Reese's Graduation - Kinder 2

Sorry for the late post, it's only now that I find the time and the mood to create this post.  We badly need additional helper at home before my ML finally ends...

My little girl graduated from preschool last March 23.  The ceremony lasted for less than an hour since it was made exclusive for preschool while the elementary and high school students had their own on a different day.  Overall, it was short & sweet and very organized, nobody could come close to take photos during the program. I could feel the traditional way of kid's discipline, the kind that I think kids nowadays need to make them tougher to face real life challenges in the future.

One thing I would like to comment about SJA school is that they are very conservative in giving recognition.  During the ceremony, only the 1st and 2nd honors were called upon the stage and parents were not asked to give the medal to their child. Academic awards were simply given to the student during graduation practice. No special awards at all, unlike the neighboring school that gives award to all of its students (which I also don't prefer since it defeats the purpose).  I am not a stage mom nor someone who expects an award for my child.  But I think, students who did very well deserve that form of recognition with their supportive parents or guardian. That's the only concern that I have.  I know, no school is perfect and despite of its flaw, I do like the teaching and values inculcated to their students.

Reese, congratulations!!! Good job anak in finishing preschool and to our surprise, getting an award. We know all along that your reading skill is better than kids your age.  We will always be proud of you, with or without it. :)

Milk

One of the things I am hoping for my 2nd pregnancy is to be able to provide breast milk to my baby for even 1 month. Before, I was able to give Reese the first extraction which is the more important, but my supply didn't last. This time, I've done my homework by taking supplement about 2 weeks before giving birth and also, getting a new manual breast pump.

Gian's hospital (which is the same with his Ate) unlike before is now pro-breast feeding. That really helps to begin with since I need to know how to handle the first few days when I don't have any milk yet. They gave instruction manual and also helped us feed the baby for the first time.

First photo is showing hubby feeding our baby using a soft medicine cup. The logic is that we should not give feeding bottle right away as this will discourage the baby from latching which is needed to trigger and sustain milk supply of the mother. That's something we both learned the first time.

My breast milk, like the first time, appeared on the 5th day after giving birth. Second photo is showing my first extraction, 3 oz in 40 mins. Yes, it's not that easy. But I have to try harder this time and hope that our baby will also help along the way. More important for now is that I have the first extract to give him to keep him stronger and healthy.

Our Second Child

Everyone, meet our new bundle of joy!

Name: Gian Andrei Torres
Born: March 25, by around 12 noon
Weight: 8 lbs 10 oz

Below photos showing Gian's Day 1, 4 & 5. He looks very much the same with his ate Reese when she was still a baby, kinda carbon copy :p

Preparing for ML

Written on March 21st.

Today is my last day in the office before I go on my maternity leave. I'm done sending my transition files and notes to my boss, already closed all pending action items on emails and have given final instructions to my team. :)

By tomorrow, it will be my little girl's graduation day in Kinder 2. That deserves another post entry which probably have to wait after I recovered from giving birth.

So what's the reason for writing? Before I finally let my baby boy out in this world, I would like to note the things that I will and will not miss on my pregnancy.

What I would miss?
* My non-gestational diabetes pregnancy experience. Imagine, no more counting of bread, rice, pastries, and frutis. I could eat ice cream, chocolate and cake.
* The baby kicks I got while intensely playing Candy Crush Saga!
* The compliments about me not getting too fat :)
* The concern and random acts of kindness from people even from those I do not know.
* Last but not the least, the PWD lane in Robinsons Forum Supermarket. I will definitely miss getting first in line all the time given that their regular lanes really pissed me off!

Now, here are the things I would not miss:
* My first ever "fainting" experience during the 2nd blood extraction for my OGTT on the 28th week
* The "always hungry" then afterwards "bloated feeling". I cannot eat too much.
* My swollen feet and getting prominent nose as my due date gets nearer.
* Lastly, the skin discoloration :(

I have created this list to somehow remind me of the whole experience I have. Not that I am complaining but more of acknowledging the good and the not so easy parts of this journey.

By the time I finished this entry, I already have given birth to a bouncing baby boy. And each time I look at him, I felt victorious on this pregnancy. Ciao!

OGTT

I almost forgot to blog about this but it's worth remembering. Since I had gestational diabetes during my first pregnancy, I had to have my OGTT twice this time. First was during my 3rd month which I happily passed.

Then, after several weeks I had my OGTT again on my 28th week last Jan 14.

I had fasting for 8 hours prior to the 1st blood extraction and had to take in that glucose in a bottle. After another hour, I had my 2nd blood extraction. The lady med tech did it on my right arm. The moment she inserted the needle, it already felt different. It seems that a major vein or ligament was hit and I suddenly felt that the blood in my head went down and my vision started to get blurry. I told her that I was getting dizzy. Then she call out to another med tech for ammonia. I smelled it but it didn't change how I feel. Then, both of them tried to pull me up so that they could lie me down on bed. They were asking if I have someone with me. Then, the next thing I know, I was already lying on bed across the lab room. It made me realize that I passed out completely and didn't know how I get there. It was my first time. I lost consciousness for 1-2 minutes and was not fully aware of what's happening around me.

Hubby was there. I knew he was a bit afraid since I was so used to the OGTT process and it was the first time I fainted. The resident doctors checked me up to see if everything were okay. After gaining my consciousness, I know I was alright. I was even able to continue with the test and had my 3rd blood extraction at 9 am that day which was done by the guy med rep who did the 1st extraction in my left arm.

I got the result at the middle of the week and visited my OB The results were good. It's confirmed, I don't have gestational diabetes this time! I was quite happy and relieved. Unlike before that I cannot eat any chocolate or pastry, this time I can eat sweets in moderation to suit my cravings. How sweet!

Baby Fair

After four hectic days at work, I took a little break and gave myself the time I wanted. Today, I went to Megatrade Hall first thing in the morning. I was set to get hold of the best buy baby bottles on sale at 40-50% off!

So after almost 2 hours of picking and analyzing, I got all the items I think our little boy will be able to use, and of course those that I could carry by myself.

Baby boy definitely have taken his fair share of blessings! And yes, I'm excited much!

Update: (Feb 3)
Went back to the fair yesterday but we cannot bring home the wooden crib. BIL helped us today by lending a bigger car. Bought additional stuff: wooden crib, mattress, quilted beddings, and steam sterilizer

2012 Blessings

Counting my blessings in 2012.

Getting pregnant. We're thankful and excited for the coming of our 2nd baby by 2013. And yes, it's a boy! Still fighting over his name though ;)

Promotion. I got a new job with the same company. But before that, I felt much appreciated by the people I worked with for the past 8 years!

Mimi. My new little ride has given me the comfort that I need especially now that I'm pregnant and my work schedule is flexi. She was even useful during my brother's wedding. :)

Happier marriage and family life. Hubby and I are closer despite of the little things that get into the way. We love each other more than ever! Also, Reese little troubles in school suddenly changed. She's starting to mature quicker than we thought :)

Safety. We encountered a huge fire at the nearby barangay during the wee hours of Christmas. Our family and home were spared. We prayed for those who got affected. Also, my close encounter with thieves was minor. Nobody was hurt and no big thing was lost.

Last but not the least, good health. No major illness this year with any of our family members. Thank You Jesus!

Christmas 2012

Spent Christmas with my family and relatives in Bulacan.  It was a simple gathering from mom's house with good food and fun games. I was in charge of the games and of course, prizes.  It was full of fun, a lot of us enjoyed it with the kids and young at heart.  

Listing down the games I prepared for future reference:

For kids:

- bring me (shiniest 10 peso coin, longest comb, whitest hanky, new 1k bill, and smallest key)

- stop dance

- solve the puzzle

- musical chair

For young at heart:

- plastic balloon, blow with your nose

- jack en poy 20 peso- winner take all

- pinoy henyo-theme is pamasko

Close encounter with thieves

I had my third encounter with street thieves last Nov 15 at around 7pm.  It was during my short jeepney ride from Gabby's going to Kalentong when I realized that the man sitting beside me slashed my bag.  I stared at him and didn't say anything. He went out of the jeepney together with the other thief next to him. I saw that my cellphone charger fell on the floor, but thought of ignoring it. He picked it up and left quickly. And that's it. Nobody got hurt and no other material things lost aside from the charger. I just told myself, he badly needs money. I hope he find good ways to earn it instead.

My first encounter with thieves was I think in 2002, when I was still working with COA in Commonwealth. It was pay day.  My colleagues and I were riding a bus when I quickly sensed that the 6 men who joined the bus were bad elements.  I encouraged my colleagues we should leave. And good thing we were quick in doing so, we were able to escape them.

The second one was in Jan 7, 2005.  I was very tired after work.  I took the fx in Mega strip with the rest of the rushing passengers without knowing that the two were thieves.  I was just few blocks away from my boarding house  when they declared a hold-up. I was brave in negotiating for my silver ring for it's sentimental value, but they still took it and also my 2.5 year old mobile phone, and little cash.  Looking back, I learned not to say a word. I shouldn't risk it really.

With these encounters, I always  felt Somebody is watching over me. He kept me safe and at peace. My silent prayers during commute are always heard. Thank You God for not leaving me at any point in my life.

What's Hot and New

Learned this concept of sharing during our Teaming and Visioning workshop last month.

So what's hot and new with me? First, I'm 4 months pregnant and we're all excited about having our baby next year! I don't have gender preference, all I pray for is a healthy and strong baby.

Second, I've got a new job. This one is not planned, but my baby was! So many new things to learn and also people to get to know too.

Lastly, hubby decided to get me my own miMi car. He would like to cut 45 mins of his time spent bringing me to office daily! Kidding aside, it's good to have this new toy knowing I'll work on a different shift. Plus, the free parking is also a deciding factor :)

Farewell to Rosemount

I've been part of Rosemount team for 8 plus years.  About 2 weeks ago, I had to bid the good times and my comfort zone farewell.  Like everyone who's been with a group for quite some time, I also have to say that it's been a difficult decision for me. 

As I tell my story to some of my closest friends and colleagues, I did asked God during my prayer for only 1 sign.  And to my surprise, it was given to me.  So I took all the courage that I have to go through that process of interviewing, anticipating and of course, patiently waiting.  Then it was over, I was hired for another job within the company.

Just 2 days before my last day with the team, to my supposed to be surprise (if only Dindo didn't have to tell me), my team and boss surprised me with a farewell party.  They started it by giving me a balloon boquet and leading me into the conference room with the rest of the team waiting for me.  I was so happy.  It was the time that I felt much appreciated after all those years.

They gave me a scrapbook with all the warm notes and wishes and to my delight, they even have notes coming from the favorite people I've worked with.  This is something that I'll treasure for the rest of my working career.  I thought I need to resign just to get something like this, but good thing I don't have to!

To my Rosemount team and friends, thank you for everything, for all the good and the challenging times.  If it wasn't for this team, I wouldn't be a better person or leader if you will.  I will definitely miss you and the work we've done together.  I hope that the team will continue to become stronger and wiser.  Good luck and God bless us all!

Home Resto - I'll Piccino in San Juan

Since we've moved here in San Juan, we tried exploring some home based themed resto around the vicinity.  One nice discovery was Maimee's, and the latest is I'll Piccino which was found through a deal site.

All I can say is that we liked the food and the place.  I'll let the rest of the photos tell you why.

the couple

reminds me of our water tank during my childhood days

pate di fegatto on bruschette, so good

ravioli of the day, their specialty

insalata mista mediterraneo

off the gril, lamb steak

pork schnitzed

granita

spicy chocolate truffle

profitoroies with chocolate sauce

It's Official, I'm no longer in the calendar months

After more than 3 months, I found the time and the mood to update my birthday post, so here it goes.  Yeah, no matter how difficult it is, I have to face it.  My age can no longer be found in any of the calendar months!

I did report to work that day for the same reason I stated during Reese's birthday.  Until September ends, then that's the only time I'll have my fresh leave credits.  (No I'm not complaining, just saying. And besides, as of this writing, I already have it!).

Hubby drop me off to office as usual.   Then after half an hour, I got a call from him that he was downstairs.  I hurriedly went down and was surprised with a birthday breakfast :)

mocha coffee and queen tapa

He filed half day leave from work and fetch Reese for dinner.  We went to Poco Deli in Capitolio, Pasig.  We've tried their best seller german sausage and also the lamb one, but the former taste better.  Another "hit" dish was the truffle pasta that hubby couldn't stop raving about.

I was a year older again, hope a year wiser too.  As for my birthday wish, there's really nothing more than to be with loved ones and to keep all of us healthy and safe.  I pray that when I hit my 3rd double digit year (11, 22...) that I'll be still spending it with the people I loved the most.

Reese 5th Birthday

Before July finally ends, I should really attempt to make it and share our little celebration of Reese’s birthday earlier this month.

She didn’t have the usual “birthday in school” celebration. Her new school is not allowing outside food to be brought in. So maybe, I’ll try to be more creative next time to find another way for her to celebrate with kids.

I wasn’t even able to go on leave… I don’t have credits anymore due to the number of emergencies we’ve had this fiscal year (starting Oct).

Given that her special day fall on a Thursday (coding day), we all commuted to Megamall after school and work. We picked up the “Hello Kitty” cake that I ordered from Bread Talk and brought it in our dinner destination, Yabu.

the birthday girl with her cake

with mom and dad

Reese's and mom's favorite dish @Yabu

their best seller, Gani's favorite katusdon

After dinner, we went to the art place in Megamall and let Reese make her own glass-sticker.

have grown so soon :)

her idea of a nice house

Then, the following weekend, her dad and I spent time with her at Cosmic Kidz.

with her look-alike dad

Reese, we hope that you feel loved and appreciated as always. We love you!