JM turned two ! ! !

Last February 3, was JM's second birthday. As I said in my earlier post, we didn't have a grand birthday party for him. The Disney on Ice was a pre-birthday celebration and the HK trip will be a post birthday celebration for him.

We just had a simple get together with my family and of course the balloons, the cake and the ice cream simply made the day for the birthday boy.

The birthday boy ! ! !

JM enjoying his birthday candle . . .

The birthday boy with mommy, daddy and Ate kai . . .

JM with mommy and Ate Kai. . .

JM cried when everybody sang the birthday song . . .

JM and mommy blowing the birthday candle . . .

JM enjoying the ice cream . . .

JM is turning 2 ! ! !

It's barely three days to go and JM will be turning two years old already. We are not having a grand party just like what he had last year. It'll just be a simple get together of our families.

Right now, I'm thinking of our special gift to JM. Since I don't have the luxury of time, I tried to do an on-line shopping a while ago. I was browsing through different on-line stores and I like the features of merchants with shopping cart software. Online shopping becomes very easy and efficient. And I can say addicting as well! All you have to do is click, click and click. Voila! You're done with your shopping.

Nowadays, all merchants online should be equipped with an ecommerce software. One of the leading provider of hosted shopping cart software is AShop Commerce. It provides features and functionalities that are truly world class. Setting-up is very easy, you can customize your shopping cart theme, easy payment option set-up, full web optimization structure and a lot more. You can even have your 10 days trial period for free! So try it and build your own online business. Be a successful merchant on-line with the help of Ashop Commerce.

JM's Passport

Finally! We already got JM his passport. It was delivered last Saturday, January 26, 2008. Two weeks after we had our personal appearance in DFA Manila.

Now I can vouch for the services of Teleserve for passport application because we are very much satisfied with their services. You just apply online, have your schedule for pick-up of docs and personal apperance, they'll pick-up the documents, have your appearance in DFA and the passport will be delivered right in your doorstep.

It was very efficient specially for us who are working. We were able to schedule our appearance on a Saturday so we don't have to go on leave anymore.

Now, we are very excited for JM's first out of the country trip next month.

An epidemic ? ? ?

Just as we're about to sleep after a tiring Christmas day, Kaila vomited. I just thought because she drank softdrinks (courtesy of yaya) and she hadn't eaten a decent meal within the day. I think she only drank about 2 or 3 bottles of milk the whole day already. Then, we're off to sleep already.

At 1 am I was awaken because Kaila started to vomit again. She was crying so JM was awaken as well. Both kids were crying in the middle of the night! Then, I have to change the bedsheets and all. Kainis! Anyway, I changed Kaila's clothes and we went back to sleep after fixing everything. At 4am, I was awaken again since Kaila vomited again. This time I'm beginning to worry. I'm suppose to have an appointment that day but I decided to cancel it cause I know that I need to stay home first given Kaila's condition. After this, we were able to sleep longer.

Philip has to report to work and JM was awake but I was really so sleepy and tired. I only remembered Philip kissed me goodbye and he was already carrying JM. The yaya took charge of JM first. Kaila and I were awake about 10am already. I was hoping she'd be well already. I was giving him a bottle of milk first but she refused. She wants juice. I don't want to give in first cause I know it wouldn't be good for her. But she's very persistent so I gave him an apple juice. She was not even finished yet and she started to vomit again. As in everything! She was crying again. This is her first time to experience this.

After a while, I was convincing her to drink her milk instead. Although I was afraid she might vomit again. She drank her milk and luckily she didn't vomit. I was just observing her situation. What I have observed is that if she drinks something cold she would vomit and if it's milk she won't. That's why I didn't allow her to drink juices. But because of her persistence, I would give in to her request so she would vomit again. I think two more times. I already texted Philip to come home early. He was home at about 4pm.

We were already planning of bringing Kaila to the hospital to ensure that she would be ok. But Kaila doesn't want to. After some discussion, we just decided to observe Kaila overnight and see her condition. We are not that really worried as compared to JM's condition the last time that he was sick. I think she didn't vomit anymore although she had fever already.

On the 27th, Kaila was better. She didn't vomit the whole night and she has no fever already. Everything was ok already the whole day. Thank God she was not hospitalized! Just when we thought that everything was fine it was JM's turn to vomit. At first, I thought he just was just overfed. But the same thing happened to JM. We don't know what caused this series of vomiting with the two kids.

When I informed my mom what happened to the kids, I learned that my nephew's condition was the same, two of my grandchildren ( children of my pamangkins ) in Cavite as well and other kids in the neighborhood has the same condition. Was it an outbreak? or what?

Anyway, JM's condition got better after a day. We almost brought him to the hospital but remembering what he went through during his first hospitalization we decided to take care of him in the house instead.

Hay, what should have been an enjoyable vacation turned out to be a stressful period for us. Luckily, the kids were ok and no need for hospitalization.

When I got back to work I also learned that other kids had the same condition. One of my office mates had her daughter hospitalized for a day or two with the same condition. We were really thankful that the kids were ok and they are healthy as before already. They have already gained the weight they have lost during that period. Chubby chubby na ulit ang mga cheeks nila.

Early Christmas Celebration

In previous years, we would normally spend the 25th with my relatives (father side) in Cavite. This year, we were there on the 24th as the 25th was reserved by my relatives (mother side) in Pasig since my cousins working abroad are all here for the first time altogether after so many years.

On the morning of the 24th, we were fetched by my parents going to Cavite. We were expected to be there before lunch. Thank God for the Daang Hari road. Our usual travel time ( Carmona-Dasma-Imus-Bacoor) was reduced to half. We were just in time for lunch. Our meals include kare-kare, camaron and other seafood specialties of my tita. In the family, she's the one who can really cook well. Name it and she can do it. Desserts include fruit / buco salad and ube halaya. We were so full after the sumptuous meal.

After lunch, we already distributed our gifts for our inaanaks and the kids received a lot of gifts as well from my cousins and their children. At the same time, they were preparing the names for our yearly kris kringle during the new year celebration. I asked hubby if we will join because I'm not sure if we will be spending the New Year there. He said we'll join the kris kringle.

For merienda, they bought a special bibingka and we ate some of the desserts during lunch as well. After merienda, we were already off going home as we still need to prepare the noche buena. My dad was asking if we were still coming home with them but we beg off since we don't have much time already to prepare the food for noche buena.

At home, Philip started to prepare the spaghetti sauce right away. I also asked my yaya to prepare the ingredients for the chicken-macaroni salad that I'll be preparing. While they were in the kitchen the lolo and lola asked the kids to open the gifts already. I stressed that not all the gifts will be opened. They just wanted to see if the gifts would fit well with the kids. Obviously their gifts are clothes for the kids. It was a red (San Beda) jacket for JM and a pink dress for Kaila. Picture taking followed.

As usual, Kaila took the centerstage again. She willingly posed for the picture taking. A model in the making yata ang anak ko. At least marami ng career na pagpipilian. From videoke queen to a fashion model. JM on the otherhand is very difficult to handle during picture taking. It's either wala sya sa picture or paalis sya from the scene. Di mapirmi sa isang lugar!

When my parents and siblings have left, we started to fix the house. Clean up a little bit. Prepare the stuffs for the noche buena. In time, we were already preparing ourselves for the evening mass. JM was already sleepy so I told hubby that we'll just leave JM because it will be difficult for him to come and I'm sure that we will be standing the whole time during the mass. At first, he was hesitant to leave JM but when he saw JM peacefully sleeping he just asked our yaya to be with JM. It was only me, Philip and Kaila who went to hear the mass.

Kaila was such a good girl during the entire celebration. I know she's very tired and sleepy as well but these were overcomed of her excitement to open her gifts including the one from Santa. After the celebration, we went straight home and JM was in deep sleep already. I asked hubby if we would wake him up but he said just to let JM sleep because we would have a hard time to put him back to sleep.

Philip and I were in the kitchen preparing our food. We have yet to put the gift of Santa. Our meal includes spaghetti, chicken-macaroni salad, ham, cheese and lots of chocolates! While Kaila's eating, I sneaked out for a while to put Santa's gift on the tree.

After our meal, we went back to the sala to open our gifts. Kaila was very delighted to see Santa's gift. It was a Disney Princess rubber shoes ( just what she requested ). She opened the other gifts mostly school stuffs since they know that Kaila will be going to school already this year. JM was not able to open his gifts. Of course the finale would be our exchange of gifts. I was able to surprise hubby with my gift although he has it on his guesses. It was a Carolina Herrera for Men Classic perfume gift set. Hubby's gift for me on the other hand was an Anne Klein wrist watch.

More than the gifts, we are very happy spending Christmas at home with a complete and healthy family.

We are watching Disney On Ice ! ! !

Finally, I can say that we are watching Disney on Ice! Hubby got hold of our tickets last week. We'll be watching the 4:30pm show on January 19, 2008. We are seated on the upper box A portion ( UA 301 Row B Seat 1 to 4 ). We are watching with the two kids and one yaya. We assume that JM won't be 3 feet tall by that time so we did not buy him a ticket though. Just in case, we'll just use yaya's ticket ( he he he . . . )

Hubby and I are excited for the kids. I hope they would enjoy the show. Hubby and I on the other hand are also planning a gimik after. he he he . . . I hope the kids will sleep early as we are planning to stay overnight in Ortigas area.

Shopping Update . . .

Last Saturday, hubby and I went to Greenhills for our last batch of Christmas shopping ( so, I thought ). We arrived there just in time for the afternoon mass so we were very hungry already after the mass. We ate in RACKS ( yummy, yummy, yummy ! ! ! ) my favorite baby back ribs. We headed in the tiangge right after we had our lunch. We bought the gift for my nephew and some of Philip's inaanaks. Then we bought clothes for the kids and a new jeans and blouse for me.

After Greenhills, we went to Glorietta. We went to Toy Kingdom to look for "Santa's gift" for JM. We can't think of any other toy but a remote controlled car. For Kaila, it's a Disney Princess rubber shoes. That's what she's asking Santa. After the quick shopping in Glorietta, we went home already. It was another tiring day but I enjoyed it.

DISNEY ON ICE IN MANILA

We were reading the usual Sunday papers yesterday when Kaila was shouting " Mickey Mouse, mickey mouse! " She would usually say it aloud whenever she recognizes anything from the papers. So I thought it was just one of those logos. When I looked at it closely it was Disney on Ice in Manila. I got so excited! I was able to watch one of those shows when I was young. I can't remember what is was actually but as far as I remember I enjoyed it so much!

So, I want the two kids to experience it as well. I immediately told hubby that I want to bring the two kids to the show ( since we are delaying the HK trip we were planning ). He immediately said yes cause he knows it wouldn't be that difficult for us since we can bring in the yayas.

I told Kaila that we will be going. She keeps on telling JM that we are watching the show. Nakakatuwa sila tingnan. I can see the excitement in Kaila whenever she talks to JM. JM on the other hand doesn't mind it at all. Deadma pa sya. He he he . . . .

An afternoon in MOA

I almost forgot to post these pictures taken in MOA. See how "kulit" and playful JM is. . .

Our Christmas Wishlist . . .

Since there are a few days left before Christmas, I'm posting here our Christmas wishlist. I hope hubby will take a look into my blog before buying his Christmas gift for us. :)


Kaila's Wishlist:

(1) A pink bag ( mommy got one for her already )
(2) Rubber shoes
(3) Pink shirts / blouses
(4) A toy ( not sure what toy she wants - they have enough toys already! )
(5) School stuffs ( in pink or in disney princess design )


JM's Wishlist:

(1) A nice remote controlled car
(2) Any musical intrument ( perhaps a drum set )
(3) Shirts / Polo
(4) Activiy books


Mommy's Wishlist:

(1) A new watch
(2) A nice bag
(3) A nice wallet
(4) House shorts / dress
(5) I'm thinking more . . . he he he . . .


There goes our Christmas wishlist . . .

Hospital Pictures . . .

Hay, sakit ng tusok sa 'kin!

I'm surrounded by the beautiful ladies in my life . . . where's Ate Kai?

Gigil ako! I can't live without my pillow . . .

Ano kaya mapanood ko? Kakasawa na eh . . .

Gusto ko carry lang ako ni Mommy . . .

Lapit na ko lumabas . . .

Our first hospital confinement experience

I am very proud to say that both my kids are very healthy. Seldom do they get sick and nothing serious that's why it never entered my mind that we would be experiencing this. As a matter of fact, my health card was not with me when I needed it.

Last October 29 at around 6pm, JM started to vomit. We thought that is was just a simple indigestion or something because he ate ice cream during merienda. He continued to vomit several times so I asked hubby to buy a medicine and electrolyte already. For a while, he was able to sleep because he was too weak due to vomiting. After about an hour, he was awake and back to his playful nature. So he's ok already. Around 10pm, we put him to sleep already with about 5 ounces of milk. I'm hoping that he won't vomit anymore. At about 1am, he was awake and vomited again. This time I'm getting nervous already. Hubby told me to give JM the electrolyte. I put it in his bottle and he was able to drink it. He was asleep again. At around 3:30am, he was awake again and vomited the electrolyte. So this is it! We need to bring him to the hospital already. He might be dehydrated because he can't take in anything.

I already started to prepare our things and I took a quick bath. My SIL and MIL was already there waiting for us. We were in the hospital just before 5am. The usual question and answer took place in the ER. While waiting for the doctor, hubby was already in the admission office. I also answered some forms since I'll be using my health card.

When it's already time to put the IV, all of us were there and holding JM. He is very strong! All the four of us we're holding him tight while the nurse is trying to locate where to pinch in the needle. But they were really having a hard time looking for the right spot. They tried it once and twice but none. JM was crying out loud that time. Mommy Nol was crying as well. It's really painful to see him like that. This time nagtaray na si MIL. Dapat daw yung resident doctor ang magturok since baby yung pasyente. Kaya we waited for the doctor to come. While waiting, another nurse came to get blood samples for the laboratory tests. JM was crying again. This time Mommy is stronger already. No more tears. :)

When the doctor arrived, she too was having a hard time to locate the right spot. She was trying on both hands but no good. That's why it ended up on JM's feet. After a while, we were already heading to our room. JM seems very tired already. He was asleep in no time at all.

I already started texting my office mates and called my mom. It's my mom's birthday the following day. My sisters and I were planning to treat my mom for a good buffet dinner somewhere in Alabang and at the same time for the kids to experience their first trick or treat. But at this time, we were unsure if this will push through.

Hubby and I were just in our room waiting for the doctor to come. JM had here first milk again during noon. After a few hours he vomited again. This time JM already have a fever. We're already praying that it is nothing serious.

At about 4pm, the doctor came and checked on JM. The usual question and answer again on his condition. Then, he informed us that the result of the blood test showed a bacteria in his white blood cells. This is an indication of acute gastroenteritis though he wants to see the other lab results. This means we still have to stay longer. We have not yet provided the urine and stool sample.

So, it's our first night and I have to stay on his bedside. I am frequently awaken every time the nurses came to check on him. I barely had a sleep. JM's fever is on and off. The last recorded fever was on the morning of the 31st. This time no more vomiting for a day already. We thought we would be discharge in the afternoon already.

In the morning, we were able to submit the urine sample. I was hoping he doesn't have a UTI just like me and Ate Kai. Another day of watching TV and a lot of naps during the day. The doctor came and checked on JM's condition. He is already better compared to yesterday's condition. We asked if we can go home already since he is not vomiting anymore. But according to the doctor JM should be fever free for 24 hours before we can be discharged. So, it means another night in the hospital.

In the afternoon, my sisters came to visit and brought some food since they had a small get together at home for my mom's birthday. It was also a time for picture taking since my brother in law brought his camera. JM was already makulit this time cause he's feeling better already. He's trying to remove the IV and he's trying to get down from the bed. It's more difficult to take care of him at this time.

Night time came, I'm already hoping that JM won't have a fever at all. A slight fever tonight means another 24 hours of waiting. Thank God that JM didn't have fever over the night and completely no vomiting. I know we will be discharged already. I have already packed up our things and just waiting for the rounds of the doctor.

Since it's November 1, the doctor came in earlier than his usual rounds so that he can discharge us early. He checked on JM and everything is clear now. He didn't find anything in the urinalysis. Buti na lang hindi mana sa amin ni Ate Kai. We're all set to go home. I miss Ate Kai so much!

I texted my mom already so that they can fetch us from the hospital. At that time, they were still in Cavite to visit my lola's grave and other relatives. Still have time to rest. They came in after lunch and we're ready to go home!

Oh, well . . . A part of the supposed to be long weekend was spent in the hospital. I hope there won't be any next time . . .

I really hate the feeling when the kids are sick . . . Kung pwede lang talaga na kunin na lang yung sakit nila :)