Doing it digi!

I finally did it! I enrolled in Renee Pearson's Digital Scrapbooking 4-week workshop at Big Picture Scrapbooking, and it was one of the best decisions I ever did!

I know I've always wanted to scrap, but with a demanding job, caring for Kail, and a house to run, I don't know how I'll ever find the time. Like me, G is also one busy mama, but she'd manage to squeeze in "play" despite her hectic schedule. She gave me the idea of enrolling online, which would definitely force me into scrapping again. So, to cut the story short, I finally took the plunge, and I'm so glad I did.

The first week was about color blocking, and though the instructions were given on a step by step basis, I still had to re-do my very first page before I got it right. I spent a couple of hours doing that one page, but my effort paid off in the end. The next two pages were a walk in the park! Now I'm craving for more... ;)

Here are my first three digital pages. They're very simple, I know, but it's a definite start.









So, am I giving up my stash of scrapbook supplies over this? Nope, not in a million years. I'm merely trying to explore the digital side of scrapbooking, and hopefully be a hybrid scrapbooker in the future. I still like the feel of paper, the textures embellishments provide, and the therapy I get from shopping.

In the end, I believe that scrapbooking is not about the process, it is about the stories we want to tell, the memories we want to preserve, and the lives we want to cherish. Digital, traditional, or hybrid, all are merely "ways" to get there.

Here's to preserving life-long memories. Here's to life artists!

Kail had his nightly talk with daddy last night and his reaction amused me. He mumbled something over the phone and he laughed. And laughed. And laughed again.

I asked daddy what he said. It was the usual "hi Kail... sleep now... goodnight. I love you!" But Kail kept laughing.

He also recently learned to place his hand on his ears whenever he'd hear the phone ring and say "daddy".

These are way too cute moments that make me happy as a mom.

Baby Einstein Themed 1st Birthday

This is my favorite photo from Kail's 1st birthday party - one of the few where he's actually smiling! He was a bit grumpy that day, having been dragged out of his nap, and then greeted by lots and lots of unfamiliar faces. Next, the airconditioning couldn't keep the venue well-ventilated because of the almost 300 guests in attendance! Still, it was a great party, one we wouldn't have been able to pull off without the help of these wonderful friends:

Venue - Artist Pavillion, Makati Park and Garden
Rating: 9
The place was amazing. The only downside is that it can be a pain to book it. With the party in January, we were trying to book it in September, but was told they'd only accept bookings 3 monts prior. Syempre the OC in me wasin panic because what if the date wasn't available and we'd have a tough time looking for another venue? But, with prayers and a very reliable party organizer, we were able to book it in time.

I would recommend the place for those with less than 300 guests (that's the maximum capacity of the venue). Since we had a little over or below the 300 limit, the airconditioning couldn't keep the place cool. Besides, I felt that there was limited space to move around because of the number of people nga.

Party Planner - Pizzie Hernandez-Yap and Irish Pablo of Little Royalties.
Rating: 10
They came highly recommended by a fellow n@wie, Emillie. We've inquired from Jelly Bellies and Kiddie Parties but we were so disappointed with their responses (or lack thereof). Since we were planning from out of the country, I would depend heavily on a reliable party organizer. Pizzie was so good at keeping in touch via email and updating me on what's happening. She would also send photos every now and then of designs for approval. They were able to customize our package according to our needs (and wants).

Initially, I was hesitant on the Baby Einstein theme because I have yet to see (in n@w) a party with the same theme but Pizzie convinced me that it's do-able, and she was the one excited about it. Since it was Kail's favorite,we decided to push through with the Baby E theme. We didn't go wrong!

Because Kail was hospitalized when we got to Manila (due to pneumonia), Pizzie even shopped for the game prizes and lootbag contents. I was soooo relieved!

We wouldn't have pulled off a successful party without Pizzie's all-out help and very reliable party-planning.


Caterer - Blue Petals
Rating: 10
We weren't able to taste the food - yung leftovers na lang. Hubz and I were both busy with entertaining our gueststhat we weren't able to eat at all! Our guests told us that the food is great though, so that's a plus. The waiters were very efficient, and there was even a waiter who would ask us often (me and hubz) if we needed something to eat or drink. Food was even brought to our table kasi nga we were so busy roaming around. There were a lot of waiters during the event, but I guess because we had around 300 guests.


Photographer - Jeff Lopez
Rating: 10
Jeff was at the venue early - scouting for possible photo ops. He was shooting away when guests started arriving, and wouldn't stop shooting even for a bite. He would also ask us if there's anything we want him to shoot, etc.

Prior to the event, I emailed Pia (Jeff's wife - also a fellow n@wie) of my recommended shots. When we received the DVD of the 300+ high resolution photos, everything was there! Hirap lang mamili ng photos for printing but we were so happy with all of them!

Since we were leaving 5 days after the party, they were able to deliver all the prints, the DVD with the high resphotos, the shadowbox layout, and the clock in time.


Choco Fountain - Jeff and Pia Lopez
Rating: 10
Again, Pia was there at the venue early setting up the choco fountain. Medyo tago lang yung placement nung choco fountain but soon enough, it became popular with guests. Pia was there all the time to assist the guests. She would refill when the dippings or the chocolates are running low.

Again, we were so busy roaming around but Pia brought us strawberries dipped in chocolates because it was running out and we haven't even tasted them.

Galing ng tandem ng mag-asawang Lopez!


Make up - Emillie Cobarrubias of n@w
Rating: 10
Who says we only get to be made up during our wedding? As a stage mom (and proud of it), I believe we should also look good on our kids' birthdays. Emillie became a good friend since our w@w days so I was really flattered she got to do my makeup. Our friends and family told me I looked so pretty, and even with makeup on, it was very natural. The makeup lasted for hours, even amidst sweat.... :) I must say, I also looked good in photos, hahaha! Ems is very talented, and like me, kikay din kasi, hehehe!


Invitations - Adworks c/o Little Royalties
Rating: 10
When we got Little Royalties to plan the party, I asked them if it's possible to get Adworks to do the invites. Yun pala, their invitation supplier is really Adworks. I was so happy. Though we went through several revisions of the invites because of my OC-ness, I didn't hear a single complaint about it. They would also submit a photo of the draft a day later.


Video - c/o Little Royalties
Rating: 10
They arrived on time, and was shooting right away when guests started arriving. They asked for Kail's photos to be included in the DVD. They were able to deliver the output a month or so later. We were happy with the output. Even Kail loved watching his video because the music they used were mostly his favorites. Please note, we didn'teven tell them what music to use but they were able to choose appropriate ones.


Food Carts, Game booths, Face Painter - c/o Little Royalties
Rating: 10
The food carts were already set when we arrived, and even before the first guest started to arrive. They were ready to serve when the guests started tricklng in. Even Kail loved the food. We had waffle, ice cream, and fishball/squidball carts. Patok din sa guests - both young and old ito.

The gamebooths were positioned near the entrance and so with the face painter. We saw kids having fun playing games at the game booths. We also saw a number of kids lining up for the face painter. Ganda din ng mga designs niya. If not for Kail's skin allergies, I would've wanted his hand painted siguro.... :)


Photo Bag Tags - c/o Little Royalties
Rating: 10
Initially, we wanted to have Konsepto do the bag tags but they were already booked that day. Pizzie was able to source out another supplier that does the same thing. Weeks before the event, they submitted the photo tag design for approval.

During the party, they were positioned at the entrance so the kids were able to have their photos taken before they took their seats. Our guests loved the photo bag tags because it's cute and functional at the same time. We even had 5 or 6 made for ourselves, hehehe!


Cake, Tarp, Backdrop, Venue Decors, Pinata, Pabitin - c/o Little Royalties
Rating: 10
We loved the cake! Even Kail loved looking at it because he recognized the characters there. Pizzie submitted the design months before the party and I approved it immediately. We upgraded on the cupcakes and cookie lollipops and they were a hit among kids.

The venue decoration was amazing. Gulat din kami with the pinata and pabitin. Kids had fun with those too.

The mylar balloon at the centerpiece was sourced out from US Balloons, so we brought it home with us. All others were sourced out from Manila na. I was really amazed that Baby E supplies are locally available din pala.


Lootbags/Backpacks - c/o Little Royalties
Rating: 10
The design was great that I even got 2 backpacks for Kail alone, hehehe. We opted for primary colors para generic.

I initially brought home some chocolates and small cans of playdohs to put in there but Pizzie texted us mukhang kulang so if it's ok, they're going to fill it with local chips. Tuwang-tuwa yung kids when they lined up for the souvenirs. Even I enjoyed munching on the chips that are in there, hehehe!


Host/Magician - Wanlu
Rating: 10
Wanlu brought the house down! This was one part of the party both adults and kids enjoyed. I was scanning everyone's faces and they were alllistening intently at Wanlu's tricks. He even made sure hubz, me, and Kail are part of his gig. He would often call us for games, or tricks.
He took care of everything - from the games, to the pabitins and pinata, to singing Happy Birthday, to blowing the cake. He truly was the life of the party all along. He's a little on the expensive side but truly worth every penny.


Lechon - Lydia's Lechon
Rating: 8
Those who were able to taste the lechon told us it was very yummy. Unfortunately, wala halos kaming nakita even when we bought the biggest one because we had Bllue Petals chop it so hindi buong lechon yung naka-display kundi chopped na. Wala rin kaming naiuwi - but this was because my MIL gave them to relatives. Favorite pa naman ng husband ko ito, so we were really disappointed we didn't even get to taste it. In fairness to Lydia's, they brought the lechon early even before the first guest arrived.

Baby Einstein paper plates, cups, napkins - Party City

These are some more stuff I brought from the US. Not all Party City stores carry them so I had to scout for one that does tapos dinayo ko pa yun. All for the love of Kail! :)

Reading all the exchanges in n@w, I first thought that planning a party in 3 months would be a total chaos, considering we were having a party after the holidays pa. But ours turned out a very successful one. Everyone texted us after the party to thank us for inviting them because their kids had a great time, and they also enjoyed the party.

The reason why we ended up with only 3 months to prepare for the party was because hubz and I were debating on whether it was practical to have a big celebration for Kail's birthday. I wanted it small and intimate, while he wanted to go all out. Since he was the financer, I had to give in. He brought up a valid point anyway. Since we are based in the US, this is the one occassion when our friends and families would see Kail. Who knows when the next one will be? Besides, we have waited a long time for Kail to come. What couldn't we do for him?

Photos can be browsed here. Disclaimer: Those with filename starting with DSC* were taken by my roommate so they look blurred. Only those with IMG* filenames were taken by Jeff. Baka kasi isipin ninyo Jeff takes blurry photos, hehehe!

Here is the altered wall clock from Jeff and Pia Lopez:

Here is the shadowbox layout from Jeff and Pia Lopez:

Kail's 1st Birthday Invitation

This is for those asking what Kail's invitation looked like.

For more photos of his first birthday, please check this out.

TGIF

I can't believe it's Friday! The week had been long, tiring, and stressful that I couldn't wait for the weekend. So, to celebrate , I had coffee for breakfast for the first time in YEARS (yep, you’ve read it right). The last time I had my favorite Starbucks’ café mocha was before I had gotten pregnant. Coffee is bad for my migraine so I’ve been avoiding it like the plague. Today though, I had to have some caffeine in my system. I went to fasting since last night to have my blood drawn for next Friday’s doctor’s appointment.

Like J, between the house chores, caring for a busy 14 month old, working like CRAZY, and an impending spring cleaning for a garage sale on the 31st of this month, I am so overwhelmed and so exhausted! I’ve even picked a fight or two with the husband the past week or so. It was that bad, and I hope it won’t get worse than it already is. When I put Kail in bed for the night, I had to sneak out and work again. I think I’m brain dead already!

However, this post from D opened my eyes that I ought to be spending a lot more time with the little boy. I grieved for her because as a mother, I know that she must be losing her mind right now. When I learned of that, I logged off immediately at 5pm, went to pick up my little boy, and spent time playing with him. It made me realize that my job is a means to an end, and not the other way around. Though I am working for my little boy, I shouldn’t let work run our lives and our schedules. It’s not fair to Kail who’s growing up faster than I would’ve wanted.

I still haven’t gotten the time to post on Kail’s 1st birthday. But, thanks to Jeff and Pia, you can browse photos of his party here.

Next week is an exciting week for me and hubz, but I'll post about it after the fact... :)

Have a great weekend everyone! Enjoy the weather!

A Valentine's Day Greeting

To these two guys who captured my heart - I love you both!

I pray that this is the last Valentine we'll spend apart.


Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Some Photos of our Busy One Year Old

Yep, Kail just turned one on January 4. I couldn't believe how much he's grown! He had a successful birthday party on the 7th of January, but will post more on that later... along with some kwento on our trip home. In the meantime, I hope you'll enjoy looking at the photos.





And presenting our first ever family photo... :) So, sino'ng kamukha? ;)




All photos by Picture Company at The Podium.

Happy New Year to all and hope you all had a meaningful Christmas. Here's to a bountiful 2007...

What's Going On???

I have neglected this blog (again) for far too long and I thought I'd drop by to share what's happening with us these days.

Of all the days to sprain my ankle, I did so last Thursday when I was running down the stairs, reading a work-related document, and missed a couple of steps down. I thought I broke my ankle but a quick trip to the ER proved otherwise (thank God). I wouldn't want to be on a cast on Christmas day, moreso, being pushed by my roommate on a wheelchair at the airport, while I push Kail's stroller. Wouldn't that be a funny sight? Now I'm walking with an aircast (which I can remove when I feel like it).

**********

I am done shopping, wrapping presents, distributing them (almost), and sending Christmas cards. I am almost done packing for our trip to Manila on Monday night (yay!).

**********

Friday the 22nd was my last day at work, and I'm now officially off on holiday. I will be back on January 16th (the 15th is a Martin Luther King Jr. holiday). I have been so swamped the last few weeks leading to my vacation. I have a lot of To Dos on my list that I have (thank God) all ticked off.

**********

I am looking forward to seeing father and son meet for the very first time. Just thinking about it has gotten me teary eyed already. I can sense hubz' excitement whenever I talk to him on the phone. He kept buying stuff for Kail, and making sure everything's perfect for his big birthday.

**********

I got a letter from NVC (National Visa Center) yesterday to inform me that they received my request for hubz' petition upgrade and they are currently looking at his case. They will keep us informed of the result. I pray, pray, pray... AMEN!

**********

2006 in Review

God has blessed us with so much this year that our hearts are overwhelmed with joy and praise. We also have had challenges and struggles but they were outnumbered with the many graces God has bestowed upon our family and our loved ones. So, let me take this moment to take you back in time as we review the highlights of our year...

In January, I gave birth to a healthy 8.10 lb, 22 in. Caerwyn Mikhail via C-section at Sutter Solano Community Hospital in Vallejo, California. Ten days later, friends saw me dancing the night away at my roommate's big milestone birthday bash

In February, I continued to adjust to my new role as a mom. Kail was very colicky so he would cry incessantly the whole night. The lack of sleep contributed to my low milk supply.

In March, I brought Kail to the office so my teammates would see him. He flashed his toothless grin on everyone! Such a friendly little fellow!

In April, Kail's Grandma Luz (my mom's sister) and Grandpa Bertil (my aunt's husband) came to visit. We took them to Lake Tahoe with the then 3-month old Kail - his first out of town trip. I think I brought along stuff good for a year! I also went back to work in April - leaving Kail to lola L's care.

In May, hubz celebrated his 35th birthday while Kail celebrated his 4th month. It was also my first Mother's Day as a mom. We also had Kail's christening that same month.

In June, I started getting busy at work with a huge project for October install. It was quite a challenge juggling on my new role as a mom, and my responsibilities at work.

In July, Kail celebrated his 6th month with a bang on the 4th of July!

In August, we saw Kail's rashes clearing up a bit. His allergist determined that Kail has allergies to eggs and nuts so he couldn't eat anything that has those on it.

In September, I celebrated my 33rd birthday with my handsome little prince. We had lunch at a Thai restaurant with my roommate, then dinner with very close friends at my favorite seafood restaurant - good company, great food, a handsome escort - what more could a girl ask?!

In October, the huge project I was working on was implemented. It was such a relief to find that there were no problems in Production. On a sad note, Lola L, who has taken care of Kail since I went back to work, has decided to come back to the Philippines. Thank God for good friends because N and J referred me to their aunt who has taken over caring for Kail.

In November, I became an American citizen through an oath-taking ceremony on Nov.14. Coincidentally, I first came to the US on Nov. 13, 1997. That same month, we also celebrated Thanksgiving with a few friends. There is a lot to be thankful for this year.

In December, we are counting down for Christmas and for Kail's first trip home.

*************

Here is my gift to myself (a new Nikon D80 DSLR camera with 18-135mm lens):



My gift to Kail (Venturer Car DVD player with Dual 7" screens and players):


Santa's gift to good boy Kail (Baby Einstein Collection #2):

Daddy's gift to Kail - a set of drums, and his big birthday bash on January 7, 2007.

**********

See you all next year!

From our family to yours...

A blessed Christmas and a prosperous 2007. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, may we never forget that Jesus is the reason for the season.

I had my citizenship oath-taking at Nob Hill Masonic Center in San Francisco yesterday. Who would’ve thought I’d get there?

Coincidentally, Nov. 13th was my 9th year here in the US. I first stepped foot in the land of the free on Nov. 13, 1997. I was a scared-out-of-my wits 24 year old then. People at work didn’t take me seriously because according to them, I looked like a kid. I had to earn their respect. They gave me the toughest and most complicated projects. I would sometimes spend the night at work, not having a car during my first year, and overly dependent on public transportation. I slept on sleeping bags because I had to save my money for a car downpayment. I wasn’t paid overtime even when I work 60-75 hours a week. I was paid measly by the agency that hired me. After 2 years of slaving for them, I finally accepted the client’s offer to convert me into a regular employee. I had to make sure I am over the 2 year period, or I’d pay $12K to the agency that milked me!

I decided to leave for the US because opportunities in the Philippines were limited. I was overlooked for a promotion because I did not graduate from UP, Ateneo, DLSU, nor from any of those “exclusive” A-list schools. Whenever I’d apply for jobs, I would always get asked whether I came from a reputable university. I swear I’d see smirks whenever I’d mention “Adamson University” – my alma mater. I may not have come from those A-list schools but I’m just as smart (if not better than most of their alumni). The Philippines’ corporate ladder is not designed for someone like me.

Looking back, I may have had lots of struggles here in America but my adopted country has been good to me all these years. It gave me a chance I would never have gotten in the Philippines. I was never discriminated because of my education. I am getting the comfortable life I deserve. I am able to help my family, and I can ensure that my son will have better opportunities. He will be spared of the obstacles I had to go through.

In yesterday’s ceremony, the speaker said “you’ve set your own destinies, you overcame your own obstacles”. With God’s help and constant guidance, I have truly reached my goal. I am part of the 1,327 new citizens from 95 countries that took the oath yesterday.

Who would’ve thought that this poor girl from the Philippines would get to where I am now? Not in my wildest dream!

Look who we saw at the mall on Saturday....


The stage mom in me had to rush into The Children's Place, got him that cute little polo shirt for that snapshot with Santa. I'm so proud of my little guy because while other kids his age cries at the sight of a big bearded man, he looked at him with a bewildered eye, and when the lady at the camera called his name, he flashed a smile! He's so well-trained by his papparazzi of a mom, hahaha!

The Vocabulary of a 10-month old baby...

While I was giving Kail a bath the other night, he kept saying “mamamamama”. This sounded like music to my ears. For the first time since he started blabbering, he finally uttered it! Though his first word was “tatatata” (for Tita, I think), then “dedede” (for milk), then “dadada” (for daddy), I’m proud to say that I am now part of his very limited vocabulary!

Trick or Treat!!!!

Kail was so cute in his hand-me-down from Kuya P's Tigger costume... :)

Yesterday was my citizenship interview. I showed up minus the interview appointment notice because I misplaced it a few weeks prior. The guard wouldn't let me in because I have to have an appointment letter before I am even allowed in. I cannot pose as a companion for my roommate who also happened to have the same interview date because mine is at 8:20 and hers is at 9:40. You will only be allowed to go in 30 minutes before your appointed time. Three weeks before my interview, I called the USCIS hotline and was told that I can come in without the notice because they would have a record of my interview schedule. She failed to mention I wouldn't go past the guards though!

I believe it was divine intervention because I was able to secure an InfoPass appointment just across the street. I was able to come through the gate where you can ask questions about your case. I told the USCIS officer about my case and he gladly handed me a referral slip and asked me to go straight to the 2nd Floor and show that slip to the Receptionist. Once there, the Receptionist verified that I was indeed scheduled for the interview, sent me to wait on Door A until my name is called. While waiting, I was really teary-eyed because I couldn’t believe how blessed I am. I am so thankful that I was able to get in, even without my appointment notice. I am also grateful for my roommate who was there to support me. If it wasn't for her constant push, I probably would've gone home and called it a day!

The interviewer asked me questions about my application, had me answer 10 US History questions, and had me write down "She was happy with her house". I was then asked to wait for my oath taking appointment and the rest was history!

The night before, I really prayed hard to get through the day and be able to pass my interview because I really would like to upgrade my husband's immigrant petition very, very soon. I am not complaining, though it would be nice if my husband will be able to help me take care of Kail. Most of the time, I'm just swamped and extremely overwhelmed. God heard my prayers. He truly is the greatest!

Yesterday was a very emotional day for me. I had to drag Kail out of bed by 5:40am, was on the road by 5:45, and dropped him off Auntie C’s house by 6am. By 6:05, I was back on the road on my way to work. While driving away, I was really crying. I feel bad having to take Kail out on a 51 degree weather but I don’t have a choice because I have to go to work. Even when Kail was his usual happy self, humming and baby talking, it still didn’t change what I felt.

J said it best – we do what we gotta do. If we had a choice, we wouldn’t do it otherwise. It’s true, I don’t have a choice. I have to work because my son is depending on me, and I’m depending on me, and my whole family is depending on me.

Come to think of it, I have simple dreams. I just want to be able to stay at home, watch my kids grow, and be able to take care of them.

I couldn’t help but count down for retirement – which is eons away!!!! Wish I could win the lottery!

Today of all days, Ma had the sniffles. I was so worried last night because she wasn't able to attend the J's birthday dinner since she wasn't feeling well. I needed to go to work today. It was our big install. So this morning, while I was washing Kail's bottles and preparing his things for the day, I was close to tears. The tears wouldn't fall though - maybe because I was just too tired, too stressed out, and too sleep-deprived to be emotional.

I asked whether she wanted to take the day to rest and reccuperate but she said she's ok to take care of Kail. I was prepared to call Auntie C (thanks J) to beg her to take care of Kail today. I really needed to come to work because I was on support. I'd probably lose my job if I don't show up - so there, it's that critical! In the end, I conceded because I saw Kail sound asleep. It just breaks my heart that I have to work and not be able to stay home like other moms can.

Tomorrow's another day… and yes, I also need to go to work.

My life as a working mom sometimes sucks! But everytime I see Kail happy and smiling and healthy, I just couldn't complain. He makes all the sacrifices worth my while.

A little more than a week ago, I celebrated yet another birthday. To those who emailed, texted, posted on my tagboard, called, sent a card - thank you all so much for remembering. Another year has passed and I am truly grateful for the year that was, and I have high hopes for the next ones to come. What's different this year? I'm a mom! I spent the day with my little guy - we went to church, had lunch with my roommate at a thai restaurant, then dinner with very close friends (his godparents) at my one of favorite seafood restaurant - The Dead Fish. Yummy food, good company, a very handsome escort - what more can a girl ask? Hubz also sent me a dozen roses, chocolates, and a cute little bear which Kail chewed on instantly! All in all, the day was great and life is good!

I am overwhelmed lately - working on a very stressful project to be installed on Oct. 13 (Friday the 13th - yikes!), taking care of a very active 8-month old, preparing all of Kail's food because of his allergies, household chores, planning for Kail's first birthday, keeping up with doctor's appointments (pedia and allergist). Keeping my sanity intact amidst all these is such a challenge. My therapy? Scrap shopping! I have evaluated my credit card spending these past few months and aside from baby stuff and necessities, scrap shopping has made a dent on my credit line. Have I churned up any layouts recently? Nope - not since October last year!

SO…I have decided that I ought to stop surfing on my favorite scrapbooking stores, and not spend a penny on scrapbook-related items UNTIL I have finished at least an album. BUT NOT UNTIL I have gotten my hands on that Ellison Big Shot AND paper organizers. Those Doodle Genies from Chatterbox sure looked yummy, so do the papers from Imagination Project/Gin-X, Cosmo Cricket stuff is tempting too…Well, you get the drift….

On Kail-front, he is now 8 months. It's unbelievable how much he has grown. He loves to crawl, stands up for long periods of time (with support, of course), sways his head from shoulder to shoulder, loves watching Baby Einstein DVDs, is allergic to eggs and nuts (and anything that has those on it), smiles a lot, knows how to use his charm to get what he wants (mommy needs to watch out for this).

This weekend, we are going out of town with some close friends (his godparents again) to Turtle Bay. This is Kail's second trip out of town. His first was at Tahoe in April with my aunt and uncle from Sweden.

My naturalization application is also underway. I needed to do this so I could upgrade hubz' petition. I pray that he'll be here very, very soon.

'Til next post - whenever that'll be! Note to self - need to get my thoughts organized! Take care everyone!

This baby knows how to work the camera... :)

Kail is now 6 months (turning 7 on Friday). Since he started eating solids, I feel like the best gourmet cook in the world because he devours everything I'd prepared for him (from scratch). Carrots is his favorite, and I'm surprised that he likes zucchinis as well. He loves gnawing at his teething biscuits and he prefers to hold a spoon when he gets fed. Baby pa, independent na.... like mommy like son, hehehe!

Funny how he won't take off a hat - no matter how uncomfortable he feels. My friends quipped "manang-mana sa mommy - sa ngalan ng porma, titiisin ang lahat!" To which I'd reply "ano'ng magagawa ko kung marunong pumorma ang anak ko 'no!"

Kail, I hope you'd keep that sense of style even when you're grown.

Kail's Christening photos are up and running. Thanks to A for these great shots! Will keep the website updated with his milestones as well.

Will update more soon. This momma's been busy with work (on weekdays) and children's parties (on weekends). My little Kail has been getting lots of party invitations! Such a sociable little guy!

Look Who's Looking

Here is Kail at four months. He had his well baby check-up on the 12th of May and boy has he grown! He is now 16.1 1/2 lbs., 26 3/4 inches in length. I can start him on solids by next week. He still has skin eczema (and I'm getting worried since his baptism is this coming Saturday). He's still on mittens because he tends to scratch his face. He's a very smart kid (coming from a stage mom) because he knows how to remove his mittens when he really wants to suck his fingers. He can hold his bottle with very little help, and what's funny is that he knows that a bottle equates to feeding. He gets excited whenever he sees it!

I have altogether stopped nursing him because my milk has dried up. I’m under a lot of stress lately – from work and at home. Taking care of an infant is not an easy task, and working 12 hour days is just as exhausting, not to mention being away from Kail for 14 hours when I go to work. I have done the best I could. I just feel so disappointed at myself for not producing enough milk to exclusively breastfeed him. But then again, stress could be a major factor there.

For the first two months of Kail’s life, he was very colicky. We’d be up all night. I would nurse him as much as he wants to, then give him formula. We would sit on a rocking chair as I lull him to sleep, while I’d also be pumping at the same time! I think the sound of the breastpump would soothe him to sleep, and when he does, I’d start crying. I have never felt so alone!

Now that I’ve stopped breastfeeding, I am now feeling nostalgic and sad at the same time. I don’t like to think I’m getting depressed, but it sure looks like it. Before I gave birth, I have envisioned myself exclusively breastfeeding for at least a year. I attended classes, read everything I can, bought myself a reliable but expensive breastpump and accessories. But nature had other plans. What I failed to do, though, is immerse myself in a breastfeeding support group like La Leche League. I found out that they have one in Napa with regular meetings every 2nd Tuesday of the month. Oh well, at least I know now. Until the next baby (hehehe!).

Here's hoping that everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day.

Before I go, I'd like to share this to all of you (especially to the moms out there). I found this message on my Inbox. Here goes...

Mother's Day is a thank you to every woman who has ever hugged a baby, kissed a boo-boo, taught a lesson, listened closely, cared deeply....

.... and passed on her love and wisdom to someone in the world who needed her....

The Long Overdue Post



The photo/s above is the same one we used for Kail’s baptism invitation. It’s prodly Philippine made by fellow-n@wie, Melisse. I’ve been getting lots of kudos on this!

I have been back to work for three weeks now and I have yet to get used to the idea of leaving my son very early in the morning on days that I don’t telecommute, and won’t get to see him again until nighttime. Crazy is an understatement, when used to describe how my days are like. As A puts it, I’m not just a mom, but a career woman, a breadwinner, a milk machine (at least I’d like to think so), a housekeeper. How I juggle with these roles is beyond me. I just know that I take it one day at a time, and hope that the next day will be better. I’m dead tired by the time I hit the sack but thankful nonetheless, for God’s greatest gift – my little Kail! He has given me a new purpose in life.

What else have I been up to these days? Well, preparing for Kail’s baptism is no easy feat. I have dilly-dallied on reserving the venue so I ended up at a buffet place in Vallejo (the dancing plan is out). I am giving/sending out the invitations a couple of weeks before the said event, I have yet to order a cake, and as I write, I still have gazillions of things on my mind. I am also in the process of closing a deal, which I’ll be able to hopefully blog about one of these days.

As far as Kail is concerned, he just turned 4 months yesterday. As usual, we have invited his godparents/neighbors to celebrate. He can now roll on his stomach, sleep on his side, coos and smiles a lot (I am beginning to think he is going to be a very talkative kid), shrieks when extremely happy (especially when he sees mommy, hehehe!), sucks on his fingers, can soothe himself to sleep, loves tummy time, has strong kicks. I’m glad that even when he has skin eczema on his face and body, he’s still a happy camper. He would sometimes get irritated if you keep his hands from scratching (after all, eczema can be very itchy), but he always has a ready smile for everyone. As of Apr. 21, he weighs 15.3 lbs. His next well baby visit will be on Friday next week which, he will be getting 5 vaccines (I have to brace myself for this).

Well, that’s it for now. I don’t update often but I try to bloghop whenever I can, and leave a few tidbits on my favorite blogs here and there. If I don’t get the chance to blog again soon, I’d like to greet all the moms out there a Happy Mother’s Day on May 14. I still have a list of greeting cards to send to all the important moms in my life – my mom, my grandma, my aunt, and my MIL. The cards might get to them late but I still want them to know I appreciate them more after I became a mom myself. Whenever I feel the urge to complain, I try to remind myself that my grandma raised 2 kids all on her own and at that time, there were no disposable diapers yet, so I ought to count myself lucky. Also, my mom has taken on the responsibility of being a mom and dad to us when my dad left for the US. That, in itself, is not an easy feat (especially raising a stubborn girl like me, hehehe!). I love you all very much!