Family Life: happenings and expectations

HK vacation 2010 (day 1)

2010-03-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

We had a short vacation in Hong Kong. As we don't have plan to have a party for Iya's upcoming 2nd birthday, we decided to bring her to the happiest place on earth.. Disneyland! :) Drix and I have been there more than 2 years ago and I was pregnant with Iya. Of all the places we toured in HK, I heart Disney the most. I like it better than Ocean World, where the attractions are way far from each other.

Anyway, weeks before the date, i was checking several sites to check the weather. Forecast is all cold (15-12 Celsius) and scattered rains. But this doesn't dampened our spirits, so much for the excitement (lol). With our jackets & umbrellas, we're ready. Until we arrived the airport.. boy it was really COLD!

We ride the MTR to the Disney Hollywood Hotel (got a discount for 3 nights booking). It started to rain as we reached the hotel. The rooms are great as the picture shows in their site. Iya was so happy about the carpeted floor that even when you put her in the bed she will go down and sit on the floor. And since it was a Disney hotel, she was still able to watch her disney channels. After an hour of resting, we headed for the Ngong Ping. But due to the drizzles, we decided not to go up. Its for Iya's good as we don't want her to get sick due to the cold weather. We just stayed at the Citigate Outlet Mall. Got some few stuffs here and then we have dinner. We return to the hotel and called it a night.

Big Foot

2010-01-18T04:19:00.000-08:00

Iya has been changing shoes so fast. It's because her feet is BIG. I know it's normal for kids to overgrown their shoes fast, but we have to buy her every 3 months considering we buy bigger size than her size. And the problem with new shoes, she doesn't want to wear them. :) She would really cry if you force her to try new shoes. And I can’t find the same shoe style after 3 months. I know I can’t complain coz she got the genes from me. But really kids shoes are expensive. That's why I try to buy on sales because she wont really were them that long. 

Oh, but she love shoes (and bags)!

Iya's Favorites

2010-01-01T06:22:00.000-08:00

The following are Iya's favorites at 21 months.

Dish: Sinigang (with rice)
Show: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (I think it's most of the kids favorite cartoon show)
Footwear: Hello Kitty flat pink shoes (She would wear it the whole day)
Fruit: Banana (She could eat half of it)
Word: Daddy pronounce as "Dad-di" (Not necessarily her favorite parent. :D)
Place: Mall or Playground (Mall was apparently influenced by her Mommy)
Playmate: Lem (They talk like German & Russian kids but they still understand each other)
Toys: Ball or Kitchen Play Set (It's more on a favorite thing to throw)
Song: If your happy song clap/hurray/stamp(dunno the title :D)

New Work

2009-12-07T05:18:00.001-08:00

It's been a month since I move to a new company. The environment is really different & so far I'm liking it. The perks are good and I'm having more time with Iya. I have attended my first DnD, it's usually Christmas Party with my previous companies.;p So many things to learn and I hope I can cope up easily (cross fingers).. will see in the next months to come.

Sick

2009-10-07T01:16:00.000-07:00

I'm sick. Monday I have sore throat, tuesday I have blocked nose & chills, today I have cough. :( I went to the doctor, he said it's just the normal flu, gave me meds and 2 days MC. I slept and wake up by 3 to eat lunch. I can't play with Iya, afraid that she will get the flu from me. So I'm here inside our room while Iya plays outside. :(

Just got a phone call, :) Hope everything turns well..

Ondoy

2009-09-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

I saw it facebook, I thought it was just another rainy saturday. But this one is different, floods has reached almost the whole of Manila, Cainta, Marikina, Pasig and the list goes on. I felt sad and worried about my relatives & friends who lives in that area. Floods occupied mostly the ground floor of their homes if not the whole house. Good thing that everyone is okay. Although most of them didn't save any thing, at least they are safe. Life is much important than anything else. Thank God for keeping my relatives & friends safe.

I'm really proud that Filipinos are still helping each other in their own ways. And in time, I hope everyone can recover from this tragic incident.

Iya Kulit Moments

2009-09-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

Iya is calling Drix as "Dad-di". But I'm calling Drix "ney' (short for Honey). I guess she mistook it and eventually she is trying to call Drix as Ney lately. Hehehe. Can't really blame her as she is learning. :)

*****

Just this morning we were leaving the house, I took my sandals from the cabinet and just drop it on the floor. One shoe fell upside down. I was about to flip it when Iya suddenly grab it and put it in place near my foot. :D

****

Iya is so attentive in answering our phone. When it rings she will answer with a Hi or sometimes she would just babble. I tried in once and pretend that I was talking to her (we're on the same room and she can see me). She answered back every thing I ask her as if she can understand everything I say. Hehehe.

Happy Birthday to me! :)

2009-09-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

There's no reason not to enjoy my birthday! :) I got so many greetings from friends and nanay & Dennis is here in SG. And of course, I have Drix & Iya to celebrate this B-day (as in blessed day :D) together. I didn't have a party but I have a chocolate banana cake, hmmm.. yum! And spaghetti na lutong pinoy (c/o of nanay) with purefoods hotdog..another yum! :) And to top it was a tour in the zoo which Iya enjoyed. And would you believe, that the weather was nice & cooling in the SG zoo, which normally don't happen. :)

Baby Things

2009-08-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

When I wasn't a mother yet, the only things that I knew about baby stuff was diapers, baby powder, baby wipes & oil. :) But when we got pregnant, we started to know that are TONS of stuff for babies. Like I didn't know that babies has lotions & face cream. I was expecting baby skin to be soft. But I was wrong, baby skin is so sensitive making them prone to dryness & rashes. We're using baby clothes soap & bottle soap, tooth wipes, teething gel, diaper rash cream and the list goes on. Whew!

Now even babies has enrichment class & playgroup. During my childhood, the kids just play around with their "kalaro" (playmates), siblings & cousins. They learn how talk, sing, dance & play by themselves with minimal supervision by parents. I'm not sure if its still the same in Philippines. But since were here in SG, I notice that babies & infants tends to be shy around people besides their parents. Even for my daughter who is so lively & playful at home. Now she is attending Kindermusik. It was first class for the Village Dew Drop Term. I think she is improving as she played with other babies & beginning to acknowledge her teacher as another adult that will play and teach her new things besides us. Were not really kiasu parents, as the Singaporean says it, but we only want the best for Iya. But for now we think this will suffice her need for social activities. :) And of course, we are still here for her to be the most willing & loving parents! :)

LV talks

2009-08-27T05:10:00.000-07:00

One free afternoon, Drix & I went inside the LV in Takashimaya. Since everyone is checking the new LV shop in ION, we were able to look around inside the store. The nice thing about going to branded store here in SG is they would entertain all your questions (most of the time) and you can freely hold the bags without the "don't touch that" look from the sales assistant.

Sheila: How much is that bag? (Pointing to a neverfull damier).
Sales Asst: 1020 sgd for the small while 1080 sgd for the medium one.

After holding and trying the bag, I gave it back and said thank you. Then we walk out of the store.

Sheila: Ganda nung bag noh. Teka bakit ang lamig ng kamay mo at namamawis ka?
Drix: Kala ko kasi bibili ka eh.

I couldn't help but laugh. :)

Exercise

2009-08-19T04:27:00.001-07:00

When will I have the time to exercise? Or when will I go to the gym? Oh if only I could cancel it. :(

Weekend Blast!

2009-08-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

We had a blast last weekend. :) Last friday, we had our breakfast at McDonalds Eastcoast. Iya received a balloon from one of the crew but she wants more. :) She has a look on her face wanting more balloons. We also rented a bike which Drix & Iya ride on. She was really happy as they cycle around EastCoast. I think we should do this more often.

In the afternoon, me & Drix had a haircut before going to Cathay to watch UP. It was really good movie not to mention we were able to see it in 3D. Drix thinks it's partly love story. After the movie, we were able to see ION in orchard & buy Dunkin Donuts. Miss the donuts from Philippines, they taste better. :p

Saturday, we attended Zoe's birthday party. It's Iya second party to attend this month, last week were Nash birthday. Zoe & Nash are both born premature. But with God's grace they are healthy 1 year old babies. :)

Sunday, Daddy & Iya together with Jojo & Lem attended KinderMusik Trial Class. It's a playgroup encouraging babies to enjoy & play music. It was not smooth class for them as expected (both first timers) but I think the Iya & Lem were able to enjoy it. Iya was able to play with the shaker & drums which I think was her favorite as she don't want to pass the instruments. Hehehe. So next week I will go with Iya inside the class and see it for myself. After the class we went to Botanic Garden to meet with Meg. It's was again like the first time they met. They didn't play first but eventually they were baby talking. :) End up with a good dinner at Hereen while Iya & Meg continue to play. We decided to call it a night as Drix needs to check something (work related) & Iya is also tired and sleepy.

Oh by the way, next 2 weeks we have 2 more birthday to attend. Talk about the birthday month! :) It's like a becoming a hobby. I think it's one of the perks of being a parent, you'll get invited to tons of birthday parties. :) And it's good because we have Iya to bring along & we both know she enjoys every party she goes! :D

And here's a flying kiss from Iya.. Mwuahh!!

Transformers & MMR

2009-07-12T06:29:00.000-07:00

At long last napanood na rin namin ang Transformers last friday sa Marina Square. It was a good movie to relieve a week's stress. With matching bloopers pa sa ticket na nabook ko. :P

Then saturday morning, Iya had her MMR vaccine. She cried for a moment (less than a minute), then she was okay. She didn't have fever but she developed a mild rash around her back. We have a book about baby and the book says rash is sometimes a reaction to the MMR jab. You can't really avoid these things, its better to have kids jabbed than kids get sicked. Anyway her next jab will be at 18 months.

Taguan

2009-07-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

I was in the kitchen to cook rice and left Iya watching TV. I tried to check on her, but she was not in the sala. I tried to check the rooms but the door was closed so there is no way she could go inside. I was calling her name around the house. I went back to the dining table, and I found her quietly hiding in her high chair. I was laughing as I pull her out and really kids do grow fast. :)

Summer 2009

2009-06-01T04:41:00.000-07:00

Iya's first try to swim, she was hesitant. She even started to cry, but when I came back (She's with her daddy), she was happily swimming or should I say playing with the water. From then, she really had a blast! So in three consecutive weekend, she swim. :) First, in Cza's condo pool. Second in Siloso Beach Resort (c/o of Cza again). Last was in Bintan Lagoon Resort in Indonesia. :) Though the last was tiring and hot, but since Iya enjoyed the weekend it was all worth it.

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

My Mother's Days Gifts... But i love the one in yellow more:)

Happy Mother's Day to all of the Nanay!

Iya's 1st Birthday Party

2009-04-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

Iya celebrated her birthday with a Mickey & Minnie Mouse Theme. Even though it drizzled, we were glad that our friends came. Although Iya didn't recognize the mascot (hehehe they were to slim due to recession), I'm sure she is happy in her own way. Here are some of the pictures. And a week after her birthday, she had tried to walk on her own! Way to go to our daughter! :)

Our birthday girl, IYA!

Yummy Minnie Cake

7 More Days!

2009-04-05T07:28:00.000-07:00

And it's IYA's first birthday! My husband and I has planned a simple celebration with friends here in SG. I really hope everyone will enjoy the party, especially IYA.

See ya real soon.. :)

Chicken Pox

2009-02-22T04:30:00.001-08:00

Feb. 2 Evening- Sheila commented "Mukhang may pimple si Iya on her left eyebrow! She's too young to have it."

Feb. 3 Afternoon - Grace SMS Sheila "She, mukhang my bulutong (chicken pox) si Iya". Sheila was very worried and hoped it wasn't. She asked around what are the symptoms of Chicken Pox. Sheila then informed Drix about Iya. Both of them got home early to bring Iya to the Doctor. She has red rashes with water but no fever.

Feb. 3 Evening - GP confirmed it was chicken pox. She gave her anti-itch medicine & calamine lotion. GP washes her hands as she gave them (Drix and Sheila) the information. Sheila think it was impolite that the GP was doing this while they are still in the clinic. Drix & Sheila was not satisfied with the GP's diagnosis and then decided to go to the Pediatrician for a second opinion. The Pedia did confirmed it's chicken pox, but didn't react as the same way GP did. He gave her anti-viral so that it won't get worse. The only good thing about this is that she won't need the chicken pox jab. Iya took the medicine as soon as they got home & every 5 hours within 5 days.

Feb. 4 - Sheila took care of Iya. Chicken pox wasn't that bad, less than 20 dots. Calamine lotion was applied to ease the itch.

Feb. 5 - Drix took care of Iya. Chicken pox was coming out - red dots all around her body. But still mild compare to adult's chicken pox. Good thing she doesn't have fever. She's still playful & drinking her milk like normal days.

Feb. 6 - Drix & Sheila went to work. Grace will take care of Iya. Some of the chicken pox is starting to dry.

Feb. 7 - Iya took a bath with Baking Soda solution. Sheila got this info from forums.

Feb. 8 - Last day of anti-viral medicine. Iya is getting better. The first few dots has dried already.

Feb. 13 - Chicken pox are just scars now.

Feb. 14 - Thank God it's all over now! Iya is well!

9 Month

2009-01-11T06:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Iya,

Wow, ang bilis ng panahon. Parang last month, i could rest you on my arms, to feed with your milk and make you burp without breaking a sweat. Now that your 9 month old already, daddy's having hard time feeding you or make you sleep. But you know what, it's all worth it and i love every minute of it...

As i look at you while you sleep(you're so surelle, how i wish i could have the same), it brought me to smile... magkaka baby pala ako na as cute as you... thou it hard for me to admit, your a copy of your lovely mommy (ano kaya kung ako naging kamukha mo? hehehehe) ... i believe lalaki ka ring maganda tulad ng mommy mo... :)

you've been daddy and mommy's a pot of happiness(kaka adik ka kasi eh)... brought us a bundle of joy with you're smile and wit.... daddy and mommy loves you... happy 9th month birhtday Iya..

Love,
Daddy

Holidays

2009-01-10T23:22:00.000-08:00

We went home for holidays.. and yep everyone was excited to see Iya. Kahit don sa party sa office nila Drix eh naaliw naman ang mga peeps sa kanya.

IMPACS team & kids

It was her first time to ride the plane as well. Nag worry nga kami na baka sumakit tenga nya eh, but she's okay. We make her drink water during take-off & before landing. Nainip nga lang nung huli after two hours of sitting. :)

My parents was so surprised on how big she has grown plus those 2 milk teeth. She is a happy baby naman, huwag mo lang ihaharap sa super duper na mga tao at hindi sasama agad sa ibang tao even relatives .Nasanay siguro dito sa SG na konting tao lang nakikita nya. Ngayon ko lang na realize, si Iya pala e, maka mommy.

Iya showing her 2 fronth teeth

Besides my relatives & Drix's family, I was able to see my HS friends. Catch up sa buhay buhay what happen after school days. Some of them has their own babies na rin. Geezzz, we really are getting old. :)

Lo and behold, nakita ko na rin ang MOA at Trinoma. :)

Nothing grand about our vacation, but what make it special is the time we have spent with our family and Iya. And I think Iya will agree to that. :)

Iya with Lola, mommy partly hidden. :)

With my family

HS friends plus kids

Cookie

2008-12-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

Iya has started to eat solid foods now. And since messy pa siya kumain, what we bring for her is cookies when were out. Sometimes she can finished one piece of cookie, minsan kalahati lang. No pressure naman kahit ndi maubos because at her age, milk pa rin ang primary source of food niya.

Dimples

2008-12-05T08:21:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia:

Dimples are visible indentations of the skin, caused by underlying flesh, which form on some people's cheeks when they smile. Dimples are genetically inherited and are a dominant trait.^[1] Dimples on each cheek are a relatively common occurrence for people with dimples. A rarer form is the single dimple, which occurs on one side of the face only. Anatomically, dimples may be caused by variations in the structure of the facial muscle known as zygomaticus major. Specifically, the presence of a double or bifid zygomaticus major muscle may explain the formation of cheek dimples.^[2] This bifid variation of the muscle originates as a single structure from the zygomatic bone. As it travels anteriorly, it then divides with a superior bundle that inserts in the typical position above the corner of the mouth. An inferior bundle inserts below the corner of the mouth.

Dimples are considered attractive in some cultures.Babies commonly have dimples, but sometimes these disappear (or become less noticeable) as the muscles lengthen with age.

Iya has two dimples, one on her right cheek and one on left side of her lips. Napansin namin yung kay Iya days after her birth na. It's not something that we wished for our baby kasi pareho kaming walang dimples ni Drix. Maybe it's luck or genes from our ninuno. :) Sana lang hindi mawala. hehehe. Pero were really blessed to have her, may dimples or wala! :D

Seven @ Twelve

2008-11-11T06:32:00.000-08:00

My baby is turning 7 months old tomorrow. Yey! We will be having spaghetti & cake tomorrow, just a salo salo with daddy drix, tita g & housemate g. I can still remember the day we brought her home, we have to change diapers immediately as she had pooped in the cab on the way home. She was so fragile, you have to be extra careful when we hold her. Changing diapers was a breeze, as she doesn't move a lot. Now its different, you have to be extra careful as well: it's because she moves and wiggles a lot. Hahaha.

Things she can do now that make us happy:
Smile, giggles
Roll to move around
Sit on her stroller, sofa, etc. with little support
Play on her driving toy like she really moves the driving wheel so fast
Eat like she has been starved
Listens to conversations
Jumps and stand sturdy

and the list goes on.. and on..

To Iya, happy 7th month birthday! Keep drinking milk! Hehehe.

Weekend and Monday

2008-10-24T09:27:00.000-07:00

It's going to be a nice weekend, syempre holiday sa monday (deepavali). This means i have more time to play with Iya & bonding time with Drix. Sana nga lang we were able to push through don sa plano naming magbeach, maybe next time when Iya is bigger. Hopefully bago sya mag 1 year old. But for now, we will TRY to go to Eastcoast. It's a beach with a park, but not for swimming. People who usually goes there jogs, skate, ride a bicycle and then eat Chili Crab. Hehehe, healthy living noh? :)

I don't usually like Monday, but this one is an exception. Cheers to more Holiday Monday! Oh, next one is on December 8.

Uno. Dos.

2008-10-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

Uno. Almost everyone is celebrating and remembering their FIRST, like anniversary, birthday, ~~job~~ payday, etc. Although this is my first post, there is nothing to celebrate. I created this blog so i can look back, remember and answer the question "SO HOW?". (",)

DOS. Errr.. this is my second blog. The first one, dunno.