8th Month! For Real!

Yes, our baby girl is already eight months!

At this rate, she'll be already seven years old by tomorrow! Hehe!

I hope that I will never miss a single milestone in her life, whether it's rolling on her tummy, walking, going to school, graduation, dating, etc.

I never thought I'd be a stay at home mom, but somehow I'm glad that I am (at least for the time being) because that means I get to spend almost the entire 24 hours with her.

She's such a character and yes, as early as now, she's showing strong personalities.

By eight month, she now:
1. Has said: Dada, Mama, Papa, Tata, Yaya, Baba. Aba;
2. Learned: High Five, Shake Hands, Close Open, Wave and Clap (if she's in the mood);
3. Has mastered rolling;
4. Is mastering crawling, sitting up from lying position;
5. Can stand on her own while holding on to the sides of her playpen;
6. Is eating solids;
7. Is learning how to drink from a sippy cup...and unsuccessful; and
8. Attends swimming lessons and enjoying it.

I'm sure I've forgotten to write everything down but in my books, these are blog-worthy achievements. :) Yes, I'm a stage mama, sue me! :p

Missoni for Target!

We are missing the launch by two weeks!! That sucks!

I like a lot of items from the collection that it's also good that I won't be in the US when they hit the stores!

From clothes, accessories, kids clothes, linens, plates, trays, etc! How you can not drool and swoon?

I want the boots (like I will ever use it, right?), umbrella (it's super hot here in Dubai), some dresses, top, cardigan and jacket. As well as anything for Maddie. A set of linen, plates, glasses, or trays and the frames.

Oh, the travel organizers too.

Sigh.

I guess I'll wait until they become available online, if they ever get online.

Enjoy!




















Source: http://ology.com/fashion-and-beauty/zomg-entire-missoni-target-collection-here

Maid = Headache

After months of processing, favors and money spent to bring her to Dubai, now she told me to just fly her home. WTF?!

Ok, she's old, ancient in fact, so I guess I am to blame there too.

When I talked to her about bringing her here, I had no other option, no other nanny/maid I trust that I can bring here, so I asked her if she wants to come with us and she said yes. We agreed on all the terms, salaries, vacations, duties, etc. In short, we're good to go.

To make the looooooooooong story short, she finally get her visa and can finally join us here.

After ONE freaking week, she told me to just send her home because her arthritis is really bad and that she's embarrassed that she's not doing anything much here.

I told her it's ok, she can rest. Asked her also if her work load is too much, she haughtily replied that it's nothing compared to what she does in Manila.

So there you go, your work load isn't much yet you want me to send you back and start paying me Php 2,000 a month for the next 6 years?!

F*cking sh*t! If only I can drop you off to sea and let you swim all the way back to where you came from! But no, we've spent so much on you, asked countless favors, hassled so many people to help us bring you here just to send you back after a week.

Oh yeah, I think you're just pretending.

The Great Sale

We just went nuts over the crazy prices of designer clothes! They ended up cheaper than H&M shirts already on sale! Imagine labels like Moschino, YSL, Balenciaga, Pucci, Bottega, Ferretti, Opening Ceremony, Paul Ke, Stella McCartney, etc!

I would have loved to overhaul my wardrobe with these designer pieces! LOL!

It also did some good for me, I find Zara prices now expensive! Hahahaha!

We're Back!

The family is now back in Dubai. We've actually been here for a month, flew back to Manila to attend my Grandmom's 80th birthday, as well as apply for Maddie's US Passport. And now we're back...with my Mom. :)

The baby girl is now almost six months and I still can't believe how fast time flies.

Our first month in Dubai was a struggle. Actually, only the first two days were. We think she's adjusting and therefore ended up being fussy and won't eat or sleep like she used to.

Maddie can easily turn now. She's learning how to sit up and there are days when she can sit on her own without falling flat on her face or on her side for 30 seconds.

She started on solids as well, rice cereals first, then now she's alternating with shredded carrots, potato, pumpkin and chayotte. And so far, she seems to like the vegetables.

We think she's teething too, we can see her grinding her gums together, drooling more and eating anything vigorously.

My mom's here for 20 days and flying back tomorrow. She's such a big help to us. Thank God for wonder moms!

Motherhood and I

I popped on my 40 weeks and 2 days to a healthy baby girl, as we've expected. :)

I've always loved babies and kids ever since I can remember. So I know that when it's my time to be blessed with a baby that I will give her/him my all.

I was in labor for 19 hours, three of which was in the

Delivery Room. Yes, it was looooong! I've always thought that I have high tolerance for pain but nothing prepared me for the pain that I experienced! To those moms who gave birth without epidural, kudos to you all!

I asked for the epidural when I was already 5cm. The pain was just too much, I was already crying and also begging them to perform C-Section o

n me! Haha!

All the pain was gone as soon as I felt my baby girl come out and heard her cry. All I wanted was to see her and hold her. Made sure she was ok.

I will never forget the feeling when I first heard her cry, it was indescribable. And it's not a cliche when people say that all the pain is worth it when you see her. Because it truly is!

I just know that I will protect my baby girl with

everything I have.

Maddie is now three months and she's such a happy baby! (knock wood x3!)

She's a good baby too, gets fussy only when hungry and needs diaper change. (knock wood x3!)

She looks mostly like Steve but when she's chubby, she looks like me! Unfair, I know...but she's a cute baby, so I'm not complaining. :)

So...I'm proud to say that I'm one of the moms who will be celebrating Mother's Day this coming Sunday!

To all the moms out there, Happy Mom

's Day to us all!

To my Mom, Happy Mom's Day to the best Mom! If I can be half as good as you, I'd be happy already! I love you so much!

P.S. I have no idea where the underline came from and how I can take it out. Ctrl + U doesn't work. Boo.

38 Weeks and Counting

Yes! Our baby girl is a full term baby now! :)

She can come out any time now but as per our OB, she's still high. Baby's going to take her sweet time in making her grand entrance. She knows many are eager to meet her. :)

I can't believe it has been eight months or so already since we found out we're pregnant. Such a wonderful surprise and still can't believe that I'm carrying a precious life inside me. Even if it feels like she's rearranging everything inside me, I'm sure once she's out, I'll miss the rumble in my tummy. But then, I'd get to see her squirm, stretch, kick, fuss, etc. So exciting!!

Will start walking now, but not too hardcore, I'm hoping she'll come out on February 3, not before. But we'll see, only her and God know when the arrival date is. We're all just here waiting.

Ah, the waiting! It feels like forever! If I was saying that it didn't feel like eight months have gone by, the last couple of weeks feel like months!! But I guess it works out well, because I'm still not done with her room, not done with having her clothes, towels, etc. washed, and no nanny yet. So yes, Maddie's making sure mommy's done with everything before she comes out. Good girl. :)

I'm really just thankful that God has been with us all throughout the pregnancy and praying that everything will be as smooth until the end.

Haven't seen the baby girl yet, but she's captured my heart already, what more when I meet her. *sigh*

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011!

Happy New Year, everyone!! May the new year bring out all the best in us and bring in what's best for us.

I can't believe that 2010 is over, it feels like it zoomed by so fast!

There are so many blessings that my family and I received that I am so thankful for.

And the blessing that I am most thankful for is our baby girl I'm carrying inside me. She's an answered prayer. We've waited so long for her and soon she'll be with us.

At 33 Weeks.

I'm now 36 Weeks, 2 Days. A few more days and I'll be full term already, meaning baby girl can come out anytime after that. :)

Baby's room is starting to get in order, but still have a lot of things to be done. Cleaned/wiped all the drawers and cabinets already. Will get her clothes and stuffs washed starting tomorrow.

Will start checking out cribs by next week and buy everything else we need as well. Although, I think it's wiser to just buy the rest once she comes out.

Steve's staying a few more days here, then flying to Dubai for a week and come back again until I pop and beyond. :)

Still got lots of planning to do, but all's good.

My lower back is killing me now, and waking up almost every two hours at night is such a pain. Stretch marks have appeared and they are getting really itchy lately. Good news is, my tummy has reached its maximum size. Also, there shouldn't be any weight gain until I pop.

2011 is off to a good start, I'm sure it's going to be a wonderful ride. :)

Alrighty, just want to wish you all a blessed 2011!

32 Weeks

For some pregnant women, it feels like they've been pregnant forever. For me, it feels like it was just yesterday when I saw + sign on the Pregnancy Test Kit. Yes, I've been lucky so far, the pregnancy has been quite a breeze *fingers crossed*. I'm really thankful that I didn't experience the morning sickness, cravings, and all that.

I may be experiencing Acid Reflux + Heartburn now, but I still think this is nothing compared to what other moms-to-be are experiencing or have experienced.

Oh, I'm feeling the leg cramps too but got no one to whine to. :(

Ah, yes, 32 Weeks now, 8 more weeks left...or even 6 weeks, because the doctor said it can be pretty much anytime the 37th week. I'm excited and scared, mostly excited though. Scared only because I still don't know if I want normal or c-section.

And here's our Baby Girl at 31 Weeks 5 Days.

I wish Steve was with me when I had the scan, it was such an amazing experience. I've shown him all the video clips already, but it's still not the same.

Missing him a lot, but I think he'll be here in a week for the weekend. Can't wait to see him. Ticket is bloody expensive though. :(

We'll soon fix the baby room, scheduling the repainting already and will slowly buy the furniture for the room. :)

Oh, I've gained 32lbs. already! Holy crap! I hope I don't reach 40lbs!

Hello from Manila!

Yes, finally in Manila. Been here since the 14th and has been quite busy since, mostly eating out and shopping for the baby.

Haven't even met up with the girl friends!

Steve flew back to Dubai last night, so sad, never been apart for longer than a week since we got married. Can't wait to have him back. Counting down the days until Baby Girl and I can be with him.

Staying at the parental's house now, in my old room. :)

Guess what, I'm on my 31st Week today! Time flies!! Our doctor said it's pretty much a waiting game after the 37th Week, that's only six weeks from now!

I know I'm excited to see our Baby Girl, not sure I'm excited about the labor and all that.

Baby Girl's more active too, but no more kicks, her movements feel more like stretching and rolling and jumping. Or even feels like dancing, shaking her fists here and there. :)

Sorted out her stuffs we got from Dubai and boy, she's got enough newborn outfits to last her a month without repeats! And we're still expecting boxes from the US! LOL!

So yes, no more shopping for newborn stuffs. Will wait until she gets bigger then Mommy shall update her wardrobe. That would be so much fun!

Steve and I had a pregnancy photo session too. Haven't seen the shots yet and will have to go back with some props. Can't wait to see them.

Oh, my feet/ankles and fingers are kind of swollen since I arrived here. I think my body was so used to just sitting at home with my feet up that when I got here and walked around, it swelled up. :p

It's almost December now! And that means days will come and go faster than any other days!

So exciting!!

28th Week!

I'm officially in my 3rd trimester now! 28 weeks down, 12 weeks more to go.

Baby, as much as we're all excited to see you, hold you, kiss you, hug you, cuddle you...you still have to stay inside mommy's tummy and get more cooked, alright? Punch and kick mommy all you want, I'll just poke you if you're hurting me. ;)

Nine days left before I fly back home! Packing starts this week. Looking forward to the busy weeks ahead! I don't think I can be a lazy ass anymore when I get back, I think I'll get an earful from mom! :D

Steve's flying back with me on the 14th (yes, we're celebrating our 4th Year Anniversary up in the sky!) and staying perhaps for couple of weeks, but he has to be in Korea for three nights while in Asia.

So not looking forward to weeks without him. :( Yes, I'm pregnant, hormonal, emotional and clingy. Sue me. :p

Still haven't ironed out his schedule but we're hoping it's not going to be a problem. He'll be racking up those miles from November to whenever I will fly back to Dubai.

Ok, back to happy thoughts.

Aside from the acid reflux, my insomnia is back! 2nd trimester is indeed the best trimester of a pregnancy!

My Fit Flops are my feet's best friends right now. Too flat-soled shoes just kill my feet.

At 27+ weeks.

We've also selected the name for our baby girl. And we've been calling her that already.

She kicks and moves around more, which I love! I get paranoid when I don't feel her kicks and punches as much.

As per babycenter.com, she's as big as a small cabbage (17 inches, 2.9 lbs.) :) Her brain is forming, fats are accumulating under her skin too, she can flutter her eyes now on top of sucking, hiccuping, punching and kicking.

Baby at 28 Weeks. (She's not ours, :p)

She can hear more clearly too, so we've been talking to her more. Steve likes to jiggle my tummy whenever and baby responds. :) She kicked him in the head too! Haha!

I thought I can go to Hong Kong when I fly back to Manila but that will no longer push thru, so mom will just have to buy Roasted Goose/Duck for me. It's not the same, but gotta take what I can have. :)

Off to check out baby furniture today so Steve will know what and where to buy before baby and I fly back here.

I think my insomnia is also because of my excitement, flying back, baby's upcoming arrival, layout of her room and yes, still renovating our house in my mind.

Anyway, all is good and praying that it stays as good for the next 12 weeks.

See you all soon!! :))

Lanvin x H&M

Mark November 23 on your calendars!

If Jimmy Choo x H&M got people to camp outside the mall overnight, I think this one will too.

The dresses are quite pretty, there are a few that I want, but it's quite expensive for an H&M dress. Well, ok, it's by Elbaz.

So I'll settle for the shirts instead. Except, I won't be here anymore for the launch. And there's no way I'll camp out or be in the store before it opens, so even if I was still here, I probably won't score anything from this collaboration. Boo.

Here's the collection and the prices, enjoy! :)

Acid Reflux, Go Away!

And you too, heartburn!

These two have been keeping me up at night for the past three weeks. But mostly the acid reflux.

It's such an uneasy feeling:

• Very gaseous (probably can burp 100 times!);
• Feels like vomit is stuck in your throat;
• Feels like something heavy is on your chest; and
• You can't sleep!

However, given that the rest of the pregnancy was a breeze, I guess I shouldn't complain. I'm just saying.

Will have to ask the doctor for something to take when it attacks. It only happens at night, when I go to bed.

Now, I'm off for a nap.

Down to These Two. Which One?

Been wanting to get a new camera for a while now and was too lazy to read and compare the reviews, but thanks to Pinky, I've narrowed it down to these two:

Panasonic Lumix LX5

Canon S95

I want something with SLR quality shots minus the size, weight and price.

I want something that's compact and light, as my bag is already heavy as it is.

I want something that will not require hours for me to get used to the settings, etc.

So, Steve and I went to the mall today and checked out the options, S95 is out of stock. Boo.

But I was able to look at the LX5.

• I like the style/design.
• It's light.
• It's bigger than my current camera but I can live with the size difference.
• It has the option for a manual setting, maybe similar to an SLR?
• Price is affordable.

If only there was an S95 today, probably would have made up my mind already.

To the camera lovers out there, which of the two should I get? :)

So Many Things To Do

It's that time of the year again where days are getting shorter and shorter each day.

Have you guys started your gift shopping yet? I'm probably a third done...it's a start but still has a long way to go.

I want to finish everything before we head back but from how things are progressing, might have to complete the list when I'm in Manila.

I'm also figuring out which items to buy from here for the baby. Mind you, I bought clothes, stroller, car seat, bouncer, etc. from the US as everything there is so much cheaper. Essentials will have to be bought in Manila.

So what am I even thinking of buying here? Baby toiletries (Mustella, Pigeon and Sebamed). As well as furniture, changing table/cabinet. Shipping wouldn't cost that much, I think. Should I even bother buying that here or just get it from Manila?

Ikea

Pottery Barn Kids

I haven't started packing my stuffs yet, and I will have to pack a lot as we'll be in Manila for several months! I just don't know where to start...clothes, shoes, bags, etc.

This post sounds like I'm ranting, I'm actually not. I'm really just excited and looking forward to everything. Though it doesn't help that I have so much time in my hands right now yet not doing much. :p

On a happier note, Steve's glad that our baby is a morning person. I sleep like a log that I don't even feel him touching my tummy in the morning! Daddy and Baby share quiet moments in the morning and baby kicks and somersaults for daddy. :)

One morning when I woke up...

Steve: Good morning, guess what, our baby is a morning person.

Me: Really? *still half asleep*

Steve: Yeah! *lower his head to my tummy and whispers*: Good girl, don't be like mommy, ok?

Me: *went back to sleep*

Haha! :)

We shall soon have a name for the baby. :)

October? Already?

Yes! And I want it to be over soon! There's just so much to look forward to in the next couple of months!

If I were to have a countdown on everything, these are:

1. Countdown to our flight back to Manila (November 14, for now).

2. Countdown to the arrival of the box (hopefully December).

3. Countdown to the Holidays (82 days or 81 days?).

4. Countdown to due date (EDD January 27).

So yeah, the baby girl and I have a little over a month left before we head back to Manila. I haven't bought all the essentials yet, checked out the stores here and I think I'll just get most of them from the US or Manila.

But I did get her some dresses over the weekend. And a pack or two of onesies.

We've also bought a pram/stroller for her. Can't beat the price of the Bugaboo Frog. Had to take it while there's still stock available. This one took some thinking, we originally wanted the Bee, then we went in for a demo and wanted the Cameleon instead, however, there was a markdown on the Frog, a significant one, so that sealed the deal. :)

I've already bought some dresses and shoes online for her, and everything will be arriving in December, if I make the cut-off. Which reminds me, have to finalize my cart at target.com.

When I go back, I have to fix the baby room as well. Having the walls repainted, get new curtains, and fix anything and everything that has to be fixed. So so exciting!

I've also renovated our entire house, in my mind. Hahaha! If only it's as easy as that!

I have to finish my Holiday shopping list too, I've already started a month ago but still has a lot more to buy!

I'm sure after the Holiday rush, everything will be on fast forward. :)

We're still in the process of choosing names for the baby girl but we've narrowed it down already, so she'll have a name soon. :)

Oh, we have two babies arriving in the group! Can't wait to see baby Ethan Riley and Baby Anj/Baby Les! Will you see babies soon! :)

Ok, gotta find something to make myself busy with. :p

Big Three Oh

Yes, I no longer have "2" in my age. But, I have so much to be thankful for as I turn 30.

I have received the most wonderful gift I can ever ask for, a baby girl. We just have to keep on praying that everything goes smoothly from here on.

I have the most amazing family and friends who love me unconditionally.

I have the most wonderful husband who spoils me and loves me dearly.

If turning 30 means having all these, then I can't wait to turn 40, not! :p

Our Manila trip was short, 10-day visit is just not enough to do everything I want to do.

1. Meet up with all my friends.
2. Massages.
3. Eat.
4. Pampering sessions.

But, we'll be back soon, in two months to be exact. And this time, I'm staying longer. :)

Haven't bought anything yet for our baby girl, holding it off until next month. For now, it's browsing and window shopping. Which reminds me, I have to ask G for her baby items checklist!

I'm trying to convince Steve to swim with me, I need to start exercising and I think swimming would be the best.

Tomorrow we're off to Kinokuniya to buy story books that I can read to our baby, as well as to check more baby names.

Really excited for this wonderful journey ahead.

It's Baby Girl for Us :)

We did our "20th" week scan yesterday, my 19w2d. And found out that we're having a baby girl! :)

All along, I thought/felt/knew we're having a boy! Imagine my surprise when the doctor said, you're having a girl! I had to ask, girl? Are you sure? Teehee!

Our baby girl :)

But it was really an amazing experience, seeing her active and moving, real time. We saw her opening her mouth, sucking her thumb, opening and closing her hands, forming a fist, rubbing her eyes. I wish we have an ultrasound machine at home so we can see the baby all the time! LOL!

We are now in the process of selecting baby names, although we already have a strong candidate, we are still keeping our options open. :)

I can feel the baby's movement since last week, it feels like my stomach is dropping. Hahaha! But all's good. She can kick and move and fuss around all she wants! :)

Will hold off on buying any baby items until I get to my 6th month. Imagine all the lovely stuffs I can get for her!! So exciting! :)

Steve's already imagining the boys that he will have to scare away and bully! Hahaha!

And tonight, we are flying off to Manila to see family and friends! Yey!

Will be celebrating my birthday there and I already have the best birthday gift I can ever ask for. :)

Happy 15th! :)

I'm on my 15th week pregnancy today. We went in for our regular checkup and today we get to see the baby's spine and ribs, and other parts too, of course. :)

Mom was with us today so she got to see the baby move around, heard the heartbeat and see today's cool technology.

To say that this pregnancy came as a surprise is an understatement.

We have been trying to conceive for years, and this is already our 3rd pregnancy. So we're praying hard that everything turns out well this time.

We never expected to conceive naturally and definitely not right after our 2nd failed pregnancy. Was ready to start a new cycle and all. But God has other plans. A beautiful plan. :)

First trimester went by like a flash. Albeit all the worries and fears of losing this one again. I even lost .4 kgs. However, in a span of two weeks, I've gained 3kgs! Mom is visiting, so I've been eating lots of home-cooked meals. Yes, I'm blaming mom for the weight gain, hahaha!

Steve's been really good. Always looking after me and making sure I don't do anything stupid (tire myself, walk too much, lift stuffs, eat right). He's going to be a wonderful dad.

In less than five weeks, we're going back for the "20th" week scan. It's one of the three/four important scans during pregnancy. And we'd get to see the gender of the baby too! :)

Everything is so exciting! Not too thrilled about the weight gain but as long as the baby is healthy and well, no complaints!

Never, never underestimate the power of prayers. I know that this wouldn't happen without God' blessing. It is true that everything happens according to God's plan.

Thank you. Thank you.

Another Bag?!

This is just so pretty.

Mixing bow and studs/spikes is just brilliant!

3.1 Phillip Lim Edie

Edie as seen on Rachel Bilson

I would get this 3.1 Phillip Lim Edie bag over the Alexander Wang Rocco bag anytime...if I were to get one. I've reached my spending quota already for the year. So, just saying. :)