More Than Just a Nanay Blog

Potty-training

2012-01-27T00:36:00.000-08:00

So Tala is 2 years and 4 months now. And I think it's right about time that I train her how to use the potty. Ang mahal ng diapers. Ayoko na!

Before she would tell us that she pooped, only right after she already did the deed. But recently, she would tell us 5 minutes before, so I took that as a sign to put the potty that Grandma bought for her to good use.

So we started making her sit in the potty. She seemed to know what it was for but so far, nothing has happened yet. We've been doing it every morning or during those times that she says she's gonna go. So far nothing. I know it takes patience. A lot of it.

So while I'm waiting for that fateful day when I wouldn't have to include diapers in my monthly budget, I'd like to know how you moms did it. Care to share any tips? At least before I start pulling may hair out? Would love to hear from you.

She Loves Hats

2012-01-27T00:26:00.000-08:00

Tala has a thing for hats. She wears 'em all day long inside the house. The thing is, the hats aren't hers.

This one for instance is another one of her dad's hats that she loves wearing while running around the house, or while in the couch watching Mickey Mouse Playhouse. Sometimes she just sits in one corner on the floor, wearing a big hat that covers her whole face.

And sometimes when she wears a hat, she convinces everyone in the house to wear one too. She goes "Mommy hat! hat! hat!" or "Daddy hat! hat! hat!" until it all becomes a huge hat party. Sigh. You're such a riot Tala. Don't ever change Anak.

First Post of the Year

2012-01-11T05:01:00.000-08:00

This year is certainly starting out well. Aside from Hub's film winning best indie film in the recent Metro Manila Film Fest which I've blogged about here, oh wait, technically that was late last year...point is, this year seems to be bringing in a lot of positive vibes.

2011 was a tough year for a lot of us. In my case, it was very challenging. I went through this whole roller coaster thing as far as career goes. I've made mistakes. I left my old job to go back to agency life, only to realize that it is so much different than how I remembered it some 5-7 years ago. It didn't take a genius to figure out that I wouldn't last long in that company. I didn't fit the culture and I found myself dragging my feet to work. I realized that life is too short to be in a place that made me feel so displaced.

At the mid part of the year, I tried my hand at juggling two jobs. Until now, I still don't know how I managed to pull it off. Financially, the whole set-up worked as I earned double income. Bills were paid on time and we got to afford a lot of things, stuff that I would normally not splurge on. But there I was constantly shuffling from one place to the next, from one meeting to the next, from one office to the next. At the end of the day, I was exhausted. I really felt like my energy was just sucked out of me. Too much that I had nothing more to give. And when a friend died last year, it was an eye-opener for me. She was so young and she was working very hard. Too hard. I can't go like that. I have a child. I want more children. I dream of seeing life beyond my golden years. I knew that things had to change. My pace had to change. Decisions had to be made....again.

I decided to prioritize my balance and peace of mind. I needed to focus on one thing and be really good at it. I will prioritize life-enriching experiences and know that in my heart, as long as I love what I'm doing, the money will follow. By next week, I am going back to my old job, the one I left months ago. The one that allowed me creative freedom, a sense of self and made me work with a team of people that are both creative and brilliant.

And with that decision, I also started going back to doing things that I love. Like blogging for instance. For some reason my other blog has been getting a bit of traction. Opportunities have come up to discover new places, try new things and get to know more people through blogging. A friend joked saying "You have given in to the system!" but like I told her, I am limiting posts only for things that I'd like to review or am open to try, with the condition that there will be full disclosure. This blog though, I will try to keep as personal and as private as I possibly can. That's the plan.

I feel like this year really holds a lot of promise. It feels so light and positive. So how about you, how has the first few days of the year been treating you? I sure hope it's pouring in a lot of good vibes too.

Heart is Bursting

2011-12-22T17:10:00.000-08:00

When Sendong happened, I was in Cebu. The gravity of the aftermath only hit me when I came back to Manila and saw the reports on TV.

That photo of the child that was about Tala's age, covered in mud and being carried by her Father who was tears, did it for me.

I started my own mini-relief operations. What started as just three paperbags grew to 20 large packs of donations, that has eaten up most of my living room.

I know that true charity is anonymous, but seeing this just brings tears to my eyes that I couldn't help but post and share it with you guys as it really tugs at the heart.

To everyone who helped make this happen. Thank you. Words are not enough. Its because of your help that some families in CDO, Iligan and other affected areas will have a clean change of clothes, water to drink and food to fill their tummies.

For the past week, I didn't feel "Christmasy", but this very moment has changed everything.

Merry Christmas everyone! Let's make this season count.

No Excuses...

2011-12-19T22:00:00.000-08:00

... We just gotta do our part.

Saw a pic of a little girl just about the same age as Tala. She was covered in mud and was carried by her Father who was in tears. My heart broke into a million pieces. Let's all please help.

First of December and Why I'm Panicking

2011-11-30T06:43:00.000-08:00

Wooha. Can you believe it? We're in the last month of the year. Today marks the entry of the Christmas season Ladies and Gentlemen. We can officially start our greetings with "Merry Christmas!" or "Happy Holidays!", without looking like an over-excited eager beaver.

And I must admit. I am approaching this month with a bit of trepidation.

Why so? Let me tell you.

In the past years, at around this time, I would already be about 65% done with my Christmas shopping. Seriously. I would have my stash ready for wrapping. Afterwhich I just need to carefully place each present underneath the Christmas tree, waiting for the reactions of people around who will do all that they can to size up the present and guess what I got them for Christmas. In my head I'm thinking "Te...Wag ka ma-excite. Mug lang yan."

Now, I've shopped for only 1 present. And it's not even a present that I really planned on getting. It was a watch I got on eBay which I didn't like the moment it hit my doorstep so it is now officially part of my gift stash. Aside from that, nada. To think I have two offices, two sets of families (mine and my husband's) and a whole lot of people that I need to shop presents for. Ayayay. Goodluck naman.

Second reason why I feel anxious, is because this December is incredibly busy for me. I have back-to-back-to-back events, I kid you not. I remember in the past Decembers, things would usually slow down. In fact, most often than not, we just go to the office to warm our chairs and update our Facebook statuses.

This year is different. I need to plan out Christmas activities in the store. I have two trips to Cebu, that are both a week apart. I have two office Christmas parties to attend and help put together. I have to help plan out my pamangkin's 1st birthday party. I have Christmas dinners left and right, with old officemates (different offices mind you), a homeowners Christmas party and I need to help out with some pitches before the year ends. Kunswelo lang sana kapag tapos na lahat by end December, but no. There's a huge event happening on Jan 4, which I already need to start working on now. Whew. Homaygulay. I can't breathe.

Third reason why I feel anxious over the holidays, is that Hub and I have been talking about baby number two. And based on the chinese calendar, oh yeah. May ganung factor talaga. If we want to have a boy, then this is the month to get busy. hahaha. But you tell me, how in the world, can we conceive if I have jampacked my schedule na parang ayaw ko nang matulog? Diba? Is it not meant to be perhaps? I don't know.

Forth reason and hopefully the last reason why I approach the holidays with a lot of uncertainty is my job situation. I know I arranged for this whole two jobs thing, I did. Ginusto ko to diba. But at this point in time, I actually don't know if I can still pull it off. You know why? I'll tell you why....I. AM. LOSING. MY. MIND. I constantly feel like I'm in a tug of war. Yes I can manage but at the same time, I am constantly shuffling from one place to the next, from one office to the next and from reporting to one boss to the next. I'm surprised that i don't get to mix up their names in the process. If I am serious about the third thing (see above), then I might have to slow things down a bit. And to be perfectly honest, I already know deep within my heart where I really really want to stay. Maybe I just don't want to admit it to myself.

So there. I certainly hope the holidays aren't as hectic and crazy for you. So anyway, here's to the first of December! If you happen to see me around looking haggard and restless, well now you know why.

Birthday Reflections

2011-11-13T06:15:00.000-08:00

When the clock strikes 12, I will be officially turning a year older.

Looking back, I feel like I've accomplished pretty much what I've set my mind into...well at least for the past decade. I told myself that I need to be in a serious relationship by the time I hit my 20s. Done. I was with the ex-BF, now husband for over 8 1/2 years. I told myself that I should be married by the time I hit 29. Done. I was hitched at 28. I told myself I should have my first born before I hit 30. Done. I gave birth to Tala a month before I hit the big 3-0. I told myself that as far as the career goes, I'd like to experience what a "Director" tag would feel like, Done. Although I'm telling you, it ain't all that.

So what else am I planning for myself? Some of my birthday wishes include more travel for me and the family. I really want to bring Tala to Disneyland. Doesn't matter which one. I remember the kind of joy I had when I went to the Disneyland in Anaheim. That was one of the best moments of my life. I want Tala to experience that same joy too. Hopefully, very soon. I'd like to start trying for baby number two. I figured since Tala can speak full sentences now, I guess she might be old enough to understand the concept of having a little brother/sister. Of course, there are a lot of stuff that I'd like to covet, much of these I have unabashedly written about in my other blog.

Bottomline, I am grateful. The Lord has been good to me and has helped me through some tough times. I thank him for another year of life and another year of golden opportunities.

So there...now where's that darn cake?...

Throwing a Halloween Party of Sorts

2011-10-29T22:13:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, we did the Hansel & Gretel Storytelling event in Fully Booked. I love that the event was simple and that it involved kids. It was a refreshing break from the usual backstage drama-type of events. Events should always be like this...straightforward and stress-free!

What was most exciting for me, was that I had the opportunity to take Tala to the event. She had a blast alright...during ingress! Messing up the balloons, running across the venue like it was her playground but the moment the program started, she snoozed....all throughout the event. Nice going Anak.

Here some highlights.

Kids and parents during the storytelling

C of Homemade Indulgence played host

Costumed kids....

Make Believe Productions doing the Hansel & Gretel storytelling

Tala who just woke up from her nap, hence the disheveled hair. She was snacking on mini-cupcakes from Sonja's.

Speaking of Sonja's cupcakes, I told Sonja that when I was pregnant with Tala, I would often go to her store to wolf down some red velvet cupcakes...as in! And guess what she gifted us? A box of red velvet! Thanks Sonja! Some are kinda mushed. This pic was taken way after we got home.

Going back to the event....

Mommy Fleur with Anika joined the fun! See her post about the event here. Rone of Mothering Earthlings was there too. Thanks for bringing the kids Rone!

Looking forward to planning next year's Halloween!

Trick Or Treat!

2011-10-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

Shameless plug...

If you're taking your tots to do trick or treating over the weekend, drop by Fully Booked to get free stuff!

Thanks sponsors!

Full disclosure: I'm back to doing events for Fully Booked (yup it's the 2nd job that I took on) and although its only part-time (well at least for now)... I couldn't be happier! Expect more event-related updates in this blog.

Gone Too Soon

2011-10-22T00:34:00.001-07:00

If there ever is such a thing as girl-crush, I think I've always had it for Maj Guanzon. From the brief moment that I knew her, she always looked like a movie-star. She was always so confident and well-put together.

I met Maj a few years back. She did some print ads for the company that I used to work for. She had such a strong presence that everyone just turned their heads whenever she'd enter the room. She was that kind of person.

When I left the company and joined another company, I was surprised to know that she even found out a way to send me some Christmas presents in my new office. For both times, she gave me clothes. A nice Gap top that I wore that Christmas, and on the next Christmas after, a nice red Mossimo blouse that I wore all throughout my pregnancy.

We haven't seen each other since. She once bought makeup from me back in the days when I was still selling Benefit. She blogged about it being the make up junkie that she was. Our only connection and communication ever since was limited to Facebook. Once in a while she'd comment on my posts and I'd do the same on her posts, especially when she'd post photos of the delectable desserts that she would bake.

I actually got to know the person she really was through Facebook. I found out that she was passionate about baking, makeup, school, work and being surrounded with positive people. Just by looking at her photos and everyday posts, you can say that she was at the prime of her life. She was the VP of her own company, was in graduate school in Ateneo, had a blooming love life...the works.

Then 2 days ago, I got a text saying she passed. I was stunned. Maj and were not that close but I immediately found myself in tears. I couldn't understand how someone so young, could die just like that. She was only 30. I checked her Facebook wall and it was filled with heartfelt messages of people who couldn't believe the news. People giving her their messages of love...people who were in pain from her passing.

Yesterday, I asked hub to accompany me to Arlington Ascension so I can pay my respects. I was in a room full of strangers. I didn't even know who among them was her family. I didn't know who to talk to to give my condolences. Like me, there were also a lot of people in that room, who seemed to have come on their own and also didn't know anyone else. Obviously, Maj has touched the lives of a lot of people. A lot.

Maj, I'm one of those people whose lives you've touched. I know that you are now with our Creator. I will always remember you for the fabulous, gorgeous and intelligent woman that you are. Farewell friend and Rest in Peace.

Party Pics

2011-10-18T00:21:00.000-07:00

What is your thought-process when it comes to planning birthday parties for your kids? I ask because I really didn't plan on throwing a big party for Tala's 2nd birthday. Really. I didn't.

But you know what happened? A few weeks ago, I received tons and tons of giveaways. This was from my office. I got 20 notebooks, 20 pens, 20 kiddie spoon and forks, all surplus stuff. And as I brought everything home, I was just staring at the boxes...thinking to myself. What in the world, am I going to do with all this stuff???

The solution? I threw a party. It was supposed to be a small party, just with the neighborhood kids. But you know how it is when the Grandparents meddle and before you know it, the kumares and kumpares, and the whole barangay are tagging along...I'm sure you know what that's like.

So here are snippets from last Sunday's party. Since we did a butterfly theme last year, we decided to do the Ladybug thing this year. Yeah, we're insect-loving kinda folk.

Be warned... Photo-heavy!

The celebrant playing with blocks.

Tala groovin to Abba's Super Trooper (her favorite song) together with the two Grandpas

With one of the hosts

Hub being his usual self

Last year I did the whole pinata thing. It was a nice butterfly-shaped thing. Sure it was pretty. But after the party, it was just...there. Took up space, gathered dust, you know what I mean. So this year, I decided to stick with the traditional pabitin. Two rounds of it, and filled it up with decent looking toys from Veinte with a mix of candies. The kids went ape!

Tala enjoyed it too. Well at least, the being-tossed-in-the-air part. She really didn't grab anything.

My mom interviewing the server. The pasta and chicken that you see there were home-cooked. Not part of the catering. We added our own food. The caterer stinks by the way...party was at 3pm, they arrived at 3pm. Never again.

Tala with my highschool friend's daughter.

Tala's cake by Big Tummy Cakes. I highly recommend them! Easy to talk to, delivery was done early and aside from the cake being super cute, the cupcakes really taste good. Hindi lang siya pang decor. Really affordable too! A cake like this with other suppliers would cost roughly around 3,5k to 4k. This one was at P2,500 + delivery. Not bad at all.

So there goes another party. Done. Just Like that. So am I doing another party next year? That will depend if somebody gives me another hoard of giveaways. That will be the deal breaker.

Touching

2011-10-16T19:22:00.001-07:00

Amazing how grandparents seem to remember and cherish every single moment with their apos noh?

Yesterday, Tala's grandparents gifted her with a full-length mirror. Strange gift for a 2 year old you'd think.

Here's the story:

Not too long ago, Tala hung out with her grandparents. While they were walking along a strip of restos, Tala stopped to admire her own reflection in front of Seafood Island. The moment, she heard some music, she started dancing. And not just the swaying kind of dance that kids often do...she was really strutting her stuff like there's no tomorrow. She was bobbing her head, her hands were flying in the air and she was just really feeling the music, while admiring her own reflection. People around were looking at her, amused to find a 1 year old child so enamored by her reflection as she danced without a care in the world. Her proud grandparents just looked on as she was having her moment. Apparently, that memory stuck.

The artwork detail on the mirror was made by the artists of the Baguio Arts Guild. My folks brought the mirror all the way from Baguio (I can't imagine how they managed to lug this huge thing without breaking it). The scene in the artwork captured that very moment.

The mirror also came with a scroll with a very touching letter. Part of the message was:

"Happy Birthday Tala, our beautiful dancing baby girl. Our gift for you today. A full size mirror all your own so you can see yourself everyday now (Yup believe it or not, we've never had a full-length mirror until now) now a beautiful baby girl, tomorrow a more beautiful young lady".

Sigh. Grandparents are such sentimental beings. They truly are.

Happy 2nd Birthday Tala!

2011-10-12T16:22:00.000-07:00

To the little one (who is not so little anymore), the one that has completely changed our lives forever...Mommy and Daddy think the world of you. Happy 2nd Birthday Anak! You will forever be our little North Star.

Tala is Turning 2

2011-10-08T19:31:00.002-07:00

In a few days, my little girl will be turning 2. I've been so busy juggling everything... that I forgot to post all the preps that went into planning her rather small party. Looks like I'll just be posting some post birthday photos soon.

I look at this little girl and I am simply amazed at the person she is becoming. She loves to twirl and dance and sing! It's funny how she mutters "Thank you. Take Care. See you. Buh-Bye" in one breath. She knows how to balance her mischief, with her charm. When she's guilty of doing something wrong, she looks me straight in the eye and says "Sorry mommy".

It surprises me that she can express herself so freely and knows when its proper to say "Please", "Excuse Me" and "Thank You". She memorizes lyrics so quickly (although its mostly gibberish and "sounds-like") from the usual "Twinkle Twinkle" to "Bahay Kubo" where all the veggies in that song literally, takes forever to sing.

For a while, I really thought that these are just normal developmental behavior for a one year old. That was until I got asked by people way too many times why she developed so quickly and she's not even two yet. I would always say "Umm...Bakit di ba talaga ganun pag one year old?"

To be honest, I really don't know how that happened. All I remember is that when she was 6 months old and was still drooling in her tiny chair, I would do flash cards with her every single morning and repeat each word three times. I would do this EVERY SINGLE DAY until I felt I like the socket of my eyeballs were going to give way from staring at these cards. At 8 months, I would read stories to her, which may explain her obsession for books. And I always, always talk to her like she's an adult. I guess if you put all those together, than that may have helped. In this crazy realm of motherhood where there are simply no hard and fast rules, I guess at the end of the day.... you just have to trust your gut and do what you think might work for your kid.

Meanwhile, let me get back to the party preps. These birthday parties are such a production noh? Karir kung karir. Wish me luck.

Mag-Ama

2011-10-05T06:54:00.000-07:00

I know I've been MIA again. Two reasons, blogger's block and two jobs. I'm sure you know what I mean.

Sharing a pic I took yesterday morning, before I headed out to work. Hub and Tala were just horsing around at the front yard. Looking at this pic, I noticed two things:

1) Hub looks like a crazy person here

2) Tala's face is getting rounder and rounder, every single day. Anak, cut-down on the carbs (charot) Although, her pedia has been saying that she is a little overweight for her age. Eeep!

Despite the craziness of everyday, these two just keep me, well...sane.

Sunday Zoo Day

2011-09-18T16:10:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, we decided to have some fun family bonding. We headed out to Ark Avilon and although we've been there before, this trip was so worth it the second time around! Now that Tala can express herself more, watching her reaction was such a joy! She squealed and jumped at all the right moments, and when she saw the bigger and scarier animals, she hid behind my back and shouted "Takot! takot!".

Here are some of my fave photos.

Tala doing the giddy-up on the giant mouse

Feeding the hamsters. These furry little things transformed into savages as they battled each other for food. It actually got kinda violent. Scary.

Hyenas....Really???

Daddy holds hands with the cute orangutan...Awwww....

Tala feeds the koi

Umm...ano raw???

Till next time!

I Miss Blogging

2011-09-16T23:21:00.000-07:00

Although earning double income has its awesome perks...there are also some downsides to the whole arrangement.

For one, I haven't updated this blog in a gazillion years! I've hardly had time to check out the blogs that I follow. This makes me sad. Really.

Also, there are days when I don't get much sleep because I need to finish a presentation or report, just so I don't have to work on it in my other office. Haaay kapagod! Ako na si Kuracha.

Anyway, this is just a random post just to let you know that I'm alive. Here are some quick updates on the goings-on in my life.

1) Cebu trip - went to Cebu last week for work. I feel bad that I didn't get to eat Cebu lechon while I was there. Worse, I feel bad all the Cebu photos got completely wiped out from my memory card! Why? Why? Why?!!!!

2) Weight realizations - Judging by recent photos of myself, I just realized that I really am getting huge. As in this has got to be the heaviest I've ever been in my life. So I made a conscious decision (conscious talaga) to go on a strict diet and to lose as much pounds as I possibly can. Truth be told, my friend let me try a diet pill. BFAD approved naman, with L-carnitine and green tea extracts ek ek ek. I've read up on reviews at mukhang okay naman. So today, I've popped my first ever diet pill. People say there are no side effects, except that it makes you more prone to getting pregnant. Wouldn't that be funny? Todo papayat ka, only to find out buntis ka pala. Noice.

3) Tala's Birthday- that's coming up exactly one month from now and I am ill-prepared. SHEEEEEEETTTTT!!! this is what I get for taking on two jobs. Not good, not good at all. As always feeling ko magka-cram nanaman ako. Foin. I work best when I cram naman.

So there... will exert extra effort to update the blog. if only there was a blogger app in my blackberry, that would make it easier to blog sana. Meron ba? Please enlighten me.

Random Moments

2011-09-06T15:57:00.000-07:00

Sharing some random moments with Tala this week...

Pag ang bata raw tumutuwad, humihingi na ng kapatid... Eh pag tulog na tumutuwad, does it follow?

Somebody is getting too comfy in mommy's chair.

Proof of why toddlers should never be left unattended... especially when they're armed with markers.

Sigh... my little munchikita is a riot. Nagmana sa ina.

The Girl Has Two Jobs

2011-08-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

The girl, meaning me.

I don't know how I got here really. Things just kind of fell into place I guess.

And yes, you read the title right, I will now be juggling two jobs. On top of my motherly and wifely duties, I decided to take on more. Kabog!

Two days a week, I'll report to the same office that I've been going to for the past few months. The only difference is, I am taking on another role and that is to focus on the creative strategic planning process, as that seems to be my core strength in the whole set-up. Plus it saves me the stress of baby-ing clients, which I've come to realize.... I may no longer have the patience and the gall for. Ang hirap ngumiti pero sa totoo lang gusto mo nang sapakin yung tao ha! I wanna de-load myself of that kind of stress. Seriously...I don't wanna be an angry bird!

Two days a week, I will report to another office. No... it's not a new office. It's actually familiar territory for me. It's the same old office pre-agency days. It's the one with tons and tons of books and really cool stuff! :-) I'm sure you know what I mean. Yes, I'm baaaaaaaaaack! And I still can't believe it! I have my old job back!

And so as not to confuse you, both are part-time and leaning towards a consultancy sort of arrangement which I've come to realize is really the ideal scenario for me...work-wise. Although nothing compares to the benefits of long term regular tenure, the merits of being able to demand my own hours and get paid for it, is not too shabby. Not too shabby at all.

And yes, four days of work means I get an extra day. I'll consider that my buffer incase any of the two offices call for an urgent meeting or If I have to attend to something. So if that buffer isn't used up, then I get three days-off a week. Fantastic.

Haaaay...with the way things are going, I realize now that all the weird crappy things that went on in my life early this year... every single bit of it was meant to happen. Everything makes perfect sense to me now. Funny how things kind of unveil themselves to you noh? It takes my breath away. Literally.

Preparing for Tala's 2nd

2011-08-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

Last year, when I prepared for Tala's 1st birthday, tinodo ko talaga. As in! Siyempre first birthday eh...everyone says it should be big and grand! Ako naman si uto-uto.

I did the whole shebang. I booked a caterer, booked the clubhouse, got a facepainter, mamang sorbetero and coaxed my good friend into dressing up as a butterfly to host the whole thing. You can check out all the stuff I did from last year's party here .

Since I only have two months to prepare for this year's birthday celebration, I'm keeping it more toned down. Just a small gathering in my house.

Knowing Tala's obsession with Dora, it only seemed natural that we go with a Dora theme. I figured since Tala is old enough to express what she likes and doesn't like, I might as well give her what she likes. After all, she is the celebrant. However, hub doesn't like the idea. Actually "doesn't like" is an understatement. He feels its a precedent, and if we brand the whole thing Dora, we can expect a whole barrage of Dora gifts as well. "San nanaman natin isasaksak yun!!!", according to him. Ang sagot ko naman "Ano ka ba! Ikaw ba ang may birthday?! Bakit malaking issue sayo si Dora?!".

In the end, I lost...... so PHFFFFFT went the whole Dora-themed party. We did come to an agreement on the the theme that's not cartoon-character based. And I don't know if it's because we're the insect-loving folk, but if last year's theme was all about butterflies, this year will be all about Ladybugs.

I already settled the downpayment for the ladybug cupcake tower, so no choice narin. Lady bug eeet eeeezzz!!! Here's what the cake should look like.

I chose red velvet for the fondant part and still figuring out the flavors of the cupcakes.

So cake is checked off the list! I feel so accomplished I wanna hug myself! *self hug*

As for everything else, I already have a plan for the games and program. The lootbag fillers are complete, minus the lootbags.

I already got part of Tala's Ladybug outfit too. It's a work-in-progress. I figured since her party falls on mid October, we can use the same outfit for Halloween when she does her trick or treating. Oo nagtitipid ako! Deadma na sa repeat performance.

Fill you in on the other plans soon. :-)

Been Staring At This...

2011-08-08T04:56:00.001-07:00

Do you know what this is?

This is another version

It's a Chinese Lunar Calendar to help predict the gender of the baby.

When I was preggers with Tala, my officemate and I (who was also expecting at that time) both looked at this on the net to check on the possible genders of the little ones that were in our wombs. True enough, I gave birth to a girl and she gave birth to a baby boy.

Nope... there's nothing cooking in the bun yet. But yes, the idea of trying for a second child has already set in. It started with this conversation:

Hub: Ang laki na ni Tala

Me: Oo nga eh. Damulag na.

Hub: Sundan na natin?

Me: ***Silence****

Okay :)

And that was it....

Hub and I have our eye on the blue boxes :-)

Kapag Bagong Gising....

2011-08-08T04:37:00.000-07:00

Dapat Magkodakan Muna.

Almost 2

2011-07-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

Tala is turning 2 in three months, and as early as now, I'm seeing the little things that she does that say a lot about her personality. Well at least for now.

She has a thing for sweeping the floor. Constantly. She goes nuts with the walis when there are food particles on the floor. She even takes the dustpan on one hand, and juggles both just to gather all the dust. She then throws 'em out straight in the trash bin. Nobody tells her to do it. She just does it.

When she spills water on the floor, she hurries (as in OA nagmamadali levels) to grab the basahan to wipe it off. And everytime she opens up an orange or a banana, she rushes to the garbage can to dispose of the peel immediately.

I realize now that I gave birth to a neat freak. Thank God for that! Might come in handy when she reaches her teenage years and starts accumulating a lot of gunk in her room.

One of the things that absolutely baffles me about her in this age, is how caring she is towards her 7month old cousin. Actually, the word "caring" might be an understatement. She literally nurtures the child. Parang nakalimutan niyang baby rin siya.

This is a photo of her giving her cousin the bottle. So the baby can sleep, she often pats him gently on the thigh repeatedly and hums to lull him to sleep. It's sweet but at the same time, bordering a bit on unusual, at least for me. She just has this thing....it's like an innate motherly quality that I can't even begin to describe.

Anyway, aside from that, Tala sings now. Most of the lyrics are made-up but she can carry a tune. Her favorite song is Abba's Super Trouper. She can't get enough of it. My ears are bleeding to Abba's music but then again I'd rather she listen to that, then some of the garbage that I hear now on the radio.

And yes with the good comes the bad. The tantrums are happening. She can drive me absolutely nuts! I think that's the "terrible-twos" phase that everyone's talking about. She would roll on the floor, scream her lungs out and recently, she would tell us "WAKAMAKELAM!"....perhaps something she's picked up along the way. Ayayay. I will literally strangle the person she picked that up from. Wait a minute...I think she got that from me. Ooops.

Swimming in Deadlines

2011-07-16T20:39:00.001-07:00

I don't remember how I got here. Really.

I remember accepting the new job because it was supposed to give me more time to focus on Tala and to let me do other leisurely things like blogging and such.

But it seems like I've been swimming in deadlines day in and day out, that when I'm in the shower and mapping out stuff in my head, I even forget if I already shampooed because my brain is somewhere else.

Whether I'm at home, or in the office or in a coffee shop somewhere, I'm typing away in my little nook and I just completely forget about the world around me. I find myself shuffling from one place to the next that before I know it...I'm just downright beat and if I can just collapse in my bed without having to change into my jammies, I would.

I guess this is the trade-off for the work arrangement that I chose. I report 3 days a week, but the truth is, I work round-the-clock at home, or wherever it is that I am just to finish deadlines.

So pardon the lack of posts. I should actually be doing something else now but I decided to drop in and say hi. If I don't post much here, you can catch me on twitter. See you there!

Meeting Mommy Bloggers

2011-07-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, I left my home in the boondocks to attend Rone's brand talk. Silly me, I underestimated Edsa traffic on a Saturday and didn't leave earlier than I should have. Ended up missing the whole talk! (*face palm).

Anyway, I managed to get there just in time for refreshments. Shiyet. Ang PG ko. Kakahiya!

Anyway, finally met Mommy Fleur. And I just realized now that the advantage of actually following someone's blog for the longest time, is that it takes out the awkwardness of first time meet-ups. The moment I got there I was already rambling to her the reason for my tardiness. I skipped the whole "Hi! I'm Aimee! are you Fleur?" part. Here are some snapshots.

With Rone

After the meet-up, Fleur and I decided to have lunch, so we headed out to Greenbelt where we chitchatted some more.

Till next time Fleur!