Some More "Where" Antics.

As mentioned before, he now can associate words to certain things and when asked "where is it" he'll automatically look at them (perhaps his way of pointing for now). To date, here are now the things and persons that he's familiar with.

"Where's Daddy?"
He stares at his Dad.

When we're in Frisco (in-laws):
"Where's Lolo?"
He looks for and stares at his Lolo Jun.

"Where's Lola?"
He looks for and stares at his Lola Liz.

"Where's Papa Jesus?"
He looks up and stares at the framed Image on our room's wall.

"Where's the Christmas tree?"
He looks for the big Christmas tree in the living room.

"Where's the light?"
He looks up and stares at the ceiling.

"Where's Jumong or Margie?"
He looks for my in-laws' dog and cat.

When we're in Makati:
"Where's 'Hello Lolo'"?
He looks at the black phone. He and his Lolo always talk over the phone whenever my Dad calls from overseas.

"Where are the butterflies?"
He looks on the hanging butterfly ornaments in the living room.

"Where's the fish?"
He looks at the hanging colorful fish ornaments in the kitchen wall.

"Where's the angel/Christmas tree?"
He looks at the big tree in the living room.

"Where's the ball?"
He looks and gets his Fun Ballz plastic balls.

So there..the list is definitely getting longer. I wonder what will his next antics be.

"Ma-ma".

My heart's purely euphoric when he first called me "Mim-mi" one time when he was just four months old. But I kept my expectations low as I was sure that he just babbled it incidentally like how a typical chatty four month old baby does, babbling whatever first syllables they could pronounce. As baby books relate, fathers are the first to get delighted because babies typically enunciates "da da" first. Asher was no exception to that except that he first called his daddy, "ad-di". But thankfully, I had my own share of delight too this month. If I'm not mistaken, I first heard him say it exactly on his 8th month birthday. As I was busy preparing his lunch, he was wailing and pleading that I pick him up. He blabbed "mmmmaaa" initially and then when I ignored him and continued to prepare his food, he cried louder and continuously shrieked "mammmm mammm ma-ma" extending his arms and looking at me. Cool! But instead of me pacifying him, I still didn't pick him up because those first words of him calling me really were music to my ears. Haha! Bad mommy noh? But you can't blame this exhilarated Mommy in me. It was the first time he said it, so I just treasured the moment for a few seconds. LOL.

And to date, he continuously calls me that..yun nga lang, everytime he cries and demanding for me. LOL.

Expo Mom Bazaar at Rockwell on December 7.

To all Mommy Shopaholics (like me) out there, be sure to block December 7 and don't miss this shopping event.

WHAT: Expo Mom Bazaar
WHEN: December 7, 2008 10 am to 7 pm
WHERE: Rockwell Tent

This event is being organized by Mommy Matters and Philippine Association for Childbirth Education through Rome Kanapi, Lin Fernando and Janice Villanueva. The same bazaar was held earlier this year and it was a big success as lots of Moms and even Dads and babies joined the fun. And with this next bazaar being held on December, I'm sure shopping will be a lot more fun in time of the holidays. What to expect are most loved mom and baby products, new and unique mompreneur products, and other great gift items for everyone in the family.

Other fun perks to watch out are the following: raffle draws, free family souvenir photo, free Mommy Pages copy, free inflatable ride for the kids while Moms shop.

For more information, check out Expo Mom's site.


I missed the bazaar last May since I just gave birth that time but for this one, it's a must for me to drop by. I bet doing rounds to see all the shop can be tiring and perhaps can even trim down your weight as if you've taken diet pills or exercised but that's okay because it'll surely be a one shopping frenzy to boot.

Mean Mommy.

Spanking your child when you're angry is being selfish, because you'd just be using the spanking to vent your anger, and not really to discipline the child.

Mec couldn't have said it any better on her blog post about how she struggles controlling his anger in disciplining his son. And how I wish, "someone" dear to me gets to know this line, internalize and realize how selfish, insensible and insensitive she has become to his son every time she hits him ferociously.

Sweet and Smart Asher.

There are those tricks and things that I religiously teach little Asher. Most of them, he grasps and learns them quickly while some, it takes a while before he picks it up. Perhaps, he might not be ready yet for such advancement. So aside from his word association skill where you ask where's this particular thing and looks and stares at it, here's the latest sweet trick he just learned.

When I say.."Asher, kiss Mommy"...




He's what he'll do:

And yes, he does this too to his Daddy. He's indeed sweet, isn't he? And at just 8 months, he learned this affectionate gesture without me or anybody explicitly teaching him.

My Handsome Little Hunk.

We attended his Ninang Ena's wedding yesterday and look how dashing and good-looking he was with his Gymboree polo shirt (yes, the one I just shopped). Ain't he gorgeous?

Generally, he was well-behaved and cooperated well with me. We didn't bring Yaya along so it was just mostly me who look after and carried him all throughout. His dad's officemates were so fascinated of him because of these antics:


At the church while waiting for the ceremony to start.


Enjoying the ride and the texture of Dad's shaven head.


Yummy feet???


Munching some Marie biscuits


I love you to bits my little handsome boy!

Asher's Mothercare, Old Navy and Gymboree Loots.

Remember my buzz about the loots I hauled for the little one during the Old Navy and Gymboree Sales the other month? Well, they are all here and I'm one happy Mom seeing all these new apparels for the little one. (On the other hand, my shopped loots for me and the husband are here.) Thank you Peachy and Lui (hubby's officemate) for the shipping favor. Seeing all them is actually fulfilling and rewarding because the money I spent for these are all from my blogging earnings so that makes the husband happy and stress-free,too, because our savings account wasn't touched. LOL. So I'm praying for more online works to come my way so I can save more and perhaps, buy more gifts for the little one or so I can help the husband in buying our digital electronics and gadget whims this Christmas.

Further, the little one also received a couple of Mothercare swimming apparels from my Saudi-based folks. They may still be big for the little one, but of course we're still thankful for these gifts. Definitely, next year he'll get to wear these.

From Saudi:

My stepmom is so addicted to shopping baby stuffs for Asher especially during sales. Look how big the price is marked down for this swimwear shorts at Mothercare.
From Old Navy:

From Gymboree:

The Photoshoot.

And so, yesterday was Asher's photoshoot at Camera Shake Studio in Fun Ranch (Pasig) for the Kids Time Mag 2009 Calendar. I could say that my son might really have a future in modelling because 1) he's so adorable 2) he loves the camera 3) at such a young age, he knows how to project his best smile. Proof: just take a look in my flickr gallery and see that most of his pics are of him with his toothless smiles.

The pictorial lasted for just a few minutes and have a little over 10 shots but all these were absolutely nice. We were told that Mommy Zharina will select the photos to include in the calendar and with all those adorable shots, I bet she'll have a hard time deciding which to publish along with the other babies' pics. The little one really cooperated very well and I must say, he enjoyed it too. He didn't get grumpy nor cried when I placed him on the center and as soon as the camera started clicking and flashing, he charmed us. Even the photographer praised him for being such an easy "smiler". Well, truly, madali lang siya pangitiin at patawanin. Just put on a silly face and play peek-a-boo with him, you'll surely hear his shrieks and squeals seconds later. And so with him being an easy smiler, hubby and I didn't have a hard time "clowning" and grabbing his attention behind the photographer.

No pics yet since we didn't bring our cam and what I know of is, it isn't allowed either. We'll be sent copies anyway so I'll share it as soon as Mommy Zhar posts them on the site. We'll also be given a free 8x10 print. Yehey!

Asher's First Tooth.

His first tooth started to erupt a week before he turned 8 months. I have been attempting to get a clear and up close shot of this and luckily, I was successful (the closest I can get) yesterday with this picture:

I don't know if it's the new tooth but he's been smiling unevenly this way since it sprouted.

His second (just right beside his lower first) is also about to erupt. And yes, I think I'm already prepared and ready to battle his biting antics.

Home Sweet Home..Finally (Continuation)

And so to continue with the little one's hospitalization story (part 1 here)...above are two of his pics showing how he looked like while he's being treated in the hospital. Days before he got confined, he didn't have the appetite to eat nor drink his milk from me. And actually, that also worried his Pediatrician that he ordered for his immediate admission since he was passing out watery poos, vomiting then doesn't drink milk. He needed to be kept hydrated, thus, the IV. Not to mention, in a span of one week since his previous checkup, he already lost about 0.5 kilo.

Sunday: I woke up with a feeling of ballooned head since I barely slept. I was awakened by the little one's series of hard coughs through the night and I had to every now and then keep an eye on him..stroking his chest and back when his itchy throat strikes. Further, I was awakened by the nurses’ rounds almost every hour in the wee hours of the morning. The Pedia told us when she did her rounds that Asher was responding well to the medications given the prior night. There was less wheezing that can be heard with his breathing; still to continue with the dextrose since he wasn’t still eating. At around lunch time, his paternal grandparents visited him bringing us our lunch also. They were surprised to see Asher so active and bustling unmindful of his IV on his right foot…restless as if he’s not sick. He kept on moving and wagging his feet and even standing, putting his weight on that IVed leg. Just as long as he isn’t awakened from his sleep, he wouldn’t cry when a nurse or a doctor checks on him on their scheduled rounds. He would just look at them or if he’s in the mood, smile and play with them. Even the housekeeping guy, he would closely look at his every move as he cleans the room. His Tita BJ, Tito Richard and cousins Kuya Miggy and Kylie visited him in the evening.

Monday: Paul can’t miss work so it was only me and Yaya who took care of Asher. The treatment continued and the doctor said he’s doing good as days and hours passed. His pedia told us we might go home the next day but she’ll confirm this upon her round checking the next morning. And so it was just another day of Asher, playing with his toys or me and yaya taking turns of carrying him when he gets bored. I was also forced to pump milk (since Sunday) because Asher didn’t still want to nurse from me and my breasts were already engorged and they hurt. I was actually worried thinking if he’s already weaning himself. Thoughts were rummaging through my mind, it can’t be. I’m not yet prepared and I still want to nurse him for as long as I can. I’m really that focused and determined to breastfeed him, if possible until two years (and beyond, as the commercial says). One of the main reasons why I resigned from work last June is because I want to breastfeed him..directly. So it can’t be that we have to end it so soon. I was really praying that he’d nurse, because I know it would help him get better faster. It may sound OA but I feel like a broken-hearted guy who just got dumped by a girl he’s wooing. This is the first time that he rejected my breasts and I was so devastated..seriously. Later that night, he must have heard my prayers..he nursed from me before he slept. Even though it was just a brief and speedy session, I was relieved..physically and mentally. Later, he was able to sleep almost straight without coughing…he’s really getting better and I was ascertained that we’d be allowed to go home the next day.

Tuesday: The Pedia checked and cleared him and said that we can go home that same day. We’re reminded to religiously change curtains, vacuum the carpet, avoid fleece blankets and blankets, clean the AC filter every two days, stay away from smoke and all those precautions that would trigger his asthma. Hours later, we were home sweet home.

Here’s a video of Asher while waiting for the discharge clearance. His IV was taken out and look how giddy he was when he saw and heard Wowowee’s Igiling-giling dance number. Yeah, he’s a fan of it.

First part:

Second part:

I thank God that our ordeal is now over. Every night that we were in the hospital I was fervently praying to heal Asher and that to strengthen Paul and me because as parents who were so worried of their child, we were restless the whole time. With our faith and everyone’s prayers as well (thank you so much), Asher is now okay and back with his old jolly, active self. And oh, he’s nursing now and even more frequently that before. His appetite is back as well and is on his way to recover the weight he lost.

A Time to Remember The 10 Commandments of Kids for Parents.

Mommy Zhar of Kidstime Magazine sent this via email and it's really nice. Something parents should really ponder on.

1. My hands are small; please don't expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely. Don't restrict me unnecessarily.

3. Housework will always be there. I'm only little for a short time, please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world and do so willingly.

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs. Don't nag me all day long. (You wouldn't want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness). Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5. I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragement to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I'll be prepared to make the kinds of decisions that life requires of me.

8. Please don't do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn't quite measure up to your expectations. I know it's hard, but please don't try to compare me to my brother or sister.

9. Please don't be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it's a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.

10. Please take me to church regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.

Home Sweet Home...Finally.

Hello everyone..we're finally home. Asher got discharged yesterday after three days of intense treatment for his bronchial asthma. He still coughs occasionally but it's not as severe as when we he was admitted. No more wheezing sound as well from his lungs. He's still under medication to totally dissolve the phlegm and nebular treatment to control the recurrence of an attack. We'll be back at the clinic on Saturday for a follow-through monitoring. Anyway, so much have happened and so many realizations were brought about by this traumatic experience. But first let me recount how our weekend went.

By the way, I wasn't able to blog about this but we rushed him to Makati Med's ER last Thursday (with reference to this post) because of his condition that day: difficult coughing and vomitting episodes, watery stools and on-off fever. His appetite started to recede as well and for the first time, he rejected my breasts for nursing. I was totally restless so I phoned the husband to come home early and we'll bring the little one to MMC. We were surprised to see the ER crowded with crying, sick and irritable babies. Asher, who despite his condition, was so alert and active..seems like he isn't sick at all. He was given antibiotic for the cough and ORS if in case his watery stools and vomitting persists. The next day I phoned the Pedia and asked about the MMC prescribed antibiotic just to be sure. She advised to stop giving it since it'll just induce watery stools. She told us to see her either the next day or Saturday for a more thorough checking.

Saturday: We headed to the Pedia's clinic at 3 pm with a malling plan afterwards. We were supposed to buy a new Christmas Tree for my parents' home in Makati but it didn't push through because the Pedia, upon checking Asher, ordered us to stay for hospital admission. It was that instant that she diagnosed him with bronchial asthma. The culprit she said, could be the erratic weather change coupled with an allergy to more likely dust, smoke and other allergens at home. He needed to be admitted for a more intense treatment and for him to keep hydrated since he didn't have an appetite..he even rejected my breasts (for the first time in our exclusive nursing history). And also to monitor his on-off fever and vomitting episodes earlier. Later, we proceeded to the Emergency Room for some ordered procedures: nebulization, draw blood for the CBC, x-ray and the dreaded IV insertion. It was the most difficult and if I may add, traumatic part for me. I mustered all my guts to see and be with Asher while the doctor inserted the IV on him. He was "wrapped" helplessly with a blanket (to control his expected rowdiness and reaction) then afterwards, he was shrieking and bawling as soon as a needle poked him. To make matter worse, the first attempt on his left foot was unsuccessful (it wasn't placed in the arms because they can't locate a nice vein to insert to) so they had to poke and try again on the other foot. It's really a heartbreaking experience seeing him in pain. I was hugging him and touching his face all throughout this ordeal, whispering words of love and comfort. The husband, who's as shabby as I was, went to a corner and tried to avoid the whole scene. I told him later that he has to be strong because Asher could feel his weakness, all the more it'd be difficult for him. The husband perhaps realized what I said and he stood beside us and joined me in consoling Asher who was still shrieking because it took some time before the whole IV thing got settled.

Just a few minutes later, we were in the room. We were lucky to get a room instantly because most of those who were left in the ER for admission are waiting for vacant rooms. Thank goodness to hubby's company's HMO talaga, or else our stay wouldn't be as comfy as it was. Asher's room was a deluxe private so it's a bit spacious, there's a ref, tv with cable, telephone, a real single bed for the companion and a wifi router nearby (but we have to pay additional Php 300/24 hours for that). But as cozy as it was, I dreaded staying for so long pa rin. There's no place like home, as they say. And knowing the fact that my son is sick, a hospital is never fun to stay at. The husband slept on the single bed while I slept beside the little one on the big patient's bed.

To be continued...

In The Hospital Right Now.

I'm blogging on a Sunday night from neither our Frisco nor Makati homes. Nope, we're not in the beach or in some vacation rentals of that sort, but here we are spending our weekend in the hospital. We had Asher checked by his Pedia yesterday for his stubborn cough and we weren't allowed to go home at that instant and was advised to have him admitted so he can be given a more aggressive treatment for his asthma. Yes, sadly, his recurred cough which later diagnosed as bronchitis developed into asthma..much to my fear. I concurred since I was worrying also of Asher not wanting to drink his milk since Friday and fearing that his on-off fever and having watery stools last Thursday might return.

According to his Pedia this morning, he has started responding to the meds given last night and is doing well. Hope he's on his way to full recovery so we can go home already. Thank God for health insurance, at least that's one heavy baggage off our minds. Thanks to the hospital's wi-fi services, I can still stay connected online while the little one is resting.

Get well soon, my little sweetie.

PH: Together.

The boys of my life in another father and son moment the other week at Noah's Park. Together, they bring so much happiness in my life.

Richwell Trading Warehouse Sale.

For those of you who haven't shopped Christmas gifts yet for your kids, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, and godchildren, this is the perfect event to go to. I first learned about Richwell holding warehouse sale annually through Joy and since then, I have been anticipating for their schedule this year.

Edited: Just so you have an idea how "sulit" it is to shop there, read Joy's '07 experience here.

Richwell Trading's annual warehouse sale where branded toys, clothes and shoes are on sale up to 80% off will be on November 14 - 15, 21 - 22, 28- 30; December 5-7, 12-14, 19-23, 2008. The time schedule is as follows:

Time:
9AM to 6PM (Saturdays and Sundays)
1PM to 6PM (Weekdays and Fridays)

CASH BASIS ONLY

Address:
Creative Trade Center Compound
#6 Industria St., Libis, QC
Tel. No.: (02) 743-1658

Click on the image to view the map larger

Now hubby and I will have a heart-to-heart talk about this. I'm pretty sure this will be a one heated discussion again so I need all the charm and tremendous convincing efforts for his sweet "yes". If ever, I have to psyche him up also so he won't be having a breakout due to exhaustion and boredom and request for an acne treatment if in case this will be a one prolonged shopping spree.

Worried.

I'm deeply worried about lil Asher's sickly condition. He's through with the prescribed medicines (except for Montelukast that has to be taken for 7 days) and his colds are gone but his cough isn't getting any better. Then today, his fever is on and off (ranging from 37.8 to 38.2 degrees) and pood three times with a watery stool. I don't know if this is just teething related..hope it's not something else. I've phoned his Pedia already and instructed me to give him Pedialite tonight and continue giving Paracetamol every 4 hours if fever persists. Argghh..hope he gets better soon as I can't bear seeing him coughing so hard and feeling so irritable. If he won't improve by tomorrow morning, off we go to the clinic again.

Asher's 8 Months Firsts.

Last Sunday, Asher celebrated his 8th month birthday at his grandparents' place in Frisco. We had pansit malabon, a Chocolate Smores Cake from Red Ribbon and puto for his little celebration this month. Our tummies were more than satisfied & full with such a yummy merienda. Here are some pics of the celebration.

And as I do it monthly, here are some of Asher's development updates and other remarkable firsts at 8 months:

* First lower tooth started to sprout. By now, the half part of a tooth has sprouted and can be seen. We're now also seemingly having fights during nursing time because he's learned to bite. His gum might probably that sore and irritated that's why he finds comfort doing it.

* He's now mobile and as active as ever. He has learned to slither on stomach (soldier crawl style) and he can get across the bed or wherever he wants to go. Sobrang likot na as in.

* He jumps and stomps his feet in delight whenever he sees and hears Willie Revillame sings "Igiling-giling" on TV during lunchtime. He is now more attentive also and both eyes are glued on TV every time his favorite commercials (from one, there two additional TVCs that catches his attention so well) are aired:
1.) Makulay ang Buhay
2.) Nido's "Number One" with Sharon and daughters Frankie and Miel
3.) Colgate's "Brush 3 Times a Day"
I know I shouldn't let him be exposed so early on TV watching but I really can't prevent him look at the TV's way whenever they're aired. In fact, even if we're in the dining table eating our lunch, he'd really look at the TV in the living room just to see those commercials.

* He's appeased and would spend some quiet time feeling rough textures like the carpet and his daddy's shaven head.

* He also got sick for the first time -- cough and colds.

* He's getting chattier with his syllables - "a baaa" and "maaa maaa maaa".

* He knows where to locate his butterflies and fishes (hanging ornaments in the living room and in the kitchen). He no longer knows about the red balloon because it has deflated fully.

* First time to attend an EB with Mommy's Twitter friends and babies.

* First zoo visit.

* First Trick or Treat.

Shopping Confessions Contest.

I think I don't need to confess as it's pretty obvious that I've turned into a Shopaholic Mama recently. Well, I've been working online pretty hard and it's my earnings that are spent anyway whenever I do online shopping so this is acceptable and just okay to the husband. Besides, whenever I shop, they're mostly for my little one and there are barely for me.

Anyway if you are also shopaholic like me (whether online shopping or mall shopping), you might want to join the Shopping Confessions Contest sponsored by Ebillme where you could win a monthly prize valued at a minimum of USD 1000 for the best video submission and USD 500 for the best text submission. Wow, that's a lot to add to your shopping allowance, isn't it? All you just have to do is submit your shopping confessions either by video or text and you're on your way to bag those monthly prizes. Should you be interested to join, sign up here and please don't forget to mention my blog URL: http://www.officialchosenfate.com as your referrer.

Toot for Asher!

Hmm, I twitted about how happy I was yesterday because I got an email notification from a baby magazine informing me about this. I didn't blog about it because the details and schedule are yet to be emailed further but since they announced it already on their site today, I might as well share the good news:

My little Asher will grace Kidstime Magazine's January issue as part of their 2009 Calendar Baby Models.

Yey! I'm so excited and so is the husband. Am I a stagemom in the making?

Asher's First Trick Or Treat.

Asher had a blast with his first ever Halloween celebration. Clad in his Baby Tigger suit which was one of my online shopping loots last July (thanks to Ninang Ena for the free shipping from US), he joined the Trick or Treat activity at hubby's workplace last Thursday. But prior to heading to GT Tower, we went to his Pedia's clinic at Capitol to have his recurred cough checked. He was advised to undergo nebular treatment and given Salbutamol to take.

We hurriedly drove to Makati after the checkup since the registration starts at 4 PM. We made it on time despite the taxi cab running so relaxingly and moving as slow as a turtle. We registered then went up to hubby's workstation to dress him up. Minutes later, the kids who were all in dashing, some in scary costumes started trick or treating in 3 different floors. The employees temporarily took a break from their work as they entertained the kids and gave them treats.

Tigger Asher and Mommy

Asher received lots of praises from the enamored employees saying he's such a sweetie cutie baby tiger. One parent even asked to have a pic of Asher taken with his baby because she really find his costume cute. Even though he can't eat those chocolates and candies yet, he was able to bring home a plastic bag and pumpkin container full of treats..of course to the delight of the adults at home. As usual, the little one was so behaved and didn't get icky the whole time we made rounds. He must have gotten tired that he fell asleep on my shoulders afterwards. On our way out, one even recognized the sleeping Asher (already dressed in his casual) and said: "Uy ito si baby Tigger kanina o. Nakilala ko kasi tambok ng pisngi e". LOL.

(Click on the thumbnails to view larger)

Tiring but we both enjoyed the party. Here's the half of his loot of which, he can't do anything but just gnaw and play with it. The other half (the smaller ones) were eaten already or were snagged by the adults.

I wonder what will Asher's costume be next year....hmmm. Before I look into some commercial real estate reviews for a friend's business, I'll check out cool baby costumes online to draft a list of options for next year.