Project 365 - January

Week 1 - Dec. 28, 2008 to Jan. 3, 2009

Week 2 - Jan. 4 to 10, 2009

A New Year, a New Post!

We just got back from our 13-day vacation on Friday, Jan. 9. We were practically living by the suitcase as we travelled from Las Vegas on Dec. 28 to Jan. 1, to Disneyland in Anaheim from Jan. 1 to 5, to a Carnival Paradise cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico (courtesy of a very generous sponsor) from Jan. 5 to 9. Here's a little rundown from our travels:

• Talk about spending the New Year in Vegas with style - we did just that! They closed the strip down for cars so we were basically walking down the streets - LOVE IT! We also witnessed lots of people overdrinking and some were even lying on the streets - couldn't get up - drunk! The fireworks were a disappointment though. Unlike the previous years (or so we were told), they decided to launch them at ground level. Thus, those of us already at ground level couldn't see anymore... :(
• While in Vegas, we also visited Red Rock Canyon and Rachel, NV. Rachel, NV is the town closest to the infamous Area 51 where a top secret government location exists focused on studying, researching, and discovering lives beyond this world (aliens). We had some photos taken at so-called Extra Terrestrial Highway. Passing through this said highway is so eerie because it looks deserted - you could drive miles and miles without encountering any other vehicle on the road! Makes you think what'll happen if your car suddenly breaks down in the middle of nowhere - no cellphone signal as well, and the nearest gas station is hundreds of miles away! The temperature dipped as low as 19 degrees Fahrenheit when we were there. In fact, there was snow on the ground.
• On Jan. 1, we passed by Mt. Charleston on our way to Anaheim. Kail had fun playing on the snow that he doesn't even want to go. When we finally convinced him to leave, we witnessed a helicopter rescue from the ski resort up on the mountains. We gathered from the grapevine that a kid broke his neck skiing or snowboarding. A helicopter came to rescue him and take him at our ground level for first aid before finally taking him to the hospital. It was the first time I ever witnessed a 911 rescue at work!
• For three consecutive days from Jan. 2 to 4, we went to Disneyland to fulfill our promise to Kail that we'll take him there to celebrate his birthday. The lines were horrendously long everywhere we went! We waited a couple of hours before we finally got our tickets, and then there were more lines for the rides and even for the photo op with the Disney characters! What's good is that It was Kail's first time there and though Calix coudln't care less, Kail was, on the other hand, so giddy at seeing his favorite characters come to life! He had a blast having his photo taken with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Lightning McQueen and Mater, seeing Woody and Buzz Lightyear pass him by, watching the parades, watching Fantasmic, seeing fireworks, watching Playhouse Disney live! Good thing we had 3-day park hopper tickets so we were able to fully enjoy the parks. We even went to California Adventure on Jan. 3 and wondered where all the people were! We capped off his 3rd birthday with a character dinner at Goofy's Kitchen in Disneyland Hotel.
• We left Anaheim for Long Beach on Jan. 5 to take the Carnival Paradise cruise. Hubz was already getting stressed hauling suitcases whileI was pushing a stroller with the two kids in tow. Travelling with two small children is NOT an easy feat. Aside from our luggages, we needed a great deal of patience to handle the tantrums and meltdowns along the way. Good thing we can leave Kail at Camp Carnival most ofthe time and Calix on specific times. This allowed us to get a bit of a rest. Kail enjoyed himself immensely at the Camp. They always had activities for kids, and tons of toys to play with, even movies to watch. When I picked him one time, he had face painting on, a crown on his head, and an artwork of his hands. This made us realize that he's truly ready for preschool. And oh, talk about food - there's tons of food - 24 hours a day. We can order room service without having to pay anything. The sit down dinner menu is delicious. There's buffet available if you don't want to sit through dinner. We'd truly recommend this experience to everyone. We were so pampered at the ship! When Calix would fuss and it was dinnertime, the dining room staff would carry him just so I can continue to enjoy my dinner. If Calix would fall asleep in my arms, the dining room staff would slice my food into manageable pieces so I can continue eating. It's service par excellance! Thanks to J for recommending this trip and giving us tips. Of course a big shout-out to our very generous sponsor!
• It's home sweet home for us on the evening of Jan. 9th, and after a great deal of unpacking, tons of laundry, and a little bit of rest, I'mback to the grind at work!

So, what's the plan for 2009? Well, I'm embarking into a new challenge - the Project 365 by Becky Higgins. I was one of those unlucky ones who didn't get my hands on the kit. Nevertheless, I am taking a photo a day to document our year. I'm taking photo of even the most mundane of things and documenting such at Shuttercal with bits of journalling. I'm still hoping CK will offer more Project 365 kits in the future. But if not, I have an idea forming into my head as to how I'll be able to turn them into layouts. What's good about this option is that itwill make good use of my stash. I'm only on Day 15 but I'm already having fun with it. I take photos even with my iPhone so as not to miss a day! I challenge you to try it - it's fun, and a very good way to document everyday of the year.

Happy New Year everyone! Looking forward to celebrating the Chinese New Year as well because the next one's Year of the Ox and it's my year!The last time the Year of the Ox came around, I left for the US so yes, I'll also be celebrating my 12th year in the US come November!

Christmas is here...

'Twas the night before Christmas. Our oven is busy making cassava cake for tonight's noche buena with friends. I also made peach cream pie earlier.

The kids are asleep, trying to recharge for a long night with their friends. The husband is watching Tagalog news in Pinoy TV. I'm busy with a Christmas entry on my blog.

This is probably our happiest Christmas ever. It's Calix's first and our first Christmas in our new home with just the four of us. Despite the recession, we still consider ourselves blessed. God has been truly good to me and my family.

From our family to yours... a very Merry Christmas and a Properous New Year!

Kail the Kuya

Hubz got upset with Calix last night. We were having dinner when Calix suddenly cried - the cry when he wants to be held, so I held him. But then I couldn't eat, so I placed him down again. He cried - louder this time. Hubz placed him in the living room without any lights on. What actually touched me was when Kail, then having dinner with us, stood up from his seat, went to the living room, opened the light, and stayed with Calix - trying to pacify him. I tell you, I was so proud of my little boy. I knew right then that when they grow up, they could depend on each other and they won't leave each other's sides.

LP 32: Maalaala mo Kaya

Ang litratong ito ay kuha noong dekada 70. Ang sanggol na nasa litrato ay ang aking mahal na asawa nung siya ay bininyagan. Uso noong panahong iyon ang mga maiikling damit/palda. Ang mga pantalong makipot sa binti at biglang luluwag sa laylayan - walis ang turing ko sa mga pantalong ito dahil sa paglakad mo'y animong malilinis ang sahig. At ang mga buhok na sobrang titigas na maski ano'ng galaw mo'y hindi magugulo! Ang kwento ng aking ina, beer daw ang inilalagay nila noon dahil hindi pa uso ang ispreynet. Parang ayoko yatang tumabi sa kanila kung ganoon. Mga amoy-lasing siguro sila, hehehe.

I Voted!

It's Election Day and an exciting time for all citizens, including me. I have mailed in my ballot a couple of weeks back. I wanted to make sure my vote will be counted. God bless America - for the freedom it stands for, and for the freedom it gives its' citizens to be heard and to make a stand. Today, history will be made. With the economic crisis on hand, it is important, more than ever, to choose wisely - to pick those who will lead America back into its seat of power.

Halloween came and went. The weather forecast said it was going to rain. True enough, it drizzled. Good thing the kids were done trick or treating. We have about two bags of candies to finish, plus those bags we weren't able to give out because we were out with the kids. They might end up in a balikbayan box to Manila for christmas.

A year ago, we were in the East Coast. On hallow's eve, we were sightseeing in downtown New York with Kail dressed up in his pumpkin sweats. He was handed a handful of candy then. Calix, on the other hand, was still in mommy's tummy so no costumes for him. This year though, theywere dressed as Mickey Mouse (a hand-me-down from Kuya J) and Dragon (which I got from Old Navy for $5). I also got them matching pajama sets to wear in bed. Hubz said I'm more excited about Halloween than the kids. I even practiced Kail to say "trick or treat" days before. Am I a stage mom in the making? ;)

My Wishlist

Christmas is 59 days away, and it's never too early to start on my christmas wishlist. Of course, with the economy being the way it is these days, they may just remain on my list.... :)

For the geek in me... the MacBook Pro!
For the bookworm in me... the Amazon Kindle!

For the mamarazzi in me... the SB-600 flash!

For the working woman/mom-on-the-go in me... the Louis Vuitton Palermo!

For the scrapbooker in me... the Cricut Personal Cutting System!

LP 30: Liwanag


Ang litratong ito ay kuha ko noong Nobyembre 1999 sa Flagstaff, Arizona. Panahon ito ng taglagas kaya halos ubos na ang dahon sa puno. Lubha akong nabighani sa ganda ng pagsikat ng araw kaya kagyat kong kinuha ang mano-mano kong camera. Isa ito sa paborito kong kuha.

Tinitingnan ko ang litratong ito tuwing nakakaranas ako ng pagsubok sa buhay. Kung susuriing mabuti ang litrato, para itong nangungusap at nagbibigay pag-asa. Para bang sinasabi niya na huwag matakot dahil pagkatapos ng dilim ay liliwanag din. Patunay na ang kasunod ng gabi ay isang bagong umaga na puno ng pag-asa. Kahit na nalalagas ang mga dahon, tutubo at babalik muli sila sa panahon ng tagsibol.

Napakabuti talaga ng Diyos! Para bang kinakausap niya tayo sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang mga likha.

Breastfeeding Challenges

I would like to think that I have done as much as I could on this area of motherhood. But, unlike other mothers out there, I simply wasn't blessed with enough milk supply for my baby. Even my lactation consultant confirmed that I have done everything to the T, but I still couldn't feed my baby full breastmilk. Even when I have succumbed to taking Reglan, a medication that supposedly increases milk supply, I couldn't extract more than 2-3 oz of milk per pumping. Is it because I had complications with my C-section? Is it because we have been plagued by seemingly endless issues and problems this time around? Or is it because, simply put, I wasn't blessed with enough milk ducts or they didn't develop fully? Is it related to my PCOS? For whatever reason, I simply cannot produce enough for my little Calix.

Since I started with the patch, I also noticed a steady decline in my milk supply, especially now that I ran out of Reglan. It has occurred to me to just stop trying and leave Calix with formula - he has no complaints anyway. But I was surprised that my husband noticed that I haven't been giving Calix breastmilk. He told me to keep pumping, and maybe I'll trigger the supply again.

You see, unlike Kail, Calix never had constipation, nor did he develop ectopic dermatitis. My husband thinks it's because he was getting more breastmilk than Kail ever did. But even with all these issues of milk supply, I am still grateful I was able to make it to the 5th month. My goal was 6 months but nature had other plans!

I truly salute all breastfeeding moms out there. This wasn't a walk in the park. I had to endure lots of sleepless nights because I had to steadily pump every 2-3 hours just to increase my supply. I am not ashamed at nursing my son in public - my only issue is that he still felt hungry after that. I just wish I had more to offer you know?

These past few days, news of financial gloom and doom have hit the headlines. You cannot help but feel depressed of it all. The world's economic giant is finally falling on its knees! The stock market has hit the fan. I dare not even look at my 401K anymore!

In the homefront, I have been doing a lot of calculations lately, doing my very best to stick within budget as even our dollars feel battered and torn in this economic chaos. We have been doing our part to save on utilities. I heard in Oprah show yesterday that unplugging unused appliances can save on electricity, so I've started doing that. We have programmed our sprinkler system to twice a week now. We maintain a list of groceries whenever we go to the store and we make sure we stick to that list. We try to go to the groceries with a full stomach so we won't be tempted to buy unnecessarily. We have avoided eating out. Every little bit counts.

Yesterday morning, as Kail moved to our bed, I realized that at the end of the day, everything that mattered to me most are in that bed - my husband and my two kids. As we are also undergoing some trying times, I am confident that everything will come to pass, and that the Lord will guide our way out. I believe that when the Lord turns our lives upside down, it is because He has something better planned.

Litratong Pinoy #27

Ito ang unang linggong lalahok ako sa "palaro" ng litratong pinoy. Ang tema ngayong linggong ito ay ang Kompyuter. Ito ang isang bagay na malapit sa aking puso dahil dito namin kinukuha ang ikinabubuhay namin. Dahil dito, nakarating ako sa Amerika upang maghanapbuhay.

Tunay na sa panahon natin ngayon, nakalulungkot isipin na hindi kumpleto ang ating mga araw kung hindi natin nagagamit ang ating mga kompyuter. Lubhang naging alipin na tayo ng makabagong teknolohiyang ito.

I've been out of circulation yet again. Calix is almost 5 months now, and is growing up so fast - right before our very eyes. He started eating solids a week ago and like his kuya, he's proving to be a big eater. Kail on the other hand, currently has ear infection so he's been coughing and sneezing, and his nose is dripping.

Here is my boys' latest photo - my favorite one. It is not always often that they get together like this - for camera's sake, so the mamarazzi in me had to take advantage... :)




Kail is a very good kuya. We can now ask him to do things for Calix - like give us diapers, give him his bottle. And he also loves hugging and kissing his baby brother. Calix, however, seem to dislike being near is kuya. Even when these two boys came from the same parents, you can see, even this early, their differences in attitude. Kail is so friendly and malambing while Calix seemed a bit distant. Calix doesn't do well with strangers unlike Kail who flashes his beautiful grin to everyone. But, differences or not, we still love them so much!

I am one who takes pride in being able to balance career and family life, but at the back of my mind, I had hoped that I wouldn't be in a position when I would have to choose between career and family because the choice is obvious. To someone who values family like I do, it's hands down family right? But, it wasn't as easy a choice as I thought.

I was recently faced with a decision between career advancement and family. I talked to hubz about it and he said it best - "Weigh your priorities. Choose what will make you happy". In the end, I decided to forego that chance to climb up the corporate ladder.

Because I can work from home on most days, I get that opportunity to take part in my kids' milestones. Time with my kids is something I will never be able to get back would I miss their growing up years. Sure, I'd get the chance to rub shoulders with who's who in the company but what good would that do if my own kids wouldn't even recognize me? At the end of the day, their hugs and wet kisses mean more to me than all the money and fame in the world. After all, I'm a mom 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and I couldn't be happier.

I've been out of touch for a long time again, but with some very good reasons. With two kids to care for, I couldn't even find the time to catch my breath. And if that isn't a good enough reason, we decided to move to a new house during the last week of July. If you think those are enough to drive anyone insane, I took two summer classes at the Community College to finally complete my Real Estate prerequisite for taking the state test. Since summer classes are only 8 weeks long, all courses had to be taught double the time which means I cram 4 times as much because I took two classes! If you think I'm done with those three heavy reasons to be out of touch, I'm also back to work since July 7th.

To those who have been aware of my C-section complications, I am healing better now - thank God! However, I have an outpatient procedure on Friday at a surgeon's office to finally put this issue to rest.

And if you think I'm done giving reasons, well, you're in for a big surprise! My family has been going through some rough times lately because of what I thought were good investments that ended up haunting me. Anyway, we're taking it one day at a time with hope that this too, shall pass.

So, if you get the chance to see me, don't be surprised since I dropped 34 lbs in all since giving birth (I only gained 30 lbs total throughout the whole pregnancy). I'm 4 lbs lighter than my pre-pregnancy weight. 4 more lbs to go and I'll reach my pre-marital weight at 100 lbs!

Other than that, God has been good to our family and we couldn't be more than grateful.

Welcome Calix Matthias!

Calix was born on May 8, 2008 at 8:48 am via a scheduled C-section at Sutter Solano Medical Center in Vallejo. He weighed 9.6 lbs and was 21 inches long at birth. Like his kuya, he is in perfect health and he brought with him tremendous joy.

I am currently recovering from complications on my C-section. My doctor referred to it as wound hematoma. In layman's terms, my incision hasn't closed because I had clots and the inside isn't healing as expected. With this, I have had to visit my OB daily to have her change the dressing. I have also been in pain since Day 1 though I refuse to take pain killers unless necessary because I am trying to breastfeed. This has been a traumatic post partum recovery and it made me seriously consider not having another one. My only consolation amidst all these is that I have another beautiful son whom I absolutely adore.

Belated Happy Mother's Day to all. Here's to the many sacrifices moms can endure for the sake of their beloved children.

Please include me in your prayers for a speedy recovery as well.

Tomorrow, May 8 at 7:30am, I am going in for a scheduled C-section to meet Baby Calix - the latest addition to the Apolo household. I am enjoying the last few hours alone with Kail because I know I'll miss him terribly while I'm at the hospital. Since he was born 28 months ago, we haven't been apart at night. If the hospital won't allow him to stay, then he and his dad would have to sleep at home and I'd be left all alone.

While we are busy doing our last minute preparation for the big day (the husband is out on the yard mowing the lawn), I am feeling under the weather. I have colds and my throat felt sore. We have a pre-op appointment this afternoon and I'll just bring it up then. Gosh, I hope they could get me something that'll make these symptoms go away. I don't want the baby to get infected on his first few days of life, and as much as possible, I don't want to put off the delivery date any longer. I am having trouble sleeping already due to my carpal tunnel, and then there's the uncomfortable feeling of a heavy tummy. I'm having difficulty walking and standing up. There's also the pressure on my lower abdomen (like menstrual cramps). I really think it's time.

Won't you please include is in your prayers for a safe delivery and a healthy baby? Thanks so much!

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I met with Mary, the lactation consultant from La Leche League and she gave me lots of useful information to help me be successful in breastfeeding. She also promised to be available to me anytime and promises to visit once in a while to see how I'm doing. Because of my breastfeeding issues with Kail, I am really keen on successfully breastfeeding this time around so I'm trying to get all the help I could get up front.

To my dear husband, Happy, Happy Birthday!

Thank you for the love, support, understanding, kindness, and care you have given me through the years.

Thank you for being a great husband and a wonderful father to Kail, and soon, to Calix as well.

I love you... more than you'll ever know!

I would just like to post some new layouts I did in two days. Layout 1 is a project from Big Picture Scrapbooking's Gretchen Schmidt's class I took in September last year. Layouts 2, 3, and 4 are based from the Pagemaps book and Valerie Salmon's sketches.

Materials used: paper - Basic Grey Buddy Boy and Bazzill Basics; Notecard - Mellette Berezoski; photo by Picture Co.

Journalling: Kail, at age one, we already know you have a cheerful personality. You always have that cute little smile on your face. Keep it up even when life throws you lemons sometimes.

Materials used: cardstock - Bazzill; patterned paper - Basic Grey Gypsy; Font - Heidi Swapp; Notecard - Imaginisce

Materials used: cardstock - Bazzill; patterned paper - Chatterbox; font - Making Memories; Notecard - K&Co.

Journalling: Kail discovered monkey bar at the playground and he loved it! With dad's help, he'd swing back and forth and giggle. My son is definitely 100% boy!

Materials used: cardstock - Bazzill; patterned paper - Chatterbox; Photo corner - Heidi Swapp; "Happiness" font - K&Co; "is" font - Making Memories

Journalling - Happiness is... having you as our son, seeing your beautiful smile everyday, having a son that always exudes happiness!

It has been a while since my last post. To those who were wondering, no, I haven't given birth yet. But, as of yesterday, I am officially on maternity leave. It feels strange to be at home and not working (this is because I work from home on most days). Kail is probably wondering why I'm always around him, but nevertheless welcomes my being a dotting mother. We read, play, snuggle, take naps together. The husband also welcomes the break from taking care of the little guy.

I am starting to pack my hospital bag, and I have completed the baby's stuff in there. I just need to add my own and we're ready to go. In the meantime, there's also a lot on my To Do list before the big day that we have to fulfill.

My carpal tunnel has been bothering me lately. I couldn't sleep well at night because of the numbness and the pain on my wrist. This is the one thing I dislike on my last trimester of pregnancy. I've had this with Kail and I have it again this time. Oh well, I just have to live with it. Besides, a couple of weeks more and I'll be carpal tunnel-free (I hope).

Maternity Portraits and Tagged!

On Saturday, we had our photo shoot with none other than Auey Santos of Photograffiti. It was such a fun shoot!

I've always admired Demi Moore's unforgettable maternity portrait and though I don't have the heart to bare it all, I can daresay I have the courage to bare my very pregnant tummy! The photos can be found here. I couldn't be happier with the images.

Kudos to Auey for her talent and overflowing creativity and artistry!

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I've been tagged by Dang and here's my take on the Six Unimportant Things About Me:

1. I love chocolates even when it triggers my migraine. The darker it is, the better for me!

2. I hate the taste of milk (it used to upset my stomach) but because of calcium, I have acquired the taste.

3. I love to shop! In fact, I hoard lots of scrapbook supplies though I barely make a dent.

4. I am OC when it comes to the bathroom. I like the faucets sparkling, the sink white as snow so I wipe it off everytime we use the bathroom. I've also taught the husband and my son to clean as they go so cleaning won't bea big production number everytime.

5. I love taking photos and I love being in photos!

6. I can read and watch TV at the same time. When I was in school, I used to study and do my homework in frontof the TV. Call it multitasking, hehehe!

I owe one more tag from Gem. Hope to get to it soon!