Monthly Archives: May 2009

Weekend Soiree #65: A game of comment interaction

The game is easy! I will ask a question. The first person who comments will answer my question, and will leave a question for the next person to answer. This next person will answer that question, and leave a question for the next next person to answer. I am sure you get it!

To make things more fun, the questions have to reflect the chosen theme. For example, if the theme is VEGETABLES, all questions should relate to that topic. How do you enjoy your brussel sprouts? Do you have any techniques to get your kids to eat their greens? As much as possible, let’s not repeat the questions for added fun! You are welcome to play more than once.

Let’s take a look at or remember or dream of baby bumps for our 65th weekend soiree!

The theme: PREGNANCY

The question: What food couldn’t you get enough of when you were pregnant?

Click here for past themes.
Credit: Image by biewoef

A belly-good pillow!

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A growing belly makes it harder to sleep at night. Pillows will definitely make a pregnant woman’s slumber comfortable, for as long as they’re the right ones AND strategically placed.

I have a long, cylindrical pillow to support my back. There’s also a pillow I put between my knees when I sleep. There’s one or two pillows to support my head. And there’s this pillow to support my heavy belly.

Just roll your belly on to it and you’ll have a good night’s sleep! This maternity pillow has been a big help to me. I started using it on the latter part of my 5th month, when I was beginning to feel a strain on my back and belly when I’d sleep.

Why did I get this pillow? A maternity pillow caught my eye at SM Department store but it cost around P1,500. That was too pricey for me! So for the next nights I tried rolling up a blanket beneath my belly, or putting a small pillow, but I’d still feel uncomfortable. Defeated, I told myself I’d just give in and buy that expensive pillow. Anything to relieve myself of stressful evenings.

To my happiness, we stumbled upon this maternity pillow at Baby & Co. in Power Plant, Rockwell. Great value too as it cost only P500! Plus, it was a reputable brand (Uratex) so I knew I was getting a good buy. And a good buy it was!

Because it’s made from “Sensory Foam,” the pillow immediately conforms to and supports the weight and shape of your body. Read more about the material from the Uratex site. They don’t feature this maternity pillow in their site though!

I can’t rave enough about the immense comfort it brings. My almost-seventh-month belly rests better, my back doesn’t ache, I feel better, and I feel my baby is more comfortable too. This has definitely eased me into dreamland much, much better. It is indeed a belly-good pillow!

Let’s go for a 120-day maternity leave!

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House bill filed extending 60-day maternity leave to 120
By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 13:18:00 04/29/2008

MANILA, Philippines — A bill extending the maternity leave benefits for women from the current 60 days to 120 days was filed Tuesday at the House of Representatives.

House Bill 3973 known as “An act increasing maternity leave benefits from 60 days to 120 days or four months” was initiated by Gabriela Women’s Partylist Representatives Liza Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan.

“Extending the period for maternity leave will not only give mothers the opportunity to fully recover, it will also give them the chance to breastfeed infants during the first four months,” Ilagan said in a statement.

See the rest of the article here. Thank you to my friend Haze for this heads up!

What do you think of this house bill? I’m all for it! Those extra days will make a huge difference in a mother’s bonding with her child — more breastfeeding time, more bonding time. It’s great that more attention is being given to maternity health care. I hope that when the the bill is passed (note: WHEN not IF!), there will be corresponding SSS benefits and just as important, support from employers. I don’t see myself becoming a stay-at-home-mom anytime soon, so this bill would create such a favorable, positive impact for working Moms like me.

How do they do it in other countries? Sweden grants either parent a 16-month parental leave. I’m not sure if parents can opt to split the 16 months, but isn’t that great? You get to spend the first year of your baby’s life with him without the worries of work getting in the way. (Note: To read more about Sweden, click here.) Italy grants up to 5 months of leave, France goes for 16-26 weeks, UK up to 52 weeks, Canada up to 35 weeks (which can be split between either parent). Read more about paid maternity leaves around the world here and here.

Not all the months are fully paid by the employer or Social Security, but the amount of time you spend bonding with your newborn is priceless.

Moving forward. Do note that the article was dated April 2008. It’s been a year since this article has been published. I hope action is being taken to bring this bill forward!

I’ve never really thought about this intently, as I’ve never been a Mom till now, but it all really makes sense. I can’t bear the thought of leaving my son when he’s two months old in the care of another person just yet. While I’m confident that I’ll have my family and friends to help me, there will definitely be a stronger struggle leaving a two month old at home versus leaving a four month old.

The above countries cited are all very much developed, and perhaps that could be one reason why they place a premium on parental health care. However, I believe that steps should still be taken to promote better parental health care no matter what state one’s country is in.

What are your thoughts? What are your experiences with paid maternity leave? Is 60 days enough? What’s paid maternity/parental leave like in the country you live in?

Credit: Images from stock.xchg

Trying to eat healthier

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After tracking my food intake the past two weeks, it was pretty obvious that I needed to eat healthier. The good thing is that I’m not into salty food, but my sweet tooth has been throwing tantrums when it’s not satisfied. Krispy Kreme and chocolate marshmallows made an appearance in my meals here and there. I’d justify that I’d only take one piece, but after looking at my two-week food tracking… well, let’s just say all those sweets add up. Ugh. I really need to eat healthier.

Yesterday was my first attempt at being more meal-conscious.

Whole-grain cereal with raisins, bananas and strawberries. While I’ve never had a problem eating cereal for breakfast, it’s different now that I’m pregnant. A bowl of cereal used to last me till lunch. This bowl of cereal lasted me till my mid-morning snack of Roti Prata, curry dip and a bowl of strawberries.

I’m trying, I’m trying!

Other health steps I’ve been taking: I’ve cut my rice intake to half a cup per meal and am continuing to load up on vegetables. I’ve cut down on meat and am more into fish. I eat at least AND at most 5 servings of fruit daily. I take my pre-natal vitamins everyday. I drink at least 2 liters of water daily. That’s what I’m proud of, really. I glug water like a fish.

Continue reading →

Cujo 22 of 52: Bye, Sophie!

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There is a running joke in the family that Cujo has an identity crisis. He ran with the big dogs as if he were a big dog too. We think he felt he was a German Shepherd trapped in a Shih Tzu’s body.

On the other hand, Sophie, my cousin’s other dog, was a human trapped in a German Shepherd’s body. Maybe that’s why he and Cujo related so well.

This post is more about Sophie than it is about Cujo, though. I know Cujo won’t mind.

Sophie passed away this morning. She was a really fierce-looking dog, but I understood she was quite gentle too. I’ve been terrified of her since Day 1 and never hid that fear of mine. But with that fear also came a lot of respect. She was a great guard dog and very well-behaved.

All dogs go to heaven, right? I don’t have an affinity with Sophie the way I do with Cujo, but I’m still really sad. It took me awhile before I was able to collect myself this morning, after reading about Sophie’s passing in my cousin’s Plurk updates.

You will be missed, Sophie. And I’m sure Cujo will miss you a lot too.

How do you deal with pets that have passed away?

This Cujo pic a week is my little tribute to this fuzzy wuzzy family friend. 52 weeks in a year brings you 52 Cujo pics! Here are the past Cujo snaps:

On the sixth year of marriage

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You know you’re addicted to Farm Town when the only way your husband can get your attention is to leave you a message ON Farm Town.

Haha! Me on my laptop in the living room, him on his laptop in the bedroom. After his many attempts to get me to rest, this was the only one that worked!

My husband knows me all too well.

*****

6 years! Lots of ups and downs, swerves and crossroads, laughter and tears. I still feel like we’re boyfriend and girlfriend. We still go on dates. We hold hands all the time. We’ve stood by each other through thick and thin. As my cousin advised me before getting married:

“Kahit anong paghihirap kayang-kaya basta sabay niyong haharapin.”
(“There’s no obstacle too big to handle for as long as you face it together.”)

And I pass that advice on to you! It’s helped us greatly through the years.

*****

We kicked off yesterday’s special day by attending our 1st childbirth class together. It was so much fun! I had hesitations about going to class, but curiosity and the support of friends who’ve taken the class won me over. Only on our first class and I already feel more empowered with my pregnancy. I also love how the husbands are so involved. Again, we can go through anything as long as we do it together — even the pains of labor and delivery!

*****

Last trimester is coming soon! This is the last week of my second trimester. I already feel heavy. It’s getting harder to find a position to sleep at night, and sitting for long periods of time makes my lower abs hurt. I’m beginning to sweat more. I have a double chin. I’ve spotted one stretchmark. My arms are getting flabby. I have to pee more in the middle of the night. It’s hard to get up from bed. I’m starting to get “cankles.” I had my first pregnancy-related “I’m so fat and ugly” feeling last night. I’ve started getting leg cramps in the morning. The energy boost I got in my second trimester is slowly draining.

But despite all that, I feel my baby move everyday. I feel him swim and squirm. I love it when he responds to my voice. I love it when he responds to H’s voice. I love it when he hiccups. I love it when he nudges and kicks. I love seeing my belly grow. I love it when I wake up to his movements. I love it when I sleep to his movements. I love it when my Mama kisses my belly and talks to her first grandchild. I love it when my baby calms down when I caress my belly.

So all those aches and pains? They’re bygones in a split-second when I think about this little boy I’ll be meeting soon.

*****

On the sixth year of our marriage, we’re a family of three. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, universe. Thank you, H. Thank you, love. Thank you, faith.

Weekend Soiree #64: A game of comment interaction

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To make things more fun, the questions have to reflect the chosen theme. For example, if the theme is FASTFOOD, all questions should relate to that topic. Do you have fastfood delivered to your home? What’s the healthiest fastfood you’ve tried? As much as possible, let’s not repeat the questions for added fun! You are welcome to play more than once.

This 64th weekend soiree is brought to you by a number — the number of years H & I have been married starting May 24, 2003

The theme: SIX

The question: Name six online games you’ve found yourself addicted to (currently or once upon a time).

Click here for past themes.

Cujo 21 of 52: Pooped!

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Pooped tired, not pooped pooped. Oh yeah, I’ve been feeling quite tired the past few days. Cujo’s pic above captures exactly how I’m feeling now. Really tired, really exhausted, really wanting to just lay my head on the floor, er, bed and just stare into space. Tongue hanging out is optional. Maybe not. It’ll look cute only on dogs like Cujo.

How’s your week going? Are you feeling as pooped as we are? Or are you saving up your energy for a huge TGIF gig tomorrow? Or perhaps you’re up and dancing because Kris Allen won? Whatever your energy level is, I hope you’re having a great week! Just a couple more days till the weekend! Yey!

This Cujo pic a week is my little tribute to this fuzzy wuzzy family friend. 52 weeks in a year brings you 52 Cujo pics! Here are the past Cujo snaps:

Daddy feels you too

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Dear Timmy,

Today marks the day Daddy felt you kick for the first time.

You are 6 and a half months old now, and you’ve been kicking up a storm the past few days. Daddy would place his hand on my tummy and you’d kick, but he wouldn’t be able to feel it. However, this morning was different.

He placed his hand on my tummy, and there you were, kicking up a frenzy. Despite the early morning hour, Daddy’s eyes were wide open (and so was his mouth, as he was in awe) as he felt you kick and nudge his hand repeatedly.

“Is that him?,” your Daddy asked me several times. I nodded. Then you’d kick him some more. We stayed that way in quiet awe, our family of three. Curled up in bed together, Daddy’s hands on you, my hands on Daddy’s. It was a beautiful way to welcome the morning.

You’re amazing, my little big one. While I can’t wait to hold you in my arms, I am enjoying your little twists and turns in my tummy. You’re my baby acrobat, my little nudger, my baby kicker.

Here’s to more beautiful mornings to wake up to with you and Daddy. I love you, my little kicker.

Love,
Mommy

Photo credit: Sara Coffey

Official New Moon Poster

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Jacob is hotness. ’nuff said. (via JoBlo.com)

Magic happens

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I get moved to tears every time I watch this

How do you keep the magic alive in your marriage?

Weekend Soiree #63: A game of comment interaction

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To make things more fun, the questions have to reflect the chosen theme. For example, if the theme is BOYS, all questions should relate to that topic. How old was the first boy you ever kissed? Is it easier to raise boys or girls? As much as possible, let’s not repeat the questions for added fun! You are welcome to play more than once.

Let’s listen to the pitter-patter on the roof for our 63rd weekend soiree.

The theme: RAIN

The question: Have you ever danced in the rain?

Click here for past themes.

I dream of dumplings

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I dream of dumplings… Dong Bei’s Kutchay Dumplings to be exact. We had this once, only once, during a trip to Binondo last year and I can still remember how good and fresh they tasted!

What makes these dumplings stand out for me is the dough. You can really taste how fresh it is. And there’s no doubt about it because right by the store window, you can observe the restaurant’s crew preparing dough, all by hand. No instant dumpling wrappers for Dong Bei, no machines, just fresh, hand-made ones every single day.

Dong Bei’s Pork and Kutchay dumplings. Ground pork + chives + hand-made dough = Dumplings to dream about. I’m telling you!!!

An order of 10 pieces costs P80.00, while 14 piece cost P100.00. Not bad at all right? You can buy the dumplings frozen too, if you’d like to steam or fry them at home.

The restaurant is very cozy, having only about 4-5 tables for the diners. Don’t expect anything fancy! It’s a place that’s simple, rustic with good food you’d love to back to as its soul.

Dong Bei can be found on 642 Yuchengo Street (formerly Nueva), behind the Binondo Church. Once you get a taste of these, you’ll be Dong-Bei-dumpling-dreaming too!

Hilarious baby commercial

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It’s rainy, it’s dreary, so here’s something to make you laugh. TGIF!

Tell me how many times you watched the ad. Happy weekend you guys!

My Top 10 Feel-Good Blog Reads

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While there are a lot of fabulous blog reads in the blogosphere, there are some that resonate with me more than others. This is my tribute to ten of those many blogs that put a smile on my face, that never fail to brighten up my day. I encourage you to visit them and subscribe to them! They really are feel-good blogs.

1. The Girl with a Curl – J. Ana is creative, crafty, and lots of fun. From cupcakes to quilts to books to her curls, her blog is always a joy to read. I especially enjoy her foodie posts and the stories she shares behind her recipes. Her Earth Day cupcakes entry is one of those drool-worthy posts of hers.

2. Life Candy – Nenette’s funny family moments are my favorite of her posts. It’s like watching a sitcom! She’s also big on living green and I enjoy reading her tips on these. And she’s got awesome hair.

3. A Ball of Yarn – Chinita Jill’s perkiness bounces all over her blog. She tells wonderful travel stories that want to make me grab my travel backpack (if I had one) and just head out! She takes amazing photographs as well which make her travel stories even more captivating.

4. A Perfect Day for Bananafish – Kala is so funny, artistic and a fabulous writer. What makes her even cooler is she’s got a pet robot named Mahmud and imaginary pets. I just love her wit.

5. Secret Agent Josephine – Brenda, a.k.a. Secret Agent Josephine, is super talented. I enjoy reading her posts on arts and crafts with her adorable little girl, a.k.a. Bug, who enjoys the color green oh so very much.

6. Creature Comforts – Reading Ez’s design blog makes me want to wear my pajamas, curl up in a blanket and sip on a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows. It’s just so cozy! The designs she shares are always cute, but my favorite entries of hers are her desktop wallpapers with the quote of the week. Always comforting, always inspiring.

7. Kitchen Cow – To me, Kaoko is the Queen of Bento. She’s quirky, creative and all kinds of NICE! C’mon, who else can make a mouse in your food look so appealing?

8. I Wrote This for You – Some of the quotes are heartwrenching, but there are quotes that make you go, “Oh yeah, this is love. This is life. YES!!” It’s amazing how some feelings are so universal, as this site could’ve been written by anyone for anyone. It just takes one person (anonymous in this case) to put those emotions into words. I especially like this one about “a beautiful mess.”

9. iHanna’s Creative Space – “Create and live happy,” goes iHanna’s header. And that’s exactly what her blog is about — creativity and happiness entwined. Her recent entry, 100 Ideas to Spark you into Creative Action, is a great testament to her passion. She is such an inspiration.

10. The Dairi Burger – This blog is hilarious. ihatewheat rereads her Sweet Valley High books (remember that?) and gives a quick review of each with such bite and wit. She says she blames all her worries on these books, and I can totally relate. Those books just give you a false sense of reality! But you only know that when you’re, well, not in your teens anymore. Always an entertaining read, like one of Jessica and Elizabeth’s many spring breaks.

Give these blogs a visit! I hope they put a smile on your face too. This is my entry to Shai’s 41st round of 52WoC.