iPhone has so much apps to entertain people. At present, I’m hooked on Instagram. Well, I’m not really hooked, I just enjoy staring at nice photos uploaded by the inspiring people I follow. Haha. Oftentimes, I run out of photos (and ideas for captioning) to share. But it doesn’t keep me from checking Instagram whenever I’m online.

Are you also on Instagram? I’m edelweiss_19 there. Let’s interact!

I remember the last concert I watched was the one with the Pussy Cat Dolls. Yes, I’m so not updated. Haha. It was held at the MOA Grounds and it was also successful. I was at the far end of the venue (silver ticket) and I could only see the faces of the performers clearly thru one of the large electronic screens there. But I remember I was very amused with the high-tech musical instruments they brought and the overall sound system. They also had a powerful audio interface, much like a Focusrite Saffire. I could tell the technical team really prepared for it. You know, a powerful audio interface is always a must in big musical events like that.

Anyways, I hope I could find time to watch a concert again. Perhaps, when the baby’s out and I’m already back in shape.

Some of my friends have recommended playing classical music to our baby when my pregnancy reaches that period. They say classical music such as those by Beethoven, Mozart and Bach can enhance the baby’s life inside the womb. I even heard from other people that it can make babies smarter. I think we’ll do that, if only for the experience. I’d also like our baby to listen to contemporary classical music from electric violins, for a change. Did you know that compared to acoustic violins, they are more flexible and have better sound projection? Just telling.

Indeed, soothing music makes for a great audible experience. Cool how even unborn babies know that.

I learned how to cook from my mom. I remember when I was little I would watch my mom whipping up great-tasting dishes at the humble kitchen of our provincial home. You see, I grew up in the province where people cook real meals made from the freshest and finest ingredients one could easily find in the town market or at a neighbor’s farm.

Nowadays, I only get to cook during weekends. Sometimes I cook on weeknights but that’s only when I’m too lazy to heat up frozen meals or order delivery. Weekend cooking relaxes me and gives me an outlet to let my creativity and imagination in the kitchen go wild. That, or I just really love to cook for and eat with my husband!

Right now, I’m itching to cook Meatball Spaghetti and Kung Pao Chicken. I’ll let you know if I’d get to cook them this weekend or not. Haha.

The past days, I’ve been craving for Chinese food (siopao, siomai, Yangchow fried rice, beef and wonton noodles, etc.), Manang’s Chicken, Jollibee spaghetti, Greenwich Hawaiian pizza, buffalo wings, roasted peanuts, ginisang munggo and most citrus fruits. It’s weird because I only get food cravings come dinnertime and my appetite hasn’t changed much since I became preggy. I still eat a normal breakfast, have very little appetite for lunch and get really hungry during dinnertime.

Are you preggy like me? Ano’ng mga pagkain ang pinaglilihian mo?

My pre-pregnancy weight was 130 lbs. This morning, I hit the scales and found out I gained 4 lbs. Cool, huh! It means I’m gaining weight and it’s good for the baby. I know I need to gain more as my pregnancy progresses, but I don’t wanna gain more than what’s needed. So, I researched a bit and found some information on the recommended weight gain a pregnant woman should have:

for pregnant women with a single baby

for pregnant women with twins or multiple babies

Source

Given my pre-pregnancy weight of 130 lbs, my BMI is around 22. It means, I’m allowed to gain anywhere between 25 to 35 lbs. Experts suggest following this weight gain table strictly so that pregnant women won’t have a hard time managing their weight after giving birth.

Now that I’m better informed, I guess it’s time to eat more!

It’s too early to say but I think the hubby and I have been adjusting really well with our new life together. Traveling to and from Bacoor home four times a week is no easy feat. Yes, we still sleep over at my in-laws’ place (to save on gas) whenever we have something important to do late at night. Haha.

I never thought married life can be this easy and fun. Seriously. I have to give credit to my hubby for playing his role as head of our start-up family well. I know this isn’t going to be as smooth-sailing as now all the time, but we’re up to the challenge. At the end of the day, love, patience, commitment and a lot of prayers are still the keys to a happy and successful marriage.

Happy 2nd month, Bot! Thanks for everything!

I know my uncle loves his wife so much and he’ll do everything to save her. I also know that he did so much for her to get cured but to no avail. You see, my aunt has even developed a new kind of cancer, and to think it’s the most painful of all the cancers known to man today. I admire my uncle for standing by her side all through these years. It’s very hard to be in his situation.

Life-threatening diseases like cancer not only creates a tremendous financial burden for people but it also affects our psychological well-being. I can only imagine the amount of stress and pressure my uncle has to face on a daily basis. Stress from the thought of a sick wife and pressure to find lots of money to support and sustain her medication and treatments. I sincerely hope and pray that he remains strong and steadfast as he rises above the challenges of this seemingly insurmountable ordeal.

I’m just glad that my pregnancy isn’t sensitive at all. No morning sickness, no bed rest, no skin breakouts, no nothing. I guess I’m just lucky. After all, they say every pregnancy is different. And I believe that. Hopefully, my pregnancy stays complaint-free and smooth-sailing until I give birth.

Speaking of my pregnancy, my next OB appointment is on June 2 and I’m starting to get nervous and paranoid all over again. I hope everything’s okay with our baby. I pray for that everyday.

I have a close relationship with my mom. I guess it’s because she has always confided in me. She’s been brutally honest with me ever since. I love that trait of her. In fact, it was the reason why I also shared everything about myself with her. When your mom treats you like her bestfriend, you couldn’t help but do the same to her.

Just because she treats me like her best friend doesn’t mean she didn’t discipline me when I was still a child. I experienced getting spanked by her countless times (name a spanking weapon and she’s probably used it on me!). But after every spanking session was my mom’s gentle touch and kind words. She’d talk to me seriously and tell me why she had to do it. And I’d always end up realizing that she was indeed right, so naturally the next scene would be our kiss and make-up.

As I grew up, my mom stood by my side. There was not a time that I did not feel her presence in my life. At 56 years old, she’s changed so much physically but her big and loving heart has remained. Even though
we live apart now (since I got married recently!), she’s still my inspiration and my source of strength. Now that I’m gonna be a mom myself, my appreciation of and love for her have multiplied a hundred fold.

Thank you, Mame, for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for showing me the real meaning of love. I pray to God that He gives you a long, long life filled with happiness and bounty. I love you and you know that.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mame…and to all the moms in the world!