Bday Preps #1

Yes, our little one is turning 1 already in exactly 1 month and 4 weeks as our ticker says. (found at the right sidebar).

A and I decided that we will just make it simple. A party in a regular fast food store will suffice since Jared still don't know how to enjoy his own party. We are only targeting 100 pax (adults and kids combined).

So, before the sun sets in today, I started to inquire in the nearest fast food (the happy bee) in our place. I checked on the available themes to choose from and there are only 3 options. I learned that the minimum booking is 30 pax. We can bring cake of our choice but should NOT be the brand of their direct competition. Cake from not-so-commercial bakeshop will do but it's a Big No to eat the cake during the party. It's only for candle blowing and picture taking purpose. Well, this is acceptable since they avoid being blamed for food poisoning issues and if such thing happens, the only culprit will be the food served from their store and nothing else.

There are 4 Food Packages to choose from, well, technically 5 since the other one is Build-Your-Own-Menu.
From the packages, I can sense that we might will go for Package 5 (Build Your Own).

I could say, it's a blessing in disguise that we were not able to book for a face painter because the store does not allow it. They only allow Videographers and Photobooth. And it will cost us additional 200/hour for electricity for our Photo booth. Yes! We are having Photo booth too for Jared's birthday. hehehe. Similar to our wedding, Photo booth pictures will serve as souvenirs for his party. Actually, the Photo booth was the first supplier booking we had in preparation for Jared's 1st Birthday. We booked it last year pa! hahaha. (Adik lang mga parents pagdating sa photos. :P )

Ok, as the Q & A portion went on, I was surprised that it will really cost me almost 19K for 100 pax. Complete Birthday Package na ito.

• Food
• Party Fee (Misc) - Mascot with 30 mins appearance, guestbook, crayons, balloons (ceiling displays)
• Party Add-Ons (Party hats, party liners or the paper placements, 30 pcs. balloons (P12/pc for add ons)
• Special Loot Bags (P50/pc) - The Standard is P25, Premium is P80
• Cake - Only small and regular size available. Regular size is 900.

So If our guests will exceed 100 (I'm sure it will) then we will be over 20K budget! Waaahhh!!! Kami na lang kayang 3 magcelebrate. hahaha.

If we are to book with the happy bee, then my choice of having a themed cake like on his baptismal will never be possible anymore since they don't allow it. No famous characters or brandings allowed like mickey mouse, barney, ben10, etc. If we are to insist to bring in our cakes, the general designs will be acceptable. Hmm....ayos na rin....we can have a 12 x 8 in cake at 900 only. Tipid! :P

Well...this is just my initial inquiry. Will ask the pizza store nearest our place maybe this weekend. As for the the other happy clown store, the nearest is in Market Market, while the nearest chicken store is in Fort.

On this preparations, I will have to remind myself again and again of our Goal. Just a SIMPLE birthday celebration.

Let go of the nice and fancy loot bags.
Let go of the clowns.
Let go of the face painter
Let go of the party carts.
Let go of the balloon toy making.
Let go of catering service.
Let go of the professional photographer and videographer.

Hahaha...so far, I'm on track. (Can someone give me a pat on my back pls.)

Again, the photo booth is already booked so that's not counted as "Kaartehan". :P

More update on next posts.

Need to sleep for now.

Perpective 06: Zzzzzz

I never get tired of staring at him since the day he came to my life. Looking at him while sleeping is my favorite pass time. And each moment brings me to simple bliss. For couple of days now, his been agitated and upset. All because of HERPANGINA - is a viral illness that involves ulcers and sores (lesions) inside the mouth, a sore throat, and fever.

Symptoms

• Fever
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Sore throat, or painful swallowing
• Ulcers in the mouth and throat, and similar sores on the feet, hands, and buttocks

According to his Pedia, Dra. N, this type of illness is something that we just have to go through like chickenpox and let it cure overtime. Just use paracetamol to stop fever.

Poor boy. He can't sleep well. He's irritated. He can't swallow and eat the way he used to. He even rejected my boob and keeps on drooling. It must be painful every time he swallows. And to top it all, he's been bawling and wailing non-stop, reason he has hoarse voice now.

It's a tiring day and night not only for him but for us. For all of us including A, and my Mom. Good Heavens, he is doing well now. He starting to smile and laughs at us again when we play with him and little by little, he drinks his milk (still through feeding bottle). I hope when I offer my boob tonight, he will now accept it.

Rest well my sweetie. Mommy will not go to work until you get well.

Finally....Sweet Slumber

Wish List

Christmas is just around the corner...Bilis!!! Ilang tulog na lang. This is the first time I will be bold in telling what I want to get hopefully this coming holidays. Apart from Christmas, this month, will be celebrating our 2nd Wedding Anniversay on the 19th and my Birthday on the 27th. So, I hope, some of those in my list will be granted this month. *cross fingers*

And the list goes....

 My Wish List:
1. iPhone 3GS white butterfly case or
2. iPhone 3GS black and pink butterfly case or
3. iPhone 3GS case in Neon Pink, Green or Orange ^__^
4. iPad 2 with Pink casing! syempre!
5. iPhone USB cable...please, I badly need a new one!
6.1 Anne Klein Gold Watch Charm
6.2 Anne Klein Garden Watch Charm (can be Fossil Watch Charm too :p)
7. Estee Lauder Pleasures Perfume
8. blazer of that type
9. Kor Bottle
10. Knomo Serra Trolley Laptop Bag (I really need this one or at least a durable laptop trolley bag!)
11. pink floral shoes ^__^
12. Nude or Beige pumps
13. Red strap shoes ^__^
14. Out of the country getaway.
15. Longchamp Travel Bag (syempre pink pa rin! :P)
16. A trip to the Salon for a new hair color. (This time I want dark brown)
17. Pearl Necklace
18. A bouquet of my favorite chocolate! (Ferrero Rocher)
19. Boracay!!! Or a beach vacation
20. Cruise!!!! Can start at Asian Cruise :P
21. A relaxing body massage. Can be couple massage para kasama si Hubby. :-)

And for my baby boy....I hope he gets the following. Ninongs and Ninangs!!! Please take note of these!!!!

1. Stackable Toys
2. Shape Shaper
3. Diaper Supply!!! Pwede 1 year supply? Baby J uses Mamy Poko brand.
4. Stroller Pad
5. Ball (for now, soft ball muna kasi he is still so young)
6. Baby pants with cute animal bottoms
7. Baby Bedding (I want of green color or with animal designs)
8. Baby Car!!!
9. More white sandos

Wishing someone will respond to these wish list!!!

1st Parteeehh!!!! part 2: The Cake

As mentioned in my previous entry, the chosen theme for our son's dedication is "Angry Birds".

First, I tried and inquire from our trusted local bakeshop Goldilocks and Red Ribbon to check if they have already theme cake for Angry Birds but apparently...None. They only have the regular baby cakes , disney, cars and Ben 10 cakes for boys. And so, the search for a good patissier (Pastry Chef) started. Knowing Multiply and Sulit, I've search and search for suppliers doing customized cake. Also bumped to a theme cake supplier "Cakes R Us" in Megamall whom the owner was very accommodating and helpful. I almost seal the deal with Cakes R Us, however, someone pledge to get my son his Angry Bird theme cake and so, sad to say, I have to backed out and withdraw my order.

I already have a sample Angry Bird Cake that I want the cake supplier to copy or at least customized for us. It's just a simple 8" cake. Not a fan of styro layered cakes! For me, all should be edible! :P
At first, I was thinking of having cupcake tower cakes with 8" cake on top. However, again, due to budget constraint, I have to limit my choices. *Sigh*

I even tried to look of a caterer who can do all the package from food, cake, tarpaulin and party favors similar to what Max's Restaurant offers. But even if caterers are willing to have such package, still, they won't be able to do customized theme cake.

And so upon searching, inquiries here and there, exchange of emails from one supplier to another, I settled and chose Icings 'n' Sprinkles. The owner, Anna Yap has suggested a theme angry bird cake design she already did for her previous client and showed it to me if I want it that way too. With the limited time left to place the order and decide, I said Yes to the available Angry Bird cake design. It is not made of fondant and gum paste molding but she promised me that same tasty and shelf-life quality will be preserved.

True enough, the cake was beautifully tasty. Everything edible. Well, except for the sticks that holds the Angry Bird cookie and the letters. c",)

I loved the chocolate cake. It's not too sweet and moist. The soft texture, just right. The icings are my favorite...it's really so yummy!!! The cookies, though hard (as expected) is delicious too!
If I am to rate, 5 the highest, it will be:

Presentation & Design: 4
Taste: 5 
Customer Service: 3
Peso Power: 4 (At P1,250 or approximately 29 USD, I find it sulit)

Here's the cake made by Icings 'n' Sprinkles

Munching on the Angry Bird cookie after the party!!! :P

Happy Mommy

Can I be just a Stay At Home Mom (SAHM)?

Wow! It's been 7 weeks now of my mommyhood! Yey! I'm surviving each day of dirty diapers, less sleep pa lang at night (wag naman sanang sleepless nights), alburuto/ligalig moments (alburuto means agitated) and sore nipples but I'm still equally happy and contented.

In 2 weeks time, I will be returning for work. *Sigh*
Can I just be a Stay at Home Mom (SAHM) like some of my friends? *Sigh again*
I don't want to leave my so cute baby at home. Feeling ko, even if I go to office, my mind will be at home thinking of my baby. How is he? If he has been fed on time. If he burps after each feeding. If he squirms and cry before sleeping. If this and if that... Aaaarrrggghhhh!!! Grabe, totoo pala yung mga narinig kong testimonies of my friends who had babies. You can't just let someone look after your baby when you're at work. Mas gusto mo pa rin na hands-on ka on your baby.

We're lucky because my mom agrees to stay with us to help me look after our baby. We have been blessed as well because we didn't get a hard time looking for our house-help to take care of all the house chores. But even if with Mama with us, I am proud to say, I am all hands-on to baby Jared.

Hay (Sigh), If only A's salary can cover all of our expenses, or better say GROWING EXPENSES, I will definitely wear my SAHM hat. But for now, I have to go back to work and help out A to provide for our family.

At 7 weeks, our baby has grown so fast!!! We believe he is now at between 7-8kgs. He doesn't look like a 7-wk old baby but a 4-month old one. Hahaha!!! Super takaw kasi. As in!!! His Pedia said his brain has developed faster than regular babies at his age by the behaviors he is showing us. We are really thankful to God for giving us such a wonderful child. We are confident baby Jared is intellectually gifted too just like his parents!!! : P

Aaaawww, just by looking at him now (Baby Jared, sleeping while I create this entry) my heart melts.
Well, who wouldn't be?

Photo taken on Aug. 17, 2011.. Playtime with Mommy... Baby Jared is a certified Happy Baby!

Photo take on Aug. 18, 2011. It's a bit gloomy weather that is why lightning is not so good. :D Baby Jared loves it when we talk with him and he replies with a cooing sound!!! Kakatuwa!

Sharing my side: August is breastfeeding month

I am a month-old nursing Mom and counting....

I already talked about my experience on breastfeeding on this entry but let me continue and share some more since August is the month of breastfeeding.

My son, Aedan Jared is a vigorous sucker. It is painful everytime I feed him. My nipples are sore (as always since day 1). Even if he latched on properly, still, the pain is there. There are times he will bite on my nipples and Boy oh Boy, that is really painful. Recently (about 2 weeks ago, apart from biting), he learned to pull my nipples when he is upset or when he tries to get his best position to sleep (He do this everytime inaantok na sya) Hay naku! Talaga naman! Napapasigaw ako.

My MIL (Mother in Law) used to teased me na "Nag-aaway na naman kayong mag-ina..."

I tried putting on nipple cream to help ease the pain and soreness. It works, yes, but as mentioned, everytime I feed my son, the pain is there as well because he is indeed a vigorous sucker. As what I read from books, babies who suck vigorously are also called "Barracudas". Dabbing on my very own milk on my cracked and sore nipples helps and actually heals them. Yun nga lang, nasusugat ulit.

I have been away from home and my baby for more than 3 times now. My baby fed on extracted milk from which I pumped out manually from my boobies and put in the fridge so A and I can have our "US" time. Being away from home for several hours resulted to big, swollen, hard and painful breasts or termed as "breast engorgement". With this condition, we need to immediately go home. And when we get home, I still need to rest at least 30mins before I can feed baby J or pumped the milk out just to be relieved from pain. But pain does not stop after pumping out milk, it is still there. A throbbing and itchy feeling combined. Hu hu hu. Hardships and sacrifices all for your little one.

I admit, there were more than a couple of times I thought of giving up breastfeeding. I even consulted our Pedia for a formula to give just in case my milk is not enough or dries up when I report for work a month from now. I confess, that in my head, I am really thinking of mix-feeding.

But despite of these pains and rants on breastfeeding, I still do it and don't have any plans (as for now...hehehe) to give up breastfeeding. I do a lot of reading on breastfeeding so as to keep me in the zone and be positive on continuing breastfeeding. I also follow old-school-tips on breastfeeding that really works such as:

• good diet and nutrition since I am still feeding for two
• Malunggay, malunggay and malunggay always on my food with soup or sometimes, it's just malunggay soup only mixed with Knorr cubes.
• Making sure I drink lots of water every day to keep me hydrated.    

I know my son will benefit most from this sacrifice. Basta, all the best for him. I will provide and give my all as long as I can even if it means that I will undergo hardships. To moms, mom-to-be and women who will happen to read this, I am telling you to help promote breastfeeding. I have talked about its advantages on my previous post.

Bottom line, I know i made the right choice of having my shot on breastfeeding and hoping, I can sustain this for x months and even years for my son.

just a month-old-nursing-mom and counting...

These Breasts are Blessed

Welcome to the Milk Mama Diaries Carnival (July).  For this month, we join the National Nutrition Council - Department of Health in celebrating Nutrition Month with the theme "Isulong ang Breastfeeding - Tama, Sapat at EKsklusibo!" [This is Tagalog - apparently, it translates as "Push Breastfeeding Forward - Correct, Sufficient, and Exclusive." Participants will share their experiences in promoting breastfeeding or their tips on how breastfeeding should be promoted.  Please scroll down to the end of this post and check out the other carnival participants.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 Breast milk is still best for babies. We normally hear this in each milk formula advertisements there is. And even from our own family, relatives, friends and neighbors who nursed, this will be the one-liner sentence they will give you in terms of feeding your newly born.

When I got pregnant with my son, A and I decided that our first option is to breastfed the baby because of many advantages it can bring to us and to the baby.

• The most nutritious way to feed your baby.  - An amazing craft by God. Everything a baby need to be healthy can be found in mother's milk.

• Most economical. - Saves you lots of money considering the very demanding need of your baby to satisfy his/her hunger and nutrition needs. From what I heard from other parents, a typical baby can consume one big can of formula milk in one week and can get even more depending on his ability and capacity to drink. Imagine that!!! It can help parents to re-allocate supposedly budget for formula milk to other things you have to buy for the baby such as diapers, vitamins, vaccine, etc. Parents are not force to buy a set or dozen of feeding bottles, sterilizer, and other accessories needed to feed your baby. Even though I am breast feeding, we still bought few feeding bottles and milk storage bottles basically just to store extracted milk that we need when we go out.

We got this since its the brand most recommended to us in terms of durability.

We use this to store extracted milk in the fridge for later consumption

• Always available - Less work. No need to scoop then and there. No need to boil water. Lesser time is needed to feed your baby. No worries to ran out of supply. No need to stock up and horde from supermarket. When he/she gets hungry, you just need your hand and pull out your boob. :P

• Breastfed babies are said to have a closer bonding with the Mom. I hope not to the extent that my son will be teased as Mama's boy.

• A rewarding feeling for any Mom. - I know all of other Mom's who will read this will certainly agree to me that though breastfeeding has its fair share of hardships and pain, you will and never can express in words how wonderful and amazing you feel within when you see you satisfied your baby's hunger by your own milk. Each moment you held your baby close to your breasts, chest and of course your heart, it brings such a rewarding and remarkable happiness to a Mom.

To date, I am a nursing mom for exactly 30 days now. I am so much thankful that I am able to feed my son by these breasts. Though I must admit that until now, I still have sore and throbbing nipples. But I can say that I am happy and proud. I am hoping that I can still supply my baby for at least a year. They said that constant or regular feeding helps you produce and stimulate milk. I am a bit worried that by the time I come back to work, my supply of milk will ran out fast. I hope breast pump will help me out on this serious work.


For other tips and information about breast feeding, check out the other Carnival posts:

• Breastfeeding promotion - a view from a UK doctor by Good Enough Mom
• Taking Breastfeeding Further by Mec as Mom
• http://fabnaima.blogspot.com/2011/07/more-on-breastfeeding-promotion-plus.html
• http://esciebossingnirudy.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-18-days-experience-as-nursing-mom.html

It hits me

July 19, exactly 3 weeks after giving birth, I suddenly broke down and cry. Postpartum depression hits me. Nyay! Well, all I know was I am pissed and I feel low.

We just finished watching TV and about to go to our room to tuck the baby to bed as well so we can all rest and sleep. A was surprised seeing me crying on the couch. I just said "Naiinis ako eh!"

A, being a loving husband, get near me, hugged and kissed me on my forehead and then told me that I should not cry cause it may affect the baby.

I don't know!!! At that time it seems all my frustrations bottled up to my neck and I can't breathe!!! I am irritated!!! There are things I am certain why I am pissed. Why?

It's hot!!! I feel hot. I am perspiring so much that my hair (those near the "batok") are always wet. I can't take just bathe to freshen myself because of many "pamahiin" and beliefs or simply safety precautions to avoid the "Binat".

In line with not getting all the "Ligo-Galore" I am so longing for, I smell not-so-good! I smell a bit sour and stinky (But not so foul...basta there's a weird smell). It's because I am leaking milk over my dress almost every feeding sessions with my baby. And I can't just change that often or the laundry will pile up to the ceiling. My mom says the smell that is coming out of my system is natural coz I am breastfeeding. Aaarrggghhhh!!! If only I can get all the "Ligo" I want!!! But not yet...My Mom is watching over all my actions, making sure I follow the rules. *Sigh*

I can't eat those food that relaxes me. I can't have cold drinks and desserts. I need to stuff myself with soup, malunggay etc... to keep the supply of milk flowing. What about the grilled liempo, fried chicken and the crispy pata? Hay, i am craving for more.

But all of this self-centeredness vanished when i held my son again. As I was feeding him, I simply stare at his so angelic face and I suddenly came back to my senses. That all of these sacrifices are nothing. It's just the start. These are so simple and I have to prepare myself for more. But whatever parenting hardships i may face, I know I will surpass it all because i am equipped with the greatest weapon i can make use of...the UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

Aaawww...I am a Mom na talaga! ^__^

Mom - Me!

Yes! I am a certified Mother, Mom or Mommy now. The feeling is a mix of emotions but I am liking it so much. Today, my son, Aedan Jared is already 2-weeks old. He grow so fast!!! He gained additional 0.5 lbs from 8.2lbs from birth, now 8.7lbs in weight and is now 57cm from 53cm from birth. Wow! I am growing a basketball player in the crib.

I'm surviving dirty diapers and partial-sleepless nights. But it's perfectly fine. I enjoy it. Just simply looking at my son while he sleeps puts me in cloud nine. What more the other milestones he will share with us. Now, each day for me is more exciting. If I was thankful before for each day that God entrusted to me, now, I am more and more thankful. More positive and more colorful! Basta!!! Saya-saya! *wink*

I'm so blessed! We are so blessed. I'm running out of words to describe how happy and contented I am now as a new Mom to my son. ^__^

For now, I will end this entry sharing this:

Thank you Lord for Our Bundle of Joy

Buntis No More!!!

Time to create a new baby ticker for our Son's first birthday!!! ^__^

Buntis 09: Baby Shower Party

Date: June 13, 2011
Guests: FES friends and colleagues
Venue: FES Office
Remarks: Simple, Short, but Sweet and Lot's of Fun!!! ^__^

Thanks to all the beautiful gifts for our baby!!! So loved them!

Buntis 08: Party! Party!!!

In 2 days time, I am officially full term!!! Yey!!! Entering my 37th week on Friday. Whew! (konti na lang, we will get to see and hold of our baby boy!) *super excited*

Last Monday, June 13, my friends and office mates threw a baby shower party for me. It was a short but very fun-filled celebration that we squeezed in during lunch break. The food was uber great and tasty. There were games as well where our boys participated willingly. Hilarious and exciting get together.

I will share more details on a separate entry. I want to back up my kwento with pictures. Still waiting for the pix from my office mate.

Well, as mentioned on my last entry on buntis moments, we have a name for our little one!!!

DIY gift boxes for the guests with yummy brownies inside! ^__^

Buntis 07: Getting Ready

To date, I'm now in my 34 weeks and 4 days!!! Whew! 5 weeks more and 3 days says my ticker. A and I are really excited to see our little boy. But to be honest, I am a little nervous as well when the delivery time comes. Rest assured, I can make it!!! *fingers crossed*

As days progress, we bought baby things one by one. Had few purchases of baby clothes and some major baby items like stroller and crib. I realized, baby stuff are costly!!! Especially if you invest on good brands and quality products. A even posted our first purchase of diapers here. ^__^

Sharing some of our purchase for our baby. BTW, we already have a name for him. Will reveal it in another post. :P

Little Cowboy set

Onesies
( Dont know why I can't post it horizontally :-( )