Pocoyo and The Voice in Newport

After mass we had lunch at Mama's. Dahil nakabili siya ng ox tongue sa S&R, Lengua ang ulam namin. I will post the recipe of this fave family dish soon.



Right afterlunch, we went to Newport mall. Nabalitaan kasi namin na nandun si Pocoyo, one R's favorite characters. When we got there, we saw a family friend K and his wife and daughter. We learned that to be able to meet and greet Pocoyo, you need to have P2, 000 worth of purchase in Newport mall. Ay no thanks nalang, nakakasilay naman kami kay Pocoyo from where we were standing. For those who have tickets though, we could see their free cotton candy, popcorn, and balloons. Wanlu also did a magic show.



We also wandered through the mall and found ourselves near Newport theatre wherein the grand finals of The Voice of the Philippines will be held.



The Noise of the Philippines:



Cinderella starring Karylle and Christian Bautista will be staged here as well. Ang mga feeling Cinderella:



We continued exploring the mall, window shopping at picture picturan lang are all we could afford there.



Afterwards, hinahanap parin ng katawan namin ang SM so gora kami dun. We just bought R some panties (toilet training in progress) and we got mini tables that Mama will turn into modular shelves for the kids' room. I'll post the pics nalang once it's done.

So that's how our siksik Sunday went.

Handling my three year old and three month old

This has long been in my draft folder (since I gave birth pa to JD). It's my post sana on how to handle your toddler and newborn. Kaya before mag debut ang daughter ko at mag binata ang baby boy ko, dapat ma-share ko na tong post na to.

When we found out I was pregnant with JD, we immediately prepared R for the pregnancy. We told her there is a baby growing inside my tummy. We let her talk to the baby and she would say "ate R ito", although we doubt she understood already. But I guess it became apparent when she saw my growing tummy and she was really mesmerized when it moved. She would also understand the times I couldn't carry her anymore and she'd say "kasi di pwede mommy, daddy nalang".

I thought it was going to be smooth sailing until I gave birth to JD. She even visited us in the hospital and seemed to be excited with her new baby brother.

But once we got home and we started with our new routine, she didn't easily adjust right away. The first few weeks were particularly tough. Here's what I experienced with R:

• She wanted to lie down in the crib too
• She would tell me "bigay kay daddy/lola si JD, carry me, or lagay sa crib/bed si JD, play tayo" 
• She actually admitted to Daddy A that she was jealous
• Whenever she sees I'm carrying/breastfeeding JD, she would call her yaya and would cry if she wasnt in the room and ask would ask her yaya to carry her or make her timpla milk
• May ilang instance din na bigla niya napalo si JD when he was crying incessantly

But I guess it just really takes some time, effort and a lot of explanation. Here are what we did so R could adjust:

• I try to kiss and hug her with my free hand while JD is nursing or I read her favorite book to her, or we sing together
• Whenever she shows me something (specially something she learned from school) I respond to her with glee and I always tell her I'm proud of her
• She has lots more playtime with Daddy A, specially the rough and tumble type which she likes 
• We signal visiting relatives or friends na siya muna ang pansinin before the baby.
• We regularly go for her carousel rides and meryenda dates
• I showed her baby pictures and videos to her and explained that when she was small all our attention was on her since she was still small and incapable. Naaliw naman siya to see herself as a baby before.
• Most importantly we teach her how to share her toys and to love and care for her brother. We also tell her that she's a good ate.

Those worked naman kasi now she can't get enough of her brother. She just kisses and hugs him all the time. More importantly she shares her toys with him (except ung Barbie at makeup, ay mahigpit na pinagbabawal yan ni Daddy A!). She is even more than willing to help in changing the baby and giving him a bath (alalay lang dapat and never leave a toddler and baby unattended).

I'm really glad I have a mature and loving daughter. I really hope and pray they have a wonderful sibling relationship even in the future. They have to know that they're all they've got specially when we, their parents, are no longer around. Sana kagaya rin namin ng bro C ko, at si Daddy A and his siblings na "we got each others' backs" ang peg.

My little helper, roller, and Downtown

Yesterday we just spent our Saturday at home since Daddy A was at work. We did our weekly house chores and I'm so happy that my three year old was more than willing to help. I think I have to attribute this to Kindermusik since she happily dusted the living room while singing their song "Oh in my house I help clean up". She even helped fold the laundry, the "Montessori" way naman. She also knows how to set the table. I really love that my daughter applies her learnings from school. Sulit talaga! We are also progressing in terms of toilet training #pantylangpagmaytime. Yehey!



My little boy naman also has new learnings as well. Right after he turned 3 months old, I first saw him roll, and now he's slowly getting the hang of it.



You know the new McDonald's commercial "Downtown"?

I can't help but relate them to R and my mom. Ganun na ganun sila. I'm so glad my daughter has this great relationship with my mom. I do hope and pray they'll be like this kahit dalaga na si R.

Talagang terno pa silang stripes na damit!

Murphy's law

Have you ever had those days which you think starts out great, then suddenly everything goes kaput?! Well last Thursday lang naman I had my own share of Murphy's law. According to Wikipedia it's an adage that is typically stated as: "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong".

I thought everything will be ok, since I was able to leave the house early to avoid driving through terrible EDSA traffic. My car had an appointment pa naman at 8am sa casa for its regular check-up and service. Ayun, hindi pa ko nakakalayo I heard this rumbling na parang lata (ung rim na pala un). Dapa ang gulong ko! Homaygad, I don't know how to fix a flat tire, yan ung sana natutunan ko kay Papa. Good thing I was still within the vicinity of our village so I called up my mom and bro. To the rescue si bro C kahit puyat.

Mahirap pala talaga magpalit ng gulong. Sana nga napicturan ko or navideo ko para meron akong "How-to-guide". Pero mukang hindi ko talaga kakayanin mag-isa next time (God forbid). Those nuts and bolts sa rim are so hard to pry with a wrench. Ung jack kaya ko pa siguro ikutin, pero ung mga screw sa gulong, kung di sobrang masikip, baka maluwag ko namang maikabit mas lalo pa ko madisgrasya. Sabi sakin ni bro, kung mangyari sakin uli un at talagang malayo siya, ang gawin ko daw ay pumara nalang ako ng "mukang mabait" na taxi or jeepney driver para sila ang magpalit ng gulong at abutan ko nalang ng isang daan. Pero parang takot din ako dun. Note to self: Learn how to fix a flat tire during the weekend.

To continue with my day, I was able to go through with my car's appointment naman in the casa, un nga lang shelling out moola - unlike! Tapos instead of going home with a spic and span car, ayun it drizzled and the car had some alikabok from the ongoing construction/renovations in the casa.

Sa office naman Stress Drilon! Dalawang project lang naman ung hawak ko and the other one really absorbed all my energy dahil sa isang dokumentong dumating (tadadadan)! Not to dwell on it further because of confidentiality, but it just sucks out everything from me, actually from the whole team that's involved in it.

Sigh, just one of them days.

Baby Company and Ber months are here Sunday

After mass, we headed for SM North. We started at baby company. We had to buy a carrier for JD since he outgrew the other one and R still uses the stroller. We also had to stock up on diapers and buy a gift for R and JD's cousin W who will be baptized soon.

Top row L-R:  Picolo baby carrier, room decals - I plan to redecorate the children's room

Bottom row L-R: pants/leggings for JD P150 lang ung tatlong yan! Free Animal lamp when you reach a certain amount

Mama then brought plantsa (iron) at Homeworld. Christmas decors and trees were a plenty, pasko na talaga. I could see the sadness in Mama's eyes.

We then had meryenda at Burger King. Mas nakakainis kasi ung Christmas songs na pinapatugtog nila ung mga mega lungkot levels (Pasko na Sinta Ko, Sana Ngayong Pasko). Mama and I cried. Bittersweet, it's the gonna be the first Christmas without Papa, yet it's also JD's first Christmas.



Our mom and daughter OOTD: matchy Minnie Mouse shirts from Uniqlo


Saya sana magmall, kaso with Christmas just around the corner and very evident everywhere, we just can't help but feel melodramatic.

Art attack, baby's monthly check-up, all about parenting Saturday

Last Saturday, we went to R's school to view their art exhibit. It was one of their activities to celebrate the school's 25th foundation day.

Here are the art works at R's classroom:


Here are my R's works:


I'm so proud of my daughter. Kahit na ba parepareho sila ng ginawang design ng mga classmates niya, for me I could distinctly identify my daughter's work. As early as now, she has her own strokes and patterns in coloring and pasting.

Here is R with her teacher M:


I took the opportunity narin to ask her how R is doing in school, I thought kasi she was shy and quiet. Aba Miss participation and miss friendship pala si R. She always greets her classmates daw and raises her hand whenever teacher asks a question.

At the playground, R had fun with one of her classmates and one of her closest friend L:


Afterwards we attended the parenting seminar given by the school's directress. It was about Ellen Galinsky's 6 stages of parenthood and how to deal with them.

One interesting fact that stuck to me was that there is a study that working moms who exude a positive attitude towards their work and are successful in their careers tend to have successful children as well. So dapat talaga makita ng children ko that I love what I do so they'll be inspired to find a job they love and do well. Basta sakin ang important is malaman nila na sila ang priority ko no matter what and that I work hard for their future.

Right after the seminar, we left for JD's monthly check-up. I'm so glad he's a well baby and his growth is right on track being an exclusively breastfed baby. He got his rotavirus oral vaccine this month.
Doc, isang shot pa:


R naman enjoyed playing with doctora's toys. She even taught another kid (a girl about 2 years old) about colors and shapes. Kaaliw lang, para talaga siyang teacher.


We then had lunch right before heading home. I'm just so thankful for weekends since I have my full time to my kids.

Fully loaded Monday

Yesterday, was a full day. Full of work, full of rains, and full of hope for brighter things to come.

Despite the busy day at work, I felt so accomplished. Natapos ko ung mga to dos ko for the day just in time before leaving for Tito D's (my father's older brother) 65th surprise birthday party. Plus I felt the excitement of having to start a new project at work this week (May sapi lang? Dagdag load pero masaya?) I guess I really love what I do, I just have to admit it to myself. It helps talaga pag may to-do list ka lang everyday para hindi ka ma-overwhelm. Ang saya kasi makakita ng check.

Anyway, back to the full day. After work, I rushed home (harurot levels ako sa kotse) so we could avoid the traffic going to Tito's birthday. Ayun pag sinuswerte nga naman ang lakas ng buhos ng ulan = traffic jam. Buti nalang si bro C na ang nagdridrive. Nasurprise na si Tito wala pa kami. We finally reached the party before 7pm, they were finished eating na. But it was so nice to see our relatives from my father's side, specially my cousin C and her son who came from the States.

Everyone noticed how JD looks so much like Papa. Sabi nga nung isa kong pinsan "nagpalit lang ng katawan si Tito, luma na daw kasi ung dati niyang katawan" hehe. We enjoyed the sumptious buffet at the intimate venue in Royal Palm's clubhouse. It was so nice to see Tito D looking well and still full of stories. You see, right after Papa's passing, he was also diagnosed with lymphoma. I was crushed again, because he is also like a father to us and is one of Papa's closest brother. I was glad to hear that he was able to attend Fr. Suarez' healing mass and is undergoing natural healing through Graviola. I truly pray for more fruitful years for him. Hope he gets to win the battle for our family.

Here we are with more chitchat after dinner. R and her cousins enjoyed dancing to Talking Angela's (Ipad app) music video. Thanks ate C for the pasalubongs!


Happy birthday Tito D! We love you and God bless!

Happy 3rd Month JD!

Yehey JD is three months old and still exclusively breastfed! We again had another simple celebration this Sunday lunch. Afterwards, we went malling (see post here).

His outfit of the day (OOTD):

Robot onesie from SM

Grabe I really can't believe na nagdaan siya sa newborn phase. Ambilis niya talaga lumaki! At three months JD:

• sleeps longer, mga once or twice nalang siya nagigising at night just for feeding
• discovered his fingers, either he sucks them hard, or clenches them to a fist
• can steadily hold his head up
• has strong leg muscles, he tries to stand up straight when you hold him on your lap
• gurgles, coos, and babbles a lot
• drools a lot
• is receptive to singing, talking and facial expressions - super dali talaga patawanin

Obvious naman:

We love you so much batchoy!

Rains can't stop us weekend

Despite the heavy downpour, our itchy feet couldn't keep us at home last weekend. On Saturday afternoon, we had meryenda at the nearby Pancake House in our village. Daddy A even saw a co-faculty member there. I ordered waffles and milkshake. R had corndogs with fries and some OJ. While Daddy A, had their burger steak and spaghetti set, may take home pang halo-halo.



Sunday naman was JD's 3rd month (see post here). After mass we bought cake from Red Ribbon. Funny, R brought her little shoulder bag with lots of coins. She kept on saying "I have money", and even said she'll buy the cake for JD. Afterlunch, we headed to SM North The Block. We didn't have difficulty finding a parking slot, probably because we were one of those few who braved the heavy rains just to go malling.

I was wide-eyed when I saw the SALE signs. We first browsed through Forever 21 kaso namamahalan parin ako. Next, we went to Uniqlo 'cause there's a kids section. We also saw one of R's classmates there. I was looking for jeggings for R, the same kind I bought for her in Hong Kong. To my surprise, mas mura pa pala ung bili ko sa HK, P120 lang lumalabas, samantalang dito P290. I got naman JD a set of onesies at P190. Then we saw these cute Minnie Mouse shirts at P390 each. I bought one for me and R para terno kami.



It was also R's yaya's birthday, so we got her a blouse at Lhasa. Affordable pala mga tops dun, mga less than P500 lang. Next, we needed to have R's hair trimmed. Since she was born, she's never had her hair cut. Sobrang nipis kasi ng hair niya. Nung one year old nga siya halos kalbo parin eh. So we went to Cuts for Tots. Haircut costed P330. At first she was hesitant, pakipot pa sumakay sa car, but when Barney was played on the tv, hayun umupo na. She had fun when her hair was blowdried after.



She then tried out the slide at Toy Kingdom. Then we had meryenda at KFC. To cap off the day, she went for her usual rides and games at Tom's World.

Back to work and lessons from Working Girl

As I've said in my previous post, I just got back to work last week from my two and a half months long maternity leave. Nakakapanibago talaga, if only I could be with my family 24/7. But the ardent drive to work is still there, that's why I still don't have the guts to be a full-time housewife and mom, well apart from the fact that it would be difficult for us to sustain a single income source household.

Coming from my long hiatus, I needed some quick pick-me-ups just to get me to the working girl vibe. And what a coincidence, the 1988 romantic comedy "Working Girl" was on cable last weekend.

From Wikipedia: It tells the inspiring story of a Staten Island-raised secretary, Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith), working in the mergers and acquisitions department of a Wall Street investment bank. When her boss, Katharine Parker (Sigourney Weaver), breaks her leg skiing, Tess uses Parker's absence and connections, including her errant beau Jack Trainer (Harrison Ford), to put forward her own idea for a merger deal.

Consider that inspiration talaga since the main character and the plot closely relates to my field. Although the movie is already 25 years old, some lessons are still quite timely and apt in this day and age. Hopefully, I could apply these myself =)

Here are my favorite inspirational quotes from the film:

1) "You know, you don't get anywhere in this world by waiting for what you want to come to you.  You make it happen." The corporate world has no place for Juan Tamad (who waits for the fruit to fall off the tree) nor those who are shy and timid. Grab hold of your career. Kapalan na ang mukha. Tell them what you want to achieve and be in the future, and ask how you can get there. No one else will make your dreams come true but you, through hardwork, prayers and lots and lots of guts. Applicable din to sa love, so go out there and get the man of your dreams.

2) "I read a lot of things. I mean, you never know where the big ideas could come from." I loved that Tess got the idea of the Trask-Metro merger just by reading the New York Post society pages aside from Forbes. It's amazing how big deals just simply come from nowhere. So may sense din pala ang pagbabasa ko ng lifestyle section, society magazines and Cosmo hehe.

3) "I'm not gonna spend the rest of my life working my ass off and getting nowhere just because I followed rules that I had nothing to do with setting up, OK?" We are bound by rules no matter what. But I just love Tess' go-getting attitude, and how she tried to pull-off being an associate for a mergers and acquisition company. Sometimes just by being confident, people really can't tell if you're just pretending to be an expert or the real deal. Pero syempre don't forget lang that in the end trust is the most important thing in any relationship, whether it be love or business.

4) "You can bend the rules plenty once you get to the top, but not while you're trying to get there. And if you're someone like me, you can't get there without bending the rules." Nakakaloka rin when Tess and Jack gate-crashed the wedding of the daughter of the owner of Trask Industries just to get to talk to him. Ewan ko lang kung merong sneaky and gutsy enough to do this since it's unethical and impolite. But most of the time you just got to think outside of the box when trying to score a big deal.

5) "People's impression of me starts with you.  You're tough when it's warranted, accommodating when you can be, you're accurate, you're punctual, and you never make a promise you can't keep." This was Katharine's line to Tess regarding her requirements as an executive assistant. Just like any employee, you need to give a great impression because you represent your boss and your firm.

6) "Dress shabbily, they notice the dress.  Dress impeccably, they notice the woman."  - Coco Chanel. Again this was Katharine quoting Coco Chanel, and it's true, nadadaan talaga sa porma. This is one of the things that I like about working, wearing stylish and elegant clothes that make me look smart hehe. I'll probably write a post on dressing for success so watch out for it ok.

So there you have it working girls and working moms, aim high and stand proud on those stilettos.

Much Anticipated Sunday

As the song goes, some good things never last. My two and a half months long maternity leave finally ended, so I found myself back to work last week. Sa sobrang sanay ko sa "everyday is family day" peg, it breaks my heart to leave these cutie pies behind, yet at the same time they are the reasons why me and their daddy wakes up every morning to work hard.



Kaya naman yesterday was so much anticipated - our Sunday family day.

We heard mass at PLDM and saw this tarpaulin:



As I have posted in a previous entry, Papa was awarded posthumously by the Diocese of Cubao. How I miss him so much. I truly am proud of him.

After mass, we had lunch at Mama's house. Then we went straight to Trinoma. We were yayaless (nag day-off), pero keribels naman, specially when we arrived sa mall, the bagets were fast asleep hehe. Nakapagshopping tuloy kami este ako lang pala.

First, Daddy A went to Mizuno to check kung meron na nung gusto niyang style kaso wala parin sya napili. I on the otherhand, was looking for black leather pumps. Good thing Rockport was on sale. I got a pair at 40% off. Next naman I looked for was a black bag, nagtagpi-tagpi na kasi ung balat nung bag ko. I went to Charles and Keith and found a tote bag roomy enough to accommodate my pumping gear. Ewan ko ba at feeling student na back to school ako, may bagong shoes at bagong bag. Sadyang sira na lang talaga ung mga gamit ko kaya pagbigyan na.

We then headed to Landmark cause I needed breastmilk storage bags. I got two different brands, Precious Moments and Orange & Peach. Parehong mura kesa sa Ainon, P300 lang. We also stocked up on diapers. While buying a bath rug, I saw a former officemate K and her cute little son.

When the kids woke up, we had meryenda at BK.



Afterwards, we went for R's usual carousel ride and arcade games at Timezone. Before heading home, we stopped by for some ice cream at McDo.



Sigh, will be counting the days 'til the weekend again.

My Breastfeeding Gear

As I've mentioned in my last breastfeeding post, I'm going to share to you my breastfeeding gear. These are actually not naman essentials but nice to have lang. There are many practical ways to have a successful breastfeeding career which I will also share here.

When I breastfed R for over a year, here was my pumping gear for work and travel:

Clockwise: Shawl, Lock n Lock container, AVENT Isis single electronic pump and manual parts, AVENT Via cups, Ice bag, Fridge-to-Go, battery pack and adapter, liquid cleanser and brush, handwipes, tissues

Here are my breastfeeding gear/paraphernalia or "breastfriends":
1) Breastpump - With R, I used the AVENT ISIS single electronic pump (plug-in and/or battery pack, w/ manual pump parts) and it served me well. But now, having two kids, a stressful and fast paced job, I need a dual pump to cut expression time in half. Good thing I learned about Babymama.ph which sells affordable but hospital grade double breastpumps ranging from Php5K to Php9K. Even cheaper than my AVENT single electronic pump! I got myself the Spectra Cimilre M1 which is handy (size of a big Fuji apple), has a strong suction, silent (like a cellphone on vibra mode) and has a rechargeable battery.

Although buying a pump seems costly, weigh it against the benefits of having breastmilk for your baby (health wise and the cost of formula). But should you really have no budget for it, hand expression is also effective. I also think it is quite essential that all breastfeeding moms know this, as with what I experienced before, I left a valve of my pump at home and wasn't able to express milk at work =( say hello to boobs of steel. Here's a site on the marmet technique: http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/tips-and-solutions/130/how-to-manually-express-breastmilk---the-marmet-technique

2) Storage (cups, bottles, breastmilk bags) - My AVENT VIA storage cups also served me well, they can be used for baby food storage too. For breastmilk bags, I use Lansinoh or Ainon (which is cheaper).

3) Cooler/insulated bag and ice/gel packs - I use my trusty Fridge-to-Go bag. It keeps cool for 6-8 hours. I use an ice bag to tide in, just in case I can't go home on time and when traffic is bad. However, any insulated bag is ok to use, just put a ziploc bag with ice in it. For milk storage guidelines, you may check this out: http://www.llli.org/faq/milkstorage.html

4) Shawl/nursing cover - I use my Milksense breastfeeding bib. I like the "baby viewing" feature. But for practicality, any shawl or big scarf would do.

 
5) Microwave sterilizer or microwaveable container (e.g. Lock n Lock), teat brush, liquid cleanser - I use these for for cleaning and storing my pump parts. You may ask, do I have to wash the pump parts after every use? What I do is just store it in the ref too, and after 2 or 3 uses, wash and sterilize it at home. Or you could just rinse them in hot water. For my cleanser, I use Human Nature's Tough Love dishwashing liquid.

Make sure you have in your bag as well some tissue paper (for drying and spills) as well as alcohol/handwipes (to disinfect your hands and the pumping area/table). Also have a water bottle to keep you hydrated.

6) Nursing bras, hands-free pumping bra - Nursing bras don't have to be expensive, those from SOEN served me well. Actually any type of bra will do, nursing bras are just more convenient. For my hands-free pumping bra, I got my Simple Wishes from Babymama as well.

7) Nipple cream, breast pads - I use Pigeon's lanolin cream since it's half the price of AVENT, but actually you can also use your own breastmilk to heal those cracks and sores. For breastpads, I also use Pigeon (disposable) and those reusable pads from SM.

So there you have it, my breastfriends. It's not expensive to breastfeed and express breastmilk, there are practical ways too. Formula is more expensive.

Happy 3rd birthday R!

Yesterday, my not-so-little girl turned 3. We had a simple celebration at home right after mass. And just this morning, she also celebrated in school. R woke up yesterday morning so giddy after she saw the decorations were put up in the dining area. She kept on saying "happy birthday R!" and kept on spelling her name which was plastered across the wall. Good thing in church, they had a blessing of all the September celebrants. Here's she is in her birthday dress.

For her third birthday, I went with the theme "Barbie I can be (Cupcake baker)" from one of her favorite Ipad Apps of the same name. The cake and cupcakes were from Red Ribbon. I just borrowed a cupcake tier and put one of R's Barbies as a topper. For the buntings, I just used art paper and gift wrapper (cupcake design). Whereas for the balloons, I just bought a pack from the Japanese store which I can still use for various mini celebrations.

We just had a simple fare of white spaghetti. R enjoyed blowing her cake and licking the icing off the cupcake.

Opening of gifts:

From her lola P:

From Mommy, Daddy and JD:

One last shot before Barbie gets massacred:

Had I known I would have a daughter someday, hindi ko sana pinamigay ung mga Barbie ko, specially the Make Me Pretty Barbie (similar to what we gave her now). Iba parin ung mga classic/vintage Barbie.

This morning in school, we brought naman the cake and cupcakes, as well as Jollibee spaghetti. Here she is with her classmates for the cake blowing:

Thank you classmates for the gifts:

For their loot bags, I filled these cute paper cups I got from Robinsons Galleria (I think the store's name is "Spoiled"), with Hello Panda biscuits, erasers, rubber stamps and mini notepad.

I'm glad my daughter had so much fun with her birthday celebration.

Happy 3rd birthday R! Everyday you just seem to amaze us with the things you learn. I also enjoy every moment you hug me and tell me I love you. Nung baby ka kasi ako lang gumagawa nun, now you initiate it. I love you my little daldalita. Can't wait for our future kikay bonding moments. God bless you always!