Shipping Our Stuff Home

 This is the 5th and last balikbayan box we sent from abroad. Thanks to Makati Express, all our prized (more of sentimental) possession were shipped safely to our home.
We sent them a few weeks before we travelled back home. As expected in sea freight shipment, they came 6 weeks after they were picked up from our home in the Kingdom.  I don't have pictures of the other boxes, but all of them looked like this. The boxes contained our clothes, small appliances, exercise machine and tons and tons and tons of toys. Maybe 3 out of 5 boxes had our little one's indispensable toys. All of them came complete and in perfect condition. From all the horror stories of OFW sending balikbayan boxes to Philippines, I didn't expect it will be possible to really bring all our stuff back home.
Now, I won't miss our life back in the Kingdom. Having all the things we have there will remind us how lucky and blessed we are that we were given an opportunity to make a life and start our family there... and I'm forever grateful for that.

From Bottle to Cup

We trained our little one to use (milk) bottle when we decided to wean her from breastfeeding. (what were we thinking?) She was about two and half years old. Even though breast to bottle is not the ideal "route to progress", we thought that this will just be a short transition to drinking from cup. She already knows anyway to drink from straw, sippy cup and cup. How hard could it be to train her to drink from the cup? However, it is only now, a year after, (Yay! finally!) that she is actually drinking milk from cup.

It is an interesting story how we ended up here. We've been thinking for a couple of months now when to stop giving her milk from the bottle. But child's preference and parents' convenience always wins.

The other night, the little one decided to threw her bottle of milk on the floor in an attempt to get my attention. I was furious why she acted that way. So I picked up her bottle and threw it straight to the trash bin. (what was I thinking?) Of course we can't use it anymore. I hid the rest of her milk bottles and stayed firm that she won't be drinking milk from the bottle anymore. The little one disliked my decision. She cried all night, without drinking milk, to sleep.

She still remembered the next day what happened and requested for her milk in the bottle. Now calmer, I explained that I already threw her bottles because of what happened the night before. She can have her milk in any cup she likes from the collection of cartoon inspired cups we already have. She liked the idea and chose a sponge bob cup with straw. (That was easy!) But hubby was a bit hesitant about using straw since it didn't seem like we "progressed". With that in mind, I asked the little one if she wanted to drink milk from her spongebob cup without the cover. She surprisingly prefer that too. (Thank God!).

It's interesting how the little one's tantrums (and mom's violent reaction) is all we need to make her stop from the bottle. "The end justifies the means." (I've always liked Machiavelli.) Now, we are saying good bye to milk bottles and sippy cups!  (and saying hello to small(er) bags and purses when going out -- I don't have to bring bottles anymore.

Oh, I hope I didn't jinx this by blogging this too soon.

Learning to Love Apples

I don't like apples. I like apple juice but I don't like eating apples.  I just don't like it. But the hubby likes them a lot. So I'm trying to learn to enjoy them in Sundaes and Pies. They are actually good.

Specially this one from Mcdonalds

Apple Cinnamon Sundae

And this homemade Apple Pie I made.

Homemade Apple Pie

I've made apple pie last year by following a recipe I found online. But it didn't taste as good as the hubby would like it....and I didn't have any idea how it should taste like as I haven't had any apple pie before. I just tried making them again from the recipe out of my memory. And it was surprisingly better than the last one. Hubby actually finished the whole pie in one sitting -- it was that good. Lucky me.

So that I won't forget, I'm writing the recipe now:

Homemade Apple Pie

Preheat oven at 200 degrees C

Just mix the following for the filling
2 Apples chopped
2-3 Tbsp Sugar
1 Tbsp cinnamon
2 tsp flour

For the crust mix a little over 1 cup of flour, 2 Tbsp Butter, 1 Tbsp Sugar,and a dash of salt until they stick together like forming small balls. Then add 1/3-1/2 cup milk. Use your hands to mix them all until you form a dough. You can put the dough inside the fridge for about 15mins so that it will be easier to roll them out later. But I was too excited and impatient I rolled the dough right away.( It still worked as the weather/ temperature was on my side). I divided the dough into 2 balls and rolled them out into about half an inch thick round sheets on a slightly floured table top. Arrange one rolled dough at the bottom of a greased 8" round pan. Put the filling and put the other rolled dough to cover the pie. Punch holes on top of the pie using a fork. Bake for 22-25 minutes. Done.

I'm sure there are better recipes out there for apple pies. But this one was good enough for my husband and easy to make too so this recipe is a keeper.

Homeschooling Notes: At Her Own Pace

Our little one seems to know a lot about animals (naming, sounds, mama-and baby), colors, shapes, answering basic questions, spontaneously saying (polite) common phrases, etc.  But she just doesn't say the alphabet or count like her peers do. So we started homeschooling to make sure our little one is ready for traditional school when the need arises. Everything was doing well for a couple of weeks. However, I get disappointed when she seems not interested or not learning anything at all. (and I ran out of ideas how to creatively teach her in our homeschool classroom) I decided to cease this scheduled sessions and just go about playing and horsing around after the 3rd week. I'll just "teach" her when the opportunity comes. Maybe 2 years old is just not ready for school yet. Or maybe the "traditional-school-in- a-home-setting -set-up" is just not for us (yet).

After a few months of totally no scheduled homeschooling, our little one started saying and doing these:

"Mama, look, other M." -03102014
(as of press time, she said, "M and double U.")

"Mama, same letter B" -03122014

"Mama, I make same letter H." -03232014

Hallelujah!

I thought she is not learning anything. She is actually really learning it, not just memorized but learn and understand even if you put these letters in different directions. 

I am, more than ever, convinced that:

1) Play is an important part of learning for little kids. Read more on Why Play-based Learning and Play Based Learning

2) Learning is not confined to four walls of a classroom (or flashcards, pen, paper and books). Read more on Education Outside the Classroom

3) Children (and adults) learn at their own pace and style. Read more on Your Child's Learning Style

 We just have to keep on providing her with a stimulating environment for her learning, growth and development.

Good Find: HumanHeartNature Sunflower Beauty Oil

I bought these "miracle in a bottle" early this year but was only able to start using it last month. I am just too lazy to do anything related to beauty and pampering oneself. I'd rather have cakes and coffee to feel good about myself.
I heard so many nice things and effectiveness of this product that I have to try it for myself. It's Sunflower Beauty Oil from HumanHeartNature, a natural moisturizer that claims to help lighten dark spots and pimples, lightens dark undereye circles, adds shine to dull hair, softens dry skin, etc. The uses seems endless which I think would be the best product for me since I don't like using too many product for the different concerns of my face/body.
Most of my skin problems appear during winter so I started (religiously) using the SunflowerOil. I apply a few drops on my face with more attention to under eye, stretch marks (from pregnancy), all over body and my hair after taking a bath. I can see the results just after a few days. My hair is shiny and has less frizz. My skin is soft and doesn't "dry & flake" like it used to during the cold season. And my under eye circles are lighter now (even if I don't get enough sleep). Yay!
I noticed too that the use of Sunflower Oil 1/day gives the same effect if I use other moisturizer that I have to apply 2-3x/day. So I'm sticking with this "miracle in a bottle" because I really can't commit to a beauty regimen that would take more than 10mins of my 24hour day. This product is for people who wants real results in less time and effort like me.
This was really a good find. Just my luck.

DIY: Molding Clay

When the safest way to get out of the house is when you have a husband to drive you, you have to learn to make things that you need with what you have inside the house at the moment so you don't have to wait til your husband gets home to get things done.

Our need for the moment was something to play with that the little one can cut with her plastic knife.  I know this need can technically wait. But a toddler with a PMSing mom, waiting is not an option. She's been playing "cut, cut, cut" with her oatmeal cookies. It's such a shame to play with and throw the perfectly baked cookies I made the night before. And it's tiring to sweep the floor with her mess. So I decided to make clay. Good thing I browsed through DIY boards on Pinterest. They have tons of nice DIY stuff I would like to try making -- and clay/ play dough was one of them.

Just mix the following ingredients and you're done.
1/2 cup flour
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1-2 Tbsp water

Just add a little more flour if the clay mixture is too sticky or water if it's too tough. This will look better if I have some food coloring. I like this recipe since it's easy to make, play with and does not stick to our furniture.

Child Prodigies and Aliens

My aunt grandma (seems like an aunt but technically my grandma) once told us about how her other grandson, who is 2 1/2 years old, can tell amazing stories and answers back in the weirdest and cutest ways. I dont know exactly how or what is amazing in the stories but I kinda get the point. My 22 months old daughter is already narrating how the cow pooped or how big her poop is. Amazing isn't it. Lol. I can't remember or heard any adult telling me of  any narrative I said younger than 3 years old.
Aunt grandma also pointed out how different the children nowadays. They seem to be more precocious, more advance in language (more of constructing sentences or making stories than the fluency of spoken words), has early grasp of computer/ technology manipulation, and so on. There must be something in the air they breathe that made these advances possible.  Pollution? Or maybe in the things they eat (or I ate since I'm STILL breastfeeding)? 'Magical formula' in formula milk? Hidden messages in Disney and Pixar movies? Alien invasion through children via Mommy's womb? Genetic evolution? (Whatda? I don't even know what that means.) Whatever it is, these prodigies and 'genius' children have contributed to my amusement and amazement. With my little one's limited exposure to everything in general, I really don't know where she got those dancing moves, artistic drama, smart remarks or knowledge of smartphones. These changes in children (nowadays) might have its higher purpose - to cope up with the changing times and advancement in technology. I guess, they just don't want to be left behind.

Or they are really aliens in human life forms. (enter X-Files opening theme song)

Just thinking aloud.

Everyday Cooking: Arugula

I am not a vegetable eater. I just started to eat them regularly when I got pregnant. The need to provide the little one with important nutrients and vitamins prompted me to do the necessary -- loving to eat greens. Though I genuinely love broccoli.
So our grocery list would have at least 3 kinds of vegetables that I can cook in different ways/meals good for more or less a week. Always on our list is spinach. It is  packed with essential vitamins. So I don't mind if it is the only vegetable my little one eats. (I'll be over the moon if she finishes any meal with spinach) I also find it versatile and easy to prepare. I add it in soup,  saute it in garlic and butter, add it in pizza, mix it in meatballs, etc. Unfortunately, it has been almost a month that our local supermarket doesn't have spinach. I have to find an alternative for green leafy veggie. But since I'm no expert in vegetables (and unfamiliar with  language and local names of other produce), I'm just guessing what would be the best replacement to spinach from the choices of locally produced vegetables.

So I picked Gerger -- it's what the label says. (People will laugh if someone from my native land would hear that.) Without even looking it up on Google, I just add it to our usual menu like how I prepare Spinach. (I'm really clueless on these vegetable stuff. I need the internet to figure things out). If the meal turns out bad, we'll never gonna buy gerger again. Surprisingly, it is as good as spinach. Lucky me!
Gerger is actually the local name here for arugula or salad rocket. It is a nutritious green vegetable with Mediterranean origin. It is used in salads (raw), soups, pizza, pasta, frittata, etc. It is low in calorie has vitamins A, C, D and K, etc. According to Health and You,  arugula is packed with the B complex vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin) which is good for metabolic functions of the body. And it is also a good source of folate which is good for pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects in babies.It is safe and recommended to breastfeeding mothers too.

I got lucky in picking Gerger/ Arugula. I just found an alternative green leaf vegetable which has various use in cooking and also packed with vitamins my family needs.

Filipino Beef Stew in Clear Broth (my simpler version)

Filipino Beef Stew in Clear Broth (I used Arugula instead of Bokchoy  / Chinese Cabbage)

Boil beef cut into cubes in water, salt, few pieces of ginger and onion slices until tender, probably around 45mins.  You may add Knorr beef broth cubes to enhance taste. Add potatoes cut in cubes. Cook until potatoes are almost cooked. Add string beans and Arugula (or any green leafy vegetable of your choice). Simmer until all veggies are done. Add salt and pepper (preferably whole peppercorn). Done.

Everyday Cooking is my attempt on being awesome in the kitchen with my own versions of popular meals/ recipes using more or less 5 ingredients and simplifying the steps in my not so fancy kitchen. I do not count salt, pepper and water in the ingredients, which I assume, are ingredients that all kitchens have.  

Accidental Potty Training: Cloth Diaper Magic

I used to let the little one wear cloth diaper at least once a day so that her privates have a time to breathe from all the cotton, plastic (and probably chemicals) of disposable diapers. But we went for vacation for almost 2 months with almost everyday moving and going out. And the convenience of disposable nappy was a reasonable choice. That 2 months became almost a year. Bad mommy.

Then a couple of weeks ago, I consciously started the little one again on at least once a day cloth diaper (or sometimes just nickers). I put on the cloth nappy upon waking up since after breakfast, we will be taking a bath and change nappies again. It is just a short period of time and usually she doesn't pee much or poop early during the day. Then I change her again into washable diapers just before dinner since a little after the meal, it would be pre-bedtime routine -- brush teeth, shower, change nappies, etc. After a few days of doing these, myNatnat would go to me and say "poopoo" AFTER she wets  her cloth nappies. Then it became, "Eeeewww. Poopoo." WHILE she is peeing and runs toward me so I could change her into clean ones. Notice the change from AFTER peeing and WHILE peeing!? It's amazing that she can finally say and feel these normal body activities. (It still seems like yesterday that she's still this tiny dependent, little baby.) And it's awesome  how she learns these things by just wearing cloth diapers. It's magic.

Now, time for mommy and daddy to read up on toilet training... and do a little shopping too. :)

MyNatnat's Kiss

We unconsciously taught our little one this powerful thing called kiss.

A kiss means 'Thank you'. MyNatnat would kiss her daddy (without prompts) when her daddy chooses the video she wanted to watch on youtube. She would kiss him more too, when she enjoys and really likes what she's watching.

A Kiss means "I'm sorry". Before she can utter "sosi" (that's the way she pronounces it), she would kiss me when she does something bad, like throwing a tantrum.

A Kiss means "no more awwee". From bumps to cuts to bruises, the magical kiss just blows the ouchie away. She would kiss me whenever she sees me hurt or shouting in pain.

A Kiss means "I want something that you would not probably give me." MyNatnat knows how to make us feel guilty and just give in to whatever she wants, no matter how impossible that may seem, by giving us her sweetest kiss ever on the lips.

Anything she can't say in words, she says with a kiss. I hope she would be as sweet as like this (to us... And not to any "stranger". No boyfriend til 40!) when she's all grown up.

Single Parent For A Day

I wonder how single parents survive raising their child. I couldn't even do it alone for a day with my newborn.

Our house is being renovated. we weren't able to do it before our baby arrived for my husband was overseas. My baby and I had to stay in my parents' house, where nobody lives there during the day as everyone has to go to work while my husband stays in our house to supervise the renovations in our own nest.

My baby and I starts the day with feeding. She only wakes up for milk and diaper change. I had to make sure she feeds just right coz we are diagnosed with overfeeding the other day during pedia check up. This was difficult for me as my baby cries when I stop giving her milk. Im torn between making her healthy and making her stop crying. which do you choose?

A few minutes later I would prepare her bath while my baby naps. She sleeps soundly when full. I wonder how I can prepare all the bath essentials when shes awake all the time?

With one hand on my baby my other hand is busy opening/ closing head-to-toe baby wash, scrubbing baby's body, rinsing baby's body with water, shampooing head, cleaning umbilical cord, changing nappies, and dressing her up. It is a one really BUSY other hand. Another set of hands would be really nice to have during those times.

Another round of sleep for my baby and chores for the mommy. I would eat, clean up some of baby's bath time mess, hand wash baby's clothes, go for bathroom break and blog if I still have time. If the baby doesn't sleep, I can't do any other work done... not even the bathroom break.

I'm lucky though my mom can baby sit for a few minutes during lunchtime. That's the time I take a bath. If the granny is not around, i'll be stinking with baby milk, weewee, poop and vomit.

Afternoons are busier with playtime with the baby. Playtime meaning guessing what she wants and needs. She's awake and sometimes cries after 12noon. I really can't tell what she wants. Though my first guess is always she wants milk. And she does want milk even when she's not really hungry. It's not good to give her milk all the time. Remember, overfeeding is bad. But nothing soothes a week old baby but milk. Oh what to do?

After 5pm is a little easier since the baby  (and mommy) is all tired from the afternoon session of guessing game. The baby takes her nap again while I pump some milk out of my chest. The pediatrician suggested that I pump out my milk before I breastfeed my baby. In that way, there will be lesser milk for her to suck. Less tendency to overfeed. Imagine if I only have a manual breast pump. It will be another tiresome chore for me.

Then here comes night time. It is another cycle of feeding, burping, rocking baby to sleep and changing diapers. My dinner runs only for 10-15mins and sleep not longer than 2 hours.

Honestly, I'll go crazy if I do this routine for the rest of the week.

God bless all single parents -- juggling professional work and raising a child. May you have the strength to do your job, courage to face challenges, good health to endure sleepless nights and patience to endure it all gracefully.

for new dads

The nicest thing about being pregnant is you get to see and know how loving your partner is. In spite of you being hormonal, huge and whining all the time and all, he still sees you as the most beautiful "creature" in this entire world.He appreciates your effort and sacrifices in giving up your comfort zone just to give a safe and healthy environment to his soon to be born child..

(There are times) I just love being pregnant and having the most understanding husband. I simply have the great things life has to offer... but the best is yet to come.

From my experience I suggest to soon to be dads (first timers and veterans) to take note of the following so as to keep your pregnant partner happy and prepare yourself for the new life ahead.

1) Always tell your partner how beautiful she is. No matter what shape, size and color she is in, try to see the beauty in her and be vocal about it. Say it out loud so that she can hear it. Nothing makes her happy but to know that she is still the most beautiful and sexiest woman in your eyes. As Jeff Allen once said, a happy wife is a happy life.

2) Know that, It is just hormones. Really. She is not irrational or paranoid or psychotic. It is just the changes in hormone levels. Believe that after the nine months, the mood swings will all be over. Really.

3) Be involve with the pregnancy. Remember, half of what your partner is carrying came from you. It is advised for you to learn about how this pregnancy progresses. You'll be amazed how important you are in the baby's life before he/ she is born. There are a lot of materials available for you to learn about pregnancy and being a new dad. Better yet, accompany your partner to all prenatal visits to the OB/Gyne. Sometimes the pregnant woman gets overwhelmed with her new role and she doesn't hear or absorb the doctor's advises for better pregnancy. It's better somebody else listens to the doctor with her for better follow up at home. It is also good that you know personally your OB/Gyne. Remember, the life of your partner and your child is in her/his hands, partly.

4) Support her in any way you can. From bringing her to the doctor, giving in to odd requests, quitting smoking, choosing color schemes for the nursery, giving her back and foot rubs, etc. Imagine putting yourself in her shoes, gaining 10-15kilos or more, not getting enough sleep, suffering from morning sickness, not being able to eat and drink like you used to, feeling the kicks & punches from within etc. You'll be glad that you're not a woman.

5) Breathe. and celebrate the new life that is yet to come. Being a new dad is really overwhelming and life changing. But it doesn't mean that your life will be over. It will just get better.

http://www.freakingnews.com/Pregnant-Austin-Powers-in-Maternity-Tights-Pictures-46706.asp

Congratulations to new fathers. Enjoy the ride. :D

Love at first sight

The first 3D look of our first child.

Priceless.

My prenatal check up with the OB/Gyne was 1 week earlier than scheduled. Her secretary called me up this morning asking if I can come  today 'coz the doctor's office will be under renovation next week and I might miss an important check up. I grabbed it even though it was stormy and all since my MD's office is around 10mins away from home. I was excited anyway to know how I was going with my pregnancy. The last time I went to her, I needed to make my little tummy grow bigger since it looks like small for his/her age.

My baby and me are perfectly fine. My little tummy grew bigger and we are on the right track. Thank God. :) Even my weight is constantly going up -- 1-1.5lb/ week. That's pretty much the goal now on my third trimester. Well, all the snacking and munching is paying off.

And since I was already out of the house, might as well do some window shopping at the nearby mall. I didn't know there was a new clinic for 3D UTZ available now in that mall. And since I have nothing to do and my OB/Gyne said it is okay (but not necessary) to have another UTZ (since my previous UTZ were fine), I decided to have one. Just for the baby in the belly pictures... not for diagnostic or something.

I was actually just burning away money when you think about it. But when I saw the chubby cheeks in my tummy.... aaawww. That 10min experience was priceless. I didn't expect s/he will look so ... like his/her dad. haha. I just fell in love. And s/he was very playful inside. He is really his daddy's little angel. :D

My family of two will be seeing the 3rd wheel soon.

much ado about belly bump

It feels like forever.

I'm at the beginning of third trimester already and I feel I've been pregnant forever. It's so tiring trying to eat healthier, carrying the extra 20lbs around, peeing every 10 minutes or so and puking whenever I feel like puking. Seriously, when will this be over?!

I blurt that out every time things get so overwhelming.

But when I seriously think about it... yes, the 9months is like forever that you will really get used to. Here are some of my "favorite" preggy routines I have developed:

1) Water overload. I was never a fan of "uncolored" drinks. I only drink coffee, soda, coffee, juice, coffee, margarita, coffee and uhmm coffee. So this time, I have no other choice but to give all those up (for awhile) and have a glass of water... for around 10 times a day. It helps me hydrated and prevents pregnancy annoyances (e.g cramps, constipation, UTI, etc.)

2) Waking up every 2-3 hours just to go to the loo. I hate getting my sleep interrupted. But I'd rather get up and go to the toilet than pee on my bed. Its a lot of work cleaning that up. And embarrassing too. And I believe excreting those excess water in my body will help me not to have edematous hands and legs which are common to pregnant women.

3) Eating every 2-3 hours. Yes, just like the peeing, I'm probably busy munching on something now and also 3 hours ago and 3 hours after. I just have to make sure though that these are healthy snacks like yoghurt, nuts, crackers, fruits, veggies and chocolates. Okay, the last one is not really a good choice for a healthy snack.

4) Vomitting at 12noon and 12mn. Yes, just as my peeing and eating are timed. My puking has also its own time. What can I do? even my pregnancy signs and symptoms wants order and routine. Crackers and cereals were my ever reliable defense for the vomitting marathon.

5) Trying out clothes in my closet every other day. It used to be every other week. But as I get bigger and bigger, I need to make sure something nice and clean will fit me at least for the next 2 days. I just couldn't predict whenever I feel like going out as I was always sleepy and tired. And when that happens, I should have something to wear that fits my growing belly well. Or else, I cry. When all things fail, I put on my husbands clothes and i still look adorable -- in my husband's eyes of course.

6) Shopping. Well, it's nothing new...except that its shopping for the future mini-Me or mini-Hubby. Half of my monthly salary (at least) goes to all the gears and stuff for the baby (and other times for the mommy). Spoiler mom and dad. Oh well, this is our first baby and we want to make sure we are preparing right. We tried getting the good quality stuff (and they are a bit pricey) because we might be able to use them again in the (later) future.

7) Weekends at home. I have chosen movies at home with my hubby over late night outs and weekends with friends. You don't get to feel the baby kicks and punches very often (or so I thought) and we just want to cherish those moments together. I feltl those butterfly like flutters around 4th month. In pregnancy terms, it's called quickening. And you will feel them around the 20th week. But since i was really thin pre-pregnancy, I felt it a lot earlier. And those movements will get stronger and more often on the later parts of pregnancy. Then I believe will slow down a bit on the last few weeks (I'm not there yet as of press time) as there's no more space in your uterus for those kickboxing routine.

8) Skin care regimen. Moisturizer is my new best friend. I hate those girly stuff like facial scrubs, sunblocks and moisturizer. But a good skin care regimen is really a must to have a fresh looking, smooth feeling and stretch mark free skin. No matter how hot (or humid) or how heavy sometimes lotion becomes, I make it a habit to slather lotion all over my body. Oh thank God for moisturizers and good genes -- I'm stretch mark free, so far.

9) Belly Dancing. Oh no.. not me. The baby in my tummy I mean. It just feels so nice and magical -- feeling that little creature practicing his/her moves inside your tummy before he makes his grand entrance. It is painful sometimes but WTH, he might got those dancing steps from me. Oh and by the way, belly dancing is a good prenatal conditioning exercise. I'm just too lazy to move this growing hips now.

10) Yoga. Now this is for me. I tried doing these yoga positions which helped me stretch and relax my muscles. It also helped me getting a good sleep at night.

So when this pregnancy is over, what do I do then?! I think I have forgotten what it is like not being pregnant. And i will surely miss all those prenatal activities.

I guess I have to enjoy every moment of pregnancy now and try not to rush it. Take time to smell the flowers er?!

It will be over sooner than I think and for sure, I will be making another set of postnatal activities.

I will surely miss Natnat in my tummy when the time comes. 

super size me

I am very happy with my pregnancy. I guess every pregnant should be as they would bring another human being in the world. It's really magical how can a person, or me for example, can carry such a wonderful creature. You would see it grow, feel it move and after 40weeks, you would be able to hold it in your arms. You get also an excuse to buy those cutie little stuff.

But the downside, for me, as you get bigger and bigger, nothing fits you anymore. (Of course there are major downside of pregnancy like, morning sickness, headaches, frequent urination, etc.). I did buy some blouses, pants and dresses specially made for pregnant but they are not plenty enough for everyday use. They are all pretty and nice but its a waste if i wear them for everyday. My husband, who is ever so supportive, would allow me to splurge on maternity clothes. But i would rather buy baby clothes and gears than anything for preggy self as I thought, it would only be for a few months and after that I won't use them anymore. Or at least not anytime soon. But since i'm twice as large as I was before pregnancy, I have nothing to do but really buy bigger clothes. I literally cry every time I look into my closet and try out my clothes. 

In line with that, since Father's day is coming, I thought I should buy something for my husband --that I can use since he's out of the country until i give birth. It would be my gift to him, only I will use it first. LOL. 

Yesterday, i bought boxer shorts, a large one since my husband is a bit large now (but still cute and hot as ever). And it perfectly fits me. Yay! Well, half of me is happy coz I have something to wear. But half of me is a bit unhappy coz it only proves that I-AM-REALLY-HUGE-NOW. 

Good thing my husband is really sweet and still finds me adoring and sexy even with my size now. Actually, I think he loves me more tHan ever being pregnant, big and all. 

If bigger me means bigger love... I hope I would stay this size forever. Though a complete wardrobe overhaul would be really really nice.

Where have you been and where are you going?

That is the question.

I just read this blog while trying to fall asleep... which I think wont come anytime soon.

I am here alone in a land far away from home and on my 8^th week of pregnancy. It has been a quite different feeling from usual. But i really can’t say Im having a difficult pregnancy for i can still work and do my day to day duties but of course with a lot of the queasy feeling. I was telling my husband earlier that” i will never do this again”, jokingly. From a person who eats like a little bird with just a few pieces of this and that to a shrew who eats 80-90 % of their own body weight in food daily. I spend almost all my waking hours munching on something and I cant do that while working. I also have the every 11am-2pm dizziness – the hours I am supposed to start working. I still want to work, not minding being away from home cause this makes me happy and gives me a sense of fulfilment. But this milestone really limits me from doing all what (i think) I want.

I guess my husband is right, be still. Learn to stay still.

Maybe its time for me to just be still and enjoy the moment: morning sickness, excessive hunger and most of all, the heart beats inside my tummy.

Maybe this is better than taking care of other people, playing with other kids and carrying someone else’s baby.

I’ll just take care of myself – eat healthier and plenty(er). Play with all the colors and all the stuff I can put to make my house a baby-friendly one. Carry my very own child in my tummy for the next 32weeks until I can carry him in my arms. 


I will stay still now and appreciate the beauty around me but I will keep my spirits up to move on and forward.

30 minutes

I was chatting with a long time friend when out of nowhere he asked if I'm married. If not, when will i get married. I said, "tomorrow.", jokingly. He continued, if we dont get married now, when will we ever get married. He added we are already old (which I totally think I am not), should get married and have babies. I really wondered why we had that conversation. I smell something fishy. Anyway, I want to get married. But babies??? Not anytime soon. Don't get me wrong, I love kids -- they are the cutest thing in the world. But not for me... yet. Puhleeaassse! The waking up in the middle of the night is maybe the thing that scares me the most. THough I know i can do that -- I'm a zombie. I've been waking up for the last three years at weird hours of the night just to chat/ videocall via skype with my sweetie due to time differences. (yes..the perks of LDR!)I did not complain. He did. Okay, i rarely do. "Sweetie, im too sleepy. can we chat after 30mins. Power nap." Geessshh.

I surely can do all the things that require me to raise a child well... I have to, if the time comes. But what if I just don't want to get up from bed (I get tired too) and the baby needs a diaper change or milk cause he's hungry? Will the hubby wake up to do all that? Or can the baby wait after 30mins? "Baby, can you stop crying and whinning...I will attend to you after 30mins."
Raising kids is a 24/7 thing. There's no after 30 mins.

*Yes I smell something fishy. My friend is getting married soon. But why the hell does he have to justify to me his/ our age and that this is the right age to get married? There's no such thing as right age of getting married. You marry NOW because you love someone and you want to spend your entire lifetime with him/her. You marry NOW because you feel its the bestest thing in the world to do. Just my thoughts.

wishes do come true?!

Seriously, I was thinking of taking all the tissue from work at home so that i wont have to buy. No one will notice it anyway. Besides, there's no inventory for them. but then again,I'll leave graft and corruption to the politicians. I have money to buy my own anyway. I should put it on my grocery list.
But today, for some reason, one patient of mine gave me one pack of Kleenex. Weird isn't it? You don't get tissue as HH.
I guess everything I wished for is coming true. Sweet!
Should I wish for bigger things?

my pen

All the pens I have ever used usually will last only for a week or two. Either I lose it (by mere carelessness or someone steals it) or the ink dries out even if  the ink is still full. If I buy the pricey & well-known branded pens, same thing happens. So I just go for the cheap ones.

However, this is the first time in history that I was able to fully used my pen’s ink.

See? Fully consumed.

I think I’m better now in keeping an eye on my things… or Pilot Pens just become better. 

Smile is a contagious disease

"Your smile is better than your (rehabilitation) treatment."

That's what the boss said.

He's right. Sometimes feel the aches and pains of their medical condition when they see miserable looking people. Instead of really getting better, they feel sicker. They tend to focus more on their illnesses which make them get worse. But if they see people with happier dispositions, maybe they can absorb the happiness and somehow all the problems and diseases go away. So, smile!

photo credits: http://www.colinheatherly.com/smile.htm