Excited for Halloween.

Today's the last day of September and soon enough, it'll be Halloween. And I have to say it again..time flies by so fast, don't you agree? That's the reason why I have long prepared for Asher's first ever Halloween festivity by buying him a costume online last July. Yeah, talk about being so excited. You might have probably seen his pic where he's clad in a tiger costume. Yes, that's what he'll be wearing in each trick or treat parties he'd be attending this year.

First up is Yakee's Harry Potter themed first birthday party on the 12th where guests are invited to come in costumes to celebrate early the upcoming Halloween as well. Then there's the annual Trick or Treat activity in hubby's work (am not sure of the date yet) where employees' kids will be regaled with spooky games & fun and be treated with some cool Halloween treats. Then we might also join the halloween kiddie activities in the malls.

Since Asher is too young for the candies and sweets that will be poured into his basket, I just hope that he'd be given toys instead that he can play with. But the candies and chocos will still be appreciated and very much welcomed of course by his parents {us}. We will be delighted to munch all of them for Asher (just no candies and chocolates from China, okay?). I'm sure that we will all be having fun.

Asher at 6 Months.

Asher will turn 7 months old on Thursday and while I'm listing down his milestone markers for the month, I figured I haven't blogged about his 6th month milestones. I've been planning to digiscrap this but you see, I'm so good at procrastinating that I totally forgot now to do it. Anyway, I'm listing it down for journalling purposes. When I do have the time and the mojos, I'll scrap it soon.

Asher at 6 months:
* Weighs 7.4 kilos
* Cries if playing is disrupted
* Loves sucking his toes
* Can sit upright by himself
* Started on solids (First food was Cerelac Stage 1 Rice and Soya). On the second week, he tasted his first potato.
* Exhibits occasional stranger anxiety
* Has become more clingy to Mommy
* Turns when own name is heard
* Cries when he sees Mommy leave the room
* Gnaws on all things he gets hold of (toys, clothes, and even his rubber mat)
* Can roll on one side swiftly
* Raises butt when lying on tummy and wanting to move (a.k.a. worm move)
* Attentive and squeals in delight when fave tv commercial is heard
* Loves playing peek-a-boo
* Smiles at self in mirror
* First time to attend a birthday party and had a first encounter with a mascot

September Entrecard Top Droppers.

It's the end of the month again and it's time to do some linky love to my top Entrecard Droppers for the month of September. Again, thank you so much for your time dropping by here even though I wasn't able to update this religiously. Hope to return the drops soon.

1. My Opinion Counts - 29
2. The Pond - 29
3. Acakadut - 24
4. Happy Thoughts, Happy Tot - 23
5. Proud Mommy - 21
6. What about Brazil? - 20
7. Mumsy - 18
8. Miscellaneous Adventures of an Aussie Mum - 15
9. Hip to be Mom - 12
10. The Homesteading Housewife - 12

and for the following Entrebloggers who accepted my ad offer and referred my blog:

Make sure to advertise your widgets on their blogs and your EC advertising costs will all be worth it.

Whose Number Is This?

I just got off the phone and I'm fuming mad because a prank caller played a trick on me again not just once but twice. He hang up the phone even before I finish my hello greeting and wonder Who's Number Is This. If only we have a local access here similar to www.whosnumberisthat.com, I would have easily tracked down the caller's details and got back on him. This site allows users to easily collect information about any phone number that calls. On the contrary, you may also be tired of answering telemarketing calls, check out their No Call List Information service and block all those unwanted calls.

Melamine Scare.

While this Melamine brouhaha is shocking and is causing tremendous panic and even paranoia to most countries here in Asia (if not worldwide), I'm a bit relaxed and isn't alarmed for my little Asher. Because I'm sure that what he's drinking is 100% Melamine free. Again, another advantage of exclusive breastfeeding.

So I guess this will be a wake up call to all Mommies out there especially those who are able but adamant to breastfeeding. Go for it all the way if you can. Breastfeeding is the only natural and still the best means to feed and sustain your young...and not a cow's milk.

But I have to admit, I'm a bit daunted too for myself and for the other adults in our household because of those China made milk products the government and other countries have recalled. Even the popular brands Snickers and M&Ms aren't spared. And granting that there are locally manufactured chocolates and dairy products, we're not really sure from which country they've imported the raw milk materials. And what more to be concerned about is the Fontera manufactured Anmum milk. Earlier this month, it appeared to be Sanlu's ,which is part owned by New Zealand’s Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd., milk powder had been tainted with Melamine. I'm an Anmum drinker the moment I learned I was pregnant until now that I'm lactating. So should I stop drinking Anmum for a while until this is cleared or what?

Oh well, let's just hope for the best.

Guess The Gymbo and ON Loot Price Winner.

I almost forgot to announce the winner in my little contest. Thanks to all those who poured in their guesses. The cost breakdown of my loot is as follows:

Gymboree - $ 70.19 (5 items + shipping + taxes)
Old Navy - $ 10.53 (2 items + taxes)
TOTAL - $ 80.72

And with Yen, who secured her odds of winning by giving two guesses of $80 and $81, I'm awarding the $5 Paypal money to her. Congrats, Yen! I'll be sending your prize in a bit.

Meanwhile, as per hubby, Lui advised that the Gymbo items are with her already. They were delivered yesterday just as scheduled. Yahoo! Now I'm just awaiting her home arrival next month to get hold of these items.

LP #26: Puti At Itim (White and Black)

Ito ang aking kauna-unahang lahok para sa Litratong Pinoy. Mapa may kulay man o mapa-itim at puti ang tema, marami ang nagagalak sa bawat kuha at litrato ng aking anak. Bakit naman hindi..siya'y likas na nakakagiliw naman talaga di ba?

This is my first entry for Litratong Pinoy. Whether in full color mode or in black and white, a lot are enamored with every shots and pictures of my son. Why not..he's really so adorable, isn't he?

WW: Too Anxious.

Poor Rubber Ducky!

Gymboree and Old Navy Shopping Loots (Plus a Little Guessing Contest)

The Shopaholic Mama in me struck again last week. My shopping buddies enablers, Kathy and Peachy, buzzed me last week about the online sales of Gymboree and Old Navy.

Old Navy had a 3-day Weekend Sale dubbed as the Best Friends Weekend recently where old merchandises were on 20% off plus free shipping. While gymboree, I think, is still having a baby sale where one can get as much as 50% discount on their baby apparels.

And since I have been working real hard (online) these past few weeks, I figured that it's not bad to do some guilt-free splurging. I'm shopping anyway for my little one. Secondly, the sales are such a steal. You wouldn't buy these clothes in my part of the woods at such a very low price. Here are the stuffs I shopped from both stores.

From Gymboree:


From Old Navy:

Now as a treat, I'm holding a little contest here where you just have to guess the TOTAL cost in US dollars of the above-mentioned shopped stuffs (including shipping and taxes). You are entitled to enter up to three guesses per person (1 guess per comment please) starting today and will run until Thursday 12 noon (Philippine time). The lucky commentor who'll be able to guess the exact (including cents) or the nearest figure will win $5 Paypal money. This contest is open worldwide but you must have a Paypal account to enter. Please don't forget to leave your email addresses so I can contact you and send your prize should you be the lucky guesser.

Just a tip, my loot didn't exceed USD 100! So what are your waiting for...start guessing now!

What I Love Most About Being A Mom.

I know I have posted this in my other blog a few months ago, but I'd like it to post it here too where it should belong..after all, this is my Mommy Blog.


Here it goes..
12. Being honored, paid tribute to and receiving gifts (or treats) on Mother’s Day.

11. Feeling a sense of enormous pride for being able to bring into the world a new being, even putting your life at risk.

10. You get to feel kinship and connection with other mothers.

9. You are adored in a certain way that no one can equalize. That melting gaze at you when nursing or that intuitive cognition when he tries to reach and touch your face.

8. You get to practice virtues such as patience and self-control.

7. You have a work fatigue and stress reliever at home. Just seeing his toothless smiles drive the tiredness away.

6. Being silly playing kiddie games or reciting nursery rhymes.

5. Discovering or seeing the world in a different perspective - first car ride, first swimming, first malling experience, first taste of solids, first word, etc.


4. Baby kisses and snuggling.

3. Shopping selflessly. You’d rather fill your shopping baskets with baby clothes than stuffs for yourself.

2. You get to hear the most beautiful music to the ears - baby coos, gurgles, giggles..those ooohs, agoos and aaahs.

1. You get to realize and know the true meaning of unconditional love.

Being a mom definitely changed my life…there was a paradigm shift, I must say. I waited for this momentous experience for so long and I’m just so glad that I’m finally embracing it. It’s definitely tough but there’s nothing that can give me much happiness and fulfillment than being a Mom.

How about you, what do you love most about being a mom?

Win Good Housekeeping Magazine (Phils) or $15 Paypal Money.

Mommy Pearl of Sharing My Thoughts is holding a contest in celebration of her new domain: http://www.jejeizahfaye.com. This is her first blog giveaway and up for grabs are the following prizes:

One winner:
- One-Year subscription of Good Housekeeping Magazine if the winner is from the Philippines or US$15.00 to be credited to Paypal Account for International winner
- 1,500 EC credits
- free one month 125x125 ads on my site

5 winners of free one month 125 x 125 ads on my site
100 EC credits to the first 30 participants.

The following are the things to accomplish to earn entries:
Required:
1. Add her blog (http://www.jejeizahfaye.com) to your blogroll = 2 entries
2. Leave a comment here = 2 entries

Optional:
1. Fave her in Technorati = 4 entries
2. Subscribe to her Feed = 4 entries
3. Write a blog post on your blog linking back to her contest = 3 entries
4. You can do all these for a total of 18 entries (3 bonus entries)!

The winners will be chosen using Random.org. Contest runs from September 14 - October 5, 2008 (12 midnight Philippine time).

Such a Bad Blogger.

Whew! I can't believe I let the week passed without updating this blog since my last Monday update. Bad blogger. I've been so busy juggling Mommy and wifey duties and online work with online shopping on the side. Haha! Those sales are really tempting. I'm going to share the contents of my virtual shopping bag in a while plus a little guessing game (with a paypal prize) later on. Just my way of saying thanks to all those who constantly visited (and dropped ECs) despite the 5 day hiatus I did.

Makulay ang Buhay (Life is Colorful).

What's with this commercial that catches my son's attention unceasingly?

For weeks now, this has been one of two favorite commercials of my 6 month old son. I'll be posting in another entry his other favorite as I try to scour the web for its video first (if there is). Even though he's deeply occupied with his toys in the playpen, he'd always turn towards the TV and watch this commercial every time he hears it. At one moment, he'll look at it seriously then dances, stomps his feet and flails his arms untiringly later. It's just so fun seeing him enjoying this. Hope I can catch it in video one of these days.

Well, it's no doubt, the reason why my son loves this is because of the jolly voices of the singing kids plus the cartoon effects and colorful scenes make it more interesting for a kid or an infant (in my son's case). Hope Asher will also love the vegetables I'll be feeding him as conveyed by the commercial.

Here's the translation of the lyrics:
Title: Makulay ang Buhay (Life is Colorful).

Vegetables, you'll search for them when not served
Sauteed vegetables made meaty by Mom
That's why vegetables are my favorite

Life is colorful
Life is colorful with Meaty sauteed vegetable

By the aroma alone, you can already taste
With the taste, you're a winner
Bitter gourd, stringbeans, sayote (chayote), squash
It's happier if it's sauteed with Meaty

Life is colorful
Life is colorful with Meaty sauteed vegetable

For every bite and chew there's happiness
Full of nutrients, full of energy
It make us very very happy both in studying and playing
So come on kids and taste it

Life is colorful
Life is colorful with Meaty sauteed vegetable

Life is colorful
Life is colorful (it's yummy) with Meaty sauteed vegetable

The Wonders of Breast Milk.

I am one proud milk machine to my dear Asher. Whenever someone asks me about Asher's formula milk brand, I always proudly say that I exclusively breastfeed him and we have a small can of formula but it just sits on standby in the cupboard untouched. I'm such a believer of breast milk wonders and benefits thus, I do really plan to be his milking cow until I can.

Just sharing a bit of info about the oh-so-many holistic uses of breast milk (other than a baby’s source of food) that I got from freedompondmoonworks. And I do believe in its wonders because I myself has proven its effectiveness when Asher has mosquito bites. So to breastfeeding moms, lucky you and your loved ones because you’re a one walking-first-aid kit.

*Eye infections: Squirt in an open or closed eye. If the eye is closed have the person lie back, squirt it, then open his or her eye. Do this four or more times per day.

*Plugged eye ducts: Squirt into the eye crease at the nose. Do this four times one day and two times the next.

*Conjunctivitis (”Pink Eye”) / Styes: Same as Plugged eye ducts, but continue with four times daily until the crust is gone.

*Sore/cracked nipples: Rub into nipples and air dry.

*Scratches / Scrapes / Burns / Gouges: Squirt and air dry, bandage, etc. as normal.

*Diaper rash: Squirt and air dry.

*Mosquito bites / Ant bites: Squirt on bite and rub in. Stops the itching.

*Ear infections: Squirt or pour into sore ear. Can also then follow with warm (not hot) olive oil and garlic.

*Acne: Wash face with water, then follow with breastmilk squirted on to a cotton puff and apply all over face.

*Sore throats: A squirt of breastmilk, either directly or applied from a sterile plastic cup.

*Stuffy noses: Squirt into nose and suction or squeeze out as you would with saline.

*Contact lenses: If you have an irritant under your lens and forgot your eye drops, take it out, hand express to get a nice little stream going to rinse contact off.

*Eye puffiness and redness: Express breastmilk and pour over eyes. Does as good of job, if not better, than tea bags!

*Cold sores/Fever blisters: Express a small amount of breastmilk onto clean finger and apply immediately to cold sore. Ends pain and helps speed the healing process.

*Chicken pox: Use as you would Calamine Lotion or other ointment.

*Chapped lips/skin: Express a small amount onto fingers and wipe over lips or skin. Do not rub it in…leave a little wet. (This feels great on chapped lips and it normally only takes a day or two to clear!)

Are You Like Your Mom?

You Are Somewhat Like Your Mom

Believe it or not, you and your mom are pretty darn similar. It may not seem like it at times, but you and your mom have a lot of common ground. Over time, you'll probably get closer ... especially if you emphasize the things you like about each other.

Are You Like Your Mom?

Contrary to the norm that girls are more likely close to their mothers, I am not. It is because, sadly, I grew up in a broken family under my Dad's custody who has the means to raise all three of us (my elder sisters and me). But nevertheless, despite of the troubles and pains in the past, I am trying my best not to dwell on the negative side, of how we see our mom. Because no matter what happens, she is still our Mom who carried us in her womb for nine months and brought us into the world. As for the results, yeah, I'm a bit surprised that we're somewhat the same..it's okay after all, she's still my Mom.

Quote of The Day: Discovered Love.

In school, we sat on the chair and gained knowledge.




In church, we sat on the pew and acquired faith.



At home, we sat on Mom's lap and discovered LOVE.

WW: Like Father, Like Son.

The two most important boys in my life.

Whenever people say that my son looks more like his father than me, I am not offended. In fact, I want him to grow exactly like his Dad - smart, jolly, goal-oriented, responsible and kind-hearted. Seeing him adapting his father's ways (e.g. sleeping) as young as he is right now, I'm stoked. He's on his way of making him his idol.

Busy Mama.

Monday today and mine's pretty busy..I'm 100% occupied with mommy duties today. The nanny's gone for 3 months and the husband's back at work and although, the maid is here, I can't expect much help from her because she has the whole house to attend to. My mom's gonna be here tomorrow though so I've got extra help while I resume my work. I have to postpone the posting of our weekend snapshots, too. I could have uploaded them this morning and blogged about it while the little one took a nap but my internet connection was intermittent. I couldn't even open and read new emails. It seems it's okay now but I can't fully concentrate because I'm also closely watching the little one who's now busy playing in his playpen.

And oh..this also explains why I haven't been dropping EC cards lately. I'll make it up soon and that's a promise. :)

So there, just a quick post. Be back later.

Spread The Christmas Spirit.

Tagged by Ann.

Starts here.
It’s so simple. Copy the photo below then write your blog and your wish this Christmas 2008. Your wish has to be something PRICELESS and SELF- LESS… something that money can’t buy… something that another person will treasure dearly.

1. Bits and Pieces by Jan: I wish Gino and I will be able to convince friends to help us sponsor a simple Christmas party for the children of White Cross Children’s Home in San Juan.
2. The Wifey Diaries by Jannesse: My birthday falls on the 22nd of December. I have always wished to spend it with orphaned or abandoned kids. I’d be super happy to spend my birthday with them. That way, they get early Christmas presents from me. Oh, and can I wish for a baby, too? Please?
3. The Versoza Inc. by: Con: I’d like to have a simple Christmas party for all the children of our employees. Times were hard on our company this 2007, but still, the Christmas Spirit should not be overpowered by it. Christmas is about family. So our Christmas party should not be for employees only, but for their families as well. Also, I wish our clan would make it a tradition to have a Christmas gift giving project. My Tita Doi started it last year with the Antipolo church children. I am looking forward to this year.
4. Mommy On Top: I wish I could help a couple of kids (both are related to my kids’ nannies) finish their education so they can, in turn, help their family earn a living. I could try and help them find a job, but without finishing their studies, they can only go too far. With a diploma or at least some certificate of formal education, they could do so much and reach farther. I hope my efforts in hooking them up with this certain NGO will come out with favorable results.
5. Me, Myself and I: I wish that I could donate something in a charity or for anyone who badly needs a help this year. And of course, WORLD PEACE!
6. Life’s Little Secrets: I wish God will grant those couples who were praying for them to have a baby. I wanted them to feel what happiness a child can give to them, for them to have a family they can call their own. I know this people are capable of rearing a child and I think it’s not that much to grant their prayers and wishes. *wink*
7. Swept Away: I wish that the government can set the NFA Rice cost at Php 1 a kilo (or even for free..the better) so that the impoverished Filipino families have more than a cupful of rice to serve and feast upon on their dining table.
8. Official Chosen Fate: I wish that sick babies and little kids afflicted with serious illness be totally cured so they can just play, grow and enjoy life.

I'm tagging Yen, Peachy, Diane, Rashieka and Jacq.

The Pregnancy Facts Tag.

I spearheaded this tag in my Swept Away blog a few months back and I'm pleased to see, through my Google Alert, Moms joining and playing along with this tag. The 9 months journey of my pregnancy was a one rollercoaster ride so I'm keen to see and read other Moms' story about it. To everyone who played along, thank you for sharing your story. I just have to repost it here as this is now my dedicated mommy blog and link back all Moms who played along. If you still haven't done this, consider yourself tagged.

–{{START COPY HERE}}–

Moms Who Played Along: Mai | Yen | Eds | Jacq | Kathycot | Mhay | Peachy | Butchay | Vannie | Lilet | Dez | Cay | Arlene | Wheng | JennyR | Bonz | Aggie | Farah | Berry Blog | PinayMama | Rai | Lourdes' Mia | Mich | Vhiel | Anne | Pinay Mommy Online | Mama Sheryl | Liza | DanaDebbie | Alpha | Annette | Litzie | Aimee | Ailecgee | Abie | Toni | Stephanie | Nell | Steph | Becoming A Mama | Norm | Cee | Jacque | Berna | Nol | Marshi | Fawnahareo | Jenny | Amore | Rachel | Jeng | Jane | YOUR NAME

Preggy Facts:
1. Who did you first inform about your pregnancy and how?
:: Hubby. I planned to brew a surprise but the super-excited-me blurted it out as soon as I stepped out of the bathroom.
2. Maximum weight?
:: 129 lbs
3. Cravings?
:: Boy Bawang, Mentos Fruity Candies, watermelon, pasta, sopas, chicken sandwich, Fruitas Mango Shake, Dunkin Donuts Boston Kreme
4. Aversions?
:: Nilaga, Tinola, Sinigang, Siomai, KFC, fried processed meat, Kokey (lolz)
5. Morning Sickness?
:: Yep, it was bad..more of all-day-sickness.

D Day Facts:
1. Number of Kids/Deliveries?
:: 1
2. NSD or CS?
:: Normal with Epidural sedation
3. Girl or Boy?
:: Boy
4. AOG (age of gestation) on Birth?
:: Asher was 38 weeks and 6 days
5. How long in labor?
:: My waterbag ruptured at 2 AM then it took Asher 19 hours before he finally came out.
–{{END COPY HERE}}–

Greet and Kiss Asher!

It's Asher's 6th month birthday today. Go ahead..now's your chance to smooch my little sweetie!

Happy 6th Month Birthday, Asher!

Please Don't Grow Up So Fast.

To my one and only little Asher,

Today you celebrate your 6th month birthday. It's been six months since our journey began; you as a neophyte being, so innocent of what the world has to offer and I as a first time Mother, who's striving to be the best Mom that I could become. I am stoked how time swiftly flies but I'm amazed more of how fast you're growing. In fact, I don't want to blink as I might miss your next milestones and feats..proofs that you are indeed developing and thriving well. Continue to grow my little one..but please, not so fast. I love every minute I'm taking care of you despite the sleepless nights, tiring nappy changes, never ending nursing, deafening screams and inconsolable cries. I won't get tired doing all these because that's how I love you so much. Happy 6th Month Birthday my darling!

Xoxo,
Mommy Mai

My Family.

Created at pYzam.com

This is our small, happy family.

* DADDY *
My Daddy works in a known BPO company as a software programmer. He's a licensed Electronics and Communications Engineer but didn't get the chance to practice his field when he started working with an IT career after graduation. He loves his work though and he's the one who tutors Mom when she has questions regarding blog html codes. He loves playing basketball and DOTA (online game) if he's not playing with me. I squeal in delight whenever I see him arrive at home from work.

* MOMMY *
My Mommy used to work in an office but after giving birth to me, she resigned as she wants to personally take care of me and be with me all the time. She's a stay at home mom now but earns a little online writing reviews and blog articles. If she's not feeding me, or if I nap and all chores are done, she loves blogging, twittering, surfing online and digiscrapping my pictures.

* BABY ASHER ~ ME! *
I am still small but according to Mommy, I grow so fast. I am the apple of Daddy's and Mommy's eyes. I love playing, babbling, napping, bathing and of course, when I am nursed by my Mommy. I love drinking milk and I smile and squeal a lot when I've just been fed. I'm celebrating my 1st birthday in six months and I want to have a party filled with colorful balloons. So if you have spare coins in your purse, please feel free to drop it in my piggybank located at the right sidebar. I'll ask Mommy to open it before my birthday so she can buy me lots of balloons and a yummy cake.

Blog Trip Day 2 - Fill Up Your Tank

Today's day 2 and for our next pit stop topic, it's all about gas prices. Oh well, daily local evening news isn't complete without featuring oil companies' gas price increases (which is the usual trend) or rollbacks. I missed the news last night so I'm not just sure about the latest rates. From what I recall the unleaded gas cost when we tanked up last Sunday was about Php 56++/liter. The US dollar to peso conversion by the way is USD 1 = Php 46.29. With an ailing economy as our country's, it's definitely MUCH. It used to be just Php 25/liter not so many years back but with all the not so good economic factors, the price skyrocketed now to almost Php 60/liter and I'm sure, it'll shoot up more. This is the reason why we just go out and limit our malling on weekends to save on gas while hubby, instead of bringing our Green Machine to office which is just a stone's throw away anyway, just commutes.

Want To Win These For Your Baby?

Well, I do. I love blog contests especially if the prizes up for grabs are those that I can win for my little boy. If you'd also like to earn a chance of winning these items or any other preferred stuffs in the Happy Panda boutique, just hop over to PMKU's site for the mechanics. At stake are 3 gift certificates in $25, $50, $75 denominations. And oh, even if we're in Pinas, we're eligible to win as this contest is open worldwide.