I Love Nuby!

I’ve been meaning to buy some Nuby products for weeks, even searched Ebay, Multiply and Facebook for the standard neck bottles but sadly, the bottles that I’ve been searching for are not available anymore.

Last week, when I met up with my bestfriend at Greenbelt 5, we dropped by the Youji and Me store to try our lucks. We’re both itching to buy Nuby products because their products are BPA-free plus they come in the most colorful designs that we’re sure our babies would love.

I would have bought a lot but my bestfriend insisted that she pay for my purchases so I only chose two items because she already bought Johan some ‘pasalubong’ from Singapore, it would be too much if she still pays for my Nuby items.

These are what I bought:

Nuby Sure Grip bowl, spoon and fork set and Nuby Non-drip Bottle with removable handle

See how colorful these are? I’m sure Johan will have a fun time once he starts solid feeding. The Non-drip bottle will be really useful as Johan tends to spit out his bottle when he’s already asleep so his beddings are usually wet with milk in the mornings. Yey for no-more soiled sheets!

We wanted to buy the Nuby Sound Bites but decided not to because it costs a lot at Php 475.00 for just a spoon and fork set. But, look at how cute they are:

I’ll just see if these are available and on sale at S&R Alabang when I go there with my sister. We heard that S&R will be having a sale from March 16-20. Click here for details.

Mommy’s Day Out

I finally had the chance to pamper myself when Johan and I went home to my parents’ house last week. I’ve been inching to have my back massaged because it’s been killing me lately from carrying the already 8.4 kilograms Johan.

On Thursday of last week, my sister and I went out to have our nails done and then we dropped by a newly opened spa just two blocks away from home.

We went to the spa around three in the afternoon, so we were able to get their off-peak rate for an hour of body massage of, guess how much? 180 pesos only!! What a steal, right? Unfortunately, I was not able to enjoy the full benefits of the massage because it’s been only five months since my Caesarian delivery and per my OB’s advice (I texted her before having my massage) I am not allowed to have hard massages nor stretches. Bummer, I know, but a massage is still a massage and it’s a well-deserved treat for a Mommy who stays at home the whole day.

Here are some photos:

Foot Spa Area with live fishes to clean your feet

The spa’s flooring

My sister and myself after our massage

My massage room/area – the mattress is on the floor with curtains only as dividers. My sister and I had the curtains between our areas opened so we could make chika while having our massage and we enjoyed cups of hot tea right after.

That is me, well, I’m not entirely naked underneath that towel. I asked my masseuse for boxer shorts as I’m not really comfortable with everything off.

Now, look who’s getting impatient outside! We can hear him giggling then screaming the next then giggling and screaming again.

Johan peeking though the curtains, “Mommy hurry up and get it over with!”

Well, so much for my R & R. Back to Mommy mode once again.

Greenery in the City

I had the chance to visit Greenbelt last Wednesday when we met up with my best friend, Mhy and her son Ethan. She arrived home just to get her son and bring him back to Singapore. We decided to meet at Greenbelt because there were a few stuff that we wanted to buy from YouJi and Me which is in Greenbelt 5.

I was with my mom, sister and Johan when we arrived there an hour earlier our meet up time so we just walked around, visited the chapel and took lots of photos.

Greenbelt is really relaxing and for this I wouldn’t mind working in Makati again if only I can go here everyday for lunch or before going home. It was particularly peaceful and quiet during the early hours of the day, it would be nicer though if they could add some benches around the place.

Greenbelt in photos:

Panoramic view of Greenbelt

Ducks at the pond behind the chapel

Some fishes (not sure if Kois or not)

Some trees =)

The Greenbelt Chapel

  I love these stepping stones

  Me and my bestfriend, Mhy with our babies – Johan and Ethan

Happy 5th Month Birthday, Johan!

Dear Johan,

Time flies so fast, you’re almost halfway through your first year! I can’t wait till you reach your 6th month so we can start feeding you with solids and allow to taste many different flavors. Just one month more of waiting, baby.

You’re growing up to be one cute, bubbly little boy and I want to freeze the time and make you stay a baby forever. Always remember that Mommy and Daddy love you so much, Anak. We’ll do everything we can to let you have the good future that you deserve. Stay a happy baby, Johan. Happy 5th month birthday!
 

  

The Nailcutter

While I was cutting Johan’s nails earlier today, I noticed that the screw or whatever you call it is a bit dislocated. I tried putting it back myself but it just won’t budge. So, I asked hubby for help. He was busy playing World of Warcrafts (again) and ignored me. So, I tried again to repair the nailcutter myself, even using a pair of pliers but still I was unsuccessful. This time I was getting pretty frustrated - for not being able to put it back together and even if I know that I can repair it myself, the use of tools should be man’s job not mine. Hubby kept on ignoring me, so, out of frustration I threw the pliers and shouted expletives (hehe). Hubby finally took notice, took the nailcutter and tools and tried to repair it saying “madali lang yan.”

The one encirled is the metal rod I'm talking about which got dislocated.

Then he asked me to help him (now who just said “madali lang yan”?) He can’t make the thin metal rod go through the other hole and he kept on hammering the rod and the next is the sequence of how our conversation went:

Mae: Paano yan lulusot eh nde naman nakatapat dun sa kabilang butas ung rod? Sayang lang pagpupukpok mo jan.


Hubby: Ah ewan, hindi ko sasayangin oras ko jan sa nailcutter na yan. Bumili ka na lang ng bago.


Mae: Ayoko, eto gusto ko eh.


Hubby: Baket isang libo ba yan?


Mae: Oo!! (Definitely frustrated)


This time I lost it and just went back into our room and shut the door. I finally repaired the nailcutter myself but I’m still not speaking to the husband. We even had lunch not talking to each other and I only washed the dishes that I used and left his in the sink.

I know later today, we’ll make up. This is just one of those times that husbands and wives fight over the silliest of things. And this time it is this nailcutter’s fault. Hehe!

Happy sunday, everyone!

Mommy Moments – Dear Daddy

Dear Daddy,

Thank you so much for being a great provider for Johan and me. I’m so sorry if I make things a little hard on you whenever I pressure you to do some things that I think is just right for our small family.  I want you to know that I appreciate every little thing that you do for us: like when you cook our meals when you notice that I’m already tired of taking care of Johan, those early morning bonding time with Johan whenever he wakes up at 4am – I know you’re too sleepy but still you spare a few minutes of your precious sleep just to play with our son, how you scrimp on your own things – the things that you used to splurge on before – so we could buy Johan everything that he needs, waking up very early on a Sunday morning so we could go to mass as a family. We are really thankful that we have you as the head of this family and we pray that you be blessed with good health, success and everything that you are aiming for. We love you so much!

Love,

Super Mario Brothers

Hubby and I grew up with Mario and Luigi. I remember that me and my siblings used to fight over who’s going next on the family computer and how we outdo each other as to who knows more hidden beanstalks, who can get the most 1 ups and who can jump to the very top of the flagpole at the end of each stage. Haay, I miss playing Super Mario Brothers.

Anyways, I’ve written this post because that is the theme that I want for Johan’s birthday in October. Super early planning? I know! Okay, you may call me excited but I just want to get things for the party bit by bit instead of one huge shopping spree so we hubby won’t feel how much we are spending.

I thought about this theme because: it’s cute and it’s not yet as overly used as the usual birthday party themes. It would be a challenge, though, for me to find Super Mario items in Divi-land. But, I’m going to rise up to the challenge and search, search, search for cute items for my Johan’s first birthday.

Johan will be dressed as Mario, I (we’ll see) will be dressed as the Princess and hubby – Luigi? Not! I told him he should come in as Koopa! Hehe!

Go here and look at how cute a Super Mario themed party would turn out!

I really, really wish everything will fall into place. Especially the budget. (Ehem, ehem hubby)

Johan’s Laughing Trip

My son is one happy kid. Although there are times that he cries because he wants to be carried or is hungry, he’s usually all smiles throughout the day. He loves it when we play Peek-a-Boo (more like “Eeehhh Bahhh!”) Hehe. This is a video of him while we’re having our playtime. If you would notice the times when the camera’s shaking a bit, those were the times that I was acting like a crazy lady, flapping my arms in the air and messing up my hair. Looking like a crazed one is worth it after seeing my son laughing so hard at my antics. Haha!

Sweet Delight

I have been a bit tired since Thursday. I had to go to Makati on Thursday of last week, was able to drop by Glorietta, Landmark and Greenbelt 5 in my search for the standard neck Nuby bottles and Sound Bites which I didn’t find (does anybody know where I can get these?)

Then over the weekend, Johan has been unusually fussy. As in. He refused to be put down and even when I was already carrying him, he still squirmed and cried. Haay, I was really, really tired.

Good thing is I have a stash of sweets hidden somewhere in our bedroom. I won’t say where coz hubby might read this post and take those away. This is my emergency stash, my life saver in times of Mommy burn out, my post partum depression preventive maintenance and the reason why my sugar might be above normal already. Yaiks!

Mommy Moments – Valentine’s Day 2011

Like Mommy Chris, we also don’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day the way most people do. Hubby and I both think that it’s a huge hassle to go out on a day when the traffic would be total hell and most restaurants would be full. Plus, I think Valentine’s Day is already so hyped up that it’s near being “corny” already, though, it would still be nice to receive a bunch of flowers (hint, hint hubby).

This year’s V-Day, we went out a day early. We went to the mall on Feb 13th and had lunch at our favorite Max’s Restaurant with our little son, Johan. There was a nice set-up for Valentine's Day at SM but a lot of people were having their picture taken so even if I wanted to have ours taken as well, we didn’t push it because Johan will be squished. We then proceeded to the Department Store to buy some stuff for the house and for Johan and then we went home.

It was just a simple V-Day celebration but what mattered is that we get to celebrate it as a family. It’s V-Day everyday anyway if you get to spend it with the people you love.

Caring for Others

I’ve been admitted at the hospital many times. It sucks just to lay there with tubes in your arms and medications to take every few hours. It would have helped if you have a television installed inside your room but it would be pretty lonely if there is none and you are left alone.

That’s why the company of nurses is a huge help in cheering up the patients. Add to that the pretty and vibrant colors of their nursing uniforms and cheerful attitudes. It would be great for the nurses to purchase their scrub uniforms online and select the design they want from the nursing uniforms catalog. That way they don’t have to travel to come to a store for their purchase and they would have more time to care for their sick patients.

This Little Girl

… is the first grandchild, the first niece, the first baby of the family.

My family kind of raised her because she used to stay at my parents house for weeks even months after she was born and continued to do so until she started school. When she started kindergarten, it was only during the weekends that she get to come to the “Pacita house” – my parents’ house is Laguna. It has become a tradition for her that every Friday, during her PE day, my mom would fetch her from school and she’ll stay in Pacita over the weekend then she’ll be back home in Cavite on Sunday. But, recent issues changed all that. I won’t go into details as it pains me even more when I think about it. I just hope that someday things can get settled, differences and misunderstandings be straightened out and that we be the family that we once were.

This is for you, bebe.

Dear CJ,

I miss you more everyday and how I wish I could just come and take you away. I am sure that Loly, Papa, Tit An, Yaya, Tito Lian, Ninong, Tita Red and Empoy feel the same. I know that you and Cedric were caught in between of what has happened but let me tell you that you did nothing wrong, that whatever happened between the grown-ups has nothing to do with you and even if some people are mad at some people, you and Didik are still very much loved by the family. Always remember the good times that we had when you were still going to Loly’s house. Do not forget everything we have taught you. Always remember that we will always be here for you and you can always, always count on us whenever you need us. And someday when you are all grown-up, maybe we can explain things to you. In the meantime, I just hope that you are doing well physically and emotionally, that you are being treated like the kid that you still are, that you are excelling in school – we are very proud of you, CJ, so continue what you are doing and show ‘em how smart you are. We’ll see you again, bebe, don’t worry. Everything will turn out for the best. No matter what anyone tells you, always remember that we love you very, very much. If only I could turn back in time to the moment you were born, I would have done that and I would have taken you to be mine. Even if that didn’t happen, bear in mind that I love you as if you are my own. So, I’ll just end this with your favorite dialogue from the Disney Channel’s Phineas and Ferb cartoon that you frequently watch, “CJ, watcha doin?”.

Take care, bebe and we’ll see you again soon.




Love, Ninang

Passing Down my Passion

I love books. I probably have a hundred titles scattered in the houses that I lived in. This passion started when my cousin, Ate Leslie, introduced me to the world of paperbacks when she let forced me to read one of her romance novels in my teenage years. I was so into the Archie comic books back then but I was transformed. I began reading Sweet Valley Girls then Sweet Valley High then some fiction and non-fiction here and there. Now, my favorite is the law and mystery novels of John Grisham, all-time favorite Harry Potter hardbound collection (which remains at home not to be borrowed by anyone, yep, I am selfish!), the Twilight Saga and the light and funny novels of Sophie Kinsella.

Given that I sooo love books, it would be no surprise that I’ll be passing down this passion to Johan. I used to read him stories while he was in my womb (well, I read the Twilight Saga aloud), I even incorporated reading in my maternity shoot and now I am starting to introduce the joy of reading to my son.

I am starting this routine with him: bath time, watch his Baby Einstein Baby Mozart DVD and then reading time. I usually start off with Johan lying down on his back while I read his books aloud then I put him down on his tummy so he could touch his books.

I really hope he grows up to be a bookworm like me. I would not really mind if he asks me to spend money as long as it would be for books.

 

Audrey Dao’s 2nd Blogaversary Giveaway

Up for grabs are the following:

• The grand prize winner will have a choice of either Grand Prize Choice #1 Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils 15 Year Anniversary Collection (retail value $92) or Grand Prize Choice #2 Urban Decay Naked Palette (retail $44).
  
• The 2nd place winner will win Rock & Republic Blush in Bedroom (retail value $40).
  
• The 3rd place winner will win Kiss Me Heroine Long and Curl Mascara and Kiss Me Heroine Volume and Curl Mascara (retail value $18 each).

 I’m joining, are you? Click here to know more!

Mommy Moments - Dear Baby

I carried him for 40 weeks, labored through his birth for 17 hours only to deliver him via C-section and now I am a mother to our Johan Matthew, day in and day out.

Dear Johan,

Your arrival brought me the kind of happiness that words could not express. I am so thankful that God gave me something as beautiful as you. I am at peace every time I hear you sleeping soundly beside me, I am at my happiest when I see you laughing and I am the proudest mom ever when I witnessed how you turned over on your own and how you held your bottle with those two little hands of yours. I look forward to seeing more of your milestones in the coming years. I promise to support you in every endeavor that you want to pursue, I promise not to pressure you to be a high achiever but to accept wholeheartedly the person that you will become, I promise that I will always be here for you as a mother and as a friend. I love you so much, baby. Don’t grow up so fast, ha.

Love, Mommy