Sexy Mommy's Blog

Ponds White Gift Pack from Beautynomics

2011-05-27T01:35:00.000-07:00

I joined Beautynomic's blog give away and won Ponds Flawless White products. (Read her blog here.)

I haven't used them yet though. I guess I got pretty tired of using whitening products to no avail, LOL! But still, thank you! I'm gonna try these when summer ends :)

My Wave Phone from Samsung

2010-12-29T23:37:00.000-08:00

LATE POST:

This came as a big surprise. I got so lazy that I didn't bother to invite my friends to my "wave". I think I got less than 40 people in it. But then lucky enough, my wave was raffled off as one of the lucky wave mates!

Just like the others who spent a lot of effort and time just to have the longest wave, I also won a brand new Samsung Wave phone!

My Samsung Wave phone

To understand the contest mechanics, visit this link:

http://www.facebook.com/SamsungWave?v=app_110627038974741

I guess this has been my lucky year! Remember when I won another handset from LG? It was out of luck din since I was raffled off as a lucky voter from their "My Life's Good Contest." And it was just by simply voting and commenting on a friend's entry. (http://almark71498.multiply.com/journal/item/234/LG_Cookie_Wifi_from_LG_Lifes_Good_Contest

My LG Cookie Phone

Snakeskin Bag from Leah Papah Designs

2010-12-29T23:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you Ms Leah!

I gave this to mom as my holiday present...

Check out her Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/leahpapadesigns

Perfumes from Benetton and Penshoppe

2010-12-29T23:16:00.000-08:00

LATE POST:

Thank you Penshoppe and UCB for these new fragrances!

Freebies From Johnson's

2010-12-29T23:06:00.000-08:00

LATE POST:

Got these Johnson's Lavender Soap just by answering a survey...

Our Johnson Babies

Gift Pack from CheezWhiz

2010-12-29T22:41:00.000-08:00

LATE POST:

This was from their Palamantasan ng Sarap, Sustansya at Saya Contest.

Here's my entry:

I promise to always eat smart by expanding the range of healthy food choices and by learning how to plan ahead to create and maintain a satisfying, healthy diet.

My gift pack.. I love the new ice cream flavored Oreo!

7-11 GCs

2010-12-29T22:26:00.000-08:00

LATE POST:

Got GCs from 7-11!

Ate Masheng enjoying her Slurpee from 7-11!

Leg Warmers from Today's Give Away and Pinkalicious Boutique

2010-12-29T21:46:00.000-08:00

LATE POST

This was my very first international online winning. I got these 3 very cute leg warmers for my kids...

Ate Marchelle loving her striped leg warmers! It matches any of her girly outfit!

Our bunso looking oh so cute in his black and gray striped leg warmers. It's the best leg protection for an active tod like him!

Thank you Pinkalicious and Today's Give Away!

Baby King's 3rd Magazine Appearance

2010-11-22T13:44:00.000-08:00

He's been appearing on mags for 3 consecutive months now. He's on SP Kiddie Greets this time :)

Thanks a lot SP!

Masheng's 18th and Baby King's 2nd Magazine Appearance

2010-11-11T06:20:00.001-08:00

Yey, may babies together in one magazine! Thanks Baby Mag (October 2010 issue)...

Baby King
Beginnings Baby of The Month (with gift pack)
(picture taken when he was less than a month old)

Ate Masheng
(picture taken on her 3rd birthday celebration)

Masheng's 17th Magazine Appearance

2010-11-11T06:14:00.000-08:00

MOMS TODAY
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2010 ISSUE
Theme: CANDID SHOT

(one of my fave pics of her... candid talaga )

Click the link to view her 16th magazine appearance: http://almark71498.multiply.com/journal/item/215/Marchelles_16th_Magazine_Appearance

PAGBABAGO

2010-09-29T23:58:00.000-07:00

Sinasabing walang permanente sa mundo maliban sa “pagbabago”. Sa ating buhay, tayong lahat ay nakararanas nito. Walang eksepsyon, bata man o matanda, mayaman o mahirap, lahat ay daraan sa prosesong ito ng pagiging iba sa dati.

Isa sa pinaka malaking pagbabagong nagaganap sa atin ay ang pag iiba ng ating anyo o itsura. Habang tayo’y nagkaka edad, ito at nagaganap sa ating mukha at katawan. Kanais nais man o hindi, wala tayong magagawa kundi ang tanggapin at yakapin ang mga ito.

Naalala ko tuloy nung kabataan ko, maraming nagsasabi na meron naman daw akong angking ganda. Sa maniwala kayo o hindi, marami rami din naman akong naging mga taga hanga at manliligaw noon. At alam nyo ba, nakapagtatakang halos lahat sila ay iisa ang paboritong bitbitin kapag umaakyat ng ligaw sa aming bahay? Kung hindi puto, ay pulburon na galing at gawa sa Goldilocks. Palibhasa'y mura at kayang kayang bilhin ng mga binatilyong noo'y mga estudyante at totoy pa.

Pero sa lahat, isa lang ang aking napusuan. Katangi tangi sya maliban sa iisang bagay. Kagaya ng iba ko pang mga manliligaw, wala syang ibang binibigay sa akin kundi ang mga produktong mula sa Goldilocks. Paborito naman nyang pasalubong ang Krema de Fruta, alam nya kasi na gustong gusto ito nang buong pamilya. At alam nyo ba nasa sa Goldilocks nya rin ako dinala at pinakain nung unang date namin? Naalala ko pa, puto at dinuguan ang inorder nya at Pansit Malabon naman ang sa akin. Kay sayang balik tanawin ng mga unang ala alang iyon!

Lumipas ang panahon at kapwa kami tumatanda, nagbabago na rin ang aming mga itsura. Maraming beses na tila ba dumarating ang mga panahong nakadarama ako ng kalungkutan dahil sa mga pagbabagong nagaganap sa aking pisikal na anyo. Pero sa kabila noon, ipinadarama nya pa rin na ako ang pinaka magandang babae sa kanyang paningin. At gaya ng dati, sa mga panahong gusto nya akong pasayahin, Goldilocks ang alam nyang nakapagpapangiti sa akin.

Kaya sa pagdiriwang ng aming ika apat na anibersaryo sa taong ito, hindi nakapagtatakang ito ang surpresa nya sa akin:

Kahit siguro lumipas pa ang panahon, mananatiling numero uno para sa amin ang Goldilocks. At kahit nga ngayong kami ay may supling na, ito pa din ang aming hinahanap at laging kapiling namin sa bawat mahahalagang yugto at selebrasyon ng aming buhay.

Mula noon, hanggang ngayon, mananatiling numero uno para sa amin ang Goldilocks. Marami mang mabago, at marami mang dumating, ito pa rin ang aming hahanap hanapin.

You're the one, Goldilocks!

Our Baby King's First Magazine Appearance!

2010-08-19T01:40:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for this! Just like Masheng's first time (click here to view), my little boy makes me feel proud and happy!

Thank you Baby Mag for choosing our little King!

VNC and Plains and Prints Gift Certificates from Kumiko Mae's Blog Contest

2010-07-26T04:18:00.000-07:00

I joined Kumiko Mae's midyear blog contest and won!

The mechanics were so easy and simple. But I guess, what made me win was my photo entry posted on her FB account (that was optional though). She asked us to post a picture wearing our favorite shoes or dress.

Well here was my entry. This was actually not a very recent pic. This was taken last year when I was 8 months preggy with our bunso. I couldn't find any other photo of me wearing a nice dress so I chose to send this one. Well, as they say, 'maswerte talaga ang buntis'.

Here are my prizes... Plains and Prints and VNC gift certificates and other discount coupons! I'm actually more excited to shop for VNC shoes!

And of course, a love note from Miss Kumi! Thank you so much for choosing me! More power to your blog! :)

Loots from NZ

2010-07-26T03:14:00.000-07:00

My mom and my sisters just got back from New Zealand and brought home a lot of goodies!

(Puro Cadburry! Sakto, I was craving for these a week before they came back from NZ... They brought home flavors and variants which we couldn't buy here... ;)

(Clothes, books and toys for the kids :) )

(Puro sheep!)

(Masheng's favorite! This one's really cute!)

Thanks Mama, Opay and Ipay! Thanks din to Masheng's and Baby King's grannies (aunt Tima and uncle Dan , who live in NZ) for the other pasalubongs (especially for Masheng's books, she loves them!). Next time, kami naman ang pupunta dyan :)

LG Cookie Wifi from LG Life's Good Contest

2010-07-26T03:04:00.000-07:00

I got really lucky with this one. I was chosen to be one of the lucky voter's and got a brand new LG Cookie WIfi phone as a prize!

Thank you so much for this wonderful phone LG! We love it!

Click here to view the winners list:

Gift Pack from Sunsilk Hair Experts

2010-07-26T02:48:00.000-07:00

Consolation Prize from Sunsilk Hair Experts Blog Contest.

They gave all the 7 variants! Thank you Sunsilk! :)

(Akala ata nila toys... colorful kasi!)

Pack from Olay

2010-07-26T02:40:00.000-07:00

Bisolvon Alagang Super MOMents

2010-07-26T00:11:00.000-07:00

(LATE POST)

This was the biggest contest that I've joined so far...

Out of hundreds who submitted their pics, we were luckily chosen to be one of the 50 finalists (lucky, because I submitted my entry the day before the submission period had ended).

The next 3 weeks was a bit tough since voting gets 50 percent of the criteria (the remaining 20% goes to creativity and image quality and 30% for having emotional impact).

Though our votes didn't make it to top 7 (there would be just 7 winners), I was still hopeful since I did believe that the photo I submitted would somehow gain points based on the other criterias.

And I was right! After the voting period, I got a message from Bisolvon telling that us we made it to top 5! I thought we were just among the 5 finalists who won 10,000 each. But I got even more surprised when the winners were finally announced... we made it to the second place and won 25,000!

I was so happy that despite our low votes, we still made it! That means our entry was chosen because of it's creativity and emotional impact.

Kudos to all the SuperMOMs who joined especially to those who made it to top 7!

Here are the rest of the winners:

http://www.alagangsupermom.com.ph/LM/gallery~winners/View_Winners.html

My Favorite Elianto Product

2010-06-07T06:02:00.000-07:00

Whenever you hear the name Elianto, what comes to your mind? I tried looking for it's definition using English dictionaries but those gave me no result.

Until I found out that this word was actually derived from the word "sunflower" in Italian. From there we could understand that the cosmetic brand Elianto signifies the beauty and vibrance of the object it symbolizes.

I've first known Elianto in 2007. A suitor gave a skin care set to my sister as a gift. Being a skin care product addict, (and since my sister is not so into natural products), I asked her to just hand it to me. With the first days of use, I noticed how it's natural ingredients soothed my skin. Since then, I always include Elianto products in my shopping list.

Among my favorites are Elianto's Green Tea skin care products. I especially like their Green Tea Facial Foam Cleanser, Scrub and Moisturizing Emulsion. Aside from containing anti oxidant ingredients (which are naturally found in green tea extracts), these also helps skin cell rejuvenation and protects skin from free radicals.

Skin impurities have always been a big problem for me that's why I usually look for natural products that will eliminate such. When I used Elianto's green tea creations, I suddenly noticed big changes on my skin. They also have a naturally soothing scent that's why I feel relaxed and rejuvenated every after using it.

Aside from green tea, there are other variety of ingredients in Elianto's skin care products to choose from. They also have honey, aloe, pomegranate, kiwi fruit, cucumber, ginseng and pearl. All are naturally inspired and will give your skin nothing but the best care in a very affordable price.

Only Beautiful Hair from the New Best-Ever Sunsilk Completes My Fashion Statement

2010-05-30T15:43:00.000-07:00

When I was still single, I used to always have long hair. It used to be one of my assets and most people used to often admire it's softness and beauty. But this changed when I started having a family. I've been busy with work and with my kids that I barely have time to pamper and take care of myself anymore. Stressful days, sleepless nights - all these have been taking its toll on my crowning glory.

Until I discovered New Sunsilk Co-Creations. Slowly, my hair goes back to the way it used to be. It started becoming soft and shiny again. I never thought I could have an expert-touched hair without going to the salon for various hair treatments.

That's why for busy moms like me, I highly recommend New Sunsilk Co-Creations. Try it and see the difference :)

Unlimited Japanese Food from Red Kimono and Red Mobile

2010-05-25T02:20:00.000-07:00

Another FB contest won. But it wasn't through voting this time. It was more like a raffle courtesy of Red Mobile's Fan Page. I've won unlimited Japanese food (worth 3500) from Red Kimono. I tagged along 4 companions (hubby, my aunt and 2 cousins together with my Marchelle) and went all the way to The Fort Strip for my prize.

Their food was great. We were able to try almost everything in their menu (from appetizer to desert). Too bad, my camera ran out of battery so I wasn't able to take much pictures.

"I want this, this and this!"

Masheng enjoying Red Kimono's chocolate balls.

Thanks Red Mobile abd Red Kimono for the sumptous lunch!

Prizes from The Picture Company's "Love Love Love" Contest

2010-05-25T00:20:00.000-07:00

Super Late Post.

February pa 'tong contest na 'to sa Facebook. It was for valentine so "LOVE" ang theme of course. Those who participatd were asked to send in photos of their children between 0- 10 years of age sharing moments together.

Here's our entry:

As usual, voting na naman ang labanan. The competition was tough. Imagine, there were 144 entries and only the 1st five with highest votes got the following prizes:

1st Prize: (1) FREE membership GC plus (4) 8x10 Portraits
2nd Prize: (1) FREE membership GC plus (3) 8x10 Portraits
And 3 consolation prize winners of (2) 8x10 Portraits each

I've always been a fan of TPC. But I was never given a chance to register as a member since it was way too expensive for me (the membership card costs around 2500 or 3000k ata). That's why I was really happy that we made it to the 2nd place.

We had a total of 322 likes with 174 comments (comments were not counted though but we really appreciated those who took time to leave heartwarming words for my kids).

So yun, we got the free membership that I've been longing for (that's good for a year) and three 8 x 10 portraits (each costs around 800-900 pesos) as our prize. We claimed them from TPC MOA branch.

The staff were really professional yet nice. They gave us time to warm up first and asked us to choose from their wide array of children's costumes. It was really hard to choose since everything was really cute. I was once again tempted to choose those pink "kikay" ones for my little girl but then I finally decided to go for the black ballerina outfit for her instead (para maiba naman, lagi na lang syang pink and girly sa mga photoshoots).

"What should I wear?", Masheng having a hard time choosing from their wardrobe of costumes.

There were also lots of cute costumes for baby boys. We initially wanted to try the angel wings on Baby King but then it required him to lie on his tummy (which wasn't easy yet for him that time). We also tried different wigs and headresses on him but he got annoyed with those. So he ended up just half naked on his photo. He was still very adorable though.

"Do I look cute with this wig on?"

The session was so much fun! The photographer who did the shoot was so good and patient with kids.

Masheng enjoying the shoot.

We also had a family portrait. Too bad, Joms and I were not able to prepare. If we had known that we would get included in the pictorial, we would have had prepared and worn matching outfits. Our family shot was still really nice though. My kids portraits are just so beautiful. We plan of framing everything and hanging those on our new home's wall.

Thanks again TPC for the wonderful experience. And once again, thanks for all those who supported and voted for our kids during the contest.

Second Batch of Winnings at Mom Center

2010-04-22T23:28:00.000-07:00

Yey, we got 4 out of 5 categories for the months of March and April (pregnant moms, baby, family and newborn). Here are our winning pictures:

Pregnant Moms

Newborn

Family

Baby

My Baby King also won at their Facebook monthly contest. He got the most number of "likes". I was so happy of course, this was his very first online contest. Thanks dear friends for your unending support for my babies :)

Here are our prizes:

I would also like to congratulate my sister for winning 3 categories.

Thanks again Mom Center!

(Click here to view our first winnings at MC.)

Sweet Memories With Yoshinoya

2010-04-22T00:35:00.000-07:00

I joined Yoshinoya's contest at Facebook last month. Here's my winning entry:

"If I win, I will invite my hubby Jomark Villestas to YOSHINOYA PHILIPPINES (YCPI) and order their best selling Gyudons! That would be a very nice treat for such a hardworking husband and dad like him."

We won 2 bowls of their yummy Beef Gyudon with drinks as a prize.

We were supposed to take a sweet photo but since wala kaming kasamang kukuha, eh, wala kaming magandang pic (nakakahiya kasing magpa picture sa crew, libre na nga, eh, hehehe). So ayun, 'di na kami sumali dun sa next contest pa sana.

But we were of course still thankful, syempre anything na libre, masarap! Kahit nga si Masheng na mahirap pakainin, eh na enjoy ang food nila.

She also had a taste of their Mandarin Orange ice cream. I've tried it as well, ang sarap!

Baby King was with us also, but of course, he couldn't eat yet, nanakam lang, takaw kasi!

Thanks Yoshinoya for such a delicious treat!

Marchelle's 16th Magazine Appearance

2010-04-16T00:26:00.000-07:00

Katuwa naman, sunod sunod! Suki na kami ng Baby Mag!

The picture was taken at Eco Park. Obviously, masayang masaya ang water baby! Giniginaw na 'yan pero smile pa din :)

Click here to view her 15th Magazine Appearance.

Marchelle's 15th Magazine Appearance

2010-03-31T00:04:00.000-07:00

Moms Today naman ulit. One of my fave mags kasi may prizes!

This picture was taken in Subic (2008). It was her very first beach experience that's why she looks happy and excited on the pic, (unang tapak nya sa beach sand).

Her outfit was a very cheap terno bought from a tyange. Actually short talaga yung nasa ulo nya. Since it was still too big for her then, ginawa ko na lang bonnet, hehehe...

Click here for her 14th Magazine Appearance.

Marchelle's 14th Magazine Appearance

2010-03-30T23:28:00.000-07:00

It's her second time on Smart Parenting's Kiddie Greets...

Katuwa naman, last year, less than lang ata silang na - feature, ngayon mas marami na!

Click here for Masheng's 13th Magazine Appearance.

Our Fit N' Right Prizes

2010-03-29T23:32:00.000-07:00

Guess who's behind the boxes... ^^

We got 2 boxes of Fit N' Right fruit snacks! Thank you so much Fit N' Right and Yehey! We'll absolutely be fit n' fab this sumer.

It was so nice to finally meet my fellow online mommies Esvi and Mia! Hope to see you again soon!

Fit N' Right Beauties ^^

Marchelle's 3rd Birthday (Barbie Summer Themed Party)

2010-03-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

Since we didn't have a big budget for Masheng's 3rd birthday, we planned to just have a small celebration at home.

Actually, her first 2 birthdays were also held at home. Although, we spent more on those compared to this one. On her first 2 birthdays, we were able to invite more friends, while we were not able to do so this year. We just had a very intimate party with our relatives and some neighbors.

But of course, despite the budget constraints, we still wanted our little girl to have fun on her special day. So we thought of having a swimming party for her (Ooops, we don't have a big pool, we just used her infatable pools).

Being a water baby she is, we were certain that she would enjoy such a party. It was also very timely since the summer heat is already here. So from there, I thought of making her birthday celebration a Barbie-summer-themed party.

The tarp and the invitaion was made by me again of course (both were rushed and were finished just days before the celebration). This is something that I won't get tired of doing. And it's something that I'm really proud of. I may not have much money to give her the grandest parties but somehow, by doing such small things, I could say that everything's made and prepared out of love.

Just like what I did on her first two birthday tarps, I included her 24th month - 35th month pictures.

We've used all three. So it was like a display of her monthly pictures from birth to her latest month. I hope I won't fail doing so each year until she reaches 18. On her debut, I want all her tarps of 18 years be there :)

Here's the Barbie-summer-themed invite...

.... and her Barbie-summer-themed cake with the Barbie loots:

Cake was from my mom (thanks Ma!) and her treats were sponsored by Milkita candies ^^

The kids had so much fun! For her birthday photos, click here.

Click the link to view her 2nd birthday tarp and invite: http://almark71498.multiply.com/journal/item/127/Whats_for_Mashengs_Second_Birthday

Things That I've Discovered About Masheng During the Expo Kid Fair

2010-03-08T22:28:00.000-08:00

It was a day of fun and learning not just for Masheng but for me as well. Through it, I got to discover more about my little girl's skills. It was very timely since weve been thinking of the best workshop or activity for her this summer. At least now, we have an idea of which among those she would really enjoy.

Here are the things that I've discovered about Masheng during the fair:

- She really loves being on the spotlight. Pagkakita pa lang nya ng stage, gusto na nyang umakyat kahit na may ongoing segment at maraming taong nanonood. When I finally allowed her to go up there, ayun, nagpo pose na at nagpa picture nang nagpa picture.

- She really loves the arts. That's why she enjoyed some of the art activities in the fair like jar painting (at Summit Media's stand), mask designing (at Kids Ahoy's booth), coloring etc... She even asked me to buy her art stuff. Muntik na akong bumili, buti na lang at naisip ko na mas mura pa rin at mas maraming choices sa National Bookstore.

- She enjoys active learning. She likes activities which would make her move. She loves dancing, jumping, running etc. Basta lahat ng activities na may kasamang laro, game sya. Kaya enjoy na enjoy sya sa activities ng Music and Me.

- Given na yung sobrang kalikutan nya. That's why I know that she would enjoy learning at kiddie gyms. Pero mas na convince ako when I saw her play at Little Gym's booth. She loves jumping, climbing, tumbling etc. Lahat na ata ng kalikutan, nagawa na nya. She doesn't mind getting hurt. Sana lang may mas mura pang playschools sa Gymboree and little Gym (suggestions please!).

- She's not so much into music instruments. She plays with them out of curiosity at first pero madali syang magsawa. Yung drumset nga sa isa sa mga booths, eh, halos dinedma nya. I'm happy with this discovery since Joms is planning to buy her one. Buti na lang at hindi pa sya nakakabili, kung nagkataon pala eh masasayang lang.

- She doesn't like sitting down for so long even when with a group of kids. She easily gets bored with activities which would require her to stay in one place for several minutes (like listening to stories, watching puppet shows etc). This means, she really isn't ready for a big school yet. We've been thinking of enrolling her next school year pa naman but since ganun nga, we better just wait until next year. She's just turning 3 anyway.

- Takot sya sa Hermit Crab. Sayang, gusto ko pa naman sana syang bilhan para may bago syang pet. ^^

It was indeed a day full of surprises! Kaya kahit sobrang layo ng Rockwell at medyo nahirapan kami mag comute eh, ok lang. Kung may next time pa, we'll definitely join again. Special thanks to Kids Ahoy since I've learned this event through them. 'Till next time!

For more pictures, click here.

Baby King's First Solid Food

2010-03-05T00:57:00.000-08:00

Since nag 4 months na si Baby King, we gave him his first solid food na. Ate Masheng had hers kasi at 4 months din (she had it a day after turning 4 months old). They both had Gerber, different flavors lang (banana for ate and carrot for bunso).

Here is a scrap page that I made for Masheng when she had her very first solid food. My mom and my aunt were the ones who fed her (excited lolas, hehe). How time flies!

Syempre dapat may pics din si Baby King. This time, kami ng Papa nya ang nagpakain sa kanya. Ate Masheng was present din (parang mas excited ang ate).

With the whole family :)

He loved it!

Messy but still cute!

He wants more!

Sabi nang more pa, eh! Ayan, umiyak tuloy nung tapos na :)

Brag Bangles

2010-01-28T20:28:00.000-08:00

It was last year when Masheng and I had our very first brag bangles. Since then, hindi na ako nagpapalit ng bangle tuwing umaalis kami. I got the gold edition brangle. It always catches people's attention since it's really unique and trendy. Everytime may nakakakita, they would ask where I bought it. I would just say, I bought it from a dear friend.

It took some time before Masheng got used to wearing hers (white naman ang sa kanya). She didn't like it at first, I think it was a bit uncomfy and heavy for her thin arms. But as time goes by, nasanay din. Sya pa mismo ang nagpapasuot nito tuwing aalis kami (together with a watch, ginagamit ko kasing pang harang yung relo para 'di mahulog 'yung bangle). But unfortunately, kung kailan naman ok na sa kanya, eh saka naman nya naiwala.

Masheng wearing her old brag bangle.

So I asked our mommy friend Tine kung gumagawa pa sya ng bangles. I wanted another one for Masheng and for me na rin. She told me that she doesn't make them anymore, but she said that she'll make one for Masheng ulit. Buti na lang at naisipan kong magpagawa na. She's about to leave na kasi.

Sa sobrang tuwa ko, nagpagawa ako ng 2 for my li'l girl. I requested for a toddler-sized one which is similar to what she used to have before and a much bigger one, para may gagamitin pa din sya when she gets older (Ifor me, these kinds of stuff are timeless). These are more special kasi this time, kasama na ang pictures ni Baby King.

Happy with her new bangles.

I also asked her to make 6 adult bangles. My sisters and my mom have been wanting it din kasi so I thought that it would be a very nice Christmas present for them.

I know my share of review about these adorable bangles is quite late already. I just want to express my appreciation and grattitude to it's maker, Mommy Tine. Thanks kasi pinagbigyan mo 'yung request ko kahit na super busy ka rin last month (since she's leaving na nga). Sobrang thank you for the time and effort. I was really touched when you told me that you were willing to make some again for Masheng (she stopped creating them na rin kasi). And thanks din syempre for giving me a discount. Promise, mas iingatan ko na sila this time (kasi 'pag nawala pa sila ulit, wala na kong kukulitin na gumawa ulit, hehehe).

Goodluck to you and your family.

My Prizes from Spot and Other Contests...

2010-01-28T20:01:00.000-08:00

My Belle de Jour Planner and my Havies are finally on my hands!

My new planner is really nice... It's what I exactly need, it's a power planner indeed!

My new pair of flipflops is so cute din. Buti na lang, what they gave was exactly my size. Tamang tama, I'm running out of slippers na rin kasi...

Thank you so much Spot!

Singit ko na rin 'yung iba ko pa prizes from other promos and contests.

Here's what I got from Johnson's naman. I don't use lotions that much anymore but I'm still happy to have these little cutees.

Thank you din sa Momcenter for our prizes. I got gift certificates, two big bottles of Benneton perfumes and Cycle's products upon winning all their contest categories last year (I won't post the actual pics of my MC prizes anymore, nagamit na kasi... ubos na nga 'yung isang perfume). Here are our winning pics: http://almark71498.multiply.com/journal/item/164/Our_Winning_Pics_at_MOMCENTER

I've got my token from Moms and Kids na rin (a YJC gift certificate). I gave it to Joms. He's been wanting a relaxing massage kasi. He desserves it naman since he's been working so hard.

I also won Toblerone's Thank you contest. Here was our entry pic:

Thanks ulit sa lahat...

Masheng's Now Offically Potty Trained :)

2010-01-22T02:30:00.000-08:00

Yehey, finally!

I'm so proud and happy! Marunong nang magsabi si Masheng kapag magwi-weewee sya at magpu-poop.

Actually, nauna nyang natutunan mag control ng pupu. Last month, she started learning to poop on our toilet bowl (she didn't get to use her potty trainer, deretso na agad sa big bowl). Then this week, she learns to control her weewee naman. Nagsasabi na sya on time at hindi na nya nababasa ang undies nya. There were times this week na inaabot pa din naman, but today out of 6 times na nag pee sya sa maghapon eh once lang sya sumablay (she didn't wear any nappy the whole day).

Nakatulong 'yung paulit ulit kong pag praise sa kanya whenever she does it right. Everytime kasi na nagagawa nya 'yun, sinasabi ko na good girl sya. So ayun, nawili sa mga praises kaya natuto. Then she would proudly say, "Nag weewee ako sa bowl / banyo!".

I also remind her from time to time na magsabi agad kapag nawi-weewee sya. Nakakatuwa nga, tuwing magsasabi sya, kusa at magmamadali na 'yang pupunta sa CR.

She has been showing signs of being potty trained since she turned 2. We started training her little by little then. Kaso lang, hindi kami naging ganun ka consistent. She plays with her weewee kasi so hindi pwedeng laging walang diaper sa umaga unless nababantayan talaga. Anyway, we were not in a hurry din naman since she's just 2 years old and we know that eventually eh matututo rin sya. So ayun nga, bigla na lang marunong na.

Eventually, she's gonna be totally out of her nappies na! Actually she's already ditching those. Ang saya di ba? Matipid na!

Way to go my baby love!

Marchelle's 13th Magazine Appearance

2010-01-17T22:10:00.000-08:00

With Baby Mag again!

The picture was taken when she was 17 months old. Papunta kaming Subic that time. Eh makulit, gusto nya sa driver's seat kaya ayan, buti na lang at napicture-an ko...

Hanggang ngayon naman, malikot 'yan kapag nasa car. Gusto nya nasa harap lagi. Siguro maaga sya matututo mag drive, hehe...

Click the link to view her 12th magazine appearance:

http://almark71498.multiply.com/journal/item/187/Marchelles_12th_Magazine_Appearance

Marchelle's 12th Magazine Appearance

2009-12-20T21:11:00.000-08:00

It's her first time on Baby Mag's Baby Gallery...

Buti at nakuha pa rin kahit hindi naka smile...

Thanks to The Red Carpet for the photo.

Click here for Masheng's 11th magazine appearance.

Masheng's Petti Skirt

2009-12-02T21:58:00.000-08:00

Nakikiuso, hehehe... I've been eyeing on it since nauso...

I first saw this at Gingersnaps... but I bought this one from SM Department Store...

Masheng loves it! She feels like a princess when wearing it. She even dances like a ballerina kapag suot nya 'to...

We got the gray one. Out of stock na kasi 'yung ibang color (there used to be pink and lavender).

Buti na lang at cute din 'tong gray. At least I could match it with any blouse. Buti nga at may size pa for Masheng. We got it just right for Xmas... :)

Masheng Learns to Paint

2009-12-01T20:41:00.000-08:00

Check this link to watch her video: http://almark71498.multiply.com/video/item/115/Masheng_Learns_to_Paint

Busy Baby

Proud of her little masterpiece...

Almost done! (may sore eyes si Big Bird)

Her finished art work... She calls it BIG PENGUIN

The Best All Saint's Day Ever

2009-11-20T10:05:00.000-08:00

So ayun na nga, I gave birth on November 1... sabi ko na nga ba eh... nung nalaman ko pa lang na ang due date ko eh November 3, eh, kinutuban na ako na matatapat talaga sya ng All Saint's Day... Naka schedule pa ako na i-induce ng November 2 pero hindi na talaga nakahintay si baby... Well, mas ok na 'yun kesa sa ma overdue... At saka at least, nagkatotoo 'yung wish ko na magkapareho kami ng birth month (pareho naman kasing March si Masheng at Joms). Besides what's important was I had a safe delivery and that the baby is healthy and in a normal condition.

I started having bloody show on October 30. Akala ko nga eh manganganak na ako the next day kaya hindi ko na pinapasok si hubby (nakipagtalo pa sa boss nya, gusto kasi syang papasukin). October 31 came, mas thicker na ang show pero wala pa ring contractions. Pinakikiramdaman ko ang sarili kahit nung madaling araw na pero wala pa rin talaga. The next morning, at around 7am, ayun medyo humilab na. I woke hubby up, then nagprepare na rin ako (I took a bath, fixed the things that we needed to bring etc...). He called my OB and they advised me to go to the hospital right away. Kaso sabi ko, mayamaya na kami umalis. Mas gusto ko kasing nasa house muna para naaliw ako at hindi ko masyadong nararamdaman ang contractions (mild pa lang naman so kaya pang tiisin). Besides I wanted to spend more time pa with ate Masheng. That's gonna be the last time kasi na mag isa na lang sya. Kung pwede nga lang syang isama that day sa hospital eh.

We left before lunch time so by 12pm nakahiga na ako sa hospital bed. At around 2-3 pm, sobrang sakit na nya and sobrang ikli na ng interval ng contractions. Akala ko matatagalan pa since hindi pa nagbe break ang waterbag ko. Gustong gusto ko na ngang umire that time kaso hindi pa daw pwede. Kung mabait ako at tahimik nung nagle labor ako kay Marchelle, eh, medyo pasaway naman ako at maingay this time. Parang mas masakit kasi sya since mas active at mas mabilis ang pagle labor ko. I did some breathing exercises para ma-lessen 'yung pain. I was also given a sedative para makatulog din ako in between contractions.

Later on, ayun na, I felt the sudden urge of going to the bathroom. Nakakapanibago kasi nung kay Masheng eh, hindi ko na feel 'yun. All of a sudden, biglang andyan na pala 'yung head nya. Nataranta nga 'yung nurse kasi hindi pa ako naililipat sa DR that time. So sabi nya pigilan ko muna daw ang ma-ire. Naku, super hirap kaya, feeling ko that moment, huminga lang ako eh, lalabas na talaga si baby. Pag pasok sa DR, pinagpipigil pa din ako kasi nagpe-prepare pa sila. So ayun, dinaldal pa nila ako to divert my attention. Naka ilang contractions pa before finally eh pinayagan na nila akong mag push. Siguro naka 4 na ire ako bago lumabas si baby (kay Masheng nun, naka- 2 lang ata). I gave birth at 4pm.

When he finally came out, hinanda ko agad ang camera and took his very first video. (Click here to view). I really wanted to capture that moment kasi so kahit sedated na ako at groggy eh pinilit ko talaga syang makunan. Busy pa kasi sila sa pag aasikaso sa baby. Natawa na nga lang sila. But after that naman eh, sila na ang kumuha nung mga sumunod na pictures namin inside the DR.

Bagsak ako pagkatapos since groggy na talaga ako bago pa ako ipasok sa DR. Pero 4 hours lang ako nakatulog. I had some visitors kasi at 8pm so pinilit kong magising. I was able to sleep naman overnight so nakapag rest pa rin ako kahit paano. We came out the very next day. Bale 24 hours lang ako nag stay sa hospital since kaya ko na rin naman. Mabuti na rin, less gastos, hehehe.

I'm so thankful at nakaraos din after the long wait. My pregnancy with our child was not as easy as the first one kaya inip na inip ako.

We named our little boy Julian Marco Santino. JULIAN came from his gramps and MARCO came from his dad's name JOMARK (Just like Masheng's real name, JULIANA MARCHELLE). We added SANTINO since All Saint's Day sya pinanganak at saka napagitnaan ang birthday nya ng dalawang bagyo named Santi (October 31st) and Tino (November 2).

He weighs 7 pounds, much heavier than his ate (kaya pala medyo mabigat syang ipagbuntis). We're so happy since he's a normal and a healthy baby naman. As usual, kamukha na naman ng Papa. Very prominent ang pagkasingkit ng eyes nya. Hawig naman sila ni Masheng although, medyo mas matangos ang nose at mas manipis ang lips nya. Unlike Masheng noon na super kalbo, meron na syang konting hair. Pero ang puyo, dalawa rin (nakuha din nila sa Papa nila). 'Yung chubby cheeks lang ata ang nakuha sa akin pero ok lang, I'm very happy pa rin since I know that Joms is very proud na sya ang kamukha ng mga anak nya (ang lakas ng dugo eh, hehehe!).

View the pictures here.

Marchelle's 11th Magazine Appearance

2009-11-18T23:52:00.000-08:00

Another one with Moms and Kids...

Masheng picking flowers...

Thanks Mommy Jane and Mommy Marielle for letting me know :)

Our Double Closer to Confidence Gift Pack

2009-11-18T23:17:00.000-08:00

Yey! We finally got it!

Thanks Doublemint!

Excited si Masheng...

Our Giftpack (worth 2400)

Sangkatutak na Double Mint :)

Here's our entry to Double Mint's Closer to Confidence promo...

"This picture was taken during a Madonna and Child Fashion show somewhere here in Manila. I was so nervous since it was my very first time to model on a ramp. But seeing how confident my baby was, I was able to outcome my shyness. She's indeed my little confident booster! :)"

Inroducing Our New Bundle of Joy... Julian Marco Santino a.k.a Baby King

2009-11-08T22:02:00.000-08:00

He's finally here! After the long wait!

Hindi rin nagpapigil, November 1 din sya lumabas, hehehe... Pero ok lang naman since November 1 is All Saint's Day naman daw... 'Yun nga lang, laging Holiday ang birthdays nya... Well, we can always celebrate naman in advance... Pwedeng every October 31st na lang sya mag party para laging Halloween ang theme .

His complete name is Julian Marco Santino... almost same sila ni ate Masheng (her name is Juliana Marchelle naman)... JULIAN is a combination of her lolos and lolas names din. MARCO is of course from hubby's name JOMARK. We just added SANTINO since 'yun nga, he was born on All Saint's Day and napagitnaan din sya ng dalawang bagyo whose names are Santi (Oct31) and Tino (Nov2)... bukod sa favorite ni Masheng si Santino, hehehe... Originally, dapat KING JOMARK ang name nya, pero nagbago ng isip si hubby. Although Baby King pa din ang nickname nya, nakasanayan na kasi (we've been calling him that since nasa tummy ko pa lang sya)...

He weighs 7 pounds... mas malaki sa ate (Masheng was just 6.3). Kaya pala medyo mas hirap ako sa pagbubuntis, mas mabigat kasi sya... Mas pasaway din... Bukod sa mas malikot sya sa loob ng tummy ko eh, super demanding na agad... may pagka bossy... at saka mas iyakin. Mahilig ding mamuyat sa gabi kaya medyo naninibago ako... Iba pala talaga 'pag baby boy. Super takaw din... maya't maya ang hingi ng milk tapos nadede pa sa akin... :)

Pero mukhang advance din sya... He can already lift his head kapag nakadapa. He started doing it on his second day kaya nakakagulat... He already knows how to listen na rin and he sometimes interacts kapag kinakausap or kinakantahan namin...

Here are one of his first pictures. I'll be uploading more soon!

Marchelle's First Dental Visit

2009-10-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to bring Masheng to the dentist since she turned one. Kaso maraming nagsasabi na 'wag daw muna since she was still so young then. Baka daw matakot lang at mag iiyak eh masayang lang ang ibabayad namin. Actually kahit nga ngayong 2 na sya, eh sinasabi nila na masyado pa rin daw syang bata for that.

Kaso kailan pa? Hihintayin ko pa bang masira yung teeth nya bago kami pumunta sa dentista? Syempre sa una matatakot talaga since it's gonna be a new experience for her. It won't make any difference kung dadalhin ko sya dun at the age of 3 or 4. Mas mabuti nga 'yung mas maaga para maaga din syang masanay.

Ok pa naman ang ngipin nya, maganda at pantay pantay ang tubo. 'Yun nga lang nagkakaroon na ng konting stain 'yung upper front teeth nya. Mahilig kasi sa sweets bukod sa nagmi milk pa sya. Kahit toothbrush-in kong mabuti, hindi natatanggal. Worried ako na magtuloy tuloy ang pagkalat nun at tuluyang masira ang ngipin ng baby ko eh sobrang bata pa nya. So I finally decided to bring her to the dentist na. Kesa naman magkasisihan pa sa huli.

At first, I really wanted to bring her to a pediatric dental clinic. 'Yun bang tipong may mga toys at colorful ang walls para maging at ease daw ang mga kids at hindi matakot habang chine check ang teeth nila. Kaso 'yung una naming napuntahan eh magsasarado na that time. Sabi ko babalik na lang kami. Well blessing in disguise na rin 'yun kasi napaka mahal naman ng singil nila. Imagine, magbabayad ka agad ng mga 500 or 600 ata for the initial consultation pa lang... as in sisilipin pa lang 'yung teeth ng bata, wala pang cleaning or whatsoever. Parang sobra naman ata 'yun. Eh ang gusto ko lang naman that time eh malinis ang teeth ng anak ko. Hindi daw talaga pwedeng 'yun lang ang babayaran, may initial fee daw talaga muna. Ganun din sa isa pa naming napuntahan. Oh well, ganun ata talaga 'pag sa pediatric clinic ka nagpunta.

Buti na lang at may napuntahan kami (at the same mall) na mas mura and yet ok na ok naman. 'Yun nga lang, hindi sya pediatric dental clinic so wala silang mga toys and stuff na aaliw sa mga kids. Buti na lang at meron silang aquarium na syang umaliw kay Masheng.

Kung tutuusin mas ok pa nga kasi nga tahimik (walang batang nagkalat at magugulo) and malinis (walang nagkalat na toys at kung anu ano) ang clinic nila. 'Yung dentist pa mismo ang initially nag entertain sa amin at nagbigay ng recommendations bago ang actual check up. Unlike dun sa unang 2 pedia clinics na napuntahan namin, hindi man lang namin nasilip ang dentista nila para nakapag tanong tanong muna kami dahil nakaharang na agad ang receptionists/assistants nila (na hindi naman ganun ka-friendly).

Higit sa lahat, magaling 'yung dentist. Kahit pa hindi sya nag specialized on kids lang, marunong din naman syang mag handle ng kasing bata ni Masheng.

At first, medyo kinabahan ang baby ko, syempre first time eh. That time, si Joms pa ang may kandong sa kanya. Nung pumalit ako, medyo naging at ease na. Magaling din 'yung stategy na ginamit ng doktora sa kanya to make her feel comfortable. She was able to clean Marchelle's teeth without any difficulty. You can view the video here: http://almark71498.multiply.com/video/item/113/Marchelles_First_Dental_Check_Up

Proud naman ako sa baby ko at nag behave sya all throughout. Gustong gusto pa nga and I know that she was proud of herself din since we've been praising her for being a good girl. As a reward, she was given a "hand balloon" (pinalobong glove) by her dentist. Tuwang tuwa naman ang bata sa kanyang new toy.

Sulit na sulit ang 800 na binayad namin. We paid 300 for the consultation and cleaning and 800 for the flouride application which is good for 6 months na (I heard na nasa 1K plus 'yun sa mga pedia dents). O diba, kung nagtuloy siguro kami dun sa mga unang clinic na napuntahan namin eh gagastos kami ng 2000 plus.

It was indeed a great first dental experience for my baby. Thankful talaga ako since hindi naging traumatic ang unang dental check up nya. We'll definitely go back there after 6 months. Ngayon, hindi na sya takot sa dentist and hindi na rin ako magwo worry about my baby's teeth...

Unang Bukol

2009-10-26T03:19:00.000-07:00

(LATE POST)

* This happened two weeks ago at Manila City Hall...

Sobrang likot kasi, ayaw pasaway... takbo dito takbo doon...

Hanggang sa... ayun, nadapa na nga, una pa ang mukha! ... pati ilong sumadsad sa lupa (lalo tuloy napango, hehehe)...

Todo palahaw sya pagkatapos... At pag uwi nami ng bahay, lahat kinwentuhan at pinagsumbungan ng masaklap nyang karanasan...

Kawawang bata... buti na lang at hindi nagpeklat...

Sana lang madala na... pero mukhang hindi eh... malikot at makulit pa din... manang mana sa pinagmanahan... haaaay!

Marchelle's First Shots

2009-10-22T02:00:00.000-07:00

Masheng now knows how to take pictures!

Before she would just pretend to be holding a camera. She would often ask us to strike a pose, then would count from 1 - 3 and would say "Click!".

Now she knows how to use a real one! Whenever she sees us holding our cam, she would grab it from us and say, "Picture kita ha?"...

Here are her very first shots...

"Smile, Mama!"

"One more time!"

With Papa naman daw...

I don't really like the way we look at those pictures (lalo na ako, hahaha... walang kaayos ayos!) but I would definitely keep them as a remembrance.

She also tried taking a picture of herself, but it seems she would need more practice on this...

Way to go my baby! Practice lang nang practice para ma convince natin si Papa na bumili ng DSLR, hihihi!

Scrapbooking with Masheng

2009-10-13T03:09:00.000-07:00

At first, I thought that I couldn't work on her second scrapbook with her around since she's so makulit and malikot. Gusto nya kasi, lahat ng gagawin ko eh, gagawin din nya. Pati yung mga scrapbooking tools ko, kinakalat.

But instead of pushing her away, I thought of getting her involved by giving her some scrapbooking tasks. As always, she enjoys the idea of being a big help in everything we do so ayun, she obediently followed my instructions and made herself busy with her tasks.

When she grows up, I would tell her that she helped me out with her scrapbook so she would treasure and appreciate it more. Sana nga matapos ko ASAP (I have to work on her 3rd scrapbook pa, yung pang second year nya...). 'Pag labas kasi ni baby boy, 'yung sa kanya naman ang gagawin ko. Although Joms told me na sya daw ang gagawa ng scrapbook ng junior nya (agawan daw ba ang mommy ng project, hehehe!).

Our busy baby... she now knows how to use a glue :)

Dikit lang nang dikit :)

Done with the first page!

Stickers on our wall! Na adik ata sa kadidikit :)

Thank God, Masheng's Ok Now...

2009-09-28T03:30:00.000-07:00

Masheng just came back from another check up. I got a bit worried awhile ago because we have noticed that some mild rashes are starting to appear on her skin. I didn't think twice and asked my mom and my sister to bring her to the hospital right away for another CBC since I was worried that she was having one of the symptoms of Dengue.

While at home, I was preparing myself for some bad news. Naiiyak ako sa pag aalala but I have to remind myself to relax and be strong. From time to time, mom was updating me kung anong nangyayari sa hopsital. Hinahanap daw ako ni Masheng. It was sad that I couldn't be with her at that moment but I couldn't wait for my working time to be over bago sya ma check ulit. I wasn't even able to ask for Joms' opinion and decision (who was still at work) since matatagalan pa kung ite text ko pa sya at tatanungin kung dapat bang dalhin si Masheng sa hospital or not (though I texted him after Masheng left).

Paranoid nga siguro ako since wala namang iba pang symptoms but I couldn't risk my baby's safety. I think those rashes and her fever last week are just enough reasons to worry. I've been researching about Dengue din naman kasi since she got sick last Tuesday.

Actually, magaling na sya since Friday pa. No fever and any other symptoms within the last 4 days. Her first 2 CBC results were also ok. Akala ko nga eh, hindi na talaga kami mag aalala pa, until 'yun nga, the rashes appeared today. I was almost sure that it was Dengue na nga talaga.

But thank God her platelet count didn't drop (nag increase pa nga.). Yun agad ang una kong tiningnan when they got home. Now we're finally sure that it isn't Dengue. Viral lang daw sabi ng doctor. Makakahinga na kami nang maluwag.

Hopefully, that would be her last hospital visit. Nata trauma na rin kasi sa needles and doctors si Masheng ko (3 times ka ba namang kunan nang dugo in less than a week). When she got home nga kanina, mangiyakngiyak na pinakita sa akin 'yung tip ng finger nya na tinusok para makunan sya nang dugo. I just kissed her and told her how brave she was. Haay, kung pwede lang na ako na lang ang magpakuha nang blood for her.

Buti na lang talaga at ok na sya. She has been doing good naman since last Friday pa. Hyper at makulit na ulit. Sana tuloy tuloy na...

Thanks for all those who prayed and wished her well. Thanks din to my mom, my dad, my aunts and my sisters for always being there for my baby.

Our Winning Pics at MOMCENTER

2009-09-22T00:09:00.000-07:00

Here are our winning pictures at Momcenter. We've won in all the categories and got our prizes already! Thanks MC and thanks din sa lahat ng nag vote for us. Goodluck sa mga bagong sali :)

Special thanks to my online sissies who helped us to win. I won't mention your names na pero kilala nyo kung sino sino kayo. Thanks talaga nang marami for always supporting us. Miss you guys! Hope to see you all again soon :)

Share ko lang 'yung mga winning pics namin for each category :)

FAMILY category

PREGGY MOM category

BABY Category

CHILDREN Category (Masheng with my li'l bro, Prince)

NEWBORN Category

First Glimpse of Our Son

2009-09-16T02:09:00.000-07:00

I finally had my 4D ultrasound yesterday. We were all so excited. 'Yun nga lang, hindi rin nakapasok si Joms sa loob ng room since walang magbabantay kay Masheng. Sinama kasi namin sya since we also wanted her to see her li'l brother. 'Di naman namin alam na bawal pala ang babies sa loob so ayun, naiwan silang dalawa sa labas (it must be because of the radiation daw according to hubby). Nanghinayang talaga ako since I really wanted both of us to be there sana. Pero ok na rin. They gave us a CD naman with all the stillshots and videos so nakita din nila ang 4D ni baby.

Nakakatuwa 'yung experience. Nung una, nakadilat sya. Pero tinulugan kami afterwards. Pero kahit tulog sya, naglilikot pa din sya sa loob ng tummy ko. He also closed and opened his mouth. He even gave a smile and a smirk kaya tawa ako nang tawa.

Well, for us, he defnitely looks like her Ate Masheng. We were so amazed kasi kita na talaga 'yung resemblance nila!

At least now, relieved na rin kami since we are already sure na normal talaga si baby at walang abnormalities. Medyo nag worry pa nga ako nung una kasi parang medyo deformed 'yung nose nya sa ibang shots. 'Yun pala, nakaharang 'yung umbilical cord nya sa may bandang ilong kaya ganun ang itsura. We're also now a hundred percent sure that we're going to have a baby boy, as in wala na talagang duda (so pwede na kong mamimili ng clothes and other stuff for him).

As promised, here are some of the stillshots of our son's 4D ultrasound (videos to follow).

The images are not as clear as what we were expecting. Masyado na daw kasing malaki si baby so medyo nakadikit na 'yung face nya sa wall ng uterus ko. Ang ideal time daw pala for having a 4D ultrasound is at around 27 weeks. Akala ko kasi nun, the older and the bigger a baby is in the womb, the better. Pero at least, umabot pa din kami.

Isn't he adorable? We can't wait to hold him in our arms na! :)

Top view of his testicles :)

By the way, Joms wants to name him King Jomark nga pala. I think settled na sya with that name but possible pa ring magabago since may almost one month pa naman bago ako manganak. I promised to let him name our second child since ako na ang nagpangalan kay Masheng. :)

Add him at Friendster. Here's his FS ID: teimark14@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Marchelle's Butterfly

2009-07-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

Just a while ago Masheng was busy stacking her blocks. I noticed that she now stacks them with some creative patterns. She also doesn't get frustrated anymore when she's having a hard time unstacking them and putting them back together.

I wondered what she was thinking while seriously doing her little masterpiece. She seemed to be so engrossed with her little activity. So I decided to ask her what that model was.

She proudly said, "It's a butterfly!" I was a bit surprised with her answer. I was expecting her to say other things like a house, a train or a robot (these are some of the most common things that kids usually create with building blocks).

But when I took a closer look at her model, then I realized that yeah, it looked like a butterfly indeed!

The tallest stack of blocks in the middle serves as its body and the two shorter stacks on both sides appear to be the "butterfly's" wings.

I was truly amazed. I came to realize that she is now being more creative and imaginative.

She was so proud of her work of course! She even asked me to take a picture of her showing it.

Noticed that another piece of block was added at the top of her butterfly. I guess that serves as its antennae.

Things That I Want and Need to Do Before I Give Birth

2009-07-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

Ilang buwan na lang at lalabas na ang junior namin. My due date according to my ultra sound is on November 3 ('wag naman sanang matapat ng November 1, hehehe). Pero pwede daw maging 2 weeks earlier just like what happened on my first pregnancy. Pero maganda sana talaga kung magiging November para pareho kami ng birth month (same naman kasi sina Joms and Masheng).

Malapit na rin naman 'yun, kaso parang naiinip na ako. I constantly have to remind myself na 'wag magmadali. Hindi naman ako nahihirapan sa pagbubuntis. Just like with Masheng, I enjoy every minute of it... lalo na ngayong malakas na syang gumalaw at sumipa. I'm just so excited to meet and finally see him kaya minsan parang naiinip ako. But come to think of it, mabilis na lang ang more or less 3 months di ba? For sure, I'd be missing being pregnant after I give birth. And this might be the last so dapat i-enjoy ko na lang. Sabagay, marami pa naman akong gustong gawin so I should not be in a hurry.

Syempre, una na dyan ang pamimili ng things for him. Konti na lang naman ang bibilhin namin. He'd be using some stuff that his ate had used like white colored and some unisex clothes, receiving blankets, crib, stroller, duyan etc... May mga kulang pa pero parang ang aga pa naman ata para mamili kami. But syempre nagtitingin na rin kami ng gamit whenever we go out and go to shopping malls. I'm also now eyeing on a lot of baby things online 'Yun nga lang, parang hindi ganun ka exciting mamili ng things for a baby boy. Parang pareho pareho lang kasi sila sa paningin ko. Well, I promised naman Joms that I will let him choose and buy things for the baby so bahala na syang mamili. 'Pag nasa malls nga kami, tine test ko sya minsan. I would ask him to choose from different baby boy stuff that we see to check on his taste. So far ok naman ang mga choices nya. But still, dapat kasama pa rin nya ako to make sure that he would buy things and clothes with good quality lang. Mahirap na, may tendency kasi 'yun na magtipid at bilhin ang pinakamurang mga gamit kapag sinumpong nang kakuriputan. Hindi naman kailangang mahal talaga 'yung mga bibilhin namin. But of course, I want all the best for my kids sana as much as possible. Marami naman dyang mga gamit na hindi ganun kamahal pero maayos naman ang quality.

Second, I want a preggy photoshoot. Hinihintay ko lang na lumaki talaga at maging full blown ang tyan ko. I'm also waiting for my linea nigra to appear ('wag lang sasabay ang mga pimples na tumubo sa tummy ko when I was preggy with Masheng). This might be my last pregnancy so I want to have a lot of souvenirs sana. Kaya 'wag na kayong magtaka kung bakit ang dami dami ko nang picture na naka expose ang tyan, hehehe. Proud lang naman ako to be preggy again. I even want a shoot by the beach (seryoso ako ha). Kaso sobrang busy naman ni Joms lately so wala syang time na dalhin ako sa tabing dagat. Hindi naman ako nun papayagan lumakad mag isa. Pero may ilang weeks pa naman ako to make plans so hindi pa ako nawawalan ng pag asa, hehe!

Next, I want a baby shower. Nung time kasi ni Masheng, nanganak ako dun sa mismong araw at oras ng baby shower ko (haha, pasaway na bata, lumabas agad, eh!). Pero I got all the gifts naman. This time, I'll make sure na andun ako. Kaya nga kinukulit ko na ang family ko 'to prepare a shower for me (sapilitan ito, haha!) as early as possible kasi baka mamaya sobrang late na naman at manganak na naman akong bigla!

I also want a 4D ultrasound. Hindi ko rin 'to nagawa nung preggy ako kay Masheng kasi nga napaaga sya ng labas. Nagiipon pa kasi ako ng money that time pangpa 4D when I suddenly gave birth!. Medyo mahal kasi so hindi ko sya nagawa agad. But this time, we'll make sure to have it. We already have a schedule this month pero we decided to have it a month after na lang para talagang malaki at kitang kita na sya.

I have to finish Marchelle's scrapbook and albums pa nga pala! I'm done with her first one (which includes all her first year's pictures and milestones) but since she turned two, I haven't have any of her photos printed yet. She's now 2 1/2 so just imagine kung gano na 'yun kadami! Idagdag mo pa 'yung mga elements and kits that I'd be using for scrapping. Buti na lang at tapos ko na 'yung online scrapbook nya. Gusto ko lang talagang tapusin lahat habang preggy ako kasi paglabas ni baby boy eh 'yung sa kanya naman ang gagawin ko.

I also want to complete Masheng's homeschooling stuff before giving birth. Sa laki ng gastos kapag may baby na eh baka mahirapan na kaming mamili nang mamili for her. So dapat kumpleto na sya sa gamit para hindi maudlot ang learning nya.

At syempre, kailangang mag ipon nang mag ipon nang mag ipon hindi lang for my delivery kundi para sa paglabas na rin ng baby. For sure, magiging triple na ang gastos namin that time so dapat well prepared talaga kami financially. Kaya nga pareho kami ni Joms na doble kayod ngayon just to make sure that we could provide at hindi mako compromise and needs ng mga kids namin kapag dalawa na sila.

Haaay, ang dami ko pa nga pala talagang dapat gawin kaya hindi ako dapat mainip. But I'm not pressuring myself naman. I just have to learn how to take things easily.

Marchelle's 9th Magazine Appearance

2009-04-03T02:35:00.000-07:00

We're at Working Mom again. Hehehe, nagbunga ang pagpunta namin sa Luneta!

View more of our Luneta pics here.

Check out Masheng's 8th Magazine Appearance here.

O nga pala, she's in Manila Bulletin din (3rd week of March issue). That was her very first newspaper appearance naman

Swimming Time!

2009-03-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

Summer na ulit! Sobrang init na these days! So it's now time for Masheng (and her Papa, lol!) to enjoy our inflatable pool! We bought it last year. Sobrang baby pa si Masheng when we had it (Check out my blog entry last year.). We're thinking of buying a smaller since this one's too big for her (kasya ang mga 7 baby!). At syempre, dahil malaki sya, eh napaka gastos din sa tubig (hubby had to fetch exactly 50 pails of water para lang mapuno ang pool!).

Buti na lang at may ginagawa ang Maynilad sa street namin last weekend, so may mga bukas na water pipes. Kaya ayun, sinamantala namin ang libreng tubig at sobrang nag enjoy si Masheng sa pagsi swimming!

May Hang Over Pa! (Simula nang matapos ang Kidstime Fashion Show, panay na ang pose at model nya ng ganyan!)

Masheng was Bullied :(

2009-03-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

It really hurts to see your baby pala being bullied and physically hurt by an older kid. Ok lang sana kung thru gestures or words lang, pero ibang usapan na kapag nakikita mong sinasaktan talaga ang anak mo...

Nung una, I was just observing her while she interacts with the other kids. Happy nga ako to see her playing and having fun in a big crowd. Medyo nagiging mahiyain kasi si Masheng ko lately so masaya ako kapag nakikita kong nage-enjoy sya with a lot of new faces around. Nung una, medyo nahihiya pa sya at ayaw humiwalay sa akin, but after warming up, todo na ang energy nya at 'di ko na mapigil. I just let her play around (without leaving my eyes on her of course) kahit na medyo worried ako na masaktan sya kasi she was one of the smallest ata. Eh mahilig pa naman 'yun makipag sabayan kahit sa mga boys at sa mga malalaki sa kanya. May pagka-maton naman si Masheng so hindi 'yun basta umiiyak unless nasaktan talaga.

I was also glad to see kids wanting to play with her. There was this little girl na gustong gusto syang laruin, she kept on running after her, hugging her, talking to her... natuwa nga ako kasi nakita ko naman na happy si Masheng habang naglalaro sila (sayang nga, hindi ko sila na-picture-an, ang lilikot kasi!). At kahit nagkasakitan sila nung huli, ok lang kasi alam ko naman na hindi sinasadya nung bata....

Pero there was this kid who was such a bully. Nung una, akala ko kagaya lang din sya nung little girl na gustong makipag laro kay Masheng. I saw her pinching my baby kasi. Akala ko naku-kyutan lang kaya ganun. But after a while, I realized na hindi 'yun yung kurot na lambing lang! Sinasaktan talaga nya ang anak ko! Ilang beses pa nyang kinurot si Masheng sa braso, sa likod at sa mukha! She also pulled her dress and her hair! At makikita mo sa facial expression and eyes nya na galit at na nanggigigil talaga sya sa baby ko! Si kawawang Masheng naman, walang magawa kundi haplusin ang braso nya na tinadtad ng kurot ng malditang bata!

Hindi muna ako lumapit. I observed further, baka naman kasi mali ako. Pero ganun pa din... at kahit saang anggulo tingnan, malinaw na malinaw ang nakikita ko...

So ayun, bago pa matadtad ng pasa dahil sa kurot ang anak ko, lumapit na ako at kinarga si Masheng. Sinabihan ko lang 'yung bata na, "Why are doing that? Don't do that to my baby..." in the calmest way possible (kahit sa totoo lang nanggigigil ako at gusto ko din syang kurutin!). Hindi ko naman pinagalitan, I just wanted her to realize na mali 'yun at na may nakakita sa ginawa nya. Siguro tama na rin 'yun kasi after that, hindi ko na nakitang sinaktan nya ulit ang baby ko kapag nagkakatabi sila...

Medyo naiyak ako kasi naawa ako kay Masheng. Ako nga, never ko pa syang napalo nang malakas at lalong never ko pa syang nakukurot! Good girl naman sya at hindi sya nang aaway. Sinumbong ko nga sa Papa nya... aba tinuturuan ba namang gumanti? Para daw matutong lumaban at hindi api-apihin at away awayin na lang. Part of me is saying na dapat nga ganun. Ako kasi mismo, hindi pumapayag nang inaapi at lumalaban talaga ako kapag alam kong ako ang nasa tama.

Pero alam kong mali 'yun, eh! I want my baby to be a good girl and to be someone who's nice to everyone like what she is now. Ayokong 'pag sya naman ang nasa ganung age eh, mam-bully din sya nang mas bata sa kanya.

Oh well, kids are kids. Siguro ganun talaga. Maybe normal lang 'yun sa age nila. It could be a stage that they have to go through while growing up. Who knows maging ganun din si Masheng someday (that's one thing that I really fear... takot akong lumaki syang bossy, bratty, maldita at salbahe sa ibang kids). But one thing is for sure, never ko 'yung kukunsintihin saying na "normal lang naman 'yan so dapat hayaan na lang"... Pag nangyari 'yun, I'll try my very best to help her get rid of it the soonest possible time. I hate those children who do that to other kids (hindi lang sa anak ko), kaya kapag sya naman ang gumawa nun, siguradong may palo sya sa akin (practicing pa, hehehe, hindi ko pa sya kayang paluin nang malakas, eh... well, matagal pa naman siguro 'yun)...

Actually hindi ko talaga alam kung anong tama at dapat gawin at isipin sa mga ganitong situation. Should I just let it pass... or dapat ba akong magalit. Tama ba na sinabihan ko 'yung bata or dapat more than that pa ang ginawa ko. Dapat ba kong magsumbong sa nanay or dapat palagpasin na lang (which is mahirap kasi anak ko 'yung nasaktan eh...)... Am I just over reacting (pasensya na kung ganun, first time kasing nangyari so I really don't know what to do)...

Advice naman po dyan... hindi talaga ako ready sa mga ganito, eh! Sa totoo lang I realized na napakadami ko pa palang pagdadaanan at dapat matutunan as a mom... Thanks po!

What's for Masheng's Second Birthday?

2009-03-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

It's Masheng's 2nd birthday on the 16th but since it's on a Monday, we decided to just celebrate it the weekend after (Saturday, March 21st). We're just going to have a simple and an intimate celebration at home this time (last year was at home din naman... that was a bigger one though since all the kids in the neighborhood were invited). Baka kasi by next year eh lumipat na kami ng house so last chance na ni Masheng na mag birthday sa bahay. Besides we don't have a budget for a bigger party, since madami kaming bayarin, hehehe (house rent, housing loan, Jom's tuition fee, credit card, waaaah, sakit sa ulo!).

Everything is going to be really simple. May theme pa rin syempre. I chose Disney babies since 'yun ang favorite nya these days. Food will be prepared and cooked at home (though we'll ask last year's caterer to cook some food for us). Cake is gonna be from Red Ribbon (we chose another picture cake ulit). Cupcakes will be homemade. Loots and give aways of course will be from Divi. Balloons will be from a party supplier nearby. Walang games and activities since mostly eh babies ang guests ni Masheng. But we're planning to put up a small play area for them. Tarp and invites were made by me of course.

Masheng's 2nd Birthday Invitation

Eto naman ang invites nya last year. These are yummy choco invites. Ako rin ang gumawa ng layout...

Masheng's 2nd Birthday Tarp

Masheng's Tarp (just like last year, I included her monthly picture after turning one... hindi ko nilagyan ng "Happy Birthday" para pwede ulit i-display nya just like the first one)

Here's Masheng's First Birthday Tarp, made by me din syempre...

Ano pa ba? Hmmm, ayun lang siguro, hehehe... Simple lang di ba? But syempre, we promise that it's gonna be a fun and a happy day pa din kay Masheng kahit simple lang ang party nya. Mababaw naman ang kaligayahan nun, sa balloons at ice creams lang, masaya na sya, hehehe... And higit sa lahat, she'll be sorrounded by people who are dear to her on her special day. We'll be inviting some online friends over pa din, hehehe, pagpasensyahan nyo lang po sana ang aming nakayanan, hihihi!

Haaay, pasensya na muna anak, that's all we can give as of now eh... Happy birthday, Papa and Mama love you so much! :)

Masheng's 8th Magazine Appearance

2009-03-08T22:21:00.000-07:00

It's our first time with SP, I've been waiting for it since isang beses ko lang sya masasali sa Kiddie Greets. Luckily we were chosen naman :)

Happy birthday anak! :)

Click here to view her 7th magazine appearance. :)

Eraserheads: The Final Set

2009-03-07T19:33:00.000-08:00

Isa lang ang masasabi ko: astig pa rin talaga ang Eheads, sobra!

Actually nung una, akala ko hindi ako mag-e enjoy. Ang sikip kami sa pwesto namin, plus ang hina pa nang audio. Nagugutom pa ako before the concert had started pero hindi kami makalayo to buy food sa takot na wala na kaming mapwestuhan pag balik (nasa harap na kasi kami ng big screen, sayang naman kung mawawalan kami ng pwesto). Tapos may mga umuutot pa, nakakainis! But when they started singing na, balewala lahat...

Ang galing galing pa rin nila, sobra! They sang their hit songs, Pare Ko, Alapaap, Minsan, Super Proxy (they also sang the chorus of Kaleidoscope World as a tribute to Francis M), Sembreak, Poorman's Grave, Harana, Torpedo, Overdrive, Ligaya, Toyang at syempre ang pinakahihintay na Ang Huling El Bimbo (with firerworks and confetti pa, so everyone thought that it was going to be the finale... hindi pa pala 'yun 'yung last... naglabasan na 'yung mga tao when they got back on stage and sang 3 more songs, kaya ayun, nagkagulo dahil nagbalikan ulit lahat!) and many more. (Check out my video clips here.) Ang kulit din nila on stage, para lang silang naglalaro. Pero parang mas mellow ang way ng pagkanta nila this time kesa nung unang concert. Nangyari din ang pinakaa asam na "group hug" (simula pa lang ng concert, hinihiritan na sila... sasabihin lang ni Ely, "Kayo muna!" or "Sinong Bruha?" hehehe... ang kulit). Actually, it was more of like a simple "akbayan" which lasted for just a few seconds, but still it made the whole crowd go crazy!

Nag enjoy kami ni Joms, sobra! Hehehe, actually, may kalokohan kaming ginawa! We bought bronze tickets since we didn't have much budget nga, pero napadpad kami sa GOLD section. Pano nangyari 'yun? Hehehe... nakalusot kami sa SILVER section at nag ober da bakod sa GOLD. Nasa harap pa namin ang mga bouncers at wala silang nagawa. Waaah, naiwan ko pa nga 'yung tsinelas ko, buti na lang at may magandang loob na nagbalik at naghitsa sa akin dahil kung hindi uuwi ako na isa lang ang suot!. We know that was silly, but it felt good to be like wild teeners again (hahaha, minsan lang naman no?). Kaya ayun, we enjoyed a nearer view without spending 3,000... Mataas lang 'yung bakod sa VIP kaya hindi na namin pwede akyatin, hehehe...

The stage from the GOLD section :

After the concert, I bought him an Eheads shirt then nag late lunch na kami sa MOA... Ang dami pa ring tao kahit halos 2AM na. Anyway, that was such a great "date" and The Eheads is still such a great band...

Sana nga, 'pag lipas ng taon, magkaroon pa ulit sila ng reunion concert. For sure kahit pa last na 'yun, people will never forget them. Their music had been such a great part of our youths. Sabi nga nila, lahat ng generation, may sariling soundtract. Totoo 'yun, at malaking bahagi sila ng soundtract ng mga kabataang kagaya namin... Mabuhay ang Eheads!

Click here to view my blog on their first reunion concert last 2008.

Marchelle's Second Setcard

2009-02-18T13:02:00.000-08:00

Dahil malaki na si Masheng, I made a new setcard for her...

(Photos by Mark See)

Eto 'yung luma nya... Baby pa sya dito...

(Photos from Grasya's Photography)

Happy Valentine's Day Baby!

2009-02-12T22:30:00.000-08:00

This will be our 11th Valentine's day! Our first was one was in 1998 pa (we were in highschool then)... Hindi ko na maalala kung pano kami nag celebrate that day (JS prom ata namin yun). Basta ang alam ko, that was the very first most special and memorable Heart's day for me since that was the first time that I'd be spending it with a boyfriend, hehehe.

But of course, now is more special because we'll be celebrating it with our little "kulit" (it's her 2nd Vday naman!).

Pero syempre, hindi sya kasama 'pag nag date kami... para walang istorbo, hihihi.

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! :)

Credits:

Pictures were taken by Mommy Grasya. :)

Eraserheads Live, The Final Set Concert: Tickets are Now Available

2009-01-21T14:53:00.000-08:00

Waaaaah, malapit na, wala pa akong budget, huhuhu! I've been excitedly waiting for this since nabitin kami last time. Ayaw na daw ni hubby since nakanood na daw kami. Birthday gift ko pa naman sa kanya. Hehehe, pero kung ayaw nya talaga, 'di ko sya pipilitin... basta ako manonood ako kahit magisa, harhar! Ang problema nga, eh, wala pa kong money. Ang mahal nang VIP tickets nila ngayon. Imagine 5K isa, eh 'di kung dalawa kami ni hubby, tumataginting na 10K na 'yun, hindi ko na afford, waaaah! Siguro dun na lang kami sa 1300 kung magkaka budget. Kung wala talaga, kahit 'yung 300 papatulan ko, makanood lang, hahaha (daming bayarin, tapos magbi-birthday pa si Masheng sa March kaya kailangan makapag budget mabuti)!

Adik ba, hehe, hindi naman. Mukha kasing last na talaga 'to so I couldn't miss this chance.

Haaay, kailangan talagang mag ipon para tuloy ang ligaya!

Masheng's 7th Magazine Appearance

2009-01-21T09:22:00.000-08:00

Yey, ganda ng gising ko! We're at Moms Today again! This issue's theme is Bath Time! Thanks ulit Moms Today!

Masheng is a certified water baby! Kahit saan, basta may tubig, go sya! Mapa timba, palanggana, bath tub, inflatable pool, big pool, beah or kahit gripo lang, eh, siguradong mag eenjoy sya! That's why she had so many pictures taking a bath, swimming, splishing and splashing or just enjoying the water!

On her baby tub. She was just months old here.

Enjoy sa Palanggana!

In a Big Bath Tub!

Her Inflatable Pool

Sa Big Pool Naman!

Beach Baby!

Click here to view more pictures.

Masheng Frequently Blinks Her Eyes

2009-01-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

Haaay, I got so worried! We first noticed it last Thursday. Akala ng lahat nung una, nagpapa cute lang! Mahilig kasi syang mag "Beautiful Eyes". They were also saying na mannerism lang daw. 'Wag daw pansinin at mawawala rin. But of course as a mom, I know that it was something that shouldn't be ignored.

I tried researching about it first. I though that it was some kind of a static tic which is said to be common in kids (It's a repeated involuntary muscular movements, affecting either limb muscles, facial muscles... examples are grimacing or eyelid flicking or vocal muscles etc.). Well, I found out na normal lang daw 'yun and nawawala 'din daw in time. Pero nakakatakot pa din. Pano kung hindi na mawala? Kung anu ano tuloy ang naiisip ko. And pano rin kung hindi pala 'yun ang reason? I've also read about Tourett Syndrome (it's more serious than just having ordinary motor tics) and I was so scared by the thought of my baby having it!

Dahil nga sa hindi ako mapakali at sa kung anu ano ang naiisip ko, I told my hubby Joms to bring Masheng to the hospital yesterday. At least kung may problem nga eh, maagapan. Thank God, it was just a minor irritation according to the doctor! He just gave Masheng an ointment to be applied on her lids while she's asleep.

Haaay, sana mabilis siyang gumaling para mawala na totally ang worries ko! Hopefully, she'd be ok by Sunday. She'll be having a photoshoot kasi. Baka mamaya, puro kirat or nakapikit ang kalabasan ng mga pictures nya, hehehe! But of course, what's most important for me, eh, 'yung maalis ang discomfort nya.

Masheng's 6th Magazine Appearance

2009-01-12T00:46:00.000-08:00

Yehey! What a very nice year starter!

It's our first time with Moms and Kids! At this time, hindi lang si Masheng ang kasali, pati kami! We had our very first appearance at MandK Family Moments.

Actually, matagal na 'to sa akala ko wala na... Thanks a lot Moms and Kids! Sa uulitin po, hihihi!

Masheng Got Sick :(

2009-01-08T14:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our first time to get really worried about Masheng. First time namin syang nakitang talagang hindi okey (although she was trying to show us that she was).

Actually, days before pa lang eh, on and off na ang fever nya due to cough and colds. Napa-check up na rin namin sya last Tuesday and she's been taking medications since then. Nag improve naman sya. Actually, masigla sya at 'di na nilagnat ulit the whole day. Until, 'nung gabi nga, ayun na, nataranta kaming lahat.

At first, akala namin giniginaw lang sya. So, binihisan ko ng sweater at pajama. Kanta kanta pa kami and I was even taking her video. Akala ko antok lang sya since her eyes were so drooppy and she looked sleepy tired. Later ko lang na-realize na parang iba 'yung complexion nya, (para bang maputla na medyo nangingitim) plus wala ring kulay ang hands at feet nya. I called hubby immediately at napansin 'din nya nga na parang may iba so he called my cousin Murrey (who's a nursing grad). Sugod naman silang lahat to see Masheng and 'yung nga, kahit sila napansin na something was wrong with her. Pero kahit ganun sya, pinipilit pa rin nyang kumanta at makipagkulitan sa kanila. We decided to bring her to the hospital right away. Actually, sumunod lang ako since working time ko nung nangyari 'yun at hindi ako pwedeng basta umalis dahil kailangang ko pang magpaalam. Pinilit kong 'wag maiyak kahit sa totoo lang, sobrang worried ako. I prayed to God and tried to relaxed while thinking that she'd be ok. Right after settling things, sumugod na rin ko sa hospital, Hindi na nga ako nagbihis kaya nakarating ako sa hospital nang naka tshirt at short na pambahay...

When I got there, andun sila sa reception area. Kumarga si Masheng sa akin and asked for water. Mainit na sya that time pero sabi nila, bumaba na daw ang lagnat. Imagine, her body temperature was 39.8! Hindi namin alam, kinu-kumbulsyon na pala ang anak ko! Nasa loob daw kasi ang lagnat nya nung una kaya hindi namin narealize agad. Nataranta na rin siguro kami kaya hindi na kami nakapag first aid sa house at dineretso na agad sya sa hospital. We stayed there for maybe more than an hour. Habang andun, inaaliw namin si Masheng kasi medyo cranky and sleepy na sya. Buti na lang at nakatulog din. She got ok afterwards so we decided not to have her admitted anymore. She had a blood and and a urine test. Wala namang nakita sa blood nya. Unfortunately, the doctor found out that she has UTI so kailangan syang resetahan ng panibagong antibiotic.

at the hospital... in mama's arms

Sleepy and tired.

She's quite ok now. Although there are moments na nagiging cranky pa din. Inoobserbahan pa rin namin sya kasi baka maulit 'yung nangyari kagabi. Haaay, nakaka paranoid. Parang gusto ko maya't maya syang dalhin sa hospital just to make sure that there's nothing wrong with her.

Masheng Got the 3rd Place at Baby Central and KA

2009-01-07T00:45:00.000-08:00

Hehe, late post na 'to... been very busy nung Holiday and with my work 'din kasi...

Anyway, here was our entry for Baby Central's first ever online baby contest (Funny Face).

Thank you sa lahat ng nag vote for my li'l girl! We didn't make it to the number one spot pero happy pa rin ako kasi out of 150 plus who joined eh, nasa 3rd place kami at kasama sa finalists! :)

Sobrang thank you talaga for all your votes especially for all your sweet and flattering comments for my little girl!

And syempre, gusto kong congratulate ang winner na walan iba kundi si Sampot. Here's her entry:

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Hihihi, o di ba? Funny and cute talaga kaya deserving talagang manalo, hehehe... Congrats ulit Mommy Kim and Sam!

Congrats din kay Baby Jazz and Mommy Glends for winning the KA Halloween contest (the cutest mummy ever!):

Hehehe, just like Baby Central, pag 3rd place 'din kami! (lucky number ata ni Masheng ang 3... hehehe). Thanks 'din po sa mga nag vote sa amin sa KA!

Marchelle's Date With Her Handsome Lolo

2008-12-24T03:03:00.000-08:00

December 24, 2008

Since we couldn't spend Christmas with my dad, we had just decided to meet him before he headed home (Bulacan pa kasi sya umuuwi, so hindi kami madalas nagkakasama). We ate at Max's (Rob place) first then after that naggala gala muna. I was so happy to see my baby and my dad having bonding moments. Bihira kasi sila talagang magkasama.

As much as possible, I want my baby to be really close to her Lolo Papem. Nung una kasi, medyo nahihiya sya dito at parang hindi nya kilala (since bihira nga silang magkita). But lately, nakakatuwa kasi hindi na sya nahihiya at kilala na rin nya ito (like last night, she was looking at our family picture and nagulat ako because she kept on saying, "Papem, papem!" while pointing at my dad :) ). Masheng is now very comfortable with and it makes my dad really happy! :)

Our BOLT Prizes!

2008-12-23T06:03:00.000-08:00

We finally have our prizes from the Bolt contest na! I claimed it from their office in Makati with hubby and Masheng last Monday... Nakakapagod kasi we had to wake up early pa just to go there since I work in the afternoon at medyo malayo rin ang Makati from our house.

Pero ok lang, nasulit ang pagod namin when we finally got our prizes! We got a shirt, as very cute USB hub ('yun nga ba ang tawag dun), and a BOLT stuff toy (which is actually bigger than what I was expecting).

The staff were all so nice and accomodating. Natuwa sila when Masheng said "A-choo!" (Thank you) and "Eee-hee-Mas!" (Merry Chistmas!).

When we got home, I showed Hanna our prize! Syempre, sya ang talagang winner sa contest na 'yun. I also took some pictures of her with her new baby! :)

Thanks ulit sa BOLT and for those who are behind the contest (sorry I forgot the organization/company name). Just like what I promised, we're gonna join your upcoming contests pa din!

Once more, thanks ulit sa lahat ng nag vote sa amin (sa uulitin po, hehehe).

At syempre, thanks and congrats sa baby Hana ko, hihihi, just like my other baby (MICHI) she now finally has her own shining moment... Love you babies! :)

Masheng's 5th Magazine Appearance

2008-12-15T02:21:00.000-08:00

Yey! With Baby Mag again this time... Kahit mali ang nakalagay na name, thank you na rin, (In-ADOBE ko lang, hihi)... Sa dami siguro nang nagpapadala, minsan nagkakamali sila. So thankful pa rin ako na napili kami (wala kasi kami sa MT and WM this time so hinihintay ko talaga ang Baby Mag). It's a good Xmas present for Masheng. At least bago nag end ang year, may mag appearance ulit sya! More and more to come pa sana!

I've been waiting for it kasi nagpictorial pa kami sa house for this month's theme (not really a professional one as usual). We just used our very trusted digicam (kahit medyo Jurassic na at malapit nang palitan... yehey!), had Masheng worn her very cute Xmas outfit which I got for a very cheap price (from Rare Editions) and had her posed beside her Xmas tree (and hold some reindeers) at 'yun na, may pictiures na kami for the theme!

Thanks ulit to BabyMag! More power!

Hana and I Won the Bolt Contest! Thanks everyone for supporting us! :)

2008-12-09T01:42:00.000-08:00

Here's our winning pic!

Sobrang thank you sa lahat nag vote sa amin ni Baby Hana (hehe, 'di ko na iisa-isahin, ang dami eh!). It means so much to me! The reason why I joined was to be able to give tribute to my precious doggies.

Actually, I originally had two entries since I have two dogs (Hana and Michi). I just removed the other one kasi I've read from their Terms and Conditions na one picture lang daw per entry. Eto 'yung pic na tinanggal ko... this picture was taken on my graduation day some years ago :)

Since ayoko namang ma-disqualified, I told Michi that I had to remove our pic from the contest (yep, I literally talked to him, hehehe) since he had a magazine appearance na naman with Marchelle. So sabi ko sa kanya, this time, it's Hanna's turn to shine naman... :)

(Marchelle and Michi on Baby Mag)

To view more of my doggies album/pictures, click here.

Or you can also view their friendster acounts:

Hana's friendster account

Michi's friendster account

Thanks ulit sa lahat ng nag vote...

Soon to be W.A.H.M!

2008-11-26T22:14:00.000-08:00

Masheng's New Toys (from her papa)

2008-11-13T20:39:00.000-08:00

Since my baby's so much into pretend-play games these days, her Papa bought her a set of new toys. He got her 2 sets of "lutu - lutuan!".

They're not so expensive... He got it for just 200 something (from SM Toy Kingdom). But even though they were cheap, Masheng was soo happy with it ... Look at her big smile while playing with her new toys!

Kainis lang, I was asleep when Joms gave it to her and took this picture. Hindi man lang ako hinintay, hindi ko tuloy nakita how happy she was! Hehe, hirap din ng may sobrang hands on na asawa, inaagawan ka ng role! Hehehehe...

Well, aside from this Kitchen set, Joms also bought Masheng a new stuff toy weeks ago... Guess, what that was... syempre, it's one of Masheng's most favorite characters...

It's none other than Jabeee!

Masheng's First Laptop :)

2008-11-10T22:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks Tito Alex for this early Xmas gift!

Masheng really loves it!

Disciplining Masheng

2008-11-06T01:36:00.000-08:00

Just like any toddlers, Masheng is starting to be a handful. She’s now becoming so independent and at most times, she loves doing and trying things on her own. She sometimes does things that drive us crazy. And mostly, she would do anything to get her way. And just like any babies of her age, she throws temper tantrums whenever she doesn’t get what she wants. It’s not that extreme though. She would just vent out her frustration by crying her heart out (which we always find so heartbreaking that makes us want to give in at most times). No much kicking and thank God, no screaming and yelling … yet.

As parents, of course Joms and I have our own way of teaching her. We try to calm her first by talking to her in a very gentle way and by trying to explain why she couldn’t have some things that she badly wants. She doesn’t understand everything that we say yet though. That’s why despite our explanations, she would just continue throwing her hissy fit testing the limit that we are giving her. Our next strategy is to just ignore her, which surprisingly, we found effective. Whenever she notices that we’re not paying attention to what she’s doing (like crying so hard to get what she wants), she most of the time stops her undesirable behavior and, she mostly finds her way to interact with us again as if nothing happened.

But of course, it’s not always an easy thing to do. There were not a few times wherein we felt that it was easier to just give in. As a mom, it’s not easy to pretend not to see or hear your poor little girl cry. But we have to be firm to make her understand that she’s being disciplined and to make her learn that she couldn’t always have everything that she wants.

Joms and I don’t have any disagreement on this; we both believe that this form of teaching works well with our baby. The problem is, whenever my family or some relatives hear Masheng cry, they would always hurriedly come to “rescue” her. I understand that she is their little darling who’s so precious (being the very first niece and grandchild, not to mention her being the only baby in the family) and that they couldn’t resist her when she’s already crying and asking them to carry her or to give her what she wants (especially when she’s calling their names as if making “sumbong”). But our strategy wouldn’t be effective and all our efforts of trying to be consistent would be useless if they would always respond to Masheng whenever she’s misbehaving. I told them that such acts must not be tolerated and that our goal is to make her understand that doing so wouldn’t help her get her way. They all said yes and agreed and I know that they really understand and get our point. But still, they find it so hard to say “no” and to simply ignore her especially when she’s continually whining and throwing her fit.

As first timers, Joms and I still have a long way to go in learning the most effective way/s of inculcating discipline to our child. Our beliefs and strategies clash at times, but I believe that no matter how different those are, our ways of teaching Marchelle will always include a lot of patience, love and understanding.

First Potty Training Day

2008-10-29T03:26:00.000-07:00

I was busy sending Halloween greetings to my online friends when my hubby sent me a picture thru MSN. Since I didn't want to be disturbed, I didn't open it right away. But then I got curious when he told me, "Tingnan mo na lang 'yan matutuwa ka."

I got really surprised when I opened it!

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I almost couldn't believe it! Nung huli kasi naming sinubukan, eh talagang nagwala si Masheng! I asked if she already pooped on it... hindi pa naman daw. But the good news is, nag weewee na daw siya sa potty nya. Not bad for a beginner di ba? Syempre, I'll ask my hubby to tell me the whole story when I get home from work later (yep, I'm still here in the office working... *sigh*).

My husband really amazes me. I'm really wondering how Joms was able to do it. Ako, nga, eh pinagpaplanuhan ko pa kung panong gagawin since I've heard a lot of mommy stories saying na mahirap daw talaga sa simula. Anyway, hubby and Masheng really did a good job. 'Can't wait to go home na tuloy...

Masheng's New Hairstyle

2008-10-27T02:10:00.000-07:00

Guess who did this to Masheng's hair...

It was her dad! ... Ang tyaga no?

At alam nyo bang it took him less than 20 minutes only to finish tying Masheng's hair with almost 30 tiny bands (while it took me half an hour removing just half of those)... At syempre, it also took him a lot of "pang uuto" to make our li'l girl stay in one place habang inaayusan. Samantalang ako eh, hindi ko sya masuklayan kahit isang minuto lang...

He knows how to braid too!

Buti na lang at marunong si Joms mag ayos ng buhok, dahil kung hindi eh, malamang pareho kami ng anak ko na laging mukhang bruha! I've been wearing a long hair since elementary days pero never talaga ako natutong mag ayos. On the other hand, marunong na talaga sa hairstyling ang asawa ko since he was young. Siya nga ang taga braid ng hair ko (at marunong ding mag cornwall!) nung college kami... Sana lang, mamana 'yun ni Masheng para lagi din syang mag aayos (not like her mom, heheheh).

Haay, how time flies... parang kailan lang when I also excitedly posted a blog announcing that we can already tie Masheng's hair. The picture below shows Masheng's very first "pusod".

Masheng's Hair at 10 Months

Marchelle's First and Second VTR

2008-10-13T02:09:00.000-07:00

Here's a video file of my Masheng's first VTRs (ang alam ko bawal ang camera sa loob, pero hindi naman kami sinita during both VTRs.)

I filed a leave just to be able to go to those VTRs (haha, ang salbahe ko, nag sick leave ako kahit wala akong sakit!). First time namin so we were all excited! Muntik pa nga kaming magcancel kasi medyo maulan that day. Buti na lang at medyo huminto kaya natuloy kami. Sa house pa lang eh, kinokondisyon na namin si Masheng. I took her pics at pina pose at pina smile ko sa camera nang husto para ma practice muna. As usual, very cooperative naman ang anak ko.

Our own "Practice VTR" at home :)

Mukhang ready na... todo pose at smile

She did good naman. She showed her sweetest smiles (kahit pilit, hehehe) at nagpakitang gilas by showing some of her antics and tricks (she loves dancing in front of the camera). Joined forces kami ni hubby sa pagpapatawa sa kanya (my hubby was the one behind our cam).

Although, nung una nyang VTR eh medyo nagloko nung patapos na, napagod ata kaka-smile, hehe. Pero nauto pa rin namin so smile ulit 'till the end.

After the VTR, we praised her for doing a good job. Ganun din nung second VTR nya. Hehe, mukhang nasasanay na nga ang baby ko sa harap ng camera! Sana more to come pa. Kapagod lang kasi ang lalayo ng mga location ng offices nila from our place. Buti na lang at nag eenjoy ang anak ko kaya hindi napapagod.

Marchelle's First VTR

Marchelle's 2nd VTR

Click here for the video.

Marchelle's First Setcard

2008-10-08T01:36:00.000-07:00

I'm one hopeful mom again

Thanks Mommy Grasya for allowing me to use our photoshoot pics...

Marchelle's 4th Magazine Appearance

2008-10-07T04:02:00.000-07:00

It's our first time with Working Mom (Baby Face Section). It was for the theme "Li'l Witch" (October 2008 issue). We didn't really prepare much for it. We just had her worn my black satin blouse and a witch hat that I had worn last Halloween. We also forced her to "play" with my cousins' very old doll para may props (hehe, parang manika kasi talaga ng mangkukulam).

Here are the other pics that I sent. It was so hard to make her smile. She didn't want to wear the witch hat either (I guess it was because the hat was too big for her) so taking her "witchie" pics wasn't a breeze.

She really didn't want to wear the witch's hat...

...That's why she kept on removing it from her head.

It was so hard to make her look at the cam...

Finally!... she's waving "Hello"

The pic that they chose... She's eating gummy bears here.

She's finally posing!

Kita cleavage... :)

Thanks to Working Mom! We got a 1K gift certificate as a prize...

Masheng's 3rd Magazine Appearance

2008-09-16T03:32:00.000-07:00

Yehey! This time for MomsToday (Milestones) naman! At this time, may prizes na! Thanks MomsToday! More to come pa sana...

Actual Pic (her vey first "Santa Cruzan" experience)

Our Prizes... yipeee!

Marchelle's First Body Art

2008-09-05T02:16:00.000-07:00

Look what she did to her skin!

Syempre, I hurriedly grabbed my cam and took those shots bago pa burahin ng papa nya...

Big girl ka na nga anak, haaay!

Eraserheads Rocks!

2008-08-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

I really love the Eheads! Grabe, ang galing galing pa rin nila. 'Yun nga lang, as you may already know, they were not able to finish their reunion concert. Ely was rushed to the hospital due to physical and emotional stress daw. Pero ok lang, sulit pa rin kasi wala pa rin silang kupas!

Ang nakaka tense na countdown... less than 9 minutes to go!

Kainis lang kasi ang layo namin. Expected ko pa naman na medyo malapit na kami sa stage since we bought the 1300 ticket (Patron). 'Yun pala meron pang VIP at SVIP sections. Eh sobrang dami ng tao at puno na 'yung unahan when we came to The Fort (we arrived before 7pm, so halos 1 hour pa kaming naghintay). Pero ok lang kasi, nasa harap naman kami ng isa sa mga big screens nila.

They were able to finish the first half though and they were able to sing around 11 songs ata. They started with Alapaap, followed by Ligaya. Grabe! Sabihin nyo nang OA pero I was almost teary eyed while they're were singing their 1st two songs. As in parang hindi ako makapaniwala na silang apat 'yun at na buo silang kumakanta that night. I know that others also felt the same. Nakakatuwa kasi 'yung ibang nanonood eh, vocal talaga sa pagsasabing, "Pare, naiiyak ako!" ... hahaha! Basta, ang hirap i explain ng feeling.

Raymond and Buddy

Marcus and Ely

I suddenly thought of my old friends (especially my highschool friends) and our memories that we had together while hearing the Eheads sing last Saturday. Syempre, sa panahon namin sila nauso at nakilala. We use to sing their songs together nung mga bata bata pa kami. Kaya siguro sobrang gusto ko sila at ang mga kanta nila since they remind me of our highschool days.

They also sang "Toyang", Fruitcake", "Hey Jay", "Kamasutra", "With a Smile", "Kailan", 'Wag Mo Nang Itanong", "Harana" at isang hindi ko alam ang title, hehehe. Sayang, hindi pa nila nakanta 'yung mga fave ko talaga like "Pare Ko", "Ang Huling El Bimbo", "Magasin", "Tindahan ni Aling Nena" at marami pa dahil nga sa nangyari. According to the promoter, may nakalinya pa silang 15 songs! Sabagay, mukha ngang 'di na kakayanin ni Ely na kumanta pa ng 15 songs that night. Bago nga matapos 'yung 1st half, nakita pa namin siyang umupo sa stage at niyakap ang gitara nya at mukhang napagod talaga.

After the 20 minute break, nag announce na sila na hindi na matutuloy since isinugod na nga daw si Ely sa hospital. It was his sister who announced it by reading a letter to everyone. Nalungkot man eh nagpalakpakan pa rin ang mga tao. Parang ayaw pa ngang umalis nang marami (including me)... baka nga naman joke lang pala 'yun or gimik. Or baka biglang bumalik pa si Ely at ituloy kahit masama ang pakiramdam nya, hehe. But since nag goodbye na sila at pinalalabas na 'yung mga tao eh, alam na namin na tapos na talaga ang gabi. Naku, kawawa naman 'yung mga kabibili lang ng ticket (may mahabang pila pa rin kasi sa labas kahit tapos na ang 1st half).

Medyo sad man ang ending eh masaya pa rin ang mga tao for seeing and hearing the best band of our time sing. Sulit pa rin 'yung binayad kahit pa nga 'di nila natapos 'yung concert. Pero syempre, mas masaya kung may part 2! :)

Happy after watching!

Marchelle's First Photo Shoot (Grasya's Fotografi 2008)

2008-08-05T01:39:00.000-07:00

It was Masheng's first ever photo shoot. She posed as a toddler model for a professional photographer's portfolio. I really love the shots! Ang galing galing ni Mommy Grasya, kuha nya pa rin magagandang angle kahit sobrang likot ng anak ko... (to view all the pics, click here.)

Akala nga namin, hindi na matutuloy since it was raining hard last Sunday. Buti na lang may moments na humihinto ang ulan so nakatakas kami sa pag shoot. Syempre, tuwang tuwa na naman si Masheng dahil nakakita na naman ng maraming tubig (kahit na 'yung maliliit na drops ng ulan eh 'di nakatakas sa paningin nya at pinaglalaruan). Ok naman ang mood nya. Hindi lang masyadong mapangiti dahil sobrang busy siya sa paglalaro at pago-observe ng kung anu ano sa paligid (first time nya rin kasi sa place).

Thanks Mommy Grasya for these cute pictures. I really love them! Sobrang thank you talaga! Na inspire mo ata si hubby na mag aral na rin ng photography, hehehe. Although malamang matagal pa 'yun, syempre kailangan muna namin ng SLR na ubod nang mahal! O nga pala, pasensya na sa amoy ni Masheng bago tayo umuwi, hihihi! Nagpasabog nga at 'di na nakahintay makarating sa house... na-tense siguro sa shoot, hihihi!

So sa mga naghahanap ng magaling na photographer for your events like birthdays, wedding, debu, etc... I highly recommend Mommy Grace. She's also very friendly and fun to be with. You can view her other masterpieces at her Multiply homepage: http://grasyah.multiply.com/.

Masheng's First Bath in the Rain

2008-07-28T00:17:00.000-07:00

It was raining hard last Saturday afternoon. Imbes na magmukmok sa house eh naligo na lang kami sa ulan. The odds were protesting dahil baka daw magkasakit si Masheng. Hapon na kasi that time (mga 4pm siguro). So sinabi ko na lang na sandali lang kami. Hindi ko lang talaga mapalampas 'yung chance na 'yun since it was another first time for my li'l girl. Eh, bihira naman kasing umulan nang magkasama kami so baka wala nang susunod na chance. Syempre, naligo 'din ang Mama sa ulan, hehe. It 's been a long time since I last enjoyed playing in the rain. 'Sarap maging bata ulit! :)

Click here for the video.

Masheng's Surprise Visit to Mama's Office

2008-07-27T23:54:00.000-07:00

Last Friday (July 28, 2008), I was surprised when Masheng came here at the office with her papa. Akala ko kasi si Joms lang ang susundo. He didn't tell me na isasama nya si Masheng so I was really happy. She even brought "Polky" with her (her doggie stuff toy that her lolo papem (my dad) gave her). Nag iiyak lang nung una kasi nabigla ata nung pinalibutan ng officemates ko. But afer warming up, ayun, at home na uli siya. Haay, kung pwede lang, dadalhin ko talaga siya dito sa office everyday. Kaso ang hirap mag concentrate sa work na may bulinggit na bubuntot buntot kahit san ako pumunta.

"I'm gonna make some calls too, mom!"

Making herself busy.

.... nagkakalat ...

Ang kalat ni Masheng.

Papa ang Masheng waiting for me.

That's Polky!

Bath Tub Fun! (July 12, 2008)

2008-07-15T02:29:00.000-07:00

Another set of pictures ni Masheng playing with water. This time, sa bath tub naman. Dumayo pa kami sa bahay ng ninang nya at nakigamit ng bath tub dahil wala kami nun sa house, hehehe! Excited na excited nga si Masheng when she saw na nilalagyan na ng tubig 'yung tub. Pabalik balik sa banyo at maya't maya ang silip habang nagsasabi ng "Ba-batch! Ba-batch!" (which means "magba-bath" na daw siya!). Nakakatuwa, kahit saan namin sya dalhin (mapa totoong pool, inflated pool, planggana o timba), eh, hindi pwedeng hindi siya mage enjoy basta may tubig. Hmmm, for sure, matutuwa siya 'pag ini-enroll namin siya sa swimming class, hehe...

Seryoso kunwari...

Tingin muna sa camera, anak!

Testing the water...

She looks excited...

Starting to have fun...

Ayan na!

Hala sige lang anak!

Enjoy na enjoy!

With matching dila pa!

Click here for the video.

Masheng Brushes Her Teeth on Her Own

2008-07-09T21:48:00.000-07:00

It's Masheng's first time to brush her teeth! We finally taught her how to do it. Mahilig na kasi sa sweets and chocolates so as early as now, we want her to learn how to take care of her own pearly whites. We bought her a new toothbrush (Oral B for babies). Ok lang na mas expensive sa toothbrush naming mag asawa, hehehe. Of course, we want her teeth and gums to be really healthy kaya habang maaga eh, dapat matutunan na nya ang importance ng pagba-brush ng teeth. It's time to say goodbye to her baby toothbrush ('yung isinusuksok sa finger).

Check out the video here.

Masheng's First Hair Cut

2008-07-09T03:13:00.000-07:00

We've been wanting Masheng to have her very first hair cut since after her first birthday. We even went to Cuts for Tots since I want it to be something special and memorable. As you know, bukod sa maganda at very attractive for kids ang salon nila, eh, meron pa silang certificate na ino-offer. But as I was expecting, hubby Joms disapproved it since masyado daw mahal at hindi practical. Eh, babawasan lang naman daw ng konti ang bangs ni Masheng. Ayaw 'din naman kasi naming ipakalbo (just like what others do with their babies hair upon reaching a year old) or pagupitan nang mahaba so sayang nga naman kung magbabayad kami ng almost 500 for that. Sabi nya, if I really want it to be memorable eh, siya na lang daw ang gugupit. Gagawa pa daw siya ng cerificate kung 'yun lang daw ang habol ko.

Sabagay, mas meaningful nga naman kung ang unang gugupit ng hair ni Masheng eh kami. Meron naman kaming camera so hindi problema ang picure. Itinabi ko rin 'yung strands of hair na nagupit at gagawa din ako ng sarili naming certificate, hahaha! Saka na kami babalik sa cuts for tots kapag mahaba haba na ang gugupitin kay Masheng para naman masulit 'yung bayad. Pero matatagalan pa siguro 'yun since balak ko munang pahabain ang hair ng baby girl ko. Goodluck naman, baka sa time na 'yun eh libo na ang singil nila, hehe.

Anyway, nag behave naman si Masheng habang ginugupitan. Si Papa ang taga gupit, ako ang taga video at 'yung cousins ko ang taga hawak. Syempre, kailangang utu-utuin habang ginugupitan para 'wag maglikot.

Waaah, medyo nag mukhang boy nga lang si Masheng at saka parang lumobo 'yung face nya sa bago nyang hairstyle, hihihi!

Check out the video here.

Masheng's 2nd Magazine Appearance

2008-07-07T01:30:00.000-07:00

Magazine: Baby Mag (July 2008 issue)

Baby Gallery Theme: "I Love My Pet"

I wasn't really expecting this. As I've mentioned before, I was really having a hard time when we had a "shoot" at home because of my makulit at maliligalig na models (Masheng and my doggy Michi)... But I still tried submitting pics. Baka nakulitan sila kasi ang dami kong sinend na pictures. :) I even sent some of Masheng's pics with different animals kahit hindi naman namin pet, hihihi! Here are the other pictures that I sent.

Masheng kissing a li'l birdie that Papa caught on the street.

Future Sabungera. Mahilig 'din sa manok like her mom.

Brave Masheng!

Anyway, Michi is my very precious dog. Actually, I have one more, my sweetie Hanna. Kaso hindi sila vibes ni Masheng kasi nagseselos siya dito. On the other hand, Michi is very close to my girl. Kahit sinasakyan nya at pinang gigigilan eh, walang reklamo. :)

Masheng with my precious doggies Hana and Michi.

Thanks to Baby mag for choosing our picture! Congrats to my Masheng and to my doggie Michi! Sana more to come... :)

Masheng's Tent

2008-07-01T00:28:00.000-07:00

We bought Masheng a new tent! We've been wanting to buy one since last month. Finally, nakabili rin kami. I don't like the design much though since I'm not a Dora fan. Pero mas malaki at mas maluwag kasi siya 'dun sa Disney Princess na gustong gusto ko sana 'yung color at design. I'm gonna buy plastic balls at Divi next weekend para may ilalagay kami sa loob ng tent nya! :)

Masheng's Dora Tent

"Let's open these..."

"Let's have some music."

Parang nagca- camping talaga!

Kissing Dora!

Happy Masheng :)

"Can I sleep here?"

Look who's inside... :)

Batang Mahilig Mag Tumbling! :)

2008-06-23T01:49:00.000-07:00

Recently eh nahihilig si Masheng magta tumbling!

... At mahilig 'din siyang mag tip toe!

Hhmmm, ipasok ko kaya sa Gymnastic or Ballet class pag laki laki nya?

"Look at me, Mama!"

Tumbling to the left...

.... at naka tip toe pa!

Tumbling to the right...

Ang sabi ng matatanda, 'pag tumutuwad daw ang bata, eh, naghahanap na daw ng kasunod!

Tsk, tsk, sorry anak, 'di pa ready si Mama at Papa na gumawa ng kapatid mo eh! Hihi!

Happy Father's Day, Papa!

2008-06-13T03:05:00.000-07:00

For my dad,

Happy Father's Day! We love you so much!

Love,

Michelle, Marchelle and Joms

Papa's Girl

Papa's Pride

Lolo's Girl

* (Kainis... I did a very long blog for my father pa naman. 'Pag save ko nawala.... Grrrr! badtrip!)

Masheng Has Measles!

2008-06-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

Hay, may tigdas na nga ang baby ko! She had her measle shots naman pero tinablan pa rin. Sabagay, nangyayari daw talaga 'yun. So far, she's ok na naman. Heto tulog na tulog na. Nagigising lang minsan dahil naiinitan. Hindi kasi namin tinatapatan ng fan since sabi eh, bawal daw siyang mahanginan. Buti na lang at hindi namin napaliguan today. It's a no-no daw since hindi lalabas ang init sa katawan. Sa ngayon, may rashes na sya sa face, sa tyan at sa likod. Sabi nga ng mga tita ko, lumabas daw 'yung rashes nya dahil daw pinakain namin siya ng itlog kanina. I don't know if it's true. Hehe, siguro nga...

Well, happy baby pa rin naman ang anak ko. Hindi mo nga aakalaing may sakit. Kahit nga kanina dun sa private hospital na pinuntahan namin, eh sobrang likot nya. Masyado atang na "at home" at feeling nya eh nakakita siya ng bagong playground kaya ayun nagtatatakbo 'dun nang nakatapak. That was after a very traumatic experience 'dun sa unang hospital na pinuntahan namin (which I blogged about just a while ago... read it here). At least, alam kong safe na si Masheng at hindi siya basta makakakuha nang kung anu anong sakit kahit magtatakbo siya since maayos ang facilities nila. Wala ring masyadong tao so ibig sabihin, walang gaanong pasyente. Hindi gaya sa public hospital na punong puno kahit pa Sunday kami nagpa check up. Naka separate din ang OPD room ng babies and children at hindi nakahalo sa ibang may sakit. At higit sa lahat, hindi nakahalo ang patay sa buhay!

She had a platelet count test. Dasal dasal ako nang dasal na sana eh, wala namang malalang sakit ang anak ko (like Dengue or Malaria na nauuso ata dahil magtatag ulan na naman). Nagwoworry pa kami nung una na baka magwala at mahirapan 'yung nurse na kuhanan siya ng blood sample kaya hubby Joms and I were surprised kasi sobrang nagbehave naman siya kahit tinusok at pinisil pisil pa ng nurse 'yung dulo ng daliri nya.

Naka smile pa habang pinadudugo ang daliri! :)

Thank God at wala namang nakita sa blood nya. Ibig sabihin, wala siyang dengue, malaria or ano pa mang sakit na kinawo worry namin. Basta ingatan lang daw na 'wag tumaas ang lagnat. Ang sabi nga, kapag nilagnat ulit ng gabi, eh, ibalik daw namin agad. HIndi naman na siya nilagnat the whole afternoon so hindi na kami bumalik ng hospital. Pero syempre maya't maya pa rin ang kuha namin ng body temperature nya since pwede daw mangyari na nasa loob ng katawan ang lagnat nya at hindi namin malalaman kung sasalatin lang namin ang skin nya. So far, ok naman. Masigla pa rin as usual. 'Yun nga lang, naglabasan na ang rashes nya. And we expect to see more after several days.

My aunts adviced me to buy "kolantro" tomorrow (actually I have no idea what that is). 'Yun daw ang ipaiinom at ipupunas kay Masheng. Bawal siyang maligo at mahanginan. Kaya 'eto kahit mainit eh sinuotan ko ng pajama at medyas. Naawa nga ako kasi pawis na pawis na, inaalagaan ko na lang sa punas para hindi matuyuan...

Kaya 'wag kayong magtaka kung bakit gising pa ako at nagba blog sa mga oras na 'to... ang hirap palang matulog 'pag alam mong may sakit ang baby mo. Ngayon, naiintindihan ko na kung bakit hindi rin halos natutulog sina Mama at Papa (pati na rin 'yung Tita Mel ko na halos parang nanay na rin namin) noon kapag may nagkakasakit sa amin. Ganun pala talaga...

Anyway, thanks po sa mga nagtaygang bumasa nito at nung isa ko pang blog. I feel much better now. Tips naman po kung pano mas madaling gagaling ang tigdas ni Masheng. Pa share na rin po ng experience nyo nung nagka measles ang babies nyo... Thanks and good night! Ay, good morning na pala ... :)

A One Day Experience in a Public Hospital

2008-06-08T05:33:00.000-07:00

She started having a fever last Thursday. We thought that it's all because of the weather. Grabe kasi ang init dito lately. Sumasabay pa ang tubo ng teeth nya. Pero kahit may dinadamdam, sobrang likot at bibo pa rin... kahit pa nga on and off ang fever nya for 3 days. May time pa nga na nag 39 ang body temperature nya at nagawa pa nyang ngumiti at sumayaw samantalang kami eh, natataranta na at halos isugod na siya sa hospital. Buti na lang at napababa namin ang lagnat nya at hindi siya kinumbulsyon. The next day, she was ok. HIndi na nilagnat ulit at just like the usual, sobrang sigla pa rin so akala namin ok na.

Then, came Sunday... Hubby Joms noticed red rashes on Masheng's face. Actually, the night before eh, napansin ko nang medyo mapula ang scalp nya. I just thought that it was because of the heat coming out form her body since nilagnat nga siya days before. As usual, hyper pa rin naman si Masheng but we didn't want to take a risk. We still brought her to the nearest hospital for an emergency check up.

Una kaming nagpunta sa iang public hospital nearby. I really didn't want to go there but hubby told me na i-try lang namin since 'yun nga daw ang pinaka malapit. Since Sunday ngayon, sarado ang OPD ward at emergency ward lang ang bukas. We waited for almost an hour since they were having several emergency cases. I wasn't surprised to see a dead man's corpse lying on one of their beds since nung nasa labas pa lang naman kami, eh napi feel ko na ang komosyon ng mga taong labas masok sa emergency room. But I was taken aback when the attendant called us and told me to take Masheng inside na para bang walang patay sa loob. Despite my hesitation, pumasok na rin ako sa kagustuhan kong matapos na ang lahat at makauwi na rin kami. Mas lalo akong nagulat when she told me to put my baby on the weighing scale ('yung pang bata) na bukod sa sobrang dumi eh, katabi pa nung patay! Buti na lang at bago pa ako makapag protesta eh, nagloko si Masheng kaya hindi na pinilit nung babae na matimbang siya dun. Later on, kinuha naman ang body temperature nya. Bago ko pa masabi 'dun sa girl na kami na lang sa bahay (dahil alam kong ang mga gamit nila 'dun eh gamit nang lahat) eh, naisuksok na nya sa kilikili ni Masheng ang thermometer nila kaya hindi na naman ako nakapag reklamo. Lumabas muna kami since I was really scared na mahawaan ang anak ko nang kung anu anong sakit. The attendant followed at parang nainis pa at sinabing hindi daw nya kami susundan nang susundan. Gustong gusto kong sabihin na, "Hoy hindi mo ba nakikitang may patay sa loob?". Pero nanahimik lang ako since ayoko namang masabihang mayabang or whatsoever. In the first place, sasabihin lang nila na walang bayad ang services nila kaya walang karapatang magreklamo at mag inarte ang mga pasyenteng pumupunta sa ganun.

Later, parang hindi ko na kayang mag stay pa. Nahalata ni hubby na sobrang disturbed na ako so he told me na umalis na lang kami at lumipat sa private hospital. 'Di na ko nagdalawang isip. Dali dali kaming lumabas at hindi na nagpaalam 'dun sa attendant kahit na hindi pa tapos ang check up.

Ang sama sama ng pakiramdam ko. Feeling ko ang sama sama kong ina for having my precious girl experienced such a thing. Hindi ko kasi talaga alam na ganun pala sa public hospitals. Never pa akong nagpatingin sa ganun at first time din namin na ipa check up si Masheng since ngayon lang talaga siya nagkasakit. For her vaccines and regular check ups naman eh, lagi kaming 'dun sa private clinic ng pedia nya pumupunta. Ngayon lang talaga kami sumablay, siguro bunga na rin ng pagkataranta this morning.

I know that parents should always give what's best for their kids. I feel bad because I almost failed to do it today. But I promise that, it would be the last time na dadalhin ko ang anak ko 'dun. I won't ever have my precious daughter's feet set on such a place again. I'm not being arrogant or conceited. I just wanna give what my baby truly deserves.

"I'm so sorry, anak..."

My 2nd Mom's Day

2008-05-13T22:49:00.000-07:00

We just had a simple celebration at home.

My hubby cooked a special dinner for lunch (with presentation pa ha?), did all the household chores and pampered me all day as his gift for mom's day. I also heard him, teaching Masheng say "Mama, Happy mother's day ... I Love you!" ... but of course my baby could just say, "Abu!" (which means "I Love You") which really melted my heart. We chose not to go out since lately, we barely stay at home during weekends.

My sisters also prepared some food and bought a cake for us (for me, my mom and my aunts). My mom gave me a book about motherhood (with a very touching letter she had written on its very first page) and of course, a dress for her dear "apo".

Everything was simple but still very memorable since I was able to spend that very special day with my dear family and loved ones... Belated Happy Mom's Day to all!

My second Mother's Day

Bonding Time

with the best mom in the world

With Mama and with our Mom, Tita Mel

I also wanna share my first Mother's day picture... Masheng was just around 2 months old then... Haay, ang bilis talaga ng panahon...

Masheng Visits Mama's Office Again

2008-04-18T03:45:00.000-07:00

I asked hubby Jomski to take an off from work today so we could bring Masheng to my office ('di ko kasi kaya mag isa, hehe). It's been so long since she last visited at my working place. 'Yung last time ata eh, nung Halloween pa (we had a Trick or Treat for kids... Masheng dressed up as a pink li'l fairy then) ...

It was like a surprise visit for everyone! Everybody in the office knows her. But of course, she is the very first ES baby!

At the Elevator ... Going up to the 33rd floor...

"Masheng, that's the wrong door..."

"We're here!"

With some of the ES people...

With naughty Ninangs Lyn and Nery

With Ninang este Ninong Shaney and Tita Sah

Cool Boss

Break Time!

... going home

nawawalang bata....

Marchelle's New Shoes

2008-04-18T01:28:00.000-07:00

I finally received my online purchase from Fetish Craze yesterday (thanks, Tin!). I was even surprised since I was expecting it to arrive next week!

I ordered one Old Navy Espadrille Sandals from their site for my li'l girl. I was so happy to finally have it since ang tagal tagal ko na siyang gusto. I first saw it on a different Multiply online shop. I've been eyeing it since then and since before Masheng's birthday pa. Hindi ko lang siya nabili agad so ayun naubusan ako dahil naka reserve na sila lahat nung tiningnan ko ulit. I also saw the pair at the Old Navy site mismo, kaso nakakatamad namang mag place ng order since you have to register first and you also have to use your card as a payment (which I haven't done yet ... I only use Paypal for online payments). So when I saw the pair again (sa Fetish Craze na this time), I had it reserved for me immediately. Nakakatuwa, kasi last pair na pala ang nakuha ko! Kung nahuli pa ako ng konti eh, malamang, hindi ko rin siya mabibili 'till now...

I really like it! Medyo malaki pa kay Masheng pero ok lang since she still has a lot of shoes and slippers to use as of now. Maybe she can use it when she turns 18 months 'till her 2nd year.

Thanks again to Tin! More power to your online shop! 'Till next transaction... :)

Marchelle's Very First Studio Pics

2008-04-15T01:43:00.000-07:00

Would you believe, this is Masheng's very first time to have her pics taken inside a studio ... We want pictures of her kasi wearing her birthday gowns ... Eh napakalikot naman ng model at ayaw pumirmi sa isang lugar so medyo nahirapang kumuha ng angle 'yung camera man (o hindi lang talaga siya marunong, sabi nga ni hubby Jomski, dapat daw siya na lang ang kumuha ng shots!)... we still had fun, though! At kahit ata si Masheng, feeling artista na hinahabol ng paparazzi! (Click here for her video.)

Well, everything was simple... no dreamlike backgrounds, no decorative and cute props (except for their grungy looking stuff toys, hehe... If I only had known, I should have brought Masheng's fave dolls and bears), no fanciful lights... but for me, it was perfect because everything was just all about our Marchelle... what do you expect from a 200 peso worth package from a not so popular studio? At least matipid, hehe...

But this won't definitely the last time for Masheng... I think I have to save some money next payday to get a membership from BUB or other good studios for kids...

Hay kung may SLR cam lang ako, mag aaral talaga ako ng Photography kahit basics lang. In that case, hindi na namin kailangang magpa-studio, di ba hubby Joms?

Marchelle's First Magazine Appearance

2008-04-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

Baby Magazine - April 2008

Baby Gallery - Theme: Fun in the Sun!

Yipee! I'm one proud mom again!

Masheng Shares Her Pool

2008-03-31T01:18:00.000-07:00

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Swimming time with Masheng's cousins Ate Nadine and Ate Leila ... mas marami, mas happy!

with Ate Nadine

Ate Nadine and Ate Leila

Ang saya!

Kinahapunan, with matatatanda naman ... This time, hindi na naka swim suit si Masheng since wala na talaga akong balak na paglanguyin siya ulit ... Nakita lang nya 'yung mga matatada na naglalanguyan, so ayun, lublob ulit siya sa tubig even without changing into her swimsuit ...

Masayang masaya na naman ang bata ...

swim swim uli!

ang matatanda

mga walang kasawaan

Inabot na ng ulan, pero sige pa rin!

... at may sumisisid pa!

"Ibalik nyo ko sa pool!"