Growing up with Bea

Take Your Time

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:10:00 +0000

My little girl is ecstatic. Today she goes back to school. She kept on
asking me what grade she is in, and when she'd get to first grade. (Last
year you were in nursery class. Now? You're in kinder class. And then?
Prep. And then?...)

I remember feeling that way when I was a kid.

Impatience.

Impatience to grow up soon, impatience to finish school so that I can at
last play all day long and not be forced to have my afternoon nap,
impatience for more responsibility. I wish I can tell my daughter to
take her time. Enjoy. Time will come when you'd want to stay a young
student forever. That way you don't have to brave torrential downpours
just to get to a job you don't particularly like, you can sleep all day
with the excuse of burning the midnight oil the night before, you only
have to open up your palm and blessing will be bestowed upon you (aka
allowance) and you can read loads of (pocket)books with adults' approval
since they feel reading can improve your vocabulary. You can make
mistakes and learn from them.

Take your time in growing. Enjoy the new experiences and the friendship.
Make mistakes and learn from them. Love with all your heart. Savor your
youth. Take chances. Dream, and dream big. Be brave, and baby, live
well.

No School for Two Days

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:40:00 +0000

I was surprised when I saw the notes on the little one's school diary.
They had no classes for two days. In an effort to keep the teachers
healthy in body, mind and spirit, the school will be sending the whole
school's faculty off for a two-day retreat. Hmmm... I have a question...
It is only July, school only started last June. They had the months of
April and May to conduct their retreat... why didn't they have it then?!
Or they can also opt to have it on a weekend, but no... Does this mean
they also want free days off work? That they wouldn't want to encroach
on their employees private/home life so better on a work week than on
weekdays?

When I was still a student, I used to love it when we didn't have
classes... My parents didn't approve. They used to rant about how they
didn't like this one bit and how it was a waste of our money. I didn't
understand then, I fully understand now.

Two days... what a waste!

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 17:02:00 +0000

Happy Father's Day to the best daddy in the world!!!

Bea's Ballet Recital

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:55:00 +0000

When summer started, our Bea was at a loss. She was listless since she had all the vacant time, school being out and all. We initially planned on enrolling her in a swimming class. The problem was we couldn’t find a class nearby and I just couldn’t burden her grandfather into taking her to classes every single day. We opted for ballet classes instead. Luckily, her school is just a few steps away from our house. She had classes every Tuesday and Saturday for an hour. When we ask her how her classes went, her answer is always the standard “ok lang”. We ask her to dance for us, she refuses. So all along, we thought she wasn’t learning much, but least her classes keeps her busy and gives her a routine.

After 10 sessions, they had a ballet recital in SM North Edsa Ballerinas from different schools gather to showcase their talents to an audience of ogling parents. We brought her Ninang and Lolo along too, for some good ole family support.They were the first performers. What amazed me was that Bea was so cool and composed during the whole time. No stage fright at all! From the moment she stepped on stage up to the time she hopped off it, she was smiling from ear to ear! Wow! And I was so amazed at how she could remember the various steps in their dance routine. It was not perfect but definitely beautiful. All this time, I thought she wasn’t learning and retaining anything from her classes…. And then there she was executing ballet steps and hops and turns on stage!

We were so proud of her! We intend to continue her ballet lessons this July. Who knows, this might be her “thing”, although I also want her to take piano lessons and swimming lessons, and her daddy want her to take taekwondo and drumming lessons… ahhh the pressure we place on our kids! =)

The Legend Villas Summer Sale, Discount on All Rooms

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Thu, 19 May 2011 15:32:00 +0000

Still hoping to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city for some bonding time with the wife and kids? Planning to travel with the kids? No need to travel far.

You may still catch The Legend Villas Summer Sale. Stay with the whole family and enjoy the top of the line hotel amenities offered.

Summer SALE at The Legend Villas

50% off all room categories

Who says you have to go far to have a wonderful summer vacation!

Enjoy it with the whole family!

Visit www.legendvillas.com.ph

or call 702-2700 to 04.

Get Milo packs FREE with your National Bookstore purchases!!

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Wed, 18 May 2011 15:16:00 +0000

Promo period is from May 1 to June 30, 2011.

Every P800 purchase using the Citibank Credit Card, in straight, PayLite* or net of Pay with Points, from May 1 to June 30, 2011, at National Book Store entitles the Cardholder to redeem FREE 2pcs. of 180ml Milo Ready-To-Drink (“RTD”). A maximum of 4pcs. of 180ml Milo Ready-To-Drink can be redeemed per transaction.

The Cashier of National Bookstore will automatically provide the corresponding quantity of 180ml Milo RTD to the Citibank Cardholder who uses his/her Citibank Card in National Bookstore. The free 180mL Milo RTD will appear on the receipt as an item purchased at the cost of Php0.00 at the time of the transaction.

Each Cardholder is allowed to redeem a maximum of 4pcs. of 180ml Milo RTD per redemption day.

Bea Vs Parties

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Tue, 17 May 2011 09:28:00 +0000

Last November, my husband and I started a photography business, BK
Pixels Photography. We offer photography services for birthdays, debut,
weddings and corporate affairs. We also have a photobooth for rent.
Since we are both working, most of our gigs happen on weekends, the only
time we also get to spend with our daughter. Recently, when my daughter
sees me in front of the laptop, with my brows furrowed (I'm working on a
layout) she'd ask me whether we had a party later? When I'd say yes,
she'd literally wilt in front of me and slowly slink away.

This would crush my heart yet what can I do. How can I explain to a 5
year old that I am doing this as part of a plan so that in the long run,
I'd be able to spend so much more time with her? That the hope is we'll
be able to run this business full time, from home so that we won't miss
her growing up? It's sad how she now dreads the word "party" instead of
being all happy and excited when she hears it. For her party means mommy
and daddy will be away again...oh well.

Parenthood can be tough sometimes, but it can be even tougher when the
children have to sacrifice too...

Splash Island - 59% OFF All-Day Unlimited Pass + Meal

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Mon, 16 May 2011 08:04:00 +0000

What new?

All-Day Pass and meal of 2pcs. Babrbecue with rice
May use unlimited e-voucher.
Affordable.
Exciting activities.
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Well-trained life guards on post.
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Valid from May 16, 2011 to June 9, 2011.
Valid only from Mondays to Thursdays, from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
Will accept unlimited number of e-vouchers per person
Price is inclusive of VAT and Service Charge
E-vouchers cannot be used in conjunction with any discount card or promotion
Need to present the printed e-voucher and School ID or proof that you are a student during redemption

For inquiries, please call the numbers listed below.
Not valid with other offers.
Voucher is transferrable and may be given as a gift.
No cash back for any unused vouchers.
E-vouchers will be sent via email.

Splash Island
Southwoods Ecocentrum Binan, Laguna, Philippines (View Map)
Contact Nos.: 727-5325, 577-0189, 577-3353 or 0917-5804728

How?

Create a DealSPOT account first.
Once done, the Buy Key will appear on the website. You have to click on it to start participating in deals.
Fill up a processing form.
Choose a Payment option.
To finish the transaction, click on the Complete Key on the bottom of the Information Page. Once you do, dealSPOT will automatically email an e-voucher to you.
Present your e-voucher to the partner establishment.

Remember that all deals have a specified number of sales that needs to be met before it gets on. If it isn't met, the deal won't get on and will expire without anybody enjoying the product or service it promotes. So be sure to tell all your friends and family about our great deals.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Ways to Help Your Child Overcome Thumb sucking

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Sun, 15 May 2011 18:48:00 +0000

My daughter is already 5 years old and she's yet to get over her annoying habit of thumbsucking. As much as I've tried to help her get rid of the habit, she keeps on returning into it.

Thumb sucking can be a real comforting habit for our child. However, this comforting habit of our child is going to have a whole lot of repercussions for them later on including harming their teeth and jaws. Therefore, as responsible parents you do need to curb as best as possible this habit of thumb sucking.

Children go back to thumb sucking as a means to feel secure and safe in an environment. We have to be firm though since they really need to stop once the permanent teeth start appearing that is around the age of six years. If thumb sucking continues beyond this particular age then it is going to deform their teeth and then later on they might have to wear braces.

Also, the act of thumb sucking brings on a host of other problems such as the buildup of bacteria and infections. A good thing is to ensure that you deal with it in the most positive of manner. Do not punish your child for it as that will make them resentful and all the more insecure. Rather, try and wait it out and be as gentle as possible when you correct them. There are options and other comfort zones that you could offer our child such as a warm blanket, their favorite toy or be with them before they fall asleep to ensure that they don’t think of thumb sucking.

One thing that can help is being on the look-out for the triggers, the time of the day and what brings this on so that you can go on and avoid these kinds of situations for our child. Try and distract your child as soon as they try to put their thumbs in their mouth. Slowly and gently remove the thumb from the mouth and direct our child’s attention to something else. Hopefully the child will overcome thumb sucking without causing too much frustration to both mommy and child.

Mother's Day 2011

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Sun, 08 May 2011 15:14:00 +0000

Today we celebrated mother's day. They whole family had a grand time since we celebrated it inside an ultra posh hotel in Hotel H2O. Thanks to my sister for brining the whole family along with her on her corporate summer outing. =)

My daughter Bea had a grand time since the whole family is together for a whole weekend!

I really felt the tug at my heart strings when she expressed her sadness in not-so subtle ways about tomorrow and how it was back to work day for us... and how she'd be left alone in the house. Too bad. I really do wish i can stay with her more... I feel so guilty.

Thanks for this mother's day baby! Thanks for the blessing of being your mommy!

Christmas Book Bazaar

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:12:00 +0000

It's your last chance of the year to get your favorite titles at the best prices only at National Book Store! Don't miss the Christmas Book Bazaar on Nov. 19 to 29, 2010 at the Market! Market! Playzone.

Grab your favorite books for as low as P30! Best of all, a portion of the proceeds from the sale will go to the NBS Foundation to help kids start the habit of reading, too.

Do your Christmas shopping early and have big discounts! Kids will love books for Christmas!

Big & Small Company's Big Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Big and Small Company Warehouse Sale

(including Orange Juice, Spin and Havin' a Baby)

Up to 70% off

November 16-20

9:30 am to 6:30 pm

Nutrition Center, 2332 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City

Credit cards are also accepted during the Warehouse Sale.

Call 889-6956 for more information.

Teach Your Children Make Christmas Décor

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:16:00 +0000

‘Tis the season to be jolly. Christmas has always been a season for kids and year after year we do our best to make everything memorable for your kids. This year, why not allow them to help with the decorations. Here is a simple project that parents and children can bond over. Allowing them to help with little projects like these help the little ones learn hand and eye coordination.

click here to read the rest of the article

Kids love doing arts and crafts, why not make this a bonding activity for the whole family?

Crocs and Toys "R" Us Sale this November 2010 by Citibank

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:35:00 +0000

Get your sizes, get your children's sizes,
get your friend's sizes!!!
Be ready for the Crocs and Toys "R" Us SALE!!

Crocs & Toys "R" Us Sale. Enjoy up to 80% off on your holiday shopping with Crocs and Toys "R" Us plus other special offers. Simply Present & use your Citibank Credit Card at Whitespace, 2314 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City on November 11 to 14, 2010 from 11am to 9pm.

Invite your friends over and if they don't have a Citi Card. They can apply on site or pay in cash.

**Note: As stated it is opening at 11 AM, but trust me there will be lines as soon as 7AM, so sleep early and prepare for the lines.. bring water and some snacks.

Halloween 2010, an update

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 09:55:00 +0000

Last October 31, Sunday, the whole family went to SM Megamall for the annual trick or treat. This year was definitely a treat for the whole family, since Lolo and Ninang came with us.

This year ,we had trouble in choosing her costume. I was already resigned on just letting her wear her costume last year (Japanese Girl with Umbrella). Thankfully, the night before, I was doing my usual window shopping at the bookstore when I saw a cute little pumpkin outfit, complete with glittery mask. I instantly knew it was perfect for her! All the while I was confident that the size we chose had a few inches allowance on the sides, but to my surprise when she tried it on, it was already snug on the tummy area! My baby girl is definitely growing fast! I also bought a cute spider headband to complete the look. Four years a go, we bought a sturdy plastic pumpkin to hold trick or treat goodies, we just wiped off the accumulated dirt and was ready for this year’s trick or treat.

Anyway, while at the mall, we went through the usual going in and out the stores, greeting them a cheery “trick or treat!” only to be told that all the candies had ran out and apparently they were implementing new rules this year: they designated certain times when they would give candies. It started at 11am and the next one would be at 1pm. That’s when we decided to have lunch first. We had Lolo with us and we thought he’d appreciate the old school menu of Savory Classic. True enough, we all had a hearty lunch. We went on trick or treating right after…

We all had loads of fun, especially with Ninang and Lolo around! Bea got lots of treats and we all went home tired but happy!

Time Zone Sem Break Treat

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 01:10:00 +0000

MECHANICS: Timezone brings you a special promo through its Sem Break Treat! Pay only P150 and get P200 worth of Powercard load offered at any of your favorite Timezone Powercard Stores. Avail of this promo from Oct. 18-24, Oct. 26-28 and Nov. 2-7, not valid in conjunction with other Timezone promotions.

The Benefits of Post Natal Massages

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 18:06:00 +0000

A new mother’s body is going through many physical and hormonal changes. A new mom is often stressed and lacking from a good night’s sleep. This is where massages can come to the rescue. A combination of aromatherapy and lymphatic drainage massage will help you restore your body shape and firm up the skin tissue stretched and strained during the pregnancy. Proper post natal massage will help you regain your body’s tone, firmness and elasticity.

There are several more reasons why post natal massage is good for your body:
• Improves the lymphatic and circulatory system of your body.
• Reduces the stress hormones through released “happy hormones” endorphins.
• Promotes healthy lactation, relaxes mothers so you can produce more milk.
• Aids in the healing of bladder disorders and soreness caused by the birthing

Click here to read the rest of the article.

A word of advice for your mothers out there. As much as your whole world is now revolving around the little one, you still need to take care of yourself. Keep your beauty and sanity, a little pampering goes a long, long way!

Contaminated Vegetables

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:50:00 +0000

My daughter is still suffering from the ill effects of her GERD. She still has food aversion and is still spoon-fed with milk. Although she is now able to east some solid food, her main source of nutrition is still her milk.

I really want to teach her to east nutritious food, like fruits and vegetables, that's why i was so appalled when i learned that many of todays fruits and vegetables are contaminated. With the many pesticides available to unethical farmers out there, we are not really sure of the fruits and veggies we are serving our family are safe and clean. And mind you, cleaning through running water is sometimes not enough anymore. Read the rest of the article.

My Little Zombie

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:05:00 +0000

A few more days to go and still to halloween costume for our Bea. The original plan to have a Kill Bill costume made did not push through. We couldn't find a tailor to do it for us, every body is too busy to take our order. Too bad, her daddy already bough a fake sword with her costume. I guess we'll just have to improvise.

Maybe she can just go trick or treating wearing this mask....Isn't she just the cutest little zombie? =)

Tips on Finding The Right Pediatrician

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:27:00 +0000

I remember when our little Bea was just an itsy bitsy baby, we had trouble looking for the right pediatrician. We knew we had to look for someone we would trust with our daughter’s health. I remember we had to go through 3 doctors before we finally found the right pediatrician for her. We were getting really frustrated because no doctor could address her feeding problem, they just attributed it to the milk and they just kept of changing her milk from S26 to a hypoallergenic brand to soya milk… to no avail. Finally, we decided to just go to St. Luke’s Medical Center in QC, looked at the doctor’s directory and randomly chose the first available doctor who had a Saturday clinic (hubby and I are both working). Of course, I also asked for divine guidance, because we had no other choice…we had to find a pediatrician as soon as possible. I just prayed that we be guided to the right one. Guess what, our prayers were answered! We found the best pediatrician who cared enough for our Bea to really try and figure out what we do to ease her feeding problems (acid reflux and food aversion).

Thankfully there is this article, Tips on Finding the Right Pediatrician that can hopefully help other parents out there to choose the perfect pediatrician for their children.

Halloween Events For Kids 2010

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 12:33:00 +0000

You are invited to the 1st Halloween Costume Party of Big Red Barn.

The party is part of our Howl-O-Weekend celebration in Fun Ranch. Ticket prices are Php450.00/child and Php200.00 per adult. Child tickets include a free Ride All You Can wristband, snacks, food cart treats and access to all games, sampling booths, ...loot bag and party activities. Adult tickets include snacks, food cart treats and access to all games, sampling booths and party activities. Tickets are now on sale at our ground floor ticket booth. Limited to 150 kids.

Opens for all Fashionista Kids out there! Be Fab! Get Noticed! at SM Makati
Tel no. 892-0842

Enjoy a fun-filled day with various tricks and treats at the Araneta Center!

Registration is now open to kids aged 5-12 years old. Just drop by the concierge of Gateway or Ali Mall to fill out the form, or send in the following to promo@aranetagroup.com:

- Child's name
- Age
...- Parent's Name
- Home Address
- E-mail Address
- Contact Number
- Mall (Gateway or Ali Mall)
- Will join the trick or treat (Yes or No)
- Will join the costume contest (Yes or No)

Schedule of Activities in Gateway:
10:00 - 12:00: McDonald's Halloween Event
1:00 - 2:00: Dairy Queen Fright Delights
2:00 - 3:30: Trick-or-Treat around the Mall
3:30 - 4:00: Spooky Games
4:00 - 4:30: Plants vs. Zombies Costume Contest
4:30 - 5:00: Magic Show
5:00 - 5:30: More Spooky Games

Schedule of Activities in Ali Mall:
10:00 -11:00: Spooky Games
11:00 - 12:00: Dairy Queen Fright Delights
1:00 - 2:00: Jollibee Halloween Event
2:00 - 3:30: Trick-or-Treat around the Mall
3:30 - 4:00: Spooky Games
4:00 - 4:30: Plants vs. Zombies Costume Contest
4:30 - 5:00: Magic Show
5:00 - 5:30: More Spooky Games

Participants can also have their pictures taken and printed for FREE at the Zombie Paparazzi Wall, join the PvZ Tournament and mingle with our Zombie mascots. Cool prizes are up for grabs, register now!

Get Ready for a marvelous monstrous carnival!

FREE 1 ticket for every purchase of PHP1000 of any toy at Toy Kingdom and Toy Kingdom Express Store.
One ticket is good for two persons.
Date: Oct. 31, 2010

Check out our spoooooky-fun halloween party!
Sunday, Oct 31 at SM Makati, The Podium and the SM Mall of Asia
Spend a minimum of Php500 at Toy Kingdom for a ticket to our pumpkin-rific Halooween bash!

Enjoy!

Halloween is Drawing Near

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 02:36:00 +0000

Halloween is fast approaching. I wonder what Bea’s costume will be this year. In the previous years she went trick or treating as a fairy princess, a witch, a Japanese girl…I’m thinking of buying her a costume but I would rather choose a cutie costume rather than a scary one ( Malls are teeming with scary costumes of vampires and monsters). Maybe she can come as a pirate, a super hero or a Disney princess.

She’s already excited and keeps on saying that she will be trick or treating soon.

Hubby wants to go all out and have a yellow track suit made for her, similar to the one I had made when I went to a costume party as The Bride from Kill Bill. I still have the sword at home.

We’ll see.

Money. Money. Money.

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 09:00:00 +0000

Recently, the entrepreneurial bug has bitten our daughter Bea. Her ninang (godmother) gave her a toy cash register complete with play money. She is enjoying this plaything so much that she has decided to become a mafia/mob boss of sorts in our home. She’d block the door and refused to let us pass until we pay her some pretend money. She also holds impromptu garage sales with her toys, sometimes with my stuff. The scene usually goes like this:

Mommy: How much is this? (holding up a toy giraffe)

Bea: Eight thousand!

Mommy: That’s too expensive. Don’t you have anything cheaper?

Bea: (holds up a toy cup) this.

Mommy: Ok. How much is this cup?

Bea: Eight thousand!

Oh well.

A trip to the Hospital and a CBC blood test

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 16:21:00 +0000

Last month, we had to go to St. Luke's Medical Center QC because Bea was suffering with high fever and loose bowel movement. We were extra paranoid because these past few months the cases of Dengue Fever were through the roof! Although the disease strikes all ages, children were especially susceptible. The doctor decided to monitor the little one's platelet count through a blood test called the complete blood count or the CBC just to rule out Dengue Fever.

Although this was already the second time that Bea experienced this blood test, the first time was when she was still a wee baby, so she doesn't remember anymore. I was so proud of her when the doctor pricked her finger, she put on her brave face and barely reacted... although i could see fear in her eyes...Thankfully the pediatrician said it was only flu. (sadly, we were remiss with Bea's annual flu shot this year). Note to self: update Bea's flu immunization shots!

Bea and her Homework

noreply@blogger.com (karen) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 07:50:00 +0000

Bea started attending nursery class last June, and she just loves every minute of it! It has made her feel really grown up, especially whenever she brings homework from school. This makes her feel like a “real student” and all grown up. The only problem, is as much as I would love to spend time with her and explain her lessons to her patiently, we had troubles with time constraints.

Bea sleeps early. This is something she’s been used to even as a baby (plus I’ve always doubted this as her yaya’s ploy so she can watch her prime time telenovelas early). My daughter is off to dreamland by 7:30pm. The earliest time hubby and I can arrive home is 8:00pm.So we had no choice but to do her homework in the morning. The only problem is hubby and I also had to rush to get to work in the morning, and that leaves me only 15-30 minutes to sit with my Bea and help her do her homework. It’s ok if she only has to do 1 subject, but lately she’s bringing home 2-3 home works a day with tasks varying from coloring, cutting, writing etc. This just won’t do. We had to rush doing everything. I’m not even sure whether Bea absorbed her lessons, plus I’m not as patient with her as I want to be since I keep on looking at the time, fearing I’d be late to work..

So hubby and I decided to change our strategy, we will do her homework when we get home. For two weeks now, I’ve instructed our yaya to let Bea stay up and wait for us at night. At first she kept on yawning and her eyes were all droopy, but after a few days she adjusted and was back to being her usual bubbly self again. I admire her enthusiasm in making her homework! Now we are able to do her homework at a more relaxed pace and I don’t have to rush her whenever she has to practice writing her letters or color different pictures. I can be more patient with her when she answers incorrectly. More importantly, after doing her assignments, we now have the chance to tuck her in bed, kiss her goodnight and say her night prayers with her.

Less stress, more learning. Less rush, more bonding. I guess the new strategy works! =)