The Cost of Raising A Child

Got this from my email today. It tells of the rewards of parenthood and how priceless it is. I love how it makes me feel like a child - together with my child - all over again. You'll never know how it feels like until you're in one.

It truly changes your life forever.
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The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with P5,404,725.00 for a middle income family. Talk about price shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition. 

But P5,404,725.00 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into: 
* P300,262.50 a year, 
* P25,021.88 a month, or 
* P6,255.50 a week. 
* That's a mere P893.64 a day! 
* Just over P37.23 an hour. 
Still, you might think the best financial advice is don't have children if you want to be "rich." Actually, it is just the opposite. 

What do you get for your P5,404,725.00? 
* Naming rights. First, middle, and last! 
* Glimpses of God every day. 
* Giggles under the covers every night. 
* More love than your heart can hold.. 
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs. 
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies. 
* A hand to hold usually covered with jelly or chocolate. 
* A partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites. 
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day. 

For 5,404,725.00, you never have to grow up. 
You get to: 
* finger-paint, 
* carve pumpkins, 
* play hide-and-seek, 
* catch lightning bugs, and 
* never stop believing in Santa Claus. 

You have an excuse to: 
* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh, 
* watch Saturday morning cartoons, 
* go to Disney movies, and 
* wish on stars. 
* You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle, wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day. 

For a mere P893.64 a day, there is no greater bang for your buck. 
You get to be a hero just for: 
* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof, 
* taking the training wheels off a bike, 
* removing a splinter, 
* filling a wading pool, 
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.. 

You get a front row seat in history to witness the: 
* first step, 
* first word, 
* first bra, 
* first date, and 
* first time behind the wheel. 

You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match. 

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits, so one day they will, like love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!! 

Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren & great-grandchildren !!!!!!! 

It's the best investment you'll make!

The day Globe went ga-ga over Dingdong

Dingdong is this year's special guest at Globe' year-end party. With him at the fete were Cesar Montano, Bearwin Meilly and Parokya ni Edgar. They are currently Globe and TM endorsers.

We were all excited to see Dingdong in person. He will be visiting only the GT Pioneer offices. We then braved the Makati afternoon traffic that coincided with the interfaith rally, which made catching a cab a bit of a problem.

We waited for several minutes at the Podium Deck, with excitement and anticipation all up in the air. We see Parokya and Bearwin, had photos taken with them, but nothing is as anticipating as seeing Dingdong in the flesh!

Then, finally he came. All hell broke loose. There was a pandemonium.

Screams and shrieks came from every part of the room.

All Globe women behaved with the giddiness of a little schoolgirl.

It is normally freezing at that function room but to my surprise, it was sizzling! I don't know if it was because of the hot-ness of that guy or was it because all women were in one corner hovering over and around Dingdong.

Everyone held up their point-and-shoot cameras, SLRs, phone cameras just to take a shot of Dingdong, and a shot with themselves in it.

The UP Singing Ambassadors rendered some songs, but still the womens' attention were on him. Sayang naman, Dingdong's presence upstaged the UPSA's.

There were a lot of people, bodies against each other, toes stepped on. I have never followed a celebrity this way, hehehe. I hate crowds; this is the first time I ran after an actor just to have our picture taken.

Well, did it just for fun. And everybody seemed to have a fabulous time too. Surprisingly, even if someone encroached your area of vision, you don't get angry.

All this because he is so superbly good-looking.


I know, I was smiling too much.

I Love Being A Mom

Of every role that I have done and been doing, being a mom I guess is at the top of the list. It gives me a reason to smile that at the end of the day that I have a home to go to where my husband and my baby are eagerly waiting for me.

I can never imagine a happier life than this.

True, the harsh realities of life like paying bills and fees for the baby’s diapers and vaccination set in like a sting every month. But as what the author of a recent article I’ve read, said that she can’t think of anything better to spend her money on than her child.

I’m aware that the above statement may trigger adverse reactions from single people, saying that I am a smug and just have no choice.

But really, had I known that motherhood will be the only thing that can give me pure joy, I could have done it earlier.

When my baby looks at me, wants me and knows that I am his mother, nothing in the world matters anymore. Even if there are work issues to deal with or financial affairs needing to be settled.

I realized that everything I had aspired in life, nothing can be at par with motherhood. It gives me a different feeling of high but at the same time making me tamer.

I learned how to be more patient and understanding when my baby had his bouts with colic when he was just 2 weeks old. I understood how vulnerable my son can be when he’s hurting, reason he’s crying for a few hours at a time. That virtue of patience extended up to the people outside the home. I became more enduring and tolerant of other’s whims and differences.

I discovered that whatever you are in your career or your life, being a mom is a humbling experience. You can’t be domineering or act like a boss. It starts you off to love and take care of somebody without questions or conditions. That’s why they say that parenting is loving your child unconditionally. No ifs, no buts.

But when your baby flashes at you his sweet toothless smile upon seeing you when you get home, loving unconditionally doesn’t feel like work at all. Even if you are dead tired from working and surging through the city’s heavy traffic, all you want to do to see and hug your two great loves.

Being a mom is part of the pie that I am willing to get as much of a slice I can get. And having that piece is what I enjoy doing the most.

At the end of the day, I am just a mommy to my beautiful son – and I am proud of it.

Extra Cash When You Need It

I don’t know anybody who doesn’t want extra cash, do you? Well, maybe enough money is enough, not too much nor too less of it. Otherwise, that’s when problems arise. I know a lot of people who juggle money for a lot of bills and necessary expenses such as food and rent. It really takes a lot on someone to balance and regulate their cash flow especially when there's too much going on.

It becomes harder when someone can’t pay their creditors. I once saw an article discussing failure of paying credit card bills. The author gave various tips on settling their obligations with the credit card companies. She also strongly advised against declaring bankruptcy as this step is detrimental to one’s credit score and its effect will go on for a long time.

Thus, as the article further stated, it is essential to pay your bills on time, especially those that impose penalties and charges for late payment. But sometimes we run out of cash just the time when we need it most. Just to avoid late payment fees, you can avail yourself a payday loan. Or say, for example, you need cash right now to put you through until next payday, then a payday loan will be highly useful for you. This is a short-term loan that can patch your temporary cash need. Facilities like these can make juggling your bills and money obligations much easier.

Do you need a cash advance loan?

During these times of high inflation, sometimes it causes disruptions or even depletion of your bank account. Inasmuch as you want to normalize your cash flow or even spend just the amount that you can afford, there are times that you’ll discover an empty wallet. There are situations that unexpectedly come up and require instant cash such car repair or allowance until the next payday.

If you don’t need a really hefty amount but just the right quantity, you can obtain a cash advance loan. Such financial or lending companies offer quick loans that suit your needs. What’s more, these companies have a more relaxed set of qualifications with regards to your credit status, thus assuring you fast approval. So until waiting for the subsequent payday or just even making sure that you have enough pocket money for that dream vacation, you may avail yourself of such precious help.

The Law of the Garbage Truck

A friend sent this email and thought I’d share it. I learned a lot from it. I'll remember this story everytime someone dumps their garbage at me!

"The Law of The Garbage Truck"

I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!"

This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck." He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so "Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't."

Want To Be More Organized?

I am one person who likes to organize things at all times! Maybe it was because my mom was also such a neat freak that I became one too. I want everything to be in order, spic and span. I would get cranky when I see a dirty floor or used glasses in the bedroom or unwashed plates in the sink.

At regular intervals I would retrieve everything that needs cleaning and organizing. I would buy boxes and baskets so I can identify items that are still being used and those that can be kept away. We have moved houses thrice already and each time it gives me another chance to do spring cleaning.

Some of things that need constant arranging and rearranging for me are finance and legal documents, such as utility bills, credit card bills, copies of birth and marriage certificates, tax and Social Security papers, warranty proofs and the like. These papers just keep on piling and piling up each month and it seems that I am running out of place to keep them!

That’s why home storage solutions serve an important and necessary help for people like me. They offer some of the sturdiest pieces of storage boxes that are acid-free, moisture-resistant and 100% recyclable. They are more lightweight than the traditional materials such as cardboard and wood. You can store important documents, old clothes, toys, tools – anything and everything under the sun. These plastic corrugated boxes prove to be durable and would effectively protect the items stored inside as these are rodent- and insect-proof.

With a good storage tool one can efficiently start organizing and easily put things in order. I’m might have to get one of those for myself.

Seeking Advice on the Probate Process

For matters that are beyond our learning, it is recommended that we consult an expert on the subject. This is to ensure that we make the right and sound decisions and not commit actions that are detrimental.

The recent ship tragedy that affected the country has gone to a level where everything was at a chaos. It was recommended that the victims’ family should confer with lawyers so as to be able to decide correctly and fight for their rights.

For the probate process that can rather be complicated, an heir should seek professional advice. If you’re based in California, the Los Angeles probate lawyers can provide assistance on the whole probate process and services, such as Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, and Estate Planning. They have a long line of attorneys with exceptional qualifications and diverse experiences on probate counseling. They can assist and serve on various legal matters and can help solve problems and impediment during the process.

A lawyer’s help, regardless of the fees that may be required, can prove so much worth. It outweighs the benefits of a peace of mind knowing that you’re in the hands of an excellent lawyer and counsel.

On Wills and Inheritance

During these times when everything and anything unthinkable can happen, we should always be prepared. Ever since I married and became a parent myself, I always take into consideration my family’s welfare. I ensure that they are cared whenever they need it, and maintain their good situation now and into the future.

I guess that for people with more assets in their hands, they need to at the least, maintain wills while they are still living. I can imagine how people with large sums of money in the bank or those with numerous real properties can even distribute their wealth to their spouse, children or other beneficiaries. I’ve heard of stories where adult children are viciously fighting over their parents’ riches, while their parents are still alive!

That’s why wills are very important. This does not only goes for those who are very well-off in life, but for everyone as well. Wills can just not only indicate your wishes regarding the distribution of your wealth after you’re gone, but also practical matters such as your preferences on medical treatment in the event that you won’t be in the capacity to choose.

And when the moment comes that a will is put into use, heirs must wait until the process of wealth distribution or probate is done. This may take time. In the US, there are companies that can provide inheritance advance information. They can provide cash advances or loans to heirs regardless of their financial status. Now that’s easy and hassle-free, not to mention the company’s commitment to fast and secure service. Not only that, they are also well-trained in exceptional and courteous customer service, something that we always love to see.

This is something that anyone awaiting an inheritance can fully benefit from.

The best feeling in the world

I felt the urge to share a text message forwarded by my friend. She said that I'll feel the kilig upon reading. See if you'll feel the same.

What's the best feeling in the world?

It's when you're both sleeping in a cold night...

You turn around, seeing him in his most innocent state,

You kiss him gently, making sure you won't wake him up,

You turn your back and a smile lights up your face,

Suddenly you feel an arm hug your waist, a warm breath on the back of your neck,

Then you hear him say...

"I love you."


So for all the hopeless romantics and everyone with a special someone out there, this is for you.

And I guess more so for those people who have found The One, for I know the little thought above affects you most. It may sound cheesy, but of course, you know how being loved feels like.

'Cause I do...

Finally we're in Multiply!

For sometime I was looking for sites where I can store pictures and share them online. However, I was experiencing difficulties in uploading and many of these sites were offering limited features. My friend Eben recommended that I try Multiply but I was hesitant since Multiply, like Friendster, is restricted only during lunchtime and after office hours.

So last Sunday, I saw the Photostory software on my laptop and I thought of trying of making a slideshow of our wedding pictures, which didn’t work out quite well when I used Windows Movie Maker. I discovered that Photostory is so easy to use and doesn’t occupy much capacity. So with the lesser MB it has, I tried uploading it to my long pending Multiply account and viola, it uploaded successfully.

That was when I started migrating the pictures from Flicker and then uploading some more. Uploading pictures is faster and more convenient by sending it through the Multiply email. It will be directly sent to your own Multiply site.

That’s the time I appreciated Multiply so much. It has more flexibilities and features that other sites don’t offer. I uploaded pictures of our wedding so some of our friends and relatives will finally (!) be able to see our photographer’s shots. I also put in there the Photostory videos of our wedding ceremony and reception. I will still be blogging here at Blogger though but my blog is cross-posted to Multiply so you will be able to view it there also.

That’s why during lunchtime I’m beginning to be busy updating my Multiply.

Visit our Multiply site at http://mikewendy.multiply.com/.

Remembering Jane

While I was rummaging through my office stuff as preparation for our transfer to a lower floor, I saw an old photo. It was a picture of me, Marie, Cita and Jane taken on the eve of Jane’s brain surgery in 2003. It brought back sad memories of a dear friend who had already departed.

A note made by Jane at the back of the photo said:
“Nyt before d operation (14 May 2003) w/ my officem8ts…and
“Kirk”...my favorite stuff toy…”

In the photo: Marie, Jane, me, Cita

Jane was diagnosed of brain tumor in April 2003, though the doctors determined it was benign. I could still remember Jane being so brave about it all. I was telling her of my own experience when I was myself operated back in 2000 for meningioma. I kept telling her to be strong and everything’s gonna be alright the next day, as it was for me.

Her operation was successful. However, as consequence of the tumor that beleaguered her brain, she would have to learn to live a life with severe headaches and seizures. Jane had to regularly take medications to prevent her from having seizures. Just missing one piece of that medicine would mean definite seizure for her. Our common friends have seen her bouts of seizures and they would cry over her during those moments. I haven’t seen her on any of her seizures, but I guess I would have panicked as well.

Last year, Jane’s brother died due to a kidney failure. Jane called me the night her brother died and she was crying. All I could do was utter words of comfort but I know I couldn’t take away the pain she and her family are experiencing. Her brother’s death made Jane realize even more how vulnerable she is herself of her own illness. She was afraid to know the truth that’s why she refused to have her regular checkups with the doctor.

By the time she had to see the doctor because of unbearable headaches, it was when she knew the tumor grew back. I think it grew double than it was the first time. She felt so sad about it. She didn’t even want to tell her parents about it. But her parents noticed her failing health and her frequent headaches.

One day she told me that she had to take an MRI for a further check but she had no budget for it. I told her that as a regular employee of her company, she can’t admit herself in the hospital so that her company’s health insurance will cover her MRI exam. After that I haven’t heard of her. It turned out that she went home in Bataan and eventually she had herself confined to the hospital when one time she refused to wake up. Her mom recounted to me that she was trying to wake Jane up but she wouldn’t. Her tumor had affected her brain to the point that it was already swollen, resulting in her comatose-like condition.

We visited Jane in hospital sometime early this year. It was one of her countless admission to the hospital. She was in the ICU of a Bataan hospital. I could not recognize Jane as her face and body were swollen from the medications administered to her. She also had a lot of rashes as a result also of her medicines. It was an entirely different Jane. We had to take turns to try to talk to her. When one of our friends was whispering to her ear and told her that we were all there to see her, her tears were falling even if her eyes were closed. She was in such in a desolate state.

The first of May I received a phone call from Jane’s mom. I was nervous as I thought I knew what it was about. She was sobbing while telling me the news: Jane has died. It was really heartbreaking.

I could not imagine that she’s really gone. I have lost a dear friend. We had shared so many ups and downs in our lives. I think there was no day I haven’t thought of her since she died. Everytime I pass by Max Brenner in Greenbelt, I would remember the dinners we’ve shared over happy and sad stories. Just even seeing the Greenbelt façade brings back memories of our short but meaningful friendship. It feels like she’s still alive, only we’re not seeing each other.

But at least, she’s no longer suffering.

I'm a Charlotte!

My friend Eben forwarded me a link of a quiz that will determine which Sex and the City character I relate most to. Well, I've always thought I'm a Carrie (I think every girl does!) with her personality and everything that's happened to her. But I guess deep down I'm a Charlotte indeed. Or maybe a combination of Carrie and Charlotte. I guess I'd always have a Carrie in me somehow.

And perhaps the most significant thing that made me a Charlotte? It's still believing in love, after all.

You Are Most Like Charlotte!

You are the ultimate romantic idealist You've been hurt before, but that hasn't caused you to give up on love. If anything, your resolve to fall in love is stronger than ever. And it's this feminine optimism that men find most appealing about you. Romantic prediction: That guy you are seeing (or crushing on)? Could be very serious - if you play your cards right!

Which Sex and the City Vixen Are You?

The French Connection

Last Saturday was Ludo and Ana's wedding. It was a busy week and day for all of us. For me, one of my concerns was my role as a host for the reception program. Reason why I really had to catch Angie and Ogie for their precious skills as makeover queens hehehe! Ogie made me an upswept hairdo and Angie gave me the smoky look. I requested Angie for the smoky eyes and pale lips as I haven't tried it before and I would only trust her to make it on me. I super love Angie and Ogie!!!

I got my makeup done already late. We left Ana's hotel room at the Grand Boulevard at around 2pm, which gives us an hour to get back home, dress up then proceed to the Kingdom Hall. It was such a tight time. Both Mike and I are so stressed with the short schedule. We came in late for the ceremony and it was the first time we were late for a wedding. We didn't like the idea, but the day was so full of hitches and glitches.

Anyway, thankfully the rains stopped that day. It was raining for the past week and it was fortunate enough that the 2 weddings I attended last week (last Tuesday was Franz's wedding), which were both garden weddings, the weather gave way for a dry one.

Ludo and Ana's wedding was nice and fun with the Filipiniana theme and setting. One that I particularly liked was the folk dance performed by the kids of Greenview. Well, I particularly liked Yumi's dancing hehehe! She dances so gracefully, mana sa ina! :)

And as requested by Ana, I was her french-speaking host. I had a difficult time preparing as I was busy with work. I only finished the script that Saturday morning! We had to at least give consideration to the French wedding guests as they understand only a little English. So I had to translate some important portion of the program so they would understand what's going on. Kawawa naman sila if they do not understand a thing diba!

The first lines I spoke in French, the French people applauded for me. I was surprised, I didn't expect that they would appreciate the effort. Perhaps they didn't expect that the program will be partly French, at least it made their lives much easier. They applauded for me twice, first was when I welcomed everybody, the second when I wished them "Bon appetit!" Europeans, I notice, in general, appreciate these little things more that we do.

I actually honestly enjoyed being the host, and practicing my French there as well. It made me realize that I should be continuously sharpening up my French. Sayang din kasi eh. The time I spent in UP majoring in French then not using it as a career. I originally wanted to be a Bethelite in New York or France and work as a translator, but oh well, some plans change. But I'd still want to hone my language skills and be able to help other people by communicating and connecting with them.

Now that I have new French friends, maybe this will be the time I will use my French more. Thus the French Connection!

Here are some of our pictures below:

with my favorite HMUAs in the world, Ogie Rayel and Angie Cruz

mon amour

pose muna for pictures

french-speaking host kunwari

having fun with the bubbles

It's all part of the act

I have been ‘bedridden’ for the past 3 weeks. I have a little pregnancy complication called sub-chorionic hemorrhage. It was seen in my first routine ultrasound last month. I didn’t have spotting yet but internal bleeding in the uterus is where it begins. My OB recommended complete bed rest for 2 weeks along with medications.

I was a bit worried of the situation but my doctor said it happens and it will resolve spontaneously. Good thing, my OB is super nice. She is Dra. Cecilia Reyes of Asian Hospital and Medical Center. She is so accommodating and warm to her patients. We have that kind of doctor-patient relationship that you would really appreciate. She reminds me of my equally great neuro-opthalmologist, Dr. Froilan Inocencio of Makati Medical Center. Dr. Inocencio was the one who operated on me in 2000 when I had meningioma. He is super mabait and funny. I never felt afraid during that difficult time in my health because he would always assure us that everything will be okay. Even after that on my routine consultations with him, he never fails to make me laugh. A good doctor really helps as their main responsibility is not only to heal physically but also psychologically. I’m thankful I’ve found these great doctors. I really like Dra. Reyes as I know I will not a scared come labor and delivery time.

As to my condition right now, I stayed at home for exactly 3 weeks now. I got really really bored even if I was entertained by the TV and I have my laptop with me at home. It is a different feeling if you don’t see anything or anybody else. I just have to be at home and in bed all the time, also avoiding going up and down the stairs. Hay hirap! Akala ko nga I will be falling into clinical depression na eh! For someone who is used to working and getting anywhere and everywhere, it was a total change for me to be just at home. Ok lang kung nasa bahay if I can do chores around the house so I won’t get bored, pero hindi din ako pwede mag-exert ng too much effort. Otherwise, it will bad for the baby and the bleeding might get worse. No wonder, some of the plain housewives I know are ‘desperate’ (this will be discussed in another story ;))

The doctor has given me the green light to resume work next week provided I feel ok and there will be no external bleeding or spotting. Makulit lang ako eh, tumawad ako if I can go back to work. OB is reluctant but I assured her that I won’t tire myself too much and I’m making arrangements for safer and easier travel to and from work. I miss work and my friends in the office. But I have a lot of thinking and contemplating about a lot of things and I guess the sabbatical helped tremendously with so many things.

Right now, there have been a lot of physical changes in my body. I’m also having a lot of nausea and vomiting! The thing I hate. It usually comes 10am-2pm and then again around 10pm-12mn. Galing diba? May oras talaga. It’s a good thing nasa bahay lang ako, pwede ako mag­­-vomit with mega emote hehehe! It’s irritating, you’ve just eaten, tapos you’ll feel like you just wanna throw it all back up. I want to gain at least minimal weight now but OB said that since vomiting and lack of appetite happens at this stage, I should expect no or little weight gain. It is normal and I will probably get back with my appetite in my fourth month. I was asking Tine, who a Registered Dietician, for some diet advice and she said that I could just eat anything since I’m already in my ideal weight.

I also saw Baby Peanut in my ultrasounds. His or her heart beat is really good and strong now and nakakatuwa to hear the heartbeat! He/She is already a human being now! I can't wait to see him/her in 6 months. I just hope that myself and Baby Peanut will be doing fine in the next weeks.

We're pregnant! part deux

It still feels surreal. I’ve only read about this in books and now it’s happening to me. I feel overwhelmed with everything that childbirth and motherhood will entail. I believe that this is a force bigger than me. The responsibilities of parenthood are such so colossal that if you didn’t raise your child well you have seriously failed at that. But under all circumstances, even if you have tried all your best, sometimes children have their mind and decisions of their own.

But why should I even be thinking about that? It’s way too early yet! I’m 5 weeks into the family way and all I have to concentrate on making my baby healthy at his point. Problem with me is that I think super forward. Hahaha! Maybe I’m just intuitive and wanting to anticipate things before they could even happen as long as these are things I can control.

Last Sunday when I made the test and the results came out positive, I had mixed emotions. I was happy and scared at the same time. Happy because finally we’re having a baby. Scared because parenthood I know is a difficult 20-year project (or even a lifetime!).

But more than that, we are very thankful for the precious gift. We are fortunate enough to be given such a blessing to rear and raise a child.

Up to now, I still can’t believe it. The truth hasn’t sunk in yet that we’re going to be parents in 8 months.

The moment I saw the two stripes I was screaming for my hubby to see it. We were laughing, not believing it. Since that time, Mike has been more caring and maasikaso to me (as he usually is), ensuring that I am always safe and comforable.

Right now, I am always conscious of my pregnancy. I would avoid walking too fast or carelessly walking through people as Mench told me that I should not have my tummy hit. The first trimester is delicate that I really have to be careful. I try to eat right by including fruits and vegetables in my meals everytime. I always remember to take my prenatal vitamins and milk. Folic acid and calcium are very important at this time.

I also need to condition my mind about pain. I expect a lot of pain especially during childbirth. Every check-up with the doctor would mean all this tests and examination and all that (every mom would know what these are). Kaya I have to practice "Mind over body". If I don't help myself in managing pain ako din ang mahihirapan. Maybe I need to attend Lamaze or Bradley classes and read books on Pain Management.

And most importantly, I need to be happy all the time. I avoid people who piss me off, baka mapaglihian ko sila hahaha! Dapat si Mike lang titignan ko! Bawal tumingin ng aesthetically unpleasant or those with negative vibes! People who take the energy and positive traits from you - emotional and energy vampires they are. I’m taking Mench’s advice of just being cheerful and having high spirits all the time. That’s why I just want to be with positive people.

I will be doing all these for the next 8 months.

We're pregnant!

Yes we are!

Take a look at the famous two pink lines.

After exactly our first year wedding anniversary, we are conceiving. Talk about being exact as planned.

We're are really happy that there will be a new addition to the family. And Bianca will have a playmate already.

Kuya Mike is excited and hopes that it will be a baby boy. Of course, para may kalaro na sya at kasama sa kakulitan. I could just imagine how dad and son will be as makulit as each other.

We had our first visit to the OB yesterday and so far everything turned out be ok.

I hope that my pregnancy will be alright throughout and that I will be able to overcome the pregnancy and birth pains as I have low pain tolerance. Hahaha!

Above all, I hope our baby will be fine and well.

We thank Jehovah for this wonderful gift.

My cute niece

I'm a doting aunt to my 3-month old niece, Madeline Bianca. She is just so incredibly cute and adorable. She looks a lot like Zappi when she was still a baby.
I'm just simply so smitten with her.

See her pictures below so you'll see why.

Now that she's 3 months old, she responds to the people around her. We regularly see her every week as a week shouldn't pass without visiting her. And everytime I peep into her crib, she always smiles back at me upon seeing me.

Ain't that really heartwarming?

She loves to smile and play with us. At times it seems that she even wants to converse already! Mench said Bianca's like a kuting pag nabababy-talk. Nakakatuwa talaga! She also likes it pag ginugulat sya.

Funny, last Sunday, Mom attempted to give Bianca a bath. But maybe because Lola is not duly authorized to bathe her, Bianca was crying all throughout her bath. I videoed the whole thing and I don't know what to feel. Nakakatawa the way Mom bathed her but nakakaawa si Bianca 'coz she's crying at the top of her lungs! May luha pa talaga!

Hay naku Bianca!

It's our first year wedding anniversary!

Bid me discourse,

I will enchant thine ear;

Or like a fairy, trip upon the green;

Or like a nymph, with long, dishevelled hair,

Dance on the sands, and yet no footing seen.

Love is a spirit all compact of fire

Not gross to sink, but light, and will aspire.

- William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616)

English poet and playwright

I love you mahal!

I still have the fever

My blog friend, Wella, has been kidding me that I still write about weddings in my blog. Perhaps I feel like I'm an aspiring wedding coordinator, or I just simply love weddings.

I still have the hangover on my own wedding almost a year ago.

Just yesterday, I was surfing the Net looking at the sites and craving at the creations of Dino Lara, Mimi and Karl, Cecilio Abad and Veluz Reyes.

Their works are just soooo great I think I am already salivating.

Why do I still have the fever? I certainly do not know, but definitely there a lot of reasons.

Perhaps because I will be attending 4 weddings this year (I think the most I've attended in a year and at one of which I was tapped to be the emcee! Whewwwww!).

Perhaps I'm a frustrated or aspiring wedding coordinator (I have been urging a sister-in-law to choose a burgundy or wine red and gold motif for her December wedding, gave a friend a lot of wawie tips for her 080808 wedding and gave her the contact number of my favorite makeup artists Angie and Ogie).

Perhaps I love up dressing up on the nines for occassions.

Perhaps I enjoy the friendships I made with my favorite suppliers and keep on recommending them to engaged friends.

Perhaps, I just love reminiscing about my wedding over and over again. It was the moment I felt I was at my prettiest (they say a woman is at her most beautiful on her wedding day. Walang kokontra! Hehehe!). It was indeed the happiest day of my and Mike's lives.

I could still remember every detail of that day as if it happened just yesterday.

And perhaps because, in 2 days, it will be our first wedding anniversary. Maybe my mind and body is in the same feelings and senses as it was on the same day in 2006.

That is, having the wedding fever and wanting to get married all over again.

Of course, to Mike pa rin! Nobody else.