Mommy Cara Says...

SAHM to Working Mom

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 07:02:00 +0000

I have been a stay-at-home mommy most of my mommy life, but I have also tried working. It's nice to be a SAHM, but it has some down sides. Being a working mom has its ups and downs as well. Let me tell you all about my experiences with both...

A few months after I learned I was pregnant with my first child, I resign from my job. It was my first job and I was just there for three months. My hubby and I weren't married yet. We were not even living together yet. I lived with my mom and honestly I wasn't mature enough to think of the future.

Just before my son turned 2, I decided to try out being an Assistant Teacher for a good preschool in Alabang. My friend was working there and told me they were looking for someone to fill the position. I wasn't doing anything and my mom offered to take care of my baby during the day. So might as well give it a try, rather than doing nothing at home. I enjoyed it but pay was too low. Minimum wage and the school was in a mall. So I'm spending more than I'm earning. Haha! I had to quit coz of family problems (death in family, depression, yaya gone, etc) It wasn't worth it anyway because of the low pay.

So, I was back to being a SAHM. I just focused on planning our Wedding. I also put up an online shop (I was selling baby sandos and shorts). I wasn't bored because I was filling up my day with things to do,plus taking care of a baby requires the bulk of my day, really.

Wedding done. Hubby and I started living together in our own (well, rented) house. My son isn't a baby anymore. I got more time on my hand. Online shop didn't push through. Basically, I was doing NOTHING. I always get jealous of hubby coz he gets to go out sometimes. I sometimes take out my frustrations on him and my son. I was miserable at home. Super depressing not to have your own money and without money, you won't be able to go out with friends. I felt alone. I kept telling my hubby about all my frustrations. He felt for me and told me that the only thing I can do to get out of that rut was to get a job.

So I did. It wasn't easy. We didn't have a yaya to take care of our son. I tried to apply to a lot of companies (non BPO) but they rejected me because I am a mother (yup I was pissed on how judgmental they were).
I really do not want to work in a BPO anymore. Then, things were looking up. My sister-in-law decided to stay with us in our house (she can take care of our son while I'm at work). And a friend told me about this Account Executive job in Seair's Inflight Magazine. I got the job!

It was what I needed.. a job. It was a field position. I get to go around the metro looking for and meeting with clients to advertise in the magazine. I honestly do not know anything about sales, but I like how it challenged me.

I can't deny that I missed my son so much. I was so used to being with him 24/7. But you know what, it's the missing him that makes it so much better when i see him. I cherished every minute we had together. Before, we were always together, but not really 100%. I was always busy with other things. When I worked, my attention was 100% only to my son.

Another good thing was the money. Pay was good. I got to buy my hubby a really nice gift on Christmas. My Christmas gifts to him before that were mostly I owe you's or make him dinner (which ingredients he bought).

Our ref was full. ALWAYS. I pass by the grocery and buy whatever I want. I remember one time, during my non-working days, I would pay our village meatshop coins! Yup, as in piso piso na 100 pesos! I woud also just buy pork or chicken coz beef was expensive.

I wasn't depressed anymore. I got to go out with friends/cousins (not all the time, but if I really wanted to I can). Working was the right decision.

Until, I got pregnant AGAIN!

To be honest my initial reaction wasn't great. I wasn't happy at first. All I thought about was that I'd have to give up my new found happiness...my money and freedom.
But when it sunk in. I was happy.

Eventually I had to quit working. I couldn't carry thick magazines while walking around the metro with a baby bump. My hubby also insisted I quit.

So..back again to being a SAHM.

I wasn't depressed anymore. I was stressed most times though. Two kulit boys are too much to handle without a yaya. I'd have to cook and clean also. Those nights that I am exhausted, I drink a couple of beers by myself. Haha! I hope that doesn't make me an alcoholic. LOL.

I kept busy too. I studied a new language! Spanish!

Now, my bunso is almost 2 years old. I am happy and excited to say that I will be working soon!
My studying paid off. I got accepted in a Spanish queue in a BPO! I actually cannot believe it! It's a too good of a deal to pass. So back to work I go!

I'll be starting in a month. I have this time to find a yaya, review more of my spanish, fix the house and ready my kids.
Wish me luck on this great new opportunity!

Thanks for reading! I hope I didn't bore you guys too much. Haha!

New Kicks

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 03:10:00 +0000

Who's the coolest baby in town?

Finally able to use Ninong Jay and Tita Allane's binyag gift to Lucas! After like a year haha! As soon as I put it on, Lucas insisted on going out of the house!

My new personal Blog.

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:47:00 +0000

I have a new personal blog.
http://thecaradiaries.blogspot.com

It would mean a lot to me if you drop by.

Will continue to update this blog about what's happening with my boys, but if you want to get to know ME better, "The Cara Diaries" is for you. :)

Ciao for now!

I need an outlet.

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 07:54:00 +0000

Just finished having a good cry. Why?
Cause I am just tired of everything. (well, WAS. I actually feel a lot better about myself and everything else).

I felt I needed to take a break.

It was 3pm ( a few minutes ago), and Mikel was STILL eating his lunch. We all started eating at around 1pm. My hubby asked me to stay with Mikel because he was going out to play Xbox with his best friend. THAT was the last straw that made me breakdown.

He even told me the reason he's going out cause he was too stressed at home (He was quitting smoking. Stress makes him smoke). I normally don't mind. And I truly understand. I just got a bit jealous that he can just go out whenever he wants but I can't. When I'm too stressed, I just cry it out in the bathroom. I want to go out and at least have coffee even just for an hour just to let steam off. I can't because if I go, nobody will take care of our kids.

I am not mad at my hubby or my sons. I love them to bits, and I think I am the luckiest with them. I get sad that I mostly take out my frustrations to my sons and hubby.

I just need an outlet.

My "friends" and I don't talk anymore. And I don't actually have time/resources to go out of the house.

For all of you who don't know, I am a stay-at-home mom, with 2 kids. One 5, and the other 1 and a half. Both are boys. I tried working years back, for about 6 months. It really feels so good to have your own money and I kinda miss it. Hubby actually wants me to work already (In Spanish queue in a call center, cause we both studied Spanish a few months ago). I really want to work too, but I feel I am not ready to speak Spanish yet. I also am having a hard time motivating myself to practice more. In my free time, I'd rather relax and watch a movie or read a nice book.

I guess blogging is a nice outlet. Maybe I should try blogging more. I stopped blogging years ago because I rarely have quiet time to sit and think about what to blog. There's noise in our house 24/7 (maybe almost coz they are quiet when they're sleeping. lol).

I kinda want to tell you my experiences as a stay-at-home and working mom, and their differences. But maybe that's for another post. This is getting too long.

Ciao for now!

Day 3 – Me and My friends

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:45:00 +0000

This is my 4th yr HS Barkada. We are called :"Chippypol" coz of our hang out place back in Highschool (Chippy Place). This pic was taken last April 2012. Been a long time since I have been with friends. I miss them so much! But out of all my friends, these people are the ones I see most often.

This is my Highschool barkada. Can't remember wcen this was taken, probably circa 2010. Other than this time (time of the pic), last time I saw them was back in Highschool!

Here are some of my friends from College. (Photo taken June 2010, Mikel's 3rd Birthday, probably the last time I saw most of them). The girl in pic is one of my very bestfriends. She's in Australia now.

Miss my friends so much! Everyone's been too busy. And of course with their new sets of friends too. I'm busy with Wifey/Mommy duties. Planning on hanging out with them more, inviting friends over more.

Day 02- The meaning behind your Blogger name

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:42:00 +0000

It's simple really.

It's coz I'm a mommy and my name is Cara,

I couldn't think of anything better. LOL

http://www.allinonewoman.com/30-day-blog-challenge/

Day 1 – A Recent Picture and 15 Interesting Facts About ME

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 11:36:00 +0000

Taken on Dec 31 2012 :) NYE. Pre-party vain shot.

Fifteen Interesting Facts about ME:

1. I am 27. I am happily married for almost 4 years now and have two wonderful boys. 5 and one year olds.

2. Favorite color is Teal. Also love Pink and purple.

3. I am an Aquarius. YES. I am WEIRD.

4. What I do on my spare time? Watch my loved TV Shows. (Greys Anatomy, Community, Revenge, etc).

5. I also love watching Movies. Hubby loves it too, so that's what we normally do together.

6. No night outs for me. I'm a mom now, so I can't really. But i don't really want to. I'd very much like a couple of beers or a glass of wine at home though, just to chill.

7. I miss my friends! Ever since I had Mikel, my friends got busy with their own lives too. :(

8. I have sporadic moments of OCness. Meaning I am lazy some times, then suuper clean machine the next.

9. I now know how to cook! Not professional level. But I can say my Hubby loves my Porksteak, Salpicao and Squash Soup :)

10. I hate it when anybody talks down on me or bosses me around. If someone tells me not to go out (I didn't really plan on going out), I'd be tempted to leave.

11. I HATE GUNS! I get nervous around one, even if its not loaded.

12. Not into ANY sport. I'm kinda loving jogging though (to lose weight), but still sometimes I'm still making excuses not to, so nice to just lay in bed in the morning.

13. I've got a butterfly tattoo on my lower back (or what they call a tramp stamp - not that I am one haha) I don't regret having a tattoo, just wished I had thought of a better design. I'd get a tattoo once more if I find a prefect design.

14. I used to think I have a great singing voice, but I was wrong!

15. I look like I cannot hurt a fly, I am so nice and kind etc. i am some times, but there are time you don't want to get on my bad side. haha!

http://www.allinonewoman.com/30-day-blog-challenge/

30 days blog Challenge by Mommy Ruby

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 11:13:00 +0000

I've decided to join Mommy Ruby in her 30 Day Blog Challenge.
This blog haven't been updated for so long, it needs some activity. Haha!

http://www.allinonewoman.com/30-day-blog-challenge/

30 Day Blog Challenge: January
Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blogger name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself (baby pic!)
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Who are you?

Day 1 in my next post. :)

1st time Swim

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:18:00 +0000

Lucas' "swam" for the first time, in his new small pool from Ninang Marija.

He loved it!

Happy Birthday Lucas

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:09:00 +0000

Late post. Always forget to update.

So party was a success! Lucas had fun! Ate lots of sweets (juice, sticko, cake.) He had fun with his gifts too! And enjoyed the company of his Ninangs/Titas/Lolas.

Strolling around

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:13:00 +0000

First time me strolled around the village with Lucas! I was excited to use the "new" stroller from Mama Cay, but it was raining these past few days.

Basketball dress rehearsal

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 04:54:00 +0000

One cold morning, we had nothing better to do, so we had a pictorial at home.

McDo Reward for Mikel

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 09:07:00 +0000

Because Mikel got perfect in his exam yesterday and today...McDonalds treat with hubby. He's a happy kid!

PreBirthday Treats!

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 10:35:00 +0000

Mama Cay messaged us today, saying they were in Chowking (which is like a 2 min walk from our house), so we (Mikel and I) went there to meet them. Lucas was still sleeping so we had to leave him at home.
Well, it turns out they were going to our house coz they already bought Lucas their birthday gifts! A stroller! And a walker! From the Japan Selections Shop near Southland (our fave shop of all).

After, we (including Lucas and the hubby) went to Uniwide to look at plates, and then to another Japan shop (which only sells furnitures. Boo). Then back home again.

We got to test the "new" (2nd hand) stroller of Lucas. And I love it! It's just small and light. Perfect for malls!

Birthday Party Planning

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 03:06:00 +0000

Baby Lucas will turn one soon! Just a couple of weeks away and the only thing we've done is the invite! Oh no! We're working on a very tight budget so we'll just be celebrating at home. I still want it to look and feel special. Any budget friendly ideas?

I'm Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 19:23:00 +0000

After 3 years of MIA, I finally decided on blogging again! Missed me? Haha! I'm guessing I've lost all my followers already. Pfft!

So what's new with me?

Well, Mikel is not anymore a baby.. he's a BIG BOY! He's 5 years old, and going to school already!

We also have a new baby in the family! Lucas! Well he's 11 months now, turning 1 on August 27. He's so cute! And everybody loves him! You guys will love him too!

I actually regret not going back to blogging as soon as I had Lucas. I was reading my blog posts for Baby Mikel awhile ago. It was so nice going down memory lane. And I found out when exactly Mikel starting walking because of the timestamps. So cool!

Anyway, 1st post in a long time about to end because I need to sleep!

So many things to fill you up in. Maybe next time.

Adios!

First Haircut

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 03:59:00 +0000

So, I am again a Stay-Home Mom. With all the drama with who's gonna take care of Mikel, I might as well be the one to take care of him, again, just like old times.. It's been like 2 weeks already that I resigned from my teaching job.

Anyway, the reason why I blogged is cause Mikel had his first haircut yesterday! As in the very very first!
Mama Cay was the one who did it. Well I did the cutting first, and realized that I don't know what I am doing Haha! So Mama Cay finished what I started. Kept the first lock of hair I cut :)
The haircut needs fixing a little bit thou cause Mikel was so likot (he wanted to get the scissors). We might try again when he's in a good mood during breakfast.

Close to 1yr and 8 months

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:42:00 +0000

So Mikel it's about to turn 1 yr 8 months already.
How time flies!

He looks like a big boy already but still doesn't talk. There were some words that he would say but then forget about them after a week more or less. But I can hear his effort naman cause he keeps on talking "alien" language or as Lola likes to call it "Nagsasalita ng Hapon".

He laughs a lot though (well, with Me, Manny and Mamu) cause I guess Mikel is suplado with others. But once he warms up with you, be sure to get ready to see him smile or laugh :)

He still likes Mickey Mouse and Spaghetti. And now he likes French Fries a lot! He started to eat chocolate too. I tried to give him na before but he didn't like it at all. but suddenly he wanted na now. But we rarely give him sweets though.

His fave toy is his toy car which Mamu bought for him a few days ago (it's a yellow and red car matchbox type car but a little bigger lang). He "drives" it around everywhere!

His fave book is still "I Love You Forever". There was a time when he make me read that to him everynight and over and over. If I try to read another book, he'll close the book and cry. Now he's ok with a different book everynight na.

Everytime he eats. he likes it when we say "Stronger, bigger and lots of Muscles." <--with actions pa.

He loves the song "Slippery Fish, Oh no..." and "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Twinkle Twinkle".

He got tired of "Mr. Sun" na ata.

He still runs around. but he plays with his toys more now. Before kasi he just holds one toy and then run around with it. He likes the hammer and ball toy that we gave him for Christmas. He would really smash with all his might! Haha!

He knows how to make drama na. He would make himself cry and then check slowly if you're looking at him! It's so funny!

That's it for now. I have to make Mikel get ready for bed already :)

Post-breakdown

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:33:00 +0000

My boss finally asked me to decide (long story), so I asked my mom straight out. She said she'll take care of Mikel again if I pomise to help out at home more and not go out and let her take care of Mikel. I have to be bahay-work-bahay, and get home the quickest that I can. So yeah, I'm even worse than Cinderella haha, but it's all for Mikel anyway. :) Besides I can always let Manny take care of Mikel if I really needed to go somewhere. Plus I get to spend more time with my cute kulit baby boy whose not much of a baby these days.

Anyway, Mikel has been so hyper lately. You can never catch him walking (always running). Well, excpet that one time when Ninong Luigi let Mikel wear rain boots! (just a little bit bigger than his size) But then once he practiced and figured the boots out, he ran...again.

His Tantrums worsen. He would just scream and then wiggle himself out of your hands and then lie on the floor, wriggling, if he doesn't get what he wants or if he gets frustrated with what he is doing (and i tell you, he gets frustrated sooo fast, and so often) ex. When he's playing with the stackables and couldn't put one on top of the other. Or if he couldn't sleep. or the string that he's holding (which he thinks is a string from a balloon maybe) isn't flying/standing up (whatever you call it), oh and there's so much more incidents just like those!

I'm thinking maybe his TV watching could be a factor so I now cut his TV viewing time. He used to just open TV by himself and watch whenever he wants. But now we have this Sing/Dance moment. LOL! I'd dock my iPod on my speakers and play Mikel's playlist and Jump/Clap and Shake our sillies out! Haha! He specially loved the song Boom Boom ain't it great to be Crazy! and would smile everytime he'd hear it.

Mama Cay thinks Mikel should be checked up by a Dev Ped. She thinks he has something. Like ADHD or something like that. Well, I don't think so, I think he's just a hyper-active boy just like his Daddy was when he was a kid. Plus he's a Gemini, and gemini's are extra hyper than others. I sure hope I am right and not Mama Cay...

BTW, he still haven't said Mommy yet (or any other word for that matter). Oh I think he tried to say Mommy a few times or maybe I just thought. I wonder when he'll be able to talk. His 1 yr old cousin even know more words than him! I don't want to be a Mommy who pressures her son, or someone who compares but it's just that My mom thinks he has something that needs to be checked and then the fact that he's still not talking yet, so that makes me think. Oh well...

The Breakdown

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:26:00 +0000

it's been a really long time since my last update. So much has been happening lately that even if my computer is busted and I'm using my Ninang's itouch, I just had to blog. So excuse the lack of style and pictures, might edit this na lang when I get the chance. So anyway, my mom had a breakdown lastweek and she said she won't take care of Mikel anymore. I spent days thinking about who will take care of Mikel while I'm at work. Last Friday I even took Mikel with me to work and he got to play with my 3 yr old students. Well, anyway, I asked Manny to take care of Mikel after work cause he goes out at around 7am. I also asked my boss if I could work halfday for the month of December. Thing is, after December, I still don't have any idea on how it'll work. Mom specifically said no yaya cause our previous maid was the one who made her breakdown, well Mikel also cause he was really cranky that time too. I'll let you guys know when I've decided already. Tip next update

1st time in the Hospital :(

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:37:00 +0000

So a lot has happened already since my last post...

1st, no more maid/yaya. She said that the real Mommy of her adopted child (back in Mindanao) is trying to get her baby back from her. oh the drama (which I doubt is even real btw)! Anyway, whatever, we're better off without her anyway.

Thing is after she left, Mikel started vomiting. We had him checked with the doctor (a different one since we panicked that night cause Mikel refused to eat or drink too). The doctor said it was Dyspepsia. The next day, Mikel started pooping too! It was watery, yellowish and smelled fishy! So we rushed him to his Pedia at once. She suspected it might be from the water we used to bathe him. She said he might have drank some. And he got confined on that day right after the check up (Oct 25). It was the first time he got confined in the hospital. aww :(

We have Healthcard (Intellicare) for Mikel so money was not a worry (Thank God). But there wasn't any room available so we had to stay in the ward for a couple of days. It was hard sharing a room with 4 other families. Babies were crying (although Mikel cried the loudest and the most number of times too! [hehe our room mates didn't get enough sleep cause of us]), Nurses and Doctors were coming in and out of the room almost every 5 mins and there wasn't any TV to entertain Mikel so he won't be kulit to want to go down the bed (well, we brought portable DVD, which eventually broke after a few days).

I just had to get the TV and ref inside a private room for us, so I made sure they prioritazed us (cause there was a list of all the people who wants to be tranferred to a private room if there was a vacancy, and on that list we were number 16! Haha!). From a Number 16 on the 1st day, we were still at number 12 on the 2nd day! So I insisted our doctor to move us up! and I hung out at the admitting desk so they'll really be pressured to find a room for us. Mama Cay went to the rooms and made the nurses work faster so that we can finally move! And we did, on the 2nd day! Finally! :)

And I thought I would get enough rest when we moved to a private room! I was wrong, nurses still kept coming in most of the time, but yeah, this was better than when we were in the ward. :)

Oh I forgot to tell you that the nurses were having a hard time putting the IV. They said they couldn't find a vein, Oh no! But they did eventually on his right hand, but then later on the vein collapse and Mikel's hand got swollen. They had to try again on his right foot! So Mikel had his IV on his foot that's why we had a hard time cause the wires kept on twisting around his body cause he was so gulo especially when he was sleeping. He would toss and turn looking for a comfy position to sleep.

When the results came, he turned out to have e.coli bacteria in his tummy. Maybe cause of the water nga. I really don't know, so now we have to boil the water he's gona bathe in just to be sure. Plus we have to be extra careful when handling him, so alcohol always after changing nappies. And we sterilized all his things already.

We just got home awhile ago (Oct 31). Spent my whole Sembreak vacation in the hospital! But it's ok, at least I got to spend it with Mikel ;) but I'm glad to be back home!

Some pictures:

MORE PICTURES HERE

On a lighter note:

Have I told everyone that Mikel sings "Baby Beluga"?
He says.. "Duda, duda, duda"

Also we have this book and Count from Sesame Street is in it. It says "One blue burst, Two red ripples, Three purple pinwheels, etc" And we read it to him imitating Count's voice with an "Ah, ah, ah" after every sentence.
He now also says "Two :gibberish: Ah, ah,ah.."
so cute!

Burp Excuse me! Mikel Updates.

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 15:06:00 +0000

I couldn't find time to update my blog anymore. It's either I'm too busy or I'm too sleepy.

Mikel is so hyper! All he wants to do is run run run and play play and then play some more, then maybe read books a little. He;s so tiring! And to top it off he doesn't want to sleep! He kept on sleeping at around 3am for a couple of days now. He slept at 10pm tonight. Mommy's hoping he won't wake up in a couple of hours to play til 3am! (That's what he did last night).

Anyway, Mikel can't say Mommy yet. but he can say "Excuse me" after he burps. :)
He still can't talk really, all he does is mumble and talk "alien talk" all day. I'm hoping he'll talk soon. Well, at least say Mommy already! :)

He's also beginning to take interest in other children.

See this picture:

That was taken a few days ago. The other child in the picture is My co-Teacher's daughter Maya. Mikel kept on following her! They're so cute! :)

Til next update! (:

Oh, BTW, we have a maid na. Not a Yaya. But a maid (Alma) :) Mama Cay will still be the one taking care of Mikel while I'm at work, while Alma will cook and clean :) and maybe if she stays with us for a long time, she might be upgraded to Mikel's yaya when we move out :)

Then... and... Now.

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:32:00 +0000

Me and my brother.

Me and my Cousin Denise.

Well, my pics in the "Now" part aren't really recent. cause I have short hair now. But I made/posted these pics around 1-2 years ago HERE. and since PMC had the same topic, I used it again.

Benefactors:
Momma Wannabe
The Pinay Blogger
Jadeliscious

Mommy Cara in WorkingMom Mag

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:28:00 +0000

Remember my post HERE?

Well...
Finally! It's out! :)
..it's actually for PMC :)

Mommy Ruby asked me if it's ok that I be interviewed about PMC for a certain mag. I didn't say yes at first cause I was busy with work and Mikel, but I eventually changed my mind thinking that this might really be a good experience and a few hours of my time isn't so hard to give :)

After having a conference with the other Mommies who will be with me in the interview/shoot (Mommy Aerin and Mommy Charm), I got really excited. I suddenly can't wait for the shoot!

So Shoot day came (September 9, 2008). Shoot was in Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Bonifacio High Street. So right after work (1pm) I went home, ate lunch, had a quick shower then left na for the fort. I took a shuttle to Ayala in Mcdo Sucat then met with Manny in Shell (the one in Makati na dun sa daan papuntang Fort, I'm clueless with names of places, sorry. haha)
Basta arrived na in CBTL around 4:20pm ata when meeting time was 4pm. Haha!

It was cool when we got there. There were cool lights and there was a makeup artist pa! feeling artista ang dating! Hahaha!

Ms. Rowanda Lei was really friendly and very warm to talk to, so there wasn't any problem with the interview part. The Photographer was also cool. He would also laugh at our jokes and make some jokes himself too, that made us very comfortable working with him.

After the Interview/Shoot, we just couldn't wait to see the result! :)

Some behind the scene pics:

More info and pics HERE

'FunRanch'ing on a Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Cara Castillo) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:19:00 +0000

While Mama Cay and Lolo Bob were at South SuperMarket, Mikel and I went to Fun Ranch cause lately Mikel insists on going out. He would get his shoes and tug on the stroller. So wawa naman, bored at home.

I let him play there for an hour. Then we ate meryenda. :)
He had a free balloon pa! The first one he got was a blue sword but it popped (wawa, he cried). Then I got him a baloon again (yellow sword this time).

He loved the Big Keyboard this time (before was the pool of balls). He just couldn't stop walking over the keys.

We also went to the 2nd level this time. Mommy got a bit scared of heights haha! That's why we didn't stay long there.

Maybe next time we'll try to go on the third level. :scared:

Mikel really enjoyed it there! He didn't even want to leave yet but we had to cause our 1 hour was up.

More Pics HERE