Akira and Everything nice

How to find out when you ovulate

2015-01-07T19:15:00.000+08:00

Ovulation is the key factor in fertility and knowing how to find out if and when you ovulate is essential to improving fertility.

Ovulation Predictor kit grabbed from Diaperchamp.com

Pinpointing ovulation is the key to getting pregnant fast. According to Diaperchamp.com, a woman only has a short window in her cycle where she’s most fertile, this is during her ovulation – the time in a woman’s cycle where her body releases the egg. A single ovulation lasts for about 2-4 days max, if you miss that window of opportunity, you’re going to have to wait for another cycle. There are several ways to pinpoint ovulation, one of these is by using an OPK or an ovulation predictor kit. An OPK is just like a pregnancy test except that it does not detect pregnancy and those two lines in an OPK don’t always mean a positive result. Midway through your cycle, you may start checking for ovulation and continue testing until you get 2 dark lines. When you get those 2 dark lines in your OPK test, it means that you’re going to ovulate within 24-48 hrs, and that is the best chance you have to baby dance for more chances of conceiving.

Meet, Kuku

2014-07-31T14:33:00.000+08:00

-the latest addition to our small family of three. Hihi.

Since Akira has been asking us for a playmate for the longest time, we finally gave in after a long and careful consideration of all factors. Just like that, Akira had a playmate. No need to experience 9 months of pain. Haha.

He is makulit, very playful but always sleepy. As per wiki, Siamese kittens can sleep a total of 19hours a day. Well, that is kung papatulugin siya ni Akira ha.

Here's a picture of Kuku together with Akira's cat toys accumulated from the previous years. Actually, some have been given away already since yung significant ones lang ang palagi niyang hinahanap.

In the morning, they're like cats and dogs. Palaging nagkukulitan. Sometimes, I think kung cat ba talaga nabili namin. Sooo harot! At night, Kuku prefers to sleep beside Akira. Walang kokontra. It's either I bring him outside before I sleep when the AC is on or I just open the door when the AC is off. By the time Kuku is up, lahat kami gising na din. He wakes everyone up except for the time na napasarap din ang tulog niya. Haha.

Stickers and Toilet training

2014-06-03T19:24:00.000+08:00

Ok, Ok. We maybe a bit delayed on toilet training but at least, finally, after four years and a few months, we finally got Akira to sit on the bowl and do her thing. At around three though, she's been peeing on the potty and asking us for a diaper to poop on. Until one day, she agreed to try to sit on the bowl provided that I give her 2 stickers each time she does.

And she did it! The secret? Pee and poop chart!

Using just bond paper, ruler and pencil, I drew a chart. I let her choose the sticker and have them pasted on the chart. When we ran out of stickers, we bought a sticker set from the grocery that included a sticker book, too. So, Yay!

Now, on to my next problem. Making her pee at the mall. Don't get me wrong but I have toilet spray, wet and dry tissues and alcohol ready but I can't even make her go with me inside the Comfort room. The noise of the flush scares her to death. Oh well, maybe when she's ready. I just dunno when.

Missing blogging

2014-05-07T01:30:00.000+08:00

Promise. Namiss ko din magblog no! Hindi lang halata, obviously :)

When I was talking to a client a while ago, I asked how old her daughter is. I need that info kasi when customizing the size of the soft band to be used. "Oooh, she just turned two last April. Ayun, sobrang kulit na at madami ng pauso, matatawa ka na lang", she replied. And then it hit me. How was Akira when she was two? Super gasgas na cliche as this may sound, but Time really flies by so fast. Suddenly, I felt like crying. Ang bilis lumaki ng baby ko. What was I doing during those times na hindi ako nagbblog? I wish I was masipag like Maqui who was able to document each and every milestones of Aki. I've got tons of photos, yes. But how I wish I was able to put them up on the blog and share the story behind every photo. I wanted to blame Instagram for making me do microblogging but no, I have no one else to blame but myself.

Anywoot, here's the reason why I have been busy for the past couple of months:

I was able to finally complete the set of Disney princesses in felt. Yeah baby! This, I guess, is what sets M + K = A apart from the other online stores out there. Sobrang mabusisi gawin because cutting each part has to be precise. But all the hard work is paid off every time I hear compliments from my clients.

If there's Disney Princesses in felt, there should also be Disney princesses in grosgrain ribbons. Mas madami sila compared sa felt because there's a wide array of colors to choose from. Whereas with felt, I am limited with a few colors.

Insects and Bugs. It was never my intention to make one. But a friend specifically requested for that set. When I posted it online, a lot of people have inquired. Kaya ayun, kasama na din siya ngayon :)

Sea Creatures. Minus the ladybug. This group were born out of one boring afternoon while I was cleaning our Ottoman which is full of Akira's school supplies and other stuff. Yes, the duck, the ladybug, the turtle and the octopus are erasers. I have yet to make that Octopus tho since I was too lazy to bake the arms that day.

Frozen, whether clippies or toys, will always be a hit to any child. First were only Anna and Elsa in grosgrain ribbons. But when other online shops started making them, too, I felt that I needed to step up and offer something else that no other shop offers. I thought of felt but brushed off the idea at first kasi mejo mahirap siya gawin. Then came Sophie, Sieggy's pretty daughter, who asked if I could make one. I said I could try and see about that. Right then and there, she turned to Tita Maqui asking her if she could make her one. Nadurog naman ang puso ko. I don't want to make a promise kasi that I can't deliver. How dare I say no to her? Kaya ayun, a week later, I messaged Sieggy and told her that Sophie's request is ready. Buti na lng nagustuhan niya :)

The Russian doll. I have this client who thinks I can do everything. Thank you for believing in me, K. I accept made to order ribbons/ designs but I usually do it for friends lang. One day, she sent me a photo of a Matryoshka doll and asked if I could make one. It's a bit challenging, yah know. But hey, I think I nailed it! :)

Mickey and Minnie. Who doesn't love them?

Headbands. Headbands in classic and chic designs are now up for grab in the shop. Besides, a girl could never have enough headbands in her life, yes?

That's all for now. Today is crafty Tuesday.. err Wednesday na pala.

Oh wait! This, my friends, is the main reason why I haven't been around for quite a while. My little miss who has kept me busy in every way she can. But because of her, I never thought I can do things I thought I cannot do.

This photo is taken at our laundry area with our old ~~kabayo~~ planstahan. For those who have been asking what's my secret for taking product shots.. Uhmm, I just take the photo under natural light (preferably in the morning) using Khan's camera or my mobile. If you have a demanding little girl like mine who keeps on asking for food just when you are about to get that one helluva shot, you're in for a ride.

Gotta go for now! I'll try my best to blog again within the week or so :)

Third eye blind

2014-04-23T22:28:00.000+08:00

Hello! Everything starts with that word, right?

Well, it's been a while. I never thought I could sit in front of my laptop right now and spare some time blogging. You see, my other baby has kept me busy.

When the year started, I told myself that I will try, as much as possible, to update this blog from time to time. and guess what? I failed! One hundred twelve days have gone by since the start of the year and how many post have I got.... charaaaan: 8! So much for a resolution huh?

Anywoot, sorry kasi I don't wanna write if I'm sad. Pag happy naman ako, all I wanna do is cherish that moment, I tend to forget to blog. But why am I blogging now? Because I'm a bit disturbed.

This happened yesterday. Khan was on Holiday (walang basagan ng trip, he took his Maundy Thursday Holiday just this Tuesday). We were too stubborn to cook. Khan had this idea of just buying BBQ from our village gate kasi masarap. Yah know, madami kasing "peppers" and whatnot. We were already on our way home when suddenly, Akira stopped. At that moment, I sensed fear all over her as she squeezed my hand. "Mommy, I don't wanna go there", referring to the road way home. I asked why. Then she said, "There's a monkey! I'm scared!". Just when I thought she was referring to the ceramic duck, I shook my head and said, "that's a duck!". And she goes, "No, there's a monkey by the tree!" Yaaaay! I wanted to run as fast as Flash and take her away from where she was standing but I was too stunned to do so. When Khan came back after getting our change and hearing our conversation, sabi niya, "dun na lng tayo sa kabila dumaan".

You thinking what I'm thinking? Yes, positive. We're just wondering why Khan only felt it but Akira saw it. Sa dinami-dami naman kasi ng pwedeng ipapamana, pati ba naman third eye niya?

Lucas turns 3!

2014-03-07T17:25:00.000+08:00

When we were invited by Maggie, the first mommy blogger I've met and became friends with, I got a bit excited.. nah, super excited! Coz as we all know, meet ups means instant Playdate! Hahaha.

We arrived a little late since Khan only had 1 hour of sleep. When we got there, we sat beside Mars, Gerry and Lia. Sakto! Khan has someone to talk and relate to, Mars and I had non stop catching up, and Akira had an instant baby sister, which she had been asking for a long time. Haha. Look at these two darlings, papasa na sisters diba?

Here's Lucas' cake. Not sure if Maggie was the one who made it (coz' I know that she can), but one of her giveaways, the cakepops, are to die for. Geesh! Check out her fb page here.

They all wanted to blow the cake.

See :)

Photo lifted from Sha's IG. without permission. Haha.

And just like other Jollibee parties that we've attended, twas' super fun! I just hope that by the time Akira turns five, hindi na siya takot kay Jollibee and that she would want to have her party at Jollibee, too.

Maggie, thank you for having us. Baking class, lezzgo? :)

Happy Heart's day!

2014-02-14T23:13:00.000+08:00

Ya'll know that Valentines day is the day that I hate the most. But not Today.. ehhhrmm, yesterday, actually. Coz for the first time, yes, the first time in 8 years, I received my first ever bouquet of flowers from Khan. Woot woot!

I usually get chocolates from him every year but never flowers. I once told him before that flowers will eventually die. Unlike with chocolates, my tummy and my sweet tooth gets all crazy! Hahaha. Kaya ayon, every year, walang flowers even if pilitin ko pa sya. I dunno if it's just me but even if I say I don't want to get flowers, at the back of my mind, I secretly do. Anlabo ba?

One of Khan's many talents

2014-02-12T21:59:00.003+08:00

When God has showered talents, Khan was wide awake but was too stubborn to wake me up. Haha! But, you know what, even though isa siyang talentadong tao, he was always humble.

In this video, you will see another one of his hidden talent. All the while, he thought hindi siya kasama sa frame while he was playing the guitar. Hahaha. Anywoot, sorry for the noise in the background. Enjoy.

Canon in D will always have a special place in my heart since it was the song that was played when I walked down the aisle :)

Khan's OCness is next to cleanliness

2014-01-25T15:26:00.000+08:00

Living in an apartment requires us to purge the things that we do not use anymore every year and limit the things that we buy for the household. But living in an apartment with a toddler is a different story.

Akira has occupied most of the space in our living room. With her cars (two of which, we already gave away), toys, books, and study table, we do not have much space left to accept visitors. Haha. Para hindi gaano makalat and masikip tingnan ang unit, we had to donate some of our stuff. Khan made a "day bed" for Akira which also doubles as a storage for her toys. Initially, Khan thought of just making a big toy box. But then, when he saw our two seater sofa, naisip niya na gumawa na lng nito:

We sent our old sofa to my parents' house. Wanna know kung sino ang gumagamit ngayon? Our dogs. Haha. If before they used to sleep beside my sister in her bed, now dun na sila natutulog and you-know-what, sometimes. Hahaha.

Mashadong natuwa si Khan sa salvaged wood. In fact, sa sobrang tuwa niya, he told me a few weeks ago that he will be making me a craft table. Actually, he is already in the process of buffing the woods now. Hopefully, by the end of next week, I can have a space that I can call 'mine'. As of press time, we are still in the process of debating as to whether he will leave the color as is (which is what I like) or he will furnish it with the same color as Akira's "day bed" para mas uniform tingnan. Oh well.

Whatchathink??!

Chill!

2014-01-08T22:57:00.000+08:00

We are not the type of parents who'd get mad at our kid for getting high grades or someone who'd pressure her to be on top of her class. But of course, if we get alarmed once her grades are below the passing mark (which, thank God, has never happened so far, yet).

In our small family of three, Khan stands as the disciplinarian. It only takes one look from him for Akira to stop wailing or at least lower her voice if she's crying her hearts out.

Last Tuesday, Akira came home with the results of her exams. Most of her scores were above average and we couldn't be more proud. There is just this one particular subject which caught both of our attention.

Their conversation went..

Khan: Akira, what happened to your grades?

Akira: Daddy, wag ka magagalit ha

Khan: Hindi ako galit. I was looking at your grades. You did well. Pero alam ko na mapu-perfect mo to if only you knew how to write the numbers.. You know how to count.. yada yada yada..

Akira: Daddy, chill ka lang!

Day off ni Inday

2014-01-07T09:05:00.000+08:00

Yes, pagbigyan niyo na ko. I took a day off.. errr.. well a few hours off away from Khan and Akira to start the year right.

But just when I thought I could have all the "Me time" to myself, hindi din pala. I was physically there but my soul was not. While I was on the dental chair, I kept on thinking, "What if hanapin ako ni Akira bigla? What if may ipahanap siya na ako lang ang nakakaalam where? What if bigla siya magutom - which I doubt kasi hindi naman siya papabayaan ni Khan? and a few more.

Within those 2 hours na nawala ako, sila pa din ang nasa isip ko. While I was crossing the street, I saw 2 stray cats and a girl as old as Akira. Bigla akong nagmadali umuwi. But since super mega na-konsensha ako because I left the two alone, I made sure I have pasalubong for them. I bought Khan 3 sweet corns and Akira some toys. Wait, what?! Toys?! Shoot! Kill me now. Minsan lang naman to. Besides, it's not expensive at all.

Priced for less than 200 bucks, it's not that bad, diba? Ang cute pa! I bought those toys for a reason. 1.) Para masanay si Akira sa sound ng blender. Because until now, she often cries or locks herself in our room every time she hears the sound of the food processor. And 2.) Because for the longest time, she's been using her pencil case or our mouse as an iron to remove the creases of her doll's clothes. Hahaha.

Recap in Photos for the second half of 2013

2014-01-04T00:51:00.001+08:00

2013 has passed by too quickly - I didn't even get to blog a lot. In fact, I still have about 49 posts sitting on my drafts folder, which I haven't finished yet. They would most likely not see the end of my "dashboard" that's why I'll just be photo blogging instead.

Anywoot, here's a quick recap for June 2013 onwards:

Akira started school.

Their school didn't have much activities compared to other schools, but I made sure that I attended every event. Actually, kahit hindi nga event, I was there. Haha.

Dad celebrated his birthday but this was the first time that we weren't complete

Four days after Dad's birthday, Nanay joined our Creator.

The same day that we bought our car.

After Akira's first Quarterly Exams, I attended the PTC alone. Imbey na imbey ako. I wouldn't go into details but somehow, I felt affected kasi tinamad ako magblog. Grades aren't an issue for us and so does getting stars. But I felt a little pressured because we were told that Akira is always on "play mode" at school. Duh?! What was I doing at 4 years old? I think I was still playing all day and enjoying Alatiris with my friends (Teka, meron pa ba nun?). Her grades were ok, in fact, everything went up come second quarter. But when it comes to non academic subjects, halos walang changes. Mas naging makulit pa yata ang anak ko. Well, makulit naman talaga siya, hindi ko alam kung kanino nagmana. haha.

Akira celebrated her birthday at school.

A week after, she caught a viral infection. We initially thought that it was FMHD, thank God it wasn't. But then, we also noticed that since she started school, we had to adjust our budget for meds. In a span of 1 month, twice siya maysakit. Since all of their classrooms are air conditioned, hawa hawa sila. We'll bring up the topic on the next PTC. A campaign for Health awareness of some sort would be good especially for parents na makukulit at nagpapapasok pa din ng kids kahit maysakit. Argggh.

Khan came with me on the next PTC. Her teachers were a bit surprised kasi Khan had a lot of questions. Everything went well. But there's one thing that we noticed - they weren't trained on how to end a discussion.

It was around this time that Akira has been banned from watching her favorite cartoons - "Krakatus" or Oggy and the Cockroaches. As per her teachers, Akira, sometimes, gets a thing or two from her classmate then nagpapahabol sa classroom - parang naglalaro lang. Khan and I had to put up a poker face when it was mentioned to us. hahaha. Feeling niya siguro she is still at Playschool.

Because of this, not only was she banned from watching cartoons, we also had an agreement that she can only use her tablet for an hour during weekends. Thus, her love for drawing "daddy" and "mommy" was born.

To date, when you ask her what channel/ TV Show she would want to watch, she'd answer you with "History lang". Haha.

Khan has lost a lot of weight due to Diabetes which slapped the hell out of me. His sugar skyrocketed four times the normal count. After a month of medication and a constant reminder from a nagger not to forget to take his meds, he is now back on track. He is only allowed 1 cup of rice per meal. Sinabayan ko nga, excepts for sweets ha. Kaya eto, siguro pag sinabayan ko ng sipag mag exercise at konting bawas pa sa matamis, balik diyosa na ulit ako. hahaha.

Akira has become closer to Dada (my dad) since Dad picks her up and drops her off at school when her daddy can't. No, she isn't spoiled. And we would like it that way. As it looks, she is dad's favorite because his poker face says so. Haha! I am grateful because the grannies from both side knows their boundaries (except for mom who irritates me to the highest level, sometimes). They know that they can spoil the kid with food but not with toys.

Akira attended 2 Halloween parties.

One from Ninang's office

And the other one at school

Akira had pigsa. Yes, pigsa. According to the Pedia who looked after her, it could be because she isn't using the right soap. Kaloka. Of course, I didn't have the heart to remove the puss and all that, so one has to play the bad cop - Khan. Buti na lng nakuha din sa antibiotic, else, surgery ang next step.

Akira and I went on her first school field trip. She was sick a few days before that, that is why she was too clingy on that day. I never thought I could carry 20kilos while climbing a two-storey- high flight of stairs! Ang dami kong na-burn na calories. I was on the verge of exploding after seeing the look of other parents eyes as if I was spoiling my kid #pleasedon'tjudgeme. Their field trip was held at a Resort in Bulacan and at The Museum in Pasay. Hanglayooo ng Bulacan ah! But it was worth it. Super fun! The facilitators were very friendly, accommodating and the activities they prepared were very engaging. I wouldn't recommend The Museum because 1.) there is only one facilitator who, not only lacks comm skills but people skills as well. Super na imbey ako sa kanya, I called my brother to pick us up. Hindi na kami sumabay sa bus. And 2.) Their facilities and museum pieces are so-so.

Akira attended their Christmas party at school. Khan waited in the car, while I checked on her from time to time. Even though they didn't have a program prepared, mommies and other yayas were allowed to stay with the kids inside the classroom. Akira didn't want me inside. I was holding back my tears because for the first time in four years, she said she wanted me to go home. Ako na, ako na ang may separation anxiety. I still can't believe what I heard, so I told Khan. "Hahaha, kawawa ka naman", a sweet reply from ze husband.

Fast forward to one week, Christmas na! We usually spend Christmas at Batangas. Mas madaming kids, mas masaya. Mas masarap din kumain. Yun nga lang, compared to last year, mejo mainit sa Batangas for December.

The day after Christmas, we went straight back home since Khan has to go work. boo! New Year was spent with my family here in Cavite. As per mom's request, Khan cooked Baked Tahong (not in photo) and Buttered Shrimp.

Wait, kami lang yata ang walang family picture taken on Christmas and NYE. Haaay. Camera shy kasi ang lolo mo. Anyway, moving forward, I'll make sure to take more photos and blog more often.

Cheers to a Blessed 2014 ahead!

Happy New Year!

2014-01-02T16:55:00.000+08:00

From our family to yours (minus Khan), Have a blessed year ahead!

We all have that one friend..

2013-11-21T12:59:00.000+08:00

.. or in my case, one family member.

Rock on, Daniesha!

The rainbow after the storm

2013-11-20T11:55:00.000+08:00

Words are not enough to express how depressed I was upon seeing how Typhoon Yolanda devastated the Central Visayas. My heart cries with the parents who lost their children, the people who had no choice but to loot in order to survive and all the other remaining the survivors who needs medical attention, food and water.

Source

It's been twelve days post Typhoon Yolanda. Most survivors have been fed and evacuated already, but let us remember that they still need our help. Let us give whatever we can offer, may it be in cash or in kind, no matter how small or big, it matters. Let us be the help that they need right now.

Click on the link to find ways to help: http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/disasters/43300-reliefph-victims-typhoon-yolanda-help

Halloween parties last October

2013-11-08T12:03:00.002+08:00

Hello Loves,

Just wanted to share a few of the photos I took last October. Since I'm way too far behind, lez do this backwards, shall we?

Akira attended her Halloween party at school. Although they didn't require everyone to wear a costume (mejo KJ, right?), she said she wanted to come in as Princess Aurora. So, Princess Aurora it is.

She wasn't in the mood to have her photos taken that morning.

But warmed up a bit as soon as she got inside the car

And saw her friends wearing costumes, too!

Not sure about this though. Hahaha. Why so serious, anak? Ah.. I know why.

..After the program at school, we went home. We were picked up by a tricycle since her school isn't too far from home, anyway. Her dad was still sick while her lolo went to a meeting. While waiting for our service to arrive, she was looking for the black and red car. Then, she asked, "where is dada? where is daddy?". "We're going to ride a tryk today, anak. Daddy and Dada can't pick us up", I answered. "But I'm a princess, mommy." Asus! Anak, si Cinderella nga sumasakay sa pumpkin eh.

Later that afternoon, we went to her Ninang's office. Traffic was bad but we managed to get there just when the Trick or Treat was about to get started. Sayang lang since we weren't able to have her name registered. Mejo kina-reer ko pa naman ang hair niya. lol.

Have I told you that Akira is into Princesses lately? Yup, she is. And her current favorite is Rapunzel.

We took home a lot of sweets that day ~~that will last us for a month~~ - in which, most have been consumed already by the mother. lol. But yeah, I've separated those which she can and cannot eat. Kasi, as much as possible, we don't let her eat the hard candies because it's hard to remove and it can't just be flushed away with water + toothbrush unlike Chocolates and Marshmallows and Gummies.

We were supposed to attend another Halloween party the next day pero pinigilan na kmi ni Khan. Tama na daw ang sweets. Her halloween basket is already full and wala ng space sa fridge for those sweets. Hahaha.

I'm fine, I hope you are, too!

2013-11-07T09:34:00.000+08:00

How many times I've said that I'm a lazy blogger? Countless, I guess.

Sorry naman. It's just that, with what I've been through a couple of weeks ago, I can't find myself to blog.. or at least share pictures. I can't promise more kwentos or more entries for the coming weeks, but I'll try. Siguro pictures, pwede pa. Sabi ko na nga ba eh, I should have gotten a Flickr or Tumblr account, instead. Haha. But if you'll notice though, I only post a few pictures a month on Instagram (follow ME, if you haven't yet! ). Picture happy ako, yes. But as much as possible, I choose the ones that I see fit to upload. Katulad nito. Haha.

Haha! Anywoot, gotta go, sago!

Laters!

Did time really go by that fast?

2013-11-07T09:16:00.001+08:00

Taken around the 3rd week of June

Taken on the first week of October

By the time the school year ends, baka naka mini-skirt na si Akira.

The virus she caught

2013-10-29T23:28:00.001+08:00

A lot has happened the past week but I'm glad to say that we're somehow doing okay now.

We we're supposed to attend Aimee's baby shower two Tuesdays ago but I guess God had other plans.

Saturday. October 12

Akira had a high fever and so did Khan.

Sunday. October 13
Come Sunday morning, Akira's fever was gone as if nothing have happened. Khan, on other hand, was too weak. I had to drag his lazy ass to SM to have him checked. After loosing a lot of weight (if a total of 20 lbs in 1 month is not a lot for you, I dunno what is), and doing some research as to he might have, he finally agreed. The Doctor said that he might have Type 2 Diabetes (no thanks to his Grannie for passing it over to them) but he has to go over some tests first to confirm.

That night, just when we are already about to sleep, Akira complained of having an itchy feet. I washed her feet several times and even put on Alcogel (as she requested because of the cooling effect) but to no avail. It was already 4am when she stopped scratching a~~nd we stopped fighting over her itchy feet~~ and then fell asleep.

Monday. October 14.

Akira, even only after getting 3 hours of sleep, still went to school to take her exam. Since Khan wasn't able to take his ECG, blood test and X-ray at St. Dominic, we went to SM right after Akira's class to have his tests done there instead.

While waiting for Khan, I noticed the red spots on Akira's feet. Since we were there already, we waited for her Pedia na.

Day 1

This is how her feet looked like come Tuesday. Her rashes were more visible in real life.

Day 2

From my observation, the first three days were the itchiest. In fact, at Day 2, the ointment and her antibiotics prescribed by her Pedia was already consumed. Buti na lang I still have that By Nature - Baby Salve - it was truly a life saver!

Day 3

You know what's weird about the rashes? Para siyang pimple inside the skin. Hindi mo naman pwedeng tirisin kasi it might get infected. But once the color changes from red to light brown, it's a sign that your kid is on her way to recovery. Thus, the look on Akira's face:

Day 4

Me thinks that she was good to go and ready to make kulit her Teacher again by Friday pero hindi na namin siya pinapasok. Kawawa naman kasi yung kids na mahahawahan, if ever. In fact, even adults can get it too.

Every Bottle Helps

2013-10-21T16:16:00.002+08:00

The perfect gift for little girls this Christmas

2013-10-15T12:16:00.001+08:00

are Boutique Bows,

and Clippies in different colors,

Pinwheel bows in different designs,

and shades.

Or, these Disney Princesses in Grosgrain ribbons.

Better yet, just check out M + K = a for more designs, prices and for other inquiries :)

No fuss birthday for our not so little girl

2013-10-11T17:05:00.000+08:00

Given a budget and the power to decide, I want to hold a big party for my little girl. But since there are now the three of us who decides ~~Akira having the largest voice~~ we always end up with a small, intimate and no-fuss birthday celebration for Akira. Pinakamadami siguro yung guests niya nung first birthday/child dedication. Haha.

For the past two years, we've been spending her birthday ~~out of town..errr~~ at Batangas, just about a 3-hour drive from our place. She celebrated her 2nd birthday at Acuatico (here) and her third at Club Balai Isabel (here).

For her fourth birthday, we asked her where she wanted to go. She said she just wanted to celebrate her birthday at school together with her classmates. And so, school it is. But unlike other schools that allows parents to take about 30min to an hour of their recess, theirs is a bit strict. We were only allowed 15 minutes. No games, no whatsoever. Just blowing of the cake and eating the prepared meals.

Since Akira has been taking home Jollibee spaghetti, burger, chicken and a slice of cake from school parties twice for the past two weeks before her birthday, Khan and I opted to buy meals from Mcdo instead. Umay na umay na malamang ang mga Teachers nila sa Jabee. And I'm just as glad that her birthday fell in time for Mcdo's My little Pony and Transformers happy meal toys. May meal na, may instant giveaway pa. We initially planned to get their burger + spaghetti + drinks meal until I was approached by the mom of her classmate and informed me that they, too, will be celebrating their daughter's birthday on the same day. She was asking what our plans were kasi baka ma-double yung meal since they'll be bringing (drum rolls please!) Jollibee spaghetti. Haha. And so, we removed spaghetti from the meal and replaced the Hamburger with Hamdesal instead for a change. We were thinking kasi na once the kids see the toys, for sure magmamadali silang kumain. And we were not wrong. Because the moment they saw the boxes of Mc Donald's happy meal, their eyes brightened up a bit. Haha! I even thought of ordering desserts from Maggie and Sha but brushed off the idea the last minute because I don't want to be reprimanded by parents and teachers for giving away such sinful and hard to resist desserts. Just imagine this: kids + toys + sugar rush equals a deadly combination. Lol.

Happy, happy birthday, Akira and Amanda! :)

We hope you both had a blast! Till next year! :)

Just checking in

2013-10-09T08:42:00.000+08:00

Hello!

It's been a while.

Let me start by saying thank you to those who have been dropping by this silly blog of mine. Nakakapagtaka lang because somehow, there are those who really takes time to read even if I don't get to update with what is happening anymore. Say for example, yesterday. When I checked on my blog stats, I got close to 350 views the other day. It's just a small number (I know) compared to most of my mommy blogger friends listed on the left side bar of the blog, but still.

Kaya naikwento ko kay Khan.

ME: Uy, alam mo ba, may nagvi-view pala ng blog ko? Nasa 300+ siya yesterday

Khan: Talaga? Ilan ang sayo dun?

Pang-asar! And so, I checked the referring sites and search keywords

Nagulat ako sa nakita ko. Google as a referring site, I understand. Pero "Khan Tiquio" as a search keyword?? Anak ng pating!

Ikaw na, Khan! Ang haba ng buhok mo. Mas madami ka pang fan kay Akira.

Hello October, goodbye September!

2013-10-01T23:52:00.002+08:00

Arrrgh.. the title alone gives me goosebumps. Why? Because it only means that Akira turns a year older every time September ends. Look at her uniform, malapit ng maging mini-skirt. And it has only been.. whut? 3months since the start of the school year.

Hello October!

Akira love,

Since your birthday fell on a Monday, your dad and I had an agreement to celebrate your birthday a day before that. Sunday was all about you. And so, we bought what you wanted a few days before that to surprise you.

You've been asking for a Pinypon for the longest time and so we bought you 2.

We also got you that sliding dog that makes you giggle every time we pass by at Toy Kingdom.

In fairness, anak, I can say that hindi mababa ang EQ mo. Because even tho you badly wanted those toys for the longest time, you waited for us to give it to you. And take note ha, you have always managed to go out of Toy Kingdom empty handed without tears. Ewan ko lang ang EQ ng daddy mo ha especially when it comes to you.

..Hindi kasi malayong pag humingi ka ng car before you reach 18, bigyan ka niyan. But of course, always remember that someone has to play the bad cop :)

And oh, we also bought you a new pair of shoes. Bakit ko kamo nakwento? Because I felt a lump on my throat while you were trying it. Cliche as this may seem, but time flies so fast, and so you does your shoe size. Would believe that you are already a size 11''?! And you just turned four. I can still remember your Tita/Ninang Ysa asking for your shoe size back then when you were still a size 6''. Ang bilis diba? Right then and there, biglang nag flashback yung time when you were just learning how to walk while wearing your yellow Havainas and apple-green dress. But before my memory could process what happened next, your dad teased me and said, "Oh, baka umiyak ka pa niyan ha?" Hanep! Panira ng moment. If I know, he was feeling the same way, too.

We just had a simple celebration at home. Your dad planned to wake up early come Sunday morning to prepare everything but failed because he fell asleep right after he hit the sack when we got home. Traffic was sooo bad, your cake melted. Have we known that that would happen, we wouldn't have ordered chocolate mouse -which was what you wanted, by the way. Sha, if you're reading this, thank you so much for being there for me that night. I wasn't able to save the cake from melting, but knowing that someone believes in my ability to make amends, is really something for me.

After blowing your cake, we had pancakes and bacon for breakfast. And since it was your birthday and all you wanted was to just play-all-day-do-not-disturb-me-i'll-be-okay, we let you have what you wanted. We just took you out for dinner together with baba and dada. Yes, that simple :)

Happy birthday, my baby love!

Love,

Mommy

PS.

Big girl ka na, stop ka na mag-dede ha?!

And the winner of the Palawan giveaway winner is..

2013-09-23T12:13:00.000+08:00

J O A N N E P E R E Z

Congratulations!!!
Please check your email on how to claim your prize! :)