God's Gift =D

Christmas is near!

Finally! We managed to put up our Christmas tree amidst our living room hehehe.. It was a joint effort between me, Dennis, Mye and Grace (housemates). Alexi now has a Christmas tree yey! I also made angels to add to the festive ambiance. If there's still a chance to go to Plaza Singapura tomorrow I will buy my baby a Christmas stocking and a red dress for photo ops. Excited mom hahaha! Getting ready for baby's first Christmas.

Ronito/Ronita

Tagged by Pheng =)

"Ronito, Ronita!" is adapted from monito/monita. The goal of this activity is to foster camaraderie and to be acquainted with other bloggers we still have still not met. This will be done as participants will be assigned a blogger whom he has to send a wish or a prayer on christmas via e-cards.

For more info, just click on this link... Ronito/Ronita FAQ and participants

*** copy starts here ***

how to join?

[1] fill up and submit the details of this form.
[2]copy and post the rules to your blog. include the “backward list” (a record of how the tag reached you) and add your name.
[3] recruit for participants. be sure to get their consent.

should they agree to join, add them to your “forward list” (bloggers you’ve convinced to join).

remind them to do item #1.

** participants will be accepted until december 16 (phil. time) only. on december 17, the organizer will email to you the details of your ronito/ronita. send him/her a christmas greeting via e-cards preferably on december 25.

should time be a constraint, you can send it earlier.

my backward link list:ironnie, jeff, bluepanjeet, thess, gbex, liza, liza 2, rems, eds, abie, pheng, che - (add your name here)

please join us in the internet way of feeling the spirit of Christmas: hani, bebit, gurl on a stick

Surprise Baby Shower

CLASS PICTURE ;P

Little did I know that my friends planned a surprise baby shower. Of course, how else can it be a surprise if I knew it in the first place hahaha! They have set a conspiracy with Dennis to make me go to Ulrik's place. He told me it's Yanah's (Ulrik's younger sister hahaha!) birthday so I was insisting on buying her a gift. Dennis said we'll just buy the gift some other time. So, off we went to Sunny Spring condo. It was quiet outside their unit so I was thinking the visitors haven't arrived yet. We rang the doorbell twice, the door opened and there stood my friends hollering "Surprise! Happy Birthday!!!" (It wasn't my birthday though) hahaha! I was stunned and didn't know what to do. I was really surprised! So at first I stayed outside and I can't help but laugh. Their plan was a success! I haven't got even a smallest hint. Two thumbs up for you guys! Ang galing nyo talaga! I can't thank you enough for this *hugsssssssss* =D

Kain tayo! =)










































Hanzel once again shared the product of his cooking prowess. He made the chili shrimps with complimenting ensaladang mangga. The others also brought food. There's pizza, bbq, roasted chicken, cassava and blueberry cake. Yum! =9





















Opening of gifts

5 things tag

I was tagged by Pheng.
Thanks Pheng, this is my first =)

5 things found in my bag
- keys
- perfume
- wallet
- pda
- White Flower embrocation (hihihi!)

5 things found in my wallet
- prayer card
- pregnancy appointment card
- credit card
- pictures
- SG Blue IC

5 things found in my room
- cork board
- tv
- notebook
- beach chairs
- bed

5 things i’ve always wanted to do
- take a course in Center for Culinary Arts
- take first-aid course in Red Cross
- take any TLRC course (again hehehe!)
- taekwondo, target shooting, diving
- take courses to be a swimming coach (sorry sobra ng dalawa hahaha!)

5 things i’m currently into
- digital scrapbooking
- buying baby stuff
- creating angels for our christmas decoration
- blogging
- taking as much nap as I can hahaha!

5 people to tag for this
- gurl on a stick
- hani
- bebit
- cathyg
- nanette

Bliss

Another baby checkup last Saturday! Doctor Esther, Dennis, and I were so amazed on how cute baby Alex turns out. She kicked as the doctor maneuvers the ultrasound equipment through my tummy. Baby Alex/Lexi's right arm is raised against her head, her right hand kept playing with her right ear, she pauses for a moment and then yawned! Yes... she yawned!!! She was so cute!!! This is the first time we saw her like this. A teardrop fell from my eye for I can't believe that she now really looks and moves like the babies we see. Tears of joy it is! Her big cheeks are noticeable. I wonder where she got that?! Hahaha! Unfortunately, the doctor says she cannot give us a copy of the baby's full face. I guess it's part of Chinese superstitions, correct me if I'm wrong.

As of today, I'm 9 months pregnant! Hooray!!! A few more days to go!

Next visit to the doctor is scheduled after two weeks. Doc said it could be our last check-up as my due date is fast approaching. So, tata for now! Still have to prepare my maternity bag! =D

Here Comes Tita Yolly and Yoya

Last November 17, Ate Yolly (my sis-in-law) accompanied mother (my mother-in-law) to Singapore. Mother will be staying with us to help us take care of baby Alex.

"Alex: It's my Tita! (kicks and squirms forcefully)"
This happened several times. As Ate Yolly talks, Alex turned my tummy into a punching bag. Little parts protruding as if it's going to come out. Hahaha! We'll tell her it's just her Tita Yolly explaining something. Imagine Dennis talking with his lawyer-like voice then you'll get the idea hahaha! Before Ate Yolly went back home we made trips to Orchard Rd., the mall and had consecutive days of buffet.

We were so grateful our dear mother will be here when Alex comes out. I'm sure she knows how to handle a baby as compared to me, a first time mom. Though I'm excited and very eager to learn how to take care of our sweetie Alex. Oh, and didn't I tell you mother is a great cook? Finally we can have a taste of her Filipino dishes once again.

Mother accompanies me everyday on a 15-minute walk along the streets of Geylang. They said this is to help the baby move further down. Whew! It's good to have sweat a lot.

Orchard Road at night...












Suntec City...
<- Stolen shot daw hahaha!




















<- Fountain of Wealth









Plaza Singapura...
Mother enjoying her cup of cappuccino








Mother.. can I have one sip of your coffee?!
Puhhhhleazzeee!







Twins! (Ate Yolly and Dennis)
Hehehe!








Sizzler - Toa Payoh...









* Before I forget, I would like to thank Papa, Mama, Rich, Mother, Ate Yolly, Ate Sally, Dico and Nico for the all the nice pasalubong/gifts you gave us (me, Dennis and baby Alex). Xie xie! =D *

Countdown continues...

People confused me for Gwyneth in Shallow Hal hahaha! Just kidding. I weigh 64 kilos/141 lbs and my waistline is now 40 inches. At night, I've been tossing and turning in bed 6-8 times on an average, changing my sleep position. Moving my bump from one side to another, like moving a watermelon with no hands! Regarding comfortable sleeping position on late pregnancy, I have attached here an excerpt I got from Baby Center.


One of the privileges of being pregnant is getting offered a seat on a bus or in an MRT when all seats are taken. I guess my tummy sticks out big time or is it just my forehead with a "Pregnant lady on board" sign hahaha! Well, I'm not used to getting this kind gesture during my pregnancy not until I hit the third trimester. My tummy was less noticeable during my second trimester since I only got a small bump, they may have confused me for a lady with lack of exercise ;p

As of now, I'm taking quite a number of tablets/capsules per day (OBmin, folic acid, DHA, calcium, and the two tablets for hemoglobin and vitamin C). The DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 essential fatty acid, is for brain development. How I wish I got a doze of it when I was still on my mom's tummy hahaha!

The ever dependable flip flop is my best friend nowadays. It's my feet's constant companion specially when me and Dennis go out of the house. What a relief for my sore feet! Good thing I don't have edema ("manas").

On food, my recent indulgence include cheesecake, ice cream, halo-halo, pearl shakes, coconut juice, anything sweet and cold. I just hope this doesn't make the baby too fat. Bad mommy! Too sad the chinese lady from Rochor food house tells us I can't take my chin-chow drink anymore 'coz it's not good for pregnant woman. Waaah! ='(

As for our little sweetie, Baby Alex is on the move! It's fun to see her little parts pushing
against my tummy. Dennis and I are guessing if it's her knee, foot or elbow. Sometimes there are little lumps that wiggle.. I guess it's the toes or fingers. We get to play with her when she moves and says "Huli ka! What's this baby?". Sometimes she hits my ribs, ouch! No, it's not painful hehehe, it's more of uncomfortable. But it's ok, as long as I know that she's perfectly doing fine. She's now accumulating more fat which explains my drastic change in weight week by week.

We were a bit concerned with baby Alex last time because she's still on a breech position, then the doctor is talking about cesarean delivery just in case she doesn't rotate. Gulp! I was scared because the last time I had an operation, I fainted while cleaning the stitches and that was only an inch long, what more with cesarean operation. Our doctor advised us to talk to our baby and plead for her to rotate, which we did every single day. Then last Saturday, we had another check-up, the doctor confirmed she's in the right position, head down yey! Very good baby! My due date is on December 26 but this time, Doc said, we are to expect the baby's delivery starting on December 12. That's less than a month now, Mommy and Daddy can't wait to hold our little princess in our arms!

L'il Sis

Alyn, my younger sister, is the studious one in the brood. I can still remember the days when she studies until wee hours of the morning, when her hair starts to fall due to lack of sleep eee hahaha! Anyway, congrats sis for passing the CMSRN(Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse) exam! You did it! We're so proud of you! Mwah! =D

For Janeq

Told ya gurl! Hahaha! ;p

Panna Cotta

Panna cotta is an Italian dessert which means cooked cream. This is the easiest "cooked" dessert I ever made. It only takes 15 minutes to simmer but you have to allow it to cool for 4 hours to set. It is best served chilled. Dennis loves it plain and even more with the strawberry jam and a bit of grapes on top. It's an easier version of our "leche flan" less the eggs, caramel and steaming. Just leave a message if you want a copy of the recipe ;D

Archive -2007-

DECEMBER
- God's Gift =D
- Christmas in near!
- Ronito/Ronita
- Surprise Baby Shower
- 5 things tag
NOVEMBER
- Bliss
- Here Comes Tita Yolly and Yoya
- Countdown continues...
- L'il Sis
- For Janeq
- Panna Cotta
- Deja Vu
- Couch Potato
- Doc is IN
OCTOBER
- Come Dine with Me (continuation)
- Come dine with Me
- What?!
- Funny!
- Strolling in Babyland ( or should I say stroller =P)
- It's Our Birthday
- Creme Brulee
- Bacon Bits
SEPTEMBER
- Preggy Twix
- Ei!

Deja Vu

I won!!! This is my third time to win a raffle draw since my pregnancy. First I bagged a DVD player from a fund-raising activity from a church. Next was a $100 dollar voucher for a hair spa. The latest, I was chosen as one of the 15 winners of Singapore Indoor Stadium STAR PASS members to win a pair of movie tickets. A lucky baby indeed! ;D

Couch Potato

On weekdays, Dennis and I usually watch series or movies at night. Last week instead of our usual rice and viand, I made a pizza bun. We bought a bun and made it as crust, spread some tomato sauce on top, and put some cheese, mushroom, ground pork(beef would be better), pepper, bacon bits, and green bell pepper. Then I put it in the oven for 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt...and voila a home-made sumptuous pizza!


A few days ago, I prepared our midnight snack. I sliced some strawberries and instead of using cream as a dip, I thought on using condensed milk so that it's a bit sweeter. This is to compliment the sour taste of the strawberries. Below is the picture, of course the bigger plate is Dennis'. But mind you, bigger plate doesn't mean bigger serving, you can't tell the difference for I have put the same amount in each plate hahaha! I’m eating for two a'yt!

Doc is IN

It was a long wait in our OB's clinic since it was a weekend. Daddy took a picture of me while waiting for my turn. Look how big my tummy is (at 7 months and 3 weeks). From once a month visit, she scheduled us to go back after 3 weeks(this was last Saturday). Next appointment is after 2 weeks. OMG! Were just counting a few more weeks until baby Alex/Lexi comes out! Doc says the baby is doing great =D

<- waaah! you should have told me daddy so that I could at least smile

<- "Huli ka daddy! Hahaha!"



















Your turn... say "Kimchi!"

OT: A day after, Rosiel went to our house. We had lunch together and had some chitchat.
To Rosiel: That was so thoughtful of you. Thanks a lot gurl! =D

Come Dine with Me (continuation)

The clock ticks 1:00 and I head off to the living room. There I sat watching the last contender in come Dine with Me. Moments later comes the rating. The greedy girl does it again.. she gave 2 for today's host Serena. Actually Serena is a great host, so I think 2 is really inappropriate for her.

The scores were tallied and the greedy girl bagged the first place =( But then the organizers of the show didn't allow her tactical rating. She was given two choices, be disqualified or rate again her four rivals. Saving herself from public embarrassment she agreed to rate again. Alas! Bill Buckley won! Good thing they didn't let this kind of cheating pass. At the end of the show, greedy girl realized it's not all about her winning, but allowing the most "deserving" host to win. Thus she exclaimed "Losing isn't bad at all."

That's all for now.. all is well that ends well ;D

Come Dine with Me

Unfair!!! I'm diligently watching this show for weeks now. Every week they have five contestants (amateur chefs) who will compete for the title ultimate dinner party host. Everyday, one contestant will be entertaining the four other competitors. Then after the dinner, they will each rate the host from 1-10, 10 being the highest. There is this one lady who doesn't play the game fairly. Imagine, this is how she rates.. 0-failed 1-ordinary 2-quite good 3-excellent. Darn! Up to now nobody still beats her score of 28 because of her strategy. I just hope the last contestant tomorrow wins! Tomorrow, I'll let you know the result ;p

Click here to see them

What?!

A have a girl friend who's deeply in love with my other guy friend. Let's name them Echo and Heart (baduy hahaha!). They're quite close for they have been friends for a long time. We have a suspicion that Echo doesn't like girls that much (you know what I mean). Heart's feelings for Echo became much stronger even though she knew that he's suffering from an identity crisis. Finally, she confessed her feelings for him. All she got was a "thank you". Then came this day when another friend told Heart that Echo is regularly dating... a girl! =(

I feel for you friend... *hugsssssssssss*

Funny!

Just want to share this with you guys. I was watching "Game ka na ba?" in TFC. Today's guest is the Street Boys. As practiced, Mr. Edu Manzano will interview those who made it in the elimination round. Then came Spencer's turn, here's the conversation...

SPENCER : "Pag may nagtatanong kung anong age ko sinasabi ko.. I'm seventeen!" (raises eye brow, grins and brags...) "Naniniwala naman sila" (ayos ng shirt)
EDU MANZANO: "Teka muna, hindi kaya mga rugby boys kausap mo???"

HAHAHA! *ROFL* (rolling on the floor laughing) ;p

Strolling in Babyland (or should I say stroller =p)

I'm on the 7th month of pregnancy. My back starts to ache and my soles are sore. Ouch! It's time to buy baby stuff before my feet can't carry too much weight. We went to Takashimaya and Plaza Singapura last Saturday, and in Suntec two weeks ago. Next week we'll be checking out baby stores in Marina Square. We were so excited to see all those baby stuff. Parents, as I have observed, were enthusiastic in buying things for their little ones. Their faces were brimming with zest just like us. I was overwhelmed with all the baby items to choose from. We checked the brands, quality and price. I didn't know that newborns would require their own closet until I made my checklist hahaha! The checklist were grouped as follows: layette, nursery, changing, bath, feeding, medicine kit, and travel. For layette alone, I have quite a number of items listed. Hmmm better start shopping early.

Big part of the budget would go to the stroller, since our Mareng Grace already gave us a cot *yey!*. Baby cots here costs around $400-600, so what a relief, whew! I've gathered some pointers on buying a stroller. This may be useful for moms-to-be out there..

• light weight
• handles that reverse so that baby is facing you
• sun/rain canopy
• storage basket
• reclining (for newborn)
• brakes that locks the wheel
• five-point safety harness
• removable/washable seat padding
  

Believe me, the first time we checked a stroller we don't have any idea how to pick a good one. Dennis, with confused face said "Walang akong experience sa ganito eh, ngayon lang" Hahaha! But now with some research we finally have an idea on what to buy. Dennis is now more observant whenever we passed through parents pushing their baby strollers. He now utters "Wow, Maclaren!", "O Combi sila", "Ayyy, Lucky baby" (don't ask me why hahaha !). After a few research and observation looks like Combi won our hearts. Most probably we'll be going to Tai Sing Showroom to checkout the wide range of Combi models (to a mom in preggy forum, thanks for sharing the info).

It's Our Birthday!

A year older, a year wiser! =D

It was Dennis' birthday. We went to Swensen's for a dinner date. We, as in me, Dennis and our sweetie, baby Alex hehehe. He gave a birthday treat for our BPI friends in Sakura.

Next is my birthday. My dear hubby surprised me with our living room in dim light, and there it was, flowers and cake for me at 12 midnight. Awwww so sweet! I love you daddy! =D I started to receive calls, txt messages/SMS, e-mail, greetings in FS and this one I'm not expecting.. flowers from my sis and bro-in-law in US. Thanks! I love you both! Dearest hubby and I went to Tony Roma's for dinner. Had a birthday treat for housemates in Kuishin Bo. (To my "galanteng" friend out there I hope you'll be reading this hahaha! thanks again for the gift!) =D

We invited pitibi friends in our house for a post celebration of our birthdays. Aside from
the food that we prepared, they also brought food and drinks. Parang "pot luck" hahaha!
Thanks pitibi! "Ayyyy.. lab nyo talaga kami ni Buru hihihi" ;D

Thanks to our family and friends who remembered and made our birthday special!

Prayer:
Thank you God not only for the blessings but the difficulties you helped us face in the past
year. Thank you for making us stronger and our lives meaningful. Thank you for surrounding us with people who loves us. We thank you most specially for giving us a chance to be a parent. All our joys and sorrows we lift up to you! Amen. =D

Creme Brulee

I was really inspired by the program Ka-Toque of GMA 7 Qtv. Specially by Mitchie Sison, a graduate of Benilde with a degree in Culinary Arts, a young chef who's a master in making desserts.

In our family, its only me and my sis who have this passion for baking. My sis is in the US now and I'm here in Singapore. So our beloved oven in Pinas suddenly just became a food warmer/oven toaster hahaha! Take a look at one of my experiments last month. Tadaaaa... Creme Brulee. Unfortunately, I haven't got ramekins yet. Ramekins are small ceramic baking dish where creme brulee is baked and served. Bear with me, I only used Reynold's foil hehehe. Enjoy!

Bacon bits

"Family and friends are the Bacon Bits in the Salad Bowl of Life."

There was a point in my pregnancy when I was asked by my OB-Gyne to take bed rest. I even went as far as early resignation from my company, though I only have one month left on my contract. Dennis and I were so worried about the baby. Good thing our pitibi friends went to our house to cheer us up. Our family and friends from Pinas also gave their support. Such relief they gave us when the people we love show their concern and support even in the littlest way they can. So to our family and friends, our heartfelt thanks to all of you! Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!