Birthday Wishlist for Johan

Now that “the day” is fast approaching, I’ve received lots of inquiries already on what they could give Johan for his birthday. So, here again is my wish list for my baby. Don’t worry dear Ninongs and Ninangs, everything on the list are practical buys and I tried to keep the items as affordable as possible.

For Johan’s health, wellness and grooming:

Vapor Soove, Price Php295 a bottle. You can buy online at ShopSpot

Vapor Soove does NOT contain Camphor like many other popular chest rubs. There have reports that camphor which may cause seizures in small children. – taken from the Shop Spot website.

Jar of Hope First Aid Gel, Price Php380 per jar. You can buy online at Indigo Manila.

 Made out of blue chamomile essential oil, this gel is great for mommy and daddy burnouts, stress, insomnia, fussy babies, insect bites, motion sickness, inflammation, (relieves puffy eyes from sleepless nights) rashes, cuts and wounds. Also helpful with teething! – taken from Indigo Manila’s multiply page

Shoo Fly Milk Lotion Bottle, Price Php725 for 300ml, you can buy online at Indigo Manila. Note: If you find this expensive, you can buy the smaller bottle of 60ml at Php 180.

Shoo Fly is a DEET-free insect repellant. Deet is a nasty chemical that can cause rashes, swelling, eye irritation, and worse problems, though they're unusual -- including brain swelling in children, anaphylactic shock, low blood pressure, and one report of death. – taken from Indigo Manila’s multiply page

J&J Baby Milk Bath, Price I think around Php300-400 for this huge bottle. Where to buy: SM, Watson’s, Mercury Drug

Cetaphil Skin Cleanser for Johan’s face, Price is around Php400 for the 250ml bottle. Where to buy: SM, Watson’s, Mercury Drug

Aloe Vera Kids Shampoo and Baby Wash from Human Nature, Price Php 120 for a 200ml bottle, you can buy online at Human Nature. I think they also have shops around the metro but I’m not sure where. =)

  Baby wipes from Pigeon or Giggles, Price: both costs around Php100 per pack. Note: I wanted a case for the baby wipes and Pigeon has it for Php250 (I think) with 1 pack of wipes already included. Where to buy: SM Baby Company

Pigeon Trainer Toothbrush set, Price: around Php250, Where to buy: SM Baby Company

For Johan’s feeding and potty training:

A potty trainer, it need not be this Fischer Price brand but please give something with a seat cover. =)

Travel Cutlery set, any brand as long as it’s BPA-free. Price: no idea, where to buy: SM Baby Company

Evenflo’s Snack Containers, Price: Php 400, Where to buy: SM Baby Company

Sippy Cups for bottle weaning – any brand as long as BPA-free, Price: no idea, Where to buy: SM Baby Company

For Johan’s Development:

Stackable toys for Johan’s motor skills

Baby-sized lego blocks or those wooden toys to develop motor skills

Kids books

Johan’s other essentials:

1. The usual clothing - T-shirts, Kentucky Sandos from Baclaran or Divisoria

2. Diapers (hehe!) – Johan is using Huggies Dry, size can be Large or XL

3. Toys for little boys – balls, trucks, cars

Thanks everyone! See you on October 1st!

Johan at the ER

If you’re my FB friend or a fellow N@wie, you would have read my post on Monday night about not being able to get some sleep because Johan is sick. I was deathly scared because his temperature that night shoot up to 38.9 degrees and he vomited thrice. I stood vigil beside his crib watching over him and I pinged hubby on yahoo messenger asking him to file for a leave the next day because we need to bring Johan to the hospital.

I was finally able to drowse off at 1:30 am when I put Johan to bed beside me but woke up at 3am to Johan’s coughing. It was this time when he vomited the fourth time and we decided to rush to the hospital.

It is just extremely unbelievable how the ER people attended to us. When we entered the door of the ER nobody came over to us, I even had to say excuse me to the resident doctor and to the two nurses who remained chatting. That’s the only time they took notice of us.

After the standard questions, the resident doctor instructed us to proceed to the bed and Johan will be given three doses of Ventolin via nebulizer. The nurse who assisted us insisted on putting an oxygen hose in Johan’s nose. Anybody ever experienced this? Is this the norm or standard procedure even if the patient is a baby? I just find it odd to put an oxygen hose to a baby’s nose, how the hell will you be able to keep it attached to the nose without the baby pulling it away? We asked for an oxygen mask but the nurse said the hose is the one that he was instructed to provide. Wth?!

The effin oxygen hose that we weren’t able to use but still had to pay 500 pesos for

We waited and waited for the nebulizer to arrive. It was more than 30 minutes after when it did and Johan already fell asleep. Another irritating nurse insisted on putting the mask on to the already sleeping baby’s face. Not surprisingly, Johan woke up and cried and all the while the nurse still kept on putting the mask on Johan. Hubby got mad already and told the nurse to stop it because it’s only doing more harm than good to Johan. His crying made his breathing more labored and he vomited again. I even asked the nurse to just let me hold the mask over Johan’s nose, he’ll still be getting the vapors from the nebulizer anyway but the nurse didn’t give it to me even saying “you do not know how”, turned around and left. To somebody who’s had asthma for years and to a mom who’s had barely two hours of sleep, that statement and attitude just got me so mad. I wanted to pull that nurse’s hair very badly.

The nebulizer which we weren’t able to use as well but had to pay 200 pesos for

Since, we feel Johan is a bit better, hubby and I decided to leave the hospital and just bring Johan home so he can rest more. We think he’s getting more stressed in the hospital environment so we asked to be discharged. I had to argue still for the two doses of Ventolin that remained sealed but we were asked to pay for. I already agreed to pay for the oxygen and the opened yet unused ventolin vial, asking to pay for the sealed ones is too much. In the end, we shelled out almost 800 pesos for an hour and a half of ER stay without having anything administered to Johan. Great service, really!

I am so not going back to that hospital. For a hospital that says this on their website: “The Hospital is committed to the provision of patient – centered quality, holistic and compassionate care".” – you might want to teach the meaning of quality care and compassion to your ER attendants.

For those living in the south, specifically near Dasmarinas, Cavite, can you please suggest a hospital and pediatrician that gives utmost quality care to their patients?  And please do not even suggest the hospital bearing the name of the Archers if you don’t want an arrow coming your way. =)

Johan sleeping on the ER bed

Sleepless Nights

I’ve had less than 4 hours of sleep last night because Johan is not feeling well until today. He kept on waking up last night due to colds and his nose is clogged making it difficult for him to breathe. I had to soothe him because he’s been crying every time he wakes up. His temperature was also a bit high at 37.8 degrees.

Tonight, I don’t think I’d be able to sleep again. I’m so worried even though Johan is already sleeping. It seems like he’s dreaming, talking in his sleep. I took his temperature a few moments ago and it’s 38 degrees. I already gave him his paracetamol a few hours back and I put a cooling patch on his forehead. Hopefully, the patch works and if not, I’ll be bringing him tomorrow to the hospital.

taken a few hours ago

Please get well soon, Anak. Mommy is getting so worried. Lord, please watch over my son.

Heart Kristel's ELF Giveaway

Heart Kristel is giving away loads of fab make up, head on over to her blog by clicking the photo above or clicking here. Her prizes are as follows:

First Prize

85-piece Complete The Look Palette - Limited Edition

Makeup Artist Brush Belt
10 - Single Eyeshadow
10 - Blush
Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder
Mineral Face Primer
Mineral Eyeshadow Primer
2 - Conditioning Lip Balm SPF 15
Mineral Infused Mascara
Eyeliner & Shadow Stick
Pout Perfecter
Cream Liner

Second Prize

85-piece Complete The Look Palette - Limited Edition
Mineral Eyeshadow Primer
2 - Hello Kitty Flavored Lip Balm

Giveaway is open worldwide and runs until the 10th of September.

Mommy Moments – Financial Tips

This week on Mommy Moments, we’re going to talk about finances.

For those who knew me really, really well would know that I’m not very good in handling money. I am a compulsive shopper. Everything changed though when I met my husband. Hubby is overly thrifty and he is the kind who would really save for the future.

When we were still BF-GF, we’re both students then, we used to save 5 peso coins and put it in a coin bank. Whatever we saved up is what we used when we go out on dates. We’re still doing it now.

Our 5 peso and 10 peso coin savings in a used Pringles container

When Johan was born, I wanted to save all the cash gifts given to him in a bank account under his name. It never materialized though and I have to get to that soon for his birthday. For the meantime, I opened a bank account under my name and that’s where I saved his cash gifts from his baptism and Christmas. This is also where I withdraw my Paypal money from my online jobs.

I plan to make Johan a better money saver than myself. As soon as he learns the use of money, I am going to teach him to save for his wants. I plan to give him his own coin bank and whenever he wants to buy something he would have to save up for it. I would like to teach him the value of money and the value of hard work.

As for my tip, there’s only one tried and tested scheme that would help you save up and this is what I usually tell my younger siblings: Live within your means.

If you want to learn more on saving and other financial matters Francisco Colayco’s blog is a good read.

Happy Mommy Moments!

Goodluck and God Bless, Bro!

Tomorrow, you will be flying off to Thailand for work. I know it won’t be easy to leave behind your two kids and your wife but I hope you’ll be strong enough to battle the homesickness because what you are doing is for them in the long run.



I pray that God will keep you safe at all times, that you’ll always be in the best of health and that you stay focused on your goal which is to succeed.

I don’t know how hard it will be but I’m sure it will be once you’re there and you’re missing your family so much. Just remember that you are a father and your kids are counting on you to provide for their needs. Keep in mind that the separation is only temporary.

This coming from me, I hope you don’t throw this opportunity away. God gave you this chance to make a change for you and your family. Do your best, work hard and save for the future. You never know when something like this comes knocking on your door again, maybe it will happen again or maybe it won’t.

We’re all going to miss you and we all want you to succeed. Goodluck, Jay and may God bless you always.



Love,
Ate

Party Plans

I decided not to post any more Divisoria finds because all that was left were the loot bag contents and the game prizes. I don’t want to spoil the fun for those who might be reading my blog and attend the party. Just wait for the photos on my Suppliers Ratings after the party. =)

For now, I’ll be posting pictures of the party venue and how I plan to decorate it with the help of my ever-reliable, very artistic cousin and Johan's godmother, Leslie of Got to Believe.

So, the party will be at Jollibee, TM Kalaw Branch.



What I love about this branch is that the function area is separate from the dining area. I mean separate as in separate structure.



You have to cross the drive-thru alley to get to the function area which I really like because we won’t have the noise and the crowd of the other diners. It’s as if like we’re renting a separate venue for the party. Love, love!


This is just one of the two function areas. The two function rooms, btw, are only separated by a foldable wall division so if you’re going to book for a bigger number of guests, Jollibee will be providing you with both function rooms.



What I also love about this is that there is a small area outside the function areas where you can station your registration table, your photo booth (if you’re going to get one) and face painting (which I will be getting). I’m thinking of stationing the face painter at the corner where you can see the Jollibee crew on the photo above.


And I’m thinking of either putting a registration table or a photo mural of Johan against this wall. What do you think?



My cousin would like to make DIY mushrooms and stick them on the glass windows and doors for added decor. I think that would look really awesome!



For the ceiling decor, I already cut out banderitas or flag banners and will attach them to a string to be put up in the ceiling. Balloon drops will also be added courtesy of my cousin, Leslie, again. I will also be making star cut outs and string those up into the ceiling as well. I want the ceiling decor to be full of colors and I want it to look very festive hence the idea of balloons and flag banners and star cut outs. Who knows, I might still add more as the party comes nearer.

I am really, really excited about Johan’s 1st birthday and with every DIY thing that I did with the help of the people who love my son, I am pretty sure this party is going to rock!

Mommy Moments – Nutrition Tip

 

When Johan started his solids at 6 months, I was very keen on what to feed him. Although I know that milk will still be his main source of nutrients, I want to introduce him to a variety of veggies and fruits.

I steamed potatoes, carrots, sayote, sweet potatoes, papaya, squash – I almost fed him all veggies except for the leafy ones and for fruits, I gave him banana, apple, grapes, ripe papaya, avocado. I tried feeding him cheese and he loves it, same with soft bread. I’m also giving him some bread sticks to munch on after taking a bath while he’s watching his Baby Einstein DVDs. I will be trying to introduce him to oats, rice and cereals in the coming days.

Johan’s first taste of Sayote 

My MIL told me to allow him to taste chocolates. I don’t really know why my MIL suggested it but I’m against the idea because I don’t want to introduce him to sweets this early.

So far, I noticed that Johan loves Sayote and he doesn’t like potatoes that much. He also prefers to munch on apples than eat ripe bananas. He really is growing up and he’s beginning to show signs of making his own choices when it comes to food.

My only tip would be to try different kinds of taste and textures of food. This would give some variety so your child would not only be familiar to one type of food. Also, trying out different kinds of food would help you know whether your child is allergic to some or not.

Johan is eating solids twice a day and he's already grown two little teeth but this little man is still a baby and he’ll smile his brightest at you when you give him his bottle. =)

Funny Grandma

I'm taking a short break from my Divisoria post series when I stumbled upon this video from Chico Garcia's blog, found myself tearing up and as the internet slang put it, ROFL.

Disclaimer: I am not promoting the book nor do I plan to purchase it and read it to my son. I hope you find the same humor that I did while watching the video. Grandma is really hilarious and I laughed my heart out with this one.



C’mon guys and laugh with me. =)

The Wonder of Divi-land: Arts and Crafts

Again, this is not on my list except for the ribbons which I will be using to hold up the banderitas that I will be making for Johan’s birthday.

Pink and Peach Ribbons from Morning Glory at P13.00/roll, glue sticks at P3.00 each

“Ribbons aplenty!” That’s what I always think whenever I enter the Morning Glory shop along Tabora Street (Trivia: the street and my husband’s surname share the same name and according to my FIL, it was actually named after his ancestors, cool huh?). As I was saying, there are rolls and rolls of ribbons in all shapes and shades inside Morning Glory. If you’re looking for the cheap ones like the ones I found, you should look at the baskets on the floor. They are full of nice looking ribbons for lower prices than those on the displays. You have to be careful though because some of them have stains. The glue sticks can be found at the counter.

Letter Embosser, P260.00

I got this letter embosser from the stall where I bought some notepads. I didn’t plan on getting it but I was really imagining how cute embossed letters would look. I don’t know yet where I’ll be using this and I’m so hoping this tool would work. I haggled with the sales lady from the original price of P350.00 down to P260.00.

Super Mario Cloth, P120.00/yard

I saw an already made bed sheet with the same Super Mario design along Ilaya street priced at P180.00. I wanted to get that already but it was made to fit a single bed. Johan’s mattress is smaller and I don’t want to cut the bed sheet to be made into another one and the saleslady is not that nice, anyway. Luckily, I found one stall in Tutuban selling this cloth, I wasn’t able to haggle though because I only got one yard and this is made of US Cotton so it is priced a bit higher than the regular ones.

A couple of 1-yard cloths for curtains at P35.00 each

My cousin who went to Divisoria a few weeks ago told me about some cloths being sold along the street of Ilaya. She said there were lots to choose from and were really cheap. I saw these two cloths along with other designs literally on the street. You have to choose carefully because some are already muddy and you have to be quick because other customers might just beat you to the ones you want to buy.

Blue cotton cloth at P45.00/yard and red cap at P50.00

Since I wanted Johan to wear a Mario costume on his birthday, my MIL volunteered to sew the overalls. My MIL has been sewing all our bed sheets and curtains at home and she also did one of her grandkids’ school uniform so I’m pretty sure she will be able to make Johan’s costume. I have do think about what to do with the red cap, though. I wasn’t able to find a plain one so I bought this one with the Yankees logo. I might just cover this up with a letter M to copy the one that Mario is wearing.

Next up: Game Prizes