right "B". The rest visualized ,asses demonstrate benign feature.

This is the result of my sonogram last Saturday. I got a little scared because it is still there after almost 15months. See history here. But hubby assures me that it's gonna be alright. I hope and pray that it will really be alright. We still don't know at this time because unfortunately, my previous surgeon/onco is not accrecited anymore with our new HMO. I still need to wait this week to have a checkout with the accredited surgeon/onco of Intellicare in Asian Hospital. We also still need to check if she will be available on Friday since it's a holiday. Anyway, here are some pix of my hubby and baby while we are waiting for my turn in the radiology room.

OC Post-it Sampler Pack

2009-08-17T21:54:00.000+08:00

I got this sampler pack for FREE. I just registered at www.ocintraining.com and received an email that I can claim my sampler pack from my choosen National Bookstore outlet.This sampler pack comes with 1 pop-up Post-It with paper dispenser and 10 pcs. of Post-It flags. Not bad huh?!

MOMNESIA - Worst Thing that Happened to me Today

2009-08-16T23:00:00.000+08:00

I saw this TERM from N@W. It is commonly know as memory gap. I don't know if I'm really getting old or this was caused by my epidural.

Until now I still can't believe it. Guess what?! I forgot the spelling of our Baby's Name. Waah. We had our pictorial in TPC this morning. While selecting photos for print, I noticed one of the layouts with JEL's name was mispelled (LORIELL) . I know it's wrong but I couldn't recall what's the correct spelling. I keep asking hubby but it seems that he got confused as well. I was thinking that it should be LORIELLE or LORRIELE. I was really thinking hard that time. I tried to convince myself that it is LORRIEL. I told them that it is LORRIEL. But... I still needed to verify that with my baby's BIRTH Certificate when we got home. And I was right. It was JAN LORRIEL.

I felt guilty because it's one thing that a mom should not forget but it did happen to me. Do you think it's normal?

Bday Teaser 3: Hello! How are You?

2009-08-09T21:51:00.000+08:00

Hubby's labor of love for his baby girl.

I'll be Jamming

2009-08-07T15:51:00.001+08:00

It's almost a year since I last touch my scrapbook stuffs. However, I
just can't resist Scrapbookhawaii and MLA's Scrapjam. I'll be jamming
together with the other scrap addicts this October. See more details here.

http://scrapbookshawaii.blogspot.com/2009/06/scrapjam_9063.html

JEL's 1st Birthday Party Preps Update: Party Time Caterer Food Tasting - 2nd Round

2009-08-04T07:59:00.001+08:00

I got surprised last Friday night to receive a text from Mel asking if I want to have another round of food tasting. We agreed since we're really going to Festival Mall that Saturday to do our grocery shopping. We picked up the foods at around 3pm and ate them at home. Below are the comments that I texted Mel.

Fish Fillet in Lemon Butter
US: Good but better if with sauce since it's dry.
MEL: It really has a sauce (Tartar or Black Bean) but for sample foods for pick-up they don't give it because it can be spoiled. She just want us to know what kind of fish they are using for their fish menus.

Backed Mac
US: Good also. Tasted like the Baked Spag. We still preferred the Baked spaghetti since long noddles symbolized long life.
MEL: Noted.

Beef Pot Roast in Mushroom Sauce
US: I like the sausage. LOL. Hubby said that it's better than the roast porkloin but it is super greasy. I agree with him. That would be bad for our health. But if they can choose a better beef part (less fat), we like it better than the roast porkloin.
MEL: Noted!

Sweet and Sour Pork
US: We're not able to receive it but instead got another packed sample of roast beef. Hehehe.
MEL: Noted.

Customer Service
US: Superb
MEL: None yet. I haven't tell her that we really appreciate her great Customer Service. We haven't booked anything yet and still we are getting this such good CS. Thanks!

Anyway, we advised Mel that we would still want to get the original menu that we planned. And she took note of that.

073009 - JEL's 6th Month Bday & Monthly Pedia Check-up

2009-08-03T01:02:00.001+08:00

JEL's 6th Month Birthday was last Thursday so we needed to go to the office. However, we decided to take a half day off also for her Pedia Check-up. It was supposed to be on 080109 but our schedule is tight on that day. We picked up her cake from Recipes & Magic before picking her up from home.

Her check-up went well except for the one small lymph node that her pedia was able to feel near her jaw. She just advised us to monitor if it will grow bigger or increased.

She grew 2cm longer and still taller from the average (69cm). However, her weight is lower than average.

She only gained 0.2kg since last month. She was previously at 6kg. Our pedia told us to limit her solid intake from 4 to twice a day so that her milk intake will increase. She is only taking 3-4 feedings of 6oz milk a day.

Her vitamins will also increase from 0.5ml to 1ml. Another vitamins was also given to her to boost her appetite. We hope that it will work for her. According to her pedia, she is not skinny but she is also not fat. All here food and milk intakes are being converted to energy because she is so active.

Anyway, she also got her Hepa Vaccine that day. She only cried for a while then started playing again. She will have her vaccine for measles next month.

Before going home, we bought some foods from North Park for her birthday celebration. We had Toast Noodles, Beancurd Mushroom, Sweet and Sour Pork, Aniseed Beef Tendon, Kingdao Spareribs and Salted Fish & Chicken Fried Rice. We had a simple celebration at home. See more pictures here.

Btw, we thank the Lord for all His Blessings, our JEL's 6th Month, her everyday safety and good health!

Bday Teaser 2: Spot the Difference

2009-08-03T00:14:00.000+08:00

Hmmm. Can you spot the difference? Hahaha!

Last Weekend (July 24 to Present)

2009-07-30T00:13:00.001+08:00

I was not supposed to have a backlog in this blog but I'm having headach for some days already and also my PC had a virus that needed to be cleaned up.

Anyway, last Friday, we suddenly decided to go to Festival Mall for us to just have a whole day rest on Saturday. We returned our printer to the repair center after seeing the same problem it had before. It was a back job. Hubby also upgraded the memory of his laptop to be more efficient on his work. We had dinner in Sai-Bachi. It was a good dinner. Hubby had their eat-all-you-can tempura, while I had their noodles and tokuyaki balls. We also went to Robinsons to look for a Baby Walking Belt but it was out of stocks. We ended up just buying shoes and additional milk container for JEL.

Saturday
We all stayed at home. Hubby tried to repair my PC but was not satisfied. He was able to install the virus scanner but the virus definition can't be updated. In the evening, he was not felling well. Was the virus from my PC got into him? Hehe.

Sunday
After our Sunday Mass, we went to ATC. We bought EPass Load, picked up our TPC pictorial prints and my LYB membership card. I also bought some cosmetics from Body Shop. I availed their Members' Birthday Privilege (20% discount on your Birth Month).

We then went to Megamall to Celebrate Ariel M.'s Birthday. Jel was able to play with Clark. See pictures here.It was awesome to see them again.

We also went to SM department store looking for the Baby Walking Belt but it was also out of stock. We just ended up buying new shoes again for JEL. No Worries. It's not expensive. We just bought it for P99.

On our way to my parents house, it was raining hard. Our windshield wiper broke. The car repair shop we went to was not able find the right size of bushing from the nearby car accessories shops. It was expected since it is a Sunday and already 3pm. We are just thankful that Manong was kind enough to do some Mac Gyver stuff. He just used an epoxy to make one wiper working. Ariel drove our car with this set-up.

In my parents house, we just had PM snacks while my family is playing with Jel. We left my parents house at 6pm.

We're still supposed to go to Antipolo for the welcome party of Ariel's cousin Jason and Her Ate's Despedida party but we opted to just go home for safety purposes. We are still from the South and it was raining hard. We are all tired when we got home.

Monday
We got excited to know that Ma'am Joji is already back after attending a quarterly review in our CA office. She was able to bring the plush toys I ordered from Ebay which was shipped to Kuya Rowen's Home. JEL was surprised seeing them. See her pictures here.

Tuesday was an ordinary day but we're thankful that Ariel felt better and JEL's colds was contained. My PC virus clean-up was also getting better after system restoration.

Yesterday, hubby and I had a lunch out to buy some balloons for JEL's 6th month Birthday today. I pumped six balloons. Pictures will be posted soon.

Today, it's already 12:47am. I'm still awake and trying to update this blog. Hehehe. Later, we will be taking a half day off for JEL's monthly Pedia check-up. We will also be picking up her cake from Recipes and Magic. Hope it would be nice and tasty!

Well, that's it. I need to sleep now. Hope I can post JEL's 6th Moth birthday pictures tonight.

GO Look-alike Meter

2009-07-23T00:44:00.003+08:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Geneology - Roots

Got A Free Lunch Yesterday

2009-07-22T23:05:00.000+08:00

We had free lunch yesterday using our BPI charge slips from Chowking. We had fish lauriat, pork lauriat, halo-halo with 1 scoop of ice cream and 3 siomai (3pcs each). We're not able to eat all of them and just took some of them out for our PM snacks.

Anyway, this is just one of the advantages of owning a credit card. We should enjoy the perks we're getting but we need to ensure that we're paying our bills on time to avoid paying finance charges.

YGG Invasion

2009-07-20T23:36:00.001+08:00

It feels like we're invaded by the Gabba Gang. Our room is already infested with YGG stuffs. All for the love of our daughter. Hahaha.

They are JEL's favorite. Her eyes are getting big every time she sees this poster. She never gets tired of our bed time stories ( YGG book - Meet the Gabba Gang). She smiles and wiggles her legs while listening to her YGG impersonator mom. hehehe. Her dad even stays up late at night just to search and download YGG episodes (No DVDs yet here). Luckily or unluckily, he is just able to download 2 episodes for 2 weeks. We burned them in a CD last weekend so she can watched them even on weekends because the show is just being aired twice a day on weekdays only.

We're already beginning to love them. I love their dance steps! Wait, wait, wait. It seems the Gabba Addiction is now airborne. Are we now infected?! Hahaha!

Pasalubong from Jen

2009-07-20T23:27:00.000+08:00

One of my colleagues got back from her 1-month training in our Washington Office and gave me this lotion for Pasalubong.

Thanks JEN!!! I l love it. This is one of my favorite VS scent!

Birthday Token

2009-07-20T23:14:00.000+08:00

Our company started to give birthday tokens last year by giving us birthday cakes.See my blog post here. This year they give us a mug and a pouch bag. Not bad, huh. They said that they will change the tokens every year. I wonder what they will be giving next year?! Anyway, thanks for the thought!

JEL's 1st Birthday Party Preps Update: Party Time Caterer Food Tasting

2009-07-20T23:07:00.000+08:00

We had our food tasting yesterday. We picked up the sample foods from Party Time Philippines Japanese Restaurant in Festival Mall. We didn't eat those foods for lunch because we ate in their resto. We had Pork Teriyaki, Tonkatsu, Gyosa and Tempura which are all good. Hubby enjoyed their Tempura and the Vegetable Balls.

By the way, we ate the sample foods at home for pm snacks. Below is our verdict.
Baked Spaghetti - I like it. Hubby said that it's a little salty but maybe because we took all the cheese toppings.
Roast Porkloin - Good but needs more sauce.
Vietnamese Spring Roll - We don't like it. We will change it to fresh lumpia.
Fudge Brownie - Yummy and Chewy - Passed!

We already informed Party Time Philippines of these comments and Mel already took note of them.

JEL's 1st Birthday Party Preps Update: Venue Hunting

2009-07-19T21:32:00.003+08:00

We accidentally started planning for JEL's 1st birthday last May. We just saw a party planner booth in SM Molino. We got a copy of their packages last May 23 and that's how it started.

I found their packages expensive. So I searched the web for other suppliers and while surfing the net, I got into the Smart Parenting and Girl's Talk forums. I learned a lot from them that it had been my hobby to checked these forums every night.

By the way, here are the places we've been in search for the right venue for JEL's 1st Birthday:

1. Avignon - It seems the guard didn't understand us. I think we also didn't understand him. We've asked for the clubhouse and he said it was already sold. Now, I realize that he might thought that we are looking for an open house. Nevertheless, we will not go back there, the place will not be accessible for our guest coming from Pasig and QC.

2. Camella in Molino Clubhouse - We didn't take a look at it. By the look inside our car,we don't like it already.

3. AMICI Clubhouse inside Camella - Covered but not air conditioned venue. Too Small for the # of guests we're expecting.

4. Big Red Barn Alabang - The Place is nice and for really for kids but I find their packages expensive. I also don't think that it will be worth for a 1st birthday. Our baby will not be enjoying the play area yet.

5. Congo Grille Alabang - Parties are held on their 2nd floor. It's nice for a Jungle Theme party. They can customize their packages. They also have reasonable prices. However, I am not satisfied with their customer service. I was able to compare it with the comment from GT about Congo Grille El Pueblo.

6. Jollibee in Madrigal Alabang - Large Party Area but hubby doesn't want a short party time (2hrs). They also don't allow outside party host.

7. Dazo Hall in Philam Village Las Pinas - Big Party Area and have a reasonable rental fee. It can accommodate more than 200 PAX. No issue with parking. Friendly to the commuters but our guests are coming from Pasig and QC. This is quite far for them.

8. Storyland in SM Southmall - They have a party area that can accommodate 150PAX but party time is only up to 2hrs only. They have in-house party host and caterers but you can also get food from the FF inside SM.

9. Pixie Forest - We didn't inquire here but we've seen a party before in this venue. We saw another party in this place this morning and we are not comfortable with the place because the party venue is dark, noisy, small and has no privacy.

10. Fridays - They have kiddie birthday packages but we can't afford it. Hehe.

11. Orchard Golf and Country Club - They have in-house caterer and we also can't afford the prices of their menus both the buffet or sit-down. How I wish we can. But the downside is the accessibility to our guests.

12. Madrigal Center - I find the rental fee expensive for a non-A/C venue.

13. Max's near ATC - Hubby doesn't like the place.

14. Starmall - They have accredited caterers but can order from the FF inside starmall. They have reasonable birthday party packages.
a. Castle Area - Small. It can only accommodate max of 100pax.
b. Resort Area - Small and can only accommodate max of 120pax.
c. Function Room with A/C - It can accommodate 150pax but have low ceiling.
d. Function Area (Open sides, covered, no AC) - It has a capacity of 500pax but can rent half of the place only. Pictures of the place is seen here.

We wished to celebrate JEL's birthday in our clubhouse but it's small and can only accommodate 40-50pax. Currently, we are leaning towards the non-A/C function area in Starmall due to it's accessibility to our guests and their not so expensive venue rental fee. We are also not obliged to get their packages. The only downside is that they have accredited caterers and they charge corkage fee for outsourced food carts and party host.

Extended Birthday

2009-07-14T14:45:00.006+08:00

I had a 2-day birthday celebration. The actual day of my birth was celebrated with my family (I blogged about it here). The next day was celebrated with my in-laws and their kids. We really had a very busy weekend.

By the way, here are the activties we did last Sunday:
- 8:30 am mass in St. Jerome Parish. It ended early so we strolled inside Makati Supermarket while waiting for ATC to open.
- 10am TPC pictorial. We all had a good time posing for pictures and having JEL smile. More pictures here.
- We bought Yo Gabba Gabba Books for JEL in Powerbooks.

- Lunch in Magdaragat with my in-laws.

- At home, Jel played with her cousins while Ariel is helping my in-laws with their laptop problems. We had dinner together. They left at almost 9pm. I'm already tired but I still fixed some things inside our room and prepare the things needed for work the next day.

Btw, I got this gift from my in-laws. Thanks!

Also, I forgot to blog about a call I receive on my actual birthday from Fr. Ginu, our Parish Priest, who is having a vacation in India. Thanks po for remembering!

Overall, we had a tiring yet fun-filled weekend!

Chocolatey Birthday

2009-07-11T23:06:00.004+08:00

I just turned 33 today and I want to thank the Lord for all the blessings I got for 33 years. There were ups and downs but I was able to make it with His guidance.

I had a simple birthday celebration. A week ago, we ordered chocolate cake and cup cake with topper from Cakefarm. They are one of the famous bakeshop in cavite that we are eyeing for JEL's birthday. I was not able to take a pix of the cupcakes because we are all busy during lunch. Anyway, here is the pix of the cake

We picked this cake from Bacoor Cavite before going to NBC tent. There is an ongoing bazaar there and I asked hubby to buy some matching clothes for the three of us from KATRICEwear who will be having a booth there as a birthday gift. Below is the matching poloshirts that we bought.

We were also able to buy short, blouse and dress for Jel from other participating sellers. I love them all. Actually, we already washed them all and planned to wear them tomorrow. Hehe.

We had lunch in my parents house. My dad cooked some foods for me some. We had buttered shrimp, pork kaldreta and lechon kawali. And just bought pancit from our neighbor. We all had a very yummy lunch that I forgot to take pictures of the food.

The funny part is that all my siblings gave me chocolate goodies.Ditse gave me a Banaple. Gemme gave me an Iko's Choco moist cake and a Cadbury Chocolate bar. Jen and Anna gave me Chocolate brownies.

I've tried all of them. They are all yummy. I just told myself to forget first all the calorie counting for this day? Is that a valid excuse?

Another gift I received today is the homed cooked menudo by my Aunt (Mama Linda). I really love her menudo especially its sauce. Thank you po!

Oh, did I mention that the greatest gift I have for my birthday is our little girl??!!

We had a very tiring yet happy day. Another year was added to my age but it's all worth it! Thanks to all who greeted me by email and text and also those who remembered my special day in their own special way!

I love you all!!!

Bday Teaser

2009-07-10T00:23:00.001+08:00

This is just a teaser. Trying my luck on digital scrapbooking using scrapblog. Sorry for being an excited 1st time mom. Hihi. By the way, this is just part of Jel's 1st bday party preps.

Absence

2009-07-09T18:57:00.002+08:00

I've been MIA in this blog for a long time already. I'm been really really busy. I was not blogging but I am posting pictures on our baby in my multiply site. Please visit me there.

I miss blogging and I wish I can come back soon.

Happy 4th Year Anniversary to Me & My Hubby

2009-03-19T14:51:00.004+08:00

Today is our 4th year wedding anniversary. We didn't prepare for any celebration today because we are some kinda busy with our little baby JEL. Yes, I already gave birth. I haven't blog about it yet because I am still overwhelmed with my new responsibilities and duties.

Anyway, the couple shirt on the side is my gift to my hubby which I bought from onlinefab. We plan to wear this tomorrow. Hubby will be taking a half day off tomorrow for a us to have a late little celebration although today, he told me that he'll be bringing some foods for our dinner.

Btw, the greatest gift the we have for our anniversary is our little JEL. We wish that our love will grow stronger each day and we'll become good parents to JEL.

Happy Hearts Day !!!

2009-02-14T20:17:00.000+08:00

Happy Hearts Day!!!

Hubby and I didn't have any romantic date today. Actually, we don't celebrate Valentines day on the day itself. However, Hubby bought these flowers for me.

We also had some foods delivered at home for pm snacks and we got this balloon as a freebie.

We had a simple celebration but we had fun. Hubby even cooked dinner for me.

Isn't it sweet?

RTO, Wedding and BPS

2009-01-28T22:46:00.000+08:00

Today, hubby and I had our RTO (Required Time-off). Our Company is requiring all the employees to render 12 days off for this quarter as a cost cutting measure in response to the global crisis. This is somehow beneficial to us because we need to do a lot of errands this coming weeks. But we still hope that we'll be able to recover soon.

By the way, we used the RTO today to attend the wedding of Ariel's Friend (Red and Sari). It was held in Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish while the Reception was in Dad's West Avenue QC. The couple looked really happy for this special day of their life.

From the reception, we went to SM Megamall to have my BPS in In My Womb as required by my OB. I need to have a check-up tomorrow. According to her, labor is already starting because of some bloody and mucous show. This somehow excites me but I am also feeling some fears. Hehehe.

By the way, here is the BPS result:

Score: 8/8 = GOOD
Baby's Weight: Increased from 3239 to 3155 grams = GOOD
Amniotic Fluid: Decreased from 20.8 to 13.44cm = GOOD

Our Baby Book \ Diary

2009-01-28T22:34:00.000+08:00

Last Night, we went to NBS to buy a baby book. We also bought some scrapbooking stuffs for the soon-to-be-baby album. Almost everything is complete but the waiting game is testing our patience. Hehehe.

More Gifts Coming IN

2009-01-26T16:58:00.002+08:00

Last Sunday, our little baby received another batch of gifts. This time, they are from Ariel's sisters. Thanks!

Preggy Diary - Week 38 (Add'l Update)

2009-01-26T16:42:00.000+08:00

We had our weekly pre-natal check-up last Saturday.

Some Good News:
    - No weight gain for me.
    - Last Weeks BPS- ok
    - Baby's Heartbeat - ok
    - Dilation improved - now at 2cm
    - OB already issued admitting orders

Not So Good News:
    - Although I am 2cm dilated, my cervix is not yet that ripe. It's already soft compared last week but it is still thick.

From LDPH, we had our BPS in OB-GYN because the Sonologist in LPDH is currently on ML. The cost of the BPS in Festival Mall is 30% higher compared to LPDH but we have no other choice. My OB wants to have my BPS that day for more accurate comparison.

BPS Result:
Score: 8/8 = GOOD
Baby's Weight: Increased from 3030 to 3239 grams = Not so GOOD
Amniotic Fluid: Increased from 18.9 to 20.8cm = BAD

I texted the result to my OB and she said that I really need to give birth soon to avoid having a CS delivery. She doesn't want it for me because of my GDM.

After the BPS, I had my 4th Pre-natal Session. It was really relaxing especially for my aching back.

Now, I feel that I really want to give birth soon. My backache is really killing me. Also, I felt some kind of fear last night because of the mucous coming out of me. I had texted my OB and she said that It might have been caused by her IE. Well, I hope that this is already a sign of labor.

Need your prayers for my safe delivery soon. I hope it would be soon.

Aching Back

2009-01-23T16:50:00.000+08:00

I am complaining about it for quite some time already. Maybe this is
cause by our little girl who is getting heavier and my scoliosis. I
believe it is not yet a contraction because it stops or it lessen when I
change position. However, this is really affecting my mood. Huhuhu.

Year 2008 RECAP

2009-01-21T13:30:00.000+08:00

2009 had already started and the 1st month is ending soon. Let me just list down all the blessings we received and trials we faced last 2008.

Highlights (Let's count our Blessings.)
Hubby and I had a beginning of year Bonding Moment (Jan2-3) in Los Banos Laguna. Went to Visit UPLB.
Few Weeks after the year started, I was given a new assignment with a good career opportunity.
We're able to start our investment with Philam.
Birth of my 1st Nephew.
3rd Year Wedding Anniversary which we spent in Punta de Fabian in Baras Rizal.
My sister graduated in HS with honor.
Had a 3rd Gimik with hubby for the year - spent a night in Coffee Farmhouse.
Hubby got his promotion and was moved to another group.
Before the middle of the year, another project was assigned to me.
WE GOT PREGNANT.
Able to meet with hubby's College Friends (Wilson visited Phils. after one year of migrating to OZ)
Fully Paid our Pag-ibig Housing Loan.
Ariel had another blessing.
Home Improvements ( Dirty Kitchen - roofing and turned it to a real kitchen plus kitchen cabinet)
We are still employed!

Lowlights (Trials):
Learned some bad new from about one of my sister.
Death of Daddy Tony (My Dad's 2nd dad).
Our 1st househelp left us after more than a year of service. She decided to finally settle down in their province. Good thing that we had a new one before she left.
I was advised by my OB to have a month of bedrest due to low lying placenta.
Our 2nd househelp left us. But this is also a good thing because she had some attitudes that we don't like.
RIF (Reduction in Force) in our Company.
Learned about my GDM (Gestational Diabetes).

Preggy Diary - Week 38

2009-01-20T14:29:00.002+08:00

Yesterday, we went to visit my Endoc to consult about the change in my sugar level. She said that it is just normal and gave us the targets to follow.

Pre-Breakfast = 80 to 94
Post Meal = 85 to 120

She also advised me that if my pre-breakfast will go below 80 then I may need to reduce my insulin intake by 2 units. I also told her about the dizziness I am feeling lately. She said that I may be anemic but after she checked my eyes and said that it looks normal. She just advised me to tell it to my OB.

When we got home, I texted my OB and told her what the Endoc told me. She replied with a sigh. Hehehe. She told me that I'll just follow what she instructed my last Saturday. The target that we will be using is 90 for post meals.

Now, we're kinda confuse. But we still pray that everything is REALLY normal and everything will continue to be Normal until I give Birth.

Preggy Diary - Week 37

2009-01-19T09:44:00.002+08:00

We had our weekly pre-natal check-up last Saturday. As per my OB, my last week's BPS is still ok. My IE showed no difference compared to last week. I need to do more walking. She gave me another medicine to help in my dilation. She also checked my blood monitoring result. She said that my recent sugar level is low and may need to decrease my insulin intake from 8units to 6units. She also suggested that I continue to go to work. This will help in my dilation.

We just had our lunch in the hospital while waiting for my BPS. We're 3rd in the list. It was just good that the 1st two patients didn't take long inside the room. However, our little girl was in a deep sleep during the BPS. It took us a long time wake her up. The result of the BPS is not so good. We are expecting my water to decrease but it increased from 12 to 18. I texted my OB and she advised me to lessen my water intake but never to dehydrate myself. Sigh. Hope everything will be fine soon. Actually, hubby and I were thinking about the BPS result. The sonologist used a new machine that day. We don't know if it was already correlated with the old machine. Hmmm. We have to wait and check next week.

From the hospital, we went to Festival Mall to buy some nursing bra and do some walking while waiting for the time to pass by. I have a scheduled pre-natal massage in Rebirth Spa at 5:30pm. After the walk, hubby and I had a little PM snacks in Shakeys. I just ordered the Salad Chix Pizza. It comes with 2 pc of Mojos but I gave them to hubby to reduce my carbohydrate intake. We're done eating at 5pm and arrived in Asian at exactly 5:30pm. Just in time for my massage. It really relaxed me. It's good that I still have 2 more sessions.

Right now, we are worried about my blood sugar level. It is getting lower and lower. We will need to consult my endoc soon.

Another Pasalubong

2009-01-17T08:49:00.000+08:00

Some people may think that I am poor but I believe that I am rich because my wealth is the relationship I have with my friends and family.

If you would see, I have blogged a lot about gifts from friends. True friends are hard to find these days and we are happy to know that we have a lot. Below is another evidence that we have lots of friends around.

Thanks to Tita Chu for this Pasalubong! We really love the color. It fits our table and we are now using it!

Preggy Diary - Week 35 and Week 36

2009-01-12T21:44:00.000+08:00

Week 35 - Jan. 03
Returned to my endoc. She read my blood monitoring diary and said that everything looks good. She just need a new blood test from me - TSH and HBA1C. I have them done in Healthway ATC where she holds clinic. We just had lunch and then went to LPDH to have my weekly ultrasound (BPS - Biophysical Profile Scanning). The doctor arrived late and I was 3rd on the list. Baby didn't cooperated at first. She was sleeping. I needed to get up of the bed and eat a little to make her move.After I have eaten a hotdog from the hospital's canteen and got back to the ultrasound table, the doctor already saw an acceptable movement from our little girl. From Las Pinas, we drove back to Alabang to have my 2nd session of pre-natal massage in Rebirth Spa in Asian Hospital. It was so relaxing since I've been having a lot of backaches recently.

Week 36 - Jan. 10
9:45 am in LPDH for my pre-natal check-up. As per my OB, the BPS result is normal and good. She noticed that I lose some weight because of my GDM. I almost can't eat anything. She also did an IE on me. It kinda hurt. She said that I am 1cm dilated however my cervix/uterus is still thick. I may give birth in 2 to 3 weeks. She also told me that there is a big chance that I can give a normal birth. She also gave some instructions to us for the preparation of my birth giving then she again gave me a request for my next ultrasound. She also prescribed a lactation medicine - Natalac which I need to take once a day.

12nn in Healthway ATC for my endoc check-up. All my blood test results are normal. However, my blood sugar level before breakfast for the last 2 days are above 94. She told me to increase the dose of my insulin by 2units if it will not go below 95 tomorrow. I need to see her again next week.

Hubby and I just had our lunch inside the car.because we need to be back to LPDH at 1pm for my BPS. Unfortunately, the doctor arrived at 2pm. The only good thing is that I am the 1st in the list. According to the doctor, everything is normal including the cord. Our little baby didn't cooperate again during the movement monitoring but she started to move when hubby played some music thru our cellphone. Thanks God.

After our check-up, we went to SM Southmall to buy some more baby stuffs, home stuffs and did some grocery shopping. So far, here are the additional items we bought for our little girl.

PS:

I feel in love with the socks. They are cute, right?

WELCOME 2009

2009-01-12T21:28:00.000+08:00

We had welcome 2009 with a blast and a little drama. Hehehe. We didn't had any fireworks. We just listened and watched our neighbor's fireworks. Actually, we really don't spend money on fireworks. This is for our safety and our way of being money smart. Anyway, below are some of the foods we had prepared for our Media Noche.

We love all the yummy foods.

We also played some games after eating like darts, picture frame and bingo.

We enjoyed the night. We also hope that 2009 will be prosperous for all of us!

More Baby Shopping

2009-01-06T16:46:00.001+08:00

Last Sunday, after attending our friend's daughter's Christening, we went to SM dasma to buy more baby stuffs. Below are the items that we bought. Do you think we are excited?

Pahabol na Xmas Gift

2009-01-06T16:33:00.001+08:00

Yesterday, we received another gift for our little baby from our friend
Shirley who just came back from Taiwan. They are so cute. Thanks!!!

RECAP: HOLIDAY 2008

2008-12-31T16:58:00.000+08:00

We started to get busy for Christmas by the end of September. Our little Christmas tree was already standing by that time. However, we started shopping for gifts end of November. This was because of the recession that was happening in the US. And since we are an American company, there are cost cutting measures that our company made. There was a reduction in force. We lost 2 engineers from our department. Ariel's department lost 7. We just hope and pray that they were still able to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Anyway, below are some of our gimiks.

11/29/08
Started our Christmas Shopping in St. James Bazaar.

11/30/08
Divisoria shopping.

120708
Shopped for add'l xmas gifts in AAVA Bazaar.

121008
Ebay Shopping for Hubby and my parents.

121208
It was the NPD PE Party. It was fun. Our theme was Animated Musical Play. Our group was assigned to do the Naruto or Madagascar. We chose to do the later. The other groups do 2 animated movies. It was a stressful preparation because some of the members doesn't want to cooperate. I was just supposed to be the director by I ended up also performing and dancing. Anyway, all our efforts paid off. We are only after the last prize (4th place) but we ended up winning the 2nd place. It was really a good feeling aside from the fact that we also won a cash prize of 7K instead of 2K.

121308
Shopped in Market2.

121708
Started wrapping gifts for our direct reports.

121808
Started giving gifts.
Shopped in ATC after my check-up with the Endoc.

121908
Hubby's group Christmas Party.

122008
Shopped in Rockwell Tent.
Meeting with Ariel's Friend from Australia.

122108
Completed the wrapping of gifts.

122208
Fetched my family from Pasig. They will spend Christmas in our Home.

122308
Done giving gifts to friends and inaanaks in the office.

122408
We're already on leave but hubby is still getting calls from office.We attended Misa de Galo at 8:30pm. My mom and dad are the ones who prepared our Noche Buena. I only prepared the salad (which unfortunately is not good for me).

122508
Noche Buena Special.

Gift giving with my family. We're all laughing when we saw that my nephew was scared of our Pop-up sun Gift. Hehehe.

We slept at 2am. We all woke up at 8am. We 1st visited my dad's relatives in Antipolo - my grandma and Tita Aida's Family. Then my Mom's relative (Auntie Fe in Taytay and Mama Linda in Pasig). Then we dropped my family in my parents house. We just left our gifts for my inaanaks and other cousins.

Hubby and I then went to SM Hypermart in Pasig to buy Shirts for the Jorge-lypics (His family's yearly xmas reunion) because we both don't have the required colored shirt. I need to wear green while hubby need to wear yellow. We arrived in Filinvest Antipolo at 6:30pm. The party was supposed to start at 6pm but unfortunately, the guests are not yet there. The party started at 8pm instead. The worst part was when it started to rain. The party was outdoor and we only have 2 big tents. We only have a limited space but it still looks like that everybody had fun. After the program and the gift giving, we left the place at passed 1am. We still fetched my dad from their home in Pasig because he will be doing some carpentry in our house. He'll be doing us a double deck bed.

122608
Woke up late. Opened all the gifts we received. And here are all of them! Thanks!!!

123008
Hubby and my Dad went to Farmers in Cubao to buy some seafoods that we will be preparing for our Media Noche. They were able to buy Crabs, Shrimps and Lapu-lapu. My dad will be cooking all of them. Yummy! I am now excited for the media noche!

123108
Blogging while waiting for the New Year. Will blog soon about our Media Noche!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Preggy Diary - Week35

2008-12-31T16:11:00.000+08:00

I was not able to provide a preggy update lately because our last few weeks was like a roller coaster ride.

From my last update, I had my 2nd OGTT last Nov.16. But I was only able to get the result on the 13th of December during my OB visit. It was higher compared to my 1st. As per my OB, I needed to consult an endocrinologist. We both felt bad about it. However, we felt excited when we had our 4D ultrasound and saw the features of our baby. She has a very shubby cheeks.Cute!

121808
We went to Heathway in ATC to visit the endorsed Endoc by my OB. She told us that my readings are really high and I need to start monitoring my blood sugar but I need first to undergo a Diabetes Education in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Medical Center asap.

122208
Attended the Diabetes Educ in OLPHMC. Unfortunately, the Dietician was sick and not around. It was only the nurse who conducted the class and just advised me of the recommended diet. We bought a new gadget - a glucose monitor meter. This is expensive. But I am more concerned of the pricking and the sight of blood. Sigh.

122708
Follow-up check up with my Endoc. Accoding to my glucose Monitoring Book, my glucose after meal is within limit but the fasting is not. I needed to inject 4units of insulin everyday 0.5H before dinner. If after 2 days, my reading won't change, I need to change it to 6units. Another bad news. Sigh.

My not so nice new Gadgets.

From ATC, we went to SM Sucat to wait for my OB. She has no clinic in LPDH (The OPD is close until 01/02). While waiting, we shopped for some baby stuffs. It was fun and exciting.

We made our reservation with my OB at 5pm. Her sched starts at 6pm. I was 4th in the list. I should have reserved earlier. My OB was not happy with my glucose issue. She said that I'll be needing to have a weekly ultrasound to check for baby's size and I really need to give birth on my 38th week because the baby might get bigger as a side effect of my GDM. She said that I need to take more care of my diet. I also had my last dose of Tetanus Toxiod.

Now, I already had 4 dose of insulin as advised by my Endoc. The last 3 days was good. It was lower than 100. But this morning, it went up again to 99. I don't know why. My sugar after breakfast was also high (130). Good thing that my after lunch is lower (104).

Diabetes Mgmt Diary

We hope that my blood sugar level especially the fasting will be corrected as soon as possible so that I won't need to increase the dose of my insulin intake. We are also worried about our little girl.

Please help pray for us.

RECAP: 122008 7th BF/GF Anni & Gimik with Friends from Australia

2008-12-31T14:45:00.000+08:00

Last December 20 was our 7th anniversary as BF/GF but instead of having a date, we celebrated it with Ariel's College Buddies.

We started the day in Rockwell Tent, we just bought some stuffs for friends and for Christmas gifts. We had lunch in Jollibee. Then moved to Glorietta 1 to pick up some items from Matus. Our date with Ariel's friends was late in the afternoon. While waiting for them, we windowed shop and took some rest in Food Choices. Hubby had his Banana Split while I had my sugar free Cheesecake.

His friends started to arrive at 3pm. Ariel and his wife came 1st, then Peter and Marose. We waited for Wilson and Hannah ( who visited the Philippines after migrating to Australia last June'07) in Greenbelt 3. We had our pm snacks in Cafe Breton. It was a very good bonding moment.

After some time, we went back to Glorietta1 to have dinner in Dencio's. Everybody had a good time.

It was a very nice day. Looking forward to our next meeting!

RECAP: 112808 - Our 1st Xmas Themed Throw Pillowcases and Curtains

2008-12-31T14:28:00.000+08:00

Last November 28, I had my monthly pre-natal check-up. My OB had an Emergency and advised us that she will be late for our appointment in Prima Medica SM Sucat.

While waiting for her, I went to home section of SM Sucat and saw that their curtains are on sale. I bought these curtains and throw pillowcases. These are the 1st xmas themed items we bought for our home.

They are simple yet I love them!

Pasalubong from my Friend Tere

2008-12-31T13:43:00.000+08:00

My Friend got back from her Bangkok 1-month assignment last December 15. It was good that she was able to arrive safe even with Bangkok's government issues.

She brought all the clothes below for our little girl. Daddy and Mom also got our pasalubongs.

Thanks for the early xmas gift!

Happy Holidays!!!!

2008-12-31T13:35:00.000+08:00

I know. I know. This is quite late for Christmas. I really have gone very very busy.
Anyway, I hope everybody had a good Christmas and we wish that we'll all have a prosperous 2009!

Happy New Year to All!

AAVA Bazaar and New Baby Stuffs

2008-12-07T21:25:00.000+08:00

We had a busy day today. We're in AAVA Bazaar this morning at 9:30am. We're able to buy some stuffs for the holiday like exhange gift for our PE Group Party, other gift items for our inaanaks and firends, a couple of polo for hubby, some shirts for me and of course another onesies for our little baby. We're done shopping at 11:30am.

Some Stuffs from AAVA Bazaar

We then went to cubao to visit ariel's sisters. Daddy is also fixing some pipe leaking in their place. When dad was done, we went to my parents house. My mom handed me some baby stuffs from my sister, most of them are pink and so cute.

From Ditse & Mom

We finally got home at 8pm. Right now ,I'm taking some time to rest before sleeping.

Long Weekend & Some Preggy Update: ww30

2008-12-03T21:01:00.001+08:00

We had a very stressful week last week. We had appointments that we needed to cancel because of some urgent office stuffs. The RIF in our group was completed last Thursday. Thanks God that Hubby and I were not included and we pray that those identified will be back on their feet soon. The other groups are still not done and needed to complete it last Friday. We asked permission from our director for a day-off because I need to visit my OB last Friday. He already allowed me because we're already done with the RIF.

We just try to complete all the things we need last Thursday and able to leave the office at 8pm. We're already hungry and so we opted to have our dinner in a nearby Chinese restaurant.

FRIDAY
My appointment was 1:30pm in PDH. We decided to go to ATC first to pick up my repaired "NEW" phone. Finally, it's already working properly. They have replaced the whole mother board and it's now like a new phone - the IMEI # was changed. After I got my phone, my OB texted me that she have an emergency and will just meet me in SM sucat at 4pm.

From ATC, we went to Festival Mall to have a 2D Ultrasound and found out that we are having a baby Girl. We're both glad that the OB told us that everything looks normal. After having our lunch, we went to SM Sucat.

Hubby had his massage because his complaining about his back from some day already. I just did some window shopping. Actually, I checked some of the baby stuffs as well as the crib prices.We're torn if we're getting a wooden crib or not. When I got to the home section, I saw a 2-panel curtain for only P350. I bought 2 designs. Hubby was done with the massage at 4pm. However, I received another text from my OB. Her patient has not delivered yet and advised me to just go to the clinic at 6pm. Hubby and I just decided to take a PM snacks in Greenwich and spend only 25 pesos for a baked mac meal, a Hawaiian madness meal and a fit and right juice because we have a BPI charged slip with a reward/perks.

We've decided to wait in the clinic at 5:30pm. Good thing that my OB was already there. However, we are already the 3rd in the list. We should have reserved our slot before going somewhere else. Anyway, as per my OB, everything looks fine. I had my 2nd dose of Tetanus Toxoid. She also advised me to have my dose of steroid for the safety of the baby in case I'll have a pre-term labor. We're so tired that day and just had our dinner at home.

SATURDAY
Another tiring day. We're in Metro South Hospital at 7am for my 1st dose of steroid. Never thought that it will be painful compared to the Tetanus Toxoid. However, it is still tolerable. From the hospital, we went to AA for this annual St. James Bazaar. We're there at 8:30am. The other sellers we're still setting up. Hubby and I we're able to buy gift items from the sellers that we also saw last year. We also bought some baby stuffs (onesies, mittens, booties and baby books). We're also able to buy some stuffs for our home and for ourselves. Hehehe. We had our early lunch there because baby and mommy were already hungry. We're done shopping at 1pm when we saw my manager with his family who are also shopping there. St. James Bazaar was indeed a good bazaar! We'll definitely go back there next year if budget permits.

Some Stuffs bought for our Little Girl from St. James Bazaar

Some Stuffs we bought from St. James Bazaar

When we got home, we're hungry again and had our PM snacks. Then hubby left to meet with his sisters in Gateway Mall to do some errands. I just stayed at home and had some rest. At 5pm, I went to SM Molino with our help to do some grocery shopping. We're supposed to wait for hubby there but he told me that he'll be late. Hubby got home at 9pm. We went to the hospital for my 2nd and last dose of Steroid. Again, it was painful.

SUNDAY
Divisoria Day. We woke up at 5am and left home at 5:45am. We're supposed to be in 168 Mall at 7am but we're caught in traffic in CCP because of the ongoing Milo Race Event. We arrived there at 7:15am and still lucky to have a parking slot near the mall which eventually opened at 7:30am. We met with my mom, dad, sister and his BF there. They went first to Divi Mall. I didn't plan to go there because of the distance and the crowd. I don't want my baby to feel the pressure. We're done shopping at 12nn. We just had our lunch in Jollibee near Nueve de Pebrero because the Food Court was so crowded.

At my parents house, hubby and I had our regular Manicure and Pedicure then we left to fix some errand in Edsa Shang. We got back in my parents home to pick up the materials needed for our temporary kitchen gate and the materials needed by dad for the cabinet of my neighbor. My dad and bro will be staying with us while they are working on my neighbor's kitchen cabinet. When we got home, we left again to attend a Mass in St. Jerome's Parish in Alabang. Unluckily, it was raining hard and we can't leave the car. We just open our window slightly so we can still hear what's happening inside the church. When we got home, we just ate dinner and fixed some things before going to bed.

MONDAY
A rest day. We woke up at 8am. We're still sleepy but baby is already hungry. I did nothing but rest, eat and sleep. After dinner, we fixed our things for work before sleeping.

We had a very tiring week but we're still lucky to have some bonding time together and with our families. We're even given a day of rest before going back to work. Bottomline, it was all worth it.

Got My 1st Xmas Gift

2008-12-03T20:49:00.000+08:00

A friend gave me this book this morning. She said that it is her Christmas gift for me and she knows that I can really use all the things written in the book.

Thanks Ate Bona! Mwah!

Tiring yet Relaxing

2008-11-27T21:17:00.000+08:00

Last Friday, hubby and I left the office early, we're supposed to do some malling but my body didn't participate. I got an aching tummy and back after an hour. We just had dinner before going home.

However, we continue our bonding moment last Saturday. We went to Festival Mall to check on some stuffs. We're able to buy some baby stuffs, curtains at 70% off , a printer and some other things. We also had lunch in Serye - their boneless crispy pata was good and a must try. We're already tired at around 4pm but instead of going home. Hubby brought me to Asian Hospital. I was surprised that he scheduled me for a pre-natal massage. I been missing having a massage because we usually have it every month when I'm not yet pregnant. I was happy, relaxed and rebirth after the session. It was a tiring yet relaxing Saturday! Thanks to my dear hubby.

Btw, Did I mention that he availed the discounted price for 5 sessions?

Little by Little

2008-11-27T19:00:00.003+08:00

Little by little, we are buying baby stuffs. We already checked and counted the gifts we received and found that we still need some stuffs for our baby's first few days. And so we started buying stuffs last week. And this weekend, we will ask my mom to buy more in Divi to avail of the low cost if we buy in bulk.

Recession and RIF

2008-11-26T20:48:00.002+08:00

Today, we had an All Employees Emergency Meeting. Our Executive VP came here from the US to give us the news. The recession is inevitable. According to him, he talked to the Wall Street guys and the assumption for the length of recession is 5 to 6 years. And because the business is not doing good, we need to do a RIF (Reduction in Force). The reduction will be about 10% to 15%. We will just know who are included in the list tomorrow. The procedure will take 2 days. The RIF package is already generous compared to what the Labor Code requires. The 1Yr extension of the HMO enrollment is already a good offer by our company. RIF identified employees were selected based on redundancy and performance. It was not LIFO (last in - first out).

The meeting lasted for less than an hour and a lot of employees were speechless after it. Worries are evident on their faces. Faces of Recession.

We just hope that the market and the business will recover soon.

We have a new Brother

2008-11-26T10:38:00.002+08:00

Our 2yo 3in1 HP printer broke down few months ago. As per the repair center, we need to replace some parts. Hubby and I thought that it would be better to buy a new one because the cost of the replacement parts is almost equal to half the price of a brand new printer.

We've been scouting for a printer for months now. We've been delaying our purchase because of some priorities. However, last Saturday, we decided to buy a new one on 0% installment for 6 months. We bought a Brother Printer because it met all the features and functions we're looking for. It was not able to meet the dimension that I want but we think we can live with it. Also, it comes with a free 2G USB flash drive.We already tried it last weekend and last night and so far we are satisfied with it. We just hope that it will last a long time.

Preggy Diary - Week29

2008-11-25T10:30:00.001+08:00

Last Nov. 16, I had my 2nd OGTT. I had a normal sugar level from my 1st which was done few months ago. This is just to check if there has been any changes. We're in the hospital @ 6am and completed the whole process at 9:15am. Everything was normal. We even visited a friend living close to the hospital and went to World Trade Center to check on the Grand Kapamilya Negosyo Fair.

We're home at 3pm. Hubby and I had siesta and when I woke up I was dizzy. I even don't have appetite during dinner.

Came Monday Morning, I was supposed to go to office but I was not feeling well. Hubby advised me to just stay at home. I just slept the whole day. My dizziness come and go. My OB advised me to have my BP monitored.

Hubby got home at almost 7pm. We went to the hospital near our place and my BP was at 135/90. It was not normal because I used to have a BP of 110/80. They also said that I have vertigo but I don't believe them. I don't know why. My OB just advised me to double my intake of Iron. It may be caused by the increase of blood that the baby needs.

I was able to go back to work the next day. I am still feeling some dizziness but it was already tolerable. I also had my BP monitored. For two days, it was at 110/80. My OB said that it was normal. Just need to visit her on the 27th for my 2nd dose of Tetanus Toxoid.

I'm kinda excited for my next OB visit. Hope everything will be fine and finally have my 4D ultrasound.

PS:
Did I mention that the kicks are stronger now?

St. James Bazaar 2008

2008-10-29T18:18:00.001+08:00

I finally knew the date from this blog. It will be on Novemeber 29,30 and December 1.

I 'm really looking forward for this bazaar because there are lots of unique stuffs that you can find there. It makes me excited. See you there!

First Stuff bought for our Baby

2008-10-28T22:05:00.000+08:00

This is our 1st purchase of baby stuffs. A friend bought them for us in US. We don't know when are we going to buy the next items. Maybe, we'll postponed them until after Christmas.

Preggy Diary - Week25

2008-10-28T21:53:00.001+08:00

We had our monthly pre-natal check-up last Saturday. We are thankful that everything is doing good. I just gained 3 lbs since my last check-up.My weight is still normal. Baby's heartbeat is at ~140bpm. Size is @ 24cm. I also had my 1st shot of Tetanus Toxoid.

My OB advised us to:
- continue my vitamins
- check my skin color every time. If my skin starts to turn yellow, we need to advise her so she can increase my Iron intake.
- have my 2nd OGTT prior my next check-up.
- have a congenital scan (but not required since I didn't have any major complication during my pregnancy).
- just have my 4D Ultrasound after my next check-up.

So far everything is good. And we're now getting excited. Almost 3 months to go.

More RAK from some Friend in the US

2008-10-28T21:36:00.000+08:00

Got this from the Dela Cruz Family. Thanks po!!!!

First Xmas Shopping for 2008

2008-10-28T21:16:00.000+08:00

I did my 1st Christmas shopping for this year last Saturday. I bought some shirts for kids.Bought them online and just met up with the seller to see the actual items. I love them all but can't post them because I want it to be a surprise. We just hope that they will also like them.

This is just the start. There will be more.

Another Gift for our Baby

2008-10-28T21:05:00.000+08:00

An officemate just got back to work after his 3 months OJT in our San Jose Main Office. He handed me a bag from one of our Filipino friends there and it contains these cute onesies and burp pad. Love them!

Thanks to the Suaverdez Family!

New Slippers for Me

2008-10-21T20:34:00.003+08:00

Hubby bought me slippers last Sunday. My old slippers are now not comfy to wear especially now that I have gained some weight brought by mypregnancy.

I like it very much. It's so comfy. Actually, I liked it the 1st time I say it but Rustan's doesn't have my size. They don't even have my size in any of their branches. But thanks to the saleslady. She asked us to check BASS. They are not connected and she doesn't know if they have my size. We're just lucky that they have size. I was choosing between black and brown. But hubby liked the brown better. Another good news it that it was on SALE. We got a 25% discount. Is it not nice?!

101808 RECAP: A Very Long Saturday

2008-10-21T20:32:00.005+08:00

It was a very long saturday for us. Hubby got a call from his director at 6am. He started getting calls from different people. And so my sleep was disturbed. We ate breakfast and he continue working. We left home at 10am and went to Cuenca in AAV to buy some pasalubong/padala for his cousins and their betterhalves in Canada as well as gifts to Tito Ben and Tita Ghie. We had lunch in Asian because I was so hungry. We also claimed the result of my breast ultrasound. It was good that the mass didn't grow bigger after 3 months. Thanks GOD!

Then we dropped my mom and Ethan to my parents house in Pasig. We're supposed to go to Megamall to check their 3-day sale and look for some baby things but we decided not to go because of the traffic. We just went to Market Market to buy gifts for my friends son Christening and birthday gift for Ariel's sister and brother in law. We had snacks in Pancake House before going to Domestic Cargo to pick up the Lechon from Cagayan. This is for Ariel and his sister Angel's advance bday celebration. They have the same birthday. The dinner was great. We had lechon, dinuguan, pancit malabon and Pixies' Sinugbang Boneless Bangus.

After dinner, we went to a Magnolia Ice Cream parlor near St. Paul QC for dessert. The presentation of the ice creams were really nice but the money smart in me is saying that it is expensive. Hehehe.Nevertheless, hubby had fun and it was his intention to bring me there because it was my 1st time. Left the place at 10pm but able to got home at 11:45. The traffic in SLEX really made me mad. From 3 lanes, they made it single lane so what will you expect?! I was able to sleep, wake up, sleep again, wake up again and we haven't moved much. We haven't reach the Sucat exit. Grrr. I was so tired and my back is already aching. Huhuhu. When we got home, we just had some talk with my dad who was still watching TV before going to sleep. It was good that I love the new paint of our bathroom. It eases some of my tiredness. I was able to go to bed few minutes past 12mn. Sigh.

Early Baby Shower Gift

2008-10-21T20:32:00.003+08:00

We received an early baby shower gift from Tito Ben and Tita Ghie last saturday. They just visited the Philippines for 1month and they'll be returning to Canada on the 25th.

Again, Thanks po and Von Voyage!

PS:
Gifts are coming in and so we can't decide if we need to start buying baby stuffs now or just postponed it until after Christmas. My EDD is still on Feb04'09. What do you think?

Hubby's 31st Bday

2008-10-21T10:30:00.001+08:00

Hubby was so busy yesterday that he can't afford to take his birthday leave and to even go home early. We left the office at 7:40pm and went to SM Dasma to buy a cake (Goldilocks) and Crispy Noddles (Flavors of China). We just ate them at home. It was just a simple celebration compared to what he had last year but he's happy and that is more important.

Happy BDAY to my Dear Hubby!

2008-10-20T15:35:00.002+08:00

Today is hubby's 31st Bday. We're supposed to go on a date but work calls. He had an urgent issue that needs to attend to.

The pix above was my gift. I had it made by someone I found thru the web. Di nya masyado kamukha pero ok lang. He appreciated it.

I didn't do any scrapbook project for him because I want something different. Some infos about the pix - these are the things he likes. He likes swimming, watching dragon ball and eating steaks and ice creams.

Attended a Wedding

2008-10-14T21:53:00.000+08:00

Last saturday, Ariel and I attended his cousins wedding. She was married to Paolo Santos. Unfortunately, we were not able to witness the bridal march - my favorite part of a wedding ceremony. Blame it all to Saturday traffic.The mass was already starting when we arrived in NSDG Church. There were lots of guests. The church was almost full. It was also nice to meet some friends. We're able to talk about lots of stuffs.

The reception was held in Bagaberde in Roxas Boulevard. The place was nice and dressed up for the event. The foods were also good. I really love the pastries section because of their cakes. The drinks were also overflowing. We can drink anything as long as the bar has them. It was just bad that I can't drink any alcoholic drink.I just drink fruit juice and lots of water. Hehehe. The reception program is not the typical type of reception that we had attended. There were bands playing in the background while eating dinner. There were also some raffle wherein the prizes were funny yet practical like coffee, toothpaste, toothpick and fruit cocktail. The major prize was a 2kg of rice. What we like very much about the reception was the studio booth where you can pose for pictures and have the copy in just a few seconds. It was so cool. Hubby and I went to the booth twice. Below are our pix.

We left the reception at 10pm. The jamming was just starting. Sabado Boys just finished their 1st song. I was just so tired and feeling sleepy. I think it was brought by my pregnancy. Too bad for me. I even heard that the party ended at 1pm. We just wished that the newly wed will have a blessed marriage and that they'll live happily ever after.

Pix taken from Niceprint's Blog.

Preggy Diary - Week23

2008-10-14T18:41:00.003+08:00

I was feeling better on my 2nd trimester. But not last week and the week before that. I got colds. I started having a runny nose. My nose was so itchy but I am feeling fine.

We even went to Asian last Oct. 4 for my repeat breast ultrasound. I had my 1st when our little baby is still 6 weeks old. See details here. I still haven't got the result but based from what I saw from the monitor, it grew bigger but still not bigger that 3cm. I still need to show the result to my Surgeon for our peace of mind.

From the hospital, we went to Cuenca in AAV to check their October Bazaar. There's not much to see yet although some are already great buys for the holidays. However, after 30mins of looking into the things inside, I felt really dizzy and needed to go home. At home, I slept and just woke up when hubby brought me some hotcakes for pm snacks. I am still not feeling well then.

Sunday Morning, after attending a 9am mass, hubby got a call from his sister inviting us for lunch in Dampa sa Libis for her husband's Bday Treat. We decided to go but we still needed to go to Nokia - CARE to return my new Phone which I just got from them 2 weeks ago after a month of repair. It was a back job. The issue is still there. Sigh.

We're in Dampa at 12nn. There were lots of food like Shrimp in oyster sauce, sauteed tulya, tempura, calamares, grilled liempo, onion ring, sweet and sour lapu-lapu and steamed lapu-lapu. I saw them enjoying the lunch but I didn't. I got dizzy and had no appetite. Maybe it was because of my colds. I was just able to eat some grilled liempo, tempura, steamed lapu-lapu and tulya. Sayang pero wala talaga akong gana.

From Dampa, we went to their house in Cubao to wait for dinner. We need to go to Hubby's Uncle's House for their fiesta. There were lots of foods also, but still I was not able to eat well. I still don't have the appetite. Last Monday, our breakfast was cheesedog and ham. My tastebuds are still not functioning. I even used ketchup to add some taste to my foods but it is still bland. My colds didn't continue but I had cough and needed to drink a cough syrup recommended by my OB. It was good that it was finally gone and I felt better last Friday. However, I just checked my weight. It didn't change for the last 3 weeks. I don't know yet if this is good or bad. I still need to know next week from my OB. We hope that everything is fine.

Btw, did I mention that we are now felling the little kicks?!

New Brads

2008-10-13T18:29:00.001+08:00

I got new gifts from the Tandingan Family. Thanks again. I really
appreciate it!

1st Day of October Layout

2008-10-13T18:20:00.000+08:00

I did this LO as a Bday Gift for my Sis' BF. Hope he liked it. I tried hard to finish this in 1 hour.

Materials:
CS, PPS (IP and DCWV), HS Corner Stamp, inkpad, Diecut, 7 Gyp Rubon, Alphas (CE Chipboard, AC and HS), MM Paint, ribbon, RM flower, button.

Let's Get it ON

2008-09-29T21:51:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, I already set-up our 3' Christmas Tree. It was a little late compared to the date when I did it last year.

Last year our decors are mostly in the shade of orange. This year, I changed them into red. The balls became smaller but they are many now. The ponsentias were gone and replaced by other shaped decors. I like it better now. Hope you like it too.

Flowers and Chocolates

2008-09-23T18:24:00.000+08:00

Last Sunday, we went to ATC to claim my phone and our printer from Nokia and Compuserve. We're there at around 10:30am. I asked hubby to get 1st the printer while I'm waiting for my number to be served. After claiming, he brought it to our car and when he got back to NOKIA, he gave me a long stem pink rose. It was so sweet of him.

That time, the counter is still serving #101. I just asked him to buy the Palmer's lotion from Personal Care. To my surprise again, when he got back, he was bringing me my favorite chocolate. I was so happy. It removed all my irritations with all the waiting time I am having in NOKIA.

I really love my husband for being sweet. Btw, he gave me all of this in celebration of our BF/GF and Wedding monthsary which falls on 20 and 19 respectively.

Preggy Diary: Week 20.4

2008-09-20T21:55:00.000+08:00

I thought I'll done with my Preggy Diary for Week20. I was wrong because I got scared again this morning. There was another bloody show.

After bfast and while I was fixing some things, I felt that I needed to pee. I was shocked to see a blood on my undies. It was not deep red but brownish red. The color was almost black. I texted my OB and she told me to observe because it may be caused by my constipation this week. It didn't gave me peace of mind. Hubby was also worried about our baby so we decided to go to my OB this afternoon. She told us that she will be in the SM Sucat clinic from 6-8pm.

Hubby told me that it might be another occurence of UTI. We asked for a repeat urinalysis when we got to the clinic. It was all normal. My OB IE'd me and she found a polip from my uterus. She said that it was aggrevated by my pregnancy. We don't need to remove it now because it can cause trauma in my cervix which in turn can cause contractions. She said that I don't need to be worried. My cervix is close and no blood was seen from there. The blood I saw was an old blood. Bleeding may continue in a month. But if I will feel any contraction, I need to inform her right away. She also prescribed me DUVADILAN. But she told me to inform her first before I take it.

Our fear subside after our OB consultation. My wieight gain is normal as well as my blood pressure (110/80). Baby's heartbeat is @ 140-150bpm. Thanks GOD!

BE PE Bonding in LUVZ Resort , LB Laguna

2008-09-19T21:32:00.000+08:00

Last Sept. 29'08, Ariel's Group (BE PE) had their bonding in LUVZ Resort, LB Laguna. It was a nice resort although the water is not hot.

All of them had fun. It was nice to see them playing our old time games like patentero, tumbang preso, hula-hoop and the nut relay. The only issue they encountered was the rules and the mechanics they know. Some of them are from the North, South and NCR and each location have different rules. There were lots of debate on the rules before they could start with the games but overall it was fun.

Some of the pix are here.

Preggy Diary: Week 20

2008-09-19T12:33:00.001+08:00

Since I entered my 2nd trimester, I felt a little better. Morning sickness is not as frequent as my 1st trimester. Although at times, I still feel very sleepy. Now, I can work like before but I get really tired at night.

However, two unpleasant things happened to me in the last two weeks. I've been constipated twice. The 1st one was last friday and the 2nd one was yesterday. I've been taking lots of fuids like water, fresh buko juice and grape juice. I am also taking COGEL VCO twice a day as per my OB's prescription but it is still happening to me. I don't know what seems to be the problem.

The 2nd one was the leg cramps that I'd experienced yesterday morning. It was not tolerable. I even woke up hubby to help me out but the impatient in me strikes again and I just told him to stop. I just sat beside our bed and lay my foot flat on the floor. Good thing that the pain subside. When I woke up in the morning, I felt fine. However, last night until today, it is still aching. It is tolerable but I don't feel normal.

Sigh. My OB check-up would still be next week. Hope everything would still be fine. For the meantime, I'll wait for the text reply of my OB within the day.