Vocabulary of a 19-month old toddler

Kail's vocabulary is increasing by the day. Though he still blabbers in a language we couldn't understand, he at least has some words we could decipher:

baby - ah dee
daddy - dah dee
mommy - mama
ball - ba
balloon - lol
thank you - eh ooo
cat - tat
dog - dot
elmo - momo
no more - momon
banana - nana
wala na - nana
milk - dede
water - tater

I can't wait for my son to finally be able to speak in phrases. At the rate he's going, he's probably going to be as ma-kwento as mommy, hehe.

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Jody tagged me, so here are some weird things about me:

1. I'm a bag lady (not that I hoard bags) but I carry lots of 'em. I have a laptop roller with my laptop and work-related documents, my lunch bag, and a big shoulder bag which contains reading materials and personal items.

2. I sleep with a blanket all the time - even when it's scorching hot in the summer. I just have a fan fullydedicated to make me comfortable and the aircon is in full blast, hehe.

3. I'm a shopaholic - whether in store or online.

4. I love window-shopping. I can get out of a store without carrying anything, but just looking at things to buy satisfies me.

5. I can't sleep without hugging a pillow, even when I have my two boys beside me to hug.

6. I wipe my bathroom sink and faucets everytime I use it.

7. I keep magazines and books in the bathroom for reading when I'm on the "throne", hehe.

8. I have a LOT of scrapbooking stuff, but I'm not cranking up enough LOs to make a dent on my stash.

9. Some women crave for bags and girly stuff, while I have a love affair with cameras. I have a film SLR (Nikon N80), a DSLR (Nikon D80), a point and shoot digital camera (Olympus Stylus). I have 3 lenses - Tamron 28 to 200 mm, Nikon 50mm f/1.8, Nikon 18-105 f/3.5-4.6. I am salivating over Panasonic DMC-LX2 or Leica D-Lux - point and shoot cameras with 16:9 wide CCD, f/2.8mm wide angle lens. Also in my wish list is an SB-800 or SB-600 external flash.

10. I pray the rosary on the train (on my way home from work).

My Creative Endeavors

I've been in a creative rut since October 2005, back when I was pregnant with Kail. After I have given birth, the more I didn't have time to scrap because I was busy solely taking care of an infant. When I got back to work, the more it became impossible for me to sit down and scrap. I was faced with the responsibility of taking care of Kail and then having to work full time. I was on a hectic schedule with a demanding job. My need for creativity was easily satisfied by scrap shopping and reading scrapbook-related magazines. Now that the husband is home with us, I can now sit and be able to scrap a little here and there. In fact, whenI told hubz I needed to get back into shape by going to the gym, he quipped that I didn't need to do that, and that I ought to spend whatever free time I have scrapping. I'm glad he supports my need for a creative outlet and that he sees the importance of documenting our lives.

So, what have I been up to these days? I have enrolled in two more Big Picture Scrapbooking classes - Brushworks by Renee Pearson and Write Now by Amy Sorensen. I can now create brushes with photos, swirls, even my own handwriting for my layouts. With Write Now, I am able to journal the fast and easy way. It's not perfect journalling but it's the type of journalling that focuses on the why, not necessarily on the who, what, where type of stuff. I am also close to completing the All About Me album. This is a kit I got to benefit Breast Cancer research last year. I just have to add the photos and do a little bit more on the journalling and I'm done. Next on my plate is Kail's baby album. This is also a kit I had purchased on sale at Simple Scrapbooks. I have printed off the photos and am now doing bits of journalling. I'll be ready to assemble it as soon as I've completed my All About Me album, hopefully before Kail turns 21, teehee! I have also completed 5 journalling entries on some of our everyday happenings. I guess you can say that I'm the type of scrapbooker who prioritizes our everyday lives rather than the special occasions. I feel that our life may be mundane to some, but it is that little bits and pieces of our everyday that creates the special big picture of our life. I just hope I won't lose the momentum - what with our hectic weekend schedule as we take hubz on a tour of California.

In the meantime, I'm posting the last digital layout I made from the Brushworks class. The background paper is a close-up photo of Kail I converted into brushes. Cool huh?! :)

Very Picky Eaters

Kail used to have an appetite of a horse. He would eat anything and everything that he could get his tinyhands on, even when he's not supposed to eat them because of his allergies. Lately he's been refusing food. I somehow blame my ever-picky husband for it. Hubz is an honest-to-goodness carnivore. He doesn't eat veggies nor fruits. Even with meat, he's very picky. He won't eat anything that he's not used to seeing/eating. His favorites are simply sinigang and fried chicken (not very challenging to cook!). He doesn't eat leftovers, and this is because his lola owns a canteen so he was spoilt not having to repeat food the next meal, and having a variety of choices when he eats. He doesn't cook either because his lola does that for a living anyway. Kail sees him picking out his food so he probably thinks this is how it's supposed to be, since they're together 24x7.

I'm really finding it hard to feed my two boys these days. I'm practically pulling my hair out to find a way for them to eat. As a working mom, I don't have time to cook three meals a day. Since migrating to the US a couple of months ago, hubz doesn't eat lunch anymore. He would eat a bagel and it'll last him 'til dinner. Come dinner time, I noticed that whenever we have veggies or leftovers, he would eat very little. But when it's meat, he eats even the last bit of rice.

I don't know what else to do to make my boys eat. At least Kail eats fruits and veggies, but hubz, forget it. It's like talking to a tree when I tell him the health benefits of eating these types of food.

Any ideas mommies? I'm really desperate for tips.

I am one who have always believed in the power of prayer. I have seen it in my life and I can definitely attest to this.

It is with this same faith that I would like to humbly ask for your prayers for a friend and her unborn baby. Please check out Kaye's site for details. She is one very strong wife and mother. Her unwavering faith in God is truly an inspiration.

Thank you and here's to the power of prayer!

At the airport last week, I saw this poor woman carrying loads of baggages (on a cart of course), trying hard to keep up with her husband who is carrying absolutely nothing but a laptop bag. Then, he boarded the elevator well ahead of us (my roommate, me, my husband, and my little boy). His wife boarded last. In fact, the elevator almost closed up on her. The husband said something in their native language, and the wife just kept quiet. It sounded like he was berating his wife for not being able to keep up.

I told my husband I wanted to take the suitcase out of the cart, hit the husband on the head for not respecting his wife. My husband replied that in their culture, such is normal. It was then that I realized that though I came from a third world country, I have a lot to thank for. As Filipinos, our parents always reiterated the value of respect - especially to women. I remembered men would always say "ladies first". I am also grateful for the fact that my husband treats me as a partner - an equal. We walk hand-in-hand - nobody lagging behind. He consults me on his decisions, respects my opinions, allows me to control our finances, does his share of household chores, is a hands-on dad when it comes to Kail.

Related to this, I have a teammate asking a Filipino male friend how they are at home. My friend responded that we equally share household chores. He was aghast. In their house, he is the king. He would lie on the couch all day - doing whatever he feels like doing, while the wife does everything. I could not believe my ears! If that was my husband lying on the couch while I scramble to get stuff done, I would really hit him with whatever I can lay my hands on.

Unbelievable that in our modern day and age, there are still cultures who treat women as second and third class citizens (seemed lower sometimes). In my opinion, these men do not deserve wives, they ought to hire slaves!

I swear, this is like eye-candy! I like the the hobo, gypsy fringe bag, and these two purses - this and that.

Sigh, I'm not a bag person, but I couldn't resist these bags that looked like patterned papers - so yummy! How I wish money grew on trees!

Have a great week everyone!

I've been Tagged!

I've been tagged by Jigi!

I must post the rules, 7 random things about me and then tag others to do the same. Sounds fair enough, right?

These are the rules… each player starts with 7 random facts about themselves on their Blog. People who are tagged need to blog 7 facts about themselves and post the rules as well. At the end of their blog list 7 people you are tagging. Let them know that they are tagged by leaving them a comment.

1. Shopping is my therapy. I head out to the mall when I'm stressed.

2. I take online classes at www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com to hopefully curb my creativity back on track, and to encourage me to start scrapbooking again.

3. I love to read. Whenever I have an idle time (like my commute to work), I read books, magazines, or anything that piques my interest.

4. I'm a shoe fettish. A woman can never have enough shoes.

5. Fall is my favorite season. The weather is just right for me and I have to admit, I look cute in boots, hehe!

6. I collect Strini handblown glasses. I have not purchased a single one though because everything I have are gifts.

7. I'm a light sleeper. I wake up with the slightest noise, but can easily get back to sleep.

Please feel free to tag yourself...

Happy Father's Day (belated)!

To my hubz...
To my dad...
Happy Father's Day!
I love you both

I've always admired "hands-on" dads and I'm thankful to find one in my husband. It doesn't matter that he wasn't physically present for the past 16 months of Kail's life. He had only been here for a month and yet, he and Kail are inseparable.

To all dads I have had the pleasure of knowing, this day is made just for you.

After a Long Hiatus...

Yes, the husband is finally home with us. He has adjusted to his "domesticated" life pretty well. He has learned to change nappies, feed and take care of Kail, give baths, wash the bottles, mow the lawn, vacuum the carpet, help me with cleaning the house, put out the garbage. For someone who grew up having maids around, this is definitely a 360 degree change! I asked him if he gets homesick and his response, well, he doesn't even have time to be homesick, hehe!

I took him around the city on his first week, to Discovery Kingdom on his second, and to LA during the long weekend. As you can see, we've been pretty busy.

I've also decided to change skin and change blog title. However, I lost all the links to the blogs I frequently visit. So, if you're reading this, can you post the link to your blogs on the Comments section? I'd truly appreciate it!

I'm leaving you with some photos of our newly-reunited family... 'Til next post!

The Long Wait is Finally Over...

After four years of waiting, hoping, praying... after all the tears and heartaches, the disappointments and frustrations... the sacrifices, and the challenges of maintaining a long distance marriage, hubz is arriving in the US on May 10 - in time for our fourth year anniversary.

This time, new challenges will emerge, but one that we'll face head on - together.

Thank you for all those who offered prayers for us. That was the one thing that kept us going. We know that the Lord will eventually grant our prayers, at a time He feels that is right.

My baby will finally have a father of his own. He doesn't need to "borrow" someone else's.

Doing it Digi Week 3

This week, I have learned to create my own digital patterned paper and alphabet. Isn't that cool?!

Doing it Digi Week 2

Here are my latest layouts for Week 2 of Doing it Digi workshop:





I'm so loving this class! Today is our third week and I say... "bring it on"!

Today Kail walked on his own. I've always known he can do it but he's a little scared of letting go. So while I was at work, he made his first steps, and he's been walking like a pro since then. He walks fast, but surprisingly, he doesn't fall. It's as if he has been walking for a while now.

One of the things I hate about being a working mom is that I get to miss these firsts - special moments that I thought I should have the priviledge of witnessing. It broke my heart that I wasn't there when he took his first steps.

I thought about telling hubz about my sentiments but decided not to. After all, at least I was able to see him walk when I came to pick him up. He, on the other hand, has missed a lot more firsts. He can't even hug his son! I have no right to complain. I'm seeing my son grow right before my very eyes, and today, he just proved that he is, indeed growing up fast, faster than I would've wanted.

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...