tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22172450993818024852024-03-14T00:54:15.073+08:00Baby Buzz!Buzz-in on pregnancy and baby stuff in the Philippines.Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-10173543601839118752012-08-18T17:07:00.000+08:002012-08-18T17:08:43.819+08:00My Birthing Experience!It's been such a long time after my last post, but here I am again.<br />
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This time, I am a mom.<br />
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The 9th of November will never be the same. As you would have guessed, that tiny force that inspired me to blog was born on that day of 2011. </div>
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THE BIG UH-OH, TIME-FREEZE MOMENT:<br />
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The day before my delivery I felt extremely exhausted. It<span style="background-color: white;"> was odd to me because from the start of my third trimester up until that weekend I was mostly energetic.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">In fact I was so tired that I decided to skip going to our usual Tuesday church activities </span><span style="background-color: white;">(my husband and I are active in a catholic movement for adult initiation into faith). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">By 9 pm I had just finished bathing and was now sitting on the bed contemplating lazily whether I had enough energy to write another blog entry. I stared at the black screen of the laptop, slightly impatient. I was 40 weeks exactly. <span style="background-color: white;">My pregnant friends and relatives had already given birth, but there I was, still "infanticipating". </span><span style="background-color: white;">I wondered for the nth time how long it would be til I'd finally meet the little person in my tummy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">A much welcomed interruption came in the form of my husband. Home from church duties, he entered the</span><span style="background-color: white;"> room to kiss me hello, then walked out for a shower. Little did I know I needed a quick one again myself. </span><br />
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I looked at the screen again but this time I felt something else altogether. My night dress was damp. Puzzled, I stood up only to realize I was sopping my underwear further. "Hun, I think I'm leaking!" I called out. What was that? He said as he returned to the room, with a face which most probably mirrored my own baffled countenance. "I'm leaking," I repeated. <br />
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THE CAR RIDE<br />
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After dealing with the <span style="background-color: white;">swarm of sudden to-do's (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">I thought my hospital bag that had been sitting idly for a week was all we needed), I found myself smiling during the car ride for several reasons. 1) I remembered that old commercial from the 90's with the famous line "Dad, my water bag broke..." I dint think i'd have a similar scenario. I even bought a 100 peso watch in greenhills just because was excited to count my contraction intervals (i've never grown to like wearing watches btw). 2) My husband looked so edgy that i had to remind him to calm down most of the time 3) i finally felt the much awaited, initial discomfort of labor -- the very familiar dismenorria. "Let's do this!" I thought to myself happily.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">AT THE LABOR ROOM</span><br />
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It took us only 15 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">minutes to the hospital. My husband parked the car while I walked with a casual maternity waddle toward some nurses and doctors, and with a sheepish grin asked them to direct me to the labor room (yes, that's how not-in-pain i was). They'd been expecting me. My doctor wasn't there yet but had already called them to prepare for my labor. After changing into a hospital gown and answering a series of questions in bed there was nothing left to do but wait. I was strapped to a machine that monitored stuff. With my water bag gone, the baby had no protection over possible infections, but she was taking her time and I was only 2 cm dilated. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">A young doctor was with me throughout the vigil, recording my contractions, blood pressure, the baby's condition, and providing me with a bit of entertainment through chit-chat. I was supposed to get some sleep, but who could at such a night? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">The contractions somewhat became stronger throughout the waiting period but by 4 am it had grown weaker. The baby had gone down but was just "semi-engaged." So my doctor made another call to </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">her staff to have my baby induced. An hour later i was given the treatment and i felt the contractions become fiercer and fiercer. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Now on our last consultation my doctor and I had discussed my birthing plan. I wanted the epidural as a last resort, I said. I'd like to try the natural method with just some mental pain management, breathing techniques, a drowsing drug and demerol at the end. Boy was I absolutely clueless about the pain! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">There was very little time for pain build up. My contractions increased quickly. My 2 cm cervix opened to a four. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>@!#?*%^!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">"Doc epidural nalang!" right after the second gigantic contraction. (Haha!) Its a good thing </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">contractions had "breaks" or i would have died right then and there! It literally felt as if my insides were being shoveled mercilessly in all directions. I have proudly given up cursing, except on occasion but that night...well it's true what they say about women in labor...she just isn't herself. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">A doctor told me to focus on my breathing but I couldn't. I was panicky, dreading each wave of pain. I kept on asking where my anesthesiologist was. They kept saying she was on her way and that she </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">drives fast...but that she lives in Alabang! That info just made the pain worse. I was going into the last phase of labor really quickly now. The doctors hadn't expected it to be that fast. They moved me from the bed to the stretcher, and I opened from a 4 to an 8! I wanted to push but they kept telling me to wait for the right time as they wheeled me in to the delivery room. From that quick trip to the other room the resident declared that i was now 10 cm dilated and that the baby had finally engaged! (Ang galing ng timing!)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">I finally heard my anesthesiologist's voice as i lay on the delivery bed. A male nurse aid helped me get into a side lying position for the epidural shot, but every second was too much of a torture that i couldn't care </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">less anymore if a hundred men were in the room. I would have skipped the sterilization procedure done on my back altogether if i had my way, quick as it was. I must have been complaining rather loudly because one nurse told me "ma'am wag po masyadong malakas , baka po matakot yung ibang pasyente." (I ignored her remark but in my head I screamed, "wala akong pakialam sa ibang pasyente!" Hehehe) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Oh but the wonders of science! Epidurals are a gift of to women from heaven. In less than a minute after the shot on my spine, i felt my </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">body untwist from the pain and drift to a more relaxed state. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">SUNSHINE</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">I noticed the morning sun changing the window shade to a lighter hue. It was morning and i knew the vigil was over and that i was inevitably giving birth. With jellied legs but a calm composure i was able to listen to everyone's voices and my anesthesiologist's instructions with an unclouded mind. My oby-gyne came just at the last</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"> few moments to prepare me for the pushing. Much to my surprise she instructed one of her staff members to call my husband and let him in. Initially she told us that hospital regulations don't allow husbands or other loved ones in the delivery room, even if my husband works as a nurse there. I was so glad she changed her mind about not letting him in. No </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">harm done anyway. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">He held my hand and cheered me on as the doctor coaxed me to "push." (With the epidural it felt like i was just </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">pretending to push since i couldn't feel a thing waist down.) After three or four pushes, our daughter came out and breathed her first. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">My husband cut her umbilical cord and she was quickly cleaned and handed over to me. My doctor finished up while my husband and I shared a moment so precious and new. He took a few photos and then left to check on our room and update our families. For an hour she lay on my chest crying most of the time while a nurse cleaned her up further. Small, helpless, and beautiful. 7.12 lb, 50cm, at 7:15 in the morning, born on her exact due date, November 9, 2011.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">I didn't cry that day. I cried two days after when we were alone in the hospital room and she was sleeping in my arms. But I do remember that exhausted as I was from the night's long wait, all the pain I experienced melted away into nothing but a minute fragment of inconvenience. In place of it was an overwhelmingly merry miracle called Juliana Micaela. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">So please excuse me for abandoning my blog for the last 10 months. I've been taking it all in...the wonders, the blues, the hard sacrifices, the adjustments, the joy, the love...and having the time of my life.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcG8tfMQ_YrVp-Ksz83Wa3_0gRWAsZ9jqx9yKMjk1c0Saa10WPc__EyemujYTYpXOZGEISjJIVP1l3U7REzlzJUSQRPP6jubQMztl9OmSW7U0Du9Xa9rroAJh2an_aYRn1n8toun6h56pA/s1600/309556_10150538722729251_405993186_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcG8tfMQ_YrVp-Ksz83Wa3_0gRWAsZ9jqx9yKMjk1c0Saa10WPc__EyemujYTYpXOZGEISjJIVP1l3U7REzlzJUSQRPP6jubQMztl9OmSW7U0Du9Xa9rroAJh2an_aYRn1n8toun6h56pA/s1600/309556_10150538722729251_405993186_n.jpg" /></a><i></i><br />
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<i><i>Juliana at 2 days old</i></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">-end-</span><br />
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[This entry is dedicated to my daughter, to let her know of how she came into the world.]</div>
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Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-10849274187668012192011-10-18T18:46:00.002+08:002011-10-18T18:47:45.001+08:00Video: Genesis by Ramos DavidA friend posted this video about conception to birth on my fb wall. It's an animated video by Ramos David for Evil Cat Production. While the choice of background music may not appeal to everyone, the animation is truly astounding! I only wish it were in HD. For a 6-minute clip, it speaks so much about the intricacies of how human life comes to be. Life is such a beautiful miracle. Here's the video: <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/iItjtWd0SpE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div></div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-77585777785669456282011-10-12T17:59:00.000+08:002011-10-12T17:59:13.064+08:00Our Baby Shower!A billion thanks to my family and friends who hosted a baby shower for us last Sunday--love you all!<br />
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It was simple but very sweet of them, and we enjoyed it a lot! The theme was Dr. Seuss so my sisters asked the guests to show up in stripes and put some tiny diy cat-in-the-hat table centerpieces as decor. Can you find the table centerpiece? Haha.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBL_oV_YIrzxhVrjlLZIf4u4Ed1ydtCu-lJZkywopoCyOwdfHx7kkd3E33L5khymsZGH-wRTmyjV2dwdohspI8zOReIYlI-AFHg7S1aXPbXfFMXtfFYK4hh6EREe6Am-Ke8EenIN1Qhhz/s1600/DSC01851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBL_oV_YIrzxhVrjlLZIf4u4Ed1ydtCu-lJZkywopoCyOwdfHx7kkd3E33L5khymsZGH-wRTmyjV2dwdohspI8zOReIYlI-AFHg7S1aXPbXfFMXtfFYK4hh6EREe6Am-Ke8EenIN1Qhhz/s400/DSC01851.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
They also put up some clever Seussical signs around the party hall...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPsQsY40tbRJV5_Ts4nyMURRytAqwa_vaEEI8AP-yTruVLLW84wV_qQgICMQcyQwoBhfQ2HIe49axc9GDYg9AD8rNklMAxHvXNQqlRML6IQmE2gBtiP3TlID0kOti1cFb0h2aUnXqotpj/s1600/DSC01890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPsQsY40tbRJV5_Ts4nyMURRytAqwa_vaEEI8AP-yTruVLLW84wV_qQgICMQcyQwoBhfQ2HIe49axc9GDYg9AD8rNklMAxHvXNQqlRML6IQmE2gBtiP3TlID0kOti1cFb0h2aUnXqotpj/s200/DSC01890.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMU_tmuJ_sFJaUiaxMArB2OtB6quk_E39i4mzJfKRk3XvJrRKjQ5T2NUyU_5NiCLLue081jieMknjjrg4POzhsT3thJc6WQ6-yZuVA0DNE90mdWtDd5phGF5PnCW3SDJET0Btfuv2zywRW/s1600/DSC01892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMU_tmuJ_sFJaUiaxMArB2OtB6quk_E39i4mzJfKRk3XvJrRKjQ5T2NUyU_5NiCLLue081jieMknjjrg4POzhsT3thJc6WQ6-yZuVA0DNE90mdWtDd5phGF5PnCW3SDJET0Btfuv2zywRW/s200/DSC01892.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxZQjyNuGS7y5wL92mmjTuE-tv-doV4qlXYtaAbIB1Qd0VgHXkNcJ8DEryxYIqlpwjjMkdKccWmm6nIv_mVkVqG1S8yIA3fOSHNNRTH0-1HZN2Gyj5kJ_E-_-JCBa-BI5OR4muKiPUpLE/s1600/DSC01902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxZQjyNuGS7y5wL92mmjTuE-tv-doV4qlXYtaAbIB1Qd0VgHXkNcJ8DEryxYIqlpwjjMkdKccWmm6nIv_mVkVqG1S8yIA3fOSHNNRTH0-1HZN2Gyj5kJ_E-_-JCBa-BI5OR4muKiPUpLE/s200/DSC01902.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Some games we played including Guess the Waistline for the ladies...(The good thing about pregnancy is that it gives you an excuse to have huge measurements!)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqmn2TiWVAC0IESZs8rAFicNUyyhyWzUHl-wBnLf5zKMTanOD99HCebNC9SEu6cOz0U8aLfRBTIe-cQkebk4KqeWb2kH2KOz0tpirhnNUd-zCdpzlfxpjuad0fr8hFF3VtzBX5S4N-pRs/s1600/DSC01835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqmn2TiWVAC0IESZs8rAFicNUyyhyWzUHl-wBnLf5zKMTanOD99HCebNC9SEu6cOz0U8aLfRBTIe-cQkebk4KqeWb2kH2KOz0tpirhnNUd-zCdpzlfxpjuad0fr8hFF3VtzBX5S4N-pRs/s320/DSC01835.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and Milk-Me-Momma for the boys. (First one to finish got chocolates!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMz_hpbknsWgSygNM_TkuEMKS89weL4cyjcjmFkIEzSQhd_-FN75LUdbOXb1IH3VJWiFh3cjFpB7yIpd7NwCQVcu5U_CtVORt6DLJd8Nl43ykNguQBVnhcoEC9FbDFw8gpkkiz_-h3eKG/s1600/DSC01831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMz_hpbknsWgSygNM_TkuEMKS89weL4cyjcjmFkIEzSQhd_-FN75LUdbOXb1IH3VJWiFh3cjFpB7yIpd7NwCQVcu5U_CtVORt6DLJd8Nl43ykNguQBVnhcoEC9FbDFw8gpkkiz_-h3eKG/s320/DSC01831.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>(Here's a photo of my husband carrying a rather blurry bottle of milk to practice his bottle shaking skills.)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And who could forget the very useful gifts we got! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgqJxYSNhzoP_CwMyaMFNkPZPtmdtOnV1PzPRGcOMohyiFK_OvF4g3QFbXC-HGcmawFVYvY1Wdy0aJe-HIWXOcOnSbSdJCNb8WNc39VuPUjH5QGhzswgRoasPTZI7Tc0axDSDMlvGgLv_/s1600/DSC01871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgqJxYSNhzoP_CwMyaMFNkPZPtmdtOnV1PzPRGcOMohyiFK_OvF4g3QFbXC-HGcmawFVYvY1Wdy0aJe-HIWXOcOnSbSdJCNb8WNc39VuPUjH5QGhzswgRoasPTZI7Tc0axDSDMlvGgLv_/s320/DSC01871.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c95oxxWieWWFj77GxMfFJBwj08kKdJvHSCmtl-t0JBebFgADlVL6vIFO7AbqocRql8d4r0w9Wd3ubkeA2ga0vOTApcZJs0u4PpRr2KGockk3rbZw6Mekjk8Ubay0-txRGXZbf2gaHGqf/s1600/DSC01886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c95oxxWieWWFj77GxMfFJBwj08kKdJvHSCmtl-t0JBebFgADlVL6vIFO7AbqocRql8d4r0w9Wd3ubkeA2ga0vOTApcZJs0u4PpRr2KGockk3rbZw6Mekjk8Ubay0-txRGXZbf2gaHGqf/s320/DSC01886.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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Since it was a semi-surprise, they didn't show me the invitation! I'll get a copy of it and post it some other time. Meanwhile, 4 weeks to go til my EDD! Here's a photo of my best bump buddy these days. She's expecting a boy, and I'm expecting a girl. Future prom date maybe? Our due dates are just a few days apart.<br />
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Wish us luck!Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-5910785495145140352011-10-02T16:37:00.001+08:002011-10-02T17:32:17.453+08:00Possible PreeclampsiaFor my prenatal consultation on my 34th week, I was expecting the usual...regular baby heartbeat, good fetal growth, okay weight gain. I wasn't expecting my blood pressure to be 140/90. The doc's assistant checked it twice an hour or so, apart. Reaching the 140/90 threshold I heard my doctor's voice pitch go up a notch, and a tiny involuntary gulp from my own throat, as she explained to me with urgency the word "preeclampsia."<br />
<br />
Preeclempsia, from what I gathered from her explanation and previous book reading, has to do with rising blood pressure due to pregnancy changes and the presence of protein in the urine. There have only been theories as to why some pregnant women develop this condition. The danger here is that it could lead to eclampsia, a more complicated case which involves the mother having seizures or convulsions, and in which the only resolution is a pre-terminated pregnancy. Meaning, the mother would have to be induced or would have to have an emergency c-section to prevent the baby from harm or death.<br />
<br />
With just a few more weeks till my due date, I wasn't expecting this news at all. The doctor looked down at my feet.The edema could be another sign of possible preeclampsia, she said. Sure, my feet and ankles had obvious swelling, but I thought that was somewhat expected and normal for pregnant women. Crap.<br />
<br />
She then gave me my new responsibilities:<br />
<br />
1. Have a urinalysis to check protein content<br />
2. Fetal movement monitoring: I have to feel for the baby's movements (any type of movement) 30 minutes to an hour after breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday. She has to move at least 10 times within an hour. If not, I'd have to call the doctor. (Reason: Before a fetus' heart stops because of the condition, the movements decrease first.)<br />
3. Check my blood pressure three times a day, left arm, heart level<br />
4. Bed rest making sure to lie on my left side most of the time (with bathroom and trips to the dining room rights) to help keep the blood pressure down<br />
5. Low-sodium diet - no salty condiments: toyo, patis, bagoong, ketchup, etc.<br />
6. Report to her at 8pm everyday via text.<br />
<br />
So far, I've had my urinalysis but I'd have to hear the doctor's interpretations next week since I got the results after the her clinic hours. Our helper has been informed of my new diet and I've started gathering and eating tasteless recipes. I've checked the baby's fetal movements three times and I'm more than glad that she's still very active. My husband's been checking my bp and it's been normal, usually 120/80. He's also taught me how to check my blood pressure myself in case he can't because of his work schedule.<br />
<br />
I don't know how long I'll be monitoring for possible preeclampsia and be tied to the bed, but I don't have to elaborate on how these little sacrifices are worth it. Hang in there baby, it's time for teamwork.<br />
<br />
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Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-51899459640797968482011-09-21T13:56:00.004+08:002011-09-21T14:04:42.932+08:00House Staff Standards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFQyrlOLZblpDubSDS_4KvwNPaNaX-nXiB9BurZkFy1YcenxZipVHPTasYcfbpWfFqwPKsS3J206tQ5WDh5MVgu7Mtw_hoQqa0CkudMXymExiqdcHZ5uccThpxzBJU9ZY_mxPDOFlf6ZS/s1600/Mary+Poppins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFQyrlOLZblpDubSDS_4KvwNPaNaX-nXiB9BurZkFy1YcenxZipVHPTasYcfbpWfFqwPKsS3J206tQ5WDh5MVgu7Mtw_hoQqa0CkudMXymExiqdcHZ5uccThpxzBJU9ZY_mxPDOFlf6ZS/s320/Mary+Poppins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I haven't been able to blog lately. Some little domestic drama alighted on our roof, as our first and one and only helper decided to go home due to personal reasons. With just a few more weeks till my due date (November 10th), she couldn't have picked worse timing. It just seemed stressful to have to train a new helper with my thoughts already on the baby's arrival.<br />
<br />
A few months after our wedding last year, marriage felt like a long date that never seemed to end, but as my husband and I went through the transition of changing helpers, this made us feel like we are now really, well, husband and wife. Domestic duties suddenly feel more real. Am I making sense? Haha.<br />
<br />
Luckily, we found a replacement through my husband's aunt. I have some apprehensions because of her age (she's 47 while the previous was 22). She's small and moves a bit slowly, plus she speaks and writes with the same energy. Though she knows Tagalog, I'm not 100% sure she understands me all the time because she's a bit <i>mahinhin </i>and it takes her a few seconds to answer. Perhaps she translates from Ilocano to Tagalog in her head first?<br />
<br />
On the other hand, the good thing about our new staff is that her experience in rearing her 5 children plus 12 grandchildren, and being a house helper (she's worked in Abu Dhabi!) compensate for her lack of speed. There's also this humble and motherly vibe, which I appreciate. During these past few days of her "orientation and training," she has shown glimpses of tough diligence behind her weathered yet gentle exterior. There's probably a lot I can learn from her.<br />
<br />
With the new helper, I find myself reassessing my standards and expectations for household staff. I don't want to be too nice, because we'd been tolerant and nice to our first helper and look where it got us? I don't want to be too mean either since I know that happy workers, work better. I hope I can achieve a certain balance in being queen of the castle along the way. There's really a lot to learn, still. I wish standards were as simple to make as that classic movie, Mary Poppins. Remember Jane and Michael's job ad for the perfect nanny? Hmmm... I suddenly feel like singing. Here are the lyrics (from Allmusicals.com):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQfA_MI3kamsMbFT7ddMtr-NEPju50GFc-tIIxX6Mp-LqLGK7Q7x9HCYNPk25KtEFBat9oBxKvDKUFV27O_lIebhQQLGhEmo72ZvWt03D6EzUsP4_C0QomKwn5V1zXMjBjbgKarsCfeSz/s1600/mp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQfA_MI3kamsMbFT7ddMtr-NEPju50GFc-tIIxX6Mp-LqLGK7Q7x9HCYNPk25KtEFBat9oBxKvDKUFV27O_lIebhQQLGhEmo72ZvWt03D6EzUsP4_C0QomKwn5V1zXMjBjbgKarsCfeSz/s320/mp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">THE PERFECT NANNY</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">JANE<br />
If you want this choice postition,<br />
Have a cheery disposition.<br />
Rosie cheeks, No warts,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px;">MICHAEL<br />
That's the part I put in.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">JANE<br />
Play games, all sorts<br />
You must be kind, you must be witty.<br />
Very sweet and fairly pretty<br />
<br />
MR BANKS<br />
Of all the ridiculous ideas<br />
<br />
MRS BANKS<br />
Oh George, please.<br />
<br />
JANE<br />
Take us on outings, give us treats<br />
<br />
MICHAEL<br />
Sing songs, bring sweets.<br />
Never be cross or cruel,<br />
Never feed us castor oil, or gruel.<br />
<br />
JANE<br />
Love us as a son and daughter,<br />
<br />
MICHAEL<br />
And never smell of barley water.<br />
I put that part in too.<br />
<br />
JANE<br />
If you won't scold and dominate us,<br />
We will never give you cause to hate us.<br />
We wont hide your spectacles so you can't see.<br />
<br />
MICHAEL<br />
Put toads in your bed and pepper in your tea.<br />
<br />
JANE<br />
Hurry nanny, many thanks<br />
<br />
BOTH<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
JANE<br />
Jane...<br />
<br />
MICHAEL<br />
and Michael<br />
<br />
BOTH<br />
Banks!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span></div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-12808248799518219272011-09-02T15:48:00.000+08:002011-09-02T15:48:21.113+08:00How to Change a Diaper (A Video Tutorial)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwATSsh3wK1haqBskxcaCvsPrWO8v_nqc4Sj7r_4m6hJFVj56s5h7Fw3J2qgP17UvywhQKhmPWHt5m4WypJ9woSbZTWlYP8LB8kztwrPWqLSO7VqSnr9-OMwWMyoU18PFAr3h6KsVwvZmz/s1600/SuperStock_4147R-13770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwATSsh3wK1haqBskxcaCvsPrWO8v_nqc4Sj7r_4m6hJFVj56s5h7Fw3J2qgP17UvywhQKhmPWHt5m4WypJ9woSbZTWlYP8LB8kztwrPWqLSO7VqSnr9-OMwWMyoU18PFAr3h6KsVwvZmz/s320/SuperStock_4147R-13770.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>So I've got newborn disposable diapers, a diaper rash cream, a diaper bag, a diaper changing mat etc. I've watched my mother change my youngest sister's diaper way back when I was around 10 years old, but as for hands-on experience...well..to be honest, I've only attempted changing a disposable diaper once...and it was quite messy.<br />
<br />
Today, I decided to educate myself on changing disposable diapers. I browsed through a lot of videos but this simple demo by Shari Criso, a nurse, midwide and baby expert seems to be the most thorough one I watched. Here's the link on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.babycenter.com/2_video_10347121.bc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">How to Change a Diaper</span></a>. </b></span><br />
<br />
Next on my learning list ---changing cloth diapers. (The messier stuff!)<br />
<br />
<br />
Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-10019553628444327852011-08-31T18:13:00.001+08:002011-08-31T18:13:58.845+08:00Party Inspiration: My Cousin's Debut, 50's themeI know this is supposed to be a blog about pregnancies and babies, but since I have this party inspiration segment, I just really have to show you this one party I attended. Last Sunday was such a blast...from the past! It was my cousin's 18th birthday, and boy, does her family know how to PAR-TEY! No holds bard on this one. This was so much fun. Her 22 page, magazine-type invitation alone is much inspired (Photographer: <a href="http://rolandgp.multiply.com/">Rolando Pascua</a>):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4b7gZ1U_Z7vPa2AzGx_PKtaYVhEnotB79a0dB3Zk67zaWUxp0fPx8QI1aZvj5GxtwT2FIPP9mBAC61FME7ubs1XGXq_GplCxhE4QVGXzfXfxPZrYj2AKcnPWcMGqQH626E-ULK_j0QcTp/s1600/invitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4b7gZ1U_Z7vPa2AzGx_PKtaYVhEnotB79a0dB3Zk67zaWUxp0fPx8QI1aZvj5GxtwT2FIPP9mBAC61FME7ubs1XGXq_GplCxhE4QVGXzfXfxPZrYj2AKcnPWcMGqQH626E-ULK_j0QcTp/s320/invitation.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out the decked entrance at NBC tent:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeURge8QsHcdiCrSxM7tgLUF6MEJlgCooTVUUgmdCkM0BBTUyVYqve9MkN7LieCHrGa2a31tPfRYtQGkgACzNXOdgtTWR7xxwKlOwdCDG_y3CWUl-EPe2oceABai-1UcDrrt5_px97MDP/s1600/DSC01664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeURge8QsHcdiCrSxM7tgLUF6MEJlgCooTVUUgmdCkM0BBTUyVYqve9MkN7LieCHrGa2a31tPfRYtQGkgACzNXOdgtTWR7xxwKlOwdCDG_y3CWUl-EPe2oceABai-1UcDrrt5_px97MDP/s320/DSC01664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Yes, I was able to find a suitable dress for the occasion though 7 months pregnant, thanks to<a href="http://www.gingersnaps.com.ph/"> Gingersnaps</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhqcmboVha2CHpYe_L9coZI0otgeLC3TfzytFOV0gwTceXGDfjMPRCgAVJvcLhr_q9dw53RO7leKvt0J8GSgGd4xsagh7fM2UxqZvdh4p7kcZcvpTWgrszZIoxDeiG_c95WFAq8mpsyLo/s1600/DSC01731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhqcmboVha2CHpYe_L9coZI0otgeLC3TfzytFOV0gwTceXGDfjMPRCgAVJvcLhr_q9dw53RO7leKvt0J8GSgGd4xsagh7fM2UxqZvdh4p7kcZcvpTWgrszZIoxDeiG_c95WFAq8mpsyLo/s320/DSC01731.JPG" width="230" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> And of course, inside the tent itself:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7u2cx7gp6GpoC5ywspqn0R9ca3tOjbVs-EFmsI5drogf9z1-TVB03zS5sOZ1-8ny6XxwvtzpLH2ZTLqBvqj3ZmmfHK9RTwY-40tvhXDjNh9wOVIQuTdwV7lXp7roDOhK3OiOfCguDSG5/s1600/DSC01665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7u2cx7gp6GpoC5ywspqn0R9ca3tOjbVs-EFmsI5drogf9z1-TVB03zS5sOZ1-8ny6XxwvtzpLH2ZTLqBvqj3ZmmfHK9RTwY-40tvhXDjNh9wOVIQuTdwV7lXp7roDOhK3OiOfCguDSG5/s320/DSC01665.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Awesome details...Table Number:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnKB2AP54JUoF00sptA1BC69oGTXQ7nwFwlY8pkLRCioqcrXwrFlv310j2sxVX4raB70aMLp0w4u93_r4LbyJK3Pvp3dnx-cNE4V42MfAPpFRf1IGOrf9fUVCgmC1pz38jaMOoucYDRuZ/s1600/DSC01671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnKB2AP54JUoF00sptA1BC69oGTXQ7nwFwlY8pkLRCioqcrXwrFlv310j2sxVX4raB70aMLp0w4u93_r4LbyJK3Pvp3dnx-cNE4V42MfAPpFRf1IGOrf9fUVCgmC1pz38jaMOoucYDRuZ/s200/DSC01671.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The emcees:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmiU8hPmeBKkly2zUNBLbzOU0ZBdpwJb7obI4kwkH9j-fPnfqm9TnA11pXXm5RK7G4ktMXAvmLKY0dQf2jNQyCu-FVNyp6daSG_tg3XqjF4aT_i53s1F8rQ76ScFULTqfqpTT5TEokDqI/s1600/306829_10150282087330959_526185958_7839349_1919216_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmiU8hPmeBKkly2zUNBLbzOU0ZBdpwJb7obI4kwkH9j-fPnfqm9TnA11pXXm5RK7G4ktMXAvmLKY0dQf2jNQyCu-FVNyp6daSG_tg3XqjF4aT_i53s1F8rQ76ScFULTqfqpTT5TEokDqI/s320/306829_10150282087330959_526185958_7839349_1919216_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A 50's Cadillac on display :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XdDKm1750X4CBgncEFbpE7i-CdKmGUqYp53bfUmw0A0rDBhOuFh5_q16TIVASfy5ww2CdC8dfnfrkwdl0FjPKfZe0s_PxnSTZ8adqmD41lSo96U8oxtq_DUSIJbqEJnNRnmR08mFgVkm/s1600/DSC01714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XdDKm1750X4CBgncEFbpE7i-CdKmGUqYp53bfUmw0A0rDBhOuFh5_q16TIVASfy5ww2CdC8dfnfrkwdl0FjPKfZe0s_PxnSTZ8adqmD41lSo96U8oxtq_DUSIJbqEJnNRnmR08mFgVkm/s320/DSC01714.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A Jukebox for a cake...and a very stunning celebrant in a beautiful <a href="http://www.ezrafashiondesign.com/">Ezra Santos</a> gown:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQd1BJxFaMlNyXZtJ953OUlb_SbftKbWsj9di2bkzw5veahisMFsNzoN1xwy1fbkoUMvOyDx4witWvjoTqeri3Odvu8TXoF_0qQqwKFFa5IwENx1wYtMMIQ84FRz-IRvjf6nHL-fj9Yja/s1600/294447_10150282087460959_526185958_7839351_4396907_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQd1BJxFaMlNyXZtJ953OUlb_SbftKbWsj9di2bkzw5veahisMFsNzoN1xwy1fbkoUMvOyDx4witWvjoTqeri3Odvu8TXoF_0qQqwKFFa5IwENx1wYtMMIQ84FRz-IRvjf6nHL-fj9Yja/s320/294447_10150282087460959_526185958_7839351_4396907_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some very entertaining program numbers by Zian & her entire family (They're the cutest, biggest bunch ever):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1Z94nUSmaXgaKseDaAkfRDiecIj8Sb7ZPiT4ezHjGwUT8bA1aW39iiSV3BiR7s133qCyzirgHdkAOVATGYNd8ynQLdyTJlJtSjPsyvuq_iEFVo5Ab1Vv3JQ2nmpYCm3YeQ6x5491Wzv7/s1600/DSC01679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1Z94nUSmaXgaKseDaAkfRDiecIj8Sb7ZPiT4ezHjGwUT8bA1aW39iiSV3BiR7s133qCyzirgHdkAOVATGYNd8ynQLdyTJlJtSjPsyvuq_iEFVo5Ab1Vv3JQ2nmpYCm3YeQ6x5491Wzv7/s320/DSC01679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNI76CswyYnEgFBUpbqdISGXsVCniiJf0MiJfV4MTf2_pnSTlpOsr0v5r88rmne0xv1y28wQ0wTwwRzwnzW4DMa_wPR6GlGJ-x2nPl7yHpZBR0Ye0di5ndvZr9PlR_Y3wOPnWvzkq3HF0/s1600/DSC01683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNI76CswyYnEgFBUpbqdISGXsVCniiJf0MiJfV4MTf2_pnSTlpOsr0v5r88rmne0xv1y28wQ0wTwwRzwnzW4DMa_wPR6GlGJ-x2nPl7yHpZBR0Ye0di5ndvZr9PlR_Y3wOPnWvzkq3HF0/s320/DSC01683.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FPJk5BUPiUOfIHyO85TtjCItaZu-gRQswxV1blkf1U1tVNgfQ-hvcEAZ-DxtCdCJuw21977CBX1kwqWlCRvsV97_7ml6wzyZT64amJQ2Mr7szYCcVkWlwdbwu9sYD4KHu0JGRJi6ZpcW/s1600/sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FPJk5BUPiUOfIHyO85TtjCItaZu-gRQswxV1blkf1U1tVNgfQ-hvcEAZ-DxtCdCJuw21977CBX1kwqWlCRvsV97_7ml6wzyZT64amJQ2Mr7szYCcVkWlwdbwu9sYD4KHu0JGRJi6ZpcW/s320/sisters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf794Hw1PrV_PuzCabYJuIRFHqk8U2mr8UDBWqkbRdKiqHft6IWemOfiX63XdV47vK2ncOhMvgUtHoDEdlN_howCsg9PKwrhgcPx1aNB0EzZU6S6Qlro8qpcyn66g3jdqVxD1BfGowcgKn/s1600/boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf794Hw1PrV_PuzCabYJuIRFHqk8U2mr8UDBWqkbRdKiqHft6IWemOfiX63XdV47vK2ncOhMvgUtHoDEdlN_howCsg9PKwrhgcPx1aNB0EzZU6S6Qlro8qpcyn66g3jdqVxD1BfGowcgKn/s320/boys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9AjyTj2opin5fyRuCbHQeqkFcEptylUII2t5O-0anYStWK0Xr-vOZIzhmQ1GkKbHZebTs41wAtXW2yWcjlTOsR4C_KN0kBJCX150Yma_RzBlagWg7CR6YmDBZXUDebFj45Fpio7EnzMb/s1600/whole+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9AjyTj2opin5fyRuCbHQeqkFcEptylUII2t5O-0anYStWK0Xr-vOZIzhmQ1GkKbHZebTs41wAtXW2yWcjlTOsR4C_KN0kBJCX150Yma_RzBlagWg7CR6YmDBZXUDebFj45Fpio7EnzMb/s320/whole+family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course I had to grab a party souvenir on the way home. Guests got to choose from a variety of designer perfume scents: </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eJuKRyt_o8lDXh3cDgZ87LOWlCR1iBiQ4rtCjCdB9kDTTw22llq6kHuH4t5bQywFnvMQYorh-xzfW_mPEyhxU4zMF6YJyaweMDd-ooSQlgy0MXAhWv02-4Ew1qodbGTFxPc9heALsagt/s1600/DSC01726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eJuKRyt_o8lDXh3cDgZ87LOWlCR1iBiQ4rtCjCdB9kDTTw22llq6kHuH4t5bQywFnvMQYorh-xzfW_mPEyhxU4zMF6YJyaweMDd-ooSQlgy0MXAhWv02-4Ew1qodbGTFxPc9heALsagt/s320/DSC01726.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Thank you Zian, for a rockin' good night!</div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-56961938305821883702011-08-26T14:11:00.001+08:002011-09-07T11:14:55.933+08:00Car Seat and Stroller Shopping<div><div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Last Tuesday we went out with my husband’s sister, her daughter, and fiancé. My sister-in-law a.k.a. our baby's ninang was more than kind enough to gift her inaanak a stroller, so Benedict and I were thrilled! We all headed to Megamall’s SM Department store</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"> which greeted us with a large variety of strollers and travel systems, from economical to high-end brands </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">(DO NOT forget to bring your </span><a href="http://www.babycompany.com.ph/babyco/index.php?p=334&type=2&sec=31&aid=7956"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b>Baby Company Mom Card </b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">for SM baby purchases btw!)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">My husband and I had been checking out baby stuff in different malls, but had often found ourselves overwhelmed by the numerous choices on hand. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">So with my sister-in-law's coaching (and magnanimity) we went home with a well-chosen car seat and stroller combo! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeq9mFZ0pHiWijm-7bbbgoiiYk4XNdJxB0_S0dgcexdtW8ana_QWxlYPJS_semI_7OV9YBnmaqykY8cmduZsbWzX-h_DFoZ6rCQ3P3kYGdBY46wlorZ2IOLW9IP1PfVJDRSVlLirn5cD9Y/s1600/stroller+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeq9mFZ0pHiWijm-7bbbgoiiYk4XNdJxB0_S0dgcexdtW8ana_QWxlYPJS_semI_7OV9YBnmaqykY8cmduZsbWzX-h_DFoZ6rCQ3P3kYGdBY46wlorZ2IOLW9IP1PfVJDRSVlLirn5cD9Y/s320/stroller+2.jpg" width="259" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVASHykU1HTm2aJIDogLOeeMvXKODLt7zqdVx9eiqyS4LamB6VkqilYcxhn_31SZSHEixhws-UOeRaLjrKQKJ6qZvF3BW4mWLZYX6qVmxr4jJQB_7BZJ6buqHCaLXsoEH3CE_LnmOj39e/s1600/stroller+combo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVASHykU1HTm2aJIDogLOeeMvXKODLt7zqdVx9eiqyS4LamB6VkqilYcxhn_31SZSHEixhws-UOeRaLjrKQKJ6qZvF3BW4mWLZYX6qVmxr4jJQB_7BZJ6buqHCaLXsoEH3CE_LnmOj39e/s320/stroller+combo.jpg" width="267" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><b>Brand:</b> Goodbaby</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><b>Price:</b> Php 11,999.00</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><b>Color: </b>Brown (It also comes in blue)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><b>Features: </b>Sturdy, 8-wheeled </span></span>stroller with a car seat that also serves as an infant carrier or rocker. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><b>Details: </b>One-hand fold, front suspensions, rear-wheel breaks, generous canopy, 5-point safety belt, well-padded seat covers </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><b>Accessories:</b> Under-the-seat storage space, a baby tray, 2 covers, a mosquito net, and a diaper bag</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Here are a few quick, not-so-pretty photos I shot before my husband's instincts for pack-away-type tidiness took over (excuse the plastic, we'll take them out sometime nearer my due date):</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTHNAaPnkC6sAPZAxmfQ8EPA0xYVnf6Xl__MQryf80B_vQA3-MAXpKmO2koNT__25Ym2K9zj4sGUu8gLw8HPtTQDYOq4bTfx1obIS5OsS74UNST-ABQ5f8V3SeaEW0j2VBVEXHfplyAjA/s1600/DSC01660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTHNAaPnkC6sAPZAxmfQ8EPA0xYVnf6Xl__MQryf80B_vQA3-MAXpKmO2koNT__25Ym2K9zj4sGUu8gLw8HPtTQDYOq4bTfx1obIS5OsS74UNST-ABQ5f8V3SeaEW0j2VBVEXHfplyAjA/s320/DSC01660.JPG" width="320" /></a> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><b>car seat</b></span></div><div style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1lojN-z1NaA6BvJ9AABCMEB8hDhhNLsYJ9H4YGN4rQ-WDy0CC5a6omM3tze-ignkkQAUG_Rg-9NmqoeOXTWIpoaYXaEO4-JWxvJHK1tM9ByPx39wtRkCkNtOphuId6huhcQSsJ3mmg_h/s1600/DSC01663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1lojN-z1NaA6BvJ9AABCMEB8hDhhNLsYJ9H4YGN4rQ-WDy0CC5a6omM3tze-ignkkQAUG_Rg-9NmqoeOXTWIpoaYXaEO4-JWxvJHK1tM9ByPx39wtRkCkNtOphuId6huhcQSsJ3mmg_h/s320/DSC01663.JPG" width="240" /></a> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><b>stroller</b></span></div><div style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4iVSSRYd3eyXl0wTqP7dk1L7LcrOFtjQg3bOrqS7RUX0KsJCcf9Qb4WppNFcjjmMnjOTg0V1s0KX6Kf9dWb9_K9Kmq7Esk2r7yqXmWK3wV7GAPlj-R-sQqEn_Liez4gBY5lhL4iIEwO7/s1600/DSC01662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4iVSSRYd3eyXl0wTqP7dk1L7LcrOFtjQg3bOrqS7RUX0KsJCcf9Qb4WppNFcjjmMnjOTg0V1s0KX6Kf9dWb9_K9Kmq7Esk2r7yqXmWK3wV7GAPlj-R-sQqEn_Liez4gBY5lhL4iIEwO7/s320/DSC01662.JPG" width="320" /></a> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><b>diaper bag</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Remember, when shopping for a stroller, have a ready criteria. Here's ours:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Durable</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Easy to maneuver, store, and clean </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Safe, comfortable, and practical features</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Grow-with-me capabilities (can accomodate newborns to toddlers)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">A neutral color...in case God blesses us with more children in the future</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Within budget </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Can fit in the car trunk</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">For more help on buying a stroller, read this</span><a href="http://www.onestepahead.com/custserv/shop_smarter_article.jsp?pageName=Stroller"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">article</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Good luck!</span></div></div></div><div></div></div></div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-64193357347765296442011-08-21T12:22:00.001+08:002011-08-21T12:26:12.196+08:00Nightlife...nowadays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWURos_LCevdd2W4z_2iLvJ7tPucVoOANuT_l7fEezHqp89UlFcs4R7XQ7DCoTWd64__Kaq-0Cc2vlyP2PFPa0BWpvZ9c6sCXDpsXbV1-0rFTKNEfxfDrarV6Aod2_RxPyIZgQgP1f4wMu/s1600/teddybearsleeping.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWURos_LCevdd2W4z_2iLvJ7tPucVoOANuT_l7fEezHqp89UlFcs4R7XQ7DCoTWd64__Kaq-0Cc2vlyP2PFPa0BWpvZ9c6sCXDpsXbV1-0rFTKNEfxfDrarV6Aod2_RxPyIZgQgP1f4wMu/s400/teddybearsleeping.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Entering the third trimester of my pregnancy, I've had a lot of sleepless nights this week. As my tummy continues to grow, so do my eye bags. Here are my "snooze-snaggers:"<br />
<br />
<b>1. Finding the right position</b><br />
I can't lie on my back anymore because it gets harder to breathe. Now, I either sleep on my right or on my left. I find that tucking a pillow under my belly and between my legs help me. But then, there's...<br />
<br />
<b>2. Moving to find a better position </b><br />
So I find the right position, but it gets uncomfy after a while. No option there but to toss and turn. The thing is, it's actually harder to roll around in bed now because of the added weight. Sometimes I end up accidentally waking my husband. <br />
<br />
<div><b>3. The nocturnal call of nature</b></div><div>Every night I wake up to pee despite my attempts not to drink a lot of fluid before bedtime. It's bothersome, then again, so is UTI. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b>4. A busy mind</b></div><div>Wishes, worries and weird dreams have crept up on me a few times. I just shrug them off and try to relax as much as I can. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b>4. Baby kicks!</b> </div><div>This I don't mind. I've woken up to a kick or two, then linger a bit to feel a few more wiggles. :) </div><div><br />
</div><div>I know that when the baby comes, sleep will even be more difficult to catch. What makes me go on is knowing that these sacrifices will reap the sweetest reward in the end. </div><div></div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-86334583374515173932011-08-19T21:24:00.005+08:002011-08-20T20:36:44.370+08:00Bonding in Utero<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf8Mh_GqBVVTKxTKsYp0Lc1aT2eQ2zd08l8sdu74PeW965HcDkGnbtZbff_KEvDTV_SfV4ASvsWn7E4CodZCe31592mwjmmZWX5pgLYQFW2N_ILTANOO_F7nbXC8YQ6lsn8Pso7RQj6yn/s1600/nyc-PS7_fetus-ipod.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf8Mh_GqBVVTKxTKsYp0Lc1aT2eQ2zd08l8sdu74PeW965HcDkGnbtZbff_KEvDTV_SfV4ASvsWn7E4CodZCe31592mwjmmZWX5pgLYQFW2N_ILTANOO_F7nbXC8YQ6lsn8Pso7RQj6yn/s400/nyc-PS7_fetus-ipod.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Some studies have concluded that fetuses can actually "learn" inside the womb through music, reading to him or her, etc., but there haven't been any solid evidence on how this "learning" affects the intelligence later on outside. (Source: <a href="http://www.yourbabytoday.com/features/brainpower/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Your Baby Today</span></a>, Comic strip source: <a href="http://normaychris.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">normaychris.com</span></a> ) <br />
<div><br />
</div><div>For my part, I don't want to subject my baby to such early social pressures, however I do find myself doing precisely such things because of two reasons. First, I admit that I have slightly yielded to the "what-if" factor of that theory. What do we have to lose? Second, I just find it relaxing and natural to have in utero bonding time. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Now that our baby is at her 28th week, my husband and I find ourselves talking and singing (my husband's got talent) to her more because by now her ears have developed enough to hear us and her surroundings. So, I've got a "Classical Music for Baby" playlist in <a href="http://grooveshark.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Grooveshark</span></a>, and, though getting a clear signal of it can be quite tricky, my husband has temporarily tuned in our car radio to station <a href="http://dzfe.febc.ph/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">98.7 -- Master's Touch</span></a> (...Okay, okay, so we cheat...we've plugged in a few of our cds and ipod a few times!)</div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br />
</div><div>Then my mother-in-law suggested that I read to our baby. So I find myself doing this everyday now. I read whatever I can out loud, but for extra bonding moments, I read children's literature, which I actually really appreciate. I've had a hand at teaching preschoolers, and children's books are just magically inspiring. (Who knows, maybe I'll be inspired to write my own children's book one day.) </div><div></div><div><br />
Anyway, I particularly love reading "Guess How Much I Love You" by Sam McBratney:</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiO-KnOZB7Z0SCjX9h8Vng_C7wM9W2nqHJNKcNauv81d-hitjrg4o95MswO2p_5vQTi6e8eueqP4HWbCwI1PLg_PZQUIQrRoB33K6KHh225TUYznBrAd8H2InniNf9JP6QXKiHq684bbd/s1600/guess+how+much+i+love+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiO-KnOZB7Z0SCjX9h8Vng_C7wM9W2nqHJNKcNauv81d-hitjrg4o95MswO2p_5vQTi6e8eueqP4HWbCwI1PLg_PZQUIQrRoB33K6KHh225TUYznBrAd8H2InniNf9JP6QXKiHq684bbd/s320/guess+how+much+i+love+you.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>I bought this book when I was in high school just because. Then I gave it to my husband later on one day, back when he was still my boyfriend, just because, too. Glad he kept it. Buy your own copy and see why it's so adorable. Check out the price at<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"> <a href="http://www.nationalbookstore.com/shop/search.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">National Bookstore</span></a>. </span></div><div><br />
</div><div>I also got a hand-me down book written by Tish Rabe (aka Mrs. Seuss), way back before I got married. It's adapted from Dr. Seuss', "Oh the Places You'll Go" book. I read it once and vowed I would read it to my future baby. Unfortunately, I misplaced it through the years! I went to my parents house last weekend, but I couldn't find it. :(</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VatJOvl5DVIvFpMBFQhcRmhDUbKYwgIiscOkWfSdKoUFwg-X4vg2lThZpoQ6UjYsbhRY80W9jvDLiLbmDQ_pyoGrHhj9T5147qdKp7KwVzRTlPmuUGz7W3uKG1m4__Y74WIFoLm57Vh1/s1600/oh-baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VatJOvl5DVIvFpMBFQhcRmhDUbKYwgIiscOkWfSdKoUFwg-X4vg2lThZpoQ6UjYsbhRY80W9jvDLiLbmDQ_pyoGrHhj9T5147qdKp7KwVzRTlPmuUGz7W3uKG1m4__Y74WIFoLm57Vh1/s320/oh-baby.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div></div><div> So if you know where to buy it, please let me know...</div><div> If not, I'll just buy "Oh the Places You'll Go!" </div><div><br />
</div><div>Hey, that rhymes!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-65857369268044714502011-08-17T15:02:00.000+08:002011-08-17T15:02:04.028+08:00Party Inspiration: Rain Shower ThemeThe country has already had a share of typhoons last month, but the skies aren't all clear just yet. It's so gloomy outside. Nevertheless, I refuse to succumb to the sky's mood and instead have decided to take inspiration from it. Today's party theme inspiration is Rain! <br />
<br />
First up is a concept by a creative author ironically named Lisa Storms. I'm in love with her pompom and raindrops ceiling decor!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWN_7QY2XqVsqDF6B6CjbewWwm7bRbLXkmkQnsvjyRrQocfjVxa9lzsXzkOZOBIgHkIl_ZXJMd7RrgO-6TC4wxpvZAZnPsxjHbNW0pKR3iNEHtf0-ZFnGh8tQtnoAknjTD-1YNEsMJlJFi/s1600/lisa+storms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWN_7QY2XqVsqDF6B6CjbewWwm7bRbLXkmkQnsvjyRrQocfjVxa9lzsXzkOZOBIgHkIl_ZXJMd7RrgO-6TC4wxpvZAZnPsxjHbNW0pKR3iNEHtf0-ZFnGh8tQtnoAknjTD-1YNEsMJlJFi/s400/lisa+storms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> See her tutorials and other photos <a href="http://www2.fiskars.com/Activities/Crafting/Articles/Baby-Shower">here</a>.<br />
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Here's another version of pompoms and raindrops, but now with white and blue balloons to liven things up more. Visit<a href="http://myhouseofgiggles.blogspot.com/2011/06/clouds-rain-showers-and-kites-baby-boy.html"> My House of Giggles</a> to see the rest of the party and the cute celebrant.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAY_xbm1j_aGI7bKXPOQlAgpS4QiOaZ5jtJHJNykSz6J6fjRaLNstNMfKrIahL5vAD_T7RLQZRO3-C93vIzKtixQOxPvfh1mnseSPPOISZE1yTZ1U2ZzXHPmK-9Po3IHFoFvtuZM7apWpl/s1600/whiteandbluecloudbabyshower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAY_xbm1j_aGI7bKXPOQlAgpS4QiOaZ5jtJHJNykSz6J6fjRaLNstNMfKrIahL5vAD_T7RLQZRO3-C93vIzKtixQOxPvfh1mnseSPPOISZE1yTZ1U2ZzXHPmK-9Po3IHFoFvtuZM7apWpl/s400/whiteandbluecloudbabyshower.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How about a more colorful take on the theme? Look at how <a href="http://bugger-dixonline.blogspot.com/2011/04/april-showers-birthday-party.html">Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line </a>adds "bow" to the word "rain":</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMO3zbxxvOQc_2Jghn3f5bw2RWHoiZKKqAlFDH8_T9PRHbDMPXicpfaVquvgPBIQBHYV7oBjAbY5OzNq6lgRdvsAYrSsFej5ZNAjBJbwZ6W4QWBc8-X-JvGJptpzHUkrwHNS37vmzUwmM/s1600/noah+table+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMO3zbxxvOQc_2Jghn3f5bw2RWHoiZKKqAlFDH8_T9PRHbDMPXicpfaVquvgPBIQBHYV7oBjAbY5OzNq6lgRdvsAYrSsFej5ZNAjBJbwZ6W4QWBc8-X-JvGJptpzHUkrwHNS37vmzUwmM/s400/noah+table+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7021fuqgjPit9NbxVEihpq8QJOH58ILhuywr7VmMOTfIx9Qf8mf7Bjo7VJfDxpZaxgzXkkQQnHIu7-dj_BJ1QWcO19ESdQ0afyFPFByLyeZlARHr0iAceCblifygMXVoEB8I8N4oinbY/s1600/noah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7021fuqgjPit9NbxVEihpq8QJOH58ILhuywr7VmMOTfIx9Qf8mf7Bjo7VJfDxpZaxgzXkkQQnHIu7-dj_BJ1QWcO19ESdQ0afyFPFByLyeZlARHr0iAceCblifygMXVoEB8I8N4oinbY/s400/noah.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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And what's rain without umbrellas, right?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcxs92TQarsLqPffnkZuQmxy-jvQv7FMo4c_DYWxDvBXAgnLrnKsuI2srp2GnrLEyXPbQYG5Cs2uGrZbpwKIo1KMxng20Ez9sJ2sZjq1EsCikuyFnilH37GFc_tD11DcGLlP4yhZ8Zjco/s1600/april+showers+invitation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcxs92TQarsLqPffnkZuQmxy-jvQv7FMo4c_DYWxDvBXAgnLrnKsuI2srp2GnrLEyXPbQYG5Cs2uGrZbpwKIo1KMxng20Ez9sJ2sZjq1EsCikuyFnilH37GFc_tD11DcGLlP4yhZ8Zjco/s400/april+showers+invitation.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTd-KxIKpzlyrgUtcBtaTnWjkGLOHSi6NN2nekTF0rgvjVucRoz2EcxaX7Fnd9X6kpAcnUJLXO5X3TkaP2X65MZrcYqNGupzWela57_ngD0vJrjBPQ2bzNWhjN_9jpl65gnFxPXQ-QTUi/s1600/april+showers+party+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTd-KxIKpzlyrgUtcBtaTnWjkGLOHSi6NN2nekTF0rgvjVucRoz2EcxaX7Fnd9X6kpAcnUJLXO5X3TkaP2X65MZrcYqNGupzWela57_ngD0vJrjBPQ2bzNWhjN_9jpl65gnFxPXQ-QTUi/s400/april+showers+party+1.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilawuwDkfDUzZ6DWTgnEtV3MGRA0ZQw7-zFW3VhX_cU3dB1dYSldQ2Bq87DKC6jgUP-6iMqta02E_keXY7rArPdzVgwr2RdN0GmUV4m5dUozSTJFy4XHukzVIORP9WgptmTMnYNKDCK57I/s1600/april+showers+party.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilawuwDkfDUzZ6DWTgnEtV3MGRA0ZQw7-zFW3VhX_cU3dB1dYSldQ2Bq87DKC6jgUP-6iMqta02E_keXY7rArPdzVgwr2RdN0GmUV4m5dUozSTJFy4XHukzVIORP9WgptmTMnYNKDCK57I/s400/april+showers+party.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, how about showering some loot on the guests? See these awesome pinata and giveaway: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XglkHtGxfag3eql8r3LKSpCvT7jRwtE2TDDRjmtHv9_52IoEeKSGs74CoKQyoagDFF9UOqSbn5dsMMq_NY-zPtHJO4SxOMghxSGn86LCWwdhcM1U0xrjKkFn-uSxpJZMoyR2fnQ10cUE/s1600/april+showers+party+25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XglkHtGxfag3eql8r3LKSpCvT7jRwtE2TDDRjmtHv9_52IoEeKSGs74CoKQyoagDFF9UOqSbn5dsMMq_NY-zPtHJO4SxOMghxSGn86LCWwdhcM1U0xrjKkFn-uSxpJZMoyR2fnQ10cUE/s400/april+showers+party+25.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYl4Ohv4wQP60SGfoenI0_MZvGbsTNJJUnw8EC7eVYtfC4tMSODSUSGopMY7MQJrxec0o4bjSD2O03FWQdnwcgWTzu1memgaaLEVuooi_OnJVUiC4dFzgExLwrFrsOcpPdKIDCOGZ8yfCL/s1600/april+showers+party+35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYl4Ohv4wQP60SGfoenI0_MZvGbsTNJJUnw8EC7eVYtfC4tMSODSUSGopMY7MQJrxec0o4bjSD2O03FWQdnwcgWTzu1memgaaLEVuooi_OnJVUiC4dFzgExLwrFrsOcpPdKIDCOGZ8yfCL/s400/april+showers+party+35.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Source? See the rest of those kids have fun at the party by <a href="http://www.apartystyle.com/2011/04/april-showers-bring-ella-flowers.html">A. Party Style</a>. </div><br />
Hope this entry took away your gray clouds!<br />
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Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-80542806111708954362011-08-16T15:04:00.002+08:002011-08-16T15:12:29.811+08:00The Baby Bazaar ExperienceAlthough I've already got some things covered for our baby-to-be, I still went to my first baby bazaar last Saturday with my youngest sister who is most eager to be an aunt. I was on the scout out for baby furniture --cribs, rocking chairs, etc.<br />
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We arrived at the Rockwell Tent after lunch, excited of course. We headed for the entrance decked in purple and green balloons, bought one August 2011 WorkingMom magazine (our ticket to inside), answered a quick survey, and got myself a pretty lootbag:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvc-oNi3iZKgT6fZ7gr6txVfzTO2QFu79EQfFGIbbE2j8gD2z4OWce2hGUU1IS9TAb3xD0cEsRqLxH0t9aMbNSNKte5m2JMTsWLGGVy3QZMOdWnFKVEj2ldZeqDMT712NG2iA8OrFdxiq/s1600/DSC01627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvc-oNi3iZKgT6fZ7gr6txVfzTO2QFu79EQfFGIbbE2j8gD2z4OWce2hGUU1IS9TAb3xD0cEsRqLxH0t9aMbNSNKte5m2JMTsWLGGVy3QZMOdWnFKVEj2ldZeqDMT712NG2iA8OrFdxiq/s400/DSC01627.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a closeup of some of the (very practical) loot:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_7yKvl5dacy-DmBthO2DLug6i3G0QAGTy8zcAIJRLl8ldvkxRn2sBDSkLeGyenEyAaVCTvqaEYUOVcwI0hqJ00gwQlXLkS8unJHMyVDWXJd0bPpBrrddiu2OTmc_-cvW3c5EY92odxjl/s1600/DSC01631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_7yKvl5dacy-DmBthO2DLug6i3G0QAGTy8zcAIJRLl8ldvkxRn2sBDSkLeGyenEyAaVCTvqaEYUOVcwI0hqJ00gwQlXLkS8unJHMyVDWXJd0bPpBrrddiu2OTmc_-cvW3c5EY92odxjl/s400/DSC01631.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Inside, rows of baby bazaar booths occupied the tent. Many booths of which, I recognized, were owned by online sellers. It was good seeing them make a solid appearance. Even better was that many of them gave one-day discounts or deals, so people were really busy, buying. My sister even got herself some huge, white feather earrings. <br />
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Unfortunately for me, there weren't any furniture vendors so I wasn't able to purchase anything. But I did enjoy just being there. First because the line of activities at the center stage were actually very informative, useful and entertaining. I was able to watch some belly dancing exercises and a talk on balancing work, life, and baby, which as a mom-to-be, is quite important.<br />
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Second, because going there made me more aware of the smart choices out there and where to shop next time I need something baby or mommy-related. Check out this directory a "bazaarista" online seller handed to me (I'm so sorry I can't remember who you are, there were just so many booths! But thanks a lot!) :<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CuTzdmZ-tDj4_y-zf1cPJdRg5vaIRmW_9mkUeWxQTMfHcUpAVPzSCzpO2xDbSnEUlanVKpOxlA_qGWhU3GF3iCua2TuajxMmoa36y2CvBZ50dTUEGKjTj-BDMCebdzLl9i5VoS-CxQ2h/s1600/DSC01635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CuTzdmZ-tDj4_y-zf1cPJdRg5vaIRmW_9mkUeWxQTMfHcUpAVPzSCzpO2xDbSnEUlanVKpOxlA_qGWhU3GF3iCua2TuajxMmoa36y2CvBZ50dTUEGKjTj-BDMCebdzLl9i5VoS-CxQ2h/s400/DSC01635.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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Third, I don't know if its just me, but I think there's something about the busy-ness of bazaars that automatically pumps up endorphins in females (anyone here who sees shopping as a sport?)<br />
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Fourth, I had some bonding time with my sistah! (That's me with the pink parasol and chopped-off hair)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9_6NiKYVKlMxtuvsoCmnEo3W-4Ap5EkdG42IndcCi5KEHIfmhv52uL3Z_6Dfp6ThYQ0yPwjstkf1tGDYFq1SNGuq3wH0_MQBysVBZTWPV0depIXirxN6m_WlaGWUSDA2O0RLqGNrk6qe/s1600/Parteizeit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9_6NiKYVKlMxtuvsoCmnEo3W-4Ap5EkdG42IndcCi5KEHIfmhv52uL3Z_6Dfp6ThYQ0yPwjstkf1tGDYFq1SNGuq3wH0_MQBysVBZTWPV0depIXirxN6m_WlaGWUSDA2O0RLqGNrk6qe/s400/Parteizeit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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So, all in all, I'd say if bazaar success is measured according to busy-ness,WorkingMom's All About Baby Bazaar was a hit! Oh did I mention, I also got a loot bag from Stemcord Philippines on my way out? ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHts1YQPIZe2AmgNS0T1Ut076_FRWB8sA_UAPxKQwC_T-PeETYb5l2YsMvJAkkdhVqUYQDFXEQAJZ7Ge7IpU_qlKCRVpF6CShER9QRtI-fpVa8B_oaYRlFODvg7rvfjcJ6sBVtpdMTDJdi/s1600/DSC01636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHts1YQPIZe2AmgNS0T1Ut076_FRWB8sA_UAPxKQwC_T-PeETYb5l2YsMvJAkkdhVqUYQDFXEQAJZ7Ge7IpU_qlKCRVpF6CShER9QRtI-fpVa8B_oaYRlFODvg7rvfjcJ6sBVtpdMTDJdi/s320/DSC01636.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br />
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</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-15230564606604950422011-08-10T10:05:00.000+08:002011-08-10T10:05:55.075+08:00Party Inspiration: Glow ConesTry this simple yet bright idea for your next party and see your little guests' faces light up! <div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK35Cl8Hn1RkkZDZ9EocD2l9zb-cXlM7jTzIhP8CjuULxGs7zUH3cP2oQHdiaRP7BCt3kgRbrP4tlV3g8cfeS8fLNyhABdXZQm-FjFzM1WbGlmV7RkDzr0nB0eqGIbRgxKfpm2I1sZPeH/s1600/glow+cones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK35Cl8Hn1RkkZDZ9EocD2l9zb-cXlM7jTzIhP8CjuULxGs7zUH3cP2oQHdiaRP7BCt3kgRbrP4tlV3g8cfeS8fLNyhABdXZQm-FjFzM1WbGlmV7RkDzr0nB0eqGIbRgxKfpm2I1sZPeH/s400/glow+cones.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Glow-in-the-dark Snow cones</span></b></div></div><div><br />
</div><div>What you'll need:</div><div><br />
</div><div>opaque plastic/paper cups</div><div>clear plastic cups that can fit inside the paper cups</div><div>shaved or crushed ice</div><div>glow sticks</div><div>snow cone syrup</div><div><br />
</div><div>What to do:</div><div>Place an activated glow stick on the paper cup, then insert the plastic cup inside the paper cup.</div><div>Add some ice on the inner cup and drizzle in some syrup. Now call the kids and see 'em glow with excitement! See excellent photos of the whole process. </div><div><br />
</div><div><div>*To make the snow cone syrup</div><div>just mix 2 cups of sugar, 3/4 cup of water and 1 pack of unsweetened Kool-Aid. Bring sugar and water to boil. Remove from heat and add the Kool-Aid. Refrigerate until ready to use. </div></div><div><br />
</div><div>Read<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"> </span><a href="http://www.giverslog.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b>Giver's Log </b></span></a>tutorial <a href="http://www.giverslog.com/?p=9142"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">here</span></b></a> or<a href="http://www.giverslog.com/?p=9163"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"> here</span></b></a>. Or see <a href="http://www.wonderhowto.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">WonderHowTo's </span></b></a>version<b> <a href="http://www.wonderhowto.com/news/wonderment/howto-glow-dark-sno-cones-0118561/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">here</span></a></b>.</div><div><br />
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</div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-2006863602153785772011-08-06T13:44:00.002+08:002011-08-06T13:56:23.975+08:00Party Inspiration: Ready to Pop!<div>"Ready to Pop!" is a neutral baby shower theme yet to be POP-ularized in the Philippines. But it's a cute, clever concept in celebrating "infanticipation." Just look at these things that POP from these four awesome sites: (For more and better photos, click on the site names)<br />
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1<b>.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"> <a href="http://www.somethingdetailed.com/category/primary/events/baby-showers/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Something Detailed</span></a>:</span></b></div><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrC6G3-drDzD8mwfUoLyr_4kKSxpC-YJh3qaDNErlYz6hert1CLBzUSALpABJHopPn1wzwh444gpBQ_6zj1tJhyphenhyphen_IMSdyKRwk5zS_2L6ND1-S4na9S8ci_KqNMo8NDWEHwRJKj9-H4Ekq/s1600/she-about-to-pop-baby-shower-party-1-e1310130033871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrC6G3-drDzD8mwfUoLyr_4kKSxpC-YJh3qaDNErlYz6hert1CLBzUSALpABJHopPn1wzwh444gpBQ_6zj1tJhyphenhyphen_IMSdyKRwk5zS_2L6ND1-S4na9S8ci_KqNMo8NDWEHwRJKj9-H4Ekq/s320/she-about-to-pop-baby-shower-party-1-e1310130033871.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6h73k6-Kfb1iKT5hOyha2XE145fvxFbScoawjXeegm9A_XQF7JZZ3jesRsb6GjyjaFm-eFDSrwe9y97aU85LW4TIY3WO7-96JzOpzs60KxbHnlvts5jycgBV2xe9Z-tTLTC3JZJ7jt7br/s1600/shes-about-to-pop-party-9-e13101308796891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6h73k6-Kfb1iKT5hOyha2XE145fvxFbScoawjXeegm9A_XQF7JZZ3jesRsb6GjyjaFm-eFDSrwe9y97aU85LW4TIY3WO7-96JzOpzs60KxbHnlvts5jycgBV2xe9Z-tTLTC3JZJ7jt7br/s320/shes-about-to-pop-party-9-e13101308796891.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCZsmvnA_Pmlev81q6WsBisJqBYSU7-ix_cb48ntoOFAviVPCej2SEQsfej60EuDJTQvcYwXMk-UATsHevKAz21NYGkAizroqnn8CzxHTlQV9jwKakUnA_na6r-sdCxom7r1ZOQvWG_ET/s1600/she-about-to-pop-cake-pops-2-e1310130099959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCZsmvnA_Pmlev81q6WsBisJqBYSU7-ix_cb48ntoOFAviVPCej2SEQsfej60EuDJTQvcYwXMk-UATsHevKAz21NYGkAizroqnn8CzxHTlQV9jwKakUnA_na6r-sdCxom7r1ZOQvWG_ET/s320/she-about-to-pop-cake-pops-2-e1310130099959.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
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<div>2. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><b><a href="http://kojodesigns.blogspot.com/2011/02/ready-to-pop-shower.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Kojodesigns</span></a>:</b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9onh5ZJVHBY64KcSE-ilxVMrGNWe0VoFj89iYUaw5PNkbuPr_d4YvU8pFH0CU3AieDk-T4r4vewcrCx0k_Grbvcen9j3G2BkPpZImTns5LpUh0T4RnS15n0ivejTLKgZZafjCECsNbiFV/s1600/pop+shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9onh5ZJVHBY64KcSE-ilxVMrGNWe0VoFj89iYUaw5PNkbuPr_d4YvU8pFH0CU3AieDk-T4r4vewcrCx0k_Grbvcen9j3G2BkPpZImTns5LpUh0T4RnS15n0ivejTLKgZZafjCECsNbiFV/s400/pop+shower.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
3. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://penandpaperflowers.blogspot.com/p/partiesevents.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Pen n' Paper Flowers</span></a>:</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgxArFq36yrV-qs8JJfkfNWgkqFVXGWUGXMcoTpwJ3ZCK61tM9XtSwXE4DkY7g66vyk5frDBHpbY0ZUjKuiZCXc5gBAK8sPFnZAqpctzJKc2lkk4z2b07srxCoWqxUSfnpR4wzgR7pxcI/s1600/5237838296_e29fb618b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgxArFq36yrV-qs8JJfkfNWgkqFVXGWUGXMcoTpwJ3ZCK61tM9XtSwXE4DkY7g66vyk5frDBHpbY0ZUjKuiZCXc5gBAK8sPFnZAqpctzJKc2lkk4z2b07srxCoWqxUSfnpR4wzgR7pxcI/s320/5237838296_e29fb618b2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-kChOGlzJzaOSwbMGbBc2sKGpn7Y3Y2KUx8UUDJ77jLGpBeTsJIWLczX4MVWyXk6XJAwegue2RwGk-MwjFlsek4enHQvU3iURAzS5hi_PC9RXXuXLzG_3OTQ3mrS4SuVympXTlcneeXm/s1600/5237194105_be752015a4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-kChOGlzJzaOSwbMGbBc2sKGpn7Y3Y2KUx8UUDJ77jLGpBeTsJIWLczX4MVWyXk6XJAwegue2RwGk-MwjFlsek4enHQvU3iURAzS5hi_PC9RXXuXLzG_3OTQ3mrS4SuVympXTlcneeXm/s320/5237194105_be752015a4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGT4thItIc-Ju3CD7Mjv-CVTm1dNZfmBzRkZ33cC2pYlM13fRXXbACFGpTYZXJzeX5Rql1NpP4_H8L9f5fQPMWRDToFwh8HJPX617o3t3721z0O-BvV_co1FlkilkzliNL5o7NsShBx4OJ/s1600/5237229351_5a9d7eba8e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGT4thItIc-Ju3CD7Mjv-CVTm1dNZfmBzRkZ33cC2pYlM13fRXXbACFGpTYZXJzeX5Rql1NpP4_H8L9f5fQPMWRDToFwh8HJPX617o3t3721z0O-BvV_co1FlkilkzliNL5o7NsShBx4OJ/s320/5237229351_5a9d7eba8e.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriXsW-jeYP32_8RgS_mnnpyvF-HbhUh3b_wZcQ1RHTUZns-bIdDt_H1T_I2OPB4bwm-849ghsfoiTmLQGDLmNCShr9CIRduPLt3Q__38HEObGHldQvq-CKgqUZuVVzF29cXOCRi3LiM0f/s1600/5237890994_d223ca51d1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriXsW-jeYP32_8RgS_mnnpyvF-HbhUh3b_wZcQ1RHTUZns-bIdDt_H1T_I2OPB4bwm-849ghsfoiTmLQGDLmNCShr9CIRduPLt3Q__38HEObGHldQvq-CKgqUZuVVzF29cXOCRi3LiM0f/s320/5237890994_d223ca51d1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><br />
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4. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://www.staceypoterson.com/blog/?p=578"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Stacey Poterson Photography </span></a>: </span></b><br />
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</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy140WHir9rTmmSyEUYeq4U4lKnD-_0r5kx-Uj5GDuRb426hh61zYFSHOX6sHWDXAqoREc0NqgewXRWoBdDIU9fr4gw8FQrGrpXufUkT3W286EWrnGcNQVfMver3SU4Y27aldt9dMwWtVO/s1600/popcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy140WHir9rTmmSyEUYeq4U4lKnD-_0r5kx-Uj5GDuRb426hh61zYFSHOX6sHWDXAqoREc0NqgewXRWoBdDIU9fr4gw8FQrGrpXufUkT3W286EWrnGcNQVfMver3SU4Y27aldt9dMwWtVO/s400/popcorn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div>...balloons, popcorn, popsicles, poppy flower decors, confetti, lollipops, bubbles and of course, the current trend in the country, pop cakes! I first saw these pop cakes at my niece's 2nd birthday party. They're yummy, and easier to serve to children than the common cake. Here's a photo of her pop cakes by <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://www.popcakes.biz/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Popcakes Bakeshop</span></a> </span></b>at Shaw Boulevard:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZ10ZTEr0v7DGXgEQ0TVoD4UuwUoRhV5Sd66L8aGeBOpcqcemG2uMgexq-COEJglRoTjf4MIGecKIy263QjWAD-S2xb7U2o2nhhfqX3DHG0gfjzCxKzm4sYjiWrD3-0Y8IAYjfkiw0zRn/s1600/222429_10150190501227337_514472336_7233849_3816515_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZZ10ZTEr0v7DGXgEQ0TVoD4UuwUoRhV5Sd66L8aGeBOpcqcemG2uMgexq-COEJglRoTjf4MIGecKIy263QjWAD-S2xb7U2o2nhhfqX3DHG0gfjzCxKzm4sYjiWrD3-0Y8IAYjfkiw0zRn/s400/222429_10150190501227337_514472336_7233849_3816515_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
</div><div>Hope you enjoyed this eye-popping display! Thanks for poppin' in!</div><div></div></div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-33915578013636643832011-08-05T14:46:00.000+08:002011-08-05T14:46:09.224+08:00August is Breastfeeding Month!<div>Will you breastfeed? --This is one of the most frequently asked questions I've been encountering so far since the dawn of my pregnancy.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I've seen my mother and other women breastfeed, so I think it's something very natural. I will definitely try it because of the many important benefits breastfeeding provides. I'll make a list of the benefits in another post. There are just too many! Meanwhile, I saw this breastfeeding advocacy video by The Bump. It's just too entertaining not to post:</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/7SM7Hvjqny4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div>Enjoy!</div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-40744232341473914322011-08-05T10:37:00.001+08:002011-08-05T10:56:21.526+08:00Baby Bazaar Broadcast!<div class="MsoNormal">Hey guys! Check this out!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OqCwvqtlfnLFvdX1QT1R9JyJtEZUo2Tw5_OPRu64wb5V4WO0sPu52sNgFoRTpjCE0ZvhhnGCRSPH0zJA5xAKCul5AOa6GAFIbMk23mmBE9Ax8Pf0uRUT2XqmIk0NeCNaC8d2Yp9Ezmxv/s1600/WORKING+mom+bazaar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OqCwvqtlfnLFvdX1QT1R9JyJtEZUo2Tw5_OPRu64wb5V4WO0sPu52sNgFoRTpjCE0ZvhhnGCRSPH0zJA5xAKCul5AOa6GAFIbMk23mmBE9Ax8Pf0uRUT2XqmIk0NeCNaC8d2Yp9Ezmxv/s640/WORKING+mom+bazaar.jpg" width="493" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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Working Mom Magazine's redoing <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">The All About Baby Bazaar</span> </b>since last year was such a hit! (Of course last year I was in the scout out for wedding bazaars. I didn't know there was such a thing as a baby bazaar, so my excitement meter's pretty high about this one.)<br />
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Expect quality baby products, talks, workshops, games and raffle prizes, discounts from over 60 bazaar merchants, and an appearance of Nickelodeon characters! (Bring your kids along!) See their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201494389907347"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">event page</span></a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WorkingMom.Magazine"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">fb page</span></a> for more details.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Remember:</span></b> To get in free, bring your copy of the August 2011 Working Mom Issue. Here's a closer photo of the front cover: (Interesting articles, btw.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJoCNmagaAA7xZ122YC-lXhNpolRTTZvcuQLqZ-UZwT_npwXAw-TPA8pg3ry48YgW2eGJwoNwd6CaTdXAtBixOow0o0UK8XamS0U8M4eUXNYqi2YSuOOOAG0mI0yNlyuV7yS08Atr9h-E/s1600/working+mom+aug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJoCNmagaAA7xZ122YC-lXhNpolRTTZvcuQLqZ-UZwT_npwXAw-TPA8pg3ry48YgW2eGJwoNwd6CaTdXAtBixOow0o0UK8XamS0U8M4eUXNYqi2YSuOOOAG0mI0yNlyuV7yS08Atr9h-E/s400/working+mom+aug.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><br />
Sooooo....step into your shopping shoes on Saturday, August 13, 2011 and head over to Rockwell Tent, Makati , 10:00 am-9:00 pm. See ya!Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-2541423749771322922011-08-04T16:35:00.001+08:002011-08-05T14:12:48.284+08:00No Dads Allowed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNe-HaBxKD57GCQrj_qX3bYcjC-QSxTH_XJy_L0kVSo2U007JfbUf3677ClnJtgRIaRogLR6mtXb096tfW585MKNv3f4rwnqw0-9VOckJRvAIDDd2tZhl6MlgW0FEHJu5d9La6aNVcB3u1/s1600/008-delivery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNe-HaBxKD57GCQrj_qX3bYcjC-QSxTH_XJy_L0kVSo2U007JfbUf3677ClnJtgRIaRogLR6mtXb096tfW585MKNv3f4rwnqw0-9VOckJRvAIDDd2tZhl6MlgW0FEHJu5d9La6aNVcB3u1/s1600/008-delivery.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">Today was my 6<sup>th</sup> Prenatal Consultation with my lovely OB, Doctor Gina Macaranas of UST Hospital. I enjoy going to her for checkups because she’s a very cheerful, positive woman who knows what she’s talking about. She’s very informative and concise, plus she answers many of my questions untiringly, and always with a sincere smile. I always go out of her clinic feeling pleased, light, and excited.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">At my 6<sup>th</sup> month, I am happy to know that my baby and I are doing well: blood pressure…check. Weight gain…check. Fundal height…check. Baby’s heart beat…double check (love hearing it ;) ). There was only one downer during my consultation though. I learned that my husband can’t go inside the delivery room with me even if he does work there. He’s a nurse. Has seen pregnant women give birth. Not afraid of blood. Not squeamish at all. Chances of trauma equals 0%.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Darn. I was really counting on it. It will be my first pregnancy after all, so I was looking forward to him holding my hand while I (most possibly) scream my lungs out. It would have been nice to share the glorious moment of childbirth with him. The only chance of that happening now is if we have a Lamaze certificate to show. Fat chance of that happening. I know that in other hospitals husbands are permitted in the delivery room. Oh well.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">I now draw strength from the fact that my mom was able to give birth to five beautiful girls without my dad holding her hand too. I remember her walking bravely towards the labor room during my youngest sister’s day of delivery, looking back at her other daughters with such a confident smile. Thank God for that memory! I only hope I can be half as confident as her on that anticipated day.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"> </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">image source: <a href="http://www.daddydoctrines.com/2010/06/10/8-dad-in-the-delivery-room/">http://www.daddydoctrines.com/2010/06/10/8-dad-in-the-delivery-room/</a></span></div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-14954493541466273972011-08-03T13:58:00.002+08:002011-08-06T12:55:17.567+08:00Party Inspiration: Got Milk? ThemeFirst up on our Party Productions segment is this very fresh, out of the box baby shower idea from Carrie Sellman of <a href="http://www.thecakeblog.com/">Half Baked - The Cake Blog</a>. The MILKaholic Sip & See theme is deliciously perfect for the urban, posh mommy. Just take a look at these awesome photos:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNELc6iPGmEPUOaamQdqQmIg07Po6uChA1Dkb9KSpLhITHCdjBb8-v0yCSK2u9yD6EA4Gj7_99ujOlfb7BFT3jl692V1euEwxDzJ49bqHLK3861bpcNjXcOvVSZaNARU4dv0yYjffcmg-a/s1600/milkaholic_baby_shower2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNELc6iPGmEPUOaamQdqQmIg07Po6uChA1Dkb9KSpLhITHCdjBb8-v0yCSK2u9yD6EA4Gj7_99ujOlfb7BFT3jl692V1euEwxDzJ49bqHLK3861bpcNjXcOvVSZaNARU4dv0yYjffcmg-a/s640/milkaholic_baby_shower2.jpg" width="411" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5KFXWVo59GRwmoZBr_eJW4N3FPrH2WiInQ4CKBCQHi-3xFFwR7xyo-cH0eKmz3dX6gQ2liE9NFaLhu3qV07QV5OMjYCVX1KBizsBkNzBJCox-owlLMd9aCeDhVYhZ0wkRgTmRL8R-vVm/s1600/milkaholic_baby_shower1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5KFXWVo59GRwmoZBr_eJW4N3FPrH2WiInQ4CKBCQHi-3xFFwR7xyo-cH0eKmz3dX6gQ2liE9NFaLhu3qV07QV5OMjYCVX1KBizsBkNzBJCox-owlLMd9aCeDhVYhZ0wkRgTmRL8R-vVm/s400/milkaholic_baby_shower1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBgEGtF1pNvNbKzENw7FPyEkdLCB4PnLCfkoL-As-fj4UHJXU0AapeFJcSTqge_en8ZwTGYC9lDUHFNVKXvKQ-gcHrAgx8FDkLKgxzltFFbvrWoshlbE8Oq-6LJ2FFb6VIFhUdSKL7yqA/s1600/milkaholic_baby_shower4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBgEGtF1pNvNbKzENw7FPyEkdLCB4PnLCfkoL-As-fj4UHJXU0AapeFJcSTqge_en8ZwTGYC9lDUHFNVKXvKQ-gcHrAgx8FDkLKgxzltFFbvrWoshlbE8Oq-6LJ2FFb6VIFhUdSKL7yqA/s640/milkaholic_baby_shower4.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><br />
For more moo-tivational photos on this theme go to <a href="http://www.thecakeblog.com/category/real-baby-shower">http://www.thecakeblog.com/category/real-baby-shower</a> or <a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/06/clever-modern-milkaholic-sip-see/">http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/06/clever-modern-milkaholic-sip-see/</a>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-77898771192552194192011-08-03T13:07:00.003+08:002011-09-03T09:58:30.690+08:00Get Ready to Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KvPMY09zkA-NkzV2H8ep1JZZV5t5111YuP71a0UjbN7VtAZWx-WIHtAQcH82wBrUVNqDl4QKv835xljeEaroxwVKDZa3CuMPL_erMjIcdLrZF6JTyNhvXHT_F-QekVJH8hownL5fkOhR/s1600/Confetti+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KvPMY09zkA-NkzV2H8ep1JZZV5t5111YuP71a0UjbN7VtAZWx-WIHtAQcH82wBrUVNqDl4QKv835xljeEaroxwVKDZa3CuMPL_erMjIcdLrZF6JTyNhvXHT_F-QekVJH8hownL5fkOhR/s400/Confetti+Girl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My closest college friend and block mate gave me a call this week to say that she’s throwing me a Baby Shower! Yippee! We quickly talked about the party’s theme but haven’t zeroed in on anything yet…I love themed parties. I get a thrill seeing creative concepts come to life. In honor of that love, I now declare Baby Buzz blog to have a “<b>Party Productions</b>” segment, which shall spotlight a variety of inspiring party themes, ideas, and resources for showers and parties, every Wednesday. This starts today! Stay tuned! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">image source: <a href="http://www.abracadebras.com/">http://www.abracadebras.com/</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-29185706170233930502011-08-03T09:53:00.001+08:002011-08-05T14:10:14.717+08:00A baby boy!<div class="MsoNormal">There’s cause for a celebration in the family! Bottoms, I mean, bottles up! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaUKoj7BC_DtP-xb3-s3jiU6sBZFcTGDeeyo5UiS9xi2jUasEhAloenryZaLTsH9QPfGlUJKgC9Xg2q_xVlPzVDmjl0k5ndyIVVbmXULDVRCEpKmR6IpZVgRE_jmSe-83bKbXixzYp2we/s1600/miles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaUKoj7BC_DtP-xb3-s3jiU6sBZFcTGDeeyo5UiS9xi2jUasEhAloenryZaLTsH9QPfGlUJKgC9Xg2q_xVlPzVDmjl0k5ndyIVVbmXULDVRCEpKmR6IpZVgRE_jmSe-83bKbXixzYp2we/s320/miles.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My sister-in-law gave birth to a baby boy on the first week of August! Welcome to the world, baby Miles! May you be as strong and dedicated in life as your Iron Man Daddy! - Proud Uncle, Aunt and soon-to-be cousin.</div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-25147260843457650412011-07-25T10:58:00.002+08:002011-08-05T14:09:00.191+08:00Gender Determination<div class="MsoNormal">I mentioned how in my previous post my husband and I weren’t sure we wanted to see our baby in 3d. Well, last Friday we decided to go ahead and do it anyway!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Finding out that UST Hospital charges PHP 1,000.00 for a gender 2D determination ultrasound tipped our decision scale. Face 2 Face offered a basic 3D Scan package for the same amount. For PHP 1000.00 you can get a 10-minute ultrasound, 2 pieces of colored photos of the baby and the option to know the baby’s gender. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And so at 24 weeks pregnant, we went to Face 2 Face’s SM North branch and availed of their 3D Scan package. It was a good thing I called to inquire about the time the shop opens. I called the SM North branch. The lady on the phone was quite pleasant, answering all my question. I found out that each branch had a different schedule so be sure to call in first. According to the lady, on Fridays, her branch is open from 12nn-8pm. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My husband and I arrived at the shop a few minutes after 12. When we got there, however, the lights were still off, and the door was locked. We ate lunch at Napoli first (found at the same floor…yum ,yum) but made sure to call the shop again at around 12:30 just to check and get ahead of an anticipated line. The lady on the phone said that she just had her lunch break but that the shop was actually open (uh-huh.) So while waiting for our pizza to arrive, I quickly went back to the shop to fill out a short form and have my name enlisted. There was only one couple ahead of us –good, I thought. But the lady told us that the doctor wasn’t to arrive until 2:30 and that the couple ahead of us availed of the Gold 3D/4D Package, which meant a 30-minute ultrasound session! We were told to go back at 3:00pm for our turn. Furthermore, our photos weren’t to be ready until 4:00 pm. Luckily, my husband and I were in a cheerful mood. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">Fast forward to 3 pm: The shop had around 2 other pregnant women in the waiting lounge, but since we enlisted early, it only took one or two minutes for my name to be called. The ultrasound was performed in a private room by a female doctor and her assistant. My husband sat on a couch while I occupied a stretcher. In front of the stretcher was a screen that showed the baby’s image, switching from 2D to 3D view. Even if the baby was only 24 weeks and still lacked fat under the skin, it was still an adorable, amazing sight to behold. Compared to the last ultrasound image, it had grown remarkably.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On to the main event: Gender determination.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Benedict and I were eager to see our baby and know its gender. Up until we had the ultrasound my intuition told me I was going to have a boy, so did Benedict. We had already come up with a boy’s name months ago, but had never agreed on a girl’s name up to that point. Imagine our surprise when the doctor said “babae po.” What was that? Come again? Haha. The doc showed us the baby’s little private part and true enough, she was a girl! We felt disoriented for expecting the wrong gender, but happy nonetheless. Images of pretty dresses and bowties flashed before my mind. A girl! What a blessing! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, after a few minutes our little girl turned her back to the camera, so the doctor couldn’t get a decent photo of her face. She told us to go out for a walk and a cold, sweet drink, and then come back after 30 minutes. This is to trigger movement to a more camera-friendly position. We followed doctor’s orders and did a quick rescan around 4:00. After that, the lady at the front desk showed us her computer screen and asked us to pick out the 2 photos we wanted printed–one photo of the baby’s face, and another photo showing its gender. There were around 9 photos to choose from. Since Benedict and I wanted different photos of the baby’s face, we got 3 photos instead (an additional photo costs Php 50.00). We were then asked to return (once again) at 6:00pm to claim our photos. Meanwhile we made sure to broadcast the good news to our family and friends via phone and wifi. Here are the photos of our dearest: </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oGElsRgysoNBQy79eR3mejJhZYeIchDDCzOr35G9oN8m_zE5IOuRoZR8FqjPGaUpL8aXDWDecTbFDycKSEjUUgv9OLIX3UvGQnCoguy84Lo7E7ksq-4tSHC2ScCjzCHwDvkYDckwWfCL/s1600/baby+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oGElsRgysoNBQy79eR3mejJhZYeIchDDCzOr35G9oN8m_zE5IOuRoZR8FqjPGaUpL8aXDWDecTbFDycKSEjUUgv9OLIX3UvGQnCoguy84Lo7E7ksq-4tSHC2ScCjzCHwDvkYDckwWfCL/s320/baby+2.JPG" width="270" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigTV0NJn1IWd07Y8jg18uou8G0DLvrDPv37RSXbbjswEyyG2csndJlXID7jBPvpaToAu629_imwM54QyuzF9N1NGgkxa5n1J9DcuviMO7VhFj7imOuAsWJCABEn2savwylbjrinj6BsnJ/s1600/baby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigTV0NJn1IWd07Y8jg18uou8G0DLvrDPv37RSXbbjswEyyG2csndJlXID7jBPvpaToAu629_imwM54QyuzF9N1NGgkxa5n1J9DcuviMO7VhFj7imOuAsWJCABEn2savwylbjrinj6BsnJ/s320/baby.JPG" width="243" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtyZShHIslSQTGdZYx9Y3tmTSOx3Vbze5klPpNf3MgNfVkFSVygoF88IO64JYgGdov3ksBpm8Cmflw9vNKUuvhNR5m0zSvNiT007eBU8teotjz9R7Huy9JTLGLrQWNTWWwKN58t37rrEv/s1600/baby+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtyZShHIslSQTGdZYx9Y3tmTSOx3Vbze5klPpNf3MgNfVkFSVygoF88IO64JYgGdov3ksBpm8Cmflw9vNKUuvhNR5m0zSvNiT007eBU8teotjz9R7Huy9JTLGLrQWNTWWwKN58t37rrEv/s320/baby+3.JPG" width="236" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-48242644249862957632011-07-19T13:04:00.002+08:002011-08-05T14:09:48.130+08:00To see, or not to see…Baby in 3D/4D!<div class="MsoNormal">I got a flyer from Face 2 Face, the Baby Ultrasound Company in SM North recently. (Excuse the wrinkles, I stash things in my bag unmethodically. A bad habit, I know.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4bTVc1Zk8A4KLXKdrwh3i8-szf3LiOspN62afWTvsNljWbLTbf7McaVTYYMPaLzy5lqbAbmumTwJ7WT5x0vsgm6iWlhxwv231-4Cu_uWJxLiyp4Uez-YX7CANaKeuHprgE_tC77004wk/s1600/DSC01563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4bTVc1Zk8A4KLXKdrwh3i8-szf3LiOspN62afWTvsNljWbLTbf7McaVTYYMPaLzy5lqbAbmumTwJ7WT5x0vsgm6iWlhxwv231-4Cu_uWJxLiyp4Uez-YX7CANaKeuHprgE_tC77004wk/s400/DSC01563.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHN2yQKVYpzCa9SnDeSdVyaeAE0NvbH437MAphRrwHT0LPxKMTseDlDpedpWnJ7o-BCyKVcmL-oCTyO8ty-IMXEtad1GdsR7PcCnx-l8p0xzyjG5BoP0KOjHmj-xH6wecxAu7GwH_gLGO/s1600/DSC01564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHN2yQKVYpzCa9SnDeSdVyaeAE0NvbH437MAphRrwHT0LPxKMTseDlDpedpWnJ7o-BCyKVcmL-oCTyO8ty-IMXEtad1GdsR7PcCnx-l8p0xzyjG5BoP0KOjHmj-xH6wecxAu7GwH_gLGO/s400/DSC01564.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-DQ88fAENbMh-gnzzrDXVeIa_7T87Q7hKmeK7NeA9HZWZ2w7r75UAZzW6EDWdn7l7SJPENcIJtnnMqZXJddFD74auejzfyRNV97N02xr9PP3lqjf-u7778z7dj03JaG46uZPzftpAOkZ/s1600/DSC01566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-DQ88fAENbMh-gnzzrDXVeIa_7T87Q7hKmeK7NeA9HZWZ2w7r75UAZzW6EDWdn7l7SJPENcIJtnnMqZXJddFD74auejzfyRNV97N02xr9PP3lqjf-u7778z7dj03JaG46uZPzftpAOkZ/s400/DSC01566.JPG" width="308" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Having a 3D/4D sonogram seems enticing and exciting. One of my bump buddies said she’s definitely going for it since she wants to see how big her baby’s nose is, haha. I’m sure it’s going to be a joyful experience for her and her husband. And I’m pretty sure too, that most Filipinas who go through it have had the same sentiments. It’s the thrill of seeing the baby moving, and of course, who he/she looks like! Benedict and I are still up in the air on this one, though. Aside from it being an unnecessary expense, we’re not sure we want to let go of that element of surprise. We’re already set to know the baby’s gender (yippee!) so that surprise is practically in the bag. So, to see or not to see? That is the question. Ano kaya?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, my online research shows three companies that provide such technology in the country:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Face 2 Face, The Baby Ultrasound Company </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.babyultrasound.ph/">http://www.babyultrasound.ph</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In My Womb</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.inmywomb.com/">http://www.inmywomb.com/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">MD Care OB-Gyn Ultrasound Clinic </div><div class="MsoNormal">Found their ad in Sulit.com.ph: <a href="http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/3732439/3D/4D+OB-GYN+ULTRASOUND+CLINIC+by+MDCARE?referralKeywords=3d+4d+baby+scan">http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/3732439/3D/4D+OB-GYN+ULTRASOUND+CLINIC+by+MDCARE?referralKeywords=3d+4d+baby+scan</a></div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-75713055277088000002011-07-18T14:24:00.000+08:002011-07-18T14:24:02.209+08:00Book Review: What to Expect When You're Expecting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IKtRYVYxsJvLv5MipIXKf3EKx942A2-cZ8AXL-V9Z6Clq97Y8c9OEmrct4_hfRvepLnhyphenhyphen5croxRfBjwACTqibrc2qpoYQlnMjID6dRnw8c5paZNbgwu5W6aLvlOAcJAIE9Ufq2AjFzzi/s1600/DSC01552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IKtRYVYxsJvLv5MipIXKf3EKx942A2-cZ8AXL-V9Z6Clq97Y8c9OEmrct4_hfRvepLnhyphenhyphen5croxRfBjwACTqibrc2qpoYQlnMjID6dRnw8c5paZNbgwu5W6aLvlOAcJAIE9Ufq2AjFzzi/s400/DSC01552.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Love, love, love this book! If you’re bound for a nine-month “bumpy” adventure, this is truly a good read. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What to Expect When You’re Expecting</i> by Dr. Heidi Murkoff is America’s Pregnancy Bible. Now in its 4<sup>th</sup> edition, it has loads of current information for new-generation parents. Its comprehensive take on pregnancy takes its readers from preconception to post-labor (including coping with pregnancy loss) and everything in between. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwugc_4Oheb7KUEfnOU0jx7wFK89qE3_HxxpEpivKtg54KYoepD1j44wcqRbr3y8FxNLgx04R2_4o9__7tpTChETDxZgcWKI17-9F4-HbfWQOcAU5ydOhGy-4Sljwovsnd8yVAkU5EOEqs/s1600/DSC01559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwugc_4Oheb7KUEfnOU0jx7wFK89qE3_HxxpEpivKtg54KYoepD1j44wcqRbr3y8FxNLgx04R2_4o9__7tpTChETDxZgcWKI17-9F4-HbfWQOcAU5ydOhGy-4Sljwovsnd8yVAkU5EOEqs/s400/DSC01559.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-kjk7cp07vnl8M0RnW0T1L9J93sYEkBtymOO4C5JsTbb1n_OS-1KM-M7bLEdH2vHnhuA-AmuCT07oljHgekSSakpV5whSrzn7Dd8-TRI-ffZkAsI75NRC29aZyrPByC8DWo7OXxFV8ut/s1600/DSC01560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-kjk7cp07vnl8M0RnW0T1L9J93sYEkBtymOO4C5JsTbb1n_OS-1KM-M7bLEdH2vHnhuA-AmuCT07oljHgekSSakpV5whSrzn7Dd8-TRI-ffZkAsI75NRC29aZyrPByC8DWo7OXxFV8ut/s400/DSC01560.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It has answered tons of my own questions…including embarrassing ones, with a medically professional, yet amusing tone. Some personal questions answered:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Can I get highlights in my hair? How about my monthly wax?</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>What’s safe when it comes to sex?</li>
<li>Can I really be this emotional?</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Is an epidural safe?</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>What’s up with these skin blotches?</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Will my body go back to normal after delivery?</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUV26EC3uB5L5pGywmO2Ewne-2zHDmTw45LoJNcgEzXnY6xLjk0IVe0TVzxvI2YouNdZQchdqOdvC1saXXBhiVQNchKgeXV9-JSiSKcwxwwZk2N_gpVpKhmppg2gaBgz4IJhbuqB5trmE/s1600/DSC01555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUV26EC3uB5L5pGywmO2Ewne-2zHDmTw45LoJNcgEzXnY6xLjk0IVe0TVzxvI2YouNdZQchdqOdvC1saXXBhiVQNchKgeXV9-JSiSKcwxwwZk2N_gpVpKhmppg2gaBgz4IJhbuqB5trmE/s400/DSC01555.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Part 5 was especially appreciated by both my husband and I. (Okay, so the part's entitled “For Dads.” Still, who was gonna stop me from reading it?) ;) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lucky for me, my sister-in-law who’s also expecting gave this book to me as a gift. (Hint, hint, to friends and family looking for a great gift for parents-to-be.) This book’s a must-buy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">P.S. Did I mention they have website with lots of helpful tools and articles too? Here's the link: <a href="http://www.whattoexpect.com/what-to-expect/landing-page.aspx">http://www.whattoexpect.com/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLsMFhG50BoAyd1MHvepGhv8ApQywwZKfETsm6rYcM9b3Jr-h1dOZsa1YBf5JBIaaxUCZFLBMa_HqaWFPdEv1Pd1fUgTSvJkbubF7cJ3vOfqldy7IXNOenQ1VYURmXgeijWgyBIr0kd61/s1600/DSC01561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLsMFhG50BoAyd1MHvepGhv8ApQywwZKfETsm6rYcM9b3Jr-h1dOZsa1YBf5JBIaaxUCZFLBMa_HqaWFPdEv1Pd1fUgTSvJkbubF7cJ3vOfqldy7IXNOenQ1VYURmXgeijWgyBIr0kd61/s400/DSC01561.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-2352334000932213352011-07-12T19:35:00.008+08:002011-08-05T14:11:35.929+08:00Battling with Bed Rest?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">So you're pregnancy gets a little tricky. Maybe you've had subchorionic bleeding or spotting like me. Your doctor probably gave you prescription for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><i>gamot na pampakapit</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">, and a go signal for BED REST. Wow! Weeks of absolutely doing nothing but staying in bed? Who could be happier right?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">Well after a few days of bed rest duties the perks just didn't seem that great. Sure, I was given the royal treatment by my husband and everyone else in the house but I found myself battling with boredom and wishing it were all over. I began to miss going out, working, and playing with our rabbits Drizzle and Zorro (yep we got pet rabbits) who were as a general rule only allowed inside the house if they stayed downstairs. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">Imagine my frustration as I missed some important events in my social calendar. To make it worse, my 2-week bed rest dragged on to a whole month because of persistent spotting. Negative emotions piled on top of each other like morning sickness waiting to come out in one big lurch: worry--for my baby and our health, helplessness--since I couldn't find a satisfying answer as to why I had spotting, guilt--that I couldn't work to help my husband with the finances and household chores (though he kept assuring me I had nothing to worry about and that our new helper could very well handle the housekeeping). There were moments when, given just the right trigger, sent me crying like a heartbroken teen. Blame it on the hormonal changes. So how should one survive the bed rest challenge? I've listed some activities and ideas below: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">(Note: Some women have more bed rest privileges than others. Remember to follow your doc's orders ALWAYS.)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">1. Blog. Start a pregnancy journal or, if not, simply write about what you love. Blogging can give </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">you an avenue to express your joys, confusions, worries, and whatnot. If you're not so keen on writing then </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">reading other blogs can be fun too...which brings me to my next tip. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">2. Read up! There are so many things to learn about pregnancy especially if you're a newbie. Ask your family </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">and friends to buy you pregnancy books and magazines, or simply browse the internet to get loads of info. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">If you don't want to focus on being pregnant just yet, grab a good novel or the newspaper. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">3. Join an online community. And I don't mean just Facebook. Participate in forum threads that mean something to you. I </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">personally find </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">reading pregnancy and parenting forums entertaining. They lessen the loneliness and isolation since </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">you get to read </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">about other pregnant women's concerns too. It helps to see that you're not alone in your battle.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">For some candid yet </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">useful forum chatting with others like us, try my favorite </span><a href="http://www.femalenetwork.com/girltalk/">http://www.femalenetwork.com/girltalk</a> . (I used to read a lot about their wedding threads too.)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">4. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">Have your friends come over and have a mini bedroom party! You need people to cheer you up and feel as if </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">you're not in a prison cell. Call your bff's for some food and fun time. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">Booze should be banned though.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">5. Play video/online games with the hubby (who knows, maybe you'll beat his top score!). Now would be a good </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">time to load up on bonding with your better half. For most couples, cuddling and snuggling in each other's </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">arms won't be as often when the baby comes. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">6. Get a hobby that doesn't require munch movement and can be done in bed. Some examples are creative </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">writing, beaded-jewelry making, some form of needlework, etc.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">7. Make lists! Make a list of baby names, baby things you'd need to save up for, your favorite recipes, important phone numbers, etc.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">8. Get hooked on a TV series or have a movie marathon. Watch some of your old DVD's or borrow from people.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">9. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">Be a beauty even in bed.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"> Being in bed the whole day doesn't mean you have to look like a tired, old hag. Put on makeup in case of walk-in visitors, hydrate your skin with some lotion, paint your nails. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">Maintain a beauty ritual as long as you're not disobeying the doctor's orders. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">10. Pray to God. Prayer always helps. During quieter times there will be moments in pregnancy where you may feel that really, your baby's life and yours, aren't in your hands.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"> Meditative prayer is a good source for strength and inner peace, which we need, to cope with the many changes that are happening and will continue to happen in our lives. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Peace!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #783f04; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">P.S. Got other ideas on battling bed rest boredom? Do share in the comments section!</span>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2217245099381802485.post-88406090126354025312011-07-11T17:41:00.011+08:002011-08-05T14:14:23.304+08:00My name is...what?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMICSMqu8IixLYdqvJb6kXdl0A8Sg4rshgUiXe3kCXoQb2Uz-uuK_oW8IrY_SaNx-C4x42re-EzjP6vfmw6cEQzjDjSlxd59zV8FdkOdJ8zB1KXj2T6Xh4R0yyg-f6baQO4tmyQR1k6GA_/s1600/nametag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMICSMqu8IixLYdqvJb6kXdl0A8Sg4rshgUiXe3kCXoQb2Uz-uuK_oW8IrY_SaNx-C4x42re-EzjP6vfmw6cEQzjDjSlxd59zV8FdkOdJ8zB1KXj2T6Xh4R0yyg-f6baQO4tmyQR1k6GA_/s320/nametag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">My husband and I have already picked out a baby boy’s name, but are still in the dark if she turns out to be a girl. It’s tougher to think of a name than I thought. Sometimes when I tell other people of my ideas, I’d get reactions like, “Nako! Wag yan, may kaklase akong bwisit dati na ganyan yung pangalan.” Or “Parang pang bold star yung dating!” (Thank you, original Machete, for forming such an association to our last name, haha). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I hope we can have that ultrasound for gender soon. Meanwhile, a growing list of the many ways Filipinos choose names for their children, is in my head. I will now attempt to make a list of how we label our little ones:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>1. </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Colonial Names</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">It seems inherent in us to be attracted to Spanish and American names. No duh. They did make a huge impact on our history. </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b>2.</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bible / Christian Names</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b> </b>Our population is largely Catholic. Many names therefore, come from either the Bible or a favorite saint. My siblings and I all have second names derived from either saints or the Bible. My husband’s name was also inspired by a saint, and he insists that our baby’s name will also fall under this category.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> <b> </b><b> </b></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3. Names with meanings</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b> </b>Largely popular these days is the method of actually checking for the meanings of your intended baby names (Google ‘Baby Name Meaning’ websites and you’ll find tons.) This a good thing, really. In fact I think all parents should check. My parents gave me 2 names which, when put together, turns out to mean “Strange Lady.” (Don’t get me wrong, I think my name’s agreeable …still, it would probably have turned out differently if they checked for the meaning.)</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> <b> </b></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4. Family combos</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">> Combo 1:</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Honorable names</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">To honor grandparents or departed loved ones, their names are sometimes reflected on the baby’s birth certificate as a second name. </div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> > Combo 2:</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dynastic Names<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Junior, Senior, the Third, the Tenth? Some names have such power over families that they are passed from generation to generation. In my family, I know of at least three Manuel’s – My grandfather, my uncle, and my cousin. </div><div class="MsoListParagraph"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> > Combo 3: Marriage Medley</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Take the first letter or a syllable from the names of the husband and the wife to come up with a unique nomenclature: Joselito and Marianella = Jomar. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyED8TDwpaTht0lG9cfVoBoLYcdXR4ArHDUFQERItrsn0TyosGOGjs6B8QRQmf6PM7_4HYh0ql8-I2kauvGIPsAtjeBgcDZBHIkokLmayRGscyIVyanFuDywQUKX4GSOGmahnS9zw7izv/s1600/cool-names-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyED8TDwpaTht0lG9cfVoBoLYcdXR4ArHDUFQERItrsn0TyosGOGjs6B8QRQmf6PM7_4HYh0ql8-I2kauvGIPsAtjeBgcDZBHIkokLmayRGscyIVyanFuDywQUKX4GSOGmahnS9zw7izv/s320/cool-names-4.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> 5. Nationalistic Names</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b> </b>Amihan. Luzviminda. Bayani. Dalisay. With the recent celebration of Jose Rizal’s 150<sup>th</sup> birth anniversary, I heard on TV that some Filipinos are actually named after him, last name included. (For more Filipino names, visit <a href="http://www.aboutnames.ch/phil.htm">http://www.aboutnames.ch/phil.htm</a> or <a href="http://www.philippinebabynames.com/a-babynames.html">http://www.philippinebabynames.com/a-babynames.html</a>)</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6. Names inspired by nature, adjectives, and other objects</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Rain, Charm, Lovely, Rocky. My cousin named her little girl, Narra, and is thinking of naming their soon to be born boy, Bamboo/ Kawayan. I also know of a friend who adds nature words as second names to her children – Sky, Star, Sun. Then there are weird ones…A priest told me once that someone came up to him and said that he wanted his son to be baptized as David Litku…as in Kulit!</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b>7.</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">International names</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">To be more unique, some take inspiration from other countries. Mishka, Aiko, Gustavo, Aaliyah, Johannes--I used to have a student named Ananda. </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8. Celebrity and Character Names</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Michael Jackson, Edgar Allan Poe (ay Pe pala), Venus, Adonis…Yes, I know of a baby who was named after Thalia (From the Mexican telanovela, Rosalinda).<br />
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>9. </b><b>Baliktarang- Pangalan</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I recently received a pinoy joke about naming babies in my inbox that left me laughing hard:</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">NOEL: Ipapangalan ko sa aking anak, "LEON," baliktad ng Noel.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Nino: Sa akin "ONIN," baliktad ng Nino.</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">TOTO: Wag niyo akong maisali-sali dyan sa usapan ninyo!</div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"></div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b>10.</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Letter Fixations</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><b> </b>To do this, choose your favorite letter from the Alphabet, and pick only names that start with that letter. It really does narrow down your otherwise overwhelming number of choices. Hey! My husband and I can form a “B” family! Not.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Well, that’s all I can think of for now. Add some to the list if you can. As for Filipino NICKNAMES? That’s a whole other (laughing) matter!<br />
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</div>Barbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00172318795597356765noreply@blogger.com0