Life's simple pleasures

Summer school drama

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Tue, 9 Apr 2013 21:46:00 +0800

It was little Andoy's first day of summer school yesterday. I brought him to school but had to leave right away to go to work. As much as I want to spend the whole two hours with him, I can't because I was on leave for several times already during the past weeks as I was sick. My mom waited for him instead. He has been attending speech therapy for a couple of month now in the same school and in most sessions, his dad accompanied him. But since my husband boarded the ship again last week, it's lola's turn to go with little Andoy.

He enjoyed his first day of school as he was laughing and participating in the school activities. He was smiling when he got out of the room but his smile immediately faded when he didn't see me outside the room. He asked my mother, "Where's mom?" My mother said that I was in the office. Little Andoy replied, "I'm mad!"

It really broke my heart when my mother told me over the phone. Luckily, I don't have work today so I was able to accompany him to school. While walking home after school, he said, "i'm happy!" while holding my hand. I guess I'm forgiven :)

Amazing sunset

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Wed, 7 Nov 2012 08:54:00 +0800

Just a short post to share to you the amazing sunset in Boracay. Last November 2 to 4 was my first trip to the island with my officemates. I hope I can go back and hopefully that time with my hubby and Little Andoy.

Little Andoy's first handwriting

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 22:14:00 +0800

For the past few months, Little Andoy has been scribbling on his magnetic writing board and doodling on his drawing book using water color. He can draw circle, square, triangle and can paint vivid shapes of trains and cars. He can identify letters and numbers when asked.

Last night was a new and exciting story for me. I was so happy when my mother showed me a piece of paper with a crooked number five and one. It was Little Andoy's handwriting. My mother handed him a pen and a paper earlier and simply asked him to give a number. Little Andoy scribbled on the paper and handed the paper back to my mother. My mother asked what numbers he wrote and he answered, "Five. One."

Good job, my little boy!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Thu, 9 Aug 2012 23:50:00 +0800

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.6

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Thu, 9 Aug 2012 23:44:00 +0800

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.6

My little "Picasso"

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Sat, 7 Jul 2012 01:49:00 +0800

I’ve been a bit worried for the past few weeks because Little Andoy is too glued to the iPad. He kept on watching Thomas and friends on youtube. I downloaded some new apps about numbers, colors and alphabets a few days ago so I can teach him something new. But when it’s time for our lessons, he would only follow me for just one lesson then go back to watching his Thomas videos. I had to do something.

And so after office a while ago, I dropped by the bookstore and bought him a set of water color, a coloring book and a drawing book. He’s done some “virtual coloring” in the iPad but I think coloring using actual coloring materials would be something he would enjoy. But when I showed him my “pasalubong” he didn’t seem interested. Not until he saw me dip the paintbrush in the water, got some water color in it and draw a blue circle in the plain white paper of the drawing book. I let him try and he seemed excited on trying this new activity. But his curiosity only lasted for a few minutes. He got bored painting circles and doodling on the white paper.

Little Andoy's first painting. This looks like a garden to me :)

He loves Thomas. He didn’t like this coloring thing. I had to make both things work. I asked him what color Thomas is and he answered “blue”. I told him to paint Thomas using the blue water color. And it worked! He painted a somehow blue rectangular shape and screamed “It’s Thomas!” To make him want to paint more, I told him to dab on the black water color and put black wheels on Thomas. It worked again! He painted more of Thomas’s friends like Percy, James, Henry, Rosie and Toby. He also painted black railway tracks. I made him say each character’s color before painting them. He sure knows all their colors.

Thomas and Friends plus the railway tracks

Then we made another batch of painting but this time with the characters of Spongebob Squarepants.

Spongebob, Patrick, Gary the snail, Squidward and Mr. Krabs

This was his first time to use water color and the things he painted were not bad for a first timer. Anyone can identify the characters he drew. Another proud mommy moment.

We had so much fun together. I want to try a new activity next week. Do you have anything in mind?

Potty trained at last

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 23:15:00 +0800

I haven’t posted anything for the past couple of months but I can’t let this one milestone in Little Andoy’s life pass without sharing it with you.

Since April 1 (yes, it’s been that long) Little Andoy started peeing in the toilet! At first I thought it was just a joke, after all it’s “April fool’s day”. Haha how can a three-year old know about April fool’s day? From that day on, he got used to wearing his underpants and telling me or anyone around him if he needs to pee. Even when he’s on siesta, he would wake up just to pee in the toilet then go back to sleep again. I didn’t have time to write a quick post about this milestone but I made sure I marked that day on my planner. From four packs of XL diapers per month, we went down to two! I only put diaper on him at night and when he needs to do number 2.

A few weeks after, I bought him a potty seat so he can learn to do number 2 in the toilet as well. I even chose a design with his favorite character, Thomas the tank engine. Unfortunately, not even Thomas can make him do number 2 in the toilet yet. I’ve done all the encouragement and the “uhmmm, uhmmm” sound but it didn’t work. I just told myself that he’s just not ready yet.

Andoy's Thomas potty seat

Last weekend, I tried my luck on Little Andoy again but didn’t succeed, as usual. Not until last Tuesday! Well, actually it was my mom who succeeded in making Andoy do number 2 in the toilet. My mom told me to bring Little Andoy to the toilet because he seems to be about to do it. I told her that I already tried a few days ago and that he’s not ready yet. Maybe we’d have to wait for a few more months. My mom still brought him inside the toilet and stayed there with Little Andoy. After a few minutes, Andoy was out of the toilet. I asked my mom if he succeeded and she said “YES!” I was so happy! So proud of my little boy! Ooops, correction, my not so little boy anymore.

This means we’ll be down to one pack of diapers per month as he only needs to wear one at night. I told hubby about this during our video call a while ago and he’s as proud as I am. I wonder what’s next for Little Andoy. Whatever it is, I sure am excited to discover and share more of his growing up moments.

My first out-of-the-recipe cooking experience

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:51:00 +0800

For the past few days, Little Andoy has been having asthma attacks accompanied by runny nose and slight fever. It might have been caused by the crazy change in weather. We usually stay in my parents’ house when Little Andoy is sick so my mom and sister can take care of the sick little one while I am in the office.

I love staying at my parents’ place from time to time as I get to bond with my sisters like we used to. The other night, while looking for something to munch on, I saw a bag of oatmeal in their kitchen cabinet. Then I remembered seeing an oatmeal recipe when I was browsing the internet last week. I asked my sister if she wants to try it out and so we did.

I love reading recipes and looking at pictures of food but I very seldom cook. This is a first for me.

Ingredients:

1 cup oatmeal

1 ½ cups water

Flavoring

Butter

Bananas

Cooking procedure:

Cook the oatmeal in water. Once cooked, spread the oatmeal evenly in a pan (about 2–3 cm thick). You can add some flavorings and a little sugar, if desired. I dropped a little banana flavoring into the oatmeal mixture and sugar. Let it cool down and put it in the fridge overnight. You can also use left over oatmeal from breakfast.

The next day, take the oatmeal out of the pan and cut into serving size. Fry the oatmeal in butter until brown and crispy. Fry the banana in butter and place on top of the fried oatmeal. Serve.

I did not put fried bananas on my oatmeal because I used the sweetened bananas I found in the fridge which my mom cooked the past weekend

Not bad for a first timer.

Fresh out of the pan

My fried oatmeal topped with sweetened bananas

Daddy's shirt

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 23:20:00 +0800

I have been missing in action for the past weeks because I was making the most out of my hubby's remaining days before he went on board the ship. He flew to Singapore last week to join the other crew members for another nine months contract. I don't think I could ever get used to dropping him off at the airport every now and then. I always dread the day of seeing the NAIA Terminal 1 or 2 departure area. I hate goodbyes at the airport.

We didn't bring Little Andoy with us this time because it is more heartbreaking to hear him wail while looking back at his dad as the car pulls away from the departure area. That's what he did last year when we dropped his dad off at NAIA Terminal 2.

Every time his dad leaves for work, I always keep the last shirt he wore the night before. I put it beside Little Andoy every night so he won't miss his dad. I do this for a week or two until he stops asking where his dad is.

We left for the airport before 6am last week while Little Andoy was still sleeping. His dad left his shirt beside him and kissed him goodbye. When I got home a few hours later, he was still sleeping. When he woke up, he saw his dad's shirt and said, "Look, it's daddy's shirt!"

It has only been four days since my husband left so Little Andoy is still holding on and playing with daddy's shirt.

A surprise visit to relatives

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:13:00 +0800

My maternal grandmother is from Morong, Rizal. When I was young, we often visit our relatives there. Even though it is just a two-hour trip away from Marikina, I always feel as though I am in a much far away province because of the ambiance. My parents both grew up in Marikina so I don't get to spend summer vacations in the province like my classmates back in grade school and high school. A visit to nearby provinces always make me excited.

Last Sunday was Morong's town fiesta. My mother called me up at around 9 in the morning to ask if I wanted to go. Of course I said yes. If my memory serves me right, I last visited the place when I was still in high school. My mother, my sister, my husband and Little Andoy took a cab to my aunt's house in Antipolo for the carpool with her family. It was only an hour drive from Antipolo so we arrived shortly before 1pm. Just in time for lunch. Not knowing that we are going to their place, my lola's sisters were very excited to see us. It was also my husband's and Little Andoy's first time to go there.

I couldn't remember how many times I went back to the table to eat. There were lots of food. Everybody was so happy to see each other again. It was like a mini family reunion.

Little Andoy 's milk time while lying down the papag in the front yard of my lola's house

Playing around

Piggy back ride with dad

Enjoying the fresh cool breeze at 3:00 in the afternoon

Pose with mommy and tita

Bingo time!

Why are you crying?

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 13:54:00 +0800

I just wanna share one of Little Andoy's sweet random moments which always make me beam with pride and joy. Before going to bed, I always wash my face and put on some moisturizer. One evening, I was in front of the mirror and was applying moisturizer on my face. When I got to the eye area, I closed my eyes and gently applied moisturizer around my eyes. While I was doing this, Little Andoy was jumping up and down the bed and watching cartoons. Little did I know that he was also watching me. He stopped jumping, stood beside me and said, "Mommy, why are you crying?" Haha, he thought I was crying and wiping the tears from my eyes! Such a sweet boy. Makes me so proud to be able to raise him into such a sweet and caring person. This sure is one of my precious mommy moments and source of happiness.

Join 'Choose Happiness' blog giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:32:00 +0800

To celebrate its first anniversary, Choose Happiness is holding its first blog giveaway. The winner will get these fab prizes!

Click here to join!

Little Andoy's weekend getaways

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 00:33:00 +0800

I’m glad that despite my busy schedule at work, we were able to squeeze in a little family getaway this month. Hubby’s sister, who works as a nurse in the Middle East, is in the Philippines for a short vacation. She wanted to have some family bonding and so the story of our two consecutive weekends getaway.

Last January 14, we went to Pangasinan to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag. If I remember it right, I last visited the Shrine sometime in 1999 or 2000 while I was still in college. I’m glad to be back after more than a decade. It was hubby’s first time to go there and of course Little Andoy, too. It was a six-hour trip from Marikina so we left just before sunrise. With my mother-in-law and four kids in tow, we had to make a couple of stop overs at some gasoline stations along the way – to stretch out, take little snacks and to use the toilets. We arrived at the Shrine just in time for the next mass. After attending mass, we explored the place for a while, took pictures and had lunch at the picnic grounds. Little Andoy enjoyed watching the fishes in the fish pond.

Sorry for the not so good shot. There were too many people in front of me.

At the garden.

Little Andoy watching the fishes.

The next weekend was a long weekend. Thanks to the Chinese New Year holiday. We went to Pansol, Laguna for a nice warm overnight swimming. Little Andoy was so excited the moment he saw the swimming pool, much more when we took a dip that he was screaming and laughing so loud. He didn’t want to join his cousins in the kiddie pool. He wanted to swim in the big swimming pool instead.

A nice warm night swim

We left around 8am the next morning to head on to our next destination. From Laguna, we went to Tanay, Rizal to visit the Regina Rica. It is a pilgrimage site being managed by Domincan sisters. The place is very serene and on top of a hill is a huge statue of Regina Rosarii. You have to climb the hill to get to the statue. Inside the statue is the prayer room where you can ask Our Lady for your prayer requests and interventions.

Enjoying the cool breeze and green surroundings

We went to my brother-in-law’s house after visiting Regina Rica to eat lunch because it was also their town fiesta that day. We arrived home at around 6pm already.

It was indeed a fully packed weekend for us. Tiring but all worth it.

My sweet little Andoy

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Fri, 6 Jan 2012 00:03:00 +0800

Before I leave the office everyday, I always make it a point to give little Andoy a kiss and a hug even on days when he sleeps late in the morning. And every night when I come home from the office, I also hug and kiss him and always ask how his day was.

I got home a bit late this evening because I had to finish some work in the office. Hubby and little Andoy were watching TV in our room when I arrived at around 8:30 pm. I immediately went upstairs, swung the door wide and said “Hello, my little boy! How are you?” He immediately stood up and gave me a kiss and a hug. Then to my surprise (and to my husband’s surprise, too), he said “Dad, kiss mommy!” pointing to me while jumping up and down and grinning from ear to ear. Isn’t he the sweetest? Dad didn’t just give me a peck but also gave me a hug. Little Andoy jumped in and we had one big group hug.

Looking back and looking forward

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Tue, 3 Jan 2012 18:20:00 +0800

It's the third day of 2012 and this is my first blog post for this year!

I wasn't able to blog much last month because I was caught in the holiday rush. Plus, there was the 'no long weekend' Christmas weekend that made our Christmas celebrations "so bitin".

My little Andoy was down with fever and cough a few days before Christmas and since his fever was on and off for three days already, we had to bring him in the emergency room of a nearby hospital on Christmas day where his CBC and platelets were checked to make sure that there's no dengue fever part 2 for him. The doctor also advised for a lung x-ray because of his tight and chesty cough. Thank God that after spending Christmas for more than two hours in the emergency room, we were all set to go home. The doctor gave him a couple of home medications to take for several days. And so all of Andoy's "aguinaldo" for that day went straight to Mercury Drug hehe.

I had to go back to work the day after Christmas where I was swamped with so many e-mails. I spent 12 grueling hours of work in the office during that day. It made me wonder if our clients even celebrated Christmas at all! Why would they send tons of work-related e-mails on Christmas eve and Christmas day?

And just when I thought that I will be spending the last long weekend of 2011 sleeping late in the morning and bonding with my family, I caught the 'cough+cold+fever virus'! I spent most of the long weekend lying in bed and coughing my lungs out. Fortunately, I felt a little better a few hours before New Year that's why I was able to get out of the room to eat and celebrate with hubby, Andoy and the rest of my husband's family to welcome 2012. God is really good.

Looking back at all the blessings for the past years, I thank God for taking care of my family and loved ones and for providing us with all our needs. Every blessing, may it be big or small, is still a blessing. Thank you, Lord, for all that you have bestowed upon us.

Looking forward to more of life's simple pleasures in 2012!

Good vibes to everyone!

Source: http://www.free-wallpapers-free.com

Look who's busy

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:19:00 +0800

While most people are busy shopping for gifts during this time of the year, Andoy is busy with something else... busy with the iPad! Hubby and I couldn't get our hands on the iPad when Andoy is playing his games.

Helping mommy collect earnings from the stalls in Snoopy's Street Fair

I don't really mind not being able to use it when Andoy is around. Actually, I enjoy watching him tapping and sliding his fingers on the thing. It's as if he's an adult already. I even downloaded a lot of games for him. There are a lot of educational games on the App Store that can help develop his skills. I downloaded puzzle games, nursery rhymes, animal sounds, alphabet games, number games and the likes.

Hubby and I just have one tiny bit of a problem... and that's taking away the iPad from Andoy when it's time to go to sleep :)

I won! Finally!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 01:54:00 +0800

Last November 11, 2011, I saw a Facebook contest post from Smart Parenting. I just have to send a Twitpic of one of my favorite articles in their website. Only the first 15 entries will win so I immediately upload a Twitpic. I think I was the third valid entry. Yay! I was so happy because I know I am a sure winner even without the confirmation e-mail yet in my inbox.

You see, I am one of those few people who never won in any raffle draw or contest. I don’t remember winning any contest or raffle that I joined (not even a cake raffle, hmpf!).

I have been working for almost 12 years of my life (eight years in my present company). And in the 12 Christmas parties that I attended, I always leave each party empty handed, sigh… The latest was just last December 8 during our company Christmas party. Oh well, I think it’s not yet my time to win. Who knows? Maybe I’ll win the grand prize next year. Still keeping my fingers crossed (even my toes!) J

Going back to my first ever winning moment, I asked my hubby to go with me earlier today to claim my prize in Mandaluyong since I have no work in the office. We usually do not have work the day after our Christmas party. Amidst the pouring rain and “usad pagong” traffic, I finally got my prize! Yipee!

I got a Smart Parenting book on raising a preschooler and their special issue of smart pregnancy. I can apply the tips on raising a preschooler in a few months time when Andoy starts schooling next year. The smart pregnancy magazine I can only read now and will apply the useful tips in a few years time J

My winnings

Reunited

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 02:19:00 +0800

After only seeing each other on Skype and Yahoo Messenger video calls for the past ten months, Andrei, my husband and I finally reunited. At exactly 11am last November 16, we're one big happy family again when we fetched my husband from NAIA terminal 1.

It was Andoy's first time to fetch his dad from the airport. He was squealing with delight when he saw his dad approaching us. He was screaming "Dad!" and was struggling away from my mom's arms to go to his dad while I record his reaction on video. The people in the waiting area laughed when they saw Andoy's reaction. That scene was exactly what I had in my mind for the past few weeks when the flight details were confirmed. It was indeed a happy day for our family.

Running around while waiting for dad.

See the chipped vinyl tiles? Andoy said "Eeewww!" when he saw that, hahaha! I guess our airport really needs some improvements. Even kids criticize it :)

With Wowo, which is lolo in Andoy's dictionary, looking tired from chasing him.

My two boys. Such a sweet scene :)

I am so grateful that we will be spending Christmas and New Year together as a family. We have to make the most of our time together because time flies so fast. We'll never know if in just a month or so, my husband will be leaving us again to board the ship.

Andrei turns three!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Wed, 9 Nov 2011 23:09:00 +0800

Yesterday, November 8, was Andoy's third birthday. We had a simple dinner celebration at my parents' house. I left the office shortly after lunch to help with the food preparation and to buy his cake. Before 6pm, Andrei and I went to the church to attend mass for thanksgiving.

Luckily, his dad will be arriving next week after a ten-month contract in the ship so Andrei will have a bigger post-birthday celebration on Saturday. I am also excited about his next party because I was planning to make it a Thomas the tank engine party. My boy loves Thomas. He also loves Lightning McQueen but he has been more inclined with Thomas lately.

From the look on his face, you can tell that he enjoyed his birthday celebration.

Happy birthday my little Andrei! Mommy and Daddy love you so much!

Andoy's halloween shirt

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Thu, 3 Nov 2011 01:18:00 +0800

The first trick or treat activity that my little Andrei participated in was last year. I made him a ghost costume out of a white cloth. I do not want to buy him costumes being sold in the department stores yet because I'm not sure if he will wear it. Well, guess what? I made the right decision! He only wore his costume for approximately 30 minutes that we didn't had the chance to take a picture of him as he was crying and struggling to get out of his costume.

The 2011 trick or treat activity in our neighborhood was held last Sunday, October 30. A few weeks before, I was a bit worried that Andoy will not be able to attend because I know I still couldn't convince him to wear any costume. Then one day before the event, we went to Robinson's Metro East and I saw a lot of halloween-inspired shirts for kids! There are a lot of designs to choose from and they come in orange, black, gray and white colors.

I got him the gray shirt which says "Daddy's pumpkin" with an orange pumpkin below the caption.

I would have bought him the orange shirt which says "I love Mummy" with a drawing of a mummy but there are no more sizes available for Andoy. I sure am a biased mom! LOL

I didn't have any problem putting on this shirt on Andoy. Actually, he was even excited to wear the shirt because he thought we were going to the mall.

And here is a picture of Andrei, together with his cousins, who were all dressed up. And because he was scared of his own cousins with all their costumes and make up, he was reluctant to pose near them!

One of my favorite photos

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:12:00 +0800

As Napoleon Bonaparte puts it "A picture is worth a thousand words". We all love to keep good memories in our minds and hearts and one concrete way of doing this is by taking a photograph. Looking at old photographs brings back memories of those special milestones in your life. Some may not be so pleasant but I'm sure most of them are those that you would always want to remember.

I like browsing through the pictures saved in my laptop every now and then. The picture below is one of my favorites. This is the first ever picture of my two boys together.

My husband left to work in a ship when I was only three months pregnant with little Andoy. The contract was supposed to be for 12 months only but it was extended to 14 months. Andoy was already 10 months old when he and his dad first saw each other. Andoy didn't even hesitate when his dad carried him. He must have thought he was looking at himself in the mirror, haha!

This is one of those priceless vivid memories in my heart and I'm looking forward for more.

That Starbucks time of the year

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:04:00 +0800

One of the signs that Christmas is just around the corner is when Starbucks start taking out the red cups! It's time to fill up the Starbucks planner sticker card for that 2012 planner.

I don't really know when Starbucks started this annual red cups and planner custom. My first Starbucks planner is their 2005 edition. I just missed the 2009 planner because I was in my last trimester of pregnancy and eventually just gave birth during the sticker collection period. I wasn't able to drink much coffee that time. Too bad. :(

The first few years planners were so "sulit" because the coupons were almost all-year round. Most of which are free drinks! Those were the days!

When I opened my Facebook account this morning, I saw this from Starbucks Philippines' official Facebook page.

Yay! Just seven more days and I can get to taste my favorite Starbucks Toffee Nut Frappuccino again! I am not quite sure what other Christmas drinks they will feature this year in addition to Toffee Nut. Let's wait and see.

Much to my delight, I even stumbled upon a blog where the 2012 planners were featured. Cool designs and they even added more designs to choose from. There were three designs last year and now they have five. I like the pouches that goes with the planner. For a more detailed description, head on to this blog by frannywanny.com.

Source: www.frannywanny.com

Head on to your favorite Starbucks branches on November 3, 2011. Save the date, my fellow Starbucks addicts :)

One big thank you

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:00 +0800

After six days of confinement, my little Andrei is all well and back to his old playful self. I was so happy when Andrei's pedia called early morning of Wednesday, October 18, to inform me that the platelet count went up from 124 to 151. Although, not too high as we were hoping, at least it is already in the normal range. Dra. Jenny Santos told me that she will be giving discharge instructions to the nurses on duty so we can go home. One big hurray!

I immediately kissed and hugged Andrei and started packing our things while waiting for the nurse to give me the discharge slip to be presented to the billing department. After saying goodbye to the friendly resident doctors and nurses, we were able to leave the hospital after lunch.

All smiles at St. Luke's Medical Center lobby while waiting for lolo to get the car

My Andrei, a few pounds lighter

He was even able to attend his Ate Iana's birthday celebration in school

Many thanks for all the prayers and for the encouraging words. God is good and He always hear our prayers.

Asking for more prayers for my little one

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:23:00 +0800

I haven't had any decent sleep for almost a week now since my little Andrei developed a fever last Monday night. I didn't go to work on Tuesday so I can bring him to the doctor. The doctor's advice was to continue taking paracetamol and prescribed his usual asthma meds in case he will have an asthma attack. When we woke up the next day, the fever has not subsided so I decided to bring to the hospital for another check up and a CBC and platelet count.

The platelet count is 186. The pediatrician advised for admission for monitoring of platelets and for hydration by dextrose. However, when we arrived at the emergency room of Marikina Valley Medical Center, the doctors said that there are no more rooms available so we have to wait in the ER. There were a lot of patients lined up in the ER waiting for a room to be available. I talked to one of the patients and she said that she has been waiting since morning. I have been carrying Andrei the whole time since he is so weak. I can't just wait there and watch Andrei cry. My mother asked if we could transfer to The Medical City since Andrei's pediatrician is also accredited in that hospital but upon inquiring at The Medical City, there were already 67 patients waiting to be admitted since no room was available.

The pediatrician told us to just transfer to one of the tertiary hospitals in Antipolo. I declined and told my mother to just get Andrei's records and we'll bring him to St. Luke's Medical Center instead. I have nothing against small hospitals but I could not risk anything when it comes to suspected dengue cases. My two-year old nephew, the first and only "apo" that time, died of dengue in 2007. He was confined for several days at a tertiary hospital before he was transferred to The Medical City wherein, unfortunately, it was too late as he was suffering from internal bleeding already.

So we rushed Andrei to St. Luke's Medical Center where he was immediately attended to by the doctors and nurses in the emergency room. We were advised that the hospital has no rooms available that time so we have to wait in the ER until one becomes available. It's okay for me since they have already thoroughly checked Andrei and also found out that he has acute tonsillitis pharyngitis (ATP). We only waited for three hours before a room became available.

At the emergency room while waiting for a room to become available

My heart breaks every time I see him cry. I was always on the verge of tears but I had to stop myself because I do not want my mother to see me crying as she was the one who was more worried and had been crying on our way to the hospital. I had to be strong for my little one. It was harder for me this time because my husband is not by my side. Andrei was hospitalized last year due to bronchitis but I feel less worried that time because I am with my husband. The ship is currently in Fiji Islands where there is no cell phone signal. I could not contact him and let him know of Andrei's condition. That was one of the many things that I have been thinking about.

I have been trying to call and e-mail my husband's agency but to no avail. I tried sending a message to one of his crewmate in the ship through Facebook. Andrei was admitted in the hospital on Wednesday but his dad only learned of this Friday morning only. I left a message on one of his crewmate's Facebook account and asked him to tell my husband to call me as soon as possible if he happens to read my mail. I have been praying hard that night and on Friday morning my husband called me. Thank God! That's one worry out of my list. We were both crying while talking on the phone. He has been making Skype calls since Friday to talk to Andrei and to assure me that everything will be alright.

Aside from ATP, Andrei also developed a viral infection. He has been vomiting and is having frequent loose bowel movement since Thursday. I have not been worrying much about his ATP and viral infection because I know that the antibiotics will heal these. I have been more worried by the dropping of his platelet count and white blood cells (WBC) and his fever. I have been praying hard while the hospital staff extracts blood from his fingers everyday. Praying for better results, even just a slight improvement. But this has never happened yet. Just this morning, the pediatrician told me that his platelet count is down to 128 and WBC down to 3,560. These figures are below the normal range. When he was admitted in the hospital, his platelet count is 186 and his WBC is 6,900. Andrei has dengue.

We had to stay in the hospital until the platelet count is at least 180 to be sure. I need more prayers for my little one and for me as well that I can stay strong for my child. I have been crying every night. I hope tomorrow will bring us something to smile about.

Andoy and the PSP

noreply@blogger.com (Jenggai) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:52:00 +0800

My hubby usually plays with the PSP everyday but when he boarded the ship last January, I kept it in the closet. After all, Andoy is too young to play with it. I used to play with it, but without hubby around, all my time at home was devoted to taking care of little Andoy.

When Andoy was younger, he used to watch his dad play with it.

One time at my parents' house, Andrei saw my brother playing with the PSP. My brother lent him the PSP. Little Andrei was so happy. I saw how he enjoyed the toy. And so I decided to take the PSP out of the closet. Imagine how excited he was. Andoy and the PSP were inseparable that night.

The next day, we went to my parents' house for a PSP bonding time with his cousin Ate Iana. My parents' house went quiet for a while. No running and screaming kiddos. They were both engrossed in their games.