Blog Day

Today is Blog Day and Lucel tagged me to do the following:
Blog Day posting instructions:
1.Find 5 new Blogs that you find interesting.
2.Notify the 5 Bloggers that you are recommending them as part of Blog Day 2007.
3.Write a short description of the Blogs and place a link to the recommended Blogs.
4.Post the Blog Day Post on August 31, 20075. Add the Blog Day tag using this link: http://technorati.com/tag/BlogDay2007 and a link to the Blog Day website at http://www.blogday.org/.

What is BlogDay?

BlogDay was created with the belief that bloggers should have one day dedicated to getting to know other bloggers from other countries and areas of interest. On that day Bloggers will recommend other blogs to their blog visitors.With the goal in mind, on this day every blogger will post a recommendation of 5 new blogs. This way, all blog readers will find themselves leaping around and discovering new, previously unknown blogs.

I will post my 5 New Blogs later.

HAPPY BLOG DAY EVERYONE!!!!!

Hubby Needs Cufflinks

My husband’s 20th year high school reunion will be in October in New Jersey and was he excited that almost everyday he will mention it to me. He already confirmed his attendance and even looked for an outfit to wear. We found one but didn’t buy it yet. He asked me though to check for a matching cufflinks because the store that we had planned to buy his outfit doesn’t have a matching one. I hope I can find the one he likes to go with this outfit before end of September.

Varieties

Beautiful Mel tagged me about this Favorites, Have-You-Evers.. and Last Times! and etcetera, etcetera.

What is your favorite..
gum: Trident
restaurant: Chilli Thai
drink: Thai tea
season: spring, summer & fall
type of weather: Sunny @ 75deg while am typing this
emotion: complex
thing to do on a half day: household chores
late-night activity: blogging ..lols
sport: basketball, wrestling & badminton
city: London & Paris
store: a lot. no particular

When was the last time you..
cried: 2 weeks ago
played a sport: early 2004 (badminton)
laughed: while i'm composing this. DD always makes me smile.
hugged someone: right now. hugging & cuddling DD while blogging hehehe
kissed someone: few minutes ago
felt depressed: 2 mons ago
felt elated: couple of days ago when i received my first blogging income :-)
felt overworked: depends. can't exactly tell
faked sick: none that i can remember of
lied: secret

What was the last..
word you said: tsubibo - to my DD. she was turning around her playpen like one.
thing you ate: cereals w/ milk
song you listened to: Soundtract of Margarita - teleserye in ABS-CBN
thing you drank: H2O & milk
place you went to: mall
movie you saw: Transformer
movie you rented: The Island
concert you attended: I can't remember.

Who was the last person you..
hugged: hubby early am when he went to work & DD
cried over: family
kissed: hubby & DD
danced with: DD
shared a secret with: hubby
had a sleepover with: none
called: hubby
went to a movie with: hubby & DD
saw: DD
were angry with: none
couldn't take your eyes off of: hubby & DD
obsessed over: hubby & DD

Have you ever..
danced in the rain: when i was a kid
kissed someone: obviously am married
done drugs: never
drank alcohol: yeah
slept around: not ever
partied 'til the sun came up: once
had a movie marathon: yeah
gone too far on a dare: nope not yet
spun until you were immensely dizzy: i am not sure of. maybe when i was a kid.
taken a survey quite like this before: i did but not as long as this hehehe

I will tag Lucel, Irel, Julai, Junelle and those who wanna do this meme. Thank you all.

Work at Home

As a new Mom there are times I am debating to just stay at home or go to work. It is really tough juggling everything at once. It would make a difference if we have somebody trusted to take care of the baby while I am away. But sad to say we have nobody in here. Right now I am looking for opportunities that will enable me to work at home while my baby is still small. That way I can have a chance to earn and help pay our bills.

Hook, Line and Sinker

That is what I am feeling right now. Hook into this blog advertising thing. Though my world didn't stop for this but it consumed much of my time second to taking care of my DD. Right now I signed up for another paid blogging account and it's on blogvertise. They approved me after a day. It sounds great but can I handle it? Dunno but we'll see. For now I have to do some brain storming in case I will receive a task from them I will be ready to make an entry. Ta-ta ching!

Back to School

Yes I am going back to school. I went to my school's website and at last signed up for one class for fall quarter. Hubby kept bugging me everyday to sign up before the open registration closes or else I have to pay $30 for late registration. I know I will have my hands full for applying again. But we have to do adjustments to fulfill our dreams. I am only working part time so most of my days will just be spending at home with baby plus the online class I choose is not really a hard one. I have to managed my time properly with caring the little one, attending house chores and hubby, work, schooling and of course blogging :-) Seems like it's hard but I know we can managed.

Coke Zero Is It

Of all the sodas in the market I only drink coca cola products specifically the regular coke. I don’t know why but my taste bud is only accustomed to the coke taste. It’s the only soda that can quench my thirst. After the coca cola launched its Coke zero I shifted to it. I looked at the benefits with no sugar added and that’s it for me, bye bye to sugar. They promoted this coke zero real big. Their ad where you go to the website zeroismore.com and you can direct your own short film clip is a hit. It uses old films that you can manipulate, how ‘bout that? I never knew that zero nothing is really this more and big!

Viva Las Vegas

Oh la la! I am so excited. Hubby said next year we will have Vegas in our list for our travels. Eversince I got here I am dreaming of going to Las Vegas and experience what the strip can offer. I already picked out a hotel to stay, the Venetian hotel. I like to experience the hotel’s romantic grandeur and also try the gondola ride as if I am in Venice, Italy. Boy, I can’t wait to say, “what happen in Vegas, stays in Vegas”.

Family Budgeting

Are you frugal? I am to most things. When I see something I like but really don't need it I keep myself not to get it. I would say being economical works for me to stay at our budget. I am prudent in spending when it comes to material things. Clothes, house accessories and the likes. Especially when it costs much. I am considering that our family income has more important usage to waste it. We have to allocate the money to our priorities, rent, bills, food, baby essentials/needs, gas, and savings. When we go grocery shopping honestly we carry a calculator and have a shopping list to be on track of what we mostly need. But sometimes me or hubby get something which are not listed then we check each other if its needed. We keep coupons as well as join our favorite supermarket for membership so we can save for groceries. Hubby is the accountant. We keep all the receipts then hubby check our bank online if all our expenses went through and what's our balance in the bank. If we go out shopping he checks our available balance. That way we will avoid paying over draft fees. all our bills except our rent are automatic bank deductions every month so we will not fear of delayed payments.

I am inspired by this family who is named as the cheapest family in the USA. They live a frugal life and so far they don't have any financial problems I may say. Grabbed this video from Youtube. So check this out.

Pen Point

My friend who works at a bank gave me sets of notepads, post-it, refrigerator magnet, and pens with their bank’s logo on it. I asked her why she gave me couple of pens. Well she said those are promotional pens that their bank is giving out to customers. In fairness I like the design of the pen. I always carry it in my purse. I am a pen person you know. Can’t leave out the house without pens and a little notepad. I usually jot down my thoughts before it blow off my mind.

Goodbye to a Friend

One of the most dreaded thing I have to say is saying goodbye. Especially when there is no guarantee that you will see each other again. I am just being dramatic and sentimental because my friend, Yoko and her family, is going back to Japan. We've been friends since 2005 when I started attending ESL classes here in our apartment complex. We don't have kids yet that time. Until they had a baby and we have ours too. When she learned I got pregnant she gave me her maternity clothes, we are of the same size. And not only that she gave me her baby's little clothes and toys. I will miss our walking around the complex every afternoon. When I was pregnant she accompanied me to have an exercise walk along with her toddler. Now they are back in Japan. We only exchange emails and addresses for contacts. I wish they are all doing great there and I am hoping to see them again sometime.

Best Blog Directory

Good news to all bloggers like me. A highly promoted blog directory has been launched that offers an all-inclusive selection of blog categories, deep link submission options, and a lot more. If you submit your blog it will be listed in its proper categorization thereby easy access to your blog promoting more targeted traffic to your site. This blog directory is an expansion from Alive Directory, an internet quality web directory resource. They offer quality services promoting your blog, increasing your traffic, and strengthening your backlinks. I found this blog directory the best because they have editorial review that checks the category of your blog. The blog you submit in will be listed in a proper catalog of blogs. How does it sound to you bloggers? They have good pricing as well and you can also choose submission type you want, standard or featured. So why not submit your blog now to Alive Blog Directory and get your blog site optimized.

My 5 Best Nights

Rule: Name 5 best nights of your life and tag 5 friends.

1. The night after I defend my college thesis and my adviser told me my diploma is in the bag already.

2. The night after I saw my now husband first time at Heathrow airport in London. It was a surreal thing that happened.

3. The night when he proposed marriage to me and gave me a ring. Then the night we got married. It was a 7pm ceremony with just his relatives.

4. The night we learned we got pregnant after almost 2 years of having fertility work up. We are just too anxious to have a family right away.

5. 10:46PM, the night our darling daughter was born. The happiest night ever, incomparable.

Now I will tag 5 of my good internet friends Yen, Lutchi, Ylan, Ethel, Carlota. No pressure my friends. Just do it at your convenience. Thank you.

Save More with Your Hotel Resevations

It really pays when you are ready and all set when you travel. Usually, my hubby told me, when he goes places he seldom book flight and hotel accommodation together. I cannot do that. It speaks of hassle to me. I want everything organize, hassle-free travel. One time we went to Hawaii to visit the kids we had a free plane ride so we only have to look into our accommodation. Since we don’t have any reservation we hop from one hotel to another to check in. We had a hard time because most of the hotels if not full they only have a grand suite open which is very pricey. You know Hawaii is very tourist-populated place. So you can expect that all the time.

That is why I told him next time we have to use the service of hotel reservation. It will be way much convenient and we can save if we book early. They have destination guides that you can search in, flying or road tripping; they have it at affordable prices. Hotel Reservation also books cruises to and from anywhere around the world. It is a one stop online reservation services for your flight, vacation rentals, and other travel needs. They always have promotions going on. Right now hotel reservation has an offer of up to 70% off if you book through them. How can you beat that? Aside from that you can get up to $100 cash rebate and $30 gas rebate as well. Does some reservation company have that? They also offer tools such as guide maps to print for you to use.

This coming October we have an upcoming trip. We will do a road trip though. Destinations? New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and probably New York (again). I told my husband to book our hotel and motel accommodations through hotel reservation so we can save some cash and get the gas rebate. For I know we will consume much gas for the long mileage. You try booking through them too and save $$.

Feisty Baby

Feisty Baby

On the left leg was the baby monitor newly taped so it will not fall off again.

Here in the US its really very high tech. When the baby is born they will put a tiny alarm on the leg to protect the baby from being stolen. Yes its true. There was news about a certain lady who posed as a nurse and took the baby from the hospital. It is very scary. Anyways, my daughter had one and the nurse told us until where we can only bring the baby if we decided to walk her around. If we pass the border, the alarm will go off and all the entry ways and exits of the hospital will be locked up including the elevator. Our second night at the recovery room, she was crying and kicking while she was being swaddled. The tape around the alarm loosen and it fell off. Would you believe that? The whole hospital locked up. The nurses knew that it's our baby's alarm so they went to our room and put it back.

Flowers from my hubby's company

The next morning, they took our baby for a bath. When she came back she was crisp, clean and bundled up. Then we heard the alarm went off again. A nurse rushing in and told us that it's her alarm again. So they finally change the tape to put it back in place. Before lunch, we had a visitor, my husband's company commander bringing a vase of beautiful flowers. When he entered the room he told my husband that something happened, the elevators and doors were locked up. My hubby told him about the baby's alarm that fell off. He told my hubby to watch our daughter closely because at one day old she already caused a commotion at the hospital. What more when she gets old. We all just laughed about it.

Answer to Financial Emergency

With the escalating prices of basic commodities nowadays it is very hard to budget our meager income. Though we can get by through waiting for our paychecks every two weeks but we really have to tighten our belt in spending. Still there are instances like an emergency comes up and our cash flow is not enough. We are very glad that there is a payday loans that we can always rely on in case of unexpected needs come up. Using payday loans is really very helpful. It saves us from having late payment for some bills, saves us from using our check when there is not enough money in the account. I was apprehensive using this payday loans before. I thought they charged you too much but their interest is low and you are able to get your cash in an instant.

There is a good payday loans institution that we knew of, the personal cash advance. They lend cash advances online. The application is quick and easy. You apply online. No bulky documents needed to send. Once the application is approved they will deposit the amount of cash advance to your bank account. They offer a great payment option that makes their lender able to pay in a timely manner. Payday loans for me really saves us from many financial emergencies.

My gassy baby

It's been couple of days now that our baby Shiloh is cringing with tummy pain in the middle of the night as well as early in the morning. She'll twist her body left and right just to force the dreaded unwanted gas in her tiny tummy. It is really very pitiful to look at your little one enduring the kind of pain. I am always careful to what I am eating because I know that also causes her being gassy. At times I really blame myself for that. I never eat broccoli, cabbage, pepper, beans, sweet potato and a lot more coz the doc said it can give gas too. I eliminated those in my diet. My Mom told me to use Aceti de Manzanilia but I can't find it in the Filipino Store. Her Pedia gave us a med drops to give to her when she's having gas. It does help. My only concern is that at her young age she'll have much medicine residue in her system. That is why I only give it to her when I know it's so difficult for her to pass the gas. Most of the time after she push it the gas will pass and she's a happy baby again.

Arizona Luxury Real Estate

If you are planning to move to Arizona or already living in the area and you wanted to buy/mortgage a house, Sonoran Properties can make your dream come true. This Arizona luxury real estate company is by far the unparalleled company that will make your house hunting and selling a painless one. They put their client needs above anything else, ensuring that the clients are satisfied by their service. They don’t work on hidden deals. They have credible agents that are experts and customer-friendly. Their success in the business is pillared by teamwork and integrity.

How Do you Manage When your Baby Get Fussy?

This is my question to experienced Moms as well as new Moms like me. How do you manage when your little ones get fussy or cranky and you are out of the house? I have read a lot of articles about managing a fussy baby. And it seems like it is all professional ideas that I am pretty much sure will work, but babies varies. I want to know and learn from you, my friends, how you take care of that. I have my own way.

Before we go out I make sure that she is well fed. I am breastfeeding and here in the US it is very difficult to breastfeed in public. It's also embarassing because seems like you're the only one doing it in the area. So before I change her I feed her first and then after she is dressed I feed her again. When she is contented I make sure again she is not wet. If she is I change her nappies. When we decided to go shopping, usually at the strip mall, I have a time limit. It should not be over 3 hours. But if it does, my alternative, we will go to Barnes & Noble, hubby get something to drink and me and baby stays in the car then I will breastfeed her. Change her as well if it is necessary before we browse around again.

It seems really a hassle but I think I am used to it now. When hubby is inviting to go out I will always ask him what are his routes and shop planning to go to so I can calculate my hours. I just don't like going around stressing the baby then she will start crying and hollering.

Can you share your technique too?

Tobi - Your Online Fashion Boutique Experience

I am not a shopaholic person but when I shop I tried all avenues to check for nice stuff but cheaper prices. I am also a sale fanatic. I only buy something when it is on sale. Especially for things that I don’t really need but just want it. Before I go to shops I browse first the internet what I want to buy and compare prices. I even do online shopping for items that I don’t get in the store. I have bookmarked my favorite shopping websites online. Among others is tobi.com.

Tobi is one of the next generation online shopping that lets you experience you’re in a real boutique. Why? Because you are able to speak to an online stylist that will help you decide what product is suited for you and recommend the latest trend in fashion. They carry different lines from different fashion designers. One of my favorite is Graham & Spencer for designing velvet apparel. The designs are superb, very chic, classy and elegant. Of all the velvet clothes I’ve seen their styles are an A+ for me.

Tobi do not only carry velvet clothing line but it is only one among many which you can check out on their website. They offer as well accessories, jewelries, and wellness and beauty products. They are also promoting organic products. In other words their products are eco-friendly. Tobi helps in green revolution movement, retaining sustainable biodiversity in our ecosystem through their products. I started buying products, not only for food but also organic clothes for my family. It is just worth buying when you spend it for a cause.

Does it Really Work?

My husband asked me that question when I told him about my online "raket". He even told me to see is to believe. When I receive my payment of earnings that's the time he will believe it's for real. He was really very skeptical about online business. For we know that there are also not legit ones. The past week, I received my first ever payment of earnings from Smorty (thank you) to my paypal account. I was so excited that I even called him at work. He was just laughing at me. He said I am like a kid. Well, for my over 2 years of blogging this is the first payment I got. It inspires you more to persevere and make your idle days productive. So now he knows that it really does work!

Home Furniture

We are looking for new furniture. We went to many furniture stores here in our area and compare prices. It is either not our type or way out of our budget. When we check online our searches ended up in home and living site that sells affordable home furniture. I am so excited because you can also shop by brand. They have top brands and quality products. But what impressed me most is the no shipping fee. I am not kidding you. Free shipping for every item, big or small, you want to buy. Won’t you just love that? Check out homeandliving.com not only for your furniture needs but also accessories that makes your home a wonderful living place.

Result is In

The June 2007 Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam result is in. Unfortunately only one of my niece, Karen, passed the said exam. Sheena didn't make it. But it's not the end yet. We encourage her to take the next one. Everyone has its own time. To Karen congratulations! Another nurse in the family.

On another note. How true is the news that those who did not pass the exam can still work as a Practical Nurse? Is it really a definite decision of the government? For me I believe it is a good idea. At least when they don't want to retake yet they can still get a job instead. What do you guys think?

Masterseek - Your Business Search Engine

Are you a business owner or wanting to open up a new business? Do you want to search new management style and business marketing strategies? Do you want to market your own product and services? Masterseek is the answer. It is a business search engine that provides comprehensive information about different businesses and companies worldwide. Masterseek caters to 45 million companies in 75 countries by providing free and fast access searches. They also offer searches for business partners all over the world. If you want to search a global marketplace for your services and products masterseek will seek it for you. They have technology capabilities to give you detailed and up to date information of global, national, regional, and local companies. Wherever you are in the world, whatever business language you are speaking, masterseek can help you.

I am a Left Brained In Love

Cool and clearheaded. Tend not to get swept away. Dependable and trustworthy. Able to look at thing objectively. Honest and direct in relationships. Rely on standards when picking a man. Good at solving relationship problems. Ready to compete for your sweetie's heart. Articulate, a good conversationalist, and witty. Think overly romantic displays are a waste of time. A few serious boyfriends as opposed to many flings. Notice all of the details about your guy - good and bad.

It describes me good. How about you?

Are You a Right Brained or Left Brained Woman in Love?

Bed & Breakfast Lover

When you travel where do you usually stay? Do you get a good deal with your accommodation? Is there a more personalized intimate reception in a place of your choice to stay? These are just few of the questions I am considering when we travel across USA. And we only get an answer when we choose to stay in a Bed and Breakfast. By choosing an inn you not only get a good deal in prices but a satisfying, relaxing stay courtesy of their tranquil location and great customer service.

Daddy & Daughter Bonding

I only have this day to enjoy for this weekend. Yesterday I worked and I miss my "mag-ama". But I guess it is fine because they were able to bond together. Aside from hubby taking care of our daughter when I go to work evening shift, they have the whole afternoon to spend yesterday. Hubby loves showing Shiloh off. Sometimes we're tugging each other who will push the stroller because he wants to do it all the time so people knows she is his daughter. So I asked him where he dragged our daughter again :-) Well he said to my favorite store, BabiesRUs, since it is already open. I have been waiting for it to be opened coz when I was still preggy we travelled an hour and a half just to get to one of their nearest branch here in our area. They went their to shop and bought her 3 comfy outfits. Nice. I was envious. He said we will go back there this afternoon after church so I can check the store out. Yehey! I am really thankful for hubby's thoughtfulness. He is always there for us. Can't thank God enough for giving me a wonderful husband.

Bloggerwave.com

The sun is shining on me starting these past few days not because it is hot summer now but because of the opportunity that I discovered online. It’s another way of earning money through blogging. Bloggerwave is now live to accept bloggers to write opinions about the advertisers’ products, services, and the company itself. It’s another blog advertising company that pays blogger for the advertisers. Isn’t it great while at home and doing your favorite thing, blogging, you can earn revenue? So join now. Submit your blog and get paid. It’s that easy here at Bloggerwave.

New Mouse

Haayyy at long last hubby bought me a new optical mouse. It's been weeks that I am complaining about the mouse in our desktop. It's like a switch coz it turns on and off. If I am doing some typing and wants to hurry I have to reset it over and over. I like using our desktop than my laptop because it is faster and the office is version 2007. My laptop needs upgrading or a replacement. It is slow to process. I used it though with my ABS-CBN subscription. If there are too much going ons it will freeze. So everytime I watch ABS I will use the desktop so I will not mess up the process and not close the ABS window.

Teamwork

As a married couple I would say we have an excellent teamwork. This is a good foundation in building a strong relationship. How can I say we have a good teamwork with my hubby? We both work. My husband being in the army he's working hours is more than mines. In order for me to do what I want, we managed our time benefitting both of us. Everytime I am scheduled to work I will bring our daughter to my workplace. Before I clock in husband will pick her up and bring her home. In that way I will not be late and both of us have time to bond with our daughter. I also requested 2 days off aside from weekends, that I cannot work because hubby it is hubby's school schedule. I thought it will not work out. But if both of you are willing to sacrifice and compromise everythimg will work out fine. I am very lucky I have a very supportive husband. I know he is tired after work but still he didn't complain. He said it's not a sacrifice at all. It is his responsibility as a father and a husband to support the family. I would say now, so far we don't have any problems and our arrangement is doing great.

Free Online Dating Site

My husband and I is a product of free online dating. Though not even in my wildest dream I was thinking that it will be successful but here we are together and growing stronger each and every day. We are even blessed by a lovely daughter that we can later on tell to her our nice love story to. I have many friends that are also hopeful and ask me where they can find guaranteed free dating sites. I recommended to them JustSayHi.com. Why? Because it is totally, absolutely free of charge! No credit card needed when you sign up. No catch, tricks whatsoever. The services offered are the same with the paying sites. They feature free dating and matchmaking. And more so you can browse online personals in any place of your preference. You can send instant message to somebody you are interested to date online at no cost. Unlike when it’s a paying site, you have to wait until you have paid your membership to start chatting. I am really impressed of this free dating site. Their goal to connect people to find their soulmate and create a relationship that matter is remarkable. Remarkable in the sense that they mean to make people happy for making it 100% FREE.

Toddler in Dryer

I slept past midnight and hubby stayed a couple of hours watching news. When we woke up this morning around 9am the first thing he told me is about the news about a step-father putting his girlfriend's 2 year old daughter in clothes dryer. His reason was because she started hollering when he's giving her a bath. He became mad. He said he can't believe he did it. Hello! How on earth can a paerson do such a thing. That is very horrific to see. The toddler is alive and suffered a 1st and 2nd degree burns. The Mom knew about it when the next morning the little girl asked for bandaged. She told the Mom she was put in a dryer. Just by imagining the scene made my heart wrenched in pain to what the little girl had suffered. Even if you are extremely mad I believe nobody has the right to do such a thing. It's horrendous. That is just a heartless thing to do. My husband was kinda mad hearing that news too. There are just too many weird people out there.

Critics Rant

We are the couple that loves to see a movie. Almost every weekend we go to the movie theater. But before we watch a certain movie we check its review. How people reacted to the film. My husband usually goes to criticsrant.com to check the movie reviews. He frequented the site because he likes how the reviews being presented. It is really a brutally honest review. For me I like going to criticsrant.com because you cannot only find movie reviews but as well as reviews on tv shows, and video games. I like reading rants about tv shows. The cool thing too when you sign up to get daily newsletter or register to give your opinion, you will have a chance to win a DVD. So why not sign up now and get the chance to grab the movie 300 DVD!

My Niece Had a Baby Girl

Another baby girl addition to our family! My niece Sweet finally gave birth through Caesarean Section on August 19. The bouncing baby girl weight 8 lbs. and 3 oz. A big baby. Her OB decided for the C-section because the baby's heartbeat started to lower down reason being the umbilical cord wound all over the baby's body. Also the baby started to poop inside. I am very happy both of them are okay now.

For my other two nieces waiting for Nursing board exam result, their agony is prolonged. Accordingly results will be released Monday, August 27. Hope that will be final. It just adds up to the distress of the takers and parents the delay of releasing it.

Connect Anywhere at WireClub.com

Before, it is really hard for us to communicate with our relatives and friends that live abroad. With the advent of new technology you can connect to anywhere around the globe. Among others, the internet is the fastest way to chat with your love ones, friends and even meet new friends. As they say communication is just one click (of your mouse) away. But some online chat services have fees when you join. One online chat room I am so excited about is the free chat rooms at WireClub.com. It is free to join. Won’t you just love that? It is really free to join and have a lot of features to offer. You can have free instant messaging, free to create a blog where you can chronicle your daily experiences, you can join different clubs that you are interested in, connect with your families and friends around the world,meet new people, and it is also a free dating site. I have known some dating sites you have to pay an amount for membership. But here at WireClub it is free. What more you could ask for? I was telling my sisters back home to use WireClub when we are going to chat online for fast and easy way. I also recommend to everyone to use WireClub.com to connect anywhere around the world.

Shiloh @ 14 weeks

Everyday our baby girl is showing some personalities. And we are enjoying every moment with her. She is just a bubbly little one. She easily laughs. When she is crying because of gas you just talk to her and made face then she will laugh. She baby talks a lot. I realized she don't want to be alone. I tried putting her in the playpen and then I left to get something, she started to cry. But when I got back she's smiling and kicking. She learned how to squeal now. As in a high pitch squeal that she'll end up coughing. I brought her to my workplace Monday and my manager was baby talking to her and she talked back, bubbling and smiling. Even on the phone with my husband or family in Philippines, I will let her listen and she would really respond to them. I hope she will not be a shy baby later on. She is just a joy to behold every moment of the day. I am lovin' it.

Here are some pics taken while she's at play.

Took this Sunday. She's enjoying her "wormy" wrist rattle. Scrutinizing the toy like a specimen.

Last night during our tummy time: she's enjoying more her toys now. Got excited with the different sounds and colors. She can't be still on the mat too.

Can stay longer now on tummy. She stared at the fishes on the mat. Pushed and kicked herself upwards but her arms not ensynched with the legs movement yet.

Staying fit and healthy with myfitnesspal.com

When I became pregnant I was worried of gaining too much weight. Why? Because I am a petite person and if I become heavy it will not be good for my self-esteem and confidence. That is why back then I started using calorie counter for all the food that I am taking in. And I found this great virtual calorie counter at myfitnesspal.com. I am so conscious that every time hubby cook or we eat outside I will check the amount of calories in food that we ate through their calorie chart. Now, I also use their recommended recipes and incorporate it in my diet as a breastfeeding Mommy. For you to use this helpful calorie counter, you can sign up for free. Absolutely FREE! They will deliver everything you need for keeping you fit and healthy.

Driving Again

After I gave birth my OB told me not to drive for couple of weeks, not to lift heavy things, not to submerge in a bath tub but I can do a zits bath. While I was on maternity leave hubby will drive us anywhere we want to go. If he's at work I only stayed at home and go out for short walks around the complex. Even when I went back to work hubby drives for me. That is drop me off and pick me up afterwards. I only drove once eversince when hubby let me followed him while he's driving a military vehicle inside the base. We just came out from the hospital that time for my 6 week check-up. From then on I wasn't able to hold a steering wheel.

Until this Monday hubby told me that he'll be cutting close in picking me up so I can go to work on time. So my option is to drive to work with baby in the car seat then hubby will just meet me there to pick up Shiloh. It felt weird driving again but was able to managed. I didn't forget how to drive yet though. What only cracked me up is that after I went to the bank for night drop off I was wondering why it's dark and I can't see my meter panels. No wonder because I didn't turn on my headlights and all. Gee!

Five Old Posts and One Word Meme

Janice tagged me to retrieve five (5) old posts from my blog and insert a "keyword" to each. Below are my my old posts:

Link No. 1 must be about FAMILY
My Sister

Link No. 2 must be about FRIENDS
Reunion

Link No. 3 must be about YOURSELF, who you are, what you’re all about
Getting to know Me

Link No. 4 must be about something YOU LOVE
Happy Birthday Mom!

Link No. 5 can be ANYTHING you choose
Our Baby's Gender

**Start Copy**
Instructions Proposition: ‘5 Old Post Meme’
Requirements: continue above sentences
Tag Mode: 5 blogger
1st - You leave their blog and post link and add to the list below.
2nd - Let the blogger you want to tag know they been tagged by comment in their blog or etc.

What’s ur favourite 5 old post!
1) Life Little Notebook
2) Life’s Roller Coaster~
3) keeyit’s Wonderful Life
4) This is a miracle ...
5) Blessed Sanctuary
**End Copy**

Another tagged from Janice is this one word meme.

Where is your cell phone? @ computer desk
Relationship? Married
Your hair? Long black w/ natural curls
Work? Retail
Your sister? 3
Your favorite thing? Vacation
Your dream last night? About my family in PI
Your favorite drink? H2O
Your dream car? Lexus
The room you’re in? Sun Room
Your shoes? Shoeless
Your fears? Losing the ones I love
What do you want to be in 10 years? Fulfilled career woman and Mom
Who did you hang out with this weekend? My "Mag-ama" (Hubby & Daughter)
What are you not good at? Technical
stuffMuffin? Banana Choco Muffin
One of your wish list items? New digicam & Notebook
Where you grew up? Philippines
Last thing you did? Nurse my baby girl
What are you wearing? Pajama bottoms & tank top
What aren’t you wearing? house slippers
Your pet? None
Your computer? Averatec
Your life? Happy and so-so busy
Your mood? Sleepy
Missing? My Family in Philippines
What are you thinking about right now? Cooking
Your car? Ford Focus
Your kitchen? Small & rectangular in shape
Your summer? Scorchingly hot & muggy
Your favorite color? Blue & lilac
Last time you laughed? This morning
Last time you cried? A week ago.
School? Columbus Tech
Love? My family

There are 2 meme here, feel free to do which ever you want to do or you can do both. No time pressure. Just do it at your convenience.
I would like to tag :

Chikai, In-in, Tess, Geri, Jo

Our kind of Weekend

What's your weekend like? Ours is a typical one. Saturday the whole morning me and Shiloh just stayed at home because hubby went to work for couple of hours. Then afternoon I went to work. We were not able to go out anywhere. I really don't like going out this past few weeks anyway because it is scorchingly hot outside. We have a heat wave warning. Our temperature highs are triple digits for the past days with lows in 70s and 80s. I can't bare to put my baby's health in jeopardy because of the extreme heat.

Then yesterday, Sunday, we went to church. I was off so I was able to go with my "mag-ama" (hubby & daughter) to attend mass. My hubby don't want to miss Sunday service. So if I am off he will bring the baby with him to church. I was worried then if my Shiloh will be fussy and cranky. In God's grace she was very good. She was awake the whole time. We just left her in the carrier. She didn't cry at all. We sat in designated pews for couples with kids. It was soundproof glass-walled room but you can still see and hear the mass going on. If you are there you will really be disturbed by kids crying, running around, playing. But we were very pleased that despite the noise Shiloh didn't stir nor get irritated. She was just enjoying by herself.

After church we went to get some cold treat at Brusters before heading to Target. An ice cream blast quenched our thirst. We didn't stayed long at Target. After getting what we need we headed to have an early dinner at Country Barbeque. We plan to have a thai food but Chilli Thai was closed. When we're done dining we went home. My husband wanted to watch a movie but baby Shiloh was already tired. I don't want to over stimulate her with being out for so long. When we got home hubby continued to iron the rest of our clothes which he started earlier in the morning while me and Shiloh went to take a nap. It was indeed a great weekend for all of us. Hope yours was great too.

Local Idol Audition

The mall was chaotic this morning. Why? Because there was an audition for local idol hosted by the local Fox channel. The winner will then have a guaranteed audition for next season of American Idol. Boy, there were so many AI hopefuls. The mall was superpacked. It was fun watching all those who wants to have a slot for audition. I think, according to the flier they will only accept the first 154 participants. I haven't witnessed the whole show because I was working. I hope they were able to discover one who can make it thru.

Ashop Commerce - for your Shopping Cart Software

My brother is in California when he called me the last time. He mentioned to me that he had opened a business, a furniture shop. They will make wood furniture from scratch. They customized furniture according to their client’s specifications and style. He asked me to help him set up an online store where he can market his business.

One of the very important features of online store is a shopping cart where customer can check out their selected items. I recommended to my brother Ashop Commerce. They will help you build an online store. And not only that they will host your shopping cart with high quality technology using their top of the line shopping cart software. It is used by many big online businesses. The ecommerce software is very affordable, easy to install and secure. Their customer service is great. They go over and beyond in helping clients in answering questions and walking thru the installation process. Even give an advice necessary for a successful online store.

I also told my brother that they have a 10 day trial period for FREE. No credit card needed. Their online demo is very helpful. The package you are looking for in building an online store is found in this award winning ecommerce software.

Significance of my Natal Day

Tess tagged me to do the following:

1. Go to Wikipedia and type in your birthday (month and day).
2. Write down 3 events, 2 births, 1 holiday and tag 5 friends

So my answer is here. Thank you Tess!

Birthday - May 19

Three Events:

1536 - Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII of England, is beheaded for adultery.
1848 - Mexican-American War: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo – Mexico ratifies the treaty
thus ending the war and ceding California, Nevada, Utah and parts of five other modern-
day U.S. states to the USA for USD $15 million.
1971 - Mars probe program: Mars 2 is launched by the Soviet Union.

Two Births:

1797 - Maria Isabel of Portugal, queen of Spain (died on 1818)
1925 - Malcolm X, American civil rights activist (died on 1965)

One Holiday:

Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day in Turkey (1919).

I will tag 5 of my beautiful friends: In-in, Sarah, Vicki, Raquel, and Lanie. Guys just do it at your convenience. No time pressure here. Thanks ahead guys.

Digital Framez - Perfect gift for Hubby

My husband's birthday is coming and I am in delimma of what gift I will buy for him. He is not picky though but I want to give him something unique and techy. I've been to shops and stores here in my place as well as online but can't find none. One day I heard him telling me that he wants to get something were he can store his collection of pictures and movie clips while he was deployed in Iraq. That rings a bell for me to look for something of that sort online. And luckily I found a very unique technology, the digital photo frames.

It is the coolest thing ever I have seen in storing photos and watching movie clips, playing MP3s. It is one of the top of the line piece of technology, a great innovation. The viewing resolution is magnificent. It captures the real life lighting of your snaps. The digital frame comes in different sizes. It also has a remote included in the package for easy access in viewing your photos. It can also become an accent in any area of your respective homes. You can choose the kind of digital frame style to your liking, e.g. wooden or aluminum coated. To top it all, it is very affordable, a high tech but user friendly.

I am so excited to buy the digital picture frame for hubby. I know he will be very delighted. I learned too that when you buy one you can have a free SD Memory which is perfect so I can get more snaps and short clips of my budding little princess.

My Little Mermaid

Everday before I do any other chores at home I always tend to my baby's needs. Our routine first thing in the morning is giving her a bath. Around 8am or 9am. I didn't start giving her a bath til her cord fell off. And it fell exactly 7 days after we were released from the hospital. Back then I gave her spongebath everyday and wash her hair every other day.

First time I gave her a bath she was crying on top of her lungs. I was worried that she will not like taking a bath and that we will face the same ordeal again next time. So the next day I switched to spongebath again for couple of days. Then we tried giving her a bath one weekend morning. I acclimatized her first to the warm water by splashing her feet on the water before I settled her down on the sling of her baby bath tub. I made sure too that the sling is not cold. I was also talking to her while doing so. I was very glad she didn't cry at all. From then on I gave her a bath everyday. When I get a slight increase in her temperature I will only give her a spongebath. Right now I don't have any problem with giving her one since she like it very much. That is why I call her my little mermaid.

Taken after giving her a bath @ 6 weeks old.

Thank you SMORTY

I have been blogging since year 2005. I chronicled my day to day experiences. I even post reviews on any movies that we have watched, products that I love, journeys and travels that we had been to. I never thought that by doing so I can also earn at the comfort of my home. I stumbled into SMORTY and after days of deliberating if I will be able to do its task responsibly, I submitted my blog for review. Fortunately I was approved. Yes! Thank you Smorty!

So what is Smorty? It is a service that taps blogger to advertise on blog about the advertiser. They connects the blogger and advertiser for blog advertising. The blogger write their opinion on anything about the advertiser's products and services and in return you get paid. This is what I call your opinion does matter because it is being valued and you can find it here. I never get too excited in my blogging life until now. It really opens the door of opportunity for me to earn.

With Smorty you get paid weekly. They don't even prohibit nor hinder you from getting another way to be paid while blogging. So for those who are doing paid blogging out there you can increase your earnings by joining. And to my blogger friends, start blogging for money here at SMORTY!

Songs I Sing to My Little One

When we become Moms I realize we can also be singers even if singing don't like us, eh? We even invent songs that we don't know if its in tune or not. We hum with different tempo and beat. Not only that we dance too even if we do have all but left foot. This is another beauty of motherhood. We became anything for the sake of our kids.

Since I am a true blooded bisaya when I lull my baby to sleep singing visayan comic songs medley will be included in a long play, that is until she dozed off to sleep. Among others includes the following (just an excerpt of the whole song)

(Tune of Pobreng Alindahaw)

Akoy pobreng limay awto

Mananggot mag-eroplano

Mangisda magsubmarino, ahaaayyy

(Tune of Dandansoy but more upbeat, fast)

Dandansoy inom tuba laloy

Dili ako inom tuba pait aslum.

(Tune of Si Felimon)

Si Felimon, si Felimon

Nangisda sa kadagatan

Nakakuha, nakakuha

Ug isda nga tambasakan

Gibaligya, gibaligya

Sa merkadong guba

Ang halin pulos kura, ang halin pulos kura

Igo ra gipanuba.

(Tune of Istambay)

Istanbay, istanbay sa tindahan

Mangutang, mangutang kami'g tuba

Kon dili, kon dili pautangon

Buakon, buakon ang garapon.

I really don't know who sings all this songs. I only knew of Yoyoy Villame and Max Surban. But I heard my Mom sung these songs to us when we were little. Even with my nephews and nieces back in the Philippines. While I am singing this to my little girl, I also tell her that Grandma is singing same song to Mama. And I know if Grandma is only here she will be singing these to her too.

I Will Survive by a Goofy Violinist

I was clicking on Yahoo's news and stumbled into this feature. The goofy performers played I Will Survive song with funny twist. They made a good job. Hilarious and very creative. Check it out guys!

The Agony of Waiting

Yes my family is feeling the agony of waiting for two things. One for the nursing board exam result. Two of my nieces (my sis' daughter and cousin's daughter) who graduated their BS Nursing degree in the Philippines took the licensure exam in June. Accordingly, the result will be released by PRC August 15 Philippine time and date. Hoping so. We are praying they will pass.

Another thing, my other niece (older sister), who is also a nurse, will give birth for their first baby anytime at this moment. They will have a baby girl too. Her estimated due date is on the 17th. That is 2 more days Philippine time. I called them Monday in PI and she didn't pop yet. I will call them again tonight. I am praying she will have a safe delivery. The baby will be my parents first great granddaughter. I have lots of baby stuff that won't fit Shiloh anymore. My problem is it will take a long time for it to be received in Pinas. The Balikbayan box that I sent early May until now they haven't receive yet. If I send these the baby will outgrow the clothes already.

Anyhow, I am praying that everything will be okay with my nieces.

Shiloh @ 3 Months

Wow can't believe that it's been 3 months now since I gave birth. I've been thinking before I got pregnant if I can handle being a Mom. But know what instinct would really guide you. The first weeks somewhat is chaotic but afterwards you can do things like a pro. My only drawback at times is my being a worry-wart. I think this is common for first time Moms. Anyways, I still have a long way to go, in fact a lifetime of sweet and bitter taste of motherhood. But so far I am savoring the sweetest experience of being a Mom.

As a proud Mama every little detail of our little one we don't fail to record, aren't we Moms? So here is a list below of our Shiloh's milestones below. Some are recap from previous entries.

-----Can lift her head and legs when lying on stomach.

-----Can push herself up while kicking when she's on her back.

-----Can hold her head already. Muscles begins to tone now.

-----Can bring both hands together and bring to her mouth.

-----Can sleep longer (4-6hr) now during night time.

-----Everything she can hold she brings it to her mouth.

-----She's a grabby. She grabs my shirt and my bra everytime I nurse her. Even her bib she always try to pull it.

-----She loves to touch things. When we're lying together and put my face near her she'll reach out and touch it.

-----She can bat her toys hanging in her gym mat, bouncer and carrier.

-----She entertains herself and loves to laugh a lot. I already heard her giggle, sounds more like a short screech..

-----Before she don't like to stay long on her back, but now she's liking it.

-----She still hates to be on her stomach longer too. Though she started to roll over. I saw her did it twice by herself. This morning and two weeks ago. Sometimes I help her especially to position her hands coz I'm afraid she'll twist it when she roll.

-----She loves talking to her Dad. She answers him with ohhhsss, ahhhs, bahhs, she'll coo a lot too.

-----She loves taking a bath, eversince. I hope it will not change.

-----No more rashes, acne, dermatitis. Cross my fingers not to appear anymore. Only gas and congestion left. Pray this will disappear soon too.

Aug. 13 - Shiloh @ 3 months. Early am when she woke up. She's kicking and pushing herself around.

Congestion, Anyone?

Eversince day one that Shiloh was born I noticed that she has congestion. Her nose sounded stuffy when she breath. When the Pedia checked her the next day I mentioned it to him. He told me that newborn's nasal passages is still small and they breath through their nose. That is why we can hear noise when they breath. And he said the congestion will disappear. Since he told me it's fine so I had my peace.

When we went back to the clinic after 2 days of discharged we were given nasal drops (saline solution) to be given if needed. The thing with it is that I can't bear to look at when we suction her nose. I always leave to hubby to do it. Everytime hubby drops the solution into her nose I will really look away, promise.

During her 2 week and 2 month visit, I mentioned it again to her Pedia. Same as what they told us before that it will go away. Hubby asked if there is certain age that this congestion will go away. Honestly we did everything they told us, clean the humidifier everyday, keep her away from fluffy things, no baby powder, no perfumes, etc. But still she's congested. Until now that she's 3 months she still have it.

I don't know what to do with it. I may just be impatient but it's so pitiful to look at your baby and hearing her congested breathing. When we put her in her crib or in our bed we have to elevate her head part. Although she still get enough sleep but I have to always check on her. Sometimes she appears she's choking then she'll cough out in her sleep. She's a happy baby if not only for this congestion as well as being gassy, mommy will be a happy camper. I always tell my daughter if Mommy can only take it away from her I will in a flash.

Weight After Giving Birth

My pre-pregnancy weight was 96lbs. That shows that I am a petite person. When I got pregnant I only gained 26lbs. My tummy got real big. My friends and coworkers told me that I am all tummy. They also said I may have a big baby if I am not watery. My manager asked me if I got stretch marks because of how my stomach bulging out. I can't tell by then coz my skin stretches that I can't see any marks. During my pregnancy also I didn't retain any water at all. My shoes and sandals that I wore before I can still fit it even until the last days of my pregnancy. I think it's because I was working the whole time and I always walk.

When I went to my prenatal checks I would always ask my OB if I am gaining weight properly or should I need to gain more. My OB said that there is nothing to worry about because my weight gain is great and it is proportional to my stature. The baby is doing great as well, very active and the heart rate is always steady at 150 everytime I go for check ups.

Three days after I gave birth my weight exceeded my weight during my last month of pregnancy. The OB told me that it is all the fluids that was retained in my body. When I gave birth I was hooked up to different IVs. All the fluids were retained hence I appear bloated. After 2 weeks all the fluids was gone. When I had my 6 weeks check with my OB she asked how did I shed all those excess weight. My weight was already 99lbs, 3 lbs more than my pre-preg weight. My only problem is the somewhat jelly belly ( flabs) in my lower abdomen. I was told that it is natural. It will tighten up in time. I have four 3 inches stretch marks that runs on my side and the linea negra is still visible. I hope it will disappear soon.

Right now I weigh 97lbs. What I noticed though is that all my XS and S shirts/tops from Aero, AE, Mossimo, A&F, Gap, Old Navy and others I can't fit anymore. The pique polo that I am wearing now from these brands are from medium to large. I think its because of my enlarged chest and shoulders. I can't wait for my flabs to disappear soon so I can now wear my 0-1 jeans.

Working Mom

Eversince I graduated college I have been working. Three months after I got here in the US of A from Philippines I already work. The day before I gave birth I was working. When the reality came when we have the baby I was thinking would I be able to do it. Go back to work or stay at home?

Here in the US you really have to weigh everything because it is not like in the Philippines that it is easy for you to get help. Your option here is to leave your baby in day care or have a private nanny which is very expensive. Day cares here accepts 6 week old babies but the fee is more than when you have a toddler. You also have to weigh the monthly fee for day care if it is worth for you to go back to work. Your salary may just be enough to pay for day care or not, you might as well stay at home.

For myself, I really don't want to quit work and school. And my husband supported me in that aspect. I know it is worth the sacrifice if you quit because you will be there for your baby. He told me whichever for me is I think the best, not only for our baby but also for myself, I should go for it. He also stresses out that whatever my decision is he will support me all the way.

Before I have my maternity leave my manager asked me if I will still go back to work. I said I will. She said that when I get back if I want to work part time she will work on my schedule because she don't want me to quit. That's the only hint that I want to hear from her. So when I finished my maternity leave I went back to work. That was first week of July. As a member of the management team in retail I am expected to work full time. But my manager work with my schedule that is to work only during evenings of MWF. And opening during weekends. But our weekends is in rotation basis. I will change my schedule if Shiloh is ready for day care. While I am at work hubby will take care of our little girl. Then during the week hubby also goes to school both online and on campus. This summer quarter I didn't sign up for class because I just had her. But I will sign up for an online class this fall quarter.

I was thinking it will be a very hard decision for me to make. But with hubby's support and my work's understanding, I am able to juggle everything. So far I don't have any problem with our schedule. We still get to find time together as family. All our chores are still being done on time. Although it seems like a handful of tasks to do but with time management and cooperation for us both we were able to do everything without conflict.

Because I was Worried

We brought Shiloh to the ER. Yes you read it right! I am a worry-wart. Little things that I see in my baby that I think is not normal, I get worried. This worry feeling intensified when she was 3 weeks old when infantile acne/sebhorric dermatitis broke out coupled with her congestion that she has since she was born.

The ER thing happened when she was 5 weeks old. We wanted to transition her to bottle feeding because I will be going back to work. During her evening feeding I used a bottle with formula. She took the bottle but after an ounce she started to cough. She had a hard time sucking and swallowing because of her congestion. She choked and had difficulty breathing. The milk and sticky saliva just settled in her mouth making her more difficult to breath. She was crying hard that she became so flustered. Then I noticed that the little bumps on her body became bigger. (nagpantal pantal). She was red all over.

So when my hubby saw me that I was in the verge of crying he told me to get ready and we will go to the ER. It was already 8pm the Nurse on call at the Pediatric clinic was off already. We don't have a choice. Though my hubby wanted to wait until the morning but I was so worried.

While at the ER, before the doc sees us, the nurse took her vitals including oxygen level in her body and it's excellent. Everything was normal with her. She was already pacified til the doctor messes with her. My husband told me to ask the doctor everything that makes me worried. Even the stupidest question so I will be at peace. I know he was worried too he just want to show me he's not.

After the doctor checked our daughter, he told us everything is fine. She has no allergies, no ear infection, no blockage in her throat and the bumps are normal for her age and it will disappear in time. I bombarded the doc with questions even the silliest one. We were discharged the same night and was told to get an appointment at Pedia and if anything will happen again we can come back to the ER.

That was my first taste of what motherhood is all about.

Update on Shiloh

Seems like time is passing by so quickly. Our daughter is now 12 weeks and 4 days. Couple more days and she'll be 3 months. But it is still fresh in my mind the day I gave birth to her. Everytime I look at her I can't help but still in amazement. She is so precious. Every little thing about her is a treasure worth keeping.

Shiloh @ 11 weeks. During one of her tummy times she lifted her head and both her legs. She can remain on her tummy not more than 5 minutes. She wanted to push herself to crawl but only her legs are moving not her arms. In frustration she'll shove her face on the mat and starts crying.

Shiloh @ 12 weeks. She can entertain herself now. When I put her in the swing she will laugh and giggle alone watching her surroundings and exploring her body parts starting with her tiny hands. After staring at it she'll put it in her mouth.

Weather Widget

I have been looking online for a weather widget that I am going to put in my blog site to track what the weather be like in our area. I am glad that http://www.blogskinny.com/ offers weather widgets and badges that you can put in your site to make it more personalize. I opted for this widget below because it gives more information of our kind of weather. It will give me more idea if its good for me to go out or just better stay at home. Specially now that we have heat wave warning, this weather widget comes in handy. I can always check how steamy and muggy is it in my side of the country. You can get one too. Just click on the link below and you will get your own free personalize weather widget.

Free Blog Widgets
Shop at Compare4.us

Baby DVDs

As a new parent, I wanted to make sure that my child is developing normally. I believe this is the ultimate dream of all parents. As well as giving what is best for them. On the aspect of development, we are very conscious of what are the milestones our kids are doing. What they are capable of doing at their age and stage. We even buy stuffs to supplement in boosting their every development. Among other things are baby DVDs that accordingly can help their cognitive development. But the question is can they really?

I don't know. That is why I am posting this entry to somehow solicit some ideas to experienced Moms. Does baby DVDs really help your child's development? Does it helps your kids improving their language skills? How long you let your kids watch TV or DVD?

I have read this news on Yahoo's Health News, DVDs Don't Produce Brainy Babies . The study made sense to me. I agree that if you are going to let your little one watch DVD during their most attentive hours, when they are awake and alert, rather than giving the first hand experience of actually talking to them, accordingly "they will not get the same linguistic experience". The researchers stressed that talking to your babies is more effective. The "warm social human interaction" cannot be replaced by watching TV or DVD.

Teleserye Addict

Yes I am! Eversince I was in the Philippines I am an avid fan of soap opera/teleserye. Many would say its low class/kacheapan but que ber my whole family enjoyed it. As far as I can remember, the first soap opera that I was hooked into was Flordeluna with the late Dindo Fernando and the little girl was, if Im not mistaken, Janice de Belen. Then there was Heredero. An afternoon telenovela with Coney Reyes and Aiza Seguerra. Boy! Those were the days.

As the years passed many teleseryes had been made and shown. And I am still into it. Walang kupas. When I came here in the US I was thinking, "unsaon na lang di na ko kasubaybay" (I may not be able to follow through) with the teleserye in PI. But I learned there's TFC. Unfortunately the place where we live in KY before don't have it. Since I was subscribing ABS-CBN online when I was still in UK. I continued it. Until now that we are already here GA I am still a subscriber. It's about 3 years now that I subscribe from it. I get to watch shows just like I am in Philippines. They have new shows that are real good. And the soap operas more shorter than before which take for years and years. Right now while typing this I am also watching Ysabella with Judy Ann Santos and many others. After this other teleserye and shows follows through.

Here I also watch the soap opera like Days of our Lives, All my Children and many others that I heard was on for decades already. My husband talked me into it. He's a soap opera fan too :-) He said he grew with it. And if he's at home during weekdays he'll definitely watch it. But I can't sit long and watch those. I don't know somehow I am confused with all the going ons in the story. Well anyways, this is what we are, teleserye/soap opera fanatic.

SHILOH @ 10 weeks started to sleep longer in her crib. But still wakes up every 1am and 3 or 4am for feedings.

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Beef Kaldereta

I am not a good cook but a trying hard to be one. I usually browse thru online recipes or copy on my friends blogs food that I like to cook. When I make something husband, my critic, would always praise my cooking as if I'm pro (unsaon na lang ug sawayon hehehe).

I was visiting Lanie's journal and I've read her post about her recipe beef kaldereta. I also mentioned to her that I will try to make the same thing during the weekend. So last night after I got off work I made it. I followed her recipe and direction but I didn't put chili peppers and the sausage I used is italian not the german sausage she used. I haven't seen one at the Commissary where we go for grocery shopping.

Here's a pic of my beef kaldereta.

Thanks Lan for sharing your recipe. I may have to try your famous cassava cake when I can find the chance.

Tax Free Weekend

What a chaotic weekend at the mall where I work. The parking was full packed. Throngs of people swarmed inside. All the clothing and shoe stores were overflowing with parents doing back to school shopping for their kids. They took advantage of the tax free days to save money and buy more stuff for their students. This tax free days happened every year during August before the start of the school year. The eligible merchandise ranges only from clothing, shoes, school supplies, computer accessories, electronics. Basically things that are needed by students. Since I'm working in a home decor store we don't have any eligible items that is tax free. But it's very funny that some people still ask why we don't have any tax free merchandise. Helloo!!??

Free Movie Ticket

At last we were able to see the Transformer movie on July 29 for free. Thanks to Winster I got my two tickets for free. It is a website where you pick a game, you play, and choose what prizes you want. I was able to save $16.50 for the ticket. Before almost every weekend we watched movie. We usually went during night time so we paid $8.25 each plus popcorn and drinks. If I've known this online game site beforehand when there's only me and hubby I would play everyday so I can have movie tickets for a prize. Right now I am playing spell squad. It is a great way not only to relieve stress but as well as improve your vocabulary. My points now is eligible to get another two movie tickets but I am saving it to hopefully get an ipod. If you love online game try this and you will not regret it.

Immunization

Babies when born is very susceptible to many illnesses. Their immune system is very fragile. They needs certain vaccines to boost their immunity.

Before in the Philippines when my nephews and nieces were born I don't remember they have shots as soon as they were born. But here in the US, with my own experience, our DD received two shots on the time that she was born. The shots are the first dose of HepaB vaccine, and to help blood clot formation, Vitamin K. Then we were told by the attending Pedia the next immunization schedule will be on her two months well-baby check up.

July 16, Shiloh had her doctor's appoinment. Aside from the physical and vital exams she received four vaccines. Three shots and one oral. The oral vaccine is Rotavirus vaccine. Rotavirus is a virus that can cause severe diarrhea, especially in babies and young children. This vaccine will prevent them to have diarrhea or certain diseases caused by rotavirus. Three doses is given orally from 2 months, 4 months then at the age of six months. The other three vaccines were given as injectables. The DTap, Diphtheria Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccine; IPV, Polio Vaccine; and Hib, Haemophilus influenza Type b Vaccine.

While Shiloh receiving her shots Daddy didn't fail to get pictures to show her when she gets older about her baby shots. And Mommy almost had a heart attack when baby got her first shot and started to cry. Here are some pics below:

Receiving the Rotavirus vaccine. Didn't like the awful taste; and

with this (2) shots on the left thigh and then

one shot on the right; poor baby ended up like

this!

She didn't cried like I expected her to. After I picked her up and rock her she stopped. We waited for 5 minutes in case she will have allergic reactions but there was none. The nurse told us to give her baby Tylenol when she develops a temperature which she had around night time and was gone afternoon the next day. Her thigh a bit swollen from the shots that she will protest when I accidentally pressed it to my sides when I'm nursing her. I was glad she wasn't cranky that night. But just the same I didn't have any sleep at all coz I was so worried she got sick. I wish there's another way of giving those vaccines without them getting hurt. Do you agree Moms?