All About Roseola Infantum.

If you've passed by my main nook, you might have already read about Asher's bout with Roseola last week. As any other Mom would feel, I was so worried on the first three days that Asher was having high fever. You wouldn't know that it's Roseola until the rashes appear on the fourth day so just imagine how frantic I was and scared thinking of what could be wrong. His temperature went up to as high as 39.8 degrees and at that point, I was really worried and couldn't help but think that it could be dengue. Thanks to the internet, I was pacified and calmed down as I read about the Roseola Virus.

Here are a few facts I've gathered about this virus so that first time Moms, like me, will be guided too. As I've further researched, I learned that most babies of my online friends went through the same sickness when they were Asher's age so I concluded that the chance of contracting this among babies and toddlers at a particular age is pretty high.

*Roseola Virus, Roseola Infantum or "Tigdas Hangin" in our vernacular (Tagalog) is a common viral infection of early childhood, mostly infecting children between the ages of 6 and 24 months.

- High fever for about 3-4 days
- Pink or rashes appear when fever breaks on the fourth day all over the body. In Asher's case, the rashes started on his forehead, down to his cheeks, trunk, tummy and lastly, on the legs.
- The rashes last normally last for 3 days.
- His Pediatrician says it's just benign. No medications are usually given except Paracetamol to reduce the fever.
- It is also called the "sixth disease" and it is caused by the HHV-6 virus (human herpesvirus 6)
- Irritability and decreased appetite are the common symptoms.
- It is commonly spread through saliva and respiratory droplets in the air from the coughs, sneezes and yawns of an infected person.
- A baby contracting this develops lasting immunity from this virus
- It is entirely different from German Measles, which is a more deadly one.

Today's the 7th day since Asher got the virus. He's been fever free since Friday and his rashes on his face and body have disappeared too. There are only a few traces left mostly on his thighs. However, due to poor appetite last week, it's noticeable how Asher lost some weight. Hope he gets his voracious eating back so he can recover the weight he lost in no time.

Que Sera Sera.

..what will be, will be.

Hubby and I had a very interesting discussion last night while we await for the sleep fairy. We talked about so many things but mostly it was all about Asher..of how he's growing smarter each day..of which student type will he be like when goes to school..and of how will his behavior be like when he gets a little bit older. It was one enriching conversation because we realized a lot of things about our son. We commonly agreed that time flies by so fast and his baby years are swiftly passing by. We can't help but think about his future and we together prayed that God grant us longer years of life so that we'd always be right just behind him, to nurture with him so much love and to take care of him for as long as we can. Our late night conversation ended with a funny quote from the husband. I asked him what does he want for Asher to become someday. Will he be a civil engineer like his maternal Grandpa, a businessman like his paternal Grandpa, a teacher like his Lola, a programmer like his dad? Will he be an outgoing person as her aunt, will he be an internet junkie just like me, or will he be a good gamer just like his uncles who are expert PS3 players. The husband said, he wanted him to become a doctor. "I don't want him to be a lawyer, because I don't want him to become pilosopo", he added. As for me, it's up to Asher. Whatever his heart desires, I'll always just be supportive of him.

Mommy Bloggers.

Today, I promise that I will blog hop and read more Mommy Blogs from now on. You may have noticed that I've been joining the weekly prompt of Mommy Cris' Mommy Moments but my participation most of the time is just limited to submitting my entry link. So this morning, even though my entry is not 100% apt to the theme and it's 3 days late, I still joined. And I felt more than a participant now because I found time to visit the other mommy bloggers' entries and dropped by comments, too. I'm glad I did because I got to witness more precious mommy moments and met new moms who equally rocks and enjoys the rollercoaster world of Motherhood the way that I do.

You Know You're a Mom When...

I am inspired by my previous post about this statement so I'm listing down all the signs or funny symptoms officially confirming that you're a Mom.

1. You carry a diaper bag on a date with husband instead of your purse.
2. You'd rather buy clothings or toys for your kids instead of those alluring and elegant loose diamonds or watches in the jewelry store.
3. You can recite Goodnight Moon or Guess How Much I Love You books by heart.
4. You find Marie, Gerber or any teething biscuit crumbs inside the car.
5. You have shared a 10 to 15-minute conversation about your baby with a stranger at the grocery store or clinic corridor.
6. You own the entire Baby Einstein DVD collection.
7. You hum Brahms' Lullaby at random times of the day even if you're not lulling your baby to sleep.
8. You get deeply affected and cry over Mommy-and-Baby commercials.
9. "NO!" is your most mentioned word all throughout the day.
10. Your digital camera and camcorder is always on standby to capture all those "firsts".
11. Your camera phone and computer memory is filled with tons of your kids' pictures.
12. Your kid's photo is always set as your computer's wallpaper.
13. You justify every excessive crying spell with teething.
14. Your blog contains entries mostly about your baby.
15. You consider Jollibee and Mcdonalds' as your bestfriend, too.
16. You see your Mom in an entirely different perspective and you appreciate her even more now.
17. Your ears are extra sensitive to comments especially if it concerns your kid.
18. You're extra panicky and worry rat when illness strikes your household.
19. Your mailbox contains Baby and Parenting Magazines instead of Fashion mags.
20. You consider parenting as the most fulfilling job of all.

Mommy Moments: School Days

A not so perfect Mommy Moments School Days entry for this week. As you see, my 16 month old son isn't schooling yet. But I do look forward to the time when he puts on his uniform, carry his backpack and lunchbox and kiss me goodbye as he goes to school. Even though he isn't of pre-school age yet, it's never too early to prepare him for schooling. I'm glad that we've exposed him early to love books. In fact, whenever we go malling, we'd rather troop to the bookstore than to Toy Kingdom to buy him board books. Every day, I sat down with him and we enjoy pointing out the animals and things in his Brainy Baby Books, doing the "eat bulaga" with his lift-the-flap books and feeling different textures in his touch and feel books. So far, he's now able to point his favorite animals and imitate their sounds; he can recognize some foods that we eat and he does the munching mouth move. Also, he can now label the figures with their correct names albeit he can just pronounce the first or last syllable..let's say banana, he says "ba-ba" or for fish, he says "ish". Next year, we're thinking of joining him to a playgroup or a toddler class so that when he's 3, he can officially enter Pre-School.

Going Home Tonight.

Finally, we can now go home to Makati. Asher's recovering well from his roseola (check out my main blog later for that story) and my brother who exhibited extreme flu symptoms last week is now also well. I'm grateful to my in laws for adopting us for a week. I'll miss a lot here including the overly fast internet connection but we'll be back next weekend anyway as we always do.

Baby Apparels Online Store.

A cousin of mine just recently ventured to an online selling business. She and her husband sells branded baby apparels at wholesale clothing prices. Most of them are overruns but of high quality still. I think the tags are just taken off. Aside from baby clothings, she also has branded garments for adults such as Roxy, Mango, Hollister, Zara, La Coste and Abercrombie and Fitch. "Fashionable yet within your means. Trendy yet thrifty!" Well, I wish them all the best in this new venture.

Anne Geddes Summer Sale.

Anne Geddes is one of the world’s most respected and acclaimed photographers. Her photographs captures the beauty, purity, vulnerability, and preciousness of children, embodying her deeply held belief that each and every child must be protected, nurtured, and loved. Check out her shop that's having an annual summer sale up to 70% off on baby clothing, accessories, bags and more. The perfect baby boutique to shop for unique baby shower, christening and birthday gifts.

Motherhood Stress

Motherhood can be stressful..that's a fact and I'm sure a lot of you can relate with that thought. No wonder even young moms sometimes put the best wrinkle cream on top of their Christmas wish list along with a pampering spa relaxing session to destress. While this role can be rewarding and its perks of fun and love are truly heartwarming, it can also be the source of frustration and stress. However, it is in us on how we make the pros out deal the cons.

Nestle's The Joy of Wellness Fair.

The Joy of Wellness Fair
July 4-5, 2009 (Saturday and Sunday)
10 am to 8 pm Megatrade Hall 2
5th Level, Mega B, SM Megamall
Entrance is Fee!

Save the dates and treat the whole family to two days of wellness activities like interactive games, basketball shoot-out, photo booths, raffles and more. In pursuit of Nestle's mission on bringing wellness to the whole family, other informative activities seminars, free cholesterol check, cooking demos, dance workouts, parenting session, sports nutrition and fitness activities. Start the Nutrition Month of July with this worthwhile Wellness Fair.

Unique USB Flash Drives and Hubs.

At first, you may conclude that these are just toys and cute stuffs that your can kids can play. But wait until you see and examine them closely. Yes, they are not actually toys. These are some of the unique USB Flash Drives and hub ports I saw while looking on the web for a new flash drive to buy for myself. I can't seem to locate mine. Having a compact storage device such as a flash drive in the bag is a must for an always on the go and techie parents like us.

Dreaming Still.

The dream of taking up a masteral degree in business is not yet totally taken off from my long term goal list. We're just prioritizing things at the moment and perhaps, sooner or later, realizing that dream is just an arm stretch for me. Especially now that the advanced technology of the web has means of doing things easily and just a click away. For example, there are online colleges wherein working adults can turn to. Capella University is the leading online graduate school and is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Capella currently offers 109 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs to students worldwide. More of their offerings and their recent ‘Inside Online Education’ podcast on their site.

“This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.”

Memos From Your Child.

Thank you Kathy for sharing this...a must read of every parent out there:

1. Don't spoil me. I know quite well that I ought not to have all I ask for. I'm only testing you. (hehehe true!)
2. Don't be afraid to be firm with me. I prefer it; it makes me feel more secure.
3. Don't let me form bad habits. I have to rely on you to detect them in the early stages.
4. Don't make me feel smaller than I am. It only makes me behave stupidly "big".
5. Don't correct me in front of others if you can help it. I'll take much more notice if you talk more quietly with me. (I should conscientiously do this)
6. Don't make me feel that my mistakes are sins. It upsets my sense of values.
7. Don't protect me from consequences, I need to learn the painful way sometimes.
8. Don't be upset when I say "I hate you." It isn't you I hate, but your power to thwart me.
9. Don't take too much notice of small ailments, sometimes they get me the attention I need.
10. Don't nag me. If you do, I shall have to protect myself by appearing deaf.
11. Don't make me rash promises. Remember that I feel badly let down when promises are broken.
12. Don't forget that I cannot explain myself as well as I should like. That is why I'm not always very accurate.
13. Don't tax my honesty too much. I am easily frightened into telling lies.
14. Don't be inconsistent. That completely confuses me and makes me lose faith in you.
15. Don't put me off when I ask you questions. If you do you will find that I stop asking and seek my information elsewhere.
16. Don't tell me my fears are silly. They are terribly real and you can do much to re-assure me if you try to understand.
17. Don't ever suggest that you are perfect or infallible. It gives me too great a shock when I discover that you are neither.
18. Don't ever think that it is beneath your dignity to apologize to me. An honest apology makes me feel surprisingly warm to you.
19. Don't forget how quickly I'm growing up. It must be very difficult for you to keep pace with me but try please.
20. Don't forget that I love experimenting. I couldn't get on without it, so please put up with it.
21. Don't forget that I can't thrive without lots of love and understanding from you, but this I don't have to mention, do I?

When Your Toddler Hits.

Thanks Mommy Cris for sharing this. This is very timely because, at 15 months, Asher, according to them, has become more "sungit" and he apparently resorts to hitting when he's angry or when he's not in the mood to socialize. One realization here for me is that, it's just normal for a toddler to undergo this phase. They can't speak yet, so hitting is their means to convey their feelings and their thoughts. I would like to emphasize that hitting, at his age, doesn't make my son rude. As a mom, it peeves me when they label him as "masungit" or "salbahe" because he is absolutely NOT and such behavior is a proof that he's just thriving perfectly well emotionally. I'm not saying that we're tolerating it, but instead we're trying our best to handle it with maturity and right parenting approach such as the tips given below.

Here are some tips taken from iVillage, (article made by Laura Davis and Janis Keyser).

* Model the behavior you want to teach. Often we are so surprised, scared, embarrassed or angry when our children hit that we intercede too roughly. This gives children a mixed message and also serves to make both children feel more tense and upset. Children will better learn from the interaction if you are calm, firm and gentle and use your words.

* Give your child information and help interpret the response he is getting. Tell you son, "It hurts when you hit someone. Jessica is crying (pulling away) because she doesn’t like to be hit."

* Support the victim. Encourage the child who was hurt to speak up, to say, "No," or "Don’t hurt me." Also, help your son make things right with the child he hurt. Maybe he can bring the other child some ice or a blanket or something else that will comfort him.

* Offer your son an alternative. When your son hits someone, he has a good idea that he is trying to communicate. He may be trying to say, "Let’s play," or "Hi!" or "Move over," or "Don’t take my toy." If you can figure out what he is trying to say, you can redirect him to another way to say it. "If you want to ask Jessica to play, you can say, ‘Let’s play,’ or you can bring her a toy." "If you want Jessica to move, you can say, ‘Move.’"

* Supervise him closely when he is in situations where he is likely to hit and prevent any hits you can. If you stay close to your son, you may be able to offer him an alternative before he hits someone. If you see him approaching someone with his hand lifted, you can step in, gently hold his arm and remind him, "If you want to say ‘Hi,’ you can wave or blow a kiss." If you can reach him before he hits someone he is mad at, you can stop his arm, and say, "I’m going to stop you from hitting Timmy. If you are mad, you can tell him, ‘I’m mad!’"

* Learn to anticipate his behavior. If you stop a hit, he may be likely to try to hit again, soon. Stay close to ensure his success and to continue to offer him safer options. The more times he uses alternative methods of interacting, the better he learns them.

* Choose situations where he is most likely to be successful. You may have observed that his hitting happens more in certain situations or with certain children. He may be sensitive to large groups and would be more able to control himself in a small consistent group of children. He may do better when he is outside than when he is inside. He may do better one-on-one with another child than in a group. He may be more likely to hit if he is tired or hungry. He may be successful with a group of kids for up to two hours, but after that, he begins to lose control. If you spend some time observing him and talking to other people who care for him, you may be able to get some clues about when and where he is most likely to be successful. Then you can try to arrange for him to be in those more successful circumstances.

* Choose durable playmates and understanding parents. While your son is working on learning gentleness, it can reduce the stress on everyone if you spend most of your time with easy-going, active kids who don’t take being hit too seriously. Spending time with parents who understand young children’s clumsy attempts at being social, can help reduce your stress and sense of ostracism about your child’s behavior.

* You can remove him from a situation if he seems unable to be successful. If he has had several attempts, or hits in a certain situation, it may be that that situation is too difficult for him. If possible, remove him from the situation and/or take him home and let him try again another day.

* It can take time. Because there is so much to figure out about people, feelings and appropriate behavior, toddlers don’t learn these things fast. It may take a while for him to stop hitting. The exciting thing is that he is not just learning how to stop hitting, he is learning other, more successful ways to relate to and communicate with his peers. With your support, gentle, positive limits and encouragement, he will learn to be a social and compassionate person.

Stock Trading.

Many find investing stocks profitable and brings them riches easily. According to a friend who's raking in big with it, one can actually hit it big time through wise stock trading. Only one has to have the right skills and good judgment in investing one's stocks. It helps that there are online tools that can help one identify the highest return option trades. Power Options is a wise solution for those who are new in this industry and even to the experienced ones because it helps them in sorting and analyzing options trading to achieve the aimed maximum profit yield. Check out their 14-day free trial and take advantage of their easy online User Guide, toll-free support, and PowerOptions Performance Guarantee.

Wordless Wednesday: Bee {un} Happy!

My son loves Jollibee. His eyes grow big in delight when we pass by Jollibee stores and see that big smiling face of a red bee. However, he likes it just still and unmoving. That explains why he was so frantic and wailing in this picture taken at his cousin's Jollitown party. He cried big time upon seeing the huge dancing mascot..perhaps, he realized it's not the friendly Jollibee face he's seen on TV and pictures.

EXPO Dad on July 18, 2009 at Rockwell Tent

After the successful series of Expo Moms in the past, it's now Dad's turn to enjoy an expo full of products and services catering the dads' needs next month.

EXPO DAD
July 18, 2009 (Saturday)
Rockwell Tent


What to Expect:
PARTNER IN PARENTING
parenting-related products and services for dads

YOU THE MAN!
dads’ favorite brands related to sports, health and fitness

TOYS FOR THE BIG BOYS
toys, gadgets, cars, collectibles, hobbies – fun stuff for dads

IN HIS CLOSET
fashion finds for the dads this time

BOYS WILL BE BOYS (for Dad and his boys)
activity providers for camping, swimming, sports, computer games and the like

DAD AND HIS PRINCESS
activity providers for music class, art, and the like

BRING HOME THE BACON
products and services for daddies at work or in business

For those who wish to be part of this expo as exhibitors or vendors, call 7809898 or email inquiry@expomom.com for inquiries.

Getting Trendier Each Year.

I noticed that weddings get trendier each year. Too bad, I'm no longer a member of the weddingsatwork e-groups so I'm so left behind of the recent hits and ins in the weddings industry. I noticed also that many are now into holding destination weddings. Of course, these are hit to the more affluent ones. Boracay is the most popular local choice while some go abroad like Maldives, Bahamas and the Riviera Maya region of Mexico. There are five signature hotels of Karisma Group in Riviera Maya and every resort has something to offer. Hot tubs and hammocks, swim-up rooms with ocean views, white gauze curtains floating over four poster beds, sunset margaritas served by a Beach Butler on a private stretch of sand, exquisitely presented food prepared by expert chefs in gourmet inclusive style, pampering massage - the perfect honeymoon to an ultimate destination wedding.

You Know You're a Mother When...

...the diaper bag is your purse.

I read that from Lilsugar and I find it amusing because I can totally relate. Guilty as charged. In fact, I don't carry around any other handbags when we go out because it's just an added baggage. Travelling with a child is tough if you have lots of stuffs in tow. So where do I put my belongings, I share the diaper bag with Asher! One pocket is exclusive to my personal "abubots" while the bigger partition belongs to Asher.

Further, diaper bags now are no longer the traditional ones. In fact, there are diaper bags now that are stylish, chic and hip not only for the Moms but for Dads as well.

How To Raise A Happy Toddler.

Sharing these tips I got from Babycenter.com. Parenting a toddler is a no joke and we, especially mothers, need all the right information and know the perfect cues to recognize our kids' needs.

1. Learn to read the signs
~ The signs are usually obvious: A happy child smiles, plays, exhibits curiosity, shows interest in other children, and doesn't need constant stimulation. An unhappy child is withdrawn, quiet, not eating very much, doesn't spontaneously get involved with other children, doesn't play, doesn't ask questions, doesn't laugh and smile, and has very spare speech. However, shyness is not the same as sadness, but you'll have to work harder to read his signs.

2. Make room for fun
~ Connect with them, play with them. If you're having fun with them, they're having fun. If you create a 'connected childhood,' that is by far the best step to guarantee your child will be happy.

3. Help them develop their talents
~ Happy people are often those who have mastered a skill.

4. Healthy bodies equal happy children
~ Lots of sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet are important to everyone's well-being, especially children's.

5. Let them struggle with problems
~ Children need to learn to tolerate some distress, some unhappiness. Let them struggle, figure out things on their own, because it allows them to learn how to cope.

6. Allow them to be sad or mad
~ Children need to know that it's okay to be unhappy sometimes — it's simply part of life.

7. Be a role model
~ Research shows that you can pass on your temperament to your children — not necessarily through your genes — but through your own behavior and childrearing style.

8. Teach them to do meaningful things
~ As your toddler gets older, she can be taught how satisfying it can be to help others.

The Boy and His Toy.

I've already lost count how many toys now are filling Asher's toy boxes. We seldom buy him new toys so I was really surprised on how fast they've abounded. He got most of them as birthday presents last March. We're thankful that most are educational toys and apt for his age and development. I know he'll get more as he grows bigger and older. But we have to be firm and watchful because we don't want him to play stuffs that promote violence or those sorts. I know that there will come a time he'd ask me to buy him cheap airsoft guns, well, I will only give in to his wish if he's old and responsible enough to play with it. Speaking of airsoft, I found out that there is an online retailer that carries a complete line of reasonably priced airsoft guns from spring pistols to high end AEG’s, rechargeable batteries, safety glasses, battery chargers and biodegradable bb’s. Should you be interested in purchasing some for your son's or even husband's collection, ZephyrAirsoft.com is the site.

Mommy Moments: That's My Dad!

Asher tugged my shirt and asked to be seated on my lap while I was doing this entry. He exclaimed in glee "diiiii!" upon seeing his daddy's pictures on this post. He even pointed to his Dad's face in each picture. What a lovely sight to behold and how I wish his Daddy was here to witness how delighted Asher is seeing his pictures.

I'm no surprised of Asher's endearment to his Daddy. If Asher could only talk now, he would say that he's thankful to his Dad for being a good provider, for taking care of him, for making him laugh, for playing with him, for the quality time he's putting effort on every time he's home from work..for simply being the best dad in the world.

From me and Asher, Happy Father's Day Daddy Paul! We love you!

Security "Mom".

Asher couldn't agree more with this quote. My heart melts every time he runs to me when he get himself hurt, pointing to where his booboo is and won't stop whining until I kiss it and reassure that it's just okay and the booboo's gone.

To my Asher,
Always remember that I'll always be here no matter what ready to give my hand for you to hold, my arms always wide open to secure you. I won't be tired giving you hugs and kisses because I know that these only, for the mean time, could solve your difficulties. Thank you for the complete trust you're putting on me and may it never wilt until you grow old.

Xoxo,
Mommy

Lifeworks Series Starting A Family Seminar.

Lifeworks Series Starting A Family
Date: June 28, 2009
Fully Booked Top Shelf
5th Level, Bonifacio High Street
1:00-5:30 PM

If only I don't have a commitment on June 28, I would love to attend this seminar. I have seen this ad earlier this month from my Working Mom Magazine, to which I am an avid subscriber/reader. They are behind this seminar called Lifeworks Series Starting A Family and I'm certain that this will be one enriching, effective, informative and fun-filled seminar. Topics will be from pregnancy, to parenthood to taking one's self as a Mom.

To pre-register, send with the subject "Lifeworks 2" to workingmompromo@gmail.com or call 415-2272 loc 3162 or text 09175132291.

Mommy Moments: Outdoor Fun.

My apologies for the late entry. To compensate, I'm sharing a number of Asher's pics for this week. These pictures were all shot the other day. Typically, this is how Asher's afternoon outdoor fun is like. As soon as he's finished with his merienda and the weather temperature isn't that hot anymore, he puts on his shoes and readies for an afternoon walk.

"Come and join me in my afternoon walk"

Asher's first stop was at our neighbor's gate. He's looking for his favorite playment, Ate Bea. Unfortunately, she hasn't arrived yet from school that afternoon. So what Asher found and turned his attention to was the cat in their garage. He let out his loud yet sweet "meowwwww" to get the cat's attention. The cat ignored him. Poor little Asher. So now he's thinking what else can he do. He looked around and guess what he found and thought of heading to next.

He found his Daddy's Green Machine parked so off he went as he waved his hand and said "babay". He probably thought or imagined that his Daddy's aboard and they're going on a ride. "The car's engine is not working..how come? Mommy, if I'll push Green Machine, would it start running? Okay, let's see. I drank lots of milk, had a full lunch and just had a hearty merienda. I'm strong enough to push this. 1 - 2 - 3..pusssh!" The car didn't move. "Perhaps, I have to drink and eat more then. Let's see what else can I do here."

"Hey, there's Choco. The cute, brown furry pet of our neighbor. Choco, where are you going? Can I come, too? Wait..wait for me. I'm running but I don't think I'm fast enough to catch up. 'Yay, walk faster please. Ugh, okay..you're already far away, Choco. Next time, let's have a walk together, ha?"

"I guess, I just have to walk..and walk..and walk..and enjoy this afternoon all by myself. Tin and Kuya Linton aren't around still. I'll just wait for ate Bea..I know she's arriving any minute. Wait, I'm thirsty. Tata for now. I'll go inside and get a glass of water to drink. See you tomorrow!"

Sleepy.

My eyes are drooping low at this very hour. I haven't had a decent, long sleep since the other night. When the sleepyhead me says "decent", it means about 8 or more straight sleeping hours. So what made me wide awake last night? I had to finish some pending works since I'll be offline for most of the day tomorrow. Some are due either tomorrow or Saturday so I rushed a few of them. Also, I waited for my brother-in-law's update about my sister's delivery yesterday. Yep, Asher now has a maternal first degree cousin and she's so cute! I want to pinch her rosy cheeks. Unfortunately, I won't be able to do it until her second year. They're based in Qatar and won't be back home here in Pinas in two years. I've posted pictures of her in my flickr gallery.

Anyway, back to my being sleepy. I've tried eating a lot of stuffs earlier to perk me up: chocnut, sampalok and binatog. I even asked a few from Asher's milk biscuits. Yes, that much. I'm just thankful for my skinny built that I don't need to search for the best diet pills that work to counteract any fattening effect. I may not be worrying about the extra weight but let's see where will this me lead me. My eyes are still drooping low and I yawned about 5 times in the past minute. I won't be surprised to find myself sleeping in the comfort room. LOL.

Read My Mind.

Just read Chikai's mind, so it's my turn to have my mind read.

WRITE EXACTLY WHATS ON YOUR MIND, AND DON'T CHANGE IT.

I’m tired of::
I am listening to:: Myx channel on TV.
Maybe I should:: learn how to handle my time better.
I Wish: I'll win the lotto jackpot (even if I don't bet..LOL).
Chocolate is:: the smartest invention man ever made.
I last ate:: binatog for merienda.
Right now I'm craving:: for KFC.
Love is:: blind...haha so passe!
Today:: I hope I get to finish all my pending tasks.
Tomorrow:: is a holiday!

Safely Treating A Fever.

Sharing a few guidelines on treating a sick baby I got from Johnsonsbaby.com. I was actually researching about Apidexin as requested by a friend who's desperate to lose her weight fast. Her wedding's fastly approaching and she's still far from attaining her ideal bridal weight and body figure. Asher isn't sick with fever but I'm closely monitoring him because he has colds and cough.

Medication: Follow your pediatrician's advice concerning infant fever medications

Fluids: Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. Doing this will help prevent dehydration and cool the body. Younger babies should be offered water or a feeding. Older children can be given diluted fruit juice. Avoid soda and liquids with caffeine.

Warmth: Sometimes children with fever also get the chills. Use a blanket for warmth and hold your baby for extra warmth and comfort. Remember not to put your baby in the crib with a blanket.

Cool off: Keep your child at rest in loose, light cotton clothing, and give a lukewarm (slightly warmer than room temperature) sponge bath to help lower body temperature.

SOURCE

Just an update on Asher, he still has colds but I believe it's getting better. I'm just more worried and cautious though on his cough that surfaced yesterday. I've been giving him Ambroxol medication since this noon. Hopefully, in the next few hours or days, he will be well. I'm preventing myself from worrying too much about the rampant and widely spreading case of AH1N1. Sheesh..it's very alarming.

Coin Collecting.

Collecting coins is an easy, safe and fun activity for your kids. It may start as a hobby but actually, this makes a great investment, too since precious metals such as gold coins are valuable over time. Here are just a few tips I got from Wikihow on how to collect coins.

1. You dont't have to buy coins to start a collection. You can actually begin with just the change in your pocket.
2. Ask friends and relatives if they have old change, and then, ask if you can have it or offer to buy it, depending on what feels appropriate.
3. Check your local bank of financial institution or the Central Bank. Many will sell you rolls or bags of coins at face value.
4. Expand your collection by purchasing coins at coin expos, local coin dealers or online coin dealers such as Monaco Rare Coin. For nearly 40 years, they have been providing hard asset investments including rare coins to thousands of investors. Check out Monaco's "The Rare Coin Insider” for more tips and valuable insights about rare coin collecting.

The Bilmoko Asher.

Do you still recall the song Bilmoko which goes something like bilmoko nun bilmoko niyan (buy me this buy me that). It hit the airwaves during the '80s and I think it was Fred Panopio who sang it.

Anyway, I'm entitling my blog post with such because as young as 15 months, Asher, already know how to seemingly ask money from me every time he hears the Selecta Ice Cream cart outside. He will approach me in my workstation, tugs my shirt then he will extend his two palms. When I ask what does he wants, he'll do his hungry signal (opens and closes mouth simultaneously) and will point his finger outside. Kulet noh? I wonder how kulit he can become pa when he starts talking.

Daddy Paul's Booboo On Print.

Sshhh, the husband actually didn't know that I submitted this a few months back for Smart Parenting June 2009 issue's Last Thoughts section. For this Father's Day month, this section is about funny Daddy's slip-ups here and there...or in simpler terms, Daddy's Boo-boos.

I'm quoting what I submitted:

As newbie parents, Paul and I went through a lot of adjustments during the first few weeks of parenthood. I commend Paul for being a very responsible and doting dad but I couldn't forget that day when we brought our 2-week old son to the doctor for his first checkup. I asked Paul to get the baby book from the diaper bag. But instead of handing over Asher's monthly record book, he gave me the Elmo Learning ABC Book. I looked at him and repeated "his baby book". He stared back and replied, "Isn't this a baby book?". I laughed so hard that my stitches hurt.

Up to this day, I can't forget Paul's look when he handed me that book. It was truly hilarious and even him, he laughed after realizing his booboo. Perhaps he was just absent-minded due to a number of sleep-deprived nights. At least he didn't hand me a piano sheet music, a feeding bottle, a newspaper or worse, the steering wheel (he was driving that time). At least, the one he gave me was still a book. After all, he's still correct, it's indeed a baby book.

So this booboo on print is my Father's Day gift to Paul. Advance Happy Father's Day, bi!

Summer's Officially Over.

Summer has officially bid farewell here in my part of the woods. Mr. Sun's presence is barely felt these days as it has been raining real hard..much to the little one's disappointment because he and his yayay can't go out to have a walk around the village in the morning and late noon. Somehow, I'm already missing the heat, the beach, the icy halo-halo but it's just fine because the next thing we'll know and witness, it's summer time once again. Which reminds me, as early as now, I'm thinking where our next summer destination will be. Bohol, another Boracay getaway or Orlando vacations sound good, but the question is, will we have enough savings for such out of town vacations next year? Well, let's hope, pray and see. :wink:

Asher at 15 Months.

Asher turns 15 months old today. And it's that time of the month again when I jot down his development and latest updates about him. So here it goes:

1. He weighed 10.3 kilos during his well baby check up two weeks ago, but due to the Tummy Bug he contracted last weekend, his weight dropped to 10 kilos as of last Saturday's checkup.
2. He can now say "no" by shaking his head.
3. He runs towards me or Daddy when hurt and asks for a booboo kiss. Only then, that he will stop crying or complaining about his little booboo.
4. He shakes his hands after washing.
5. He can now stack his ring toys all by himself.
6. He knows how to use the remote control...as in he'll point the RC towards the TV. So just imagine how disoriented we are when the TV is switched suddenly to another program while in the midst of an interesting scene.
7. He also knows how to put smaller things to a larger container.
8. He gained two instant bestfriends - Mcdonalds and Jollibee. Looking for Jollibee and Mcdonalds logos on the road makes him one behave traveller.
9. He now knows how to play "sawsaw suka".
10. After learning the affection gestures of kiss and make "mano", he has also learned how to hug.
11. He knows how to signal through his mouth (as if chewing) when hungry or when you ask "pano ang gutom" or "pano kumain"?
12. He wants to "brush" his teeth by himself. Only, he makes it as a lollipop.
13. New words that he can pronounce/follow when heard: "deteh" for dirty and "wowow" for wowowee. His fave word/syllable still is "bu"...pertains to ball, balloon and Jollibee. He calls Mcdo "de".
14. He acquired new dancing skills. Aside from his head bang dance step, he can already twist his body..albeit the arms are the ones moving. LOL. He does the head bang and twist steps alternately.
15. He has become more "sungit" to a few particular persons. Nobody taught this to him but he really does shout/snap at you when you coo at him but he isn't in the mood. With matching "salubong na kilay" pa. Help, how do I curtail this attitude at such a young age?
16. He can recognize the fishes from the book or even the real ones in the market..and says "sshh sshhh"
17. He can also recognize other objects from his Brainy Baby Book such as the ice cream and watermelon as foods. He points to them and does the "pano ang gutom" trick (chewing).

Wedding Fever.

It must be hormones that's driving me crazy and causing me to be mushy at this moment. Or perhaps, Juday and Ryan's recent wedding TV specials are to be blamed. I love their wedding details and I'm still amazed how they were able to sneak from the public and managed to pull through their wedding discreetly.

Speaking of weddings, have you heard about The Knot Wedding Shop? Well, for those of you who are planning to tie the knot soon or already in the midst of wedding preparations, this site is a must-visit one. It is an all-in-one shop of top-quality and unique wedding supplies and favors that can be personalized with the couple’s names and wedding date. You can even put on your favorite quote or anything you feel like including. They also offer personalized bridesmaid gifts, cake toppers, themed table centerpieces and a whole lot more! If I have known about this three years ago, I would have bookmarked it for wedding favor ideas.