Wednesday, November 15, 2006
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!
Monday, November 13, 2006

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!
Friday, November 10, 2006
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!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
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!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
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!
Friday, October 13, 2006
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.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
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!
Monday, July 31, 2006

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.
Monday, June 26, 2006
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!
Thursday, May 18, 2006

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....
Friday, May 05, 2006

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!
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
This Too, Shall Pass
This has been my mantra when Kail was born - amidst sleepless nights, crying spells, adjustments on becoming a new mom, bouts with post partum depression. Sure enough, when Kail turned three months, life became so much better. He could sleep through the night, waking up only for feedings, the crying diminished (or is it because I can somehow guess why he's fussing?). I'd talk to him and he would coo back, with a matching toothless grin or a shriek. Though I love this time, I realize that my baby is growing up fast!
Just when the fun begins, I needed to go back to work. I spent the night before my first day back just gazing at him, hugging and kissing him. I know I'd miss him terribly, after spending those wonderful but exhausting 3 1/2 months with him. April 17 came and I cried when the alarm clock went off. I was sobbing when I left home. I would find myself daydreaming at work, and a tear would fall from time to time. When it was time for me to go home, my car almost flew. Seeing my son again was pure bliss. He was crying when I came home. As soon as I held him in my arms, he stopped and beamed at me. When I fed him, he wouldn't let go of my breast even when I knew he wasn't getting any more milk there. He wanted to be held all the time. I guess he must've missed me too!
Our time together may have been cut short by my need to report back to work. The quantity of time spent may become less but I intend to make up with quality. My heart would always ache when I leave and I would always wish I could be a stay at home mom. For now, I have to take it one day at a time and know that my time at work will pass. Knowing that my son also looks forward to my coming home is a sweet thought that keeps me going.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Sorry Day, for not responding on your tag right away.
How did you feel during those first few days after the birth?
==> I had a C-section so it was really hard for me to move around. But, I couldn't keep lying down because I had a baby to take care of. Also, I find myself crying for no apparent reason. Sometimes, when my baby cries, I am also in tears.
How were you emotionally?
==> Like I said, I just cry for no apparent reason. I am emotional whenever I see (on TV) children being abused - those scouring for food to eat in the garbage. Being a mom truly makes you susceptible to all the plights of children in the world!
Is there anything you wish people had told you about the postpartum period?
==> I wish they told me that there will be times when my patience will be tested, especially when the baby cries all night.
How long do you plan to breastfeed?
==> Up to 3 months, hopefully. He's mixed fed right now. I had to supplement with formula because my breastmilk isn't sufficient.
Do you have any advice for getting through those first weeks of breastfeeding?
==> I was fortunate because Kail latched on perfectly since Day 1. My only problem was my milk supply. I'd advise everyone to persevere and keep at it no matter how frustrating it can be. The rewards are enormous, and it's for the baby's welfare. Drink lots of fluids, especially water.
Was there any stress between you and your husband over the baby?
==> On times when I'm sleep deprived and cradling a crying baby in my arms, I really detest him not being here. There were also nights when I had to hang up on him due to frustration. I know it's not his fault but I just can't help it.
Let's talk about your body, Did things get totally rearranged?
==> Not really - I just have some more weight to lose.
Care to share how much you weighed before and how much now?
==> I was 96 lbs pre-pregnancy, 133 lbs on the day prior to giving birth, and 110 lbs now.
What advice-or comfort-can you offer other new moms about their weight ?
==> It took us 9 months to beef up so don't expect to lose all those weight overnight.
How important is it for you to have a work identity?
==> More than work identity, I need to keep my job so my baby and I would survive. I am the breadwinner (at least until my husband comes here) so I have no choice but to keep working. Much as I'd like to be a SAHM someday, I also want to work (even part time) to earn money. Aside from my son, my family in the Philippines (mom, brother, grandma) are also my dependents.
Was your baby a lot of fun right from the start?
==> Oh no - he cried a lot!
What's your baby like now?
==> He now smiles a lot, coos, and so much fun!
It would be nice to hear from other mom's too, so if your not busy with your little one, care to share - Jody, April, Litcoo, Alpha, Olive, Leirs, Meeya, Marie, Josephine.
I still couldn't believe this big boy (now 12.13 lbs at 2 months) came from me!!!! I carried him in my womb for 9 long months!

In as much as babies learn from their parents, my son has taught me a lot of things as well.
1. He's the BOSS. He dictates when I can sleep, for how long, and when I need to wake up. He also dictates whether or not he will allow me to do my chores at home.
2. Babies are not CUTE all the time. When he starts crying, I want to take him back into my tummy!
3. SLEEP is a foreign word. He sleeps all the time, when I need to be awake, and stays awake when I need to sleep.
4. SLEEP like a baby meant waking up every 5 minutes. I couldn't believe how light my son sleeps. A little movement beside him (when we're co-sleeping) will immediately send his arms and legs flailing.
5. It's easier to take care of babies inside the tummy than out. Inside, I just worry when I don't feel him move. Outside, I worry when he can't keep still (especially if he cries all the time).
6. Babies CRY, EAT, SLEEP, POOP, PEE most of the time... and SMILE sometimes.
7. A SMILE would melt your heart away - even when you're sleep-deprived and over-fatigued. You'll even forget the night-long crying feat.
8. A BATH for me now meant 5 minutes in the shower - tops, and probably 2 minutes dressing up!
9. SHOPPING meant meandering in the baby section of the store - drooling over baby stuff to buy.
10. ME time is a thing of the past. It's all about HIM now.
No matter how hard it is taking care of this little creature, I wouldn't trade it in for anything in this world. I love being a mom. It truly is my most rewarding career ever.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
I just had to post this... bagay ba?

Kail had rashes on his face, which might've been caused by my curly locks so I decided to trade in my long hair to this. It felt good actually... been wanting to try a new "do" for sometime now. After all, being a mom does take the "me" time away. This haircut is easier to maintain, not to mention less use of shampoo and conditioner... :)
Thursday, February 09, 2006

First things first. Finally, Kail's photos have been posted at Shutterfly. That has long been overdue and I thank my husband for taking the initiative. Proud dad talaga! :)
This mom has been terribly busy these days - being the only person who takes care of my little one. I must admit, motherhood is tough, but none is as rewarding. There are times though, especially when Kail doesn't cease crying, that I've wondered about taking him back into my tummy... :) Of course, that's just wishful thinking.
Next, to you who has been posting messages on my tagboard (you know who you are), I see it and I get the message. However, I believe that there is a proper time and place for everything. The web is not a place to hang dirty laundry for everyone to see. Right now, I am not ready to get in touch with you. I pray that in time, I'd find it in my heart to accept things as they are.
Lastly, I've been tagged by Liza and here's my take:
4 Jobs I've had in my life --> Production Engineer; Programmer/Analyst; Sr QA Analyst; QA Engineer
4 movies i could watch over and over --> Sweet Home Alabama; The Notebook; A Walk to Remember; Somewhere in Time (hopeless romantic kasi ako)
4 places i've lived --> Daly City; Novato; San Rafael; American Canyon
4 tv shows i love to watch --> Smallville; Seventh Heaven; Charmed; Gilmore Girls
4 places i've been on vacation--> in the Philippines: Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Boracay; in the US --> Martha's Vineyard, Niagara Falls, New York, Las Vegas
4 websites i visit daily --> yahoo mail; google mail; blogsite; yahoo groups
4 of my favorite foods --> kare-kare; sinigang; spaghetti; pansit
4 places i'd rather be right now --> in the Philippines with my loved ones; in Torino, Italy for the olympics; touring Europe; Down Under
Saturday, January 07, 2006

On January 4, 2006 at 2:39am, I gave birth to a healthy and beautiful baby boy via a C-section. He weighed 8.10 lbs and is 22 inches long.
I'll post another entry soon - and maybe a link with more photos. This mom's just busy dotting on her newborn.
Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
I had my weekly doctor's appointment yesterday and I was told that I am already 3cm dilated and 70% effaced. My cervix is favorable enough but I haven't gone into labor just yet. If only I was past 38 weeks, I would've been induced as I have a big baby and my doctor doesn't want to prolong my delivery. Though 37 weeks is considered full term, some babies act as if they're preemies so to make sure, she wanted to wait a week more. If I don't go into labor by Tuesday (my next appointment), I will be induced.
When I got home yesterday, I emailed my boss that this week will be my last working week until I go back from my maternity leave in April. I have also turned over the remaining work I have. I filed my maternity leave via our leave coordinator. I started working on my will. I have finalized my hospital pre-registration (I am changing insurance companies come January 1). I have also mailed the cord blood documents, which I have faxed to Viacord a couple of weeks back.
Last night, I was in my baby's room trying to arrange stuff. I think my nesting instinct is kicking in. It won't be long now...
Please pray for a smooth and safe delivery for me, and a healthy baby for us.
Friday, December 23, 2005
A friend forwarded this email that I thought was worth posting. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays, may we never forget that Jesus is still the reason for the season.
Merry Christmas everyone!
*****************
Dear loved ones,
As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.
It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.
I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many,many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face .... and I wanted to be with them and share their table.
In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" .. as if the party were in his honor!
At 12 midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and ... do you know ... no one hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me.
What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.
Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you.
Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart.
I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements.
Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside.
Be prepared because when all is ready you will be part of my great party.
See you soon.
I Love you!
Jesus

