Cutty

We celebrated Javi's birthday a couple of days ago.  But unlike his other birthdays, this one seemed more special.  He now understands that birthdays are quite different from all other days because gifts are given, cake candles are blown, and special meals are shared. Very early that morning, I took him gift-shopping.  We were at Toys R Us as soon as the mall opened.  It was Jollibee spaghetti, his favorite, for lunch.  Then pancakes, his 2nd favorite, for dinner.  When I asked him if he liked his pancake, he said, "I loved it, Ma" spoken like a true cartoon-junkie. After dinner, on our way back to the car, he kept saying, "Ma, birthday ko."  As if the idea is still sinking in. When we arrived home, I had a chocolate cake waiting for all us.  Yep, that's another favorite.  We patiently waited for him to blow the candles until Kuya decided to help out Javi.  We had the customary family shot.  Unfortunately, at this stage, we ca...

For Vic's birthday lunch, we made our way to Ortigas. We've been wanting to try out the new Cafe 1771. As we made our way to our table, we saw Tito Ricky and bade him a quick hello. Unlike the other 1771 restos, this one has brightly-colored interiors. I told Vic that it resembled Cafe Juanita but not in a quirky way. Though the place was filled with mismatched chairs and funky decor, it still looked organized and cozy. Like Juanita, they also had items on sale. As expected, the waiters were very attentive. They took away the plates as soon as they're empty. Water glasses were always refilled. Looking at the menu, I could tell that the selection is quite expensive for the "Ordinaryong Manggagawa." I guess they cater more to the executive diners. Lunch for Vic and me was already over 2000 pesos. Buti na lang we were celebrating something. Otherwise Taj Mahal for an ordinary weekday lunch. As expected the food was very palatable. We had cheese-stuffed ...

Though I didn't really plan an all-out party, last Sunday's celebration was fun. Kids and adults alike, enjoyed the food and entertainment we prepared. Here is a photo of the birthday boy with Lolo Boy. Here are some Javi's cousins with Kuya Johann and Bettina Below are some of Javi's Titas reciting their cheer for the adult game. I didn't really work out as I initially planned (details here) . At 3PM, we arrived at the venue. It looked like everything is in place. The birthday banner, cakes, loot bags and tables were already prepared. Mein, the party coordinator, mentioned that there was an available host. She offered the hosting service for only a thousand pesos. Since I only had the bubble show as the highlight of the party, I had no problem with that. Besides, sobrang mura na. I guess, she was trying to make up for her lack of follow-through in the previous week. My only concern was I didn't prepare any prizes. She offered to use the lootbags as game...

It has been three weeks since this party. I apologize for the delay. Finding time to update my blog is difficult in the past few weeks. ------------------ In the past, we usually have our kids baptized as soon as they hit their first month. This time, we chose to delay Bettina's baptism so we can celebrate it together with Johann's birthday. She turned 2-months old on the day she was baptized. She was baptized at the Our Lady of Pentecost Parish, where Javi was also baptized. I got Verleo to supply the food. I wasn't completely satisfied with their food, though people liked Fish with Aioli. Some of their waiters weren't as seasoned as the ones from Albergus or La Comida. Maybe that is why the two cakes from Layers and Layers had "imperfect spots." It was supposed to be a no-fuss party. In fact, I just planned on sending text messages as invitations. Then it occurred to me that we had to have invitations so people would know we're having a double...

The month is just half-way through and it has been quite eventful. There were just too many requirements to submit for Johann's school, for the DFA appointment and for the franchise application. We also attended our first orientation as parents of a preschooler on the first weekend. Today, we celebrated Johann's birthday. I didn't want to make a big deal out of this celebration since the big one is coming next week. I got lechon manok, liempo and a cheap-o cake (see image below) to share with the people here at home. I can tell that Johann liked blowing his candle. He's been trying to hide his smile. Naco-conscious na ang bata. I think I'll make it a point to have a cake and a candle-blowing ceremony every birthday to make the kids feel that we're still celebrating their big day. A few days before Johann's birthday was Johann's first day in preschool. He was well-behaved during the first hour, helping the teaching aide pack-away toys and books. ...

For weeks now, Johann has been pestering everyone (me, his dad, his ninangs, his grandparents) to get him a sidecar. He meant a bike with the sidecar attachment. He's been very creative in integrating the word "sidecar" in every conversation. We'd tell him that he has to wait till his birthday. We talk about this everyday. You can just imagine how much he really wants his sidecar. Last weekend, his Lolo Boy found out about this and pledged to get him one. He said he wanted a yellow sidecar. The following day, the lolo called him from the bike shop to see if wants it in another color. The little boy wants it in just one color. Last night, my parents dropped off their gift. The boy waited patiently till 9PM. It came in yellow. I found out that my father's painter labored the whole day to change the sidecar into my son's desired color. Iba talaga pag apo. Johann biked in our lanai till it was time for my parents to leave. Here is Johann with Javi and ...

Tomorrow marks another year for me. Since my birthday almost always falls on the Holy Week, it is just apt to look back and reflect. I never thought that at this age, I'd be a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom) to two toddlers. I used to think that by this time, I'd still be in the corporate jungle or be self-employed, making a name for myself. It all began five years ago. I resigned from work then a week later, Vic and I found out that we're having our first-born. I didn't realize that several years later, I am still managing the home and anticipating the birth of our third child. Though I still yearn to become a more successful person outside the home, I am glad that, in the future, I will not regret spending enough time with my family. There is comfort in knowing that I haven't failed (YET) in the most important thing. I do miss the financial independence. Sometimes, I wonder, what I did with all the money I earned. I realized that I could've bought myself a n...

While Johann is confined in one of the rooms of TMC , I managed to slip out and visit my OB. This ultrasound is long overdue. It should have been done last December but we've been preoccupied with domestic stuff. Anyway, it seems that we're having a girl this time. But, we are still not 100% certain because the legs were closed, in a true girly fashion. I've decided to undergo the 3D/4D ultrasound in a couple of weeks, just to be sure. I've been hoping for a girl. We'll see if third time's really a charm.

We're celebrating Javi's party in less than two weeks and I have nothing to wear!!! Other than that, almost everything is ready for the party. Hmm ...except for the cake pala ! The giveaways are ready and will be picked up tomorrow. The menu has been settled and the venue is also booked. I just have to distribute the rest of the invitations and try to get confirmation from the invited guests. I'll also have to finalize the order of the program. At this point, I am thinking that I may not have carried out the theme to the fullest. I just don't see any point wasting more money on tarps, additional balloons and standees. Other than those concerns, I have no more worries about the party. I just hope Javi will enjoy whatever we've planned for him.

What do you give a 90+ year old woman as a birthday present? Surely, she'd rather have something more meaningful. Rosary? Prayer book? At a loss, I went out and bought ingredients for one of my best-seller cakes. I'll bake the base tonight then I'll frost the cake tomorrow. I hope she likes it. I also hope she's not diabetic.

Despite the fact that I turned thirty, that is how I'd describe my birthday. Not that we didn't make an effort. It was all because of this darn flu. I woke up a bit better, still dizzy and weak. At least, the fever had gone. By noon, I was well-enough to go out for lunch. I didn't enjoy it much. My throat was sore, I had a hard time swallowing. I would have loved to go around and shop ( w/o guilt ), but I was starting to get tired. We just made a few stops to get some necessities. Then we left my "office." That evening, we could've gone out to get something special for dinner but Vic had meetings scheduled till 8PM. I ended up cooking our dinner, in between watching over Johann and Javi . I didn't have the energy to concoct anything special. All the activity that day drained every ounce of energy left in me. I went back to bed with a fever. ----------------- One of the greatest gifts I received was the newest addition to my household staff. (...

I couldn't say sweeter. But, this second delivery was definitely less troublesome than the first one. The November 8 timeline 3:28 AM: I started having contractions. I felt it in the "puson" area extending to my lower back. I went back to sleep to see if it will progress. 3:38 AM: I felt it again. I was hesitant to go to the hospital because I felt the same thing with Johann. I had contractions at around the same time but it stopped after a few hours. 4:15 AM: Left the QC house to drop off Johann at the Pasig residence. Johann was awake the whole drive. I counted around 3 contractions on the way to the hospital. They were at 7-minute intervals. 5:00 AM: Arrival at The Medical City. I proceeded to the Pre-labor room for examination. I was already 5cms dilated. The pain was still bearable. My water hasn't broken yet, still no bloody show. I was also hooked up to the baby monitor for contractions. Apparently, I was to be admitted because I am already in...

This morning I woke up thinking that it is THE time. I've had non-stop dysmenorrhea -like pain in my abdomen. It extended to my lower back. I called up my mother to ask if I should take any meds for the pain. I was told that I may be experiencing labor pains already. Hmmm . That got me nervous, to say the least. Mother, on the other hand, got all excited. She already called in our room reservation. There are still so many things to be done. I still don't have a second name. Besides, Vic still has cough and the sniffles. Johann has the same. My mother dropped by to examine her patient. Verdict: Baby #2 is not yet ready to come out. The pain has stopped and there was no bloody-show. The cervix is still sealed shut. At least, the contractions have started. We may still have a few days. My other OB suspects that I may give birth on Nov 1. ---------------- Good news: I called up the hospital this afternoon. The Lamaze room may be used. The patient will just ha...

Reason#1: Inay's (paternal grandmother) first birthday after she passed on last April. We observed this special day with a prayer and a meal. We had pansit (for long life =P) and lumpiang shanghai. Cathy's Kitchen contributed pesto cream cheese bruschetta and banana cake with chocolate chips. Both items got raves from my trusted (read: honest) samplers. Jacob and Johann were getting bored and restless listening to praying adults. Here they are, confined in a room where they can amuse themselves. Reason #2: Kris' induction as a licensed guidance counselor. Kris, my sister, passed the board exam for Guidance Counselors. She will take her oath today at the Manila Hotel. Out of 140+ examinees, only 88 passed. I just read that there will be other practitioners who will be taking their oath, together with the successful examinees. That seems unfair. Reason #3: Vic's pasalubong a.k.a. advanced Christmas present. I told Vic that I didn't have anything specific in min...

... the song that topped the charts was Tragedy by The BeeGees. How unfortunate for me and those who share my birth date. But, I shouldn't despair. Tragedy is a song about losing one's love. Vic, on the other hand, was born with "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy" topping the charts. I'm sure that he'd say it's very appropriate. So, what's your song? Check it out here . ----------- Special thanks to the N@W group for sharing this link.

At 31 weeks and 6 days pregnant with Baby #2, I'm feeling more useless than ever. My reflexes are slow. I am less mobile. I am starting to feel sore in places that should've gone sore a few months ago. Last Friday, I had my pre-natal check-up. My UTZ showed several placental lakes. I don't know where they came from. I was advised to be more careful with tummy. Based on what I've read, it is no cause for alarm. However, it may also signify a weakness in the placenta. It may lead to Baby#2's premature delivery. Baby #2 is also nearing his weight limit for his gestational age. Knowing that I had a very difficult delivery with Johann, I was advised not to let him get bigger than Johann (who was born at 6.9lbs via normal delivery). I should start preparing the following: Baby #2's hospital bag sterilize breast pump and feeding bottles Mama and Daddy's hospital bag crib for baby's arrival infant car seat installation arrangements for Johann while we...

This date is considered lucky by the Chinese. Even non-Chinese individuals grabbed this date for their special occasions. Weddings - Heard over the radio that hundreds of people are getting married in China today. I'm sure that there are more than several who are getting married in Manila also. Photographers, Videographers, Event Venues and Planners are having a field day today. I have a ex-colleague who also getting hitched on this famous day. I wonder if he got a more expensive rate knowing that this date is so in demand, even if it fell on a Friday. Delivery dates - In the year 1988, my mother was pregnant with my youngest brother. Her due date was in the first two weeks of August. She often said that wanted to give birth on the 8th. However, she can't hold it anymore. She gave birth on the 4th instead. Nowadays, a lot of pregnant women took advantage of this day too. Mothers want nothing else but good fortune for their kids. I wanted to give birth on the date al...